ABC 7.30

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Emily Clark

Australia is now in the thick of a federal election cycle, the United States just came out of one and in New Zealand, the fallout from the last national election has brought into focus a part of the political machine often out of view. To a voter's naked eye, the impact of think tanks and so-called research centres on public policy and any public vote might be imperceptible.

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Yumi Stynes |Elsa Silberstein |Tamar Cranswick |Alex Lollback

Are chick flicks and rom-coms your secret indulgence but you feel too embarrassed to admit it? Caroline O'Donoghue, host of the hit podcast, Sentimental Garbage, says it's time to stop apologising for the culture we love. Under the tongue-in-cheek banner 'Justice for Dumb Women', O'Donoghue celebrates the pop-culture we've long been told we should feel ashamed for loving, from Sex and the City to Taylor Swift (and Twilight).

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Fran Kelly

Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations with some of the most interesting people from around the world, on the issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Finau Fonua

In Samoa, the controversial practice of people being banished from their villages has been highlighted by recent media reports. Last week, Samoa Observer reported a matai chief was controversially banished from the village of Fausaga for making rude social media comments against a senior chief. In another unrelated report, a man was found by Samoa's Land court to have been wrongfully banished after he testified in a police case against a politician.

1 day ago | abc.net.au | Ruby Littler

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has promised to avoid the mistakes that plagued WA's recent state election, assuring voters the federal poll will be a different story. In a bid to restore the public confidence, the federal agency has emphasised its independence from the WA Electoral Commission. The WAEC has been in the spotlight after long queues and low staff numbers at polling booths plagued the March 8 state election.