The Briefing

Tuesday Headlines: Labor’s Bondi bills set to pass today, Sydney beaches closed after three shark attacks in 24 hours, Police ‘traumatised’ after 19-year-old found dead on Queensland beach, Donald Trump declines to rule out seizing Greenland by force and Aussies advance through at the Aus Open in day two action.Deep Dive: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation is polling higher than ever, overtaking the Coalition in one survey, prompting the Senator to declare she wants to run the country.  With Pauline Hanson’s primary vote surging and mainstream parties under pressure, what was once considered fringe appears to be shaping the national conversation.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with political scientist Dr Jill Sheppard from ANU about the rise of One Nation, what the polling really tells us, and whether Hanson could ever translate her support on paper into real power.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The collapse of key parts of the federal government’s legislation on hate speech is now raising serious questions about the Prime Minister’s leadership. Concerns have already been raised about key aspects of the proposed overhaul, with the Greens and Coalition stating they will not support it.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey’s political editor Bernard Keane, who explains why rushing through the changes was a mistake, and why this political disaster is one of the worst he’s seen in Australian history.  Headlines: An emotional tribute for the victims of the Bondi Terror attack in parliament, at least 21 people have been killed and many more injured after two high-speed trains derailed in Spain, and Sydney’s Dee Why Beach has been closed after another shark attack.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Politicians return to Canberra today ahead of contentious vote on hate speech laws, boy critical after Sydney shark attack, Anthony Albanese asked to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace,' Trump threatens tariffs on Europe over Greenland bid, and round one of the Aus Open is underway!Deep Dive: In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, questions are being raised about how far governments should go in the name of security.  One company that’s surfacing in those conversations is Palantir - a powerful and controversial data firm used by both companies and intelligence agencies around the world.   In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with journalist Paul Gregoire about Palantir’s origins, its role in surveillance, and why its possible expansion in Australia is contentious.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has been eyeing off a Nobel Peace Prize, after scoring nominations from countries including Israel and Pakistan - and it looks like he’s finally gotten one. The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has “presented” her gold Nobel peace prize medal to the US President in a meeting at the White House - nearly a fortnight after he ordered the arrest of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. In this bonus episode of The Briefing from 2025, Helen Smith is joined by Allan Behm, a special advisor at the Australia Institute, to unpack what a Trump win would mean for the award’s credibility, and whether he could be ruled out of the race altogether. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Ferguson, the dynamic founder of Cheek Media Co. and author, discusses her journey into politics and media at an impressively young age. She shares how family debates informed her political views and the importance of constructive conversations around dinner tables. Hannah critiques the tribalism in media, highlights Cheek's influence on the 2025 election, and opens up about the challenges of online harassment. With a refreshing take, she addresses the intersection of sexuality, feminism, and political ambitions, all while advocating for transparency in new media.

Ian Hickie, a leading expert in psychiatry and co-director at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, dives into the complexities of antidepressant responses. He reveals that about 20% of Australians with depression don't benefit from these medications due to distinct biological drivers. Exploring genetic profiles, he emphasizes the need for personalized treatment combining genetics and symptoms. He also introduces the idea of 'circadian depression,' explaining its unique symptoms and how tracking data can lead to better care.

Holly Mitchell, a senior producer with insights into film PR, shares her behind-the-scenes experience from the Australian premiere of Marty Supreme. She delves into the chaotic and innovative marketing strategies that made the film a hot topic, including disorienting stunts and sport-style merchandise. Holly highlights how A24’s guerrilla tactics set new benchmarks for hype-building, reflecting on the film's ability to live up to the immense buzz surrounding it. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of the power of marketing in the film industry!

Dr. Kaz Ross, a researcher specializing in far-right extremism, sheds light on the recent announcement by Australia’s largest neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network, to disband. She discusses concerns that this may not eliminate the threat, but rather unify dedicated followers. Kaz analyzes the shortcomings of Australia’s hate speech laws and how social media amplifies extremist messaging. She warns about the dangers posed to young recruits and highlights potential legal challenges ahead for these groups.

Mike Isaac, a New York Times Silicon Valley correspondent and technology journalist, discusses Elon Musk's controversial AI chatbot, Grok. He explores Grok's ability to generate sexualized content and the ensuing regulatory scrutiny. Isaac notes Musk's philosophy against sanitized AI and how this influences Grok's features. The conversation dives into Musk's hands-on role in Grok's development, as well as the broader implications for his tech ambitions, including Neuralink, amidst concerns over digital responsibility and platform safety.

Peter Marshall, the Victorian Branch Secretary of the United Firefighters Union, dives deep into the alarming state of Victoria's firefighting resources. He claims Premier Jacinta Allan is misleading the public about funding levels, emphasizing that outdated equipment puts lives at risk. Marshall reveals shocking statistics about aging fire trucks and the government's rejection of crucial funding requests. With bushfires becoming more severe, he calls for transparency on resource audits and insists that firefighters deserve better to protect communities.