When Anthony Albanese met with Donald Trump, the two leaders cut a deal on critical minerals worth $13 billion. And as we settle into a new phase of the relationship with our most important ally – this is Australia’s crucial bargaining chip, as the US tries to break China’s grip on the supply chain of critical minerals.China’s global domination has been in the works for decades – a grand plan that gives China ready access to materials essential for everything from fighter jets to wind turbines. It also gives Beijing extraordinary leverage over Western economies and defence forces.Today, columnist for Australian Foreign Affairs Ian Verrender, on China’s long game on critical minerals domination – and the old pile of mining waste in Western Australia which could upend it. This episode was originally published in July 2025. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Columnist for Australian Foreign Affairs, Ian VerrenderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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13:26
Is Barnaby at home in One Nation?
Barnaby Joyce has announced he would not recontest his seat of New England, saying his “relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down”. People are now guessing whether his flirtation with One Nation will turn into marriage. So does the former Nationals leader belong in Pauline Hanson’s party – and will he be any happier there? Today, journalist and founder of Rampart News, Joe Aston, on whether this is the end of Barnaby’s turbulent career in politics – or the start of a new chapter. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and founder of Rampart News, Joe Aston Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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15:43
Prince Andrew, Epstein and the emails
“We are in this together… we’ll play some more soon.” That’s what Prince Andrew wrote to Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 – the day after a photo of Andrew with accuser Virginia Giuffre hit the papers. The email undercuts the prince’s claim that the two had cut ties in 2010, and is part of a new stream of documents surfacing as US Congress releases tens of thousands of pages from the Epstein files. And as the revelations about Prince Andrew keep coming – he’s now dropped his titles and royal honors. Today, reporter and author of The Lasting Harm: Witnessing the Trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, on the scandals enveloping Prince Andrew, and whether we should expect more to come out about people in Epstein’s orbit. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Author of The Lasting Harm: Witnessing the Trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Lucia Osborne-CrowleySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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16:34
The ‘playbook’ lobbyists use to delay climate action
When Professor Christian Downie appeared before a Senate inquiry into climate and energy misinformation, he warned that Australia is facing coordinated campaigns designed not to debate climate solutions, but to stall them. Professor Downie has spent years inside boardrooms and the lobbying world studying how these campaigns are built – tracing the billions spent on messaging by lobby groups, PR firms and think tanks – and outlining what he calls “the climate obstruction playbook”. It’s a strategy refined in Washington and increasingly echoed in Australia. Today, Professor at ANU’s School of Regulation and Global Governance and Director of the Governing Energy Transition Lab, Christian Downie, on how the obstruction playbook has been so successful in stopping action on climate change. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Professor at ANU’s School of Regulation and Global Governance and Director of the Governing Energy Transition Lab, Christian Downie Photo: REUTERS/Pascal RossignolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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16:14
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Trump and Albanese’s new friendship
Anthony Albanese was so chuffed with his meeting with US President Donald Trump that the prime minister joked he’d use Trump’s endorsement in his next campaign ads. While Trump is used to a procession of world leaders coming through his door, there was more at stake for Albanese, who is trying to manage an increasingly difficult relationship. In the end, the two leaders struck a major critical minerals agreement that will see billions in US investment pumped into Australia, and made assurances the AUKUS deal is on track. But there are lingering questions about what that deal will mean for our relationship with China and whether AUKUS will really go ‘full steam ahead’. Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton on what went on inside the room when the two leaders met, and what it all means for the Australia–US alliance. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Press gallery journalist, Karen Middleton Photo: AP Photo/Evan VucciSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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