Sharri

Sharri Markson: Sky News Podcast

Sharri is a prominent Australian news and current affairs podcast hosted by investigative journalist Sharri Markson. Produced by Sky News Australia, the program serves as an audio extension of Markson’s television broadcast, delivering daily analysis of the most pressing political and social issues facing the nation and the world.

The podcast is characterized by its focus on investigative reporting and high-profile interviews. Markson, who serves as the Political Editor-at-Large for The Daily Telegraph, leverages her extensive background in print and broadcast journalism to break exclusive stories and provide context to breaking news. The content regularly explores themes of national security, government accountability, and domestic policy, often featuring discussions with senior politicians, industry experts, and international figures.

Episodes frequently address complex geopolitical matters, including Australia's diplomatic relations, Middle Eastern conflicts, and the influence of major global powers such as the United States and China. Recurring topics include the scrutiny of federal government decisions, debates surrounding social justice and religious freedom, and in-depth timelines of significant national events, such as security incidents or major policy shifts. Recent segments have focused on domestic security concerns, the return of foreign nationals from conflict zones, and ongoing debates regarding anti-Semitism and social cohesion.

The format typically consists of a lead segment outlining the primary news story of the day, followed by interviews that delve into the details of specific legislative changes or investigative findings. Released on a weeknight schedule, each episode typically runs for approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The program provides listeners with a consistent source of political commentary, emphasizing a rigorous examination of the Australian political landscape and the global events that impact it. Through its direct and descriptive approach, the show caters to an audience seeking detailed updates on current affairs and investigative insights into the inner workings of government and international relations.

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Episode's summary

This episode explores a range of pressing political and economic issues, beginning with calls for the expansion of a Royal Commission and criticisms regarding government transparency. The discussion delves into the economic consequences of tax changes on housing and retirees, alongside debates over tobacco excise policies and their impact on the illicit trade. The program also examines social challenges in Australia, including declining productivity, controversial school curricula, and rising gang violence in Sydney. Internationally, the episode covers the devastating aftermath of floods in Nepal and shifts focus to US-Australia defense relations and recent political developments in the United States.

Chapters

Click on a chapter to go directly to that moment

Highlights

why don't you be man enough and just extend the terms of reference and give her the flexibility that I think the public would agree with and would appreciate.

00:01:06 · John Howard challenges Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to expand the scope of the Royal Commission.

The facts are the current policy settings are killing people.

00:13:19 · Matt Canavan argues that high cigarette taxes have fueled a violent illicit tobacco trade.

Productivity in Australia has fallen by more than 5%.

00:18:16 · The guest highlights a significant decline in Australian productivity over a four-year period under the current government.

What these politicians need to realise is that we live with the most cynical generation in the history of the world right now.

00:27:10 · David Elliott critiques the effectiveness of political social media campaigns by noting the high level of skepticism among modern youth.

And this could be quite catastrophic. I don't want to alarm people, but really another two interest rate rises this year could really hurt us badly.

00:38:36 · The guest warns about the severe economic impact of further interest rate increases.

Episodes

831-

Sharri | 3 September

This episode explores a range of pressing political and economic issues, beginning with calls for the expansion of a Royal Commission and criticisms regarding government transparency. The discussion delves into the economic consequences of tax changes on housing and retirees, alongside debates over tobacco excise policies and their impact on the illicit trade. The program also examines social challenges in Australia, including declining productivity, controversial school curricula, and rising gang violence in Sydney. Internationally, the episode covers the devastating aftermath of floods in Nepal and shifts focus to US-Australia defense relations and recent political developments in the United States.

03 Sep 2026
830-

Sharri | 2 September

This episode covers a range of major Australian and international news stories, beginning with the NSW government's decision to make pill testing permanent at music festivals and the resulting political debate. The discussion moves into economic concerns, specifically regarding Treasury's housing market predictions, rising politician salaries, and the ongoing housing crisis affecting both homeowners and renters. The program also explores various social and political issues, including the Royal Commission into anti-Semitism, youth crime policies, and Victorian politics involving a secret public transport tax. Internationally, the episode examines US-Iran tensions, rumors surrounding Pete Hegseth's presidential ambitions, and recent tragic events in New York.

02 Sep 2026
829-

Sharri | 1 September

This episode covers a range of major Australian news stories, including Dawn Fraser's criticism of the Royal Commission regarding Islamist extremism and significant concerns over a potential crash in the Australian housing market. The program also explores political tensions between the Albanese government and One Nation, alongside updates on missing Australians following floods in Nepal. The discussion extends to the economic impacts of high tobacco excise on crime, diplomatic tensions within the Pacific Islands Forum involving China and Taiwan, and unverified reports regarding an Australian soldier's death in Ukraine. Additionally, the episode features interviews with One Nation's new NSW leader Mike Newman on energy policy and Mark Holden on his musical return following a battle with cancer.

01 Sep 2026
828-

Sharri | 31 August

This episode explores escalating political tensions in Australia, ranging from Pauline Hanson's accusations against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the rising influence of One Nation. The discussion covers significant domestic issues, including the Australian housing crisis, construction industry collapses, and concerns regarding energy reliability. The program also features a moving interview with Daniela Gilboa regarding her survival as a hostage in Gaza, focusing on themes of resilience and optimism. Additionally, the episode touches on international controversies involving Bassem Youssef's visa, the disaster in Nepal, and a tragic news report from Sydney.

31 Aug 2026
827-

Sharri | 27 August

This episode covers a range of critical news, beginning with the devastating flash floods in Nepal that have left 34 Australians missing. The discussion then shifts to Australian politics, examining Prime Minister Albanese's reception at the Bush Summit, debates over migration policy, and the impact of renewable energy projects in New South Wales. The episode also explores social and economic issues, including controversial prison transfers, Victoria's work-from-home legislation, and the media fallout from a high-profile AFL scandal. Finally, the program analyzes rising cost-of-living pressures, criticisms regarding the Royal Commission into anti-Semitism, and investigations into government delays surrounding the Bondi shooter's gun license.

27 Aug 2026