The Briefing

Wednesday Headlines: Community anger grows as youngest victim in Bondi Beach attack mourned, surviving Bondi gunman wakes from coma as investigation stretches beyond Australian borders, Donald Trump sues the BBC, renewables are the key to cheaper energy new CSIRO report finds and a seal visits a pub in South Australia.  Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.  Deep Dive: Australia has become the test case for a world-first social-media ban, launched last week by the Prime Minister alongside campaigners, grieving parents and media figures who helped drive the push.  In the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, supporters argue the ban has already proven its value - saying it spared millions of children from exposure to the very content it was designed to block.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Crikey’s Cam Wilson about how the legislation came together, who lobbied hardest for it, and what interests were at play.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As top authorities continue to investigate what motivated the two alleged gunmen to carry out Sunday’s terror attack at Bondi Beach, questions are being asked if our counter terrorism authorities could have done more. Authorities have also confirmed the two alleged terrorists had recently travelled to the Philippines, with unconfirmed reports they had engaged in military style training.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by former counter terrorism detective, Peter Moroney, who explains why some of our top authorities have dropped the ball and the crucial red flags they missed.  Headlines: The NSW Police Commissioner has confirmed the father and son accused of carrying out the Bondi terror attack had recently travelled to the Philippines, Former Prime Minister John Howard has lashed out at Anthony Albanese’s leadership, and  Bondi hero, Ahmed al-Ahmed has broken his silence. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcast Take part in The Briefing survey HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Sydney comes together to mourn the victims of the Bondi Massacre, hero Ahmed al-Ahmed recovers in hospital, the political response and blood donations surge. Deep Dive: Australia is coming to terms with the Bondi Beach massacre, as leaders urge calm and unity in the aftermath of the attack. But experts warn this moment is different from anything the country has faced before.  For the first time, grief and anger are colliding with a flood of AI-generated and manipulated content online - misinformation spreading at a speed and realism that’s challenging even seasoned security professionals.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with security consultant and future-crime researcher Skeeve Stevens to unpack it. Links:  Make an appointment to give blood here  Sign the online condolence book here Lifeline: 13 11 14  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcast Take part in The Briefing survey HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shocking terror attack at Bondi Beach leaves the nation in mourning with 15 victims, primarily targeting a Jewish celebration. Eyewitness accounts reveal chaos and panic during the shooting. In response, the Prime Minister calls for urgent gun law reforms to prevent access to high-powered weapons. ASIO is investigating links to radicalization, while community leaders stress the importance of addressing rising anti-Semitism. A nationwide candle lighting is proposed as a symbol of solidarity with the victims.

Sydney and Australia are reeling after two shooters opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, killing 16 people and injuring dozens more.  One of the shooters was killed, the other is in police custody in hospital.   In this special extended headlines episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou take you through everything we know so far about Australia’s worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre.  Resources: If you have been directly impacted or know someone who has been, the Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228. The Red Cross has activated its ‘Register, Find, Reunite’ service to help people confirm the safety of their loved ones at register.redcross.org.au. Lifeline: 13 11 14  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcast Take part in The Briefing survey HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least ten people are dead in one of the worst mass shootings in Australia's modern history. Two men are in custody after gunmen opened fire on beachgoers at Bondi Beach with high-powered weapons on Sunday evening. Multiple people were injured, including children. Police are investigating reports of an improvised bomb at the scene. NSW Police are urging the public to avoid the area.  More to come. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 years ago this week was one of the most volatile moments in modern Australian history - the 2005 Cronulla riots. A week of rising racial tensions exploded into violence, fuelled by talkback radio, misinformation, and hatred. And when the chaos spread, intelligence warned of a possible attack on Lakemba Mosque. Caught in the middle was young police officer Danny Mikati, who was suddenly facing an angry crowd, with no backup. It was a moment where years of community trust became the only thing standing between him and tragedy. In this bonus episode, Danny sat down with Crime Insiders host Brent Sanders to share his extraordinary life-or-death experience. Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Klim is one of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers, known for breaking world records, the 2000 Olympics and for his strength in the pool. But his life took a turn when a sudden decline in his health left him unable to walk. In his 40s he was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, CDIP forcing him to confront a new reality. Since then, he has redirected the course of his life, becoming a vocal advocate for awareness and others living with the condition. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Michael opens up about how he's committed to living a life of wellness beyond just the hashtags and promos. If you want to donate blood search Lifeblood Weekend list with Helen Smith TO LISTEN: Uncovered – How undercover police radicalised an autistic child TO READ: The Conversation TO EAT: Fancy pantry Mi Goreng Noodles TO READ: Nature's Last Dance by Natalie Kyriacou Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn, who was accused of killing campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill, has had his murder conviction overturned. He was found guilty last year of murdering Clay and acquitted of Hill’s death. But now, in a bombshell development, the Court of Appeal has ruled there were serious irregularities in his trial - so serious they may have caused a miscarriage of justice...   In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Criminologist Xanthe Mallett, who explains what these latest developments mean and what’s next for Greg Lynn, who has always maintained his innocence.   Headlines: The Prime Minister has asked Australia’s independent expenses watchdog for advice on taxpayer-funded travel entitlements, the woman who was raped by Tom Silvagni has made an emotional victim impact statement in court, and Australians are in for one last celestial show of 2025, with the Geminid meteor shower set to peak this weekend.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcast Take part in The Briefing survey HERE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Son of Carlton footballer unmasked in rape case, one in two cigarettes in Australia now illegal, Bonnie Blue to be deported and blacklisted from Bali, Trump introduces million-dollar 'gold card' visa and architects of AI named Time’s Person of the Year. Take part in The Briefing survey HERE.  Deep Dive: Women make up 87% of male-on-male romance readers and are also the ones behind a lot of gay ‘smut’ content.   The hit TV show Heated Rivalry has been dubbed ‘Gay Hockey Smut’ and has entered the mainstream, opening up the conversation around who consumes queer romance.   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Darcy Green, an author and writer of Queer romance, who explains why straight women commonly request male-on-male erotic stories.  Further listening from headlines: BONUS: Bonnie Blue's schoolies returnUS Border security is getting personal Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.