The count down has begun to our next federal election, one week down and just on four weeks to go. Nic Christianson, Political Editor for The Wire in Sydney, gives us a quick round up of what has been happening during the first week in the lead up to the election. Make sure you keep listening to The Wire, for a truly independent look at the all the issues covered in this election, including the issues the politicians should be considering in the run to the finishing post on August 21.

An increasing number of wild dogs are reaping havoc and decimating livestock numbers across western Queensland. With such destruction being done to sheep and cattle stocks, landholders are being encouraged to do as much as they can to help erradicate the dogs. One method of erradication however, is causing stress amongst animal welfare groups. Featured in this story: Brent Finlay, AgForce sheep and wool president and Michael Beatty, Queensland RSPCA spokesperson.

A nightclub in Surfers Paradise has allegedly banned homosexuals from entering its premises. The allegations have sparked a viral backlash... with a facebook site set up in protest. Featured in the story: Queensland's acting anti-discrimination commissioner, Neroli Holmes; Male Queer Collective Director at the Queensland University of Technology, Brendan Dousi; National spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Shelly Argent.

SNAICC is climbing the ladder for Indigenous kids in the lead-up to their largest conference ever. The event is set to confront the tough issues and make real changes to improve the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children. Bridget Backhaus spoke to the organisers of this year's massive event.

With over 2 thousand troops in Afghanistan and a few still in Iraq, the issue of the two wars and Australia's presence in both countries, is still a major concern in Australia. Especially following the funeral of yet another soldier killed in Afghanistan held earlier this week. Furthermore, depending on which poll you read, either 54 per cent or 61 per cent of the population oppose continuing military involvement in Afghanistan and want Australian troops withdrawn. So with an election coming up why is the war in which we are part of not a key issue? Interviewees: Dr Ian Ward, University of Queensland, George Negus, Dateline SBS