The Conversation Hour

An ABC analysis of census data recently revealed that women are more likely to exceed their husbands when it comes to education. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the provocative question what role things like educational status and earning capacity play in who we walk down the aisle with. Also in this edition, how Geelong is fairing in the wake of the oil refinery fire plus, will th...

The Consumer Health Forum is calling for the Federal Government to prioritise dental affordability ahead of the budget, off the back of its survey findings that eight in ten are finically strained by dental costs. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with their CEO the sacrifices Australians are having to make to go to the dentist and what measures the CHF would like the Federal Gover...

The AFL tribunal has found Port Adelaide player Zak Butters guilty of verbally abusing umpire Nick Foot, despite a lack of evidence. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk through the principles of justice and discuss whether it should have gone to the tribunal in the first place. Also in this edition, the significance of having four Australians have drafted into the WNBA, plus how would...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour Arthur Sinodinos, chair of the United States study centre and former Australian ambassador to the US and liberal minister reflects on the intricate balance of a more self-reliant Australia while also maintaining a solid US alliance, off the back of his opinion piece for The Guardian. Also in this edition, how to better support people retiring with housing d...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new report from The Grattan Institute that explores attitudes towards democracy in Australia and how to protect it into the future. Also in this edition, we talk passenger health on ultra-long flights, a change of leadership in Hungary as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's concedes defeat. Plus we also speak with the Jesuit Social Services about a f...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore the importance of learning the art of reparation.

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on how the Lebanese community is feeling amidst the Middle East conflict.

In this episode of The Conversation Hour, the latest on the Iran and US conflict. We ask a Middle East analyst does this two-week ceasefire mean peace? Also, do you still use the water saving measures you implemented in the 1990s during water restrictions? And we find out how many minutes of exercise you should be doing each week. 

The Fair Work Commission will abolish junior pay rates for young adult employees aged 18 to 20 in the fast food, retail, and pharmacy sectors with a phase-in period of up to four years. In this edition of the Conversation Hour we talk what it means for both young workers and business. Also in this edition, why Gen Z dads feel they need to be the providers and we talk farmers mental health in the f...

In breaking news this morning police have shot dead fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman in Victoria's north-east. Freeman had been on the run for seven months, and was wanted for the fatal shootings of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart. Bringing back memories of the tragic day of losing the officers, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we di...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what impact the fuel crisis could have on kids sports, particularly for those living in regional Victoria having to drive long distance, and how to best support young people playing sport in a cost of living crisis.  Also in this edition, the UK has launched it's own version of Saturday Night Live, we ask will we ever see a SNL hit our shores. 

Last week we discussed what role cycling could play as an alternative to driving in the context of the fuel crisis, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we delve into whether there could be an uptick in people turning to walking for their daily commute and how to look after your feet if it is something you are considering.  Also in this edition, mitigating fuel theft, the latest from the teach...

In this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore a new study from Monash University that has highlighted the emotional stress experienced by school principals and we discuss why they will be joining the teachers strikes. Also in this edition, we talk the world's best airports, delve into a study that looks at Australian attitudes towards national security, plus celebrate the public toilet.

As petrol prices continue to rise, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore whether people will turn to the trusty bicycle to save money and if we actually have the infrastructure to support an uptick in cyclists. Plus, later in the hour we talk with Dr Anne Jones, host of What the Duck about her new podcast that delves into the curious mix of true crime and natural history. 

With news today that Victoria's Conservation Regulator is investigating reports of jet ski riders harassing dolphins at Philip Island, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss just how much they disrupt marine life and what measures should be put in place to protect sea mammals. Also in this edition, we recently spoke on the program about whether the fuel crisis will see drivers shift t...

In a time of global conflict, how should you think about your budget, your priorities, and your long term plans? 

Yesterday on program we received a few calls from trade workers who shared their concerns about how the fuel crisis will impact their business. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with industry figures about just how acutely it will be felt and also what it means for consumers. We also throw the spotlight on the vast area of Gippsland to explore the cost of rising fuel prices on the...

As discussion rages about how the war in the Middle East will impact our fuel supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we ask the question just how well placed is our public transport system equipped to deal with a demand surge in Victoria. Also in this edition, a new study looks at reducing the risk of birth trauma, plus we bring you all the latest from the Oscars.

Opal Healthcare is trialling a new two-tier system essentially requiring residents to pay extra for things like a hot breakfast and tv in rooms. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk how far a system like this goes in perpetuating inequity in aged care and whether we will likely see it spread further across the sector. Also in this edition, the critical role social connection plays in p...

Home sellers would pay for building and pest inspections, under a new pitch from the Victorian Government  if it is re-elected later this year. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we speak with key industry figures about the pros and cons on the plan and discuss whether there is a risk of conflict of interest.  Also in this edition, while Australia celebrates the courage of the Iranian soccer...

The war in Middle East has sparked a wave of panic buying fuel, despite reassurances that there is no shortage of supplies, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what underpins panic buying.  Also in this edition, the rise of alternative energy sources, a new Nationals leader, plus top tips for composting.

With news this morning that Australia will send military support to the United Arab Emirates in this edition of The Conversation Hour we discuss whether this can still be seen as a defensive move or whether is Australia is now an active participant. We also reflect on the significance of the Iranian soccer players being offered in humanitarian visas plus later in hour, with Oscars just around the...

Actor Timothée Chalamet went viral over the weekend for his comments dismissing the ballet and opera, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk to the Australian Contemporary Opera Company about keeping opera relevant. But before that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are headed to Melbourne, we talk what is behind the visit and discuss what sort of interest the visit might garner locally.  Pl...

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to how menopause impacts the lives of women, in this edition of The Conversation Hour we talk all things menopause. 

Melbourne author Helen Garner shared what inspired her to become a Western Bulldogs supporter on Breakfast this morning and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we take your calls on what influenced who you go for. Also in this edition, why we need to bolster support for netball, plus what is was like to be in the crowd when Ed Sheeran visited the Royal Children's hospital.