David Speers
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Articles by David Speers
Opt-out laws for social media algorithms to be introduced to parliament
David Speers Social media companies would be required to give users a choice to turn off their algorithm through pop-up messages, under draft laws to be unveiled by the government later this week. An exposure draft of the long-awaited Digital Duty of Care will be released as Labor steps up efforts to tackle online harm. The ABC understands the proposed law would place the onus on social media companies to identify and mitigate risks on their platforms and prevent the sharing of harmful content.
Opt-out laws for social media algorithms to be introduced to parliament
Social media companies would be required to give users a choice to turn off their algorithm through pop-up messages, under draft laws to be unveiled by the government later this week. An exposure draft of the long-awaited Digital Duty of Care will be released as Labor steps up efforts to tackle online harm. The ABC understands the proposed law would place the onus on social media companies to identify and mitigate risks on their platforms and prevent the sharing of harmful content.
Program: Government takes aim at the algorithm
The government is unveiling plans to compel the social media giants to allow users to opt-out of the algorithm with its digital duty of care bill. Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam joins David Speers with Niki Savva, James Campbell and Karen Middleton on the couch.
Program: The political fight over the tobacco wars | Insiders On Background
Just weeks after One Nation pledged a 75 per cent cut in tobacco excise, the Coalition is now promising an 80 per cent cut. But will this policy stamp out the illicit trade? And what are the public health implications? Laura Hunter is the Australian Council on Smoking and Health's Chief Executive. She tells David Speers there's no evidence this would work.
Hanson risks the same political point-scoring accusations she faced 30 years ago
"Fellow Australians, if you are seeing me now, it means I have been murdered." Pauline Hanson famously recorded these words in a 12-minute video message nearly 30 years ago, soon after she founded One Nation. The video was meant to be released in the event of Hanson's assassination. When it inevitably leaked, Hanson blamed her political opponents for putting her in danger.
Program: Analysis: Pauline Hanson risks accusations she's using a security issue for political points
By speaking publicly about the threats she's facing, the One Nation leader has shone a light on a growing problem facing our democracy but pinning them on routine political rhetoric risks accusations of political point-scoring.
Program: Will Albanese fix our feeds?
It's Wednesday, so you know what that means — it's another data day with David and PK! New GDP figures have just landed, rising 0.4 per cent in the June quarter. It's a little stronger than markets were expecting. so what will it mean for interest rates? Meanwhile, Teach Us Consent Founder has taken to the stage at the National Press Club to push for an "opt-in" model for social media algorithms.
Program: Govt considers social media changes as sexual violence rises
With sexual violence on the rise among teenagers, what more is the government willing to do? Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek joins David Speers with Anna Henderson, Waleed Aly and Ashleigh Raper on the couch.
Program: How can Australia combat the 'explosion of sexual violence' amongst teens? | Insiders On Background
National Cabinet has pledged to accelerate efforts to end gender-based violence against women: there's a new “Risk Assessment Framework” to help support victims, and a list of priorities to be included in the new Action Plan currently being negotiated. But the reality is sexual violence amongst teens continues to rise. Author and founder of Teach Us Consent, Chanel Contos says part of the problem is the social media algorithms flooding young men's feeds with misogynistic content.
Behind the energy brawl Albanese knows leaders want a data centre boom
As is so often the case in Australia, the politics came down to a fight over energy. Should the data centre boom be powered by renewables or fossil fuels? It's a fault line that's defined Australian politics since well before the artificial intelligence revolution came along. Yesterday the prime minister gave some ground.
Program: Analysis: Behind the energy brawl leaders want the data centre boom
As is so often the case in Australia, the politics came down to a fight over energy. Should the data centre boom be powered by renewables or fossil fuels?
Program: Fractious federation.. and farewell Dolly
It's National Cabinet time and the stoushes between Anthony Albanese and the states are set to be spicy. So, is this a fractured moment in our federation? Meanwhile, NT Labor MP Luke Gosling has stepped aside from his role as special envoy, as he faces charges of assault and breach of bail — allegations he has denied. But was the Albanese Government slow to move here? And PK and David couldn't help but remember the incomparable Dolly Parton.
Program: Bipartisan breakthroughs, as the migration debate simmers
A rare level of bipartisanship, as the major parties team up to pass a raft of bills. But new fights on superannuation, tobacco excise and migration open up. One Nation MP David Farley joins David Speers with Phil Coorey, Andrew Probyn and Clare Armstrong on the couch.
Program: Could slashing the excise end the tobacco wars? | Insiders On Background
Has the steady increase of the tobacco excise done the opposite of what was intended? Smokers are now buying cheaper black-market cigarettes, criminal gangs are fighting for control and revenue from the government's excise - designed to deter consumers - is now collapsing. Rohan Pike is a former AFP and ABF Officer, and creator of the Tobacco Strike Team. He told David Speers cutting the tobacco excise would stamp out the illegal trade.
This was Labor's week to get business done with the Coalition
In the last term of parliament, Anthony Albanese would often delight in calling Peter Dutton "Captain No", for being "against everything and for nothing". It was a regular, if not entirely original, line of Labor attack. Before "Captain No" there was "Dr No", Tony Abbott. But it will be hard for Labor to pin a similar badge on Angus Taylor after the bipartisanship on display this week. The opposition leader has said "yes", multiple times, after a series of meetings with the prime minister last week.
Program: Albanese's art of the deal
It's Labor-Coalition "deal week", with the two major parties passing a series of bills. David notes that the move allows Angus Taylor and the Opposition to show they aren't just a party that says "no" and can compromise in the national interest. Meanwhile, for Anthony Albanese the successful passage of key legislation shows his "mastering of the parliamentary arts" and ability to maximise Labor's pathways through parliament.
Program: Parliament returns, as PM's podcast saga continues
It was a messy week in parliament. While the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader inched closer on gambling reforms, news bargaining code and NDIS reforms, the issue dominated the week was Anthony Albanese's appearance on a controversial podcast. NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister joins David Speers with Lenore Taylor, Mark Kenny and Jane Norman on the couch.
Program: 'Existential period' for NDIS, as Albanese-Taylor inch toward deal | Insiders On Background
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Angus Taylor are poised to reach a deal on NDIS reforms, with the bill set to pass parliament early next week. Martin Laverty is the Chief Executive of Aruma Disability Services and one of the architects of the NDIS. He told David Speers for this week's Insiders On Background, the government must restore the scheme to its original intent.
Taylor is using the melon saga to mount an all-out assault on Albanese's character
Today marks six months since Sussan Ley was dumped by her colleagues. She's been on an unusual journey of discovery since then. After being defeated by Angus Taylor for the Liberal leadership and quitting parliament, Ley fulfilled a long-time dream of riding on Greyhound buses down the length of inland USA. She found a bleak interior and plenty of misery. "Chains. Parking lots. Cheap builds. No trees. No spaces to gather," Ley wrote in the Australian Financial Review. "It was the underlying weariness.
Program: Analysis: Taylor marks six months in the job with a detour
Behind the scenes, Angus Taylor and Anthony Albanese have been engaged in a rare level of cooperation this week but in public the opposition leader is using the melon saga to mount an all-out assault on the prime minister's character.
Program: Will the PM ride out 'melon-gate'?
Housing is firmly back in focus, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers urging a long view as the downturn continues. Shadow Housing Minister Andrew Bragg has unveiled the Opposition's plan to slash Net Overseas Migration to just 180,000 people per year on average and dramatically reduce red tape. Meanwhile, the so-called 'melon-gate' saga continues to linger for the PM, with the Opposition referring an apparent leak of correspondence between Japan and Australia to the Australian Federal Police.
Program: How has politics changed in the last 25 years?
25 years of Insiders - it's been quite a journey! We look back on 25 years of the show with some special guests, including founding host Barrie Cassidy. Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young joins David Speers ahead of parliament returning, as Labor prepares to strike a deal on gambling reform.
The top six times our politicians reminded us not to take politics too seriously
Politics is a serious business, conducted by serious people, for serious outcomes (usually). With so much at stake, this is as it should be. So too, interrogating and analysing political developments each week is a serious business. However, the strength of Australia's democracy isn't only a product of our system of compulsory voting and an independent electoral commission.
Program: As the US and China compete for AI dominance, where does Australia fit in? | Insiders On Background
Artificial intelligence is transforming everything from cyber security to critical infrastructure. Former Director General of the Australian Signals Directorate, Rachel Noble explains what's at stake, why Australia needs to move faster, and how the global AI race could reshape our national security.
Labor knows any migration program change demands careful explanation
"We will decide who comes to this country and the circumstances in which they come." It's 25 years since John Howard delivered this enduring line. It defined the Coalition's successful 2001 election campaign. Delivering on this pledge has been the expectation of voters ever since. But how much control does any government really have over the immigration system? Not enough.
Program: Analysis: Labor has one big political test on migration
Tony Burke understands the political sensitivities and the backlash he is likely to face when attempting to change any aspect of the migration program.
Program: Is Labor worried about immigration?
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has postponed a national press club address, a very unusual move, where he was expected to announce sweeping cuts to immigration. The decision not to address the press club this week came less than 48-hours before the speech, with a spokesperson confirming it was "clear that some elements of the speech would not be finalised".
Program: Party power plays, as integrity questions simmer
Australia's most unpopular leader, Jacinta Allan has been forced out and the little-known Ben Carroll now installed as Premier of Victoria following allegations of corruption. Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume joins David Speers with James Campbell, Jacqueline Maley and Tom Crowley on the couch.
Program: Paul Kelly on the decade that broke the Liberal party | Insiders On Background
If anyone can answer that, it's eminent journalist and political historian Paul Kelly. In his new book The Twilight of Exceptionalism, The Australian's editor-at-large traces the seismic shifts in Australian politics that sent the Liberal Party into a downward spiral. Paul Kelly sat down with David Speers for this week's Insiders: On Background.
Chalmers cautious but upbeat as he scraps fuel discount amid softening inflation
There were no bold declarations about corners being turned or missions being accomplished. After delivering a pre-election prediction that "the worst of the inflation challenge is behind us", only to see inflation then steadily rise, Jim Chalmers is now more cautious. Yet the Treasurer was undeniably upbeat yesterday. He welcomed data showing inflation running slightly below where both his department and the Reserve Bank expected it to be just a few months ago.
Program: Analysis: Why Jim Chalmers is cautious but upbeat
After delivering a pre-election prediction that "the worst of the inflation challenge is behind us", only to see inflation then steadily rise, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is now more cautious.
Program: Billionaires, donations and integrity
Integrity in politics is back in the spotlight, with Anthony Albanese, Angus Taylor and Pauline Hanson all facing their own questions about transparency. And the inflation figures for the June quarter have landed, and it's better news than what most economists were expecting. So, what will it mean for the RBA's August cash rate decision? Patricia Karvelas and David Speers break it all down on Politics Now. Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au
Program: Labor's show of unity, US tariffs, and Barnaby Joyce's barking dog
Labor has wrapped up its National Conference in Adelaide with little disagreement on show. Difficult debates were managed behind the scenes to avoid any public fireworks. What did it all achieve? Meanwhile, One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson's comments on domestic violence have landed her in hot water, and Barnaby Joyce sets the internet on fire for yelling at his dog. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins David Speers with Ashleigh Raper, Rafael Epstein and Greg Brown on the couch.
Program: Is One Nation a bigger threat to Labor than the Coalition? | Insiders On Background
The rise of One Nation this year has been crushing for the Coalition, but it is also posing a threat to Labor. Outgoing National ALP President and former Treasurer, Wayne Swan sat down with David Speers at Labor's 50th conference.
Program: ALP conference kicks off in Adelaide
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's control over the Labor Party has been on display at the the A-L-P's triennial national conference. As delegates debate the details of the party's policy platform, most points of conflict are being resolved behind the scenes... in line with the Prime Minister's position.
Program: Albanese's 'antidote' to One Nation
Day one of the National Labor conference has wrapped up, with Anthony Albanese's political authority on full display. The Prime Minister used his opening address to speak about the rise of One Nation and contrast grievance politics with pragmatic solutions. And while a broken escalator saw Anthony Albanese stumble slightly, there was no sign of that on the conference floor, with backroom factional deals largely sewn up to avoid "barneys".
Program: ALP Conference sees Albanese attack One Nation
In a major speech to the Labor party faithful, the Prime Minister has attacked the credibility of One Nation and the Federal Opposition. Speaking at the ALP's 50th National Conference in Adelaide, Anthony Albanese spruiked his government's policies on tax reform and housing, claiming they are in sharp contrast to those of the conservative parties. Featured: Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at the Labor national conference in Adelaide. ABC News: Matt Roberts
Labor conference kicks off with gas, gambling and Gaza unresolved
It was an appropriate curtain-raiser for the Labor Party's 50th National Conference kicking off today. "Left Right Out", a pub-rock band made up of Labor MPs and staffers including Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on guitar, put on a show at a heritage-listed Adelaide hotel last night. As the name suggests, the band involves the left and right factions coming together, sticking to a set playlist and staging a performance. It's exactly what critics say this party conference is all about.
Program: Political deadlock, as the mid winter break begins
Parliament has reached its winter break - so where does everyone stand? Labor's recovered some ground. One Nation's rise has been checked. And the Coalition has slumped. Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan joins David Speers with Niki Savva, Daniel James and Samantha Maiden on the couch.
Program: After 250 years what is America celebrating this Independence Day?
As the United States struggles with domestic divisions and its role as a global superpower, is the Founding Fathers' "Great Democratic Experiment" over? Former Australian Ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos sat down David Speers to discuss whether the United States can pull back from the brink.
Albanese and Chalmers see reform and risk-taking as an antidote to populism
Loading When opinion polls shift, previous assumptions can too. Like whether One Nation's rise is unstoppable. Or whether frustrated voters flocking to the party care about Pauline Hanson's actual policy positions. The Newspoll and Redbridge surveys this week suggest there is a ceiling for One Nation. A limit, perhaps, to the number of Australians who share Hanson's concerns about paid parental leave, "lazy workers", and the need for a "monoculture".
Program: Analysis: Albanese and Chalmers see reform as an antidote to populism
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Program: The odds-on Labor's gambling reform
Labor's long awaited legislation to restrict gambling advertising is set to be introduced to parliament tomorrow, but the Coalition could join the Greens in punting it to an inquiry. So, will the Albanese Government have to "give ground" and grant Coalition amendments if they want this to pass? And in the wake of PwC and KPMG scandals, Labor unveiling an option paper to improve regulation of accounting and audit firms. So, what's on the table?
Program: Government's ongoing budget pains, as Taylor muddles up multiculturalism
Will Labor's broken budget promise haunt them all the way to the next election? And how does Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor recover from the mess he's made on multiculturalism? Jim Chalmers joins David Speers about the ongoing budget challenges. The Treasurer refused to say how the government will fix the so-called 'widow tax'. Laura Tingle, Phillip Coorey and Anna Henderson are this week's panel.
Program: 'She doesn't give a rats about you': Amanda Vanstone on Pauline Hanson | Insiders On Background
While Pauline Hanson struggled to define what she meant by a 'monoculture', Angus Taylor hesitated to back in the long held liberal party policy of a multiculturalism. Former Multicultural Affairs and Immigration Minister, Amanda Vanstone says she is disappointed in the Opposition Leader.
Program: Taylor fumbles and Labor locks in
It's been a massive week in politics both in and outside of parliament. Labor has passed its negative gearing and capital gains tax budget changes with the support of the Greens, granting only minor concessions in exchange. Meanwhile, the terms monoculture and multicultural have echoed through the chambers of parliament this week. Opposition leader Angus Taylor found himself in hot water after side-stepping a series of questions about his support for the ideas.
Program: Fuel relief to wind down as oil shock and budget battle loom
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed a phased end to the fuel excise discount, amid confusion over an end to the war in the Middle East. All eyes now turn to a critical parliamentary fortnight for the government's budget bills, alongside the fallout from Pauline Hanson's first National Press Club address. Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien joins David Speers with Peter Hartcher, Melissa Clarke and Greg Brown on the couch.
Program: Is the government's tax reform turning into a "freak show"? | Insiders On Background
The federal government has backed down on its budget tax changes, announcing larger concessions for small business and carve outs for startups. Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andrew McKellar told David Speers the reforms resemble a “freak show”.
Defiant Pauline Hanson gives Labor and the Coalition plenty to be nervous about
This was a press club address like no other. Lengthy, fiery, action-packed. Now even the police have been called in. One Nation would be thrilled with the attention. The main drama centred on a secretly installed GetUp banner that suddenly unfurled the moment Pauline Hanson started empathising with cost-of-living concerns. It was an attention-grabbing stunt, now the subject of a Federal Police probe. Hanson wasn't bothered by the banner.
Program: Pauline Hanson goes mainstream
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has addressed the National Press Club for the first time in her political career. In a wide-ranging speech, the One Nation leader linked housing issues to immigration, railed against multiculturalism, labelled net-zero a "hoax", called for an overhaul of IR laws and rebuked out other parties for copying her policies. So, will the address make Pauline Hanson even more electable? Or does it open her up to some political risks ahead?
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