The Briefing

Tuesday Headlines: UK PM Sir Keir Starmer resigns Vance says Iran will allow nuclear inspectors Aussie support for multiculturalism plunges in historic survey shift Rare warning from Five Eyes urges leaders to ‘act now’ on powerful new AI models Messi breaks World Cup goal-scoring record Deep Dive:For years, Australia managed to avoid a strain of bird flu that has devastated wildlife populations and agricultural industries across much of the world. That changed over the weekend, after authorities confirmed an infected migratory bird was discovered with H5N1 in Western Australia. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health, about what we know about the virus, the risks it poses to both humans and animals, and why authorities are urging us to roll up our sleeves for this year’s flu shot to help reduce its impact. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: National Cabinet to meet today to lock in fuel excise cut extension JD Vance says ‘great progress’ made as Iran talks kicks off in Switzerland UK Prime Minister could resign in next 24 hours Auction clearance rates hit lowest levels since the pandemic Socceroos 90% likely to reach next stage of World Cup Deep Dive:Last month, Australian neo-Nazi group White Australia, also known as the National Socialist Network, became a prohibited hate group. That means it is now illegal: it’s a crime to join, fund, or support the group. The NSN is challenging the government’s declaration, with a showdown scheduled in the High Court for September. In the meantime, it’s been revealed a $2.5m Victorian property the neo-Nazi group is currently using as their headquarters has been paid for by a millionaire backer. And it’s not just one millionaire, but a network of rich and influential sympathisers. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with journalist Sherryn Groch from The Age, who has followed the money to find the neo-Nazis' mansion and the millionaire-backers supporting them. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April, a company called Anthropic claimed they had a new AI model that was too powerful to release. They called it ‘Mythos’, and said it could find new ways to hack computers which humans had overlooked for decades. Mythos, they said, was too dangerous for public consumption. Instead, Anthropic released Mythos to trusted partners in government and businesses, including in Australia. Then, in mid-June, a public version of Mythos was made available. Anthropic said this version was safe for anyone to use; the U.S. government strongly disagreed. After only a few days the U.S. government banned foreigners from accessing the new AI model. Australians were cut off, and we don’t know when access will be resumed. Today, we’re bringing back an interview from April with cybersecurity expert Dr. Suelette Dreyfus. What dangers does Mythos pose, and are we ready for a tsunami of AI-enabled hacking? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was meant to bring us all together, to cross the divides of land and sea and become a virtual town square. A place for people to connect and share their thoughts, ideas and dreams. The vision was there, but the reality of social media has become something much different. It’s a place driven by outrage, hate, and controversy. And it’s ruining public debate and possibly us as a society. Ed Coper is one of the founding strategists behind GetUp! and he’s written a new book Angertainment about how social media has birthed an entire outrage industry that is harvesting and monetising our worst impulses. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Ed tells us how we got here and why understanding it is the first step to defeating it. Ed Coper appears at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne on Wednesday 24 June. Angertainment is available now. The Weekend List: To do: Get to a Jazz bar (recommended by listener Timmy) To do: Get around the SBS To Watch: John Safran’s new doco Shut Your Big Fat Mouth John Safran (on SBS) To Watch: The Socceroos (beat?) the US at the World Cup Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Australia’s migration numbers revealed Ships begin moving through the Strait of Hormuz Gina Rinehart gifts Pauline Hanson a 'beautiful big fat orange bulldozer' Labor unveils CGT carve-outs as inquiry hands down report All eyes on Seattle for Socceroos vs USA Deep Dive:Australia has been rocked by another shark attack this week, with a Sydney mum losing an arm after being mauled by a suspected Great White. It’s prompted yet another debate about how to keep people safe at our beaches, but calls have grown louder this time around for a shark cull to be brought in to lower populations and protect swimmers. But it’s not as simple as that, says Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane World for Animals. In this episode of The Briefing, he sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain shark culls, their flaws, and what could work better. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Pauline Hanson criticised for press club address as AFP investigates banner incident US officials reveal Iran peace deal details Pakistani officials apologise for fatal shooting of Australian girl First non-stop flight to Europe from Australia’s east coast confirmed The Maroons thump the Blues in State of Origin 2 Deep Dive:Kyle Sandilands and ARN have settled their legal dispute, clearing the way for the radio shock jock to make his next move in the audio space. But it turns out he’ll still be tied to his former employer, which will be taking a cut of the profits from his new show, and they’ll still have to host ads for him on the station he once called home. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined again by industry insider Craig Bruce to break down the deal and what it means for the future of audio in Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Interest rate hike reprieve, but the pain might not be over Ben Roberts-Smith bail conditions varied Pauline Hanson to address the National Press Club for the first time in her political career Virgin Australia lashed as it plans to pocket $90 million in travel credits Kyle Sandilands apparently settles with ARN for $15 million Deep Dive: The Albanese government has been struggling to convince voters its proposed changes to the Capital Gains Tax – as outlined in last month’s budget – will be beneficial for Australians. The business sector and Coalition is up in arms about the effects it will have on investment in this country, with accusations the two-day Senate inquiry into the planned changes is rushed. Independent economist Saul Eslake appeared at that hearing this week. In this episode of The Briefing, he joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain how the reforms to CGT will affect different Aussies and give his verdict on the changes. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Skepticism surrounds US-Iran peace deal AFP confirms investigation into allegations of sexual assault by flotilla activists Sydney shark attack victim loses arm Economists back government’s CGT plan, but admit it’s not perfect Gina Rinehart buys ‘significant’ stake in SpaceX Deep Dive: A new cosmetic procedure is plumping faces – and raising eyebrows – in the US. It involves using the fat from dead bodies as filler in patients seeking plumper lips, butts and faces, despite very limited clinical trials or proof it’s safe. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by QLD plastic surgeon Dr David Sparks to talk zombie filler and ask not only whether it’s safe, but also whether it’s ethical to use cadaver tissue for beauty. Further listening from headlines:'I heard the screams': Inside Israeli detentionElon’s road to $1,000,000,000,000 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States and Iran have announced a cease-fire deal that would pause fighting for 60 days. “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump wrote on social media. Sacha Barbour Gatt has this breaking news update. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: New poll has Pauline Hanson as preferred PM Trump tells all sides to ‘stand down’ amid peace talks Nine-year-old Australian girl killed in Pakistan Renewed calls for a Sydney shark cull after Coogee attack Socceroos stun in World Cup opener against Turkiye Deep Dive: A proposed $900 million waste-to-energy plant in Fiji sparked fierce criticism before it was ultimately rejected, with opponents warning the nation risked becoming the "Pacific's ashtray" and accusing Australia of engaging in "waste colonialism". The project has reignited debate around waste-to-energy technology, which supporters say can reduce landfill and generate electricity, but critics argue risks creating a dependence on burning waste rather than reducing it. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with environmental researcher Professor Ray Wills about the Fiji proposal, the future of waste-to-energy in Australia, and whether burning rubbish is a necessary part of solving the country's growing waste problem. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terence Tao was a child prodigy, and became a mathematics professor in the United States at age 24. In his early 30s he won the Fields Medal, known as 'the Nobel Prize of Mathematics'. Tao is considered one of the greatest living mathematicians, in part because of the breadth of his contributions to the field – from finding new patterns in prime numbers to solving several of the "unsolvable" Erdős problems. On Monday, the King's Birthday, Tao was awarded Australia's highest civilian honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, Terence Tao, AC, speaks with Natarsha Belling about the pleasures of solving problems, and how maths makes the world a less scary place. If you want more Terence Tao, one of the YouTube channels he mentions is 3Blue1Brown, and Tao is featured on an episode. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He became one of the breakout stars of Married At First Sight Australia last year, but life after it wasn't exactly what Dave Hand expected. The self-described "gentle giant" found himself navigating one of TV’s biggest experiments, alongside sudden fame and online scrutiny all while his dad was undergoing cancer treatment. And this year he swapped one reality TV juggernaut for another, joining Netflix's Perfect Match alongside stars from Love Is Blind, Love Island, Vanderpump Rules and Too Hot To Handle. In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Dave joins Chris Spyrou to unpack the reality behind reality TV, from MAFS dinner parties to producer relationships, tattoo regrets and how he managed to avoid Bali belly while filming in ... Mexico. The Weekend List To Watch: Project Hail Mary (recommended by listener Rebecca) To Watch: Not Suitable For Work on Disney+ To Do: Get around Baby Bunting’s ‘Storktake’ sale To Listen: Anything from Madonna’s upcoming Confessions II album. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Pauline Hanson says $2.6m donations legit after PM casts doubt Donald Trump calls off strikes on Iran El Niño returns, likely to bring extreme weather to Australia Government says it won’t repeat the mistakes of the resource boom with AI FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico Deep Dive: The world could see its first trillionaire soon, as Elon Musk’s rocket company, SpaceX, goes public. If the SpaceX public offering goes to plan, then Musk could increase his personal fortune by hundreds of billions of US dollars in just a few days. How did Musk get so filthy rich? And how should we think about one individual controlling a trillion US dollars, and the unique power that type of wealth confers? In this episode The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Tom Maloney - an editor and wealth reporter at Bloomberg in New York to unpack Musk’s path to a trillion and how he conquered capitalism. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Briefing, we continue Chris Spyrou’s chat with NSW Premier Chris Minns. After discussing medicinal cannabis driving reforms, abortion laws and the state of political debate in part one, the conversation turns to One Nation. Minns shares whether he pays attention to the polls, why he's concerned about his own seat, his reactions to the Federal Budget and his response to the political donations case heading to court next week. Listen to part one here Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Trump promises to hit Iran ‘hard again today’ Belfast stabbing accused faces court as victim’s family condemns unrest Pauline Hanson met with protests on Perth campaign trip TGA launches crackdown on unregulated peptides Bad Bunny meets the Pope Deep Dive: There’s a lot going on in Aussie politics at the moment. One Nation is polling ahead of Labor in surveys for the first time, abortion access is being debated, and one of the country's tougher states on drugs is carving out an exemption for medicinal cannabis users who drive. NSW Premier Chris Minns is at the centre of a lot of it. In part one of this two-part chat with Chris Spyrou, the Premier walks us through the state’s cannabis driving reforms, the push to outlaw sex-selective abortions and his reaction to the “ditch the witch” campaign targeting Jacinta Allan. Listen to part two here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: High Court: Australian government may have to compensate people who were illegally detained One Nation’s anti-Labor fundraising drive brings in hundreds of thousands Neale Daniher farewelled at MCG state funeral Alleged Bondi shooter charged with 19 more offences Oyster farmer elected to run for U.S. Senate New research links iPhone to declining birth rate Deep Dive: The Iran war has escalated again, and the ceasefire has never looked more fragile. In the last 24 hours a U.S. helicopter was shot down over the Strait of Hormuz, leading to further rounds of strikes between the nations. Iran and Israel have also been exchanging fire, and Israel is still conducting an offensive against Lebanon. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by defence and maritime expert Jennifer Parker. Is the Middle East heading back into all-out war? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Trump promises to ‘respond’ after US helicopter shot down by Iran Elon Musk calls for anti-immigration protests after brutal stabbing in Ireland Apple ‘inspired’ by Australia’s world-first social media ban Opening date announced for new Western Sydney Airport Matildas win friendly against Mexico in Caitlin Foord’s 150th game Deep Dive: Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital has taken a 15-year-old girl to the Supreme Court after she refused treatment for her leukaemia – and won. Backed by her mother, who believed God could heal her daughter, the teenager rejected a bone marrow transplant despite doctors warning her chances of survival without it were just five per cent. The court sided with the hospital, authorising treatment against her wishes last month. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with University of Sydney law professor Cameron Stewart about the legal doctrine that allowed the court to intervene and what happens when medicine, parental authority and religious belief collide. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Angus Taylor isn't ruling out One Nation preference deal Trump's $US100,000 H-1B skilled worker visa fee struck down by Judge New research calls for urgent Jobseeker boost with Aussies skipping meals and healthcare Survey finds 57% of Netflix subscribers spend $119 a year without watching a thing Deep Dive: The FIFA world cup kicks off in a few days, but the tournament has already been rocked by a number of controversies including visa denials - with the US, a host nation, denying a top referee entry into the country citing vetting concerns. Then there’s also the interesting bromance between Donald Trump and the controversial FIFA president who recently gifted Trump a peace prize. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society from Western Sydney University to unpack how politics and sport collide. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Iran and Israel promise to halt strikes 35 people dead after 7.8 earthquake strikes the Philippines PM condemns ‘ditch the witch’ campaign against Victorian premier as Hanson tells her to ‘suck it up’ Every Australian generation thinks things are worse than they were ten years ago Couple donates $40 million to Fight MND at this year’s Big Freeze Deep Dive: Every time there is a major sporting event, be it State of Origin or the AFL grand final, we hear how they coincide with an increase in domestic violence reports. It’s a trend that advocates call “predictable and preventable” with calls growing for changes to liqour laws to help combat the scourge. In this episode of The Briefing, advocate and investigative journalist Jess Hill sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss how simple regulatory changes could be a gamechanger when it comes to the prevention of DV. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Valentine passed away in April, voluntarily. The beloved ABC radio presenter and musician had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and chose voluntary assisted dying so he could have a say over how he lived his last moments. Valentine cared about moments. In a moving eulogy at Valentine’s public memorial, his son, Roy Valentine, said that his dad always asked the question: “How do you want to live?” James Valentine lived with joy, curiosity, and openness, and wanted everyone else to be able to do the same. Today, James Valentine is being officially honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Roy Valentine to talk about his father’s legacy. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Former Australian of the year Professor Richard Scolyer dies aged 59 More than 900 Aussies on the Kings Birthday honours list Newspoll has One Nation ahead of Labor for the first time Oscar Piastri misses podium at Monaco Grand Prix Deep Dive: June 8 marks the UN’s World Oceans Day, a chance to raise global awareness of the critical role our seas play in the health and wellbeing of the planet. While a lot of our focus and knowledge of the ocean is on the parts we can see, there are teams of scientists and researchers who are probing the deep sea, around three quarters of which remains unmapped and unexplored. In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the CSIRO’s Dr Will White to discuss the deep sea, the recent discovery of new species off the coast of Australia and why it matters. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As most states (sorry, WA and QLD) gear up to celebrate the King's Birthday public holiday tomorrow, some might be asking the question Aussies have been asking themselves for decades; Why are we still living life under the British monarchy? In this bonus episiode of The Briefing, we hear from a republican and a monarchist about their arguments to either leave or stay. This episode was first published in October 2024 as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Australia for a royal tour. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antoinette Lattouf is no stranger to The Briefing. Long before she became the centre of one of Australia’s most closely watched media controversies, she was sitting in the host’s chair herself. Since then, the journalist, author and co-founder of ETTE Media has endured a very public battle with the ABC after being taken off air over a social media post about Gaza - a dismissal later found by the Fair Work Commission to be unlawful. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, Antoinette reflects on the fallout from that experience, the lessons behind her new book Women Who Win, and why women who challenge the status quo are so often punished for it. Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Karli TO WATCH: Widows Bay on Apple TV TO WATCH: The Sheep Detectives in cinemas TO TRY: Digital photo frame TO WATCH: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island on Hayu Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce backtracks over kicking permanent residents out of their homes ASIC is formally investigating KPMG Thermos King Food Jar recalled after causing vision loss in the US China’s about to put a 55% tariff on Aussie beef Prince Andrew appears with a massive face bruise Deep Dive: Aussies love to talk about property prices, and the focus this week has been on new data showing declines in some house prices. But how significant are the downturns in Sydney and Melbourne, and what kind of properties are still hitting record highs? In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by My Bui, economist at AMP, to talk about whether Australia is actually in a property correction, and what it could mean for your finances. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Labor facing uphill battle to get CGT and NDIS legislation passed Government calls for investigation into sexual assault allegations of Australian flotilla members Hezbollah rejects latest ceasefire Bondi hero charged with assault Content creator fired over viral Indigenous skit Deep Dive: A robot recently beat the human half-marathon world record by seven minutes, another walked the Met Gala red carpet, while one major world religion is ordaining them as monks. Humanoid robots are turning up in spaces we once thought were exclusively ours - and that's not an accident. It's the latest move in a multibillion-dollar effort to make machines feel familiar, relatable and, ultimately, welcome. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou traces the 60-year playbook behind our relationship with machines - from a 1960s MIT chatbot to a breathing AI in your pocket – to explain how we arrived at a moment where robots are beginning to move from our screens and showrooms into our streets. Further listening from headlines: 'I heard the screams': Inside Israeli detention Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Trump rebuked by Congress over war powers, as Iran and Lebanon agree to new ceasefire Elderly man was stabbed before shooting home invader in rural NSW Melbourne Neo-Nazis convicted over ANZAC Day boos, as High Court dismisses hate group challenge Mary the Tassie Devil is still on the loose Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: One Nation support surges among women, inner-city livers and the wealthy Netanyahu brushes off tensions as Trump confirms fiery phone call Australia among countries facing new US tariffs 80% of cigs and vapes smoked in Australia last year were illegal Lisa Jane Spencer faces backlash for skit mocking Aboriginal Australians NSW to allow medicinal cannabis users to drive Deep Dive: We already know that our increasing appetite for all things AI has the potential to harm the planet and our hip pockets, with energy-hungry data centres needed to power the demand. A new report by the Climate Council has highlighted this fact, with fears of a 25% increase in electricity prices by 2035 and 3x growth in water consumption and energy needs in less than four years if things keep going unchecked. But there are ways for data centres to be green, with the Climate Council’s CEO Amanda McKenzie explaining how on this episode of The Briefing. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: GDP growth in March quarter was 0.3%, lower than expected Carlton dick pic case to be heard in public Protests in Britain over police actions during stabbing death Active fighting again between Iran and the US Bear attacks in Japan are on the rise Deep Dive: The accounting firm KPMG is in crisis, after a whistleblower revealed KPMG had used confidential client information to secure further work for itself. Accounting firms are meant to be the upstanding citizens of the corporate world – now, though, KPMG is at risk of losing customers who no longer trust their documents will be kept secret. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Tansy Harcourt, senior writer for The Australian. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Israel strikes southern Lebanon despite Trump’s announcement Changes to the NDIS will cause ‘material harm’ to disabled Australians Barnaby Joyce joins anti-abortion rally in Sydney Charlie Pickering calls Grace Tame's ABC podcast 'problematic' The ‘franken-can’ named Australia’s worst packaging Deep Dive: Tony Abbott is back in frontline Liberal Party politics, after being appointed the party’s Federal President. But not everyone in the party is convinced it's a good idea. Supporters see Abbott as a powerful communicator who can help reconnect the Liberals with their base, while critics fear his return could overshadow leader Angus Taylor and deepen divisions between the party's conservative and moderate wings. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with AFR political editor Phillip Coorey about why Abbott is back, how much influence a party president really has, and whether his return can help reverse the Liberal Party's decline Further listening from the headlines:“Globalise the Intifada” explained Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Minimum wages rise across Australia by 4.75% New Australian sanctions against West Bank settlers AI company Anthropic, worth $900bn, is going public Tennis legend Serena Williams is returning to the game 1,037 Marilyn Monroes celebrate her 100th birthday Deep Dive: “Nobody knows the true scale and severity of this outbreak,” a Médecins Sans Frontières spokesman said about the current Ebola emergency in the Congo. Officially, at least 43 people have died with 263 cases confirmed. Doctors suspect the numbers are much higher. As the disease spreads the race for a vaccine is on. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Ebola expert and epidemiologist, Professor Paul Griffin. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Iran reportedly halts peace talks with US over Israeli strikes on Lebanon Peter Garrett to head independent probe into Aukus Australia hits record number of billionaires UNSW ranked best Australian uni Jill Biden reveals her reaction to Joe Biden’s disastrous presidential debate against Donald Trump Deep Dive: They may be five months away, but chatter is already ramping up ahead of the US midterm elections. The vote – which helps decide who controls Congress – will be the first major verdict on Donald Trump’s second presidency, but factors other than his performance in the White House will be at play. In this deep dive, Planet America’s Chas Licciardello joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to break it all down and explain how this election could signal be end of democracy. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Jim Chalmers brushes off One Nation polling Israel expands ground offensive in Lebanon, seizes 900-year-old castle Police investigate Melbourne house fire that killed child Harvard speaker urges grads to “kill AI” Deep Dive: Complaints against NSW Police have risen by almost 70% in the last decade, and last year police paid $40 million in legal costs and settlements over alleged misconduct. Today the ABC’s Four Corners is airing an explosive report with videos of police bashing civilians, and calls for greater scrutiny. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Four Corners reporter Dylan Welch. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: One Nation becomes most popular political party in Australia Defence Minister reveals changes to AUKUS pact Searches continue in flooded Laos cave for missing miners Australian house prices fall Socceroos lose friendly as countdown to the World Cup hits two weeks Deep Dive: The government last week launched its biggest lawsuit ever: Australia is suing the US corporate giant 3M for $2 billion, alleging that 3M concealed the fact that its firefighting foam was harmful. 3M's firefighting foam was made from PFAS chemicals, which scientists now say are environmental contaminants, and the government is seeking damages for the contamination of 28 military bases around Australia. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Ian Wright, Associate Professor in Water Science at Western Sydney University, to unpack what we know about PFAS and whether the Commonwealth's case goes far enough. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk has sparked fresh space-race chatter after revealing SpaceX is shifting its focus from Mars to the Moon, with ambitions to build a “self-growing” lunar city within the next decade. With multiple countries and private companies rolling out lunar missions, the push to develop Earth’s only natural satellite is heating up fast. In this bonus episode of The Briefing, astrophysicist Brad Tucker from ANU joins us to break down who the major players are, what a self-growing city actually means, and why inflatable moon hotels might not be as sci-fi as they sound. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Safran is a cult Australian documentarian and professional bear-poker whose career has included everything from trying to join the Ku Klux Klan to getting crucified in the Philippines - and he says he’d probably still do it all again. The filmmaker first gained fame in Race Around the World in 1997 and since then has always inserted himself into the centre of uncomfortable stories, including squatting inside Kanye West’s abandoned mansion while trying to understand the psychology behind Ye’s antisemitic spiral. In this chat with Sacha Barbour Gatt, John shares his take on free speech in 2026, why censorship means something completely different in the internet age and how Australians are smarter than we give them credit for. Weekend list with Helen Smith Listener Daniel TO READ: Griefdogg by Michael Winkler TO WATCH: Prime Minister (Jacinda Ardern) on Netflix TO TRY: Uber pool TO DO: Check out Broadsheet Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Aussie Rents could increase Opposition Leader withdraws his comments Amazon Backpack in trouble with ACCC Tribute show to John Farnham announced Deep Dive: Sports journalist Emma Lawrence made history this year as the first woman to call an NRL game, with her achievement being hailed as a win for all women in broadcasting and the industry. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Emma who reveals why she wanted to smash the glass ceiling and how her young daughter inspired her to take on one of the toughest jobs in a male dominated industry. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: 90% of young Aussies will be better off under tax overhaul US and Iran agree on 60-day ceasefire extension Australian joins rescue mission for Laos villagers trapped in a cave AFP commissioner defends Ben Roberts Smith airport arrest Blues women win clean sweep of Origin Deep Dive: The way Australians think about their money has shifted amid years of uncertainty and global impacts outside their control, according to a new report. One of the big ways we’re seeing this is in Aussies focusing on the things they can control, from joining loyalty programs and rentvesting, to splurging on things that bring them joy and prioritising travel. In this episode of The Briefing, ING’s CEO Melanie Evans sits down with Sacha Barbour Gatt to reveal why we’re seeing this, and whether the great ‘Australian dream’ has permanently shifted from full time work and houses to side hustles and investing. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Govt. launches $2bn lawsuits against 3M over “forever chemicals” Fourth ‘ISIS bride’ arrested and charged with terrorism offences Trump rape accuser targeted by criminal investigation More US strikes in Iran, alongside peace negotiations Germany’s “most wanted” woman, 67, found guilty of armed robbery Deep Dive: Teenagers are having worse sex and getting more STIs. New research shows that one in five teenagers (aged 14-18) have experienced unwanted sex, and that condom use is falling. What’s happening to Australia’s teenagers? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Professor Jennifer Power, Deputy Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, and the lead researcher of the new study into teenage sexual health. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Appeal date set for Erin Patterson Five people found alive after week trapped in Laos cave 240,000 people to be cut from NDIS over four years Labor’s controversial tax changes to be introduced to parliament today Blues win Origin 1 in stunning comeback Deep Dive: Australia’s courts have long allowed judges to consider “good character” references during sentencing, even in child sexual abuse cases. For many survivors, hearing offenders described in court as “good people” or “champions of young people” can be deeply retraumatising and after years of campaigning, one Australian state has now changed its laws. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with survivor advocate and co founder of Your Reference Ain’t Relevant, Harrison James, about the new laws and why advocates believe this should become a national standard. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Inflation drops to 4.2% in year to April Biggest shake up in the employment system in decades Westpac hit with 26-million-dollar penalty Europe swelters in record summer heatwave NASA reveals plans to settle on the Moon Deep Dive: What caused the top boss of the National Anti-Corruption Commission to resign? We unpack Paul Brereton’s controversial tenure at NAC and who may be next to take on the top job... In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by UNSW Law Faculty Prof. Gabrielle Appleby. Read her article here: We need a new anti‑corruption commissioner. Here’s how to pick the right one Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: More ‘ISIS brides’ touch down in Sydney and Melbourne More small businesses to be exempt from CGT changes amid backlash Australia records first diphtheria-related death in almost a decade Donald Trump to undergo third physical in 13 months Europe hit by unseasonal heatwave Aussie wildcard downs former world number one at French Open Deep Dive: The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail for Gaza two weeks ago with the intention of delivering aid to the people of Gaza, as Israel continues its land, air, and sea blockade of the strip. Instead, 428 activists on board 50 vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces and detained, with video footage of some of what they went through posted by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, drawing global outrage. In this episode of The Briefing we speak with Neve O’Connor, one of the 11 Australians who were part of this group to hear her story of being captured and abused in Israeli detention. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Two men arrested in Victoria in connection to Dezi Freeman Police renew search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont Energy prices to fall for most households in NSW and QLD, with bigger drops for businesses US military unleashes new ‘self-defense' strikes on Iran, amid tense peace talks The Australian share market tumbles, following news of US strikes on Iran Vivid Sydney drone shows cancelled, following technical malfunction Deep Dive: Following the death of former AFL great and charity campaigner Neale Daniher, many are asking what is Motor Neurone Disease (MND), what are the warning signs, and what can we do to help prevent it? In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by MND Australia CEO Clare Sullivan. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.