The Crux | Women's Agenda Podcast

As Budget Week draws to a close, Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert dissect the wins and the losses for women in this year’s federal budget. Is it really a budget that “works for women”?Plus: everybody is talking about Baby Reindeer, the British hit show on Netflix. But a controversial interview on Piers Morgan’s YouTube show with Richard Gadd’s alleged stalker has raised some interesting questions. Thank you for listening.Stories discussed this week:‘Long overdue’: NSW government proposes new bail laws for domestic violence offendersDavid Trone spent $60 million and still couldn’t defeat Angela AlsobrooksWhat’s in the federal budget for women? This is what you need to knowThe key wins for women’s health in the budgetWhat advocacy groups are saying about this year’s budgetLimited support for ‘Crisis’ of domestic and family violenceWhere are women in the ‘Future Made in Australia’ plan?The dollars women could save this year following the Federal Budget‘Leave me alone please’: The alleged real-life Martha from ‘Baby Reindeer’ denies stalking claimsThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women-founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women’s Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

The list that ranked girls based on their attractiveness that was created by Year 11 boys at Yarra Valley Grammar in Melbourne is unfortunately nothing new. As Chanel Contos said, if you’re surprised, you’re not paying attention. What was promising to see was the swift action from the school’s principal. Find out what he said in this week’s episode. Ahead of next week’s budget announcement, Tarla Lambert and Olivia Cleal discuss the latest call for Australians to have more babies to combat a decline in the country’s population growth. Plus, we ask how the media can do better when it comes to racial stereotypes. Stories discussed this week:‘A great mathematical achievement’: Two high school students have solved an ‘impossible’ maths problemHow young women will benefit from the new prac placement payment and changes to HECS-HELP debtIt’s going to take a lot more than financial help to convince me to have a baby for the countryMelbourne private school boys rank female students according to attractivenessSky News’ humiliation of Keegan Payne is a lesson for the media on ‘balanced’ storytelling The Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women-founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women’s Agenda. Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

This week, Angela Priestley and Tarla Lambert break down the federal government’s response to the national crisis of men’s violence against women. Has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met the needs, or is there still a way to go?Part of the government’s announcement following the national cabinet was to target young men and boys’ attitudes towards women and girls. We look at a recent study that shows just how dangerous online toxic masculinity can be for male students, as sexist behaviours targeted at female teachers are on the rise.Don’t worry - we haven’t forgotten the wins that have come out of what has otherwise been a very heavy news week. Nicole Kidman has become the first Australian to win the AFI Life Achievement Award, plus some big news for a female-founded tech companyStories discussed this week:Cyan and Collis Ta’eed achieve a $375.2 million exit, proving you can build a massive business and a lifeNicole Kidman becomes first Aussie to win AFI Life Achievement AwardIt’s in our ‘national interest’ to deal with this: PM unveils $925 million over 5 years to help women escape violenceSocial media’s ‘feedback loop’ is a barrier for girls pursuing a career in STEM: UNESCO reportMale students are exhibiting frequent sexist behaviour towards their teachers, new study showsIf you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.The Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women’s Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

After sharing some wins, Tarla Lambert and Olivia Cleal start this week’s podcast with the biggest story to come out of this week: the outcome of the Lehrmann v Network Ten defamation trial. Justice Michael Lee found, on the balance of probabilities, that Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins in March 2019.  This week, we also talk about Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s strong words on family and domestic violence, plus – is Australia in a ‘baby drought’, and what does this mean for future generations? Stories discussed this week:Beyoncé is the first Black woman to reach No.1 on the Billboard country album chartWA government to provide free period products in public primary schools‘Mr Lehrmann raped Ms Higgins’: Justice Michael Lee delivers judgement on Lehrmann v Network Ten defamation trialJacinta Allan says violence against women is the ‘number one law and order issue’ in AustraliaHow Australia has created the perfect storm for a baby droughtThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

US-born artist Kirsha Kaechele's Ladies Lounge, a "conceptual artwork" in the MONA in Tasmania, was found to be discriminatory towards NSW Jason Lau, when he was refused entry to the space in April last year. This week, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley break down what the case was all about, and what's next for the Ladies Lounge.On this week's episode of The Crux, we also discuss Serena Williams' venture capital fund that has helped 14 startups reach unicorn status, extraordinary developments in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial, plus some exciting wins in Australia and around the world to get you through the weekend!Stories discussed this week:Victorian public sector workers to get paid reproductive and period leave2500 older Swiss women just landed a massive climate victorySerena Williams has invested in 14 startups that have now reached unicorn statusMONA’s women-only lounge discriminated against a man by refusing his entry, tribunal rulesIf ‘building rapport’ means paying for sex, drugs and a $361 steak, then there is something seriously wrong with the Australian mediaThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

This week, we learned the devastating news that Australian aid worker, Zomi Frankcom, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza. The news has shocked Australia and sparked even greater outrage amongst Australians over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.Also this week, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley chat about the appointment of Sam Mostyn as Australia’s next governor-general, free contraception in Canada, an unusual economic win for women, plus why everyone in Japan will be named ‘Sato’ in 500 years’ time.Stories discussed this week:Canada’s government to offer free contraception to millions of women Samantha Mostyn AO appointed as Australia’s next governor-generalHumility, grace, intellect: Sam Mostyn is an inspired choice for governor-generalAustralian woman reported to be one of four foreign aid workers killed in Israeli air strike ‘Larger than life’: Tributes flow for Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and her outstanding legacyWomen in Australia set to inherit $3.2 trillion in the country’s largest wealth transfer: ResearchOppressive marriage laws in Japan might see everyone named Sato in 500 years’ timeThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

It’s the long weekend, so what better way to kick it off than with some wins? We take a look at ultra marathon runner Jasmin Paris and figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek. Some major moves for women’s health in Australia as well, with the launch of a new medical research centre in Sydney, plus a huge milestone for women’s reproductive health.In this episode, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley also discuss the so-called woman problem in the Liberal party and what they are - or aren’t - doing about it. Plus, we break down Mary Wooldridge’s National Press Club Address on Australia’s gender pay gaps.Stories included this week:Ultrarunner Jasmin Paris becomes first woman to finish the toughest run in the worldRetired at 17, world champion at 40: Deanna Stellato-Dudek becomes oldest woman to win skating world titleNational milestone as abortion officially decriminalised in every state and territory in AustraliaWhy has the Liberal party kept quiet about its new women’s network?Tim Wilson’s back: The Liberal Party’s missed opportunities for preselection progress‘Gender card’ is ‘grievance narrative’ says man who replaced Anne Ruston on Liberal’s SA senate ticketTo close the gender pay gap, we must ‘reimagine’ what senior leaders look like: Mary Wooldridge‘Fighting medical misogyny’: New Centre to address inequities in health and medicineThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

The World Happiness Report was released this week, with Finland taking the top spot for the seventh year in a row (no surprises there). In this episode, Tarla Lambert and Angela Priestley consider why the same countries top the list year after year - could it have something to do with their women leaders?Also this week: some desperate changes needed for pregnant and parent employees in Australian workplaces, plus alarming rates of online abuse targeted at elite sportswomen.Stories discussed this week include:Ireland’s PM admits he’s no longer the best person for the job. Others could learn from him‘Rare courage’: Bridget Archer wins prestigious prize for political leadershipThese are 2024’s happiest countries. How does gender factor into it?New report urges major changes in workplace conditions for pregnant womenNine in 10 elite sportswomen have experienced gendered online harm: ResearchWomen are constantly sexualised in sport. Here are just 6 examplesThe Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho

Women around the country have vowed to #FinishSamanthasRun, after the 51-year-old mother from Ballarat, Victoria went for her weekly run and never returned home. She was allegedly murdered by 22-year-old Patrick Orren Stephenson, who was charged the day before International Women's Day last week. In this episode, journalist Olivia Cleal joins Tarla Lambert, as they discuss their feelings on violence against women, and how other women stand in solidarity with each other.Also this week, we chat about potential changes for WFH employees, P!NK's success in New Zealand, plus - is it really women who are the emotional ones in politics?Content warning: This episode contains references some listeners may find distressing.If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Stories discussed this week:1800RESPECT launches video counselling service for domestic violence supportPink becomes first female artist to headline Eden Park in Auckland, drawing record crowdWomen shouldn’t fear murder on a run. Samantha Murphy’s case must be the last strawThe traditional 9am-5pm hours could be scrapped for WFH employees. What will it mean for women?Bob Katter erupts at Ross Cadell in a verbal confrontation but it’s women who are ‘too emotional’?The Crux is produced by Agenda Media, the 100% women founded and owned media business, publishing the daily news publication Women's Agenda.Producers: Olivia Cleal and Allison Ho