The Australian Energy Market Operator says the electricity grid is unprepared to manage the planned closure of the Eraring power station in New South Wales – and eastern parts of Australia could be set for widespread blackouts.

The Coalition and parts of the media have seized on the report saying it’s proof that the government has an “obsession” with renewables, over reliability and cost.

So what needs to change to keep the lights on?

Today, energy and climate change program director at The Grattan Institute, Alison Reeve, on what will happen as coal comes offline – and why our power bills are really going up.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Energy and climate change program director at The Grattan Institute, Alison Reeve

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Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, Australian leaders have repeatedly stated that Australia “stands with Ukraine”.

But as the invasion has intensified – with nightly missile and drone attacks, rolling blackouts and water cuts across Ukrainian cities – Australia's support has slowed. The federal government hasn’t announced a fresh package of aid since December last year, making us one of the least generous donors to Kyiv.

At the same time, Australia has become one of the biggest buyers of fuel made from Russian oil, refined in third countries and imported through loopholes in sanctions. Ukrainian community groups call it “blood oil”, warning that billions of Australian dollars are flowing back to the Kremlin - more than Australia has given Ukraine in aid.

Today, chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou, on how Australia's 'blood oil' imports are helping to prolong the war.

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Guest: Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou

Photo: Stefan Sauer/dpa

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Right now, Tiktok is awash with videos of how to get around the social media ban for under 16s, which is due to come into effect in a week.

At the same time, fringe apps like Yope are rocketing up the Apple charts, as teenagers plan where they’ll go when the major platforms boot them off.

There’s also a court case underway, challenging the government on whether the ban is even legal.

Today, associate editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson, on who is behind the lawsuit, whether they’ll win, and how this ban could change the country.

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Guest: Associate editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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Limb lengthening surgery – where bones in your leg are broken, a rod inserted and extended – can be high risk, and is especially controversial when it's done for cosmetic reasons.

The procedure is a speciality of the Florida based Paley Institute, which now plans on opening an Australian arm.

The centre is no stranger to controversy – and neither is the man they’re partnering up with – the once celebrated surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis, who recently lost a defamation case against the Nine newspapers.

Today, investigative reporter at The Age, Charlotte Grieve, on how she exposed Dr Munjed Al Muderis – and what she’s learned about his plans for the Paley Institute.

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Guest: Investigative reporter at The Age, Charlotte Grieve

Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

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At its height, in 2014, there were over a thousand people being held on Nauru, as part of Australia’s offshore detention system.

But in the decade since, that figure has shrunk to less than 100.

Yet the Department of Home Affairs continues to pay outsized and exorbitant fees on contracts no longer fit for purpose – all in the name of keeping Manus Island and Nauru off the front page and out of the minds of most Australians.

Now, one of the men responsible for administering these deals, worth billions, has spoken out about the alleged corruption at the heart of our system – and the bipartisan silence that allows it to continue.

Today, independent journalist Nick Feik, on the whistleblower and the waste in the Department of Home Affairs.

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Guest: Independent journalist Nick Feik

Photo: Aziz Abdul via AP

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Australia’s plan to ban teenagers from social media has been called “world‑leading”.

The law, which comes into effect December 10, threatens platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook with fines of up to $50 million if they let under-16s open or keep accounts.

But as implementation draws closer, questions remain about how the ban will be enforced, what it means for online privacy, and whether it will reshape the way everyone uses the internet.

Today, digital‑rights advocate Samantha Floreani on the risks of the ban amid a global regulatory arms race.

This episode was originally published in July.

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Guest: Digital‑rights advocate, Samantha Floreani.

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Environmental law reform has been sitting in the too-hard basket for years — under successive governments, the system stayed broken.

Now, just days before the end of the parliamentary year, Labor has passed the first major changes in a generation.

The government chose to work with the Greens, agreeing to scrap logging exemptions, close coal and gas loopholes, and hand real enforcement powers to a new EPA.

Meanwhile, the Coalition fractured over the details — dealing themselves out of negotiations and out of relevance.

Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno, on how Labor landed a landmark deal, and what it means for the future of environmental policy.

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Guest: Press gallery journalist, Paul Bongiorno

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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When we heard news that Barnaby Joyce was quitting The Nationals – we knew we’d cover it with our friend in Canberra, Amy Remeikis – but the more we talked about it, there was someone else we needed to hear from too.

Barnaby’s old sparring partner and the former member for New England, Tony Windsor, was loading cattle when we called. And he said the expected move to One Nation makes perfect sense.

Joyce’s decision to quit The Nationals comes after months of speculation – and very public declarations of admiration from Pauline Hanson in the media – all culminating in a wagyu steak dinner cooked on a sandwich press in Hanson’s parliament house office earlier this week.

So, is Joyce trading another shot at power for a dose of publicity? Or, if he joins One Nation, will he be part of a new conservative force that will reshape the country?

Today, contributing editor for The New Daily Amy Remeikis on the ramifications of Barnaby bailing on The Nationals.

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Guest: Contributing editor for The New Daily Amy Remeikis and Former member for New England Tony Windsor

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

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