An Apple a Week with Dr Katie Allen

The Hon Dr Kay Patterson AO was a Victorian Senator for 21 years and Minister for Health and Ageing. She is now the Human Rights Commissioner for Age Discrimination and is on the Council of Elders so she knows a thing or two about the impact of ageing on individuals, our community and the economy. Join me as we discuss how to address ageism, elder abuse and the rising problem of women at risk of h...

Stuart Wood AM KC is one of Australia’s leading silks in Industrial Relations law. Join me as we discuss the recent test case of the 2009 Gillard amendment to the Fair Work Act: Ryan vs Rugg. What are the implications for workers and businesses in the context of a changing workplace? How will this affect our future productivity as a country?

Dr Elizabeth Finkel is a science journalist and co-founder of COSMOS - a popular science magazine. Her soon-to-be-released book, Proof, explores science mis-communication through COVID. Join me as we discuss what went wrong during the pandemic and how eminence-based medicine trumped evidence-based medicine in some countries.

As an experienced CEO and board director including on the Reserve Bank of Australia, Alison Watkins brings a wealth of insights across many sectors of our economy. Add to that her new role as Chancellor of the University of Tasmania and Alison has lots to say on how Australian prosperity can flourish going forward. Join me as we discuss how we can grasp our national opportunities better.

Tony Walker is an award-winning journalist and author who has witnessed massive changes in political journalism from the Whitlam-era to today. He has served as a Foreign Correspondent in the Middle East and China for Fairfax and the Financial Times of London. Join me as I “turn the microphone” on a political journalist who has interviewed the great, the good and the not so good during important pi...

As former Director of Energy at Fortescue Metals and now MD of Pollination, a clean energy investment and advisory firm, Rob Grant has been deeply engaged in the economics of the clean tech energy transition. Join me as we discuss the complexities of an issue that requires smart thinking not just wishful thinking.

As Chair of A New Approach, Australia’s first think tank for the Arts, Rupert Myer has done a lot of deep thinking about how to better support our creative and cultural industries. Join me as we discuss his vision for a more collaborative and creative approach to enabling a sector that not only provides beauty and joy to our daily lives but is core to our future prosperity.

As Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Coatsworth played a key role in communicating critical government decisions during the early uncertain days of COVID. How did he navigate the politicised environment of the crisis given his training in infectious diseases and respiratory medicine? Join me as we discuss the real-time decision making faced by our health bureaucrats.

Professor Peter Doherty is one of Australia’s pre-eminent scientists. As a Nobel prize winner, former Australian of the Year and highly published author he continues to contribute to the public debate on Australia’s response to COVID. He provides fascinating insights into the origins of COVID and whether it’s here to stay.

Charlotte Mortlock is passionate about engaging more women in politics. As a former Sky journalist she understands the art of communication and the importance of appealing to your audience. Join me as we discuss the Hilma initiative and her vision for more grass roots support for women to engage in the political debate.

Judith Troeth represented Victoria in the Federal Parliament as a Senator for 18 years. She shares her views on the wash up of the 2022 Victorian State Election as well as the role of policy in appealing to the female vote.

Cristina Talacko leads the Coalition for Conservation which seeks to engage legislators in Australia on policy to combat climate change. Join me as we discuss emerging trends from COP27 and the role of the free market in delivering commercial products for effective emission reduction.

As former Chief Scientist of Australia, Professor Alan Finkel drove the Low Emissions Technology Strategy to help unleash Australia’s potential as a global renewable superpower. Join me as we discuss commercialising clean tech and the outcomes of COP27.

This week marks the 5th anniversary when Australia voted Yes to Marriage Equality. It was particularly significant for former Member of Federal Parliament, Trent Zimmerman, who was the 1st openly gay to be elected to the House of Representatives. He reflects on the joy the resulting legislation has brought to thousands of Australian couples and families. We also discuss the Zimmerman report- a par...

Greg Hunt was in the hot seat as Minister for Health for Australia when COVID emerged and then raged across the globe. Join me as we discuss the pressures and complicated decisions that had to be made at speed in the national interest. We explore how Greg navigated a crisis of unprecedented nature and how he kept his cool through a tumultuous period of our history.

Dr Emma Stuart is a GP who cares deeply about delivering the best health care for her patients. She describes the post-COVID burnout of doctors and nurses and how the global shortage of healthcare workers will get worse before it gets better. As a frontline doctor in the UK she offers her insights into how to help make the healthcare system better for patients and where she thinks the future of he...

Professor Alistair Chesser is Chief Medical Officer of one of the UKs largest NHS Trusts. He was on the frontline during COVID and saw first hand the speed of the health response required. Getting the balance right in health requires navigating the efficiencies of big data while maintaining the trust of patients and the public. Join me in this fascinating conversation focussed on the changes occur...

As Health Secretary during the pandemic, Matt Hancock led the UK’s health response to COVID. Join me as we discuss the extraordinary medical research discoveries that helped protect people’s lives. We explore how rising healthcare costs and ageing populations will increasingly require governments to embrace technological opportunities to ensure better health for all.

As the UKs longest serving Health Secretary and now Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is passionate about safer healthcare. In his new book, “Zero”, he argues it’s not just good for patients to drive for zero avoidable deaths but also the financial sustainability of the healthcare system. As a paediatrician turned politician I’m fascinated to know how Jeremy thinks about the future of health. Join me to hear...