In Anthony Albanese’s political universe, personal relationships are everything.

High on the list for Albanese is his bond with Peter V'landys, the Chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission and Chief Executive of Racing NSW.

That relationship has been central to the government’s decision to again delay reforms of gambling advertising, which V’Landys strongly opposes.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis with the inside story of why the government still hasn’t acted on gambling reform.

This episode was originally published in December 2024.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis

Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

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The Liberal Party is locked in a very public power struggle. The Coalition has broken apart. One Nation is on the rise.

What’s emerging isn’t just a shift in support, it’s something deeper – a realignment of the conservative side of politics, with broader ramifications that we’re only beginning to understand.

Today, political columnist and former Labor adviser Sean Kelly – on what’s breaking inside conservative politics, what it means for the government, and what comes next.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Political columnist and former Labor adviser Sean Kelly

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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At Forrest Place in Boorloo (Perth), on what this country officially calls Australia Day, around 2,500 people gathered to mark Invasion Day. They listened to speakers, held banners and, for a few hours, took up civic space in the way protest is meant to: visibly, peacefully, together.

Then, from a balcony above, an object arced through the air and landed near the stage. Police allege it was a homemade improvised explosive device containing nails, ball bearings and chemicals, later described as a fragmentation‑style device with the potential to cause serious harm or death. It did not detonate; it landed. The crowd was evacuated. Within hours, a 31‑year‑old man was arrested and charged with offences including intent to harm and possession of explosives.

What happened next stayed with our host Daniel James – and he decided to write about it. So in this special episode, we’re bringing you his essay on the Perth pipe bomb – and the silence that followed.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Award-winning writer and 7am host Daniel James

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