Past Programs
Government - Federal - 2008
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003
Climate change and the reef
13/11/2008
It's one of the world's unique marine environments and, not surprisingly, a heritage-listed site. People come in their millions each year to see and experience the Great Barrier Reef. But some scientists are predicting that if temperatures continue to rise, within 30 years it may be gone. Could climate change kill the Great Barrier Reef?
Regulating the markets
30/10/2008
The Government says it's taking things day by day, staying flexible and ready to react quickly to the fallout from the financial crisis. It also helps to be running a big budget surplus as concern over market volatility puts pressure on governments for even more guarantees. But how far should the government go in protecting financial institutions? With the big mortgage funds freezing deposits, anxious investors, unable to get access to their money are adding to the political pressure. So how much further should the government go and how much should it spend on guaranteeing the institutions and our money?
Review of Northern Territory intervention
15/10/2008
It's more than a year now since the troops were sent into the Northern Territory to protect the children. Now, a review of the intervention has found any benefits outweighed by the lack of consultation and the suspension of individual rights. So how should the strategy be changed to deliver real change in Aboriginal communities?
Role of the Senate
01/10/2008
It's more than 15 years now since Paul Keating's "unrepresentative swill" swipe at the Senate. But he's not the only leader who's wanted changes to the role and power of the Upper House. With the minorities and independents now making it tough for the government to get its budget bills passed, the Senate is back in the news. And one of Labor's longest serving senators wants to change its term to four years. So is it time for another debate on the value and role of the Senate? And what about those hundreds of reports and inquiries the Senate conducts? What do they cost, and what do they achieve?
Change in the Liberal leadership
16/09/2008
Today on the program - your reaction to the change in the Liberal Party leadership. Does the elevation of Malcolm Turnbull to the top job represent a turning point for the party, or is there more factional rivalry still to come? And what issues are looming; is the financial crisis in the United States about to be felt here in Australia? Is that the big challenge ahead for the Government and Opposition?
The Reserve Bank and rates
02/09/2008
When the Reserve Bank board meets on Tuesday, it's expected to cut interest rates by .25 per cent. If so, it will be the first relief home buyers have had in almost seven years. The last cut was back in December 2001, when rates were at 4.25 per cent.
While some of the banks say they will pass on any official rate cut, others are yet to decide. Their responses will be closely watched by members of a Federal Parliamentary inquiry that's currently taking submissions on competition in the banking sector. Treasurer Wayne Swan has already warned the banks that he wants them to make it easier for borrowers to compare loans and to transfer between banks. So what pressure is now on the banks to comply? And what effect will interest rate cuts have? Are they too late? Is the looming global economic downturn about to be felt in Australia?
Buying back the Murray
21/08/2008
South Australia's lower lakes have become a rallying point for the crisis facing the Murray Darling. Scientists say the lakes will be lost unless there are significant inflows of water before summer. But is there enough water to save the lakes and where will it come from?
The Australian Conversation Foundation wants the federal government to buy six big rural properties that have significant water storages, including the controversial Cubbie Station. The ACF says between them, those properties could deliver 300 gigalitres, and buy some time for the lower lakes.
Meanwhile, the new independent senator Nick Xenophon is supporting the compulsory acquisition of water licences, arguing that time is running out for the Murray Darling. But with the resource in crisis, have we lost the chance to strike a balance between the environment and the needs of agriculture? Do we have to accept that nothing can be done to save the lower lakes?
Indigenous intervention
02/04/2008
With the possibility that the Commonwealth intervention into Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory could be extended to other states, public opinion remains divided over the success of the policy. Yesterday the Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, attacked the policy and released a Ten Point Social Justice Action Plan to pull back the NT intervention and restore what he refers to as basic human rights to Aborigines in the affected communities. Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin responded to his report by reiterating the Federal Government's commitment to a review of the intervention later this year, and adding that the Commissioner's views would be taken into account at that time. Meanwhile, yesterday Aboriginal leader and member of the Stolen Generations, Tracker Tilmouth called for a Royal Commission into the state of education in the Northern Territory.
An apology, but no compensation
29/01/2008
An apology for the stolen generations, but no provision for compensation from the Federal government. This week Tasmania completed its process of compensation for indigenous Tasmanians but South Australia and Victoria are still considering their options. Will saying 'sorry' matter without financial restitution?
