7am

Right now, war and economic uncertainty abroad are colliding with the daily struggle at home to keep a roof over our heads and put food on the table.
The cost of living is stretching more than household budgets. It’s wearing people down. The worry follows them to work, comes home with them, and keeps them awake at night.
For the Albanese government, those pressures are making an already difficult job harder. But Australians need to feel their government can do something about it, and the longer they wait for relief, the harder it becomes to sustain that belief.
Today, executive director of Essential Media Peter Lewis, on a government under pressure, a public running out of patience, and the case for a bolder response.
*Peter Lewis is an executive director of Essential, a progressive strategic communications and research company. Essential is conducting qualitative research for the ALP

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Guest: Executive Director of Essential Media Peter Lewis
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
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There can come a point in growing older when staying in the home you love depends on someone helping you out of bed, making a meal, or making sure you’ve taken your medication.
That care can mean holding on to your independence, to familiar surroundings, and to a life that still feels like your own.
But now, the government is using an algorithm to determine home care funding – replacing assessors’ judgement with a formula that can overlook the complexities of someone’s life. And assessors can't override its decisions – even when they believe they're wrong.
Today, aged care expert Professor Kathy Eagar, on the human consequences of handling those decisions to an algorithm, and the people whose needs are not being met as a result.

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Guest: Aged care researcher at UNSW, Professor Kathy Eagar
Photo: Michaela Rehle/Reuters
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As data centres appear in suburbs across Australia, tech companies and governments have been touting the economic benefits of the boom.
But for those who live near new and planned centres, the sell hasn’t worked. And now, the community backlash is starting to have big results.
Today, ABC business reporter Daniel Ziffer on the fragility of the AI data centre boom.

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Guest: ABC business reporter Daniel Ziffer
Photo: AAP Image/Christopher Hopkins
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This wasn’t the story global political analysts had been expecting to tell this week: In Brazil and Serbia, the youth are celebrating. Their hope for a democratic future has been restored after two shock election wins for the left that young voters helped deliver.
But as the polling booths close today in what’s been described as one of Israel’s most consequential elections, it’s likely to be a very different story.
Today, co-host of The News Agents Emily Maitlis on a blockbuster week of elections, the Trump-effect hanging over all three countries, and how the results could shape global politics.

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Guest: The News Agents co-host Emily Maitlis
Photo: EPA/Isaac Fontana
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She was the first person ever to become an astronaut wearing the Australian flag – and now Australian of the year Katherine Bennell-Pegg could finally be taking that flag into space.
The federal government has sent an offer to the European Space Agency to send Bennell-Pegg on a 2028 space mission.
If accepted, it will be the first time an astronaut has travelled to space under the Australian flag.
But there’s a $100 million dollar catch.
Today, co-director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University, Dr Rebecca Allen on whether the hefty price tag is worth it – and why she thinks Australia needs to become a player in the space game.

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: Co-Director of the Space Technology Institute at Swinburne Uni, Dr Rebecca Allen
Photo: AAP Image/Darren England
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.