Best Pacific Leaders Today Podcasts (2024)

1
An orangutan spotted self-medicating - Science with Belinda Smith 5:29

1h ago5:29

5:29

A Sumatran orangutan was seen self-medicating, smearing chewed-up leaves onto an open sore on its face. Researchers say it's the first known example of a wild animal using a medicinal plant to treat a wound. So how did it learn this behaviour? Guest: Belinda Smith, ABC science reporterBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Major security funding boost for Services Australia 10:15

1h ago10:15

10:15

There were nearly 9000 incidents of aggression recorded at these centres across the country between 2022 and 2023. The worst of those incidents saw a 55-year-old Centrelink worker sustain severe injuries after she was stabbed in Melbourne's north last May. Now, the Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten has announced more than 300-million do…

1
SA to introduce laws to protect domestic violence survivors 9:26

1h ago9:26

9:26

National Cabinet brought Premiers and Chief Ministers around the table earlier this week, to discuss ways of tackling Family and Domestic Violence South Australia is one of the states that's already been looking at ways to protect women against gender-based violence. So, can some of those measures be expanded nationally? Guest: Kyam Maher, South Au…

1
DV funding and ex-immigration detainee bungle - Politics with David Speers and Samantha Maiden 7:13

1h ago7:13

7:13

Domestic violence has dominated the headlines this week. But we've also seen the face of Ninette Simons - a 73 year old woman bashed in her home in Perth during a violent home invasion, allegedly by a former immigration detainee released after last year's High Court decision. The Prime Minister this morning has said the man should not have been rel…

1
A-League Women's grand final and Rabbitohs go from bad to worse - Sport with Warwick Hadfield 8:43

1h ago8:43

8:43

In football, after the most watched season ever, the A-League Women's competition ends with tomorrow's grand final. In rugby league, it only got worse for South Sydney last night, losing the game to Penrith, and more players to injury. In the AFL, the Collingwood-Carlton rivalry began in 1892 and it will continue with a bang at the MCG tonight. Spo…

1
How do we change men's bad behaviour? 15:37

41m ago15:37

15:37

There has been a clear focus on the issue of domestic and family violence this week, as the nation grapples with how to stem the tide of rising levels of violence. But while additional funding has been announced for women fleeing violence, what's needed to change or reform men's behaviour to stop the violence in the first place? Guest: Karina Joy, …

1
Alexis Wright claims second Stella Prize 8:58

2h ago8:58

8:58

Australian indigenous author Alexis Wright has claimed year's Stella prize, which celebrates the writing of Australian women and non-binary people. The first author to claim the prize for a second time, Judges have described her novel 'Praiseworthy' as a "genre-defiant epic of climate catastrophe proportions - and a political satire that reflects t…

1
Australian universities reject 'not safe' label 10:14

36m ago10:14

10:14

As protests continue, university leaders in Australia are trying to calm tensions, while emphasising they have "zero tolerance" for racism or harassment. Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson has declared that the University of Sydney is "not a safe space" for Jewish students. Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor, University of Sydney rejects that idea,…

1
Tension at pro-Palestine campus protests in Australia 5:08

38m ago5:08

5:08

Following the lead of colleges in the US, pro-Palestine encampments have begun appearing at universities across Australia. So far there haven't been any crackdowns on protesters here, but it has made some students increasingly uneasy. At Melbourne University yesterday, tensions threatened to boil over. Featured:Douglas Mann, 19-year-old student at …

1
College Democrats back protests, criticise Biden 8:14

32m ago8:14

8:14

In a statement, the group praised the "bravery" of students involved and criticised the White House for its Gaza policy. Its a clear rebuke from the Democrats' official collegiate arm who historically work in partnership with the Party and whoever leads it. While the College Democrats reiterated its support for Biden and other Democrats in the upco…

1
Police clash with protesters in Georgia 7:18

42m ago7:18

7:18

Police have used tear gas and water cannons on protesters who have taken to the streets to protest against a 'foreign agents' bill. If passed, the law would require organisations to state whether they receive overseas funding. Opponents say the measures are similar to the ones used in Russia to stamp out dissent. The law could also damage Georgia's…

1
Solomon Islands elect new Prime Minister 7:08

1h ago7:08

7:08

The Solomon Islands have a new Prime Minister. Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele defeated Opposition Leader Matthew Wale in a vote of 31 to 18. As foreign minister, Manele was one of the key players behind the country's "look north" foreign policy, and its controversial security pact with China. Now, Manele says he wants to pursue a foreign p…

1
Could Europe be the next stop for Solomon Islands' Ileen Pegi after her switch to New Caledonia's top club? 6:12

7h ago6:12

6:12

Solomon Islands' captain Ileen Pegi believes she has the talent to use her move to Noumea as a springboard to play soccer in Europe.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Silktails on a sharp learning curve, as they target the Eels in Lautoka for their first win in Jersey Flegg Cup competition 6:35

6h ago6:35

6:35

Eight games in to their debut Jersey Flegg Cup season, and the Kaiviti Silktails are still winless, but they're hopeful they can topple the second bottom Eels in Lautoka.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Tongan fans expected to turn out in force as Moana Pasifika bring Super Rugby to Nuku'alofa for the first time 11:22

7h ago11:22

11:22

There will be plenty of emotion when Moana Pasifika takes to the field at Teufaiva Stadium for the very first time, but it's points that are important as the side presses for a finals place.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
All-expenses trip to fight in Russia for Papua New Guinea team a no-brainer, boxing union president says 6:10

7h ago6:10

6:10

PNG's boxing team has been invited to compete at the World Friendship Games in Russia later this year, and union president Dr Gideon Kendino says it could open the way to the professional ranks for his best fighters.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Historic weekend ahead for Moana Pasifika as they bring Super Rugby Pacific to Nuku'alofa for the first time 43:49

6h ago43:49

43:49

Moana Pasifika's Man of the Year, Solomone Funaki, believes the crowd can lift the team over the line against the Highlanders in Nuku'alofaBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Disappointed but proud, Vanuatu's women cricketers find the going tough at T20 World Cup qualifier 5:19

6h ago5:19

5:19

Results have disappointed, but skipper Selina Solman says mixing it with higher ranked teams is the only way Vanuatu cricketers can raise their game on the world stage.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Shane Jacobson and Todd McKenney are the 'The Odd Couple' 10:18

18h ago10:18

10:18

Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, Martin Short and Eugene Levy, and now Shane Jacobson and Todd McKenney are staring in The Odd Couple. A play about divorce, misunderstandings and friendship, The Odd Couple opens in Melbourne on May 18, and heads to Sydney in June. Guests: Shane Jacobson, Todd McKenney…

1
'Feast', 'The Morningside' and Stella winner to be announced - Books with Claire Nichols 5:46

19h ago5:46

5:46

The who's who of the publishing world will be at the State Library of Victoria tonight, for the announcement of the winner of this year's Stella Prize.Claire Nichols walks through this years shortlist and shares a new "favourite". Guest: Claire Nichols, host of The Book Show RECOMMENDATIONS: - 'Feast' by Emily O'Grady - 'The Morningside' by Tea Obr…

1
West Coast CEO leads AFL to acknowledge violence against women 9:10

19h ago9:10

9:10

Hundreds of thousands of football fans, players, coaches and umpires at all nine AFL matches this weekend will pause to acknowledge violence against women. The initiative has been prompted by a letter from West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke, urging club bosses to listen to the thousands who rallied across the country last week.…

1
Politics with Jacob Greber 5:41

19h ago5:41

5:41

Senior Correspondent with the Australian Financial Review Jacob Greber joins RN Breakfast to discuss the latest developments in federal politics. Guest: Jacob GreberBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Sport with Warwick Hadfield 7:24

19h ago7:24

7:24

Sports commentator and RN Breakfast legend, Warwick Hadfield brings the latest news from the world of sport.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
'We were in shock': Sikh community reacts to 'nest of spies' 7:16

19h ago7:16

7:16

The existence of a so-called "nest of spies" operating in Australia first revealed in 2021 has been unmasked as originating from India.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
PM says government is 'acting urgently' on DV crisis 23:39

19h ago23:39

23:39

The Federal Government has announced it will spend close to a billion dollars over five years, on a program that gives one-off payments to women escaping violent relationships. But there's no new funding for badly stretched frontline services, or the programs trying to change the behaviour of perpetrators. The Prime Minister says this issue "isn't …

1
Calls to tackle economic inequality to combat violence against women 6:40

20h ago6:40

6:40

The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, chaired by former Labor minister Jenny Macklin, wants to see JobSeeker raised by $17 per day in the May budget. The committees annual pre-budget report, also identified violence against women is a barrier for obtaining work, and an ongoing issue with child support. Guest:Jenny Macklin, Chair of the Economi…

1
'Regional Australia hit hard' by Bonza airline collapse 6:08

20h ago6:08

6:08

Budget airline Bonza entered voluntary administration this week, immediately grounding its entire fleet. For some regional communities it marks the end of much-needed airline competition, Mary Carroll is the chief executive of Capricorn Enterprise has called on the government to be "part of the solution." Guest: Mary Carroll, chief executive of Cap…

1
Age verification trial 'likely to fail', cyber expert says 10:38

20h ago10:38

10:38

To combat violence against women, the Prime Minister yesterday announced a raft of measures designed to tackle online harm. They include a trial of age-verification technology, and legislation to ban "the creation and non-consensual distribution of deep-fake pornography". Alastair MacGibbon, Chief Strategy Officer at CyberCX and the inaugural Austr…

1
TikTok star killed in Iraq 6:34

21h ago6:34

6:34

A TikTok star in Iraq was shot dead outside her home in Baghdad last week. Om Fahad - as she was known online - is the third social media personality to be murdered in Iraq in the past year. The murders have coincided with a shift towards increasingly conservative attitudes and tightening laws in Iraq - most recently against prostitution and same-s…

1
Police raid US universities, arrest hundreds of protesters 7:13

21h ago7:13

7:13

American police have raided universities across the US, arresting hundreds of students and breaking-up pro-Palestinian demonstrations.Students had set-up encampments and occupied buildings, with university heads calling in police after weeks of building protests. Footage online also shows counter-protesters and pro-Israel supporters moving in on a …

1
Youth unemployment a concern for Pacific economies, report says 11:44

21h ago11:44

11:44

A recent International Labour Organisation report highlights concerns about youth unemployment, while the total unemployment in the Pacific region has returned to pre-pandemic levels.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Hawai'i the first US state to pass Gaza ceasefire resolution 7:58

21h ago7:58

7:58

Hawaii's state house on Monday voted to approve a resolution calling for a permanent and immediate ceasefire in Gaza - the first American state to do so.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Solomon Islands MPs to today decide new PM 11:07

21h ago11:07

11:07

Two men are vying for the top job: Jeremiah Manele from the incumbent Our Party and former opposition leader Mathew Wale.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
What you should know about Australia's new Pacific Engagement Visa 8:28

21h ago8:28

8:28

The Pacific Engagement Visa will be based on an online ballot and will allow up to 3,000 eligible Pacific Islanders annually to live and work in Australia.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Solomon Islands parliament to decide new PM today 51:22

21h ago51:22

51:22

Tune in each morning and afternoon to keep-up-to-date on the happenings in the Pacific.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Fiji ex-PM Frank Bainimarama makes last-ditch legal bid to avert jail time 7:40

21h ago7:40

7:40

The High Court is expected to rule on an appeal on his sentence in Suva later today.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
A Conversation with Asia Society President Dr. Kyung-wha Kang on Leadership and Global Governance 54:17

24h ago54:17

54:17

Managing Director Rorry Daniels interviews Asia Society President and CEO, Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, on what has shaped her career, including her mentors and key successes. The conversation also covers how Dr. Kang's experience in national government and international institutions influences her perspective on global governance and the important role of …

1
Care International Canada With Barbara Grantham, CEO 35:27

1d ago35:27

35:27

Barbara Grantham, CEO of Care Canada, is back on the show to discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning from leading a regional organization to a global one. Barbara reflects on the evolution of her role, emphasizing the shift from local to international leadership and the complexities she has faced. She shares insights into Care Canada's …

1
Nan Goldin's intimate portraits and signature work on display 10:39

2d ago10:39

10:39

She's famous for her intimate photos of friends dying from AIDS or drugs, and for decades her work has explored subcultures such as the post-Stonewall queer community in New York. Nan Goldin's signature work — the Ballad of Sexual Dependency — began as a slideshow and was later distilled into 126 photos. Now it's on loan at the Art Gallery of Balla…

1
How Australia is mitigating risks from natural hazards 5:40

2d ago5:40

5:40

Natural Hazards Research Australia is the key national organisation tasked with addressing the major challenges arising from events such as bushfires, cyclones, heatwaves and floods. The organisation has just appointed one of Australia's leading environmental engineers as their new Science and Innovation Director. How will the appointment refocus t…

1
National Cabinet: Opposition calls for DV funding to increase 9:28

2d ago9:28

9:28

Today's emergency National Cabinet aims to address the escalating levels of family and domestic violence. The sole agenda item is to find immediate, meaningful and practical action to address family violence. Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley says she agrees that investment in this area has to be massively increase in this area. She's called on t…

1
Mining giant BHP offers Brazil $39b for dam disaster 8:14

2d ago8:14

8:14

The Fundao dam collapse in 2015 was the largest spill of mining waste in history, and considered Brazil's worst ever environmental disaster. It unleashed a torrent of nearly 40 million cubic meters of toxic sludge, flooding 39 towns and killing 19 people. Now, Australian mining firm BHP and its partner Vale have offered $39 billion to settle local …

1
'Affordable homes' key to combating DV, advocate says 9:32

2d ago9:32

9:32

Advocates for homeless services are calling on the federal government to invest more to prevent domestic or gender based violence. Kate Colvin, Homelessness Australia CEO says women can't leave violent homes as they don't have another home to go to, or if they do they get stuck in homelessness. She says "having homes people can go to that are affor…

1
Rabbitohs sack coach, and is another Wallaby set to switch to league? - Sport with Warwick Hadfield 6:04

2d ago6:04

6:04

In rugby league, at the end of a tumultuous day of board meetings, South Sydney has sacked coach Jason Demetriou. This will take effect immediately, while the search is on for permanent replacement. While in rugby union news, Melbourne Rebels number 10 Carter Gordon is being shopped around to rugby league clubs, also Wallaroos squad. And in golf,…

1
National Cabinet to discuss domestic violence crisis 8:55

2d ago8:55

8:55

The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner is addressing today's emergency National Cabinet, she told RN Breakfast she wants National Cabinet to walk out with a resolve that addressing gendered violence will stay a priority overtime. The Commissioner says one of the issues she's deeply concerned with is the younger generation growing up …

1
Changes to foreign investment and National Cabinet to discuss gendered violence - Politics with David Crowe 4:29

2d ago4:29

4:29

How significant are the changes the Treasurer has announced to the foreign investment laws? And National Cabinet will be held later this morning - it'll begin in just over an hour - how likely are we to see some concrete measures or money committed following it? The chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age David Crowe…

1
Treasurer announces stronger foreign investment rules 11:16

2d ago11:16

11:16

In a major speech today the Treasurer will announce Australia will introduce stronger foreign investment rules, as the government tries to bolster domestic investment and local supply chains. Australia will join other western nations and five eyes partners who have already tightened their foreign investment laws, as geo-political tensions and the r…

1
India revealed as country behind 'nest of spies' 11:28

2d ago11:28

11:28

The Washington Post reports that "nest of spies" referred to by ASIO boss Mike Burgess in 2021 was made up of Indian intelligence officers. They were reportedly working for the same agency the Washington Post now claims was behind a high-profile assassination attempt on American soil.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Mt Fuji view blocked from troublesome tourists 4:57

2d ago4:57

4:57

Japan is home to some of the most densely populated cities on earth, where large crowds are a way of life and tourists are - for the most part - welcome. But one community has reached breaking point, erecting a mesh net roughly the size of a cricket pitch to block one of the most popular views of Mt Fuji. It's to stop bad-behaving tourists who brea…

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