How Australia’s ‘blood oil’ imports are funding Russia’s war
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, Australian leaders have repeatedly stated that Australia “stands with Ukraine”. But as the invasion has intensified – with nightly missile and drone attacks, rolling blackouts and water cuts across Ukrainian cities – Australia's support has slowed. The federal government hasn’t announced a fresh package of aid since December last year, making us one of the least generous donors to Kyiv. At the same time, Australia has become one of the biggest buyers of fuel made from Russian oil, refined in third countries and imported through loopholes in sanctions. Ukrainian community groups call it “blood oil”, warning that billions of Australian dollars are flowing back to the Kremlin - more than Australia has given Ukraine in aid. Today, chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou, on how Australia's 'blood oil' imports are helping to prolong the war. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Kateryna Argyrou Photo: Stefan Sauer/dpaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How teens are fighting the social media ban
Right now, Tiktok is awash with videos of how to get around the social media ban for under 16s, which is due to come into effect in a week. At the same time, fringe apps like Yope are rocketing up the Apple charts, as teenagers plan where they’ll go when the major platforms boot them off. There’s also a court case underway, challenging the government on whether the ban is even legal. Today, associate editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson, on who is behind the lawsuit, whether they’ll win, and how this ban could change the country. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Associate editor at Crikey, Cam Wilson Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The controversial limb-lengthening surgery set for Australia
Limb lengthening surgery – where bones in your leg are broken, a rod inserted and extended – can be high risk, and is especially controversial when it's done for cosmetic reasons. The procedure is a speciality of the Florida based Paley Institute, which now plans on opening an Australian arm. The centre is no stranger to controversy – and neither is the man they’re partnering up with – the once celebrated surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis, who recently lost a defamation case against the Nine newspapers. Today, investigative reporter at The Age, Charlotte Grieve, on how she exposed Dr Munjed Al Muderis – and what she’s learned about his plans for the Paley Institute. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Investigative reporter at The Age, Charlotte Grieve Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De MarchiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The man who exposed corruption in offshore detention
At its height, in 2014, there were over a thousand people being held on Nauru, as part of Australia’s offshore detention system. But in the decade since, that figure has shrunk to less than 100. Yet the Department of Home Affairs continues to pay outsized and exorbitant fees on contracts no longer fit for purpose – all in the name of keeping Manus Island and Nauru off the front page and out of the minds of most Australians. Now, one of the men responsible for administering these deals, worth billions, has spoken out about the alleged corruption at the heart of our system – and the bipartisan silence that allows it to continue. Today, independent journalist Nick Feik, on the whistleblower and the waste in the Department of Home Affairs. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Independent journalist Nick Feik Photo: Aziz Abdul via APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How the internet is about to change for everyone
Australia’s plan to ban teenagers from social media has been called “world‑leading”. The law, which comes into effect December 10, threatens platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook with fines of up to $50 million if they let under-16s open or keep accounts. But as implementation draws closer, questions remain about how the ban will be enforced, what it means for online privacy, and whether it will reshape the way everyone uses the internet. Today, digital‑rights advocate Samantha Floreani on the risks of the ban amid a global regulatory arms race. This episode was originally published in July. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Digital‑rights advocate, Samantha Floreani.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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