Steve Cannane
Verified
Journalist @abcnews, author of books on scientology and cricket. Email cannane.steve@abc.net.au or encrypted stevecannane@protonmail.com
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Steve Cannane
Program: Insiders say One Nation run like 'small business'
Program: Insiders say One Nation run like 'small business' Mon 28 Sep 2026 at 6:00amMon 28 Sep 2026 at 6:00amMon 28 Sep 2026 at 6:00am Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.
Gina Rinehart allegedly tried to help recruit Liberal MP Henry Pike to join One Nation
Steve Cannane, Alex McDonald and Lara Sonnenschein One Nation's billionaire backer Gina Rinehart allegedly attempted to help recruit a sitting federal Liberal MP after he was invited for lunch at one of her holiday homes. Henry Pike represents the seat of Bowman for Queensland's Liberal National Party and has previously held fundraisers hosted by Mrs Rinehart.
They had hope in One Nation, until they saw the party up close
Steve Cannane, Alex McDonald and Lara Sonnenschein Jennifer Game considered herself a "true believer" in One Nation. Not anymore. "They use people," she said. "It's not a democratic party in the way that other parties are. "They've got no checks and balances on them." Ms Game was One Nation's party leader in South Australia, and policy adviser to Pauline Hanson for eight years. But after having a front row seat to its operations, Ms Game said she would not vote for One Nation at the next election.
Program: Iran is done backing down. Is Trump's war now unwinnable?
Is Donald Trump trapped in a war with Iran he cannot end? The ceasefire has collapsed, and the warships are back. Chicago University's Professor Robert Pape has been modelling conflict for over 20 years and says both sides look to be caught in an escalation trap: a long war neither can walk away from.
Program: Growing fears surround growth of AI
Since Anthropic announced in April that it was limiting the release of its new artificial intelligence model Claude Mythos due to its hacking capabilities, there have been growing fears about the power of cutting-edge AI. Last week some of the world's top AI CEOs urged US Congress to bring in controls on the sale of synthetic materials they believe could, with the help of AI, build dangerous bioweapons.
Federal government accused of AI policy retreat as US tech giants plan Australian investments
A former Labor minister says the federal government "blinked" on AI regulation, shelving plans to make it safer for consumers rather than provoke US President Donald Trump. When he was minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic was planning to bring in "mandatory guardrails" on high-risk AI as part of a standalone act that aimed to protect the community against the technology's potential harms. After the election in May 2025, he was dumped from the ministry in a factional deal.
Radio National Big Ideas: Gambling & Young People — Panel & Screening
Overview Dive into a thought-provoking conversation and documentary screening about how gambling impacts young people today. Australia is one of the biggest gambling nations in the world and Australians are increasingly asking: at what cost? Join ABC journalist Steve Cannane for a Radio National Big Ideas conversation exploring the rise of gambling, specifically targeting younger audiences and how to reduce gambling harm.
UTS spent nearly $1.5m on leadership coach before cutting jobs, courses to save money, documents show
Jade Toomey and Steve Cannane The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) spent nearly $1.5 million on an executive leadership coach in the lead-up to making drastic cuts to jobs and courses to manage what its vice-chancellor considered to be a financial crisis.
UTS spent nearly $1.5m on leadership coach before cutting jobs, courses to save money, documents show
Massive blow for Bulldogs as star leaves NRL club and returns home to Queensland He's one of the most highly-rated prospects coming through in the NRL. Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has seemingly confirmed that one of the NRL …
No clear evidence ANU's plan to cut jobs and courses was needed, unreleased audit office draft says
The Australian National University's (ANU) council approved a massive $250 million cost-cutting program without clear evidence it was needed or achievable. The damning assessment of ANU's governing body is contained in a secret draft report from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). The final version is expected to be released in the coming months. Four Corners has been briefed on some of the contents of a draft version of the report by a person who has seen it.
Universities' $1.8 billion spend on consultants and contractors shocks experts and politicians
Steve Cannane, Jonathan Miller and Lara Sonnenschein Australia's universities are paying external consultants and contractors an estimated $1.8 billion a year without disclosing which firms they are hiring and what the money is being spent on. Consultancies have been accused of infiltrating universities, wasting scarce public funds on questionable advice about cutting courses and jobs, and undermining the sector's principles of public good.
Betting companies could pay for problem gamblers
A landmark legal case against three of Australia's biggest online betting agencies has been filed in the Federal Court, aimed at recovering millions of dollars' worth of stolen money that was gambled away and kept by corporate bookmakers. Jailed former financial planner Gavin Fineff is suing Sportsbet, Tabcorp and Entain alleging the bookmakers encouraged him to keep betting large amounts of money without carrying out proper checks on the source of his funds.
Landmark case aims to force betting agencies to return gambled stolen millions
A landmark legal case against three of Australia's biggest online betting agencies has been filed in the Federal Court, aimed at recovering millions of dollars' worth of stolen money that was gambled away and kept by corporate bookmakers.
Albanese government's BetStop scheme not working, former gambler says
For years, diehard Richmond football fans have known Shaun McDonough as Tiger Shaun. On game day he paints his face, puts on a wig and dresses up in a tiger suit before heading to the ground with his wife Tania to barrack for his team. Shaun's love of the game has never diminished, but he's watched on in horror in recent years as gambling advertising and sponsorships have come to dominate football — and become a constant reminder of the addiction he has struggled with.
Gambling regulator under the spotlight
If you were watching the footy this season, you would no doubt have seen ads for online betting companies. Placing a total ban on these ads was a recommendation of a cross-parliamentary committee more than 2 years ago It recommended sweeping changes to minimise betting harm including banning inducements offered by online bookmakers, and setting up a national regulator But that hasn't happened and there's concern the existing regulator is compromised.
Australia's de facto online betting regulator accused of being too close to gambling industry
It meets once a month, has no full-time staff and is responsible for regulating some of Australia's biggest betting companies with a combined annual turnover of around $50 billion. The Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission (NTRWC) licenses more than 40 online bookmakers including Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and Bet365 and has become Australia's de facto national regulator for online wagering.
Their money was stolen and gambled away. Betting companies won't give it back
Aimee and Nick Mazza lost a quarter of a million dollars to online bookmakers without placing a single bet. Two years ago, the Mildura couple were approached by Anthony Del Vecchio, a financial adviser with Freedom Finance in Melbourne, who offered them an investment opportunity through high-interest term deposits. Within months their hard-earned money had disappeared. Del Vecchio had gambled it away with multiple betting agencies.
This POW says not enough is being done to free Oscar Jenkins
Melbourne man Oscar Jenkins was sentenced to 13 years in prison in a sham trial in Russia earlier this year. He is one of many POWs from the Ukraine war, who was entitled to Geneva convention protections as a prisoner of war, but these rights were ignored by Russian authorities.
Trump's tariffs put the world 'on the edge of a cliff'. Is he about to double down?
Donald Trump has torn up the rule book in his second presidential term — defying the courts, the congress and the constitution. But it's his attempt to "make America wealthy again" by imposing tariffs on more than 180 countries and territories that have caused months of chaos, undermined business confidence in the United States, and pushed the world to the brink of a financial crisis.
Trump's tariffs hurt American exporters
The US President announced tariffs on over 180 countries and territories in April – leading to panic selling on the US bond market and a temporary pause on the highest of those tariffs. The ABC's Four Corners program has been traveling through the US speaking to those in Trump's heartland who have already been impacted by his tariff policy.
Three months on from 'Liberation Day', Donald Trump's trade war is punishing US businesses
Farmer John Ashe's dealt with drought. He's dealt with hurricanes. But what he saw the US president announce on TV left him speechless. "I just shook my head. My wife was shaking her head, and I was thinking, what's next?" he says. Almost 90 days ago, Donald Trump shocked the world when he announced his so-called reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries and territories.
New Liberal candidate for Whitlam a director of pro-gas 'astroturfing' group
The Liberal Party's replacement for its dumped candidate in the NSW seat of Whitlam is a director of a pro-gas group accused of misleading voters ahead of next month's federal election. The revelation has prompted calls for the Liberal Party to disclose if it has collaborated with the group, Australians for Natural Gas, which is being coordinated by the party's internal pollster, Freshwater Strategy.
The offshore wind debate could influence this federal election and it's already an 'absolute blood-fest'
The Illawarra, on the NSW south coast, can be hostile territory for Australian politicians. In 1939, Robert Menzies was booed by thousands of placard-waving locals as police escorted him down the Bulli Pass to meet striking waterside workers in Wollongong.
Australian man 'Ozzy' tells of fighting with Ukraine's foreign legion
It must be one of the most unlikely tales in the history of Australians serving in foreign wars. Warning: This story contains graphic details. One moment an Adelaide man known as "Ozzy" was a traffic controller and part-time handyman with zero military experience; the next he found himself under enemy fire as a combat medic and soldier fighting on the front lines in Ukraine. "It was frightening, genuinely frightening," he says. "Nothing prepares you for that.
Offshore gambling operators targeting recovered addicts while regulator does little to stop them
Mark Kempster was working from home on a Tuesday in September when he received a call from an unfamiliar number. On the line was a representative of an offshore company called Bet On Red offering inducements for the recovered sports wagering addict to start betting again. "They were extremely forceful and extremely blunt with what they were offering, with credits and free bets and pretty much anything I'd like," he says. The 36-year-old is a self-excluded gambler.
NT coroner's findings in landmark domestic violence inquest
After more than a year of hearing evidence on the domestic violence deaths of four Aboriginal women, a landmark coronial inquest has come to a close in the Northern Territory. Coroner Elisabeth Armitage has made 35 recommendations, including increased funding, more training and evidence-based alcohol policies
My Brilliant Career
One of Australia's most iconic stories has been re imagined as a stage musical, more than a century after it was first published as a novel. My Brilliant Career, written by Miles Franklin, tells the story of Sybylla Melvyn, a young headstrong woman trying to find her voice in rural Australia in the late 1800's. The book was turned into an award winning film starring Judy Davis, and of course Miles Franklin is celebrated every year through the annual literary award that's named in her honour.
Matt Canavan raises concerns about social media ban
Legislation to ban under 16s from social media has for the most part had bipartisan support. But with legislation being rushed through parliament, questions on the detail of the proposal are being raised by some in the Coalition.
The Greens will vote for Labor's housing bills
The Greens will vote for Labor's Help to Buy and Build to Rent housing bills, handing the government a win and ending a lengthy stand-off on housing. Greens housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather says he's decided to give Labor the benefit of the doubt on the bills saying it's important parliament is able to find compromises.
Aged care overhaul passes
The Albanese government has hailed what it calls a "once-in-a-generation" overhaul of the aged care sector after major changes were passed by parliament yesterday. The changes will force some aged care residents to pay more, a move intended to help the industry cover increased demand from Australia's aging population.
Pacific nations balk at lack of detail on COP29 climate commitments
COP29 world leaders have reached a landmark climate finance agreement, pledging AUD$460 billion annually until 2035 to assist developing nations with climate change solutions. But for many low-lying Pacific Island nations already on the frontline of devastating and irreversible climate impacts, the deal has been met with mixed reactions and many leaders have voiced frustration over the funding's inadequacy to protect vulnerable communities in the region.
Donald Trump's criminal cases dropped
Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 6, 2024 in New York City. Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face trial on criminal charges. Win McNamee/Pool via REUTERS
UN Special Rapporteur on Russian torture
Yesterday on Radio National Breakfast, Russian Ambassador to Australia Alexey Pavlovsky dismissed claims of torture committed by Russian forces on Ukrainian civilians, as made by the United Nations, as biased. UN Special Rapporteur for Torture Dr. Alice Jill Edwards verifies the evidence from her UN report on torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by Russian forces.
Children could still see gambling ads aired during TV shows even if the federal government changes the law
Gambling ads could still be broadcast during some of the TV programs most popular with children, despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's claim that he wants proposed new reforms to protect minors. The federal government is preparing to introduce legislation to restrict the amount of gambling ads aired and when they can be broadcast.
Is AUKUS safe under Trump?
Former Labor Foreign Minister Bob Carr joins Steve Cannane discuss: is the country’s key strategic military agreement with the US under threat from a Trump presidency? Republished from ABC Radio National Breakfast, 12 November 2024
Kate and the message she wants the PM to hear
Warning: This story discusses suicide In September, Kate* broke her silence, publicly speaking for the first time how sports betting ruined the life of her brother, who despite registering for self-exclusion, was continually hounded and died by suicide. Now she's seeking the ear of the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to ensure they hear directly from people who are affected by gambling addiction ahead of announcing sports betting reforms.
Will Labor's student debt cuts and reforms work?
The Albanese Government is set to cut all student loan debts by 20 per cent - alongside other reforms to the Higher Education Loan Program - if Federal Labor is re-elected next year. But experts have warned this might not be the best way to tackle the cost of living pressures facing young people entering University today.
Valencia resident supports King and Queen protests - ABC listen
The King and Queen of Spain have been met by protests on a visit to the flood affected town of Paiporta. Half an hour away in Picanya, resident Bernabe Mari Guaita is sympathetic to the protests and says the local government needs to do more to help flood victims.
Radio National Breakfast, 4th November 2024
Take your favourite podcasts and radio with you
The accidental media mogul of Afghanistan - ABC listen
Born in Afghanistan, raised in Melbourne, Saad Mohseni wanted to be an almond exporter yet found his way to become an accidental media mogul in the Taliban-run country. The businessman and entrepreneur runs the largest independent media company in Afghanistan, with headquarters in Kabul and 15 bureaus throughout the country. Guest Saad Mohseni, co-founder, chairman, and executive officer of Moby Group
Robbie Katter on QLD election results
Robbie Katter's view made headlines leading into the Queensland election. Now that the LNP party has won a majority government, his party will not hold a balance. Will he still pursue some of his headline-grabbing bills?
'Enormous relief': Lawyer on Qantas ruling
The High Court ruled last year that Qantas had illegally fired 1700 ground crew members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the Federal Court has ordered Qantas to pay $170,000 in compensation to three workers in test cases which could mean the national airline could face a final bill worth tens of millions of dollars.
Is CHOGM still relevant in 2024?
56 delegates alongside thousands of representatives from Commonwealth countries will meet in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. It is the first time the event has been hosted by a Pacific Island nation, pushing climate change to the top of the agenda. King Charles is set to attend - for the first time as the head of the Commonwealth.
BetStop was supposed to protect gambling addicts like Ravi, but it didn't stop him from losing nearly $70,000
The credibility of the Albanese government's much-vaunted wagering self-exclusion scheme BetStop has been called into question after loopholes in the system allowed a Sydney man to lose nearly $70,000 despite signing up to a lifetime ban. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is now investigating some betting agencies over allegations of non-compliance with BetStop.
Serious questions over anti-gambling measures
A problem gambler has found a loophole in the Federal Government's self-exclusion scheme 'BetStop'. The flaw allowed the Sydney man to lose nearly $70,000 dollars despite signing up to a lifetime gambling ban. The problem gambler lost the money to eight online betting agencies during six months, and has told AM he wants the loopholes closed and the bookmakers fined.
Paul Montgomery stole millions from the Gurney family business. He was known in the racing industry as 'The Golden Goose'
The Gurney brothers hired a man they believed they could trust. Ultimately that decision destroyed relationships, cost them over $10 million and took their company to the brink of bankruptcy as big-name bookmakers "preyed" upon a man known in the industry as "the Golden Goose". That man was family friend and relative by marriage Paul Montgomery. He was hired to look after the books for their expanding family business specialising in earth moving and civil construction.
CFMEU protests expected nationwide
Take your favourite podcasts and radio with you
Nearly six million Australians live in a childcare desert
Nearly 6 million Australians - that's one in four - live in a childcare desert. According to a new report by Victoria University a childcare desert is an area where three or more children compete for each childcare place. • Guest: Peter Hurley, director of Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy.
From behind bars, former sports betting addict Gavin Fineff is urging the PM to 'tackle gambling addiction properly'
A federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling harm last year made 31 recommendations, including more stringent identity checks on gamblers and a ban on online gambling inducements. Former financial planner Gavin Fineff, who stole millions to fund his sports betting addiction, is urging the PM to do more to regulate an industry that he considers predatory.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Steve
Contact Steve, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack