Episode 51: Morrison fails allies in Kabul, COVID explodes in NSW, wages go backwards and good news on electric highways

Van Badham and Ben Davison examine the situation in Afghanistan, Morrison's abandonment of our allies, the takeover of Kabul by the Taliban, what is happening to the Hazara people and the fears many have for women, girls and minorities.  People are desperate to get out as Taliban leaders declare national pardons but Taliban fighters are reportedly beating up fleeing civilians and the West scrambles to respond to the thousands of people in need of a visa, a flight and a new home.

Van and Ben discuss Trump's poison pill "peace" deal, Morrison's long history of inaction to save the people who helped save so many Australians and the complexity of place known as "The graveyard of empires".

COVID is out of control in NSW with over 8,000 active cases and a new single day record today.  People are angry, frustrated, scared and upset yet the failures of Glady's government to set clear, strong rules and provide the support people need to survive only seems to get worse by the day.  Attempts to make the pandemic about "individuals doing the wrong thing" fail to hold water as mouth pieces for foreign propaganda reveal in the notoriety gained from organising mass exposure events under the guise of "protest" without any serious consequences.

Unions are fighting to expand the number of Australian's who have access to vaccine leave, currently at 1.6M, to ensure everyone who can get vaccinated is supported to get vaccinated.  Union members continue to win better wage outcomes as wage price data out today shows overall wages have declined and the average worker has seen their wages take a real terms cut of 2% over the last 12 months.  The Morrison government pushing the decline with public sector workers taking the biggest hit.

There is good news on an electric vehicle highway in WA, the Kiwi bird and solar powered refrigeration trucks!