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The Issue

LiSTNR
Australia
United States
China
AUKUS
One Nation
Donald Trump
Housing
Iran
Artificial Intelligence
Ukraine
Immigration
Afghanistan
Triple Zero
Telcos
Veterans' Affairs
Labor Party
Salt Typhoon
Taiwan
International Education
Immigration Policy

The Issue is a weekly podcast that dives deep into the world of politics and global affairs. Hosted by seasoned political reporters Tim Lester and Josh Martin, the show offers insightful analysis, sharp commentary, and thoughtful discussion on the biggest stories shaping our world today. From the halls of Parliament to international summits, The Issue covers a wide range of topics - national polic... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes54Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNews

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Latest Episodes

All three of the major parties in Australia are now pushing to lower Australia’s migration rate.

Pauline Hanson and One Nation have shaken up the debate on population.

But if we are going to cut immigration, how do we keep the country growing... more

Chris Richardson says residents who oppose new local developments otherwise known as NIMBYs ("Not In My Back Yard"), need to ‘suck it up’ in for the nation to solve its housing crisis.

The Economist says the country’s housing policy for decades h... more

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Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has raised concerns with China over its nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific. But is that enough?

Lachlan Strahan tells The Issue if these types of incidents increase in frequency, we should beco... more

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The CEO of Master Builders Australia has revealed to 7NEWS she received death threats to her family home in Canberra. Denita Wawn says the ordeal pushed her to clean-up the building sector and the construction union, the CFMEU.

In this episode of T... more

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Recent Guests

Chris Richardson
Economist described as one of Australia's most trusted voices on inflation and housing policy
Rich Insight
Episode: ‘NIMBYs need to suck it up’: Economists brutal take on how to solve Australia’s housing crisis
Lachlan Strahan
Historian and former diplomat; author of The Curious Diplomat
The Curious Diplomat
Episode: Historian and former Aussie diplomat Lachlan Strahan says we should be 'more concerned' about the military build up in the Indo-Pacific
Denita Wawn
CEO of Master Builders Australia
Master Builders Australia
Episode: Master Builders CEO reveals her fight to build more homes while handling death threats
Xavier Martin
Farmer on the NSW Liverpool Plains; Broadacre crops; outgoing president of NSW Farmers Association
NSW Farmers Association
Episode: The famine threat: On Australia's fuel prices, fertiliser shortages, uncertain weather
Neil Greet
Retired Colonel; defence and disaster management veteran
Former Australian Defence Force; Australian Security Leaders Climate Group
Episode: The famine threat: On Australia's fuel prices, fertiliser shortages, uncertain weather
Mark Cozad
RAND East Asia Security Expert
RAND Corporation
Episode: The China Threat: RAND expert Mark Cozad explains Australia's biggest security challeng
David Shoebridge
Greens Senator, defence and foreign affairs spokesperson
Greens
Episode: 'The US is kind of laughing at us': Greens Senator David Shoebridge reveals the real cost behind the AUKUS submarine deal
Matt Keogh
Australian Labor Party politician, Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Australian Government
Episode: The biggest reform in how Australia helps veterans is coming in days. But will our politicians finally get it right?
William Bowe
Poll bludger, prominent election analyst
Poll Bludger
Episode: One Nation is currently leading primary polling. Election analysist William Bowe discusses what could bring them apart.

Hosts

Josh Martin
Co-host of a political analysis show; long-standing political reporter with experience across national and international affairs.
Tim Lester
Co-host and seasoned political journalist bringing experience from national news coverage and commentary.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#120
Australia/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Historian and former Aussie diplomat Lachlan Strahan says we should be 'more concerned' about the military build up in the Indo-Pacific
Q: What were Lachlan Strahan's reflections on the Solomon Islands' shift from Taiwan to China?
He described it as a sovereign choice for Solomon Islanders, emphasized respectful dialogue, and noted Australia's substantial ongoing relationship with China, while predicting Matthew Wale would maintain pragmatic ties rather than a Taiwan switch.
The China Threat: RAND expert Mark Cozad explains Australia's biggest security challeng
Q: What would be the telltale signs for you that China is preparing to move militarily on Taiwan?
Key indicators include mobilization of China's national defense resources, broader diplomatic moves outside the immediate region, and signaling through coercive activities that anticipate a protracted conflict with the United States and allies.
Trump's foreign policy aiding China | The Issue
Q: How should Australia adjust its aid strategy in light of Western cuts and China's expansion?
Australia should prioritize governance, health, and education in smaller, more needy economies, increase coordination with like-minded partners (Japan and South Korea), and consider a measured rise in overall aid while leveraging private investment to complement government spending.
Trump's foreign policy aiding China | The Issue
Q: Alex, what are the main drivers behind China increasing its aid footprint in Southeast Asia?
China focuses on large infrastructure projects financed through loans, expands presence in big economies, and adapts its Belt and Road financing to respond to competition, while also trying to maintain influence through elite-level engagement and targeted development in sectors it prioritizes.
Anthony Albanese's secret plan for more politicians : A knockout blow against the Coalition
Q: For Australians who may not know you, tell us about your career as a pollster and a political analyst. What are some of the highs, some of the electoral successes you've seen?
Kos Samaras outlines a career from working on Labour campaigns to founding RedBridge, highlighting successful electoral campaigns and ongoing involvement in election coverage, with emphasis on data-driven insights and the evolving role of polling in campaigns.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Issue

What is The Issue about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show consistently centers on national policy, politics, and current affairs, often pairing high-profile policymakers with data-driven analysts and industry experts. Episodes commonly explore housing policy, fiscal and monetary issues, energy security, international relations, and the mechanics of political power, with guests ranging from ministers and MPs to CEOs, economists, and strategic thinkers. A notable strength is its willingness to challenge government narratives and translate complex policy questions into actionable takeaways for listeners, including investors, decision-makers, and politically engaged professionals. The format tends toward candid, issue-driven conversations that connect policy choices to real-world outcomes for... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Issue:

1. I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin
2. Straight Talk with Mark Bouris
3. The Karl Stefanovic Show
4. Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule
5. Secrets We Keep

How many episodes of The Issue are there?

The Issue launched a year ago and published 54 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Issue?

Recent guests on The Issue include:

1. Chris Richardson
2. Lachlan Strahan
3. Denita Wawn
4. Xavier Martin
5. Neil Greet
6. Mark Cozad
7. David Shoebridge
8. Matt Keogh

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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