Jason Whittaker

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Jason Whittaker

Two-thirds of Australians say the United States can't be trusted as a security ally and want to develop a more independent defence capacity, in a dramatic shift since President Donald Trump reclaimed the White House. Exclusive research commissioned by the ABC's Q+A program reveals the country has serious concerns with Trump and his impact on the global economy, in the final week of a domestic election campaign punctuated by financial market turmoil and foreign conflicts.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Tessa Flemming |Jason Whittaker

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil and her Coalition opponent Michael Sukkar will debate for the first time after major policy announcements from both sides at campaign launches over the weekend. The pair will face off on a special Q+A from Berwick in Melbourne's outer south-east. The Q+A panel also includes independent MP Zali Steggall, Melbourne Deputy Mayor Roshena Campbell and Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss. Follow live.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Jason Whittaker

Charlotte Kaye watched Treasurer Jim Chalmers deliver the federal budget from the $484-a-week rental she shares with her two adult sons in Coburg in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. "I can honestly say I felt totally worthless, invisible," she said. "Surprise, surprise, the most vulnerable of our society have been ignored again."While the government says it has the economy moving in the right direction, Charlotte doesn't feel better off than she did 12 months ago.

2 months ago | antinuclear.net | Jason Whittaker |Christina MacPherson

Climate Authority head Matt Kean says Liberals ‘socialist’ for ‘nonsense’ nuclear policy By Jason WhittakerMatt Kean, a former NSW treasurer and energy minister, has launched a broadside at his own party for backing nuclear energy. Mr Kean now chairs the Climate Change Authority, which argues nuclear reactors will result in more emissions than renewable energy. But Liberal senator Hollie Hughes told Q+A nuclear energy promised zero emissions and jobs for coal plant communities.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Jason Whittaker

A former Liberal state treasurer has branded his own party "socialist" in an extraordinary broadside at the opposition's plan to build nuclear power reactors. Matt Kean, who now chairs the government's Climate Change Authority, has also warned parts of Australia will become "uninhabitable" from worsening climate events such as the ongoing emergency from ex-Cyclone Alfred.