After the invasion of Afghanistan, Ali Jafari fled the Taliban regime and was resettled as a refugee in Australia. But then, while visiting Pakistan, his permanent residency was suddenly cancelled. Now, 12 years later, he’s still stranded – separated from his family and fighting ASIO’s allegations that he is a people smuggler.

In court, Jafari’s family and legal team are up against it. They have discovered that the evidence behind his adverse security assessment is deemed confidential and will only be presented in a closed hearing – without their presence.

It’s an example of how the national security apparatus is increasingly being used to pursue suspected people smugglers, often at the expense of foundational principles of justice.

Today, journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Mark Isaacs on the Jafari family’s search for answers and why ASIO refuses to provide them.

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Guest: Journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper, Mark Isaacs.

Photo: AFP Photo / Basarnas

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In January, Katie Tangey was killed in a Melbourne house fire believed to be part of the ongoing “tobacco wars”. Police say she was an innocent victim and the arsonists got the wrong address.

The tobacco wars are driven by rival gangs fighting over a black market worth billions, and have been marked by firebombings, extortion and murder.

While headlines focus on the violence, skyrocketing government taxes on tobacco have long been fuelling the fire behind the scenes.

Today, associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray, on how a public health initiative created the conditions for a deadly turf war.

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Guest: Associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray.

Photo: AAP Image/Diego Fedele

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As Peter Dutton conceded his 24-year hold on the Brisbane seat of Dickson, he said the Liberal Party will “rebuild”.

The party’s soul-searching has begun, as it looks to select a new leader and consider its future direction.

But a return to the Liberal Party’s traditional values is complicated by Peter Dutton having led the party further to the right and the election having diminished much of its moderate wing.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow, on what’s next for the Liberal Party.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow.

Credit: Pat Hoelscher / AP

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