tag:theconversation.com,2011:/es/topics/infographic-5683/articlesInfographic – The Conversation2022-06-28T05:24:31Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1859502022-06-28T05:24:31Z2022-06-28T05:24:31ZThe 2021 Australian census in 8 charts<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/471322/original/file-20220628-16-k101si.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=532%2C0%2C3029%2C2000&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>More than 25 million people Australians sat down on (or around) Tuesday August 20 last year to complete their census. </p>
<p>Despite our borders still largely being closed, that was an 8.6% increase in the number of people completing the census in 2021 compared to the last time <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-its-unlikely-there-will-be-another-censusfail-tonight-165806">we broke the internet</a> to do it (in 2016). </p>
<p>And the population has been steadily increasing, largely thanks to migration, over the past 25 years.</p>
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<p>So what did the average respondent look like? </p>
<p>They were most likely to be 38 (37 if male, 39 if female), with a slightly larger chance of it being a woman (50.7%).</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australians-are-more-millennial-multilingual-and-less-religious-what-the-census-reveals-185845">Australians are more millennial, multilingual and less religious: what the census reveals</a>
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<h2>Millennials and Boomers battle it out</h2>
<p>This census saw a generational shift in who was filling out the census. </p>
<p>While there has been little change in the total size of the Boomer population, the proportion of the population has dropped since 2016 – making way for their traditional generational rivals. </p>
<p>Millennials are now on equal footing, which could tells us something about <a href="https://theconversation.com/young-australian-voters-helped-swing-the-election-and-could-do-it-again-next-time-184159">recent (and future) elections</a>, as well as potential culture wars.</p>
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<h2>We’re an increasingly diverse country</h2>
<p>More than half of Australians (51.5%) reported either being born overseas or having a parent who was. </p>
<p>This is the first time since the question was added to the census this has been the case, and it will be interesting to see if this number continues to increase given the impact border closures have had over the past two years.</p>
<p>While England remains the number one source of new Australians, India, New Zealand and China were not far behind – and growing – as the most common countries of birth.</p>
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<h2>The First Nations population also continues to grow</h2>
<p>Since 2016 there’s been a 25% increase in the number of Australians who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, with 812,728 people (or 3.2% of the population) indicating it on their census form.</p>
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<p>The 2021 data also revealed a shift in First Nations demographics, with a growing population of Indigenous people now aged over 65 – a more than 150% increase (from 31,000 to 47,000 people) on 2016.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-population-has-increased-but-the-census-lacks-detail-in-other-facets-of-indigenous-lives-185692">Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has increased, but the census lacks detail in other facets of Indigenous lives</a>
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<h2>Imagine ‘no religion’</h2>
<p>The number of Australians who <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-religion-is-australias-second-largest-religious-group-and-its-having-a-profound-effect-on-our-laws-185697">identified as having no religion</a> increased again this census (38.9%), rocketing up from 30.1% in 2016. </p>
<p>While Christians as a whole remained the number one religious group – with 43.9% of the population identify with some form of Christianity – “no religion” was the number one individual religious affiliation, with Catholic a distant second.</p>
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<div style="width:100%!;margin-top:4px!important;text-align:right!important;"><a class="flourish-credit" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/10479534/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/10479534" target="_top"><img alt="Made with Flourish" src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/made_with_flourish.svg"> </a></div>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/no-religion-is-australias-second-largest-religious-group-and-its-having-a-profound-effect-on-our-laws-185697">'No religion' is Australia's second-largest religious group – and it's having a profound effect on our laws</a>
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<h2>A population-wide look at our long-term health</h2>
<p>For the first time, the Australian Bureau of Statistics asked Australians about long-term health conditions, which gives us a population-level view of the self-reported health of the nation.</p>
<p>While just under 15.3 million (60.1%) Australians reported no conditions, 2.2 million reported having some kind of long-term mental health condition (including depression or anxiety), with arthritis and asthma not far behind.</p>
<p><iframe id="Iob73" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Iob73/1/" height="400px" width="100%" style="border: none" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>An ageing population, as well as reports of the impact of COVID and lockdowns on <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/search?q=mental+health+covid">mental health</a> across <a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-has-increased-anxiety-and-depression-rates-among-university-students-and-they-were-already-higher-than-average-167787">multiple</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/63-5-of-australias-performing-artists-reported-worsening-mental-health-during-covid-174610">populations</a>, suggest it’s unlikely the number of people with a long-term health condition is going to decrease over time.</p>
<p>The data also show that women are more likely than men to have multiple long-term conditions.</p>
<iframe src="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/10479916/embed" title="Interactive or visual content" class="flourish-embed-iframe" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width:100%;height:500px;" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-scripts allow-downloads allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<div style="width:100%!;margin-top:4px!important;text-align:right!important;"><a class="flourish-credit" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/10479916/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/10479916" target="_top"><img alt="Made with Flourish" src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/made_with_flourish.svg"> </a></div>
<h2>Women are still doing (much) more housework than men</h2>
<p>Finally, the census showed – again – that <a href="https://theconversation.com/yet-again-the-census-shows-women-are-doing-more-housework-now-is-the-time-to-invest-in-interventions-185488">women are doing the lion’s share of unpaid domestic work</a>. </p>
<p>Women were much more likely than men to be doing more than 30 hours of unpaid domestic work in the week prior to census night, and men were more likely to have done none at all.</p>
<iframe src="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/10479192/embed" title="Interactive or visual content" class="flourish-embed-iframe" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width:100%;height:700px;" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-scripts allow-downloads allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<div style="width:100%!;margin-top:4px!important;text-align:right!important;"><a class="flourish-credit" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/10479192/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/10479192" target="_top"><img alt="Made with Flourish" src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/made_with_flourish.svg"> </a></div>
<p>Our first – and hopefully last – COVID census shows that we still have a lot of progress to make in the way labour is shared in the home.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/185950/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
A growing, more diverse population, less religion, more First Nations people and a picture of the long-term health of Australians. But who’s doing the housework?Wes Mountain, Social Media + Visual Storytelling EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1653162021-08-02T07:00:35Z2021-08-02T07:00:35ZShould we vaccinate children against COVID-19? We asked 5 experts<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/414053/original/file-20210802-15-10uaw74.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=60%2C10%2C6720%2C4456&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently announced <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/tga-provisional-approval-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-include-12-15-years-age-group">provisional approval</a> for the Pfizer vaccine to be used in 12-15-year-olds.</p>
<p>We learned on Monday that the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-regarding-vaccination-of-adolescents-aged-12-15-years">children aged 12-15</a>, those who live in remote communities, and those with underlying medical conditions should be prioritised to receive the jab.</p>
<p>With COVID vaccination for kids being such a hot topic, we asked five experts whether we should vaccinate children in Australia against COVID-19.</p>
<h2>Four out of five experts said yes</h2>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/414092/original/file-20210802-28-vmb45o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/414092/original/file-20210802-28-vmb45o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/414092/original/file-20210802-28-vmb45o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/414092/original/file-20210802-28-vmb45o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/414092/original/file-20210802-28-vmb45o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/414092/original/file-20210802-28-vmb45o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/414092/original/file-20210802-28-vmb45o.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<p><strong><em>Here are their detailed responses:</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe id="tc-infographic-601" class="tc-infographic" height="400px" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/601/d4bb3585f75365412dae67a7c7a259c02d5db35d/site/index.html" width="100%" style="border: none" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
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<p><em>If you have a “yes or no” health question you’d like posed to Five Experts, email your suggestion to: phoebe.roth@theconversation.edu.au.</em></p>
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<p><strong><em>Disclosures:</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Asha Bowen is co-chair of the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Infectious Diseases (ANZPID) group of the Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases. She receives research funding from NHMRC.</em></p>
<p><em>Catherine Bennett has received NHMRC and MRFF funding, and is an independent expert on the AstraZeneca advisory board.</em></p>
<p><em>Julian Savulescu receives funding from the Wellcome Trust. This work was supported by the UKRI/AHRC funded <a href="https://ukpandemicethics.org/">UK Ethics Accelerator project</a>, grant number AH/V013947/1.</em></p>
<p><em>Margie Danchin is a member of ATAGI’s working group on vaccine safety, evaluation, monitoring and confidence.</em></p>
<p><em>Nicholas Wood holds an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship and Churchill Fellowship.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/165316/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
4 out of 5 experts said yes.Phoebe Roth, Deputy Health EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1621752021-06-18T04:50:26Z2021-06-18T04:50:26ZConcerned about the latest AstraZeneca news? These 3 graphics help you make sense of the risk<p>Yesterday’s <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-revised-recommendations-on-the-use-of-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-17-june-2021">announcement</a> the AstraZeneca COVID vaccine would now only be recommended for the over 60s has highlighted the many ways we think about risk.</p>
<p>The decision reflects a greater understanding of the real, but extremely low, risk of the clotting disorder called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (TTS) for people aged 50-59, who are now recommended to have the Pfizer vaccine.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1405351450666967045"}"></div></p>
<p>But errors in the way we perceive these extremely small risks, called <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/9780141033570">cognitive biases</a>, reflect the fact that when our brains evolved we did not have to grapple with risks this small. So we struggle to make sense of them and perceive these events as being much more likely than they actually are. </p>
<p>This can lead us to make decisions, such as not having a vaccine that could potentially save our life. And the misperception of the likelihood of TTS is one of the main reasons many are hesitant about receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.</p>
<p>So let’s start with what we know about the risk of dying from TTS associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, expressed the traditional way, with words and numbers. Then we’ll present the same numbers graphically.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/australians-under-60-will-no-longer-receive-the-astrazeneca-vaccine-so-whats-changed-162930">Australians under 60 will no longer receive the AstraZeneca vaccine. So what's changed?</a>
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<h2>What’s the risk of dying from TTS?</h2>
<p>Initially, we thought about 25% of people with TTS associated with the vaccine would die. But as we learnt more about how to recognise and treat these rare blood clots, the risk of dying from it has changed. In Australia, mortality is now down to <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-rare-are-blood-clots-after-the-astrazeneca-vaccine-what-should-you-look-out-for-and-how-are-they-treated-161280">around 4%</a>.</p>
<p>This is a low risk of dying from a syndrome with a small likelihood of occurring. So we can express TTS risk in another way. </p>
<p>Two people in Australia have died from TTS after <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/press-conference-in-canberra-on-17-june-2021-about-updated-atagi-covid-19-advice">3.8 million doses</a> of the AstraZeneca vaccine delivered. This makes the likelihood of dying from this syndrome about 0.5 in a million, or if you prefer whole numbers, about 1 in 2 million.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/a-balancing-act-between-benefits-and-risks-making-sense-of-the-latest-vaccine-news-158634">A balancing act between benefits and risks: making sense of the latest vaccine news</a>
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<h2>And now, with graphics</h2>
<p>Here’s one way of representing 1 in 2 million visually. This figure shows just how small this risk is. Are you ready for some scrolling?</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/407164/original/file-20210618-30-szzxgt.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/407164/original/file-20210618-30-szzxgt.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=1466&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/407164/original/file-20210618-30-szzxgt.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=1466&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/407164/original/file-20210618-30-szzxgt.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=1466&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/407164/original/file-20210618-30-szzxgt.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1843&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/407164/original/file-20210618-30-szzxgt.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1843&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/407164/original/file-20210618-30-szzxgt.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1843&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="attribution"><span class="source">The Conversation</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
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<p>As you can see, the risk of TTS is so small it is almost too small to communicate effectively in this format.</p>
<p>Perhaps even more visually powerful is to compare the risk of dying from TTS to other risks we face in our lives, using a risk scale. This allows you to compare a range of risks and put them into perspective. </p>
<p>As the risk of TTS is a one-off risk normally associated with the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, one interesting comparison is with other one-off risks, such as adventure sports.</p>
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<iframe src="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/6452610/embed" title="Interactive or visual content" class="flourish-embed-iframe" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width:100%;height:550px;" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-scripts allow-downloads allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<div style="width:100%!;margin-top:4px!important;text-align:right!important;"><a class="flourish-credit" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/6452610/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/6452610" target="_top"><img alt="Made with Flourish" src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/made_with_flourish.svg"> </a></div>
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<p>As you can see, the risk of dying from TTS is far lower than many activities some of us get up to at the weekend.</p>
<p>But not all of us spend our weekends scuba diving or rock climbing. So let’s look at the more common risks we take in our everyday lives but do not pay much attention to.</p>
<p>This is not a perfect comparison, as the risks are averaged across the whole population, across the entire year. But it’s useful nevertheless.</p>
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<iframe src="https://flo.uri.sh/visualisation/6451291/embed" title="Interactive or visual content" class="flourish-embed-iframe" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width:100%;height:450px;" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-scripts allow-downloads allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
<div style="width:100%!;margin-top:4px!important;text-align:right!important;"><a class="flourish-credit" href="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/6451291/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/6451291" target="_top"><img alt="Made with Flourish" src="https://public.flourish.studio/resources/made_with_flourish.svg"> </a></div>
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<p>So the risk of dying from TTS after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is similar to the risk of being killed by lightning in a year in Australia. And this pales in comparison when compared to other risks, such as the risk of dying in a car accident. </p>
<h2>So what happens next?</h2>
<p>One of the challenges for public health has always been putting the risks and benefits of our health choices into perspective. This task is even harder when the risks involved are so small.</p>
<p>Using visualisations like these is one way to effectively communicate just how small the risk of TTS is and also put this risk into perspective by comparing it to other risks we incur in our lives. </p>
<p>When you fully appreciate how small the risk of TTS is, the decision to have the AstraZeneca vaccine to protect yourself and others becomes a much easier one to make.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/162175/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Hassan Vally does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Our brains cannot easily understand tiny risks so we tend to overestimate them. That’s when we need a little extra help to make the best decisions about our health.Hassan Vally, Associate Professor, La Trobe UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1492662020-11-04T01:04:47Z2020-11-04T01:04:47ZUS election 2020: live count of the race to the White House and state-by-state breakdown of Senate races<p>The US has already seen record early voting in the presidential election, with <a href="https://electproject.github.io/Early-Vote-2020G/index.html">more than 100 million people</a> casting ballots before election day. </p>
<p>Now, the counting begins. With a variety of differences in when early votes and mail-in ballots can be tallied, as well as different closure times for polling places, the results will trickle in throughout the day (and evening). </p>
<p>We’ll be regularly updating this article as data becomes available and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">relying on The Associated Press</a> to call individual state races.</p>
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<p>There are plenty of other races being contested around the country, including, most importantly, the Senate. More than a third of the Senate seats (35 out of 100) are being contested — and the Democrats have a good chance of taking back control from the Republicans. </p>
<p>Of the 35 seats, the Republicans are defending 23 and the Democrats 12. The Democrats need a net gain of three seats to control the Senate if Joe Biden wins the presidency, and a net gain of four seats if Donald Trump is re-elected.</p>
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All you need to know about the current state of the count for the US 2020 elections in one place, updated regularly as data becomes available.Wes Mountain, Social Media + Visual Storytelling EditorJustin Bergman, International Affairs EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1405502020-07-08T19:46:17Z2020-07-08T19:46:17ZIs watching porn bad for your health? We asked 5 experts<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/343878/original/file-20200625-132951-1p0cl31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C789%2C5996%2C3204&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">www.shutterstock.com</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Let’s be honest: during coronavirus lockdown it was hard to resist the allure of internet intimacy. Rates of watching porn <a href="https://theconversation.com/denied-intimacy-in-iso-aussies-go-online-for-adult-content-so-whats-hot-in-each-major-city-138122">skyrocketed in Australia</a> during isolation.</p>
<p>But have you ever wondered what effects consuming adult content can have on your health?</p>
<p>We asked five experts whether watching porn is bad for our health.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/denied-intimacy-in-iso-aussies-go-online-for-adult-content-so-whats-hot-in-each-major-city-138122">Denied intimacy in 'iso', Aussies go online for adult content – so what's hot in each major city?</a>
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<h2>Three out of five experts said yes</h2>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345928/original/file-20200707-27837-n0addf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/345928/original/file-20200707-27837-n0addf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345928/original/file-20200707-27837-n0addf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345928/original/file-20200707-27837-n0addf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345928/original/file-20200707-27837-n0addf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345928/original/file-20200707-27837-n0addf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/345928/original/file-20200707-27837-n0addf.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<p>Their main concerns were about the creation of unrealistic expectations, links with gender-based violence, and the potential for addiction.</p>
<p>But some suggested education can help offset some of these possible harms, and porn can play a positive role for LGBTIQ+ young people.</p>
<p><em><strong>Here are the experts’ detailed responses:</strong></em></p>
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<p><em>If you have a “<strong>yes or no</strong>” health question you’d like posed to Five Experts, email your suggestion to: liam.petterson@theconversation.edu.au</em></p>
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<p><em>This article is supported by the <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/partners/judith-neilson-institute">Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas</a>.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/140550/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
Some experts were concerned about the creation of unrealistic expectations, links with gender-based violence, and the potential for addiction. Others said education might help to offset these harms.Liam Petterson, Deputy Politics Editor, The Conversation AustraliaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1340222020-03-19T03:18:04Z2020-03-19T03:18:04ZSchools are open during the coronavirus outbreak but should I voluntarily keep my kids home anyway, if I can? We asked 5 experts<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/321464/original/file-20200319-126297-ay73lt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=5%2C0%2C3489%2C1964&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Editor’s note: This article is based on the coronavirus situation in Australia as of March 19. The situation may change over time.</em></p>
<p>Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said government schools across Australia will remain open for the foreseeable future as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads. He added that: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>as a father, I’m happy for my kids to go to school. There’s only one reason your kids shouldn’t be going to school and that is if they are unwell.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>However, many parents are already voluntarily keeping their children home in an effort to “flatten the curve” – or are considering doing so.</p>
<p>We asked five experts to answer the question: schools are staying open but should I voluntarily keep my kids home anyway, if I can?</p>
<h2>Four of the five experts said no</h2>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/321471/original/file-20200319-126258-17ye7d6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/321471/original/file-20200319-126258-17ye7d6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/321471/original/file-20200319-126258-17ye7d6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/321471/original/file-20200319-126258-17ye7d6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/321471/original/file-20200319-126258-17ye7d6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/321471/original/file-20200319-126258-17ye7d6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/321471/original/file-20200319-126258-17ye7d6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/newsletter"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/320030/original/file-20200312-116261-a6ugi0.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=90&fit=crop&dpr=2" alt="Sign up to The Conversation" width="100%"></a></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/134022/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
Government schools remain open but many parents are already voluntarily keeping their children home in an effort to ‘flatten the curve’.Sunanda Creagh, Senior EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1314662020-02-10T06:13:23Z2020-02-10T06:13:23ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Adam Bandt on Greens’ hopes for future power sharing<p>Adam Bandt began his political journey in the Labor party, but the issue of climate change drew him to the Greens. Last week he became their leader, elected unopposed.</p>
<p>Asked about his ambitions for the party, Bandt aspires to a power-sharing situation with a Labor government, akin to the Gillard era. </p>
<p>“Ultimately Labor’s got to decide where it stands, and if Labor decides that it does want to go down the path of working with us on a plan to phase out coal and look after workers in communities, then great.</p>
<p>"If Labor prefers to work with the Liberals, maybe we’re going to see a situation like we do in Germany at the moment where there’s a grand coalition between the equivalent of the Labor and Liberal parties because they find that they’ve got more in common with each other than with us.”</p>
<h2>Transcript (edited for clarity)</h2>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> The Greens last week changed their leader in what was a very smooth transition. There was no hint of arm twisting, let alone a challenge. Richard Di Natale’s explanation of family reasons for stepping down seemed convincing. Adam Bandt, the party’s sole lower house member, took the job without any opposition. </p>
<p>Adam Bandt is generally considered more radical than Di Natale, and he faces the challenging task of managing a senate party from the lower house. He joins us today to talk about how he’ll approach the job. </p>
<p>Adam Bandt, let’s start with your own political background, can you tell us something of your journey to the Greens? </p>
<p><strong>Adam Bandt:</strong> When I was at high school, I actually joined the Labor Party in part because of my family history. Dad was the first one in his family to go to university. And we have always had a very sort of social justice focus at home. And so I joined the Labor Party. I left early on in university when I got involved in the education campaigns right in the thick of Labor’s, I guess, embrace of neo-liberalism and putting up the cost of education. And that wasn’t attractive to me. So I left. </p>
<p>For a number of years, I worked as an employment lawyer, industrial relations lawyer, representing low paid workers and their unions. And it was really climate change that for me prompted me to…I’d been handing out how to vote cards for Greens candidates and doing that for a number of years. But it was really the climate crisis and sort of that initial dawning of how little time we’ve got left to turn the ship around that prompted me to join the Greens back in the mid 2000s and I have been with them ever since. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now you’re seen as more radical than Richard Di Natale, do you see yourself that way? And in general, what differences will you bring to the leadership? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> I’ll let others make the comparisons. I’ve been very public and continue to be public that I think Richard did a great job and led us to our second best ever election result. And I think that’s quite a feather in his cap. </p>
<p>In terms of what I stand for, like I said before, in terms of my history, the two things that matter most for me are tackling inequality in Australia and tackling the climate crisis. And for me, they’re the two values that have underpinned my adult life. And I’ll keep pushing those. I mean, some have made that comment. I’m not quite sure what it means. I won’t say anything that I can’t back up with the science. </p>
<p>And I think on the climate front, for example, we attracted some criticism before the Christmas holidays for saying that Scott Morrison had played a role in increasing the risk of catastrophic fires like the ones we were seeing and that he had to take some responsibility for it. And I stand by that because objectively he has. And I think those who say perhaps there’s a bit too much strong language, I think fail to understand how angry and anxious people are feeling at the moment and especially a lot of young people in this country. And so I think the time for kind of soft pedalling and not telling the truth about how severe the climate emergency is, is now over.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Just to take you up on this point about young people, while not downplaying the whole threat of climate change, do you feel some responsibility not to alarm people who are very young, 13, 14 year olds? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> I would say that they are already alarmed and anxious. And part of my responsibility is to say we hear that alarm and anxiety and a part of our role is to provide hope that there’s an exit strategy from it. And when, for example, last week I spoke to a student striker who’d come up to Canberra and she was 17 and she said, I can’t bring myself to think more than a year in advance about my future now. I used to be able to, but now I can’t. When I think five or 10 years ahead and think about what the climate emergency will do to me in my life, it all gets too much and I can’t think more than a year ahead. </p>
<p>Now, Scott Morrison might say that’s needless anxiety, but actually at one level, it’s a rational reaction to the things that people are learning about the state of the science. And I speak to a lot of school groups and school children about the state of climate change. And it is a difficult balancing act because on the one hand, you don’t want to tell people things that aren’t true. But on the other hand, we’ve got to provide a bit of hope. And that’s what I see my role as. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> But you are more alarmed than the average person, probably about climate change and yet you think obviously five or 10 years ahead. So isn’t there some responsibility to say to that young person, well, I can think a decade ahead and of course, you can think a decade ahead. </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Yes. And that’s why I’m pushing for a Green New Deal. Part of the motivation for outlining a green new deal is to say, look, there’s a different way of thinking about Australia. We could become a renewable energy superpower and tackle the climate crisis and tackle the anxiety that people are legitimately feeling about that. And so part of a Green New Deal is about dealing with the economic challenges that we face. But part of it is also about having an exit strategy from what I see as the climate crisis, a jobs crisis and an inequality crisis all coming in together at the moment in a way that could be quite paralysing for some people. So we need an exit strategy. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> We’ll come to the Green New Deal in a moment. But let me first take you to some of the Greens internal issues. You’ve had problems within the party, for example, claims of sexual harassment and the like. Are you concerned about the party’s culture and do you have some plan to deal with it? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Look, I’m not concerned about where the party’s culture is at the moment. But I think in the past - and I think you’ve found Richard Di Natale is saying exactly the same thing - probably things weren’t dealt with as well as they could have been. And it’s a challenge for us as a volunteer based organisation where we’re wanting to bring people in and be active supporters in our campaign knowing that we don’t have the money that the others have got and so we’re much more reliant on people and… </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> They’re not problems of money are they, really? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Well no it’s problems of not having paid attention to having the right processes in place and putting in place the right culture and I think in the past we didn’t do as well as we could have for the women who came forward with those complaints. I think we have to accept that. And since then, I know certainly in my office we put in place structures to make sure that if anyone ever felt uncomfortable, they’d have a way to raise it and they’d be believed. And I know that in the national organisation, they’ve put in place some of those changes as well. So I feel that we’ve got to admit that in the past, we didn’t do it as well as we could, and I think the changes that have been made at the national organisation will stand us in good stead. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now, some Greens in your rank and file would like to have a say in the choice of leader. What do you think about that? Should future leaders be chosen, at least in part by the rank and file, as happens with the Labor Party? Or do you think the decision should rest with the parliamentary party? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Yes so at the moment it rests with the parliamentary party. Some have been pushing for a change to say it should be solely selected by the members. My personal view is that I favour a mixed model where the party room continues to have a say but members also get to have a say via a vote. Now we’ve got a process in place in the party to resolve that at the May national conference, which we’ve got coming up. And so I hope that process is on track and I’ve got no reason to think it won’t be. And we’ll probably have a resolution of it by then on on the current timetable. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> It seems slightly indecent to talk about your successor but you’re saying your successor you think will be chosen by a mixed system? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Well, I don’t know. It’s gonna be up to the party. But if I get a ballot paper, within the Greens, I as one individual member, will be taking the mixed model box. But I also think as a leader, it’s probably not my role to use my position now to influence things one way or the other. That’s got to be something the members decide. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Let’s turn to the Green New Deal. Firstly, why did you choose that term, New Deal? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> We’ve been talking about that in the Greens for some time. We held a conference back in 2009 to promote a Green New Deal in Australia. And it’s a term that is gaining global currency as well. And I think increasingly… </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> And has historical context of course from America. </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> That’s right. And one of the things that it raises the question of because of its historical associations is what is the role of government? What is the role of government in the context of the current crises that we have at the moment? And I wanted to send a very clear message that for me, the Green New Deal is a government led plan of action and investment to grow new jobs and industries and create a clean economy in a caring society. And I think we are facing a number of crises and are at an impasse in Australia, in part because government has been unwilling to step in and deal with the challenges that we’ve got. </p>
<p>So this is about saying, well, what are the settings in place to grow new jobs and industries so that Australia becomes a renewable energy superpower, as we tackle some of these other jobs and inequality crises that we’re facing at the moment? So it’s a different way of thinking about government as helping usher in a new clean economy. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So is it putting more emphasis on the economic side rather than the environmental side of climate change issues of energy transition? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> It’s about acknowledging that some of the big challenges that we’ve got are a mix of moral and economic, if you want to use those terms. So we’ve got a climate crisis that is being felt now very acutely in Australia. We’ve got a jobs crisis where it’s being particularly played out amongst young people where one in three young people either doesn’t have a job or doesn’t have enough hours of work. They’re underemployed. And we’ve got an inequality crisis where we’ve got inequality at a 70 year high and people still living in poverty. </p>
<p>What I’m arguing is that the solution to all of these is government stepping in and saying, right, we’ve got some problems and we’re going to fix them. And that then addresses both the economic questions and the moral questions. </p>
<p>I think also on one other note, I’ve been in the house of representatives and I’ve got a seat where we’ve got more public housing than any other seat in Victoria but we’ve also got more women in paid work than any other state in Victoria. And it’s consistent with my history, too, of representing a lot of working people over many years is that I firmly believe that you have to take people’s material concerns seriously and you have to listen to where people are at and what is important to them in their lives. And part of the reason we’ve been successful in Melbourne is that we’ve been able to say, yes, we want to talk about climate change as the Greens, but we also have a plan to deal with a lot of your material concerns. And in fact, if you elected us, you’d find that you’d be better off than under the other parties. And we’ve successfully grown our audiences by getting that message out. </p>
<p>So for me, it’s also part of the Green New Deal. It’s about saying issues of jobs, issues of growing a clean economy are important issues. And we’ve got a plan to deal with that as part of tackling the climate crisis. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Of course, that’s all about environment as part of the wider issue. But nevertheless, you’re less from an environment background than, say, Christine Milne or Bob Brown, aren’t you?</p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Look, the first demonstration that I went on was in high school in Western Australia, and it was against a nuclear powered warship that had pulled into port. And having done high school and university in Western Australia…it was in the milieu of the Greens in Western Australia - the anti-nuclear campaign which was quite a campaign then. My dad’s side of the family is that much more labor-ist side and mum’s was, I guess you would say, very practical environmentalist side and we were always getting from her mum Wilderness Society calendars for Christmas and they lived in Tasmania and had a very keen understanding that we’ve only got one planet. So those two things for me have always been sort of driving forces. </p>
<p>Yes, I went off and before coming to this job, spent time working, I guess you might say, on that social side of it. But it was the climate crisis that prompted me to chuck that all in and say, I’m going to throw my hat in the ring and start running in politics. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> You haven’t tried to intercept a bulldozer?</p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> No, I haven’t. But I’ve been at other demonstrations. But no I haven’t been arrested. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So can we turn to your ambition for the Greens? What is your most optimistic scenario while keeping within the bounds of reality? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> I think one unassailable fact in recent history is that the only time pollution came down in this country in a sustained way was when the Greens, independents and Labor worked together and we introduced a carbon price. And when there was an understanding that we had to share power, but in accordance with the composition of the parliament that had been elected. I could see that happening again. </p>
<p>I think we’re in a very finely balanced parliament, and you know Scott Morrison is still only holding on effectively by one seat. And it wouldn’t take the dial shifting that much to be back in a situation akin to the 2010 parliament… </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now are you talking post election? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Yes, post-election. It may happen sooner. All it takes is one. In every term of parliament, there’s almost always a by-election. Someone resigns. And if it’s someone in the right seat who resigns and theie seat then changes to the independents or Greens or Labor, then we could be in a very interesting situation before the next election. But certainly at and after the next election, to summarise it, my goals would be to turf the government out, put Greens in balance of power and implement a Green New Deal. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So you would see at your most optimistic a power sharing situation with a Labor government, with an Albanese government?</p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> I think that is a path to achieving change in this country. And I think it’s a realistic path. We elected a senator in every state at the last election. So it shows that we can do that. Of course, the dynamics in the house of representatives, there’s probably a few more moving parts there with independents running. But the good thing about the current house of representatives is that, with the exception of Bob Katter, there is a great willingness amongst the independents to act on climate change. And we’ve worked very closely together on things like the medivac bill, but also on the climate emergency motion that I moved and Zali Steggall seconded. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> And now she’s got private members bill… </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> And now she’s got a private member’s bill as well. So we might have different views about the best policy mechanism to do it. But I think there is now a broad based desire amongst sections of the crossbench to take action on climate. And you’ve got government members losing seats to people like Zali Steggall on the basis of an ambitious climate policy. And so after the next election, if it ended up in a situation similar to 2010, I think there’d be a lot of scope for climate ambition and the ability for Greens, Labor and independents to work together. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Mind you, Labor’s rhetoric isn’t very nice to the Greens. They say some extremely unpleasant things about you.</p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Yea, and I think Labor’s got to decide whether they want to help us take on the government over climate change or not. I’ve been disappointed that Labor has chosen to adopt exactly the same rhetoric on coal that Tony Abbott did and that the government did. That’s not hyperbole. Like they actually are now using the same language of our coal apparently being cleaner and we can continue to we to open up new coal mines and they won’t rule out building new coal fired power stations either. That makes our job of holding Morrison to account harder. </p>
<p>So ultimately Labor’s got to decide where it stands and if Labor decides that it does want to go down the path of working with us on a plan to phase out coal and look after workers in communities, then great. If not, if Labor prefers to work with the Liberals, maybe we’re going to see a situation like we do in Germany at the moment where there’s a grand coalition between the equivalent of the Labor and Liberal parties because they find that they’ve got more in common with each other than with us. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So are you more disappointed in Anthony Albanese than you were with Bill Shorten on this coal question? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Well, I think that Labor risks fighting the last election again rather than the next one. And there’s this move from Labor and Liberals to embrace coal. I think it misreads the election result. I think especially after the summer that we’re we’ve had at the moment, I don’t think people want to see an embrace to coal. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> And you think Albanese is embracing coal? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Yes. And he would say he is. And he’s using the same, as I say, the same rhetoric as Tony Abbott. They’re both saying, well, we’ve got to sell it otherwise, they’ll buy it from somewhere else… </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Tony Abbott or Scott Morrison?</p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> That’s what Tony Abbott said. It’s what Scott Morrison says and it’s what Anthony Albanese is now saying as well…</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So they’re in a pro coal alliance, Morrison and Albanese, would you say that? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Well, I don’t know if they’re in… I mean, take a step back and look at the Queensland results at the last election. There’s this sense that somehow coal won the election and that therefore everyone has to be pro coal now. I think it completely misreads the results. </p>
<p>If you look at what happens in some of those coal seats, the Liberal Party vote or the LNP vote, the change you know, barely troubled the scorer like they got a very small change. Some went slightly down, I think - I stand to be corrected, some might have gone up slightly. What happened was that a lot of Labor voters, women voted for One Nation and then the preferences came back to the Liberals. </p>
<p>And what I think that speaks of is that on this question of a transition out of coal, people see through you when you try and have it both ways. And what is needed in those coal communities is a transition plan where we’re not trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes. And if Labor thinks it can continue to walk both sides of the fence, then I think they’re going to stay in opposition for a very long time, because the script that we saw playing out at the last election will just play itself out at the next election. Last election, it was the Adani coal mine. Next election, it could be the new mine that Clive Palmer or Gina Rinehart wants to open up. </p>
<p>So I think that there’s a risk of misreading what the electoral result actually meant on the question of coal. And also forgetting, I think, that Clive Palmer helped buy the election. I understand that Labor has gone through the process of working out where they think they went wrong but I think a lot of weight needs to be put on that. So I think electoral donations reform is an essential component if we’re to ever have a change of government. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now, you’ve been very critical of Labor, but you’re also saying that your aspiration would be to work with the Labor government. What sort of personal contact, if any, do you have with the Labor leadership? I mean, do you have a beer or a cup of coffee with Anthony Albanese or do you not talk to them at all? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Well, during the power sharing parliament, Anthony Albanese was leader in the house and we met regularly. We would meet at least once or twice a week to discuss the business of the place. And I think ultimately history is going to be a lot kinder to that period of parliament than perhaps some currently think about it because I mean, Julia Gillard can hold her head high. And Anthony Albanese played a part of helping put in place laws that brought down pollution. In terms of ongoing contact, even during this parliament, things like coming within a vote of getting a no confidence motion progressed with respect to Peter Dutton and things like the medivac legislation, I’ve worked closely with Labor and the crossbenchers in the business of Parliament to actually try to make things happen. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So how’s your relationship with Albanese. Do you have a sort of personal rapport or is it just a matter of convenience when it’s needed to talk? </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Well look so far it’s been a good working relationship but I think the the question for them now is what approach they want to take and if they want to be backing in Scott Morrison more and appearing more like him then perhaps they’ll want to work with with us. Ball’s in their court really.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now you hold an inner city seat, but the Greens have not been able to capture other federal house of representatives seats. There was one way back, but that special circumstances. Do you think that you do have any prospect in the future or have you sort of missed the opportunity? There was speculation, for example, during the Batman by election. </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> Yea I would hope to see us grow in the house of representatives, as well as the senate and I think we have to. Where those opportunities are, for me, that’s gonna be driven by where we’re at closer to the next election. I took some heart from how close we came in states like Higgins and Kooyong at the last election and I feel a main reason we didn’t break through in those seats was that the government came to town and spent millions of dollars to hold them. And those millions of dollars were spent convincing people that the government all of a sudden cared about climate change. </p>
<p>Now people say, oh well, it’s the climate election but look at the result. Well, you know, Scott Morrison got that result by telling people he cared about climate change. I could see that in Higgins and in Kooyong. Those are seats near mine and I could see it happening every day. The question will be whether having seen the summer that we’ve had and seeing what happens over the next couple of years, whether Morrison is successful in that greenwashing and continuing to say it’s okay I’ve climate crisis under control. When you’ve got Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra ranking amongst the world’s most polluted cities over a course of a couple of months, he might not be that successful in doing it, but they’re places that we will be continuing to spend a bit of time in. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Just finally you’re in the house of representatives. But you’re managing essentially a Senate party. How’s that going to work out in practice? I know you’ve said that there’ll be a bit of power sharing and so on, but it’s quite difficult to follow what is often quite fast play in the upper house if you’re not actually sitting on one of those red seats. </p>
<p><strong>AB:</strong> We’ll now have a position of leader in the senate that Larissa Waters will hold and she’ll be supported by a deputy, Nick McKim, and a team that knows how to read the play in the Senate and deal with it as it happens. And look, the other parties have their leaders in the house and have a senate team that’s ably led and is able to deal with things as they arise in the senate. But also, look in this period of parliament, where the government’s got people like One Nation that they can work with to get their agenda through the senate, part of what we’ve got to do is work with those social movements that are building up at the moment to put some pressure on the government. </p>
<p>And so we’ll be spending a bit of our time in the community talking to the people who are going on the school strikes for climate and so on. And I feel that if we do it right, it could be reminiscent of the Franklin Dam campaign where we have that interaction between the social movement of what’s happening in politics. Where if the voices from the people are strong enough, we can use that in parliament to push for change. And so that approach is probably not so much about which house you’re in. It’s about having as much an outward facing approach as focusing on the business of parliament. </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Adam Bandt, thank you very much for talking with The Conversation today.</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>AAP/Mick Tsikas</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/131466/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Adam Bandt expresses his disappointment with Labor's coal rhetoric. He says they have a decision to make: work with the Greens, or determine whether they have more in common with the Liberals.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1289982019-12-18T18:58:08Z2019-12-18T18:58:08Z‘The size, the grandeur, the peacefulness of being in the dark’: what it’s like to study space at Siding Spring Observatory<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/307307/original/file-20191217-123992-12tnqvo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=8%2C17%2C5739%2C3025&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Today we hear about some of the fascinating space research underway at Siding Spring Observatory – and how, despite gruelling hours and endless paperwork, astronomers retain their sense of wonder for the night sky.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>How did our galaxy form? How do galaxies evolve over time? Where did the Sun’s lost siblings end up?</p>
<p>Three hours north-east of Parkes lies a remote astronomical research facility, unpolluted by city lights, where researchers are collecting vast amounts of data in an effort to unlock some of the biggest questions about our Universe. </p>
<p>Siding Spring Observatory, or SSO, is one of Australia’s top sites for astronomical research. You’ve probably heard of the Parkes telescope, made famous by the movie The Dish, but SSO is also a key character in Australia’s space research story.</p>
<p>In this episode, astrophysics student and Conversation intern Cameron Furlong goes to SSO to check out the huge Anglo Australian Telescope (AAT), the largest optical telescope in Australia.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307308/original/file-20191217-124022-j2z8ws.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Siding Spring Observatory, north east of Parkes.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/darkness-is-disappearing-and-thats-bad-news-for-astronomy-51989">Darkness is disappearing and that's bad news for astronomy</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>And we hear about Huntsman, a new specialised telescope that uses off-the-shelf Canon camera lenses – a bit like those you see sports photographers using at the cricket or the footy – to study very faint regions of space around other galaxies.</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/307298/original/file-20191216-124016-b2k0ag.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Students use telescopes to observe the night sky near Coonabarabran, not far from SSO.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Cameron Furlong</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Listen in to hear more about some of the most fascinating space research underway in Australia – and how, despite gruelling hours and endless paperwork, astronomers retain their sense of wonder for the night sky. </p>
<p>“For me, it means remembering how small I am in this enormous Universe. I think it’s very easy to forget, when you go about your daily life,” said Richard McDermid, an ARC Future Fellow and astronomer at Macquarie University.</p>
<p>“It’s nice to get back into it to a dark place and having a clear sky. And then you get to remember all the interesting and fascinating things, the size, the grandeur and the peacefulness of being in the dark.”</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="https://pca.st/VTv7">here</a> to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/trust-me-im-an-expert/id1290047736?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D8"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3RydXN0LW1lLXBvZGNhc3QucnNz"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation/trust-me-im-an-expert"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Trust-Me-Im-An-Expert-p1035757/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-Wa3E5A"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7myc7drbLJVaRitAMXLB7V"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-what-science-says-about-how-to-lose-weight-and-whether-you-really-need-to-122635">Trust Me, I'm An Expert: what science says about how to lose weight and whether you really need to</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Additional audio</strong></p>
<p><em>Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from <a href="https://www.elefanttraks.com/">Elefant Traks.</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Textural/Lucky_Stars_1189">Lucky Stars</a> by Podington Bear from Free Music Archive.</em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Blue_Dot_Sessions/20190309173200900/Slimheart">Slimheart by Blue Dot Sessions</a> from Free Music Archive.</em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kai_Engel">Illumination</a> by Kai Engel from Free Music Archive.</em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase_2">Phase 2 by Xylo-Ziko</a> from Free Music Archive.</em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kri_Tik">Extra Dimensions by Kri Tik</a> from Free Music Archive.</em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Meydan">Pure Water by Meydän</a>, from Free Music Archive.</em></p>
<h2>Images</h2>
<p><em>Shutterstock</em></p>
<p><em>Cameron Furlong</em></p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/antibiotic-resistant-superbugs-kill-32-plane-loads-of-people-a-week-we-can-all-help-fight-back-125813">Antibiotic resistant superbugs kill 32 plane-loads of people a week. We can all help fight back</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/128998/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
Three hours north-east of Parkes lies a remote astronomical research facility, unpolluted by city lights, where researchers are trying to unlock some of the biggest questions about our Universe.Sunanda Creagh, Senior EditorCameron Furlong, Editorial InternLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1258132019-11-26T18:41:52Z2019-11-26T18:41:52ZAntibiotic resistant superbugs kill 32 plane-loads of people a week. We can all help fight back<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303067/original/file-20191122-112975-1imzmd6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=8%2C17%2C5982%2C3970&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Antibiotics can be a wonder for treating bacterial infections – but we need to be cautious in how we use them.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">From shutterstock.com</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>You might think antibiotic resistance is something to worry about in the distant future. But it’s already having a deadly impact today.</p>
<p>The number of people dying globally every week from antibiotic resistant infections is <a href="https://www.who.int/antimicrobial-resistance/interagency-coordination-group/IACG_final_report_EN.pdf?ua=1">equivalent to 32 Boeing 747s</a> full of people. And if that sounds scary, the projections for the future are even scarier.</p>
<p>On today’s episode of <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/podcasts/trust-me-podcast">Trust Me, I’m An Expert</a> we ask you to imagine a future where more and more antibiotics don’t work any more – and hear from researchers about how you can help scientists fight back.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-going-to-affect-how-we-determine-time-since-death-how-studying-body-donors-in-the-bush-is-changing-forensic-science-117662">'This is going to affect how we determine time since death': how studying body donors in the bush is changing forensic science</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="https://pca.st/VTv7">here</a> to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/trust-me-im-an-expert/id1290047736?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D8"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3RydXN0LW1lLXBvZGNhc3QucnNz"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation/trust-me-im-an-expert"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Trust-Me-Im-An-Expert-p1035757/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-Wa3E5A"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7myc7drbLJVaRitAMXLB7V"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-what-science-says-about-how-to-lose-weight-and-whether-you-really-need-to-122635">Trust Me, I'm An Expert: what science says about how to lose weight and whether you really need to</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Additional audio</strong></p>
<p><em>Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from <a href="https://www.elefanttraks.com/">Elefant Traks.</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Meet_Podington_Bear_Box_Set_Disc_1/07_Airliner">Airliner</a> by Podington Bear from Free Music Archive.</em></p>
<h2>Images</h2>
<p><em>Shutterstock</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125813/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
Antibiotic resistant infections already kill about 700,000 people globally every year. While scientists are racing to find new ways to fight superbugs, there's one thing you can do, too.Sunanda Creagh, Senior EditorPhoebe Roth, Deputy Health EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1263522019-11-11T02:17:39Z2019-11-11T02:17:39ZMedia Files: Media companies are mad as hell at tech giants and don’t want to take it anymore. But what choice do they have?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/300801/original/file-20191107-10930-1q3cp65.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C1528%2C4335%2C1723&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Big Tech companies have built a better trap for profiting from consumers' attention than the traditional media can offer. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Media companies around the world are in an existential funk. The tech giants - Facebook, Google, Apple and Amazon - have built a better mousetrap for profiting from consumers’ attention than the traditional media can offer. To add insult to injury, they use the media companies’ journalism as bait but don’t want to pay for it. </p>
<p>Big Tech firms also don’t see themselves as publishers and operate untroubled by demands for responsibility that come with being one.</p>
<p>No wonder that, according to a new international survey, media companies are increasingly unhappy with their lot. </p>
<p>In this episode of <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk/podcasts/mediafiles">Media Files</a>, Matthew Ricketson and Andrew Dodd talk with the survey’s author, Robert Whitehead.</p>
<p>Whitehead, a former editor-in-chief of The Sydney Morning Herald in the days when the masthead still made millions for what was then called Fairfax Media, shares his thoughts on what media companies could do and whether their calls for regulatory change will succeed. </p>
<hr>
<h2>Additional credits</h2>
<p>Recording and production: Gavin Nebauer and Andy Hazel.</p>
<p>Theme music: Susie Wilkins.</p>
<h2>Image</h2>
<p>Shutterstock</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/126352/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>No wonder that, according to a new international survey, media companies are increasingly unhappy with their lot. In this episode we hear from the survey's author, Robert Whitehead.Matthew Ricketson, Professor of Communication, Deakin UniversityAndrew Dodd, Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1261972019-11-01T05:03:57Z2019-11-01T05:03:57ZNearly all your devices run on lithium batteries. Here’s a Nobel Prizewinner on his part in their invention – and their future<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/299825/original/file-20191101-102212-1gop7ni.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C5312%2C3498&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Lithium ion batteries revolutionised the way we use, manufacture and charge our devices. They’re used to power mobile phones, laptops and even electric cars.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>British-born scientist M. Stanley Whittingham, of Binghamton University, was one of three scientists who won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work developing lithium-ion batteries. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=361&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=361&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=361&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/299782/original/file-20191101-187907-j2lcav.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=453&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">L-R: John Goodenough; Stanley Whittingham; Akira Yoshino, the three scientists who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry this year for their work developing lithium-ion batteries.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Niklas Elmehed/Royal Swedish Acad. Sci.</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Maybe you know exactly what a lithium-ion battery is but even if you don’t, chances are you’re carrying one right now. They’re the batteries used to power mobile phones, laptops and even electric cars. </p>
<p>When it comes to energy storage, they’re vastly more powerful than conventional batteries and you can recharge them many more times.</p>
<p>Their widespread use is driving global demand for the metal lithium – demand that Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese this week <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/australia-should-be-doing-better-on-lithium-production/video/a9fa783561802882af0f35e491ad38af">said</a> Australia should do more to meet. </p>
<p>The University of Queensland’s Mark Blaskovich, who trained in chemistry and penned <a href="https://theconversation.com/highly-charged-story-chemistry-nobel-goes-to-inventors-of-lithium-ion-batteries-125051">this article</a> about Whittingham’s selection for the chemistry Nobel Prize, sat down with the award-winner this week.</p>
<p>They discussed what the future of battery science may hold and how we might address some of the environmental and fire risks around lithium-ion batteries. </p>
<p>He began by asking M. Stanley Whittingham how lithium batteries differ from conventional, lead-acid batteries, like the kind you might find in your car.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1189434842464710656"}"></div></p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/highly-charged-story-chemistry-nobel-goes-to-inventors-of-lithium-ion-batteries-125051">'Highly charged story': chemistry Nobel goes to inventors of lithium-ion batteries</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="https://pca.st/VTv7">here</a> to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/trust-me-im-an-expert/id1290047736?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D8"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3RydXN0LW1lLXBvZGNhc3QucnNz"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation/trust-me-im-an-expert"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Trust-Me-Im-An-Expert-p1035757/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-Wa3E5A"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7myc7drbLJVaRitAMXLB7V"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-what-science-says-about-how-to-lose-weight-and-whether-you-really-need-to-122635">Trust Me, I'm An Expert: what science says about how to lose weight and whether you really need to</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Additional credits</strong></p>
<p><em>Recording and production assistance by Thea Blaskovich</em></p>
<p><em>Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from <a href="https://www.elefanttraks.com/">Elefant Traks.</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgdDPHh_5es">Announcement</a> of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2019</em></p>
<h2>Images</h2>
<p><em>Shutterstock</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/126197/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
M. Stanley Whittingham was one of three scientists who won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work developing lithium-ion batteries – used to power mobile phones, laptops and electric cars.Sunanda Creagh, Senior EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1260282019-10-29T10:34:51Z2019-10-29T10:34:51ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Ross Gittins on the government’s ‘surplus obsession’<p>The Australian economy is growing slowly, with people not opening their purses and businesses uncertain about the future. </p>
<p>The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates three times this year - the official cash rate is currently at a historic low of 0.75%. Many are arguing monetary policy has run its course, and fiscal stimulus is needed. This week’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/oct/29/essential-poll-most-think-economic-stimulus-more-important-than-surplus">Essential poll</a> shows voters tend to think so as well, with 56% agreeing that stimulating the economy should be prioritised over getting back to budget surplus. </p>
<p>The Morrison government, however, is reluctant to do anything impinging on the projected surplus, which has become a political icon for it. </p>
<p>How long can the government maintain this position if the growth numbers don’t improve? And does action need to be taken now? Joining Michelle Grattan to talk about these issues is Ross Gittins, economics editor of the Sydney Morning Herald. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/an-evening-in-conversation-with-michelle-grattan-tickets-77950737755"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/299097/original/file-20191029-183116-hryjas.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=111&fit=crop&dpr=2" alt="Join The Conversation in Melbourne" width="100%"></a></p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>AAP/ Mick Tsikas</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/126028/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>As the Australian economy continues to struggle, many argue that stimulus is needed, urging the government to abandon its "surplus obsession".Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1258202019-10-28T00:15:53Z2019-10-28T00:15:53ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: On the trust divide in politics<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/298481/original/file-20191024-31466-1xh5awn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The first report produced by Democracy 2025 brings forward the perspective of federal politicians, as they are key voices in the debate on trust in politics.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/parliament-house-australia-246334501?src=07K3DiF_5-7KBtsKJR6cxQ-1-1">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://www.moadoph.gov.au/about/democracy-2025">Democracy 2025</a> is an initiative by the Museum of Australian Democracy and the University of Canberra, which aims to stimulate a national conversation on the state of our democracy, including the trust divide between the political class and everyday citizens. </p>
<p>A just-released report by the project gives the perspective of federal politicians - key voices in the debate. </p>
<p>Members of the last federal parliament were surveyed on their attitudes to democracy, the faults they see in the present political system, and how they thought it could be improved. Some 43% of the parliamentarians replied to the survey, done shortly before the election.</p>
<p>Professor Mark Evans and Professor Gerry Stoker, two of the authors of the report, join Michelle Grattan on this podcast to discuss the findings, and share their thoughts on the future of Australian democracy. </p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>Shutterstock</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125820/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Two of the authors of the first Democracy 2025 report discuss the keys findings about what politicians see as faults in the current political system, and how they think it can be improved.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1257272019-10-23T06:12:03Z2019-10-23T06:12:03ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Deputy PM Michael McCormack on the drought and restive Nationals<p>While the drought continues to hit the Nationals’ constituents hard, the party faces testing terrain on a political level.</p>
<p>In this episode of Politics with Michelle Grattan, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack acknowledges the mishandling of the bring-forward of the dairy code, which will increase the negotiating power of milk producers. </p>
<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-breaking-pauline-hansons-strike-has-taken-skin-off-bridget-mckenzie-125580">Tensions blew up</a> in the Nationals party room this week after Pauline Hanson managed last week to win an acceleration of the code. The deal was all about the government wanting Hanson’s Senate co-operation. But agriculture minister Bridget McKenzie had previously told Nationals who have been fighting for the code that it couldn’t be finalised until well into next year. </p>
<p>McCormack also shared his willingness to consider a proposal from the <a href="https://www.nff.org.au/read/6597/national-drought-policy.html">drought policy</a> released by the National Farmers’ Federation for exit assistance for drought-stricken farmers who sell. </p>
<p>But he had a cautionary message for those deciding whether to stay or leave, saying “they absolutely need to make sure they don’t self-assess. They need to absolutely make sure that they consult their families foremost, that they talk to rural financial counsellors, they talk to their accountants, their banks. They take every bit of good advice available before they take that ultimate step”.</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>AAP/ Mick Tsikas</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/125727/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Following tensions in the Nationals party room over the bring-forward of the dairy code for Pauline Hanson, the Deputy PM admits that the party leadership mishandled the situation.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1235242019-10-22T18:59:45Z2019-10-22T18:59:45ZIs coconut water good for you? We asked five experts<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293520/original/file-20190923-23784-1ivpi9f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C1%2C998%2C664&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Nutritionally, coconut water is OK, but it's healthier to stick to plain water. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">from www.shutterstock.com</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In recent years coconut water has left the palm-treed shores of tropical islands where tourists on lounge chairs stick straws straight into the fruit, and exploded onto supermarket shelves – helped along by beverage giants such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. </p>
<p>Marketed as a natural health drink, brands spout various health claims promoting coconut water. So before we drank the Kool-Aid, we thought we’d check in with the experts whether the nutritional claims stack up. Is coconut water part of a healthy diet or we should just stick to good old water from the tap? </p>
<p>We asked five experts if coconut water is good for you. </p>
<h2>Four out of five experts said no</h2>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/294000/original/file-20190925-51405-pew7xl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/294000/original/file-20190925-51405-pew7xl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/294000/original/file-20190925-51405-pew7xl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/294000/original/file-20190925-51405-pew7xl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=99&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/294000/original/file-20190925-51405-pew7xl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/294000/original/file-20190925-51405-pew7xl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/294000/original/file-20190925-51405-pew7xl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=125&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong><em>Here are their detailed responses:</em></strong></p>
<p><iframe id="tc-infographic-436" class="tc-infographic" height="400px" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/436/b66bb4b5e4348a26861976cd570bc1ca019c26dc/site/index.html" width="100%" style="border: none" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<hr>
<p><em>If you have a “<strong>yes or no</strong>” health question you’d like posed to Five Experts, email your suggestion to: alexandra.hansen@theconversation.edu.au</em></p>
<hr>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/210303/original/file-20180314-113452-h7un11.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/210303/original/file-20180314-113452-h7un11.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/210303/original/file-20180314-113452-h7un11.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/210303/original/file-20180314-113452-h7un11.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/210303/original/file-20180314-113452-h7un11.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/210303/original/file-20180314-113452-h7un11.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/210303/original/file-20180314-113452-h7un11.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
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</figure>
<p><em>Clare Collins is affiliated with the Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, the University of Newcastle, NSW. She is an NHMRC Senior Research and Gladys M Brawn Research Fellow. She has received research grants from NHMRC, ARC, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Meat and Livestock Australia, Diabetes Australia, Heart Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, nib foundation, Rijk Zwaan Australia and Greater Charitable Foundation. She has consulted to SHINE Australia, Novo Nordisk, Quality Bakers, the Sax Institute and the ABC. She was a team member conducting systematic reviews to inform the Australian Dietary Guidelines update and the Heart Foundation evidence reviews on meat and dietary patterns. Emma Beckett is a member of the Nutrition Society of Australia, Australian Institute for Food Science and Technology. Her research is funded by the NHMRC and AMP Foundation. She has previously consulted for Kellogg’s. Rebecca Reynolds is a registered nutritionist and the owner of <a href="http://www.therealbokchoy.com">The Real Bok Choy</a>, a nutrition and lifestyle consultancy.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123524/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
We asked five experts if coconut water is good for you. Four out of five experts said no.Alexandra Hansen, Deputy Editor and Chief of Staff, The Conversation AUNZLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1245902019-10-02T07:02:14Z2019-10-02T07:02:14ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Tim Watts on Australia’s changing identity<p>Tim Watts is Labor member for the Victorian seat of Gellibrand, one of the most diverse electorates in Australia. His own family is a microcosm of diversity - Watts comes from a long line of Australians with ancestors deeply rooted in the old attitudes of “white Australia”, while his wife is from Hong Kong, and his children Eurasian-Australian. </p>
<p>In his new book, The Golden Country, Watts reconciles the past and present in his family, as well as examining immigration, race and national identity in modern Australia. </p>
<p>In this podcast with Michelle Grattan he also explores the “bamboo ceiling” in our politics, business and other areas, and talks about his efforts to encourage Asian-Australians to climb the ranks in Labor, which presently has ALP Senate leader Penny Wong as the only Asian-Australian face among its federal MPs.</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>AAP/ Erik Anderson</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/124590/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Tim Watts joins Michelle Grattan to discuss his new book, The Golden Country, in which he reconciles his family's past and present, and explores the question of what it means to be Australian.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1235982019-09-24T01:24:56Z2019-09-24T01:24:56ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: daughters of Robert Menzies and Arthur Calwell say parliament wasn’t always a ‘fort’<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/293704/original/file-20190924-54763-re3exq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Heather Henderson and Mary Elizabeth Calwell reflect on their fathers' legacies, growing up in a political environment, and offer their perspectives on a different era in politics.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Last week, a very special event took place in Parliament House. The daughters of Sir Robert Menzies and Arthur Calwell - Heather Henderson and Mary Elizabeth Calwell - came together to reflect on their fathers’ legacies, and to offer their perspectives on a different era in Australia’s political history. Michelle Grattan moderated the conversation. </p>
<p>The event was organised by the Menzies-Calwell Group, made up of members of parliament from both sides of the political divide. Inspired by the friendship between Menzies and Calwell, the group aims to inject a degree of bipartisanship into our present hyper-partisan politics.</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123598/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Last week, Michelle Grattan moderated a very special discussion with the daughters of Menzies and Calwell at Parliament House. This podcast episode is a recording of that event.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1226432019-09-19T04:25:04Z2019-09-19T04:25:04ZMedia Files: investigative journalist Bastian Obermayer, who led the Panama Papers tax exposé<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290037/original/file-20190829-106517-41qm2j.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C3569%2C2548&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The Panama Papers was the biggest-ever collaboration for investigative journalism, involving 400 journalists in 80 countries who collectively produced 6,000 stories in 100 different media outlets.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Today on <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/podcasts/mediafiles">Media Files</a>, a podcast on major themes and issues in the media, we meet <a href="https://www.icij.org/journalists/bastian-obermayer/">Bastian Obermayer</a>, the Pulitizer prize-winning journalist who led the Panama Papers investigation into global tax evasion and money laundering.</p>
<p>It was the biggest-ever collaboration for investigative journalism, involving 400 journalists in 80 countries who collectively produced 6,000 stories in 100 different media outlets.</p>
<p>Bastian Obermayer is the deputy editor for investigations at the Süddeutsche Zeitung in Munich, Germany. He was the person who received the original email from the anonymous source known as John Doe.</p>
<p>Bastian recently joined the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne, courtesy of the <a href="https://about.unimelb.edu.au/strategy/governance/macgeorge/macgeorge">Macgeorge fellowship</a>. He recorded this discussion with Andrew Dodd for Media Files.</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="https://pca.st/7anl">here</a> to listen to Media Files on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear us on any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Media Files.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/media-files/id1434250621?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL21lZGlhZmlsZXMucnNz"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheconversation.com%2Fau%2Fpodcasts%2Fmediafiles.rss"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a></p>
<hr>
<h2>Additional credits</h2>
<p>Producers: Andy Hazel and Henning Goll.</p>
<p>Theme music: Susie Wilkins.</p>
<h2>Image</h2>
<p>Shutterstock</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122643/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Andrew Dodd does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Today we meet Bastian Obermayer, the Pulitizer prize-winning journalist who led the Panama Papers investigation into global tax evasion.Andrew Dodd, Director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1235972019-09-16T07:14:28Z2019-09-16T07:14:28ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Jim Chalmers on the need to change economic course<p>Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers says it’s time to change Australia’s economic course “in a responsible and affordable way which doesn’t jeopardise the surplus”.</p>
<p>Chalmers predicts the budget outcome for last financial year, forecast to be a deficit at budget time, could possibly show a surplus, because of high iron ore prices and other factors including an underspend on the NDIS.</p>
<p>He argues the government can have both a more stimulatory policy and a surplus going forward, given the various boosts to the budget’s bottom line. “I don’t think the government has come to a fork in the road where it’s a choice between a surplus or doing something responsible to stimulate the economy.</p>
<p>"As it stands right now it’s possible to do both and we think the government should do both”.</p>
<p>The government should boost Newstart, Chalmers tells Michelle Grattan, although he wouldn’t oppose it first holding “a short sharp review” to examine interactions with other payments.</p>
<p>On Labor’s way ahead, now being debated within the party, Chalmers says “we’d be mad not to learn the lessons” of the election result.</p>
<p>With some of the opposition’s most controversial election policies in his portfolio, notably on franking credits and negative gearing, Chalmers is already consulting widely.</p>
<p>There’s agreement on two things, he says. “Nobody expects us to finalise our policies three years before the next election […] and nobody expects us to take an absolutely identical set of policies to the 2022 election”.</p>
<h2>Transcript (edited for clarity)</h2>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> Amid the toing and froing of political combat and issues coming and going, for the average person in the street, as the phrase goes, it’s a case of “the economy, stupid”. The government has been talking for months about the storm clouds hanging over the international economy. The Reserve Bank has been urging it to do more of the heavy lifting to get growth improving. The June quarter growth figures released recently were bad but the government doesn’t want to jeopardise it’s projected surplus by engaging in any premature spending. The opposition insists that its fundamental attack front against the government is over economic management, not the day-to-day other issues. And it claims the government is failing at that management. Here with us today to unpack Labor’s criticisms and to outline its prescriptions is Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers. </p>
<p>Jim Chalmers, let’s cut to the chase. Precisely what is the Government not doing that it should be doing?</p>
<p><strong>Jim Chalmers:</strong> First and foremost Michelle, they don’t have a plan to deal with an economy which is growing at its slowest pace for 10 years now and all of the associated parts of that: record household debt, stagnant wages, declining productivity, declining living standards, the lowest business investment since the early 90s recession. What we’re calling for the government to do is to bring forward a plan. We’ve made some constructive suggestions about what that plan might entail. They could bring forward part of stage two of their tax cuts; they could review and responsibly increase Newstart, they could bring forward some infrastructure investment; they could come up with a proper energy policy which has been a drag on growth over the last sixteen iterations of that energy policy; and they should also come up with an incentive for business investment. We took to the election a policy for accelerated depreciation for business investment. We call on the government to come up with a similar policy. If they do and if it’s good we’ll support it.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> What’s wrong with the government’s argument that it should wait until after the September quarter - and those figures are released in November - to see the full impact of monetary policy and to see the effect of the tax cuts? Why inject stimulus - which is what you’ve been talking about - at this point?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> The government’s always got an excuse to do nothing, not to have a plan, not to deal with these issues which have been around for a substantial amount of time now. They want to pretend that it’s just about the June quarter, or it’s just about the September quarter, but when it comes to stagnant wages or weak business investment or declining productivity these challenges have been around for a long time and their excuse is always either it’s somebody else’s fault or things will fix itself. But crossing your fingers and hoping for things to turn up is not an economic policy and it’s not an economic plan. We hope that the economy does pick up, all sides of the parliament want the economy to pick up, but all of the policy settings that the government has had so far have been a recipe for the slowest growth in a decade and so we think that they should change course. Now in calling for that we’re not saying it’s the same as 10 years ago. We’re not saying the government should throw the kitchen sink at this economic weakness. We’re just calling on them, like many businesses, and like the Reserve Bank governor, to say that the economy has been weak for some time now, it’s time to change course in a responsible and affordable way which doesn’t jeopardise the surplus and if they do that then they give this country an opportunity or a chance or some incentive or impetus to turn around what has been a pretty troubling combination of economic conditions.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> The government will soon announce the budget outcome for last financial year. Do you think it will show the budget is back in balance thanks to high iron ore prices? That is, that the budget’s in better shape than projected at budget time?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> The budget should be in much, much better shape than it was expected to be.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So it will be in balance, you think?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> I think it’ll be close, either just short or even possibly just over…</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Surplus?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> I think that’s a possibility because we have been getting extraordinarily high prices for our iron ore for example, our broader resources have been going well, the dollar at 67 or 68 US cents. All of those things, they boost business profits and that boosts the budget bottom line. I think the budget will have recovered substantially. We’ve still got net debt more than double what the government inherited but I think there will be a big improvement. The other thing that people haven’t focussed on - and that’s right you focus on iron ore, resource prices, and there’s also the dollar - but we’ve got in that financial year something like a $AU3.4 billion underspend in the NDIS. So when the government gets up and gives themselves a big round of applause for the budget being in a stronger position remember two things. One, a lot of it’s been good luck rather than good design when it comes to minerals prices, but also balancing the budget is likely to have come at the expense of Australians with a disability and those big underspends in the NDIS have got the government much closer to budget balance than they would otherwise be. The point that we’ve made repeatedly is that it is good to have surpluses. We want to make sure that they are not built on the back of selling Australians with a disability short.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now just to clarify on the NDIS money, I thought I heard the other day the government saying that that money was going to be put back into the NDIS. Is that not right?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Well we’re talking about an underspend in the year that’s finished… </p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Yes, I know your timing point, but the money is not being lost to the scheme entirely, is that correct?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> I doubt that will be the case. You know, not to be over the top about it, I don’t think this government has Australians with disabilities interests’ at heart. They got sprung with these big underspends which are propping up the budget. Labor, in pointing to them, has made it an issue that the government would prefer people weren’t talking about.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now if you were in the treasurer’s chair now, would you be continuing to push for a surplus in this financial year or would you be open to abandoning that if necessary to better manage the economy?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> I don’t think the government has to choose. A treasurer of either political persuasion - if you look at the conditions in front of us, you look at the strengthening of the budget for all those reasons we just mentioned around resource prices, the low dollar, profits are high, that’s all boosting the budget bottom line - I don’t think the government has come to a fork in the road where it’s a choice between a surplus or doing something responsible to stimulate the economy. I think as it stands right now it’s possible to do both and we think the government should do both.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now you did mention a whole range of things that would put some stimulus in, but if and when stimulus has to come, what are your preferred forms of stimulus? Should there be some sort of cash splash, or a ramping up of infrastructure, or both? And in terms of infrastructure, are there enough projects that are shovel ready to be brought forward?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Well there’s lots in that question, Michelle. I think I’d start answering that question by saying that the stimulus that is in the system, whether it be stage one of the tax cuts, the interest rate cuts, changes to lending regulations, all of those things will help, but I think increasingly the smart economic commentators are saying that that won’t help enough and so we’ll need to look at what else we might be able to do. In presenting a handful of steps that the government should take and in playing that constructive role we’re just saying to the government, pick up any or all of these suggestions. The stage one of the tax cuts is already effectively a cheque because it comes as a refund. We think if you increase Newstart, 100% of that would be spent in the economy so that would be advantageous. There’s tax cuts which don’t come in until 2022 which could be brought forward. Infrastructure, obviously we agree with the governor of the Reserve Bank that there is substantial opportunity to bring forward some of that infrastructure investment which is already planned, and some of that will be shovel-ready - not all of it, but some of it. And also the incentives for business investment. So there’s so many things the government should be contemplating but because they want to play silly political games here in Canberra, because they want to pick fights and shift the blame and point the finger, these are all excuses for not coming up with a plan. I think a lot of people out there who are struggling, no matter how hard they work they just can’t get ahead, the price for childcare, and energy, and private health insurance and all these sorts of things are going up, and they look at what’s happening in Canberra from their government now in its third term, now in its seventh year, still with absolutely no plan to turn the economy around.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now just on this question of Newstart. In the election you promised a review, and one reason why you said a review is necessary rather than an immediate increase was that one should look at the effect of an increase in relation to other welfare payments and so on. Now you say, increase it immediately. Are you just using this as a macroeconomic measure, or why otherwise change? Why not say we’ll review it and look at its impact in terms of other measures as well?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> In lots of ways an increase in Newstart has the potential to tick a couple of boxes. Good for the economy because it will be spent in our shops. Good for people from a social justice point of view, there hasn’t been an increase for a long time now - a real increase anyway in Newstart. Also because if you want people to be job ready, and ready to go to interviews and to dust themselves off and get themselves back in the labour market, then you need to make sure that they’ve got an adequate standard of living to do that. So I think it ticks a range of boxes…</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> But all this applied when you said, let’s have a review.</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Yea and you’re right to say that we took to the election a review. Obviously we weren’t going to review it with an eye to cutting the payment. Obviously we have said for some time now, not just this term, that Newstart’s inadequate. $40 a day is not enough. We think that with the resources of government we could have done a good job reviewing it, responsibly increasing it. That’s what we’re calling for the government to do now. There’s nothing preventing them from doing a short sharp review followed by a responsible increase. They should do that. Members of their own party are calling for them to do that. John Howard, the Business Council, you know a whole bunch of people who haven’t traditionally argued for an increase in Newstart are now doing so.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So you would support a short sharp review before they actually did something?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Yes I would do that but not a review that kicks the can far down the road, but something which gets the interactions right and understands all of the issues. We know what most of the issues are now. The debate has advanced a fair way since the election. I think that is an accurate observation that you made. The government should review Newstart, responsibly increase it. If they did that sooner rather than later that would give an increase in Newstart the opportunity to help the economy which is floundering.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now consumer spending is very weak and the measures that we’ve been talking about would obviously go some way to encouraging more spending, but do you think consumers are also having a mind change? They’re feeling insecure, they’re hearing all this negative talk about the economy, and they’re saying, I’d better save any extra money I get?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> You’re right that consumption’s remarkably weak. Consumption is most of the economy. You’re right that people have changed their behaviour. The retail sector is extraordinarily weak, even in that September quarter that the government keeps hanging their hopes on. So there is a big problem there. There’s an issue around confidence too, and we acknowledge that. And the change in behaviour is, you know, if you look at the National Australia Bank analysis that they put out they said that a big chunk of the tax cuts are being saved or used to retire debt - household debt’s at record highs - 190% of people’s income. Yes I think there has been a change in behaviour, but that doesn’t mean that you pretend away all of the challenges in our economy. The reason we raise these issues is because we want the government to come up with a plan to deal with them.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Are you worried at all that in scoring points against the government in saying it’s managing things badly, you are in fact at some risk of damaging the economy, damaging confidence?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> I completely reject it, because the alternative as I just said is to pretend that there are no challenges in the economy. The government might want to pretend that everything is hunky dory in the economy. I think that does Australians a disservice because it’s an excuse to do nothing about it. I think Australians are smart when it comes to their money, when it comes to the broader economy, they don’t get the credit they deserve. They see the Reserve Bank cut the cash rate to one per cent which is a third of what it was during the worst of the Global Financial Crisis and they know something’s going on here. They see the ‘for lease’ signs in the supermarket. They see all of these things in their own lives. They see in their own pay packets that wages haven’t kept up with some of those costs that I mentioned before. They are not stupid and the government treats them as stupid when they try and pretend that just because the opposition says, hey maybe you should have a plan for the fact the economy’s growing at its lowest rate in 10 years, they want to say that’s talking the economy down. I just couldn’t disagree with that more.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So on the wages front, you went to the election with a raft of policies including topping up childcare workers’ wages from government funds. Is that still an option for Labor and what do you think, apart from that that should be done about wages?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Well all of our policies are up for a review as you know Michelle, and we’ll take our time to go through. We took a heap of policy to the last election. Some of it was controversial, and we’ll consult on the set of policies we take to the next election. They won’t be identical in every way to what we took to the last election. I think that’s obvious and it self-evident. When it comes to early childhood educators, I think they’re doing one of the most important jobs you can do in the community and they’re among the worst paid. The idea that people who look after our kids can be paid that little, I think a lot of Australians are concerned about that. More broadly on wages, we had ideas around the minimum wage, around cracking down on dodgy visas, cracking down on dodgy labour hire, and most importantly restoring penalty rates. All of these sorts of issues. We can attack stagnant wages in a range of ways. The government doesn’t seem to want to pick up and run with any of those ways.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now 10 days ago or so, ALP president Wayne Swan said that at the election Labor had, and I quote “an agenda to be proud of, not resile from” after a narrow loss, but a week ago your frontbench colleague Mark Butler said and I quote again “our policy and campaign review must be ruthless and unsparing”. Which is closer to your view?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Well first of all when it comes to the review, both Wayne Swan and Mark Butler have an identical view that we need to have a proper look at what went wrong in the election, and clearly when we had an outcome like that we didn’t get everything right. If we got everything right we wouldn’t be in opposition, we’d be in government. So I think they both understand that we need to have a robust look at what went wrong and what we can learn from it. My own view is that we’d be mad not to listen to the message that was sent to us on election night. We’d be mad not to learn the lessons of that election outcome. We’ve all got a contribution to make to that review. That’s what Wayne was doing, it’s what Mark was doing and that’s what I’ve been doing in my way. My contribution is to consult widely particularly on our tax policies to make sure that we get those right. My objective is to go to the 2022 election with a better set of policies than 2019. Policies which deal with some of the same issues but can be broadly supported. I think if we do that, we give ourselves every chance of learning the lessons and doing better next time.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Now of course, 2 of the most controversial of Labor’s policies on franking credits and negative gearing fall squarely in your area. I know you won’t pre-empt a review of them and can’t do that but just tell us about this consultation process. How are you going about it, or will you go about it? Are you going to hold roundtables? Seek submissions? What are you doing?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> What I’ve been doing so far is I’ve consulted with a pretty big number of colleagues in our team to see what their feedback has been like on the ground. I’ve done a 2800 kilometre road trip with Senator Chisholm throughout regional Queensland to pick up views in what was a really important state - what will always be an important state not just electorally, but I think economically. I’ve done a lot of consultation with the broader community. I’ve spent time with all of the peak groups, business peak groups but others as well, community organisations, to get their views. So I’ve been consulting widely. I’ve resisted making it, you know, a really formal process with an end date because I want to take the time to get it right. People have been very good and forthcoming with their views. People aren’t unanimous about it. I think one thing everyone agrees on which is that nobody expects 2 things: nobody expects us to finalise our policies 3 years before the next election, 3 months after the last one; and nobody expects us to take an absolutely identical set of policies to the 2022 election that we took to 2019. When you start from that basis what you’re left with is my job, which is to come up with the best tax and economy policies that we can. Policies which can be broadly supported, repair the budget in a fair way, and get the place growing again.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Even though you’ve got no formal timetable, would you expect the policy announcements in these major areas to be in the last year before the election?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Not necessarily…</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> It could be earlier?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> It hasn’t been determined and I think it’s true to say that when you look at volatility in the economy, when you look at global uncertainty, when you look at all of these things together, obviously it would make sense not to finalise everything at the very beginning of the term. We need to preserve the ability to come up with the best set of policies which suit the times. I think the guidance and the leadership from Anthony Albanese on this has been spot on. We will hasten slowly to get things right. There’s no point rushing to some kind of arbitrary timetable and then leaving yourself without the flexibility later in the term to come up with the absolute best set of policies. So I’m guided by that, I think that’s exactly the right guidance and leadership.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> The government’s been very sharp in the last little while about big business’ activism on various issues, social responsibility issues, climate, I guess what you could roughly call moral type issues too. What do you think about business being more active in these areas?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Well it’s a matter for them Michelle and the reason I’m sort of chuckling about that question, I mean the government desperately wants people to think the economy is growing slowly because businesses are talking about social issues not because the government doesn’t have a plan to deal with the economy. They’ve got form here, and I think this question is a really neat encapsulation of their entire political strategy, which is to say, how do we pick fights and point the finger and shift the blame? How do we create controversy elsewhere to distract from the government’s failures on the economy? Scott Morrison bragged about that not so long ago on a Saturday at a Liberal Party convention, I think in Sydney. He said he likes to spend his time setting tests for the Labor Party. If only we had a prime minister and a government which liked to spend their time fixing an ailing economy and not sitting around making all this kind of, playing all these sorts of silly political games. I see this issue with business leaders talking about marriage equality or whatever they like to talk about, that’s a matter for them. It’s not the reason why the economy is slowing. Scott Morrison needs to take responsibility for that.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> The government’s planning an inquiry into retirement incomes and central to that is presumably the role of superannuation within the system. Is Labor totally wedded to the current timetable for increases in the compulsory super contributions or is that policy one that’s also up for review? And would you be prepared to reconsider it in light of whatever the inquiry finds?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Look we’re very keen to see the trajectory of the Super Guarantee increases maintained. We are very worried that this retirement incomes review will be used as a stalking horse for what’s being pushed by some of the crazies in the Liberal Party which is to make superannuation voluntary, or to have more cuts to superannuation. We think the answer to people having inadequate retirement incomes isn’t to cut their retirement incomes by attacking super so we’re very worried about that. We’ve also had government backbenchers say that the review should conclude that the family home should be included in the assets test. There’s a whole range of issues here where we don’t want to see people go backwards. Superannuation is a proud Labor creation. You were here in this building when Labor created it, compulsory super, and you’ve seen its trajectory. It’s very important to us and we can’t see it diminished.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> So that is not up for review, that move to the 12% is set in stone in your policy?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Clearly we think that superannuation should go 12% on at least the current trajectory that it’s on now. We’re very concerned. What always happens in the Liberal Party is one of the crazies gets up and puts a view. All of a sudden that becomes government policy because in this Liberal Party and with this treasurer, the tail wags the treasurer, and so we want to defend superannuation from these kind of attacks. We want people to retire with dignified secure incomes. The way to achieve that isn’t to cut super again, or to make superannuation voluntary.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> We’re seeing tensions between the US and China grow progressively and Australia’s economic interests are likely to suffer. How do we minimise this or inoculate ourselves? We obviously can’t affect the big picture much - how do we deal with it?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Well I think you’re right to point to, there is some global uncertainty. Obviously China-US trade tensions, China-Hong Kong, Brexit, the Straits of Hormuz, more recently attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure. These things are all concerning, but at least for the time being our challenges are primarily homegrown. We need to make sure that we can deal with our domestic economic challenges. Slowing growth, stagnant wages, declining productivity, very low business investment, all of those things that I’ve run through earlier on in the interview. Not having a plan to deal with those domestic challenges leaves us more exposed, unnecessarily exposed, dangerously exposed, to some of this volatility in the global economy. So a reason to deal with domestic challenges which have grown up and magnified over the last six years into the third term of this government, if we deal with those domestic challenges we give ourselves a better chance of riding out and withstanding what are concerning international developments.</p>
<p><strong>MG:</strong> Just finally, shadow treasurer is a big job with a lot ahead of you. I just wonder who your mentors - we spoke before about what Wayne Swan was saying, you once worked for him when he was treasurer. Do you still keep in touch with him closely, and who else do you take advice and guidance from?</p>
<p><strong>JC:</strong> Yes, I take advice from a broad range of people. One of the benefits of working in economic policy now for, well really a decade and a half, is I’ve got a network of people I can call on. Clearly I talk to Wayne Swan. I also spend a lot of time with Paul Keating and I’m very grateful for that engagement. So there’s at least 2 former Labor treasurers there. I speak to business leaders, I speak to a whole range of people, because my view is that there’s no one person in this building who knows it all. You need to be proactive in seeking out views and that’s what I do. I speak to Wayne, I speak to Paul, I speak to a whole range of people and I think that gives me the best opportunity to assess these conditions as they are right now and to play a constructive role in suggesting where the government’s plan could include some of the things that we’ve talked about.</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
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<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>AAP/ Joel Carrett</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123597/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>In this podcast, Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers argues the government can have both a more stimulatory policy and a surplus going forward.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1233472019-09-11T04:38:24Z2019-09-11T04:38:24ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Independent MP Helen Haines on using ‘soft power’<p>Helen Haines, MP for the Victorian regional seat Indi, made history at the election as the first federal independent to succeed another independent. </p>
<p>She was backed by grassroots campaigners, Voices for Indi, who had earlier helped her predecessor, Cathy McGowan, into parliament. But while McGowan towards the end of her time in the House of Representatives shared real legislative power after the Coalition fell into minority government, the same power does not lie with the lower house crossbench today.</p>
<p>Still, Haines believes she has what she calls “soft power” as she has focused on relationship building during the first few months into her term. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Building relationships is key to getting things done and it’s key to establishing an environment that is less an environment of conflict and less an environment of bringing people down. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>On current legislation, Haines is in favour of the government’s push to stop animal-rights activists from publishing farmers’ personal information.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Many people have contacted my office deeply concerned about this and I’m very supportive of bringing their views to the house on this. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>But she’s a trenchant critic of the government proposal for trials to drug test people on Newstart and Youth Allowance. She says “the evidence is not there to support” the move. </p>
<p>In Indi, she points to mental health and aged care as frontline issues, which she will seek to work with the government on.</p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>AAP/ Mick Tsikas</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/123347/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Helen Haines, who does not have the real legislative power her predecessor, Cathy McGowan shared after the Coalition fell into minority government, says "building relationships is key to getting things done".Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1226352019-09-10T06:49:00Z2019-09-10T06:49:00ZTrust Me, I’m An Expert: what science says about how to lose weight and whether you really need to<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/290483/original/file-20190902-175714-1nkifnt.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C5615%2C3724&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Have you been told by your doctor to consider dropping a few kilos? The good news is that often even a small amount of weight loss can improve your health outlook.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/concept-diet-healthy-food-muesli-honey-581654332?src=-1-0">shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Everywhere you turn these days, there’s a diet ad, or family member or friend raving about some new diet that apparently works wonders.</p>
<p>But what does the research actually say about how to lose weight - and if you even need to lose it in the first place?</p>
<p>To find out, The Conversation’s Alexandra Hansen interviewed Clare Collins, a professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle.</p>
<p>Professor Collins, who recently wrote an article titled <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-behind-diet-trends-like-mono-charcoal-detox-noom-and-fast800-120080">The science behind diet trends like mono, charcoal detox, Noom and Fast800</a>, also designed a free online course called <a href="https://www.edx.org/course/the-science-of-weight-loss-dispelling-diet-myths-2">The science of weight loss – dispelling diet myths.</a></p>
<p>Alexandra began by asking Clare Collins how a person would know if they needed to change their diet.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-behind-diet-trends-like-mono-charcoal-detox-noom-and-fast800-120080">The science behind diet trends like mono, charcoal detox, Noom and Fast800</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="https://pca.st/VTv7">here</a> to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/trust-me-im-an-expert/id1290047736?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D8"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3RydXN0LW1lLXBvZGNhc3QucnNz"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation/trust-me-im-an-expert"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Trust-Me-Im-An-Expert-p1035757/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-Wa3E5A"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7myc7drbLJVaRitAMXLB7V"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-whats-the-best-diet-for-weight-loss-21557">Health Check: what's the best diet for weight loss?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Additional reading:</strong></p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-guide-healthy-eating">The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating</a></em></p>
<p><strong>Credits:</strong></p>
<p><em>Recording and editing by Wes Mountain and Chynthia Wijaya, additional editing by Sunanda Creagh.</em></p>
<p><strong>Additional audio</strong></p>
<p><em>Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from <a href="https://www.elefanttraks.com/">Elefant Traks.</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifIw3wTeolE">CNN</a> report.</em></p>
<p><em>BBC <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyKXCa9KI0Q">report</a>.</em></p>
<h2>Images</h2>
<p><em>Shutterstock</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122635/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
A professor in nutrition and dietetics explains.Sunanda Creagh, Senior EditorAlexandra Hansen, Deputy Editor and Chief of Staff, The Conversation AUNZLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1229402019-09-05T06:57:39Z2019-09-05T06:57:39ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on a slowing economy<p>This week’s June quarter national accounts showed weakness in business investment and consumer spending, reflecting an all-round lack of confidence. Still, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg remains optimistic about the economy. </p>
<p>In this episode of Politics with Michelle Grattan, Frydenberg talks about the government’s discussions with the Reserve Bank on a new agreement covering the inflation target, saying: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>If you look at the last 20 quarters, 17 of those were outside the [2-3%] band and today inflation is at 1.6%.[…]You want to have a target which can be met, which is met, and is not merely just aspirational.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>He also promises to announce the proposed inquiry into retirement incomes before year’s end. </p>
<h2>Transcript (edited for clarity)</h2>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> The Australian economy is still growing but only slowly, according to this week’s June quarter national accounts. These show weaknesses in business investment and consumer spending, reflecting an all round lack of confidence. The government says the tax cuts, which have been flowing to people in recent weeks will boost the economy in the September quarter, as will the interest rate cuts that we’ve seen recently. But the future remains uncertain with the international economic situation weak and volatile. To talk about these issues, we have with us the treasurer Josh Frydenberg. </p>
<p>Josh Frydenberg, you’ve been urging companies to invest, but what do you say to the cautious CEO who says, “I’m responsible to my shareholders and I want to wait and see how things pan out?” </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, I was warmly heartened by the response that my comments got on the speech on productivity, Michelle. There was the CEOs of Seek, and Wesfarmers, and UBS and Macquarie Bank, and the chairman of CSL among others who all made the point that this debate, this discussion about investment by companies, is a good one to have. Particularly given that over the last 12 months we’ve seen A$29 billion worth of special dividends and share buybacks, which is a 140% increase on the average over the preceding four years. Companies do have to act, of course, in the best interests of shareholders but the best interests of shareholders can be served by investing for growth for a medium and long term strategy to build the business, to open new markets, and to get the best possible plant and equipment. That was my point particularly as productivity drives higher wages, drives economic growth, and we have seen some challenges in productivity and particularly on the investment side. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> Now, while this week’s national accounts show some growth, it is below what’s required to meet the budget’s projections. You’ve indicated the government is looking at a business investment allowance but not until the next budget. Is there anything needed from the government in the shorter term to help realise the budget forecasts? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, Michelle, in terms of the year average numbers, the growth that we announced yesterday was slightly below the budget forecast in terms of real GDP growth but above the budget forecast for nominal GDP growth. And that’s important to understand, that distinction, because it’s the nominal numbers that drive the government’s revenues and determine the budget outcomes. The June quarter did not take into account the significant tax cuts that passed the parliament and now more than A$14 billion has flowed through to household budgets. And it doesn’t take into account fully the 50 basis point interest rate cut. So let’s wait and see what happens in the September quarter and in subsequent quarters as a result of those measures. But the prime minister has written to state premiers about infrastructure projects that could potentially be brought forward. We have a ten year A$100 billion pipeline of infrastructure spending but where appropriate, where we won’t have capacity constraints, where we can work in partnership with the states, we will look at that infrastructure pipeline. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> So you’re confident at this point that the September quarter - including the impact of those tax cuts - will be stronger than the June one? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, let’s wait and see what that number is. I obviously don’t have a crystal ball but what I do know is that the tax cuts were not captured in the June quarter, they will be captured in the September quarter. And the full flow through impact of the interest rate cuts weren’t captured in the June quarter but they will be captured in the September quarter and subsequent quarter. So let’s wait and see how that plays out. But certainly the numbers that we saw yesterday, 0.5% for the quarter shows that the Australian economy continues to grow. We’ve had 28 consecutive years of economic growth - a record that hasn’t been matched by any other developed nation. And while Germany and Sweden and Singapore and the United Kingdom and others experienced negative growth in the June quarter, the Australian economy, in contrast, continues to grow. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> You’ve indicated you’ll soon finalise the new agreement between the government and the Reserve Bank. These agreements cover the inflation target range which is currently 2-3% annually. But there’s some confusion, I think, about what you are seeking to do here. Could you explain in simple terms what you want to do with this new agreement?</p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, this is the subject of a discussion that’s currently underway between treasury and the Reserve Bank. The target, which formally came into being in 1996, of a 2-3% inflation target has actually served Australia well. During that time we’ve pretty much been in the middle of that band. But if you look at the last 20 quarters, 17 of those were outside that band and today inflation’s at 1.6%. Now, inflation is important because it helps set expectations and those expectations in business flow through to wages, for example. And so you want to have a target which can be met, which is met, and is not merely just aspirational. So we’re having a discussion about what improvements could be made to that target. It’s a discussion that we’re having with a view to signing a document between myself and the governor in due course. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> So it’s about the content, the actual target, and about the bank explaining itself better in relation to achieving or not achieving that target. Is that right? It’s got two legs here? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, the 2-3%, I think, has served Australia well. And so I do support the governor in the maintenance of such a target. But there are some other changes that we are contemplating that we’re discussing with the governor. I won’t go into details about those as yet because it’s an ongoing discussion but it is an agreement that I think that has served Australia well since the year it’s been in place. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> So might this new agreement require the bank to be more aggressive - that is, less tardy - in adjusting rates?</p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Look, I’m not going to go into further detail about that because it’s an ongoing conversation, other than to say 2-3% has served Australia well. But as you know, we’re 1.6% and below that as we have been for the majority of the time in the last 20 quarters. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> Would you anticipate any further cut in interest rates before the end of this calendar year? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, as you know, the timing and the nature of monetary policy is one for the independent Reserve Bank and I respect their responsibility for monetary policy as the government’s responsible for fiscal policy, and so they’ll make their decisions based on their best judgement at the time. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> Now, the government puts a lot of emphasis – to put it mildly - on achieving the projected surplus. But can putting so much stress on trying to get a surplus lead to a distortion in the proper balance between fiscal and monetary policy in managing the economy? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, I think that they need to, and they should, and they are working together to strengthen the Australian economy. As the governor himself said, the tax cuts and the infrastructure spending is going to have an impact out there on economic activity. And, of course, household budgets. And we will see the full impact of those in the September quarter and subsequent quarters. But the point is interest rates have come down around the world. Australia is not unique in that regard, as the governor pointed out in one of his speeches. Three-quarters of developed economies have an inflation rate that’s under 2% and about a third of them have an inflation rate that’s under 1%. So this concept of having relatively low inflation, relatively low unemployment - which at around 5% was previously thought of as full employment – that’s no longer the case. And also having low interest rates is a new paradigm for central banks, and they’re working through that. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> You mentioned before the prime minister writing to the states about infrastructure. Do you think the states are doing enough to support economic growth? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, they’re certainly investing in infrastructure. I mean no two states are the same, both in terms of need and spending patterns. But we work closely with the states and, as you know, we’ve taken as a government decisions which have been on the drawing board for half a century, whether it’s a second airport for Sydney, whether it’s the Snowy 2.0 project, or whether it’s an airport rail link in Melbourne. These are all projects that have been talked about for a long time, speculated upon, but governments haven’t actually put the money up to have them built and in the Commonwealth’s case that’s what we’re doing. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> So you don’t think that the fact that there are political differences between the federal government and some state governments - the Labor governments - is inhibiting the relationship when it comes to good economic policy? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well there’s no doubt there are some differences on priority projects, for example in Victoria we’ve made no secret that there’s $A4 billion waiting for the East West Link to be built. That’s an important project that will reduce congestion in parts of Melbourne, get people to work early, get them home sooner and safer too. Now it’s inexplicable that the Andrews government continues to reject that particular project and indeed that they spent more than a billion dollars of taxpayers money not to build that road. That’s where they have a job of explaining it to the Victorian people. But you know there are other projects. And the prime minister was with Daniel Andrews just a couple of days ago talking about working together on the Monash project. So we are working in lots of different areas with the state governments, Labor and Liberal state governments, on infrastructure projects.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> Another front in your portfolio, you flagged soon after the election that there’d be an inquiry into retirement incomes. Are you still planning to go ahead with this? And when can we expect to see it formally unveiled? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, work is underway on that and I’ve been in extensive discussions with Treasury, and the goal is to have that announced before the end of the year.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> As long as that? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, I’m just giving myself a bit of runway.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> And will it be a comprehensive inquiry or will you carve out certain areas? Or exempt certain areas, I should say. </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> What we want to better understand is the impact of the policy parameters that we have on public savings, on private savings. We have an ageing population for example, Michelle, and that’s going to provide challenges to our fiscal sustainability. As well as we have a compulsory super rate and that’s seen superannuation hit $A2.8 trillion today and will grow substantially over time. So as I’ve said publicly before, we want to see the impact on the public and private savings of the policies that we currently have in place.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> When the Productivity Commission recommended that inquiry, it did put superannuation front and centre in terms of saying it should be done before the next increases started, going to 12%. The government claims that it is committed to those increases, to moving to 12% and yet people don’t really seem to believe that commitment. A lot of your backbenchers say it shouldn’t be carried out. Is that commitment still alive?</p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, as the prime minister and I have made clear both in the parliament and outside the parliament, the issue is, what is the impact on public and private savings of an ageing population, and of a compulsory super system. And understanding that is important for policymakers. But we’re not reopening that that issue in relation to what is a legislated increase to 12%.</p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> And so the inquiry won’t reopen that issue? </p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> The inquiry is going to be looking at the public and private savings. I’ll have more to say about that in due course. But as for the legislated increase to 12%, well the prime minister and I’ve answered that. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> Now, just a couple of quick things to finish up. You looked very happy when you were asked on Wednesday about the budget outcome. Are we justified in thinking that the bottom line will be very close to balance, if not in balance?</p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, I’m not at liberty to share that with you right now, Michelle. But obviously, you know, we’ve had the continued growth of the Australian economy, we’ve had relatively higher terms of trade. We estimated a deficit of just over $A4 billion for the 18-19 year and what you can be sure of is it will be better than that when we release it. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> And just finally, when people look into their own personal crystal balls for 2020, should they be optimistic about their own financial circumstances, and Australia’s economic circumstances more generally? We know that you keep talking about the headwinds and they seem to become increasingly strong from abroad. But what is the outlook for ordinary individuals, wage earners for the next 12 months?</p>
<p><strong>Josh Frydenberg:</strong> Well, you wouldn’t want to be in any other economy other than Australia, in terms of meeting these challenging domestic and international headwinds. And they’re real and they’re present and when it comes to the global economy, we’ve seen the IMF and the OECD both downgrade their economic outlook. And we know it plays out in terms of investment decisions that are deferred, capital inflows that have slowed and also the growth in the volume of trade also reducing. That’s the impact of the uncertainty at the global level. In terms of the domestic economy, the impact of the drought and the flood is very significant and yesterday’s national accounts showed that farm GDP has come down by more than 8% through the year and that’s got a human cost as well as an economic cost. At the same time, and this is the positive side to the economy, we’ve seen very strong employment growth 2.6% which is more than three times what we inherited which was 0.7% and more than double the OECD average of 1.1%. And the fact that we’ve created more than 1.4 million new jobs - eight out of ten new jobs being full time over the last 12 months - and with workforce participation at a record high, that is a very positive story. Compensation of employees, which is the euphemism for the wages and salary bill for the economy, was up 5% in the numbers that we released yesterday. We’ve maintained our triple A credit rating. As you say, the budget is going to be coming back to surplus for the first time in more than a decade. And the tax cuts have passed the parliament, most significant in more than two decades. So the fundamentals of the Australian economy is strong. There are challenges. There’s certainly no complacency and we’re working hard to ensure that the economy continues to grow. Jobs are created and that lower taxes are there for all Australian workers. </p>
<p><strong>Michelle Grattan:</strong> Thanks, Josh Frydenberg, for talking with us in what is a busy economic week. That’s all for today’s Conversation podcast. </p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>AAP/ James Ross</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122940/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>This week's June quarter national accounts showed the weakest economic growth since the GFC, but Treasurer Josh Frydenberg remains optimistic.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1223862019-08-27T07:58:45Z2019-08-27T07:58:45ZTrust Me, I’m An Expert: Queensland still mystifies too many politicians but its needs are surprisingly simple<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/289534/original/file-20190827-8874-1ezj42g.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=26%2C0%2C5964%2C3988&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Are southern-born politicians talking about a state they essentially don't understand?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The dust has well and truly settled on Scott Morrison’s surprise victory in this year’s federal election but opinion is still divided on exactly what happened in Queensland. </p>
<p>Why did Labor perform so poorly in the Sunshine State? Is Queensland an inherently conservative part of Australia? During the campaign, were southern-born politicians talking about a state they essentially didn’t understand? And – #Quexit jokes aside – is it time to redraw state lines in Australia, or even add new states?</p>
<p>Today on <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/podcasts/trust-me-podcast">Trust Me, I’m An Expert</a>, we bring you a discussion organised by The Conversation, recorded at Avid Reader bookshop in Brisbane and broadcast by <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/regionalism,-politics-and-the-queensland-factor/11447502">Big Ideas</a> on the ABC’s RN. </p>
<p>In this chat, political scientist Anne Tiernan from Griffith University speaks with the University of Southern Queensland’s John Cole, who has research expertise in the history of Australian federation, regional development and regional communities.</p>
<p>Host Paul Barclay began by asking them to name the biggest misconceptions floating around about Queensland. </p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="https://pca.st/VTv7">here</a> to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/trust-me-im-an-expert/id1290047736?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D8"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3RydXN0LW1lLXBvZGNhc3QucnNz"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation/trust-me-im-an-expert"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Trust-Me-Im-An-Expert-p1035757/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-Wa3E5A"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7myc7drbLJVaRitAMXLB7V"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Credits:</strong></p>
<p><em>Recording and editing by RN’s <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/regionalism,-politics-and-the-queensland-factor/11447502">Big Ideas</a>, additional editing by Sunanda Creagh.</em></p>
<p><strong>Additional audio</strong></p>
<p><em>Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from <a href="https://www.elefanttraks.com/">Elefant Traks.</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifIw3wTeolE">CNN</a> report.</em></p>
<p><em>BBC <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyKXCa9KI0Q">report</a>.</em></p>
<h2>Images</h2>
<p><em>Shutterstock</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122386/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
Two Queensland-based experts discuss what so many politicians and pundits get wrong about the Sunshine State – and what its citizens are crying out for.Sunanda Creagh, Senior EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1224012019-08-26T07:58:28Z2019-08-26T07:58:28ZPolitics with Michelle Grattan: PM’s advisor Christine Morgan on tackling Australia’s rising suicide rates<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/289411/original/file-20190826-8860-1wlnvji.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Christine Morgan points to the value of the brand of Headspace for young people; they know "this is a place I can go".</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/london-united-kingdom-october-05-2018-1197504028?src=TXFt85ddEZEjCC6BKAWXwQ-1-1">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The number of suicides in Australia <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/sep/26/australias-rising-suicide-rate-sparks-calls-for-national-target-to-reduce-deaths">has been rising</a> in the last decade, with more than 3,000 Australians taking their life in 2017, according to the latest available ABS figures. Some of the most vulnerable groups include Indigenous Australians, young Australians, unemployed people, and veterans. </p>
<p>Scott Morrison has declared this a key priority area for the government. He has appointed Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, as the national suicide prevention advisor to the prime minister.</p>
<p>On this episode, Christine Morgan speaks with Michelle Grattan about the issue - what we know so far, and what needs more clarity. She stresses the role of communities in tackling the rising rates, and also argues for a more holistic view - beyond narrow mental health problems - of the factors that drive people to contemplate taking their own lives. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>Yes, it may be that they’re suffering from a mental health condition. Yes, they may be suffering from a health condition. But they may also be being affected by other things which significantly impact, like what is their housing security?[…]What is their employment situation? what is their financial situation? Have they come from a background of trauma?</p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<p><em>Anyone seeking support and information about suicide can contact Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.</em></p>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="http://pca.st/BVa3#t=3m34s">here</a> to listen to Politics with Michelle Grattan on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear it on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Politics with Michelle Grattan.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/politics-with-michelle-grattan/id703425900?mt=2"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3BvbGl0aWNzLXdpdGgtbWljaGVsbGUtZ3JhdHRhbi5yc3M"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation-4/politics-with-michelle-grattan"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Politics-with-Michelle-Grattan-p227852/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-WRElBZ"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5NkaSQoUERalaLBQAqUOcC"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<h2>Additional audio</h2>
<p><a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Lee_Rosevere/The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score/Lee_Rosevere_-_The_Big_Loop_-_FML_original_podcast_score_-_10_A_List_of_Ways_to_Die">A List of Ways to Die</a>, Lee Rosevere, from Free Music Archive.</p>
<p><strong>Image:</strong></p>
<p>Shutterstock</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122401/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>On this episode, the PM's national suicide prevention advisor speaks with Michelle Grattan on what we know so far about suicide rates, and what needs more clarity.Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of CanberraLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1220312019-08-22T07:04:54Z2019-08-22T07:04:54ZTrust Me, I’m An Expert: Why the Hong Kong protesters feel they have nothing to lose<p>Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of people again took to the streets in Hong Kong to protest against the government – the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3023331/three-nights-tear-gas-free-protests-hong-kongs-anti">11th straight weekend</a> of demonstrations that began in June over a proposed extradition bill.</p>
<p>But after more than two months of increasingly violent clashes between demonstrators and the police, this protest was peaceful. No tear gas was fired.</p>
<p>China expert Graeme Smith, one of the hosts of <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-little-red-podcast/playlists/podcast">The Little Red Podcast</a>, devoted <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/the-little-red-podcast/desperate-hong-kong-the-movement-behind-the-mask">this week’s episode to the Hong Kong protest movement</a>, with his co-host, Louisa Lim, on the ground in Hong Kong talking to people about their perseverance in the face of a potentially severe military crackdown from Beijing.</p>
<p>In this episode of Trust Me, Smith discusses where the protests go from here, whether there’s any chance for dialogue between the two sides, and the impact of the increasingly nationalist vitriol aimed at protesters on social media – and on the streets of Hong Kong. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/beijing-is-moving-to-stamp-out-the-hong-kong-protests-but-it-may-have-already-lost-the-city-for-good-121815">Beijing is moving to stamp out the Hong Kong protests – but it may have already lost the city for good</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Smith believes the protests aren’t going to stop until Chief Executive Carrie Lam definitively withdraws the contentious extradition bill and launches an inquiry into police violence against the protesters.</p>
<p>And this is unlikely so long as Lam – and her backers in Beijing – continue to stand firm in their positions and refuse to negotiate.</p>
<p>So, no one knows how this might end, Smith says. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>A lot of the protesters, especially those in their 20s, feel they basically have nothing to lose and they’re going to dig in for the long haul.</p>
</blockquote>
<h2>New to podcasts?</h2>
<p>Podcasts are often best enjoyed using a podcast app. All iPhones come with the Apple Podcasts app already installed, or you may want to listen and subscribe on another app such as Pocket Casts (click <a href="https://pca.st/VTv7">here</a> to listen to Trust Me, I’m An Expert on Pocket Casts).</p>
<p>You can also hear us on Stitcher, Spotify or any of the apps below. Just pick a service from one of those listed below and click on the icon to find Trust Me, I’m An Expert.</p>
<p><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/trust-me-im-an-expert/id1290047736?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D8"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233721/original/file-20180827-75984-1gfuvlr.png" alt="Listen on Apple Podcasts" width="268" height="68"></a> <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly90aGVjb252ZXJzYXRpb24uY29tL2F1L3BvZGNhc3RzL3RydXN0LW1lLXBvZGNhc3QucnNz"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233720/original/file-20180827-75978-3mdxcf.png" alt="" width="268" height="68"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-conversation/trust-me-im-an-expert"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233716/original/file-20180827-75981-pdp50i.png" alt="Stitcher" width="300" height="88"></a> <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Trust-Me-Im-An-Expert-p1035757/"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233723/original/file-20180827-75984-f0y2gb.png" alt="Listen on TuneIn" width="318" height="125"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://radiopublic.com/trust-me-im-an-expert-Wa3E5A"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-152" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/233717/original/file-20180827-75990-86y5tg.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" alt="Listen on RadioPublic" width="268" height="87"></a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7myc7drbLJVaRitAMXLB7V"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237984/original/file-20180925-149976-1ks72uy.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=268&fit=clip" width="268" height="82"></a> </p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Credits:</strong></p>
<p>Recording and editing by Graeme Smith, Justin Bergman and Sunanda Creagh.</p>
<p><strong>Additional audio</strong></p>
<p><em>Kindergarten by Unkle Ho, from <a href="https://www.elefanttraks.com/">Elefant Traks.</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifIw3wTeolE">CNN</a> report</em></p>
<p><em>BBC <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyKXCa9KI0Q">report</a></em></p>
<p><em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-little-red-podcast/id1136685378">The Little Red Podcast</a></em></p>
<h2>Images</h2>
<p>AAP/EPA/VIVEK PRAKASH</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/122031/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has indicated she's open to dialogue. But unless she meets the demonstrators' demands, the protest movement isn't going to end anytime soon.Sunanda Creagh, Senior EditorJustin Bergman, International Affairs EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.