The Karl Stefanovic Show

Australia’s direction is under pressure – and Tony Abbott says the fundamentals are off.
In this episode, the former Prime Minister joins The Karl Stefanovic Show for a candid conversation on immigration, energy, the economy and national security – and what he believes needs to change.
His message is clear: Australia needs to get back to basics.
Abbott breaks down:
Why immigration should be based on ‘shared values’

Whether Australia is bringing in the ‘right people’

Why he believes current energy policy is failing

The truth behind gas tax – and who’s really paying

How to reinvigorate Australian industries

Australia’s role in global conflict and defence

A direct, unfiltered look at where the country is heading and what comes next.

A huge thanks to our sponsors R5. Try it with 20% off by using the code KARLOS at http://www.revive5.com.au/Karl

Australia is facing a defence reality few are talking about.Former soldier and investor Steve Baxter joins Karl to break down what modern warfare actually looks like — and why Australia isn’t ready for it.From drone warfare and battlefield “marketplaces” to space technology and defence innovation, this episode goes inside the systems changing war in real time.Why are we falling behind? Why aren’t we investing in our own capabilities? And what happens if we don’t catch up?This is the conversation Australia needs to have.

Australia is facing uncomfortable questions — about defence, justice, and the future.
Karl also puts one of the country’s biggest defence force questions to the audience — the case of Ben Roberts-Smith.
Should matters like this sit in a civil or military court?
More than 10,000 people voted.And while we’re debating systems here on Earth — the future is moving fast.
Jeff Bezos and his team are working on technology to extract oxygen from moon dust — a breakthrough that could enable permanent lunar bases and refuelling in space.Former soldier and investor Steve Baxter joins Karl to break down modern warfare — from drones and AI to why Australia isn’t prepared and is increasingly relying on global powers.Then, Chris Nemeth shares his story.After a life-changing COVID vaccine injury, he spent years navigating a complex compensation system — thousands of pages, legal battles, and a long fight to be recognised.Now, after finally receiving compensation, he’s been hit with a tax bill.To watch Steve Baxters full episode click here. Remember legends, we need your subscriptions to keep this show going. Would appreciate it very much.

Australia has released its latest defence strategy — but serious questions remain.In this episode, Karl sits down with former Defence Minister Mike Kelly and one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers, Brigadier Ian Langford to break down what the plan gets right — and where it falls short.The world is rearming. Conflict is evolving fast.But Australia’s response is being challenged on speed, scale and urgency.This conversation covers:Why the new defence strategy may not match the current threatThe reality of modern warfare — drones, cyber and asymmetric attacksThe growing gap between long-term planning and immediate capabilityWhy Australian defence and innovation talent is being forced overseasThe lack of local investment — and what it means for national securityWhether AUKUS is coming at the cost of today’s military capability“Invariably what happens is these companies have to go to the US or Europe to be solvent.”Australia has the talent.The question is why we’re not backing it here.Thank you to R5 for giving me the energy to train. Try it with me at https://revive5.com.au/karl and use the code Karlos for 20% off.

Australia’s fuel crisis is no longer theoretical — it’s here.Flights are at risk. Holidays could be cancelled. Supply chains are already under pressure. And if the situation escalates, everyday Australians will feel it first.In this episode, Karl sits down with billionaire infrastructure operator John Wagner — a man with a proven track record of building what others say is impossible. He built an international airport in Toowoomba in just 19 months and is now leading a $2.5 billion project to turn household waste into aviation fuel.His warning is clear:Australia is dangerously exposed.Wagner explains:Why Australia is effectively on a “war footing” when it comes to fuel securityHow global tensions could disrupt supply overnightWhat happens if jet fuel shortages hit — and which flights get cancelled firstWhy fuel prices could surge toward $4 a litreAnd how his Toowoomba refinery could produce sustainable aviation fuel using everyday waste — fastThis isn’t just about fuel.It’s about national security, economic survival, and whether Australia can stand on its own.Because if we don’t fix this — quickly — the consequences won’t be gradual. They’ll be immediate.Listen now.