Oct 18, 2026 · 47 min · 10 segments
This week on Represent National, the whole team is back in the studio as Ashley walks us through the federal government's backflip on banning credit card payments to the tax office. Between that and…
And Fatima has this week's news bulletin.
Yes.
Before we get into it today, listeners are advised that this news bulletin includes the name of a First Nations woman who has died.
We'd also like to provide a content warning relating to femicide and gendered violence.
In national politics this week, the Victorian Firefighters Union has levied legal action against its own members as a consequence for not paying a $644 levy to cover their legal fees.
The levy itself is considered a form of union membership fees, which account for the more than $2,000 per year fee for senior firefighters.
Those who have not paid their fees and or resolved their affairs will be subject to court proceedings so as to recover the debt.
This has been met with great criticism from those subject to the penalties.
A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 21-year-old First Nations woman Jada Allen Bonner.
Jada was a Yagora woman described by her family as a gentle soul with a heart of gold.
Emergency services were called to an apartment in Carlton in the early hours of Saturday morning, with police saying the accused, who was known to Jada, turned himself in on Tuesday morning.
A vigil and smoking ceremony will be held from 5pm this Saturday at 480 Ligon Street, Carlton.
followed by a march to Parliament House.
According to Cheryl Lee Moody's Femicide Watch, Jada was the 55th Australian woman killed in 2026, with the count now at 56.
If this has raised concerns for you and you'd like to seek support, you can contact 1800RESPECT, the sexual assault, family and domestic violence hotline, on 1800 737 732 that's 1800 respect on 1800 737 732 or 13 yarn for aboriginal or touristry islander crisis support on 1392 76 that's 13 yarn on 1392 76 The Northern Territory Government plans to make pepper spray permanently legal for self-defence and extend access to 16 and 17-year-olds with parental consent.
Chief Minister Leah Finiciario says the move will improve personal safety, but critics of the law warn it could increase youth violence and raise concerns about safety at school.
Teachers from the University of Melbourne have gone on a 24-hour strike, followed by a four-day strike since Monday for better pay and working conditions.
Members of the National Tertiary Education Union, NTEU, have gone on strike after negotiations between the university and staff members broke down, meaning lectures, tutorials and workshops at Melbourne University are expected to be cancelled.
The strike is set to finish on Friday.
And Fatima has this week's news bulletin.
Yes.
Before we get into it today, listeners are advised that this news bulletin includes the name of a First Nations woman who has died.
We'd also like to provide a content warning relating to femicide and gendered violence.
In national politics this week, the Victorian Firefighters Union has levied legal action against its own members as a consequence for not paying a $644 levy to cover their legal fees.
The levy itself is considered a form of union membership fees, which account for the more than $2,000 per year fee for senior firefighters.
Those who have not paid their fees and or resolved their affairs will be subject to court proceedings so as to recover the debt.
This has been met with great criticism from those subject to the penalties.
A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 21-year-old First Nations woman Jada Allen Bonner.
Jada was a Yagora woman described by her family as a gentle soul with a heart of gold.
Emergency services were called to an apartment in Carlton in the early hours of Saturday morning, with police saying the accused, who was known to Jada, turned himself in on Tuesday morning.
A vigil and smoking ceremony will be held from 5pm this Saturday at 480 Ligon Street, Carlton.
followed by a march to Parliament House.
According to Cheryl Lee Moody's Femicide Watch, Jada was the 55th Australian woman killed in 2026, with the count now at 56.
If this has raised concerns for you and you'd like to seek support, you can contact 1800RESPECT, the sexual assault, family and domestic violence hotline, on 1800 737 732 that's 1800 respect on 1800 737 732 or 13 yarn for aboriginal or touristry islander crisis support on 1392 76 that's 13 yarn on 1392 76 The Northern Territory Government plans to make pepper spray permanently legal for self-defence and extend access to 16 and 17-year-olds with parental consent.
Chief Minister Leah Finiciario says the move will improve personal safety, but critics of the law warn it could increase youth violence and raise concerns about safety at school.
Teachers from the University of Melbourne have gone on a 24-hour strike, followed by a four-day strike since Monday for better pay and working conditions.
Members of the National Tertiary Education Union, NTEU, have gone on strike after negotiations between the university and staff members broke down, meaning lectures, tutorials and workshops at Melbourne University are expected to be cancelled.
The strike is set to finish on Friday.
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