The Conversation Hour

In this edition of The Conversation Hour independent economist Saul Eslake joins Mary Gearin to chat about how the recent drop in house prices could mark a shift towards seeing housing as a basic human right, over an investment opportunity.  Also in this episode, should Victoria follow the NSW government's medicinal cannabis driving reforms? Plus, a fashion runway with a difference. 

The effectiveness of recent reforms aimed to reduce harm from alcohol delivery services has been subject to a new study from Monash University and Turning Point. The report found that four in ten Victorians surveyed had received an alcohol delivery while intoxicated, despite the reforms prohibiting delivering to consumers who are intoxicated or appear intoxicated. In this edition of the Conversati...

Recent data indicates that almost 20 per cent of Australian students don't finish school, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we explore how schools are best placed to retain students. Also in this edition, tax tips with the ATO, the return of Serena Williams, birthdays in the age of social media and could Australia's scam prevention program be improved?

New figures have indicated that Victorian students are missing more than seven million days of classes each year in part due to parents taking them on holiday. In this edition of The Conversation we look at just how prevalent this is becoming and why some parents opt to travel during the semester. Also in this edition, will we see the rise of progressive populism in Australia? Plus why Melbourne l...

New research from Jean Hailes and Dementia Australia has revealed that most women are unaware of the factors that my contribute to their dementia risk, as well as the mortality rates. In this edition of the Conversation we talk what can reduce your dementia risk. Also in this edition, why Gen Z loves the 90s and the rise of line dancing.

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk the sexual health of older Australians and how it is an often neglected area of research, particularly when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases. Also in this edition, dealing with 'scanxiety' after a blood cancer diagnosis. Plus, is 'baby brain' really a thing?

In the wake of Brad Scott's departure from Essendon, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with AFL legends Kevin Sheedy and Joel Bowden about what makes a great coach. Also, in this edition preventing child criminal exploitation, why younger generations are favouring texts over calls, plus we pay tribute to a family run business that is closing its doors after 172 years

With the sad passing of Neale Daniher in this edition of The Conversation Hour we reflect on his legacy and also speak with an MND researcher about the disease. Also in this episode, the sacking of Brad Scott from Essendon, gun control in Victoria plus what Pope Leo XIV thinks about AI.

As we head into our final week of free public transport in Victoria in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore some new research into just how much free public transport changes our travel behaviour. Also in this edition, why are the Teals talking about forming a political party, the significance of the closure of an STI clinic in the CBD, plus how much are you spending on your pets?

Recent research has revealed what makes menopause symptoms more severe and ongoing for some women, in this edition of the Conversation Hour we speak with the author of the report and hear your experiences of menopause. Also in this edition, how to create a sense of space in smaller apartments, epic whale migration, plus the end of Stephen Colbert's Late Show.

Following on from yesterday's discussion about job cuts at the CSIRO, in this edition of The Conversation Hour  the Science Minister responds to climate modelling cuts at the institution.  Also in this edition, a new study on passenger safety on taxi and rideshare services, combating online misinformation for new parents, plus normalising older women on the catwalk. 

The CSIRO will press ahead with cutting up to 350 jobs, despite receiving federal government funding of  $387.4 million over the next four years. With reports today  of cuts to the team working on the national climate model,  we discuss what these potential cuts would mean for climate projections.  Also in this edition we talk citizen science, preventing infection at the nail salon plus we celebra...

It's World Family Doctor Day and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the role of the AI scribe in the doctors surgery, and the patient GP relationship. Also in this edition, how is the social media ban changing how young people engage with the news, AI at the movies, plus what's instore for the new season of Restoration Australia.

Victoria police have revealed that their Transit Safety Division 'STOPIT' unit have received more than 7,000 reports of unwanted sexual and anti-social behaviour over the last five years which have resulted in 77 arrests. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss the significance of the numbers and how to stay safe on public transport. Also in this edition, the power of volunteering and...

Delta Goodrem has made it to the Eurovision Grand Final after performing her song Eclipse. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss accents in music, what actually makes a voice sound Australian and do accents make songs more, or less marketable? Also in this edition, the health of healthcare in the federal budget, plus the significance of Trump's visit to China.

With recent calls for a universal school lunch program, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with two schools who have created a lunch program for their students. Also in this edition, preventing injury in community sport, how the oceans are becoming to loud for whales, plus Homer Simpson turns 70.

The Federal Budget has been handed down and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore just how far it goes in reducing intergenerational inequity and how it could shift our attitudes towards home ownership. Also in this edition, Split Enz are in town, we hear your favourite songs and gigs.

Ahead of the federal budget tonight, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the issue of voter trust and does it really matter if a party breaks an election promise?   Plus, as Michael Voss quits Carlton, we look at the future of the club.

One Nation won the seat of Farrer from the Coalition, which had held the seat for 77 years. Meanwhile in the UK local elections indicate a decline for support of major parties. In this edition for The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins a fracturing political landscape. Also in this edition, the mental health of vets, the release of UFO files in the US, plus we ask you how you feel about g...

Sir David Attenborough has turned 100, and in this edition of The Conversation we explore how he has influenced and inspired generations to care about the natural world. Also in this edition, the latest on the war in Iran, plus what's it like to be a flight paramedic.

There has been fierce debate this morning regarding whether the screening of The World Cup should be banned at Fed Square. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk what it means to balance the benefits of community connection fostered by the event against the security concerns. Also in this edition, concerning rates of asthma in the inner West, combating online radicalisation, and the impa...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we introduce you to  Santiago Velasquez.  Santiago is blind and has created an app that enables public transport passengers to electronically hail a bus from their phone in real time. The technology is currently being trialled in the bus service here in Victoria. We are also joined by Vision Australia to discuss how best to improve public transport accessib...

With yet another nightclub firebombing overnight in this edition of the Conversation Hour we discuss what impact this series of attacks is having on the hospitality sector more broadly. Also in this edition, the health of local media, art fakes,  plus, what's behind the Met Gala backlash?

A recent report from Go Gentle Australia has highlighted concerns about access to Voluntary Assisted Dying in aged care, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at the current policy and speak with senior advocacy groups about what measures they would like to see to ensure access for those who seek it. Also in this edition, the pressure on hairdressers to be therapists, the significance o...

With the distressing news of the stabbing of a paramedic on Thursday in Reservoir in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss what protections and supports should be in place to bolster their safety and wellbeing at work. Also in this edition, tips for renovating during a fuel crisis, plus why are fast food shares down?