The Morning Edition

With a federal election just around the corner, has Treasurer Jim Chalmers managed to help ease our financial pain without going on a spending spree, which would inevitably lead to being blamed for fuelling inflation? Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright, speaks to Samantha from within the budget lock-up in Parliament House, on the surprise new tax cut for every Australian, whether those who are millennials or Gen Z (who together will make up the largest percentage of the voting population this year) are being helped disproportionately and who, if anyone, has been left behind.  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.

Cosmetic injectables, like Botox and dermal fillers, are a boom industry in Australia and running alongside this is easy access to telehealth appointments, which have led some people to getting injectables after a consultation with a doctor that lasts only 52 seconds. Today, senior reporter Henrietta Cook and investigative reporter Clay Lucas, on how often unintended and tragic consequences, like permanent blindness, can arise from these procedures. And whether this is an industry that is slipping through the cracks, in terms of adequate regulatory oversight. Read the series on The Age and Sydney Morning Herald here [https://www.theage.com.au/national/gone-in-52-seconds-inside-australia-s-telehealth-injectables-gold-rush-20250310-p5ligv.html].  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.

For months now, American president Donald Trump has been saying that Canada should become part of the United States.  At first, many treated it as a joke. But now, as Canadians might say, the gloves are off. Its leaders have hit back, forcefully. And Canadian comedian Mike Myers sparked a viral social movement that has swept the country, after he appeared on Saturday Night Live, motioned to his arms, and mouthed the words: “Elbows up!” Today, former Higher Commissioner to Canada, Scott Ryan, on just how much damage Trump can do to Canadian sovereignty. And whether his threats might help determine who becomes the next Canadian prime minister. 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.

Just as Treasurer Jim Chalmers puts the final touches on his pre-election budget, the local threat emanating from Donald Trump's global trade war is becoming clearer. Labor is boosting Australia's subsidised medicine scheme, but US big pharma companies want to boost their profits down under. Meanwhile Peter Dutton is under pressure to set out a clear platform before the May election, and next week will be one of his last big chances. 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.

From the relative comfort of our distant homes, it’s easy to look at the United States, and the grotesque inequality its people suffer and wonder: how did that happen? But, it’s no accident. It’s by choice. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on the historical decisions made by American leaders that have led to this moment. And the perfect storm that president Donald Trump has created, to super-charge the inequality. 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.