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Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst looks at the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue at the weekend which is being treated as an act of terrorism and has prompted criticism of the government's response.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst looks at why Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's free - but declared - upgrades on Qantas flights when he was Transport Minister is attracting so much scrutiny.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst looks at Labor's battle to get its shared equity Help to Buy Bill through the Senate, and more.
Australia has upped it's terror threat, with ASIO chief Mike Burgess renewing a all for politicians to watch their words. The threat level has been raised from from possible to probable. 16 Aussie athletes have tested positive for Covid at the Paris Olympics. And the Reserve Bank of Australia says interest rate cuts are still six months away. It has kept interest rates on hold at 4.35 per cent. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about calls to keep tax benefits for plug-in hybrid vehicles amid a surge in sales.
Annika joins Kathryn to discuss the detail in the federal Budget, which was revealed yesterday. She'll also look at the curious case of the red-bellied black snake dubbed 'Fluffy' that's taken up residence in a Newcastle woman's car and has eluded four expert snake catchers. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst talks about the $4b remote housing package for the Northern Territory aimed at building hundreds of homes in Indigenous communities.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst looks at how the arrival of an asylum seeker boat in Western Australia has renewed debate over detention policies.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst discusses moves to tighten visa processes, and also why an Australia Day event in London is not going ahead.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst discusses protests around the country over the situation in Gaza, and the release of 80 asylum seekers from detention after a High Court ruling, and criticism of the travel miles being racked up by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Yesterday Daniel Andrews announced his resignation as the Victorian premier. This was a snap declaration, made in a press conference outside the Victorian state parliament, and was organised only 40 minutes beforehand. First, we speak to state political editor Annika Smethurst about why he's resigned, why now and what it means for Victoria. Then we'll air an episode from late last year, just ahead of the Victorian state election. In that episode, state political reporter Rachel Eddie interviewed her colleague, journalist Sumeyya Ilanbey, author of a revealing biography of Daniel Andrews. It explored how he became the most divisive premier in the country. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has announced he'll retire at 5pm tomorrow. He says he has no plans, and will take time to spend with his family. He led Victoria for nine years and was Labor leader for 13 years. His legacy will be mixed, with there being many who will say he was a brilliant but divisive leader. In this episode of The Briefing, we're joined by The Age newspaper's Victorian State Parliament correspondent Annika Smethurst to discuss the announcement, Mr Andrews' future and what his legacy will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday Daniel Andrews announced his resignation as the Victorian premier. This was a snap declaration, made in a press conference outside the Victorian state parliament, and was organised only 40 minutes beforehand. First, we speak to state political editor Annika Smethurst about why he's resigned, why now and what it means for Victoria. Then we'll air an episode from late last year, just ahead of the Victorian state election. In that episode, state political reporter Rachel Eddie interviewed her colleague, journalist Sumeyya Ilanbey, author of a revealing biography of Daniel Andrews. It explored how he became the most divisive premier in the country. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's swipe at short-term rental operators like Airbnb.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Susie to talk about the determination of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to push ahead with the referendum on the Indigenous Voice, despite polling showing a drop in support for it. The Labor Government has changed how it refers to Palestinian areas, reinstating the term "Occupied Palestinian Territories" and vowing to strengthen its objections to "illegal" Israeli settlements. A Victoria woman who cooked up a deadly mushroom dinner and killed three of her guests says she didn't do it on purpose, as police investigate. And there's joy in Australia, with the Matildas through to the quarter finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will not be hosted by Victoria. Premier Daniel Andrews has said the reason is due to its cost. The original price tag was $2.6 billion, but it's now looking more like between $6-7 billion. We get all the detail with Annika Smethurst. Headlines: Christchurch mayor offers to host Commonwealth Games Trump expects to be arrested over Capitol riots Stranded Aussie back on land Lawyer outraged words were used on 'no' pamphlet Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about how the cost of a working holiday maker visa will jump by $130 on Saturday to $640 - with the potential it could be cut to one year. There are concerns about the effect it could have on regional Australia. Support for the Voice to Parliament has slumped in the latest poll, along with Albanese's ratings. And ticket scalpers beware - the Victorian government has declared Taylor Swift's concert next year a "major event", meaning ticket scalping laws will apply to protect fans from being ripped off. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age
Australia commentator Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to look at the surprise move by the central bank to raise the official cash rate for the 11th time in a year. Australia's to introduce a ban on recreational vaping as part of what experts describe as an "epidemic". And the death of MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo has shocked fans of the show. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the Voice referendum and the Albanese government considering a possible tweak to the wording as it seeks to improve its chances of success. Meanwhile Indigenous elders and leaders from western New South Wales have labelled it an unexpected once-in-a-generation opportunity. Melbourne has edged Sydney out in the population stakes - the first time in 100 years. And Australia's and New Zealand's armies have committed to upgrading their historic trans-Tasman military partnership ahead of Anzac Day.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the meeting yesterday between Chris Hipkins and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, the decision by Green MP Lidia Thorpe to quit her party over divisions on the Voice to Parliament and the return to Australia of award-winning author and refugee advocate Behrouz Boochani.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the Royal Commission of Inquiry underway into the country's Robodebt scheme - an automated debt recovery programme introduced in mid-2016 for welfare recipients which was prone to errors and misjudgements. Parliamentarians will be recalled next week to pass a law imposing a temporary cap on gas and coal prices and more details have emerged about those involved siege at a Queensland property.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about suspected visa scams that have brought 100,000 workers into the country, new figures show who the biggest spenders were among independent MPs and Victorians are set to go to the polls in two weeks.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about why no Covid-19 vaccines have been ordered for 2024, the huge data breach affecting Optus customers and the shape of the first national anti-corruption commission has been revealed.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the bombshell revelation that former Prime Minister Scott Morrison had himself sworn in as Minister on a number of portfolios - without the knowledge of the Ministers themselves. There's now mounting pressure on him to resign as an MP. Victoria has become the first state to start treaty negotiations with indigenous Australians...and concern the country is in the grip of a "civic crisis" as people pull out of volunteering.
Today's correspondent is Annika Smethurst in Australia, where there's been no let up in the rain falling in southern parts of New South Wales - what further help might be on offer for communities that keep being hit? She'll also look at Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's latest trip to Australia and the Reserve Bank's latest interest rate rise that marks one of the sharpest hikes since the 1990s.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the decisions facing the Liberal and Nationals parties, following their defeat in the weekend election. Annika Smethurst is political editor at The Age.
The election is done and dusted..... Anthony Albanese has claimed an historic win – becoming only the fourth Labor leader to take the ALP to government from opposition. On today's Briefing, we're joined by The Age's political correspondent and the Briefing's Canberra reporter, Annika Smethurst. Annika will explain how and why Scott Morrison and the Liberal Party were wiped out in an election whitewash......and if the teal independents are the new political power in Australia. Todays Headlines Albanese to be sworn in as PM today Liberal Party in tatters after 'teal' wipeout Biden: “everyone should be concerned about monkeypox” Seized Ukraine fighters facing tribunal Ariarne Titmus sets world record Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're halfway through the federal election campaign – and Labor is well ahead in the polls. Anthony Albanese launched the ALP's campaign at the weekend, outlining five key policy areas the Opposition will focus on in the lead-up to the May 21 poll. Annika Smethurst is Victorian state political correspondent for The Age and regular politics contributor for The Briefing. Annike predicts what we can expect from the remaining three weeks of campaigning…..and what the outcome of the election might be. Who will lead us over the next three years post the election on May 21st. Todays Headlines Interest rates expected to rise for the first time in a decade PM rules out indigenous Voice to parliament Tech billionaire to fight AGL's plan to split US embassy to be moved back to Kyiv Kath & Kim house demolished Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to talk about the Australian federal election campaign, which got off to a rough start for Labor leader Anthony Albanese when he couldn't state the unemployment or official cash rates off the top of his head. Meanwhile Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended his education minister over bullying claims that led to a $500,000 payout to a former staffer.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handed down the Budget on Tuesday night….a critically important budget with an election due to be called in weeks. Annika Smethurst, a Walkley award winning political reporter at The Age, the author of The Accidental Prime Minister and regular contributor at The Briefing, tells us it's a Budget for our time….when we're coming out of a pandemic, inflation is rising, and the looming election. And it call comes as the Prime Minister is copping criticism from MPs on his own side of politics We'll hear Annika's take on the politics of the Budget….and what it means for Scott Morrison heading into an election in a matter of weeks. Todays Headlines Northern Rivers floods again Russia ramps up shelling despite scale-back claims PM Morrison plays down Lib Senator's claims Hillsong loses footing in US World farewells Shane Warne Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chaired by Annabel Crabb Sean Kelly describes The Game, his illuminating and deliciously readable take on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as something akin to literary fiction, a critique of the flat character Morrison has assiduously created for the cameras, as conveyed to us through the pages of the press. Annika Smethurst's The Accidental Prime Minister rigorously fills in the gaps in Morrison's story. Both books help us understand more about the politician and the man behind the selfies.
Australia correspondent Annika Smethurst joins Kathryn to look at the year's worth of rain that fell in parts of Queensland, amid criticism the weather forecasts weren't up to scratch. Australians of Ukrainian descent have been warned against returning home to fight as their government pledges $70m for lethal aid and Prime Minister Scott Morrison tests positive for Covid-19.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison won the “miracle” election back in 2019. No one expected him to win, but he was a master campaigner, convincing what he called “the quiet Australians” to trust him. Annika Smethurst from the Age newspaper and the Briefing is author of a biography on Scott Morrison – The Accidental Prime Minister. Annika tells us Scott Morrison will need to pull off a major coup to repeat his success from 2019, with poll numbers pointing to a heavy defeat. So, can Scott Morrison pull off another miracle election win….? Or will we see Anthony Albanese in The Lodge? Todays Headlines PM slammed for asking for ‘forgiveness' over Stolen Generation Russian skater cleared to compete after positive drugs test The ex-wife of Ben Roberts-Smith has broken her silence on her marriage Women harassed by former High Court justice receive compensation payout Jarryd Hayne conviction quashed and hopes for retrial Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2021 has been an amazing year for books – even with the complications of a pandemic – with strong debuts from Alice Pung and Diana Reid, another winner from Liane Moriarty and some blockbusters from international authors such as Lauren Groff and our own writers Sean Kelly and Annika Smethurst. Today on Please Explain, deputy culture editor Melanie Kembrey joins Nathanael Cooper for a guide on what to read this summer. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2021 has been an amazing year for books – even with the complications of a pandemic – with strong debuts from Alice Pung and Diana Reid, another winner from Liane Moriarty and some blockbusters from international authors such as Lauren Groff and our own writers Sean Kelly and Annika Smethurst. Today on Please Explain, deputy culture editor Melanie Kembrey joins Nathanael Cooper for a guide on what to read this summer. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Annika joins Kathryn to look at the reopening of state borders, with tearful scenes at airports in Queensland and confirmation Western Australia will open its border again for the first time in two years in February. Meanwhile Omicron numbers are continuing to rise in New South Wales, with particular concerns about a super-spreader event at a Newcastle nightclub where at least 150 of 680 people who attended The Argyle House nightclub on December 8 have tested positive to COVID.
Annika joins Kathryn to look at the reopening of state borders, with tearful scenes at airports in Queensland and confirmation Western Australia will open its border again for the first time in two years in February. Meanwhile Omicron numbers are continuing to rise in New South Wales, with particular concerns about a super-spreader event at a Newcastle nightclub where at least 150 of 680 people who attended The Argyle House nightclub on December 8 have tested positive to COVID.
Victoria is opening up, with a wide range of freedoms returning from midnight on Thursday. The announcement comes ahead of state of emergency laws, which governed everything from mask wearing to density caps in venues, expiring on December 15. The government's plan to replace those laws with a controversial new pandemic legislation was thrown into chaos after former minister Adem Somyurek announced he'd vote against the bill. Today on Please Explain, state political editor Annika Smethurst joins Bianca Hall to discuss Victoria's new-found freedoms and the fractious debate around the state government's new pandemic laws. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Victoria is opening up, with a wide range of freedoms returning from midnight on Thursday. The announcement comes ahead of state of emergency laws, which governed everything from mask wearing to density caps in venues, expiring on December 15. The government's plan to replace those laws with a controversial new pandemic legislation was thrown into chaos after former minister Adem Somyurek announced he'd vote against the bill. Today on Please Explain, state political editor Annika Smethurst joins Bianca Hall to discuss Victoria's new-found freedoms and the fractious debate around the state government's new pandemic laws. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Five million people in Melbourne emerged from lockdown in late October after spending a world record 262 days in lockdown. The Victorian Parliament is expected to pass strict new laws this week to deal with future pandemics. Victoria's Health Minister, Martin Foley, insists the legislation "cements this Victorian Parliament and this public health response as the most accountable, transparent and public health-focused system in the Commonwealth". The Opposition Leader Matthew Guy describes the proposed laws as "an incredible attack on democracy." The Briefing's Annika Smethurst who is also The Age newspaper's Victorian political correspondent, joins us to talk through the laws. Why they're dominating news….and what they'll mean for the Andrews government heading to an election in late 2022. Todays Headlines Former Labor minister to vote against VIC pandemic laws Police seize car as extra resources deployed in Tyrell search Newborn among latest NT cases as Gunner warns outbreak will worsen Labor promising faster internet for more in NBN revamp Britney Spears speaks out after conservatorship is scrapped Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sales goes on an epic James Bond binge, including a rendition of the theme music, while Crabb gets her own back with a big clang: some one-on-one time with super-author Liane Moriarty. (0.30) Pre-order WELL HELLO - Meanderings from the world of Chat 10 Looks 3 (1.00) Casino Royale | Trailer | Amazon Prime (2.00) No Time To Die | Trailer (3.00) Being James Bond - The Daniel Craig Story | Trailer | Apple TV (9.00) Bo Burnham: Inside | Trailer | Netflix (10.00) How to Fail with Elizabeth Day Podcast (11.00) The Happiness Lab Podcast (12.40) The Movies That Made Us | Trailer | Netflix (14.00) Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty (14.10) Australian author, Liane Moriarty discusses her long-awaited book Apples Never Fall, in conversation with Annabel Crabb | Opera House Streams (17.00) These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (18.40) After Story by Larissa Behrendt (21.00) Unbound by Tarana Burke (26.00) The Accidental Prime Minister by Annika Smethurst (28.00) Paula Joye Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom sits down with his co-host Annika Smethurst to take a deep dive into what motivates Scott Morrison, the man Annika has dubbed ‘The Accidental Prime Minister'. In this episode we hear about Morrison's ability to make and sell difficult decisions, and his journey through the ranks of big business. This is a fascinating discussion about the Scott Morrison's rise to the highest office in the land. Annika answers the question we all want to know, ‘will Scott Morrison win the election scheduled for the new year?' TODAY'S HEADLINES Victoria police prepare for more protests after second day of chaos Pfizer for kids by the end of the year as Australia seeks data QLD border bubble paused following latest northern NSW lockdown PM begins New York meetings as sub fallout continues Trudeau scrapes back in early election gamble Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Annika Smethurst's new book on Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been released. Annika is a Briefing co-host and Walkley-award winning journalist. Tom sits down with Annika to take a deep dive into what motivates Scott Morrison, the man Annika has dubbed ‘The Accidental Prime Minister'. This is a fascinating discussion about the Scott Morrison's rise to the highest office in the land. We learn about his childhood and what he was like at school. Did his friends see him as a future PM – and how did he chart his pathway to the Lodge? And what is the one skill he shares with Bill Clinton? TODAY'S HEADLINES Victoria shuts down construction for two weeks following violent protest Acting PM Joyce backs Christian Porter for return to cabinet NSW Premier warns against complacency, says cases will surge Search continues for missing fiance in Petito case Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Political reporter and author and co-host of The Briefing Annika Smethurst joins Jamila in this captivating conversation. Annika is a double Walkley Award Winner, and has worked in the press gallery at parliament house in Canberra and now covers state politics for The Age newspaper in Melbourne. In 2019 she became the accidental poster girl for press freedom when her house was raided by the Australian federal police over a story she wrote. In today's episode she sits down with Jamila to talk about, what drew her to journalism, losing her innocence after the AFP raided her home, and her new book ‘The Accidental Prime Minister‘ the first biography of Scott Morrison as PM. THE WEEKEND LIST: App: Gartic Phone Watch:The Chair on Netflix Watch: Dr Death on Stan Scroll:Please hate these things on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The daily news podcast that puts the headlines in your headphones!!! The Briefing team bring you the biggest stories of the day, also take a deep dive on a topic that's shaping our world. Hosted by one of Australia's leading voices in Current Affairs Tom Tilley, along with a rotation of co-hosts: TV presenter, podcaster and internet commentator Jan Fran, political journalist Annika Smethurst and best-selling author Jamila Rizvi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Wigs recap some of the major cases highlighting in season 1 of the chart-topping podcast, including Pell v R and Annika Smethurst v AFP, (both discussed in detail). The Wigs discuss the cases from their practical perspectives as practising criminal law barristers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst has spent nearly two years with the threat of jail hanging over her head. Last week, the High Court ruled that the warrant used to raid her Canberra home was invalid. But the evidence seized has not been destroyed, and she could still face prosecution. Today we interview The Briefing's co-host and ask what is it like to be raided by the AFP? Guests include Lawyer Peter Bartlett (MinterEllisons) to recap the decision of the high court last week. Today's news headlines: Virgin Australia enters voluntary administration South Korea reports 179 new positive Coronavirus tests Oil prices dip below zero making petrol cheap as chips In today's Briefing we ask: What's it like to be the centre of a news story when it blew up last year? How did it go down when 7 federal police officers turn up at your door when you're leaving for work? What is it like to hear Bono mention your case during a U2 concert and having other celebrities weigh in on freedom of the press? Has it changed your view on other people who have been thrust into a spotlight? At what point does surreal and bizarre become really hard and hurtful? What's the emotional effect of a raid on your personal items like texts to friends, screenshots and notebooks? How do you prepare for the worst case scenario of jail? Has it been worth it? Would you pursue that story again? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, Gregg and Jake discuss the AFP Vs Annika Smethurst and tackle the who, what, when and why of WHO funding... What? Exactly. Also, could we soon be released from the prisons that our houses have become? Good news... You can already GO FOR A WALK! But that's probably it for a while. When? Exactly. Please rate and subscribe!
The team talks about their gardening efforts; and they explore what they'd do if they had one hour covid-restriction-free. Kate Torney, CEO of the State Library of Victoria, describes what they currently offer online; Alice Drury from Human Rights Law Centre explains the High Court ruling on the AFP raid on journalist Annika Smethurst; Sean ‘Birdman' Dooley talks backyard birds; and actor-director Wayne Blair chats about the new season of Mystery Road. With presenters Sarah Smith, Daniel Burt, and Geraldine Hickey.