The Morning Edition

If things are supposed to be slowing down for Christmas, well, nobody told our federal politicians. This week we had a mid-year economic update and a contentious debate about the Coalition’s nuclear energy plans.   Today, chief political correspondent David Crowe joins Jacqueline Maley to look back at the political year and explore some of its themes. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter [https://www.smh.com.au/link/follow-20170101-p5apym]. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ [https://subscribe.smh.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

We found out, earlier this week, that Buruli ulcer, caused by a flesh-eating bacteria has settled into a coastal town in NSW. Experts say there’s a significant risk that the bacteria could spread to Sydney, and beyond.  Today, health editor Kate Aubusson on how we can stay safe from this disease, which has already gained a foothold in Victoria. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ [https://subscribe.smh.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

You’ve seen all the headlines. And squinted at the figures. But for god’s sake, what do they actually mean? We are, of course, talking about Peter Dutton’s nuclear energy plan. Is it really as radical as some analysts say, relying on “fairly heroic assumptions” about what it will cost? And what will it actually do to the environment?  Today, climate and energy correspondent Mike Foley on how the Opposition’s plan compares with the government’s energy strategy. And the straight facts that will help you sound like you know what you’re talking about, at your next dinner party. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ [https://subscribe.smh.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

On the weekend, four Australians were rushed to hospital in Fiji with suspected alcohol poisoning, after drinking cocktails at a resort.  This follows the mass drink poisoning in Laos last month, which claimed the lives of six tourists, including Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles. What’s happening to people’s drinks overseas? And is it all poisoning from methanol, like what happened in Laos? Today, breaking news reporter Jessica McSweeney and Dr David Ranson, a former forensic pathologist, on the latest poisonings.  Audio credit to: * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZlfHw8ovQAAustralians hospitalised in Fiji after suspected alcohol poisoning, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laIRy9RQvnw]ABC News * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wj4DC6kyFkFather opens up on daughter’s condition after suspected alcohol poisoning in Fiji [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjmy6mHjYzQ], Sky News   Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ [https://subscribe.smh.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

It reads like a script from a movie. A small-town boy from coastal new south wales who grew up to rub shoulders with the rich and the powerful and, if all the stories are true, cheating them out of a whole lot of money. Timothy John Alford is accused of being a serial swindler, cheating dozens of people in Australia and in the United States of an estimated $50 million. He has allegedly left a trail of ruin behind him. All while authorities both here, and overseas have been on his case. Today, chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont and investigative reporter Harriet Alexander on following the trail of an alleged con artist. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ [https://subscribe.smh.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.