Nevena and John are joined live on air by Bill Shorten, the current Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra (UC). He assumed the role on 14 February 2025, following a 17-year career in federal politics.
The Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, reporting in July 2023, delivered a damning assessment of the former Coalition government’s automated debt recovery program, describing it as a “shameful,” “crude and cruel” mechanism that was neither fair nor legal. As Minister for Government Services, Shorten played a central role in driving the inquiry and pursuing accountability, labelling it a “war on the poor” and a massive failure in public administration.
Bill Shorten was a leading figure in the push for the Royal Commission, promising the investigation while in opposition and subsequently managing the government’s response to the findings.
In August 2023, Shorten moved a motion in the House of Representatives to accept the report’s findings, expressing deep regret and apologizing to victims and frontline Centrelink staff.
Shorten accused the previous government of “gaslighting” victims and the public by defending the scheme even after its illegality became known.
Shorten has consistently criticised opposition leader Peter Dutton for a “deafening” lack of remorse and for defending former colleagues involved in the scheme.
Following the report, Shorten announced the government’s acceptance of all 57 recommendations, focusing on ending the use of external debt collectors and strengthening the public service.
Shorten has continued to urge for the “sealed section” of the report to be unsealed to ensure transparency, arguing it is not sustainable for it to remain secret forever.
Legal and Financial Fallout
In 2021, the Federal Court approved a final settlement of $1.8 billion, which involved dropping debt claims and refunding unlawful debts. As of 2025, a new settlement, deemed the largest in Australian legal history at $548.5 million, is under consideration to provide further compensation, with NACC investigations into the referrals ongoing.
For decades, Saturday Magazine has been a cornerstone of informed conversation within Australia's rainbow communities. Produced by JOY 94.9, this weekly podcast digs into the stories that matter most, moving beyond headlines to explore the intersection of politics, business, and social justice with a distinctly queer lens. As the station's longest-running news and current affairs program, it brings a depth of perspective that only comes with time. Each episode features thoughtful commentary, interviews with activists and community leaders, and analysis of issues impacting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, and ally listeners. You'll hear discussions on non-profit initiatives, policy changes, and cultural shifts, all grounded in the lived experiences of the diverse people it represents. This isn't just a recap of the week's events; it's a vital resource for anyone looking to understand the complexities and triumphs of LGBTIQA+ life. Tune in for a consistently insightful and engaged take on the world, delivered with the clarity and purpose that has defined this essential podcast for years.
Zoe and Macca are joined live on-air by Dr. Monique Ryan, Independent Member for Kooyong, Deputy Chair of Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability; as they discuss the cuts and changes to the NDIS, ANZAC Da…
Zoe, Macca and Kenny talk to Kenny and Macca talk to Konrad Benjamin from Punter’s Politics, about his recent invitation to the Senate Select Committee Hearing on Taxation of Gas Resources. Punter’s Politics is an Austra…
Our next guest for this week is Peter Khalil, MP for Wills and Assistant Minister for Defence. Some of the topics discussed today between Macca, Zoe, Kenny and the Minister are: With so many Australian service people cur…
Macca is joined in the hosting seat this week by former ABC Foreign Correspondent and Independent Federal Member for the seat of Goldstein, Zoe Daniel, from 2022-2025. Zoe’s platforms were primarily climate action, integ…
Macca and Paul are joined live on air by Trav Lovett, Executive Director, Centre for Truth Telling & Dialogue. Melbourne Uni. ‘Walk for Truth”. Trav has spent his life advocating for truth and justice for First Peoples.…
Macca and Paul are joined live on air by Dr Emma Shortis, Dir. International & Security Affairs Program, The Australia Institute, as they discuss her panels Her panels at Sorrento Writers Festival, discussing the future…
Macca and Paul are joined live in the studio by Dr Jeremie Bracka, RMIT Faculty of Law; Transitional Justice, as they discuss the historical repair for LGBTIQA+ Communities in Victoria “The report examines Victoria’s his…
Macca and Paul are joined live in the studio by Rachel Westaway, State Liberal MP for Prahran. Before representing Prahran in State Parliament, Rachel Westaway, had a distinguished career within corporate, industry and p…
Macca and Paul are joined live in the studio by Nina Taylor, Labor MP, Albert Park as they discuss the new Ministerial reshuffle, including a new Minister for Boys & Men; 21-day police blitz in Sth Mel, St Kilda and Prah…
First guest this week is show regular and Joy supporter, Aiv Puglielli, Member, Victorian Legislative Council (Victorian Greens), who was live in the studio with Macca and Paul. Aiv Puglielli is a member of the Victorian…
