The Briefing

Friday Headlines: Australian flotilla activists released More ‘ISIS brides’ heading to Australia Pauline Hanson announces Norway-inspired gas policy, staffer tells journalist to ‘shut up’ New documents reveal Queen’s hopes for Andrew Legendary BBC international correspondent Lyse Doucet on the Weekend Briefing Deep Dive: The sudden departure of Kyle and Jackie O has triggered a power struggle in Australian radio, leaving KIIS’s parent company ARN on the hunt for listeners. In a surprising move, the network has gambled on television veterans Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire to headline a brand-new national show. In this episode of The Briefing, industry expert Craig Bruce joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break down the strategy behind the move and whether this controversial pairing can help save the embattled network. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Paul Keating backs the CGT changes The US reveals arrest warrant for Cuban ex-president World’s first trillionaire? Two big tech companies are going public Aussie unemployment climbs higher than expected Avalon airport resumes flights after a hairy scare Deep Dive: Diphtheria was eradicated in Australia, so why is the government spending $7.2 million to contain an outbreak? The disease kills one in ten people, and can present as slow-healing sores or a respiratory infection – and there are now about 200 cases in Australia. Vaccination prevents the disease, but it's made a resurgence in the NT, WA, SA, and Queensland. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by epidemiologist A. Prof. Sanjaya Senanayake. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Israeli minister condemned for taunting handcuffed Gaza flotilla activists Anthony Albanese meets with the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby NRL player announces immediate retirement after MND diagnosis Queensland's new public hospital to refuse VAD or abortions Melbourne teen becomes youngest Aussie to reach Everest summit Deep Dive: AI-generated images of The Prime Minister as a startup co-founder, tradie and “silent business partner” have flooded social media this week - all in protest of one controversial Budget measure. The government’s plan to scrap the 50% capital gains tax discount on most assets from 2027 has sparked backlash from startup founders and small business owners, who say it could punish innovation and push investment offshore. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with ABC Business Daily host Daniel Ziffer about what capital gains tax actually is, why business owners are panicking, and whether the fears stack up. Further listening from headlines: Inside Everest’s death zone Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Minns enters the tax reform chat, as Chalmers and Taylor spar over CGT Putin arrives in China to meet Xi Jinping, days after Trump leaves Trump threatens Iran again, a day after calling off another strike Hillsong’s Houston has another problem with porn on Twitter Kylie Minogue’s second cancer diagnosis revealed in doco Deep Dive: The war in Iran has taken all attention away from the ongoing, four-year-long war between Russia and Ukraine. Now the tide is turning against Putin, with Ukrainian drone strikes reaching Russian cities and Russia’s army losing territory. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr. Malcolm Davis, defence expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: DFAT seeking confirmation on the welfare of Aussies on board flotilla reportedly taken by Israel Questions about BOM efficiency after Gold Coast rainfall Australia's 'biggest diphtheria outbreak’ in decades spreads into Qld, SA and WA SA politicians walk out of One Nation leader’s maiden speech Axing carparks in apartments could make them cheaper Deep Dive: A recent social media exchange between American airline JetBlue and a customer has sparked not only a broad conversation about how companies are watching us, but also a lawsuit. We know that our clicks are being tracked when we browse for things online and that data is being collected and used to set prices ... but this could be the first time it’s been openly admitted to. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by marketing expert Professor Nitika Garg who explains exactly what surveillance pricing is and how it’s being – and could be used - against us. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: 47-year-old man faced court after being charged over alleged murder of wife and two children PM Anthony Albanese addresses AI images slamming tax changes Five dead after Mosque shooting in US Bunnings bomb threat in Brisbane Shakria to be paid nearly $90 million AU Deep Dive: A bombshell new report has revealed a concerning amount of alcohol sold at Australian bottle shops is contaminated. The top drug and alcohol experts found unsafe levels of methanol and plastics during testing and are now calling for a crackdown on retailers and also better regulation. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Nicholas Taylor from the National Drug Research Institute who explains how dangerous this contamination is and the deadly side effects. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of our chat with the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Senator Jane Hume, we get into her party’s migration policy and what the “right mix” of migrants looks like in Australia. After announcing welfare would be limited to citizens in its budget reply, the Coalition has been asked whether it’s failed in its promise to not become ‘One Nation Lite’ and if its future could include Pauline Hanson’s party. Hume responds to those questions, as well as Sussan Ley’s claims that the Coalition is worse off now than it was when she was dumped. Listen to part one here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Elon Musk loses high profile lawsuit against Open AI Australians among those on-board Israeli-seized Gaza flotilla Sydney triple murder a suspected domestic violence incident Global scramble underway to try to stem Ebola outbreak Social media ban preventing Aussie teens from accessing news Two men arrested over stunt at Punch the monkey’s enclosure Deep Dive: The Coalition has spent the last year in the political wilderness, battling an increasingly influential One Nation and a failure to present genuine and clear policies. Last week, opposition leader Angus Taylor issued his budget reply speech, with a focus on taxes and migration as a way to win back disaffected voters. In this special two-part interview, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, Senator, Jane Hume, about whether this budget platform will be the one to claw them back votes and re-cement them as a meaningful opposition to Labor. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Opposition promises to scrap Labor's tax changes US President Donald Trump's new threat for Iran Passenger detained and banned from Qantas after allegedly biting attendant Thousands queue across the globe for SWATCH watch Deep Dive: Over the weekend the World Health Organisation declared an Ebola outbreak in the Republic of Congo and Uganda as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’, following the recent Hantavirus cruise ship crisis, which has left many asking if Australia is prepared for another pandemic? Have we learnt any lessons from COVID-19 and what is needed to make sure that next time the Government gets the balance right? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Paul Griffin, a microbiologist and director of infectious diseases at Mater Hospital, who explains why trust in the public health system is vital for prevention. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second part of this special two-part deep dive, we continue to learn about the investigation that exposed a global online rape academy. It wasn’t hiding on the dark web either, but in plain sight on forums and websites accessible by anyone with an internet connection. So far, we’ve heard from CNN’s Kara Fox about the early days of her team’s probe, and in this episode, we learn how they tracked one of these abusers to his hometown in Poland – and what happened next. You can read Kara and her team’s investigation piece here. Listen to part one here. Pt 1: Exposing a global ‘rape academy’See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Angus Taylor overtakes Anthony Albanese as preferred PM Tributes flow for Perth dad killed in shark attack WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak Health experts warn big tobacco is exploiting illicit market fears to unwind health gains Cops guarding king under investigation for falling asleep Deep Dive: The shocking case of Gisèle Pelicot was one that gripped the world and lead a team of investigative journalists to expose what’s come to be known as a ‘global rape academy’. Their investigation revealed that just like Gisèle’s former husband, men around the world are taking to forums and websites to openly discuss, plan and carry out and profit from the drug facilitated sexual abuse of their partners without their knowledge as they sleep. In this special two-part deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by CNN Senior Reporter Kara Fox, whose team tracked down perpetrators and spoke with survivors to expose the online world hiding in plain sight. You can read Kara and her team’s investigation piece here.Listen to part two here.Pt 2: Tracking an abuser inside the global ‘rape academy’ Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation into Australia’s cocaine binge, Behind the White Line, traces the trail of white powder, from narco to nostrils. The series goes inside a $1 billion shipment, exposing a police turf war between the United States' DEA, the AFP and WA cops over an audacious sting to outwit a Mexican cartel. With exclusive interviews of high-ranking detectives, undercover operatives, DEA agents and coke users, Behind the White Line, examines the human cost of the world’s glamour drug hosted by investigative journalist Richard Baker. Available from 21 May on LiSTNR's Secrets We Keep, on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Colin Fassnidge was sold to Australian audiences as the gruff Irish answer to Gordon Ramsay, but off camera he’s far more thoughtful, self-aware and surprisingly soft-hearted than his TV persona suggests. After becoming a household name on My Kitchen Rules, Colin continued to travel through food and delivering TV gold, but behind the fiery one-liners and shows, he’s now opening up about therapy, burnout and the pressure of constantly performing. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Colin opens up about the realities of making television, why a recent filming trip to Mongolia pushed him to his limits, his friendship with Pete Evans and what food still means to him after decades in the industry. Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Bree TO READ: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros TO TRY: L'Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair shampoo and conditioner TO EAT: Get a slow cooker! TO WATCH: Ladies of London season 4 on Hayu Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Neo-Nazis are now a prohibited hate group Hantavirus cruise passengers land in Perth Ten remain in hospital after Queensland bus crash kills one New poll has One Nation beating Labor Day Two of Trump’s China visit is underway Delta Goodrem is through to the Eurovision grand final Deep Dive: Housing tax reforms were at the centre of Labor’s Budget, but the big question is: will they help? Is Labor right that investment incentives are the problem, or is the Coalition right to blame migrants... or are both parties missing the biggest issues with Australia's housing market? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by housing expert Dr Michael Fotheringham, Managing Director of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Angus Taylor has laid out his budget reply Xi says US and China ‘should be partners, not rivals’ despite earlier warning on Taiwan Leadership challenge imminent on UK PM Sir Keir Starmer NSW wins Women’s State of Origin Sam Kerr to leave Chelsea Delta hits the Eurovision stage Deep Dive: Australia is currently deep in what some experts are calling a ‘running revolution’. It feels like everyone and their dog are tracking their workouts on Strava, getting kitted out in the best gear and signing up for their local half-marathon. Should you be too? In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Emeritus Professor Mark Hargreaves, an expert in physiology, to discuss. Further listening from headlines: China’s quiet role in the Iran war Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Trump boasts of high-powered delegation to China Aussie hantavirus passengers to begin their journey home Labor has a new senator, as Tammy Tyrell switches sides Budget reactions see major Aussie banks lose value Deep Dive: Coles misled its customers over false discounts, a Federal Court ruled today. The supermarket raised prices only to slightly drop them, and then presented the new, higher, prices as “Down Down” discounts. Coles shoppers were misled over hundreds of common supermarket items, the judge found. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Joel Gibson, consumer expert, to talk about what penalties Coles could face and whether we’ll ever be able to trust supermarkets again. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Coalition to stop non-citizens from accessing welfare Trump arrives in Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping Aircraft secured to bring Aussies home from hantavirus outbreak US Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions and orders new trial Evidence of dentistry found in Neanderthals Deep Dive: This week, in the shadow of the budget, the federal government dropped its long-awaited response to gambling harm. It’s left critics not only underwhelmed with the response, but also angry at the decision to try to bury it under headlines focusing on the 2026 budget. In this episode of The Briefing, Independent MP Kate Chaney joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to dissect the government’s response and what needs to happen next to address gambling harm in this country. Further listening from the headlines:Budget reactions, from love to hateChina’s quiet role in the Iran war Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Politicians react, and budget battle lines are drawn Iran still has missiles, according to US intelligence FBI director grilled over his drinking Inquest begins into taser death of 95yo Clare Nowland Scrapped: plans for Gold Coast Trump tower Deep Dive: On the day after the Federal Budget we get a preview of a year’s worth of political messaging. The Coalition are calling the tax reforms an assault on aspiration, while the Greens have said the budget helps big corporations and cuts off disabled Australians. Barnaby Joyce thinks you might be better off buying a boat than investing. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Tim Lester, Politics and National Security correspondent for Channel 7. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Chalmers has handed down his fifth federal budget overnight, revealing a $45 billion improvement to the bottom line. But amidst the numbers and policies, what are the things you should know about? In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou take you through the biggest announcements, from changes to negative gearing to a little tax time sweetener. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Soldier Lachlan Muddle dies in parachuting accident Another hantavirus infection, as Aussies wait in Netherlands Chalmers gives a final pre-budget preview UK is heading towards a leadership spill Canvas hack resolves with hackers supposedly deleting data ... and Wordle is becoming a TV game show Deep Dive: Australia is a data centre destination: investors and developers love our stable infrastructure and the submarine internet cables that connect us to the rest of the world. That means that we have a lot of data centres, and more on the way. So: what exactly is a data centre? Who owns them? Who uses them? And where are they being built? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Bronwyn Cumbo from the University of Technology Sydney. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Aussies on hantavirus cruise ship board flight back home Pauline Hanson says she’ll ‘never ever’ give Coalition a preference deal again Police find body believed to be Lake Cargelligo triple murderer Alleged white house dinner shooter pleads not guilty Trump says Iran ceasefire on 'life support' Dua Lipa sues Samsung Deep Dive: Australia is on the brink of a major shift in ADHD care, with GPs across the country now able, or soon to be able, to diagnose the condition for the first time.But questions remain about whether the system is ready to do it well. Prescription rates have surged elevenfold in 20 years, access has long been unequal across regions, and each state is rolling out its own rules with little consistency in training requirements or funding. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Leanne Maskell - author, ADHD and autism advocate, founder of ADHD Works, and adviser to Australian state governments on this rollout- to explain what getting this right actually looks like in practice, and what's at stake if it goes wrong.Further listening from the headlines: Our chat with Pauline Hanson Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: One Nation aims for Western Sydney next, says Barnaby Joyce Media boss Catalano faces court over assault allegations Trump calls Iran peace plan “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!” Australian pharmaceutical giant CSL suffers 17pc one-day drop Delta Goodrem walks the ‘turquoise carpet’ for Eurovision Deep Dive: Pauline Hanson joins Natarsha Belling for a conversation about the wipeout election in Farrer. One Nation won its first lower house seat in the federal parliament, and is already aiming for more. How does Hanson feel about the Liberal Party? Should Australians trust someone who has been to prison? Are her supporters racist? Senator Pauline Hanson responds. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Coalition leadership questions after Farrer by-election loss to One Nation Melbourne ‘ISIS brides’ to apply for bail Aussies stuck on hantavirus ship set to fly home tomorrow Woman charged after allegedly making antisemitic comments at junior netball game Best place to live in Australia revealed Deep Dive: As we head into winter, Australians are being told the same thing: get your flu jab. But how much do we know about the vaccine we’re encouraged to get every single year? And how effective is it really? The science behind the flu jab is more nuanced than the public messaging often suggests - and that’s something infectious disease expert Professor Peter Collignon thinks we need to talk about more honestly. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with the ANU Medical School professor, physician and microbiologist about how the flu spreads, who benefits most from vaccination, and whether public health messaging around the flu shot has become too simplistic. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For most families, Mother’s Day is about celebrating our mums and all they do for us. But for those whose mum is no longer around, it can be a pretty tough day. Research shows more than 1 million women lose their mums before the age of 44. There are fears their grief is being ignored with women reporting higher rates of depression, anxiety, prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress. So, is their pain being ignored? And what can be done to raise more awareness to make sure they get the help they need? In this rewind episode of The Briefing, we talk to Danielle Snelling – the Co-Founder of Motherless Daughters Australia to find out. If this episode has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple outlets project he will claim the victory over Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine writing a song in just a couple of hours that ends up with over a billion streams on Spotify, making you the second solo female country artist in history to hit that milestone. That's the story of Dasha. The country artist freestyled the now viral line 'did your boots stop workin'?' and it changed her career trajectory - earning her fans from Australia to Europe, and even inside prison walls. Dasha is rewriting what it means to be a woman in country music as she does shooeys for the crowd and follows the lead of the great Dolly Parton on how to break every rule with a smile. In this chat with Helen Smith, Dasha opens up about navigating overnight success, what she learned about gut instinct and trusting yourself and why she believes the girls are officially taking country back. Weekend list with The Briefing Mums and Helen Smith Helen's Mum: French toast! Jade's Mum: Frozen Portuguese Tarts from Aldi Sacha's Mum: The Life Impossible by Matt Haig Kurt's Mum: Kick your shoes off, be in the moment and do something you love Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Renewed fighting in the Strait of Hormuz NT announces review into child protection system Julie Bishop resigns as ANU Chancellor ‘ISIS brides’ charged, and are set to apply for bail on Monday More budget announcements: $3.8bn for Melbourne’s rail project ... and talk of a French Open boycott Deep Dive: Months after Dezi Freeman escaped into the bush after killing two police officers, nobody was sure if he was even still alive. One journalist, Cassie Zervos, followed the case even as the trail went cold. Then, months into the hunt, Zervos received two text messages from her police contacts: “DF found”, and “DF dead”. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Cassie Zervos to talk about the search for Freeman, and the speculation about how he might have survived on the run for so long. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: ‘ISIS Brides’ arrested and expected to face court today Vigils held across the country to honour five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby WHO assures the world hantavirus outbreak isn’t the next Covid Man arrested after allegedly threatening former Prince Andrew with a weapon Parasitic wasp named after David Attenborough for his 100th birthday Deep Dive: David Attenborough is 100 today, and to celebrate a century of extraordinary storytelling and wildlife filmmaking, we’re taking a look back on his career. From the accidental presenter of Zoo Quest in the 1950s, to the most trusted voice in the natural world, he’s also received two knighthoods, has had 30 species named after him, and is a fierce advocate for action on climate change. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by science broadcaster, journalist, and longtime host of ABC RN's The Science Show, Robyn Williams AO, who has known and worked alongside Sir David for decades, to discuss the documentarian’s incredible life. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: ‘ISIS brides’ and children landing around 5:30pm AEST Education platform Canvas hit by global data breach, with Aussies affected Apparent Epstein suicide note is unsealed Melbourne reverses course on Fed Square FIFA matches ... and French professor investigated for awarding fake prize to himself Deep Dive: When the Liberal Party dumped Sussan Ley as leader, they inadvertently set up a direct challenge with One Nation. Ley’s old seat of Farrer is going to a by-election this weekend, and One Nation is aiming to win its first seat in the House of Representatives. The Liberal candidate isn’t even a frontrunner; instead, the competition is between the independent Michelle Milthorpe and One Nation's candidate David Farley. Is One Nation about to become an existential risk to the Coalition? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Tony Barry, an expert political consultant from the Redbridge Group. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: US-Iran deal could be closed soon Deadly hantavirus outbreak spreads to Europe Three states to cop snow in cold snap Legal warnings as One Nation backs Ben Roberts-Smith One Nation volunteer clashes with Liberal senator James Paterson Public FIFA screenings banned in Melbourne ahead of the World Cup Deep Dive: Critical minerals are being sold as the backbone of Australia’s future, and right now, countries around the world are scrambling to secure them. But what exactly are they? Why have they become such a major economic and national security priority? And what does Australia, a country built on digging things up and shipping them overseas, stand to gain? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Professor in Global Governance at the University of Sydney Susan Park to unpack it all. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Police investigate swastika wearer outside Royal Commission Three NT child workers stood down over Kumanjayi Little Baby case Islamic State wives and children book return to Australia Fuel update: $10bn in budget for fuel security Trump steps back Hormuz hostilities, pauses Project Freedom ... and the Pope calls customer support Deep Dive: There's a cruise ship off Africa that’s infected with hantavirus – but what exactly is hantavirus? How does it spread? Should we be worried about this disease? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Meru Sheel, an epidemiologist from The University of Sydney, to get the facts about hantavirus. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Australia’s big four banks pass on rate hike with more pain on the way WHO suspects human-to-human transmission in deadly cruise ship hantavirus outbreak Carlton whacked with fine over Elijah Hollands incident Illegal cigarettes could wipe out the legal trade in Australia as soon as 2030 Met Gala red carpet has dominated social media feeds overnight Deep Dive: Restaurants, pubs, brothels and bars have become the latest targets of firebombings across Melbourne, with a new taskforce set up to investigate the recent spate of attacks. Since February, at least 32 businesses have been hit with molotov cocktails, shot up with bullets and broken into. In today’s episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by former AFP officer who led one of Australia’s illicit tobacco taskforces Rohan Pike to find out why the city’s hospitality businesses are being targeted by organised crime gangs and what’s being done to stop the violence. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: RBA raises cash rate target to 4.35% Australian author Craig Silvey pleads guilty Jefferson Lewis excused from first court appearance Police confirm fatalities of two Marine Rescue Crew Lively and Baldoni settle two weeks before trial Deep Dive: For the third month in a row, the RBA has raised interest rates. At the start of February, the RBA’s cash rate target was 3.6%; it’s now 4.35%. We know that rising rates will affect consumer debt, like mortgages – but what are the flow-on effects for businesses? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dan Hunter, the CEO of Business NSW. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Government to keep EV tax break despite cost blowout Three dead in waters off NSW as rescue goes wrong UAE intercepts Iranian missiles for first time since ceasefire Calls for urgent action after revelations police can be tracked through their tasers Britney Spears pleads guilty to reckless driving Met Gala is about to get underway in New York Deep Dive: Palantir has grown from a post-9/11 counterterrorism tool into a powerful AI platform now embedded across military, security, and corporate systems, including here in Australia. But its ability to collect and analyse huge amounts of data is raising big questions about privacy, surveillance, and who really has control and challenging the idea that if you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to worry about. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou chats with Greens senator David Shoebridge about how Palantir’s presence in Australia poses a national security risk and why he’s calling for closer scrutiny. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Royal Commission hears stories of antisemitism Australia and Japan sign agreement on energy and critical minerals US to begin guiding ships through Strait of Hormuz Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s former lawyer, is hospitalised Hantavirus kills three on cruise ship Shakira performs for free on Copacaban Beach Deep Dive: What were the 1970s oil shocks? As the world reacts to the blocked Strait of Hormuz, energy experts are comparing the current economic fallout to the crises of the 1970s, when oil supplies were also suddenly constrained. The effects of those oil shocks lasted for decades. Will the effects of the current oil shock be just as severe... or even bigger? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Greg Bourne, a former energy advisor to British PM Margaret Thatcher, former regional president of BP Australasia, and now a councillor at the Climate Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Family of Kumanjayi Little Baby ‘relieved’ after man charged with her murder PM setting up major budget announcement that’ll break election promise Man charged over ‘horrendous’ alleged triple murder in Sydney’s southwest Japan’s Prime Minister touches down in Australia Kate Ceberano among 2026 ARIA Hall of Fame inductees Deep Dive: Amidst growing concern about our vaccine uptake, the Australian government has launched a new ad campaign specifically targeting parents, encouraging them to get their kids immunised. But with vaccine fatigue, hesitancy and misinformation at an all-time high, what happens if the messaging doesn’t cut through? In this episode of The Briefing, Health Minister Mark Butler joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss why it’s becoming increasingly critical to change the messaging around jabs. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The death of 32-year-old Australian man Rory Sykes in the devastating Los Angeles Palisades fire in January 2025 was described by police as a tragic accident. His mother Shelley spoke publicly about her grief, sharing stories of her disabled son who had defied the odds throughout his life. But instead of compassion, what followed was a torrent of online abuse and dark conspiracy theories, with trolls levelling heinous accusations against a mother mourning her child. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News Spotlight investigative journalist Sarah Greenhalgh, who set out to understand why Shelley Sykes became a target. You can watch Spotlight on 7Plus Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Alexander may be one of Australia’s most influential culinary figures, but her impact goes far beyond the kitchen. Long before becoming a household name, she was shaping the way Australians think about food - through restaurants, writing and a deep commitment to simple, seasonal cooking. You might recognise her from appearances on MasterChef, but for many, Stephanie’s presence has been constant on the bookshelf with her iconic book The Cook’s Companion guiding generations of Australians through everything from kitchen basics to timeless recipes. In this conversation with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Stephanie reflects on 30 years of The Cook’s Companion, the philosophy that has defined her career, and why she believes good food doesn’t need to be complicated - just thoughtful, shared and perhaps best enjoyed with a roast chook, a glass of red and a proper cloth napkin. See Stephanie at Melbourne Writers Festival on May 10th and find The Cook's Companion 30th Anniversary Edition here Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Laura TO LISTEN: Matt Corby's new album Tragic Magic TO WATCH: Roommates on Netflix TO WATCH: The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl TO TRY: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask and Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Dr. Reza Adib, parter of former Queensland Premier, charged with rape Calls for calm after grief and rage in the Northern Territory Trump is briefed on further Iran strikes House prices fall in Sydney and Melbourne Cellmate claims there’s an Epstein suicide note ... and the brands that Aussies trust most Deep Dive: In 1991, an American physiologist made the wild claim that a human could run a marathon in under two hours. Last weekend, that physiologist was proven right, when Sabastian Sawe ran the London Marathon in 1:59:30. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by the pioneering American physiologist, Dr. Michael Joyner, to talk about the extraordinary human achievement of the sub-2 marathon, and what it takes to push yourself to the limit. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When two police officers were shot dead in regional Victoria, the man accused vanished into the bushland. What followed was one of the most extensive manhunts in Australian history. 7NEWS journalist Michael Usher and Crime Editor Cassie Zervos take you inside the case from every angle: what happened, how it unfolded, his ideology, and the impact on those left behind. Dezi Freeman: The Hunt, is a 7NEWS and LiSTNR co-production. Listen to the podcast on Secrets We Keep or watch the vodcast on 7+.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Violence erupts in Alice Springs after Jefferson Lewis arrested over the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby Australia in talks with US to open Strait of Hormuz Queensland rules out gun buyback Chalmers criticised for ‘grandfathering’ CGT and negative gearing changes NSW women claim first Origin win Deep Dive: The new Michael Jackson biopic has opened to rave reviews from fans and has broken box office records here in Australia. But the film is courting controversy with critics saying it’s sanitised and ignores some of the grittier details of the artist’s highly contentious life. In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by entertainment guru Justin Hill to break down everything we need to know about the new Michael Jackson movie, Michael. Further listening from headlines: Bondi Beach Royal Commission findings Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Body of missing Sharon found near Alice Springs The US gives a cost estimate for the Iran war Mark Latham to pay $100k for tweets More Aussie residents now from India than England ... and the top 50 Aussie films Deep Dive: The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion handed down its interim report this morning, and PM Albanese has already vowed to implement all 14 recommendations. Among those recommendations are that Jewish festivals and events should receive greater security protections from police, and that Australia’s national gun control laws should be strengthened. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Antony Loewenstein, a journalist, film-maker, and author of The Palestine Laboratory, who is also on the Advisory Committee of the Jewish Council of Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.