SBS News In Depth

Australia’s unemployment rate has climbed to its highest level since late 2021, with nearly 19,000 jobs lost and youth unemployment on the rise, raising fresh questions about the economic outlook and the path for interest rates. Deloitte Access Economics partner Stephen Smith breaks down what’s driving the shift and what it means in a climate of global uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs. Meanwhile, the sharemarket surged, with the ASX 200 posting its strongest gain in six weeks, lifted by materials, banks and real estate, as Heath Moss from HLM Investments unpacks what’s behind the rally and whether it can last.

Beijing looks to capitalise on rival powers following back-to-back visits from the US and Russian presidents. The Democratic Republic of the Congo struggles to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak. Plus, Donald Trump celebrates a string of Republican primary wins alongside a landmark settlement with the IRS, and we investigate the art of the perfect diplomatic gift. Hosts: Catriona Stirrat, Claudia Farhart, Ben Lewis Guests: Dr Harry Melkonian, United States Studies Centre Producers: Nick Ludlam, Ali Cheevers, Billy Dahlenburg, Greer Chester

Australia is home to the world's largest coral reef ecosystem, but conservationists say it's also the country's largest coral fishery. The sustainability of the Great Barrier Reef has been the subject of discussion among environmentalists for quite some time. Now, a group of conservationists have resorted to an unconventional method of putting the spotlight on the situation.

Australia's worst diphtheria outbreak in decades has spread across Northern Territory into Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia, with more than 230 [[as of May 21]] cases of the disease reported so far this year. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and health workers are welcoming a $7 million federal government funding package aimed at supporting the response to the outbreak. But, experts say the re-emergence of the disease exposes serious gaps in the public health system.

The New South Wales government has unveiled the state's first Migrant Workers Centre to support temporary visa holders. It means migrant workers in Sydney now have a dedicated hub to seek help over work exploitation. It’s backed by $6.5 million in state funding over the next four years to provide workplace, safety and immigration support to vulnerable migrants across the state.