2GB Weekends 2GB

Listen to the full show podcast for Sunday, 19th of May.
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The Albanese Government is looking to commit Australia to proposed amendments to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Pandemic Treaty and to its International Health Regulations. 

The government is saying these are necessary steps to prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics and other international health emergencies.

But, fourteen parliamentarians from the coalition and the crossbench have written to the PM saying the reforms “pose a significant threat to Australia’s autonomy and independence on the global stage.”

Concerns have also been raised about the WHO's failure in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its unwillingness to engage in a transparent and thorough process to isolate the disease's origins. 

Luke Grant chats with the Nationals Member for the seat of Lyne and former physician Dr David Gillespie, about what the reforms might mean for the sovereignty of Australia's health policy, and what Australia could be forced to do if the WHO declares another pandemic.
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With everyone feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, why not consider spending your next holiday exploring Sydney's backyard. 

The Blue Mountains is renowned the world over and is the perfect spot for a family or romantic getaway.

It's one of the few places you can enjoy without wasting time driving, sitting on a plane and without breaking the bank. 

It's full of amazing towns and attractions including the Three Sisters, Katoomba and of course, the beloved Zig Zag Railway.

The iconic railroad has just welcomed its 50,000th passenger and is about to celebrate its one year anniversary since reopening after a decade long hiatus.

Luke Grant chats with the CEO of the Zig Zag Railway and enthusiastic Blue Mountains local, Daniel Zolfel, about what's behind the railroads enduring popularity and to give you all the best local spots for your next trip west.
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You've likely never heard of him, but an Australian journalist who played a crucial role in getting Donald Trump elected, has been named as a co-conspirator in the former President's hush money trial. 

His name is Dylan Howard, and he was formerly editor in chief of the American tabloid paper, the ‘National Enquirer, a position he held when Trump engaged his services to practice what's known as 'catch and kill journalism'.

This means he was tasked with buying any negative stories about the then presidential candidate and ensuring they were buried. The hope was this would save Trump from any reputational damage.

But despite his name being mentioned hundreds of times in the trial and the critical role he played in winning Trump the election, he is yet to appear in court.

Legendary investigative journalist with the Nine Papers, Kate McClymont, has dug deep into the life and times of Dylan Howard, and chats with Luke Grant about his background in Australia, his journey to becoming a key player in US Politics and where he is believed to be living now.
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Listen to the full show podcast for Saturday, 18th of May.
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Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super, Leith Van Onselen gives Luke Grant his take on the Albanese Government's budget, the Coalition's reply and what the latest employment and wage data means for future interest rate rises.  
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