Firebombs and gang wars: The bloody fallout of Australia’s tobacco crackdown

A week ago, most pundits were predicting a hung parliament as the likely outcome of Australia’s federal election. Instead, Labor has secured one of its largest majorities in recent decades – eclipsing even Bob Hawke’s first-term result. Anthony Albanese now commands near-unquestioned authority within his party. But as the celebrations subside, questions are already emerging about how his government will use that mandate and whether hubris could undo it. Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno, on Labor’s historic win and the risks that follow a landslide.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno Photo: AAP/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1999, Ali Jafari fled the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and was resettled as a refugee in Australia. But then, while visiting Pakistan, his permanent residency was suddenly cancelled. Now, 12 years later, he’s still stranded – separated from his family and fighting ASIO’s allegations that he is a people smuggler. In court, Jafari’s family and legal team are up against it. They have discovered that the evidence behind his adverse security assessment is deemed confidential and will only be presented in a closed hearing – without their presence. It’s an example of how  the national security apparatus is increasingly being used to pursue suspected people smugglers, often at the expense of foundational principles of justice. Today, journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Mark Isaacs on the Jafari family’s search for answers and why ASIO refuses to provide them.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Mark Isaacs. Photo: AFP Photo / BasarnasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January, Katie Tangey was killed in a Melbourne house fire believed to be part of the ongoing “tobacco wars”. Police say she was an innocent victim and the arsonists got the wrong address. The tobacco wars are driven by rival gangs fighting over a black market worth billions, and have been marked by firebombings, extortion and murder. While headlines focus on the violence, skyrocketing government taxes on tobacco have long been fuelling the fire behind the scenes. Today, associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray, on how a public health initiative created the conditions for a deadly turf war.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray. Photo: AAP Image/Diego FedeleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Peter Dutton conceded his 24-year hold on the Brisbane seat of Dickson, he said the Liberal Party will “rebuild”. The party’s soul-searching has begun, as it looks to select a new leader and consider its future direction. But a return to the Liberal Party’s traditional values is complicated by Peter Dutton having led the party further to the right and the election having diminished much of its moderate wing. Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow, on what’s next for the Liberal Party.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow. Credit: Pat Hoelscher / APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Middleton has known Anthony Albanese for more than 30 years – since before he entered parliament. She’s watched his rise, and documented the moments that have shaped the leader he is today. And Karen says this election is going to change Anthony Albanese, in ways that will change the country too. Today author of Albanese: Telling it Straight Karen Middleton, on why Anthony Albanese won – and what the next three years of Labor government will look like.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and author of Albanese - Telling It Straight Karen Middleton Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mood inside Labor HQ was jubilant as it became clear that against all expectations, Anthony Albanese had led the Labor party to victory, with a significantly increased majority. For the coalition the outcome is devastating, and Peter Dutton is out of a job. On top of that, the next generation of Liberal leadership has been wiped off the electoral map, setting the party back for years to come. Today, we take you inside Anthony Albanese’s election night party with special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis.  We find out how Labor defied the odds and what it means for the country.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s election day! While Anthony Albanese’s campaign has been modest and predictable, Peter Dutton’s has been marked by missteps and backflips. It seems the traits that powered Dutton’s rise are now holding him back. Today, columnist and former adviser to two prime ministers, Sean Kelly, on the decisions that shaped both leaders – and what killed Peter Dutton’s campaign.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Columnist and former adviser to two prime ministers, Sean Kelly. Photo: AAP Image/PoolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the election was announced, just five weeks ago, at least five women have been killed by their partners in Australia. Yet this crisis has barely received a mention in either of the two major parties’ campaigns.  Dr Tracy Westerman, a Nyamal woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, has worked as a psychologist in remote communities for 25 years. She says where she works, the silence from politicians has been especially deafening. Aboriginal women face a significantly higher risk of domestic violence, but the assumptions our political leaders draw about the causes are deeply misguided.  Today, Dr Tracy Westerman on what’s really fuelling intimate partner violence in Aboriginal communities – and how to stop women from being killed.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Dr Tracy Westerman. Photo: AAP / Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s one question Grace Tame is asked all the time: when is she going into politics? And her answer is always the same – never. Like many younger Australians, Tame is disillusioned with the two-party system, which she says serves a dwindling minority of morbidly wealthy players rather than the general public. But as Australia heads into an election where Gen Z and Millennials outnumber Baby Boomers for the first time, she thinks it’s a chance to move beyond the two-party games. Today, 2021 Australian of the Year and director of the Grace Tame Foundation, Grace Tame, on advocating for change outside of politics, and why this election is a chance to fix democracy.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: 2021 Australian of the Year and director of the Grace Tame Foundation, Grace Tame. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under Peter Dutton’s leadership, the Coalition has placed One Nation candidates second on scores of how-to-vote cards across the country. In return, Pauline Hanson has switched One Nation's how-to-vote cards to preference the Liberals second in seats where the Coalition is under threat. The decision goes against decades of principled condemnation of Hanson and One Nation inside the Liberal Party, and normalises what has for almost 30 years been a shunned fringe voice in Australian politics. It signals a change not just in campaign tactics, but in what the Liberals stand for. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the preference deal between One Nation and the Liberal Party and whether it could backfire.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: AAP Image / Brian CaseySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.