Long term listeners to The Wire may remember almost a year and a half ago, when we reported on anti-smacking laws in New Zealand. It was November 2007 and the first conviction had been made against a parent for hitting their child. Today, New Zealanders are voting in a referendum to say if they want the anti smacking laws to stay. But some stakeholders say the referendum question is too confusing. Featuring Sue Bradford, Greens Party; Bob McCroskrie Family First Party and Raymond Miller, a politics lecturer at the University of Auckland.

Tonight in Sydney a number of leading refugee advocates and support services will discuss Australia's role in the South Asia region. A Just Australia and Amnesty International Australia are two of the groups attending. The discussion is part of the ALP conference's fringe program. They both agree it's important to discuss Australia's role in terms of refugees and asylum seekers. Both groups are hoping the discussion will influence future government policy. Featuring Zhi Yan from campaign officer for A Just Australia and Dr Graham Thom, refugee coordinator Amnesty International.

The recent sale of one of Queensland's longest running printing presses has forced the local and media community to reflect upon the role of regional newspapers within the mass media. Four weeks ago, residents of Cunnumulla woke up to find themselves reading the Warrago Watchmen instead of their usual Western Sun. Newspapers changing owners isn't uncommon, however local residents, media experts, and journalists think that this sale is symptomatic of changes to rural areas in Australia. Featured in this story; former owner of the paper, Ian Tompkins and new owner, James Cook and Kitty van Vuuren, community media expert from University of Queensland.

Recording artist Leonard Cohen is at the centre of heated dispute about whether International acts should perform in Israel. The Canadian singer had planned to do a concert for a Palestinian audience in the West Bank and a second concert for Israelis in Tel Aviv in September. But the plan is now in tatters with some pro-Palestinian groups condemning Cohen for agreeing to perform in Israel at all. These groups have been pushing for all international artists to boycott Israel because of on-going human rights abuses against Palestinians. Israel is currently the subject of a UN inquiry into allegations of war crimes in Gaza. Featured in this story: Michael Shaik from "Australians for Palestine".