Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Hardtalk on the road is in Australia, for a series of special programmes presented by Stephen Sackur. The three part series will broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World News from Monday 11 April and is the fourth HARDtalk on the road series, which has previously visited Greenland, Sri Lanka and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The series will include the following programmes:

Part 1 - Immigration

The first programme in the series will look at the issue of immigration. HARDtalk explores why the issue of immigration is so divisive to Australians, and explores the reality behind many people’s fears around new waves of boat people trying to enter the country by sea. The programme speaks to refugees, asylum seekers, right wing populists, and the immigration minister Chris Bowen about a range of issues including the detention of children, and asks if the arguments around immigration are a symptom of a wider breakdown of Australia's long running consensus on 'multiculturalism'.

Part 2 - The Mining Industry

The second programme in the series explores Australia's extraordinary resources boom. The Australian economy has avoided the economic woes of the west and continues to grow. This programme examines the new wave of investment by Chinese companies, who are developing vast new mines across Australia, working with a new generation of 'Aussie oligarchs' who control the mining rights. Stephen Sackur talks to mining magnate Clive Palmer - already one of the wealthiest men in Australia - about the sustainability of this boom. Stephen also talks to aboriginal leaders concerned that thousands of years of indigenous heritage is being lost as the big dig continues.

Part 3 - Climate & Environment

The final part of the series focuses on the recent series of extreme weather events - including cyclones, floods, drought and bushfires which have impacted on the country. This programme questions whether these weather-borne catastrophes are becoming more frequent and more intense as a result of climate change. Stephen Sackur travels from parts of Queensland that suffered extreme flooding in January to drought-ridden areas of Western Australia to look for answers. The programme also speaks to Australia's leading environmental campaigner and newly-appointed climate commission chief Tim Flannery.

Transmission times: Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 April 2011 @ 03:30h, 08:30h, 15:30 & 20:30h GMT on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World News