The Front

Headlines: The former Duke of York denies any wrongdoing or knowledge of the child sex offending by his close friends Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, whose correspondence about girls and ‘inappropriate friends’ with someone called ‘A’, the Duke of York and ‘The Invisible Man’ are detailed in a new dump of documents from US authorities. Plus, the latest news relating to the Bondi Beach anti-Semitic terror attacks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Christmas Eve, we ask: is the Nativity story about real people, real events - or something else? Foreign editor Greg Sheridan is on assignment: back in time to the little town of Bethlehem. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey with sound design and editing by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. This episode includes small moments of exquisite Christmas music including Frank Sinatra’s Silent Night, The Beatles’ Let it Be and the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge performing Once In Royal David’s City. Greg Sheridan’s book Christians is published by Allen & Unwin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stubborn and unwilling to take personal responsibility: that’s the take from Political Editor Geoff Chambers, as Anthony Albanese backs himself into a corner of conditional apology and reluctance to call a Royal Commission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disturbing new details of last Sunday’s Bondi Beach terror attack have come to light after court documents in the police case against alleged gunman Naveed Akram were made public. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Kristen Amiet, produced by Stephanie Coombes and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jewish Liberal MP Julian Leeser called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to urgently establish a federal royal commission in the wake of last Sunday’s terror attack at Bondi Beach. Plus, Sussan Ley proposes terms of reference and Chris Minns defences law reforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stopped short of committing to a royal commission following the Bondi Beach massacre, opting instead for a government review of the nation’s intelligence capabilities. Is it enough? Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's top CEOs are furious over the proposed Victorian law to mandate the right to work from home, calling it a "disaster for productivity." So how do bosses - and workers - find a happy middle ground? Read more about the CEO survey on The Australian's website. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal and state governments will share the cost of a national gun buyback and impose limits on the number of firearms any individual can own - but the Prime Minister says there’s no need to recall federal Parliament. Plus, NSW Police say arrests of seven men were linked to ‘extremist ideology’ in today’s headlines from The Australian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After an exhausting week, a huge pivot from Anthony Albanese. The federal Government will legislate a crackdown on anti-Semitism and hate preachers from universities to Border Force. Today, Yoni Bashan, Nicholas Jensen and Claire Harvey debate how things will play out from here. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jewish leaders said a crack down on hate speech by the Albanese Labor government is welcome, but long overdue. Plus, mourners farewell 10-year-old Matilda in Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As charges are laid against 24-year-old alleged Bondi mass murderer Naveed Akram, we look at allegations he had longstanding links to the Islamic State terrorist movement. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former federal Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg seems like a man destined to return to politics as he unleashes a furious tirade against Anthony Albanese, accusing the government of standing by while anti-Semitic hatred and radicalisation gripped Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the aftermath of the Bondi beach massacre, some of the loudest performative mourners were people who’ve spent the years since October 7, 2023, demonising Israel and Zionists. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cops with handguns were shot while taking down a gunman with a rifle: that's NSW Premier Chris Minns' passionate response to criticisms of police actions at the Bondi Beach massacre. Plus, the alleged gunman’s links to Islamic State revealed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Editor-at-large Paul Kelly says the Bondi Beach massacre is a much greater challenge for Anthony Albanese than the choice John Howard faced after the 1996 Port Arthur slaughter. Kelly - the doyenne of Australian political journalists - says the violent manifestation of evil anti-Semitism can only be tackled with bold, whole-of-society reform. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Cabinet will meet to consider tougher firearm restrictions in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach antisemitic massacre, as the Department of Home Affairs scrambles to fast-track visas for Jewish mourners to attend imminent funerals. Political editor Geoff Chambers joins us to talk about why Anthony Albanese has been slow to act on anti-Semitism and where he takes it from here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police declare a terrorist incident and are raiding homes after Jewish community events and a glorious beach day were shattered by a horrifying mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening. At least twelve people are dead and more injured including two police officers. One alleged offender is dead and the other in a serious condition in hospital, according to police. Follow this breaking story live at theaustralian.com.au This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Jasper Leak. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Stephanie Coombes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne's low-key superstar Ben Abraham has written monster hits and performed at the GRAMMYs. He also started a tradition of wildly popular Christmas gigs co-starring his famous mates performing new music and classic carols. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trustee will take over Brittany Higgins’ financial affairs, as her husband faces bankruptcy proceedings of his own. Plus, football legend Stephen Silvagni says he's determined to help son Tom clear his name after a rape conviction. Also, the parliamentary expenses scandal drags in another senior minister. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Through 13 years with motor neurone disease, AFL legend and Big Freeze founder Neale Daniher has honed a remarkable philosophy for living. Today, we hear his message in Neale’s own voice, brought to life by AI technology. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey with Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese won’t say if his government will make changes to parliamentary travel entitlements. Plus, a big change to US travel and the Justice who convicted Dawson hangs up his wigSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Hanson-Young used public funds to fly her lobbyist husband to and from Canberra 78 times - and Trade Minister Don Farrell flew his wife a distance equivalent to halfway from Earth to the Moon, all on the taxpayer. The expenses travel scandal is spreading across the Parliament - so where will it stop? This episode of The Front is produced and presented by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s new law banning social media for under-16s is now in effect—hear the reaction from an advocate and the Communications Minister. Plus, Minister Anika Wells is under fire and facing a travel entitlements scandal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today the federal government’s much-vaunted social media reform kicks in - but Communications Minister Anika Wells has another drama to sort out: she’s referred herself for an independent audit after a huge drama blew up over her use of taxpayer-funded travel entitlements. So what’s fair when it comes to politicians’ expenses - and is this superstar minister under threat? This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Stephanie Coombes. Jasper Leak also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry has won a review of his security arrangements in the UK - and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is reportedly claiming to have lost her seriously ill father’s phone number. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After phenomenal success in reducing HIV transmissions, the former AIDS Council of NSW - ACON - pivoted to become a hugely influential lobby group with a new focus: trans rights. Today - the deep concerns of lesbian and LGBT groups about how ACON wields its power. The Australian’s New South Wales Editor Stephen Rice explains the story. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Kristen Amiet, produced by Stephanie Coombes and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communications Minister Anika Wells billed taxpayers thousands of dollars for members of her family to attend sporting events around the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The peaceful Pioneer Valley was meant to be a renewable energy hotspot – but farmers say their water has been contaminated. Today, when a green energy dream goes wrong. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new show reveals the pure rebellious genius of Comme des Garcons’ Rei Kawakubo and Sex Pistols muse Vivienne Westwood. This edition of The Front is produced and hosted by Claire Harvey. Audio editing and sound design by Tiffany Dimmack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre didn’t leave a will when she died by suicide in April. Now, a bitter legal battle has erupted over her estate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian’s investigative podcast Shadow of Doubt in 2023 raised serious doubts over the convictions of parents nicknamed Australia’s most evil. They were accused of grotesque sexual abuse of their own daughter - but journalist Richard Guilliatt revealed inconsistencies, ‘recovered memories’, and some huge twists. Now - a fresh development raises the possibility they could get out of jail. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is produced and presented by Claire Harve and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widows and children stranded in Syria after the collapse of the so-called caliphate are now back in Australia - and the Government says it didn’t “assist”, it just gave them passports. New notes, revealed by The Australian, tell a more nuanced story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The superstar of Japanese pop, Ayumi Hamasaki, is the latest victim of a geopolitical dispute that’s flaring big-time. It’s China versus Japan - and it’s all about China’s number one issue: the future of Taiwan. Now, Australia's under pressure to choose a side. That’s today’s story. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Joshua Burton, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justice Michael Lee was right to find, on the balance of probabilities, that Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins - that’s the decision from the full Federal Court in dismissing Lehrmann’s appeal. Now Lehrmann will have to pay more legal costs for his opponents, Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. Hear our earlier episode about Lehrmann’s appeal grounds here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher - who aggressively pursued the concept of a Liberal conspiracy to cover up the rape of Brittany Higgins - has refused to say whether she accepts two courts’ rulings that the conspiracy was fabricated. In today’s episode - inside the fiery parliamentary hearings exploring why the Labor government is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars defending its actions in the Higgins matter. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was embarrassing, unnecessary - and expensive. The ABC’s bungled handling of two casual radio presenting shifts by Antoinette Lattouf cost the broadcaster - and therefore taxpayers more than $2.62 million dollars. Plus - the union pushing for AI to equal shorter hours and higher pay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joan Taufua, mother of NRL star Payne Haas, was living in a grief-induced fantasy world when she was involved in a car accident where three people died, according to her lawyers. Now, her defence team wants the case treated as a mental health episode. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump confirms he spoke on the phone with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as tensions between the two nations rise. Plus, Marles spruiks Defence Department reforms and Head is happy to open the batting in Brisbane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As aircraft become more computerised - and even pilotless - they’re also more vulnerable to space events like the giant solar flare that put an Airbus into an ‘uncommanded’ dive and grounded thousands of flights. So should we praise Airbus for acting quickly, or rethink the risk of autopilot systems? Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At two hours, 18 minutes, Wicked: For Good is a sequel for the superfans - but it’s also drawing huge box office. Nikki Gemmell is here to rave about a movie she says is the most significant for young women since Barbie - and a very unusual love scene. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is produced by Claire Harvey with Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team also includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who created our theme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German military officials have been actively planning for a potential land war with Russia, detailing a massive, 1,200-page NATO response in "Operation Plan Germany." Plus, an American National Guard soldier is dead after being shot near the White House in an alleged ambush by an Afghan national who had previously worked with the CIA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Australia’s best-known and most colourful politicians, Barnaby Joyce, is quitting the National Party to sit as an independent—and he hasn't ruled out joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in the future. Sarah Ison joins Claire Harvey to unpack the shock defection, what Pauline Hanson sees in the firebrand former leader, and why Joyce isn't resigning his New England seat to trigger a by-election. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.