Saturday Extra - Separate stories podcast

Will the world recognise a Palestinian state?

In just one week, France, Britain and Canada have all said they will recognise a Palestinian state, marking a major policy shift.The Albanese government says it is a matter of not if, but when, Australia will do the same.The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has slammed the planned move, calling it a reward for "Hamas's monstrous terrorism."

Hands off our Humanities - calls to scrap the Job Ready Graduate package 

Some of Australia's leading writers, academics and thinkers have signed an open letter by the Australian Historical Society asking the Albanese government to repeal Scott Morrison's Job-Ready Graduates package, calling instead for a more equitable university fee system that does not penalise arts and social sciences graduates.Writers Helen Garner, Tim Winton, Charlotte Wood - and over 100 other influential voices spanning business, arts and politics have all signed the letter. Guest: Steve Vizard, comedian and author of Nation, Memory, Myth, Gallipoli and the Australian Imaginary (2025) 

New EVs hitting the market as Chinese brands gain dominance

Australia has lagged behind other developed nations when it comes to EVs — but we may just be catching up.One month ago, penalties were introduced for car makers that fail to comply with new vehicle emissions standards — bringing Australia into line with rules that have been in place for over a decade in the US and Europe.And the knock-on effects are starting to be felt, with more EVs hitting the market and prices dropping.

Shock waves continue five years on from Port of Beirut explosion

It is five years since a fire ignited a storage warehouse in the port of Beirut, causing a massive explosion in the Lebanese capital.With shock-waves equivalent to a 3.3 magnitude earthquake, the port was pulverised and the death toll is believed to be at least 221.But the political and personal shock-waves continue to this day, as a judicial investigation into the disaster remains stalled.

Has Trump successfully up-ended global trade?

President Trump's August 1 deadline for tariff deals has passed with a flurry of agreements as countries rush to avoid punitive levies.The European Union and Japan agreed to 15 per cent tariffs. India has accepted a 25 per cent tariff. Tariffs on Australia will remain at the baseline of 10 per cent.So has the self-styled 'tariff man' delivered on his promise to up-end the terms of global trade?