7am

On Monday, about 6,000 people attended a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney.
The event began peacefully – but videos later emerged, showing protesters being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and arrested by police.
Police say some demonstrators wanted to march to NSW Parliament despite a restriction making it unlawful – and that when orders to disperse were ignored, they had to move the crowd on.
Twenty-seven protesters were arrested.
There have been a number of incidents in recent years where police have been accused of using excessive force against protesters. It comes as officers increasingly use weapons like pepper spray and rubber bullets.
Today, journalist and author Ariel Bogle on the use of these so-called “non-lethal” weapons, and how they’re changing protests in Australia.
This episode was first published in October 2025.

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Guest: Journalist and author Ariel Bogle
Photo: AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone
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It took just nine months for the Liberal Party to turn on its first female leader. After months of internal agitation and sliding polls, a spill motion was called and, by the end, Ley was out – replaced by a man many conservatives had wanted all along, Angus Taylor.
Taylor, a former energy minister and standard-bearer for the party’s right, has promised discipline, economic clarity and a return to what he calls “core Liberal values”, where culture wars aren’t a distraction; they’re the strategy.
For some, it’s a reset. For others, it’s a signal that internal battles are far from over.
Today, Political Editor at news.com.au Samantha Maiden, on how the spill unfolded, who backed Taylor and why, and whether this puts the Coalition in a stronger position than it was at the start of the week.

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Guest: Samantha Maiden, political editor news.com.au
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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The knives are out. The spill is on!
Liberal MP Angus Taylor is set to challenge Sussan Ley for the leadership in a party room showdown at 9am. Their colleagues are now scrambling to pick sides as the face off looms.
So, who will emerge triumphant? And how will the chaos play with voters?
Today, contributing editor at The New Daily, Amy Remeikis on Taylor’s chances, the gender question, and whether a leadership change can save the Liberal party.

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Guest: Amy Remeikis, Contributing Editor at The New Daily
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
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It’s Australia’s loudest, proudest celebration.
But two weeks out from Mardi Gras – there are claims a rebel group has hijacked the event from inside the community.
We hear from the two groups at war over the future of the parade.
Today, Peter Murphy from Protect Mardi Gras, and Charlie Murphy from Pride in Protest on the battle threatening to tear Mardi Gras apart.

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Guest: Peter Murphy, Protect Mardi Gras and Charlie Murphy, Pride in Protest
Photo: AAP Image/Rounak Amini
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Jimmy Lai is a media tycoon and hero of Hong Kong’s freedom movement.
A symbol of the city’s fight for democracy and a free press – he has been silenced, handcuffed, and now sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Hong Kong court.
Seen as a traitor by Beijing, Lai has been jailed on charges of sedition and collusion with foreign forces – which he says are politically motivated.
Today, Sebastien Lai on fighting for his father’s freedom and what this case says about China’s ongoing crackdown in Hong Kong.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Sebastien Lai, son of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai
Photo: Kobe Li/Nexpher Images/Sipa USA
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.