Saturday Magazine

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 history of criminalisation, discriminatory policing, violence, and institutional prejudice directed at LGBTIQA+ communities. It also outlines practical options for truth-telling, redress, memorialisation, and reform. The report was launched at the former City Watch House at Old Melbourne Gaol alongside Bending the Bars, an immersive exhibition centring the lived experiences of LGBTIQA+ people who were historically criminalised under Victoria’s former laws. Its release comes at an important time for Victoria. The Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Anti-LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes is now considering how the state should respond to contemporary anti-LGBTIQA+ violence. This report adds an important historical lens to that work. It argues that current harms cannot be fully addressed without acknowledging the institutional legacies that shaped mistrust, under-reporting, and unequal treatment in the first place”/ https://thorneharbour.org/news-events/news/report-historical-repair-for-lgbtiqa-communities/ Dr Jeremie M. Bracka is an Australian–Israeli human rights lawyer and academic based at RMIT University’s School of Law. His research lies at the intersection of transitional justice, constitutional law, and international human rights. Jeremie’s work explores truth commissions, legal responses to historical injustice with a focus on Israel/Palestine and Indigenous justice in Australia. He is the author of Transitional Justice for Israel/Palestine? Truth-Telling and Empathy in Ongoing Conflict (Springer, 2022), and his scholarship has appeared in leading journals including the Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, Melbourne Journal of Interhttps://thorneharbour.org/news-events/news/report-historical-repair-for-lgbtiqa-communities/national Law, and Cambridge University Press. Jeremie currently leads a project on the Yoorrook Justice Commission supported by the Malcolm Moore Industry Research Grant.. The post Sat, 18th, Apr, 2026: Dr Jeremie Bracka, RMIT Faculty of Law; Transitional Justice, Historical Repair for LGBTIQA+ Communities in Victoria appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

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 public service roles. This included as a senior Commonwealth Tribunal member in migration, child support and social security matters and as Victorian Assistant Commissioner for Freedom of Information. Rachel has run her own business and is also a qualified teacher. A previous head of marketing at The Age Newspaper, New Idea magazine and SBS, an early career highlight was her creating the giant Caramello Koala working at Cadbury. Rachel has raised three children with all attending local schools and has lived in the local area for over 20 years. Her family has long been engaged in our great community, including with the Prahran Junior Football Club and Toorak Prahran Cricket Club along with the dynamic local arts sector. Rachel is a strident supporter of our diverse community, from local businesses to local dynamic fashion, health and medical science, hospitality and creative sectors. Rachel was born in Melbourne and comes from Thai Chinese heritage and is the former President of the Thai Australian Chamber, which encouraged trade and positive relationships between Australia and Thailand Rachel. Macca and Paul discussed her thoughts on the Ministerial reshuffle; 21-day police blitz in Prahran; budget reform; what can be done about IBAC. The post Sat, 18th Apr, 2026: Rachel Westaway, Lib, Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hospitality, Politics Update. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

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 Prahran; Allen Gov’s resistance to animal welfare reform Nina was elected to the Legislative Assembly in November 2022, and is the Parliamentary Secretary for Education. She previously served as a member of the Legislative Council from 2018-22, where she held the role of Government Whip. Before entering Parliament, Nina was a member of the Glen Eira City Council. She had previously worked for the Community and Public Sector Union, completed articles in law at a corporate law firm, and volunteered at the Women’s Legal Service. Her first jobs were as a schoolteacher and in long-term disease management portfolios in the pharmaceutical industry. She is also multi-lingual with proficiency in French and German. Nina’s vision for Victoria’s future is that it is an accessible, compassionate, sustainable, and educated state. She wants us to have advanced multi-modal options, clean and affordable energy, safe and climate-sensitive shelter for all, and equitable access to educational pathways. The post Saturday, 18th, April, 2026: Nina Taylor, Labor MP, Albert Park; Police Blitz Inner-City, What is the new ministry for Boys and Men; Govt. Resistance to Animal Welfare Reform appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

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 Legislative Council representing North-East Metropolitan Region for the Victorian Greens. With a background in the arts as a composer and producer, Aiv brings a creative lens to politics and is an advocate for climate action, housing justice and community-led solutions. Aiv has worked across grassroots campaigns and in parliament since 2022, focusing on progressive policies that protect the environment while supporting workers and local communities. The Victorian parliament is looking for submissions for the inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria. https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/antilgbtqiahatecrimes The post Saturday, 18th, April, 2026: Aiv Puglielli, Greens MP Nrth East Metro; Inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ Hate Crimes in Victoria. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul are back again in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the news, views, and reviews of the week that was. The post Saturday, 18th, April, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Paul appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Dr Brad Tucker is an internationally recognised astrophysicist and cosmologist at the Australian National University (ANU). Based at the Mt. Stromlo Observatory, he is a leading Australian authority on space, frequently providing expert commentary for major media outlets on topics ranging from supernova explosions to the Artemis Moon missions. Brad is leading programs using NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope and TESS to understand why and how stars blow up. He’s also building a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere, and is involved in a search to find Planet 9, as well as issues surrounding the mining of asteroids. Brad frequently gives talks to school groups and the public about astronomy and has regular segments on various radio and TV stations. He has also developed a series of Astronomy coins with the Royal Australian Mint, consulted on science fiction movies, and has been featured in TV specials. He is currently in the process of writing his first popular book and developing an online astronomy course. Brad’s areas of interest include asteroids, comets, black holes, meteor, space junk, supernova, and big bangs. The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Dr Brad Tucker, Astrophysicist & Cosmologist, ANU, Artemis II-What it means for Space Exploration? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our second-last guest this week is Award-winning musical comedian Gillian Cosgriff, joining Macca and Paul live on air to talk about her current show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Gillian Cosgriff’s here to talk about life. Not just her life. Not just your life. Life as a concept. And time. As a concept. We’re living in an age of relentless productivity, where every second should be optimised. We’re also outsourcing our questions to technology more than ever. But you know who has lived experience of being alive? Other people! With original songs, existential questions and the kind of clever, lyrical joy only Gillian can deliver, Life, Oh Life is musical comedy for anyone who’s interested in life advice from people who have actually lived. https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/life-oh-life/ The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Gillian Cosgriff, Comedian and former winner of Most Outstanding Show at the MICF, ‘Life, Oh Life’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest on the line is Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute, as she discusses with Macca and Paul about the Sorrento Writer’s Festival and the panel she is on with Paul Kelly and Niki Savva with Natasha Mitchell, as they discuss ‘Dear Prime Minister, ‘Where are all the big ideas?’ Amy Remeikis is the Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute and a contributing editor for The New Daily. Amy is renowned for her incisive political commentary and extensive experience as a journalist, author and former political reporter for Guardian Australia. Amy regularly appears in national media and is celebrated for her powerful writing on gender, politics and social justice. Her work continues to influence public debate and policy discussions across Australia. She is the author of On Reckoning. Where It All Went Wrong is her second book. To secure tickets: http://Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute, Dear Prime Minister: Where are all the BIG ideas? Sorrento Writers Festival The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute, Dear Prime Minister: Where are all the BIG ideas? Sorrento Writers Festival appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest to join Macca and Paul on air, is Laura Koefoed, Senior Journalist with QNews; as they discuss Meta deleting the accounts of marginalized groups, including BIPOC, Sex Workers and LGBTQIA+ performers. Laura Koefoed is a Senior Journalist based in Sydney, covering a range of topics and issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. She is passionate about writing on politics, social justice, current affairs, and entertainment, particularly where they intersect with queer culture, feminism, gender diversity, and tackling systemic oppression. “In January, QNews reported on a wave of Meta account removals targeting LGBTQIA+ performers, BIPOC creators, sex workers, and pole dancing communities — all falsely accused of “human exploitation” or “human trafficking.” At the time, those impacted described the experience as shocking, isolating, and inexplicable. This has been happening to BIPOC creators, sex workers, sexual health organisations, and queer folk for years. And, it’s only getting worse. More and more bans Since that initial reporting, more accounts have been removed, restricted, or permanently disabled — similarly, without warning, explanation, or any avenue for appeal. Sydney-based performer Basjia, who previously lost her main account and her platform The Pyramid, has since faced further account suspensions across multiple professional profiles. Queer artists, nightlife promoters and dancers continue to come forward to QNews, or share their stories online. “I and many other pole dancers, queer artists, and nightlife promoters have experienced the hardship that Meta has been causing,” performer Cleo Rapture told QNews”. https://qnews.com.au/metas-censorship-of-marginalised-communities-is-finally-getting-noticed/ The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Laura Koefoed, Senior Journalist with QNews, ‘Meta’s Censorship of Marginalized Groups’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is a regular contributor and guest on Saturday Magazine, Bruce Wolpe, Snr Fellow, US Studies Centre. Misha also remained in the studio to discuss issues in the US with Bruce. Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. In recent years, Bruce has worked with the Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM’s chief of staff. From 1998-2009, Bruce was a senior executive at Fairfax Media in Sydney. Bruce is author of Trump’s Australia, an examination of Donald Trump’s possible return to the presidency and the issues presented to Australia (Allen & Unwin, 2023), The Committee, a study of President Obama’s legislative agenda in Congress (University of Michigan Press, 2018, 2d Edition September 2021) and Lobbying Congress: How The System Works (Congressional Quarterly Books, 1990, 1996). The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Bruce Wolpe, Snr Fellow, US Studies Centre, Latest from Washington, Is Trump in Trouble? Melania’s Press Conference. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our first guest for the week is long time friend of the show, Misha Ketchell, Editor of the Conversation. Misha joined Macca and Paul live in the studio. Misha and the team discuss reaction to the recently announced gambling reforms; are we at risk of recession?; Ben Roberts-Smith behind bars Misha is the Editor of The Conversation Australia and New Zealand. He has been an editor and journalist for more than 25 years. He was the founding editor of The Big Issue Australia and editor of Crikey, The Reader and The Melbourne Weekly. He was also a reporter and feature writer at The Age and also worked at the ABC where he was a TV producer on Media Watch and The 7:30 Report and an editor on The Drum. The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Misha Ketchell, Editor, The Conversation, Gambling Reforms; Ben Roberts-Smith; Behind Bars appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul Horwell are in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the week that was in the news, views and reviews. Paul gives an update on what’s happening at the Victorian Pride Centre. The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Paul Horwell. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Iain Sinclair, about his new production ‘West Gate’ (from MTC). Award-winning director Iain Sinclair (A View from the Bridge) returns to Melbourne Theatre Company to helm this haunting and compassionate new work by Dennis McIntosh – a powerful retelling of a defining moment in Australian history. Screen veterans Steve Bastoni (Police Rescue, The Matrix Reloaded) and Daniela Farinacci (Lantana), as well as Darcy Kent (New Gold Mountain) and Rohan Nichol (Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith) lead a powerhouse cast in this searing retelling of a foundational Melbourne story. On 15 October 1970, dozens of workers were mid-construction on Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge when it collapsed in what is still Australia’s deadliest industrial accident. Thirty-five men were killed as countless more workers and families were left forever changed. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026; Iain Sinclair Director, West Gate (Melbourne Theatre Company) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Virginia Haussegger AM is a passionate women’s advocate, and communication specialist with unique expertise in leading powerful conversations. She is also an award-winning television journalist, writer and commentator, whose extensive media career spans 30 years. Virginia will be one of the guest panelists at the Sorrento Writers Festival session: The Revolution Continues: Still fighting for rights in Australia Virginia has reported from around the globe, including Washington, New York and the Middle East, for leading current affair programs on Channel 9, the Seven Network and the ABC. She has anchored primetime national news programs and presented as state host in five capital cities, including 15 years as nightly anchor of the ABC’s flagship TV News in Canberra. Virginia has been widely published across Australian media including The Canberra Times; the Sydney Morning Herald; The Age; The Guardian; Australian Foreign Affairs; HQ Magazine; The Museum. She is Deputy Chair of the media think-tank PIJI, the Public Interest Journalism Initiative. A highly sought-after Speaker, Virginia hosts BroadTalk, a podcast about Women, Power and the Wayward World, in which prominent women speak intimately about the events that have shaped and influenced their leadership. https://sorrentowritersfestival.com.au/artfuel/program/666/show/the-revolution-continues-still-fighting-for-rights-in-australia The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Virginia Haussegger, Journalist, Author, Speaker, ‘The Revolution Continues’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Corrie Perkin, Founder and Director of the Sorrento Writers Festival, about this year’s festival programme. Corrie Perkin is the Founder and Director of the Sorrento Writers Festival a major literary event launched in 2023 in Victoria, Australia. An acclaimed journalist, former bookshop owner, and podcaster, she created the festival to connect readers and writers on the Mornington Peninsula. http://Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Corrie Perkin, Founder, Sorrento Writers Festival; April 23-26, 2026. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Corrie Perkin, Founder, Sorrento Writers Festival; April 23-26, 2026. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is Dr. Kirsten Abernethy, Macca and Kenny discuss the funding failures across the political spectrum for domestic violence support. “National Legal Aid is deeply concerned about potential cuts to legal assistance for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in the upcoming Federal Budget, after reports in The Sydney Morning Herald”, March 26 2026 https://nationallegalaid.org.au/news/budget-cuts-to-legal-assistance-will-put-women-and-children-at-risk-warns-national-legal-aid Dr. Kirsten Abernethy is a social scientist, researcher and educator with over 20 years’ experience working with coastal and seafaring communities across Australia, the UK, and the Pacific. Her work is grounded in feminist values, and her research and advocacy has been centred upon worker’s rights, looking deeply at the experiences of women, a demographic often underrepresented. Kirsten has led major research and sector-wide programs focused on women’s leadership, workplace inclusion and systemic reform. In 2017, she won the VIC AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. In 2025 was appointed Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Dr. Kirsten Abernethy, Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust, Budget Cuts to Legal Aid for Domestic Violence Victims. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Next, Kenny and Macca have an extended chat with Georgie Purcell, while live on air, on the phone is Laurie Levy. Laurie Levy is a prominent Australian environmental activist and the founder and Campaign Director of the Coalition Against Duck Shooting, (CADS). For 40 years, as of March 2026, he has led a persistent campaign to end recreational duck hunting in Victoria. Despite his age (83 as of late 2024), Levy remains active in the field. In October 2024, he successfully defended himself in court after being fined for entering wetlands during the hunting season to rescue birds; the Magistrate rescinded the fine, acknowledging his commitment to animal welfare. Levy has consistently pressured the Victorian government, most recently criticising Premier Jacinta Allan for ignoring a parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation to ban the practice. Levy’s long-term campaigning has been a major factor in the decline of recreational duck hunting in Victoria. Since he began his work in 1986, the number of active duck shooters in the state has reportedly dropped from approximately 100,000 to around 20,000. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Georgie Purcell, and Laurie Levy Environmental Activist, Anti-Duck Shooting Campaigner appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are joined live in the studio by, Georgie Purcell is a Member for Northern Victoria with the Animal Justice Party and a leading advocate on animal welfare and regional issues. “Free public transport sounds like a great idea in inner Melbourne — but does it actually help people in regional Victoria where driving is essential?” “Policies that work in Richmond don’t always work in regional Victoria.” Some of the discussion topics for this week’s segment with Georgie Purcell include: The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Georgie Purcell Member for Northern Victoria, Animal Justice Party appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The first guest today was Josh Burns, Federal ALP Member for McNamara he joined Macca, Kenny and John live in the studio with his new baby Lilah to discuss the current cost of living crisis and oil supplies. Josh Burns is the federal member for Macnamara here in Melbourne and a prominent voice on foreign policy and national security. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Josh Burns, MP Federal Member for Macnamara, Australian Labor Party, Cost of Living Crisis, Oil Supplies appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca’s back in the hosting chair this week Kenny’s in the co-hosting seat today. John’s behind the desk and we would like to welcome to the Sat Mag team, Agnes as production assist and helping with social media and photos etc. James the podcaster is doing his usual job. Macca and Kenny highlight what’s happening in this week’s show The post Sat, April 4th, 2026 Easter Saturday, Weekly Wrap Up, with Macca and Kenny. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.