James Findlay
Verified- Broadcaster, ABC Darwin
- Producer and Presenter, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Catalonia, Melbourne
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Articles by James Findlay
Viva la devolution – rebalancing power through technology
Conclusion More devolution could be a good thing for the UK, but only if it’s designed to avoid increased fragmentation, duplicated direct costs and overheads, and a growing administrative burden. Creating yet more layers of bureaucracy on top of an already complex system could, however, have the very opposite impact - further alienating an already cynical public and directing more precious resources away from where they’re most needed and can have the most beneficial impact.
Delivering better government after three decades of disappointment
UK governments have spent over three decades telling us that technology will modernise the public sector, cut costs, improve services for citizens and businesses, and boost productivity. Yet despite small pockets of success, progress continues to fall well short of politicians' bold ambitions.
The Isle of Wight can settle more than the digital ID argument
Turning “test and learn” into reality The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Darren Jones, committed in the House of Commons in April to engage with the Cabinet Office's Test, Learn and Grow network on exactly this proposition. That commitment was made in response to a supplementary question from the Isle of Wight West MP, Richard Quigley, citing our previous article. It now sits awaiting follow-through, along with a parallel proposal already with Cabinet Office officials.
Don't debate digital ID, trial it - the Isle of Wight could settle the argument
A recent Computer Weekly article posed a question that has hung over UK government technology for decades: is digital identity a dystopian nightmare or the route to modernised public services? The article invoked the Rashomon Effect - the idea that we're all watching the same policy from different angles and nobody can agree on what's actually happening. It was right. But there's a way to stop arguing about the ending and start writing it with evidence.
Program: Dental Health, Artemis II moon flybuy, Travel during the fuel crisis, The Mighty Challenge
First Hour– Dental Health – When you think of sugary Easter treats, chocolate eggs and hot cross buns come to mind, so what better way to end the Easter long-weekend than with a visit from the dentist, with statistics from the 2024 Australian Oral Health Tracker showing over 30% of kids and adults suffer from tooth decay.
“We Tend to Think of It as Australian History, but It’s British History”: Screening Colonisation in Banished (2015)
ABSTRACT In June 2015, the BBC historical series Banished arrived on Australian television screens amid major controversy. Written by the celebrated British screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, Banished dramatised life in the British penal colony at Sydney Cove in 1788. When the series first premiered in Britain, it developed a strong following among British viewers despite mixed reviews from critics.
Kids activities at our national institutions
There are plenty of reasons to take the kids or grandkids away from screens this holidays, and you don't even have to leave the capital. Naomi Zouwer is a lecturer in teacher education and visual art at University of Canberra and told James Findlay about some of the activities for children happening in the ACT over the holidays.
Uncovering the Secrets of the World's Best Porridge
In the small town of Carrbridge in the north of Scotland, people from around the world converge to make the perfect bowl of porridge and take away the prized Golden Spurtle. Constantine Conti directed the film that takes you behind the scenes of the World Porridge Making Championships, but don't expect any cooking secrets. Conti told James Findlay about following some of the very competitive contestants.
Meet the ACT's 2026 Local Hero winner
The founder of Canberra mental health initiative 'Running for Resilience' has been named as the Local Hero in the ACT's Australian of the Year Awards. Mental health advocate and former Wallabies player Ben Alexander co-founded the community running program, which involves hundreds of people running and walking together in Canberra every week. ABC Radio Canberra's James Findlay sat down with Ben to congratulate him on his award. If you need someone to talk to, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Vale John Laws, shipwrecks and rewilding beavers
With the news that veteran radio broadcaster John Laws has died, Nightlife spoke with Mike Carlton, the breakfast presenter at 2GB while John Laws was hosting mornings. Also Steven Ahern, publisher of Radio Info and author of Making Radio. The finding of a shipwreck of a large ship at Point Lonsdale, near Geelong. Danielle Wilkinson, Heritage Victoria's senior maritime archaeologist. This Week in History: 1918 German Revolution.
The book of Mormon, Trent Dalton and Rob Hirst
What’s it like to bring the hilariously irreverent world of The Book of Mormon to life on stage? Nick Cox stars as Elder Cunningham in the Australian production of this iconic musical. One of Australia's most beloved authors, Trent Dalton, speaks about his new book, Gravity Let Me Go.
This director goes to extreme lengths to capture the feel of nature in his hiking films - ABC listen
From the movie Wild starring Reece Witherspoon to Robert Redford in A Walk in The Woods, hiking films put nature at the centre of storytelling. Dutch director Bart Schrijver explains the extreme measures he took to capture the real feeling of hiking and being in nature.
The Mighty Challenge - ABC listen
Test your knowledge of obscure and specific things with the 100% original, custom-built Mighty Challenge! How will you fare? Tonight’s topics: That Was The Week That Was, Masters and Mistresses, Biology, The Horn Section, and The Seven Seas.
Blanche d'Alpuget, Hiking through Films, and Literary Lunch
Blanche d'Alpuget needs no introduction, and is joined by author Derek Rielly to speak candidly about some highs and lows of her life - private and public. Director Bart Schrijver speaks to James Findlay about the best hiking films, including his own! This Week In Alice Springs, with Mornings presenter Meredith Lake.
Literary Lunch with Fiona McIntosh
With forty-nine books to her name, Fiona McIntosh is a prolific Australian writer, and known in household around the country. This week, in Literary Lunch, Fiona shares stories of of her career: from chateaus to champagne.
Fridays with Blanche d'Alpuget
Blanche d'Alpuget has been a household name for decades - as a journalist, an author, and the second wife of Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Every Friday for one year, Blanche had lunch with author Derek Rielly, who had the task of compiling her stories into a book. On this Friday night, Blanche and Derek join James Findlay on Nightlife to speak candidly - on their friendship, the tumultuous journey of her public image, and her love life after the loss of her husband.
The joys and challenges of life modelling
Artists have relied on life models for centuries, but little is known about many of them who often go unnamed or are referred to by their first name only. Deborah Beck from the National Art School in Sydney is determined to change that, researching who they were and their lives beyond the canvas. Plus, hear from Melbourne life model Felippe about what the job is like today.
Marine protection areas, nude life models and Laika the space dog
Sunday Science: The pressure from climate change on Australia's protected marine areas and what we can do to try to offset it. Posing nude for art, with Deborah Beck, historian, archivist and researcher at National Art School in Sydney and life model Felippe. This week in history: Laika the dog goes to space, with Kurt Caswell, Author of Laika's Window In Big Country Small World Annie Brown, Rural Reporter at ABC Goulburn Murray brings us the latest news from the bush.
Who benefits from luxury tourism in Africa? - ABC listen
Imagine relaxing by the pool in a lavish resort, cocktail in hand and palm trees everywhere. It's this kind of luxury tourism that has been heavily promoted in many African countries including Botswana, Mauritius and Rwanda. But how much does this focus on luxury tourism benefit the local economy? Dr Pritish Brudeah, a scholar of the political economy of development at the University of Manchester, has been looking into this.
Em Rusciano on navigating the 'hormonal hellscape' of entering middle age
From Australian Idol to the National Press Club, Em Rusciano has never been afraid to tackle the hard stuff of life publicly. Now she's written a memoir about the "hormonal hellscape" of the transition to middle age. She joined James Findlay for The Writers on Nightlife.
Grown Up Family Travels, Iconic Psychological Thrillers, and Em Rusciano's Memoirs of Menopause - ABC listen
Would you go travelling with your adult children? It may not be the most common party of holidayers, but Saji loves to travel with her mum in her 60s. Saji joins James Findlay to tell some stories, with Paul Merril, who has written a survival guide for travelling with adult children! Pop culture expert, Dr Lauren Rosewarne, walks us through a highlights reel of the work of Alfred Hitchcock - one of the greats of thriller cinema. For The Writers, Em Rusicano tells tales of he career highs and lows.
The Master of Suspense: Alfred Hitchcock
Dial M for Murder... Psycho... The Birds... Iconic works of one of history's great filmmakers. Alfred Hitchcock's style has become a blueprint for many psychological thrillers and horrors to follow. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne is a pop culture commentator, and joins James Findlay on Nightlife for a journey through Hitchcock's filmography.
From Singing Contestant, to Media Personality: Em Rusciano's Memoirs
From Australian Idol, to the National Press Club, Em Rusicano is the Aussie talent that has done it all. But it hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. In her new memoir, 'Blood, Sweat and Glitter: A coming of Middle Age story', Em tells stories of perimenopause, stay-at-home motherhood, and the pressure of commercial radio. She joined James Findlay for The Writers on Nightlife
The Mighty Challenge - ABC listen
Test your knowledge of obscure and specific things with the 100% original, custom-built Mighty Challenge! How will you fare? Tonight’s topics: Th-Th-Th-That Was The Week That Was, G-G-G-Ghosts!, F-F-F-Frankensteins!, D-D-D-Devils!, and P-P-P-Pot Luck!
A.I. friendships, brunch and Uluru - ABC listen
When people choose to stay home with their chatbot friend, rather than go out with their real human friends. Nicholas Davis co-leader of the Human Technology Institute at UTS and Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of NSW Relationships Australia. Is brunch dead? With Audrey Payne, Broadsheet Melbourne.
Glitz, Glam, and Griffin Dunne - ABC listen
Griffin Dunne was the man behind the camera on many famous films - from Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, to Martin Scorsese's After Hours. For years, he has been immersed in the complex world of Hollywood, experiencing fame, tragedy, and an immense legacy. Griffin joins Nightlife to discuss his memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club, and share some stories that didn't make the final edit.
The Mighty Challenge Thursday Friday 24th 2025
Test your knowledge of obscure and specific things with the 100% original, custom-built Mighty Challenge! How will you fare? Tonight’s topics: The Week That Was, Bite Me!, Ooh Baby, It's A Sign!, and Sam-I-Am.
Banned Wedding Music, Tim Pocock's Religious Upbringing, and Griffin Dunne
Would you ban certain songs at your wedding? Rosie Beaton, former Triple J presenter turned wedding celebrant, Takes us through the greatest (and most hated) hits. Aussie Actor, Tim Pocock, reflects on his experience being Gay in the infamous Opus Dei church. In The Writers, Griffin Dunne shares his memoirs: The Friday Afternoon Club. It's a story of fame, loss, and family in Hollywood. This Week In Adelaide is brought to you by Jo Laverty, ABC Radio Adelaide Afternoons presenter.
Being Gay in Opus Dei: Tim Pocock's life behind the screen
Tim Pocock rose to fame through his appearances in X-Men, and Dance Academy. Now, he is telling a new story, through his book ‘The Truth Will Set You Free: Growing Up Gay in Opus Dei’. Tim joined James Findlay on Nightlife to talk about his relationship with faith, and the role it played in his journey to coming out as gay.
Rocky Horror Picture Show, Ashley Naylor and the Pop Quiz
Nightlife celebrates the Rocky Horror Picture Show turning 50 with Brian Thomson, the theatre show and film's original set designer. Adelaide's OzAsia Festival with festival director, Joon-Yee Kwok. The Playlist: Ashley Naylor, best known as the frontman of Melbourne band 'Even', as well as long-time member of The Church, Paul Kelly's band and The Stems, shares the shongs that shaped him.
Cocktail secrets, why we're falling in love with Romantasy, history of Op Shops, this week in Brisbane - ABC listen
Grab your favourite apéritif as we hear from two connoisseurs about their new book featuring 2800 cocktails. On National Op-Shop Day, Nightlife looks at the history and importance of them, as well as your greatest find. Romantasy is the crossover genre blending the passion of romance with the high-stakes escapism of fantasy, so why is it so popular at the moment? The Mighty Challenge. Topics tonight include: The Week That Was, Pinnipeds, Cover Songs, Friends 4 Eva, and Gather Round.
Run, sweat, inspire with a new Indigenous Marathon project squad
After a nationwide search, a squad of First Nations men and women aged 18-30 will take on the life-changing challenge of running the New York City marathon in November. The 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project team are in Canberra as part of their marathon preparation and will run the Mother's Day Classic 10km at Lake Burley Griffin on Sunday.
The hit stage show from one of our most celebrated authors is coming to Canberra - ABC listen
The hit stage show from one of our most celebrated authors is coming to Canberra. The theatre production of Trent Dalton's best selling novel Love Stories is a journey that will have you feeling many emotions. Best known for Boy Swallows Universe, this book is also semi-biographical. But it also tells the stories of love from random people on the streets of Brisbane, after Trent set up with a typewriter on the sidewalk.
Koalas, mascots and Elizabeth Taylor
Sunday Science: Dr Joe Milton (Australian Science Media Centre) and Dr Michaela Blyton (Molecular Ecologist and Microbiologist, University of Queensland) discuss a possible new hope for koalas. Richard Sauerman, Branding consultant, AKA The Brand Guy, on what makes a good mascot. This Week In History: Matthew Kennedy, film historian and author of On Elizabeth Taylor: An Opinionated Guide, on the life of an icon.
Ridiculous TV plots, hot air ballons and adventure tourism
The most ridiculous TV show plots ever with Mitch McTaggart, host of Binge’s The Last Year of Television. Eli Paperboy Reed plays the tracks that will convert you to gospel music. Ardag Kosian from HIKE Armenia explains why Armenia is now one of the worlds’ hottest adventure tourism destinations.
Frugal Foodies, relationships with opposing political views, and the Blue Poles controversary unpacked
We've all got to eat, but how can you save some money at the same time? You're about to find out what it means to be a frugal foodie. It's as simple as it sounds, good food on a budget. Steph de Sousa is a chef and former Masterchef contestant, she has all the best tips. If you have friends or family with complete opposite political views to you, how do you make the relationship work?
War Memorial artwork connecting with visitors
An artwork at the Australian War Memorial has touched people in ways the artist and curator couldn't have imagined. It's one year since a marble art installation For Every Drop Shed in Anguish by multidisciplinary artist Alex Seton was revealed, and families of veterans have been connecting with the feature and leaving tributes such as poems and photos.
Take a tour of the redeveloped Australian War Memorial main entrance - ABC listen
The Australian War Memorial has officially opened the first stage of the building redevelopment today in Canberra. At the centre of the Main Entrance is the striking glass and steel Oculus, which floods the space with daylight, and through which visitors can glimpse the copper dome above the Hall of Memory. A mathematical inversion of the Memorial’s dome, the Oculus – which is Latin for “eye” – complements the heritage values of the original building.
Creating the 'devon scallop'
The crumbed piece of sliced processed meat has taken social media by storm over the past couple of weeks, and its co-creator is finding it hard to keep up with demand. It all came about after a visitor to Dubbo posted a photo online of packets of the scallops being sold in a local retailer. The post went viral, and now it's so popular the local butcher is selling out, and customers across the country are asking for it to be posted to them.
Ever wondered what's in a star? Scientists have just mapped the chemical 'fingerprints' of a million of them
Scientists have spent more than a thousand nights at the Siding Spring Observatory in an effort to map the compositionof hundreds of thousands of stars in the skies above western New South Wales. Today, to mark the 50th birthday of the Anglo-Australian Telescope near Coonabarabran, the chemical "fingerprints" of almost a million stars have been released.
Tips and tricks for taking your newborn on a plane - ABC listen
James Findlay hosts this weeks Friday Panel with Comedian Dane Simpson, and guest panellist, journalist Lucy Thackray. Up for discussion this week, can you take your baby on a plane?
Parenting dilemmas - ABC listen
Christie is back on the panel again with James and Dane. This week an unfortunate incident with a ring involves a jeweller, a fire station and a visit to NSW Fire and Rescue. Plus, Dane has a parenting question that causes some controversy.
Have you ever been stuck at an airport? - ABC listen
James Findlay hosts this week's Friday Panel with comedian, Dane Simpson, and special guest panellist, entertainment producer Shaun Malseed. The topic up for discussion is what is your worst airport nightmare? Also, Shaun grapples with question, how many minutes into a phone call is it acceptable to wrap the call up?
Why does being counted in the census matter? - ABC listen
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The census provides a rare opportunity to gather nationwide data on Australia’s ever-changing demographics. In recent weeks the federal government has drawn criticism for its approach to including questions of gender and sexuality in the 2026 census. In this episode, The Conversation Hour team explores whether we’re asking the right questions.
By Richelle Hunt Verified, James Findlay Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
How many emails are in your inbox? - ABC listen
James Findlay hosts this week's Friday Panel with comedian, Dane Simpson, and special guest panellist, journalist Jo Lauder. The topic up for discussion is can you get to zero emails in your inbox? Also, Dane explores the concept of false memory. Have you ever told a story thinking it happened to you, only to find out you had hijacked someone else's memory? Friday Panel Christie Dawes and Dane Simpson Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Bega, Tamworth, Orange, Dubbo, Comedy (Humour)
Veterans hope to find solace, friends in kind in tribute to those who fought in the Middle East
Dubbo veterans gathered to commemorate Australia's involvement in conflicts across the Middle East between 2001 and 2021. RSL NSW declared July 11 a day of tribute honouring participants and Australia's end to its 20-year involvement in the war. The Dubbo sub-branch says the day is an opportunity to tell the story of contemporary veterans and offer more support. The ravages of the Middle East conflict still ring fresh in young veterans' minds.
Orana Mid-Western Police use go-karts to steer students away from the criminal justice system
In short: A regional NSW initiative aims to divert young people away from the criminal justice system through a go-kart reward initiative The kart club president says the program offers valuable life lessons off the track, including driving experience What's next: A year 8 student says it's motivation for students to perform well at school Most schools reward good student behaviour with certificates that usually end up on the family fridge. At schools in western NSW, kids get to race go-karts.
The Adelaide performer who introduced the lap dance for women
In the 70s Joseph Farrugia (aka Madame Josephine) began working at The Penthouse on Glen Osmond Road, before opening a business on Hindley Street. "I worked with Cocky Rocky, Dazzling Daryl, Mr. Tease, the Golden Boy & so on". "In the early 90s I introduced the lap dancing", Joseph said to James Findlay. "That became so popular".
"Still relevant to this day" - 30 years of TV newsroom satire Frontline - ABC listen
Newsroom satire Frontline first hit Australian television screens in 1994. Thirty years on, the program's themes still ring true today. "The relevancy is there", said Entertainment Journalist at Missing Perspectives, Alicia Vraj-lal. "This is a show that looks behind the scenes of how the TV news landscape works". Speaking with James Findlay, Vraj-lal said, "The key things around ensuring you get that big exclusive...those themes are still relevant".
Ayrton Senna plaque in Victoria Square "quite the embarrassment"
A plaque honouring the late Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix driver, Ayrton Senna was laid in Victoria Park in 1994. After years of neglect, motor sport fans are asking for council to take action. "It's really become an afterthought of the Adelaide City Council", said Senna fan, Ben Fitzsimmons. "And, has deteriorated somewhat, to be quite the embarrassment".
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