Ben Westcott

The Federal Government has abandoned its commitment to a surplus in next year's budget. But why did they make this decision, why does it matter, and what does a budget surplus actually mean?
Panorama speaks to Acting Greens Leader Adam Bandt and economist Stephen Koukoulas.

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Surplus.mp3

Annika Cleeve was a sex worker for over two decades, retiring from the profession in the early 00's. She spoke to reporter Ben Westcott about how her job changed over the decades, the role of porn in men's sexpectations and her new book The Mattress Actress.

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Ben - Anneke interview - Podcast.mp3

In a concept developed by an Australian filmmaker, one man and one woman have auctioned off their virginity. The woman received much higher bids than the man did. What does this say about attitudes to male and female virginity? Andrea Nierhoff finds out.

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Virginity Auctions.mp3

The senseless shooting of twelve cinema-goers in Aurora, Colorado has put gun control back in the spotlight. How effective is it and is it strict enough? Reporter Ben Westcott looks at the debate around gun violence with John Crook of Gun Control Australia and libertarian Wei Liao.

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I Heart Guns Final.mp3

Panorama caught up with the Institute of Public Affairs' Chris Berg to talk about politics, ancient Greece and his new book In Defense of Freedom of Speech.

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Chris Berg.mp3

Former High Court Justice Michael Kirby discusses his autobiography 'A Private Life'  with reporter Ben Westcott and gives his insights into gay rights, religion's place in a secular society and growing up in a country that wasn't ready to accept him.

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Michael Kirby - A Private Life - Ben - long form edited.mp3

It's been three years since the Black Saturday bushfires swept across Victoria, claiming 173 lives.
 
Panorama spoke to trout farmer Mitch MacRae about his experiences then and now.
 
We also spoke to VCOSS CEO Cath Smith about the issues facing community organisations involved in disaster relief efforts.
 
Photo at left: Provided by Mitch MacRae, of his property on the day.

 
 Premier Ted Baillieu has backed away from his pre-election policy to introduce voluntary pre-commitment technology to poker machines across Victoria by 2013.
 
Panorama spoke to ex-pokies addict Tom Cummings, and asked him what he believes could have helped him end his addiction earlier.
 
We also had a live conversation with Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision and anti-pokies campaigner.
 

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pokies_gambling_tim_costello_podcast.mp3

Gossip, in all its forms. Is it an aid to social development, or a destructive tool for bullying and intimidation? Panorama investigates.

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Gossip final PODCAST.mp3

Our political expert Ben Westcott was sent to make sense of this George Clooney story of intrigue, how did it rate in the polls?

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Ides of March Review with Tag.mp3