Shitsville Express

This week Joe tackles the issue of violence. Why are Australians bashing each other in record numbers? Why has almost every form of crime decreased except for assault? Is something fundamental changing inside our culture? In our first express journey into Sh*tsville, Joe and co discover a terrifying world of binge drinking, where drunken teenage boys and men roam the inner city at night picking fights. After delving into this confronting issue, our four get on their soapbox to announce some controversial solutions.

It's been with us since convicts crawled off the First Fleet, and it's still headline news - gambling. From the orgies of betting at the Melbourne Cup and on Anzac Day to the pokie lounges at the local club, gambling has become a national pastime and a 20 billion dollar industry. But more than 115,000 people are problem gambling, often losing all they have. Family breakdowns, bankruptcy and suicide are some of the tragic consequences. In our journey through Shitsville, our four budding politicians experience the adrenalin rush of the racetrack, and meet two problem gamblers who lost almost everything trying to recreate the highs of their first wins. And one of our crew relives painful memories of his own childhood as he takes on gambling bosses. From the corporate headquarters of a big online gambling business, to suburban pokie lounges, to the sporting clubs that would die without gambling revenue, The Sh*tsville Express lurches around the hair pin curves of this problematic issue, one which has most politicians running for cover.

Joe and his four budding pollies travel on the Sh*tsville Express to the Darling Downs to investigate the emotional and divisive issue of coal seam gas that pits neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend.

The SHITSVILLE EXPRESS heads straight into transport gridlock and discovers why the political system favours the quick fix over long term transport solutions, and why governments are terrified of upsetting the status quo.

From the luxury of a house to a night in a caravan park, Joe and the four budding pollies examine Australia's 'cost of housing' crisis and discover why Australian houses are some of the most unaffordable in the world.

Joe turns the table on the aspiring young politicians. Now it's their turn to nominate an issue they think is sending us to Shitsville. Their challenge is to come up with a big idea and pitch it to PM Kevin Rudd.