The Briefing

In this headlines-free extra episode of the Briefing:  Tom Tilley's secret passion!! The Rugby World Cup begins in France this weekend – and the Wallabies head into the tournament after losing five lead-up matches.  Coach Eddie Jones has picked a very young, inexperienced side, who he says he will have firing at exactly the right time.  Tom Tilley and Sacha Barbour-Gatt are rugby 'tragics'! Australia was transfixed when the Matildas contested the FIFA Womens’ World Cup last month.  Can the Wallabies mirrot the Matilda’s success and save a dying code? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15,000 people dressed in black attended an illegal rally on Monday in Seoul.This massive protest was triggered after three teacher suicides happened in South Korea in as many months. The first was a young teacher in Seoul who took her own life in July after expressing anxiety over complaints from abusive parents. Teachers are now demanding better protection for themselves amid growing outrage about teaching staff being mistreated, including being accused of child abuse for disciplining students. In this episode of The Briefing Jan Fran finds out just what’s going on with Korea Pro’s John Lee who’s on the ground in Seoul.   Headlines: Anthony Albanese invited to meet president Xi Jinping in China  Philip Lowe delivered his final speech 3,000 new entries for the Macquarie Dictionary   Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing: the federal government's plans to declare war on feral cats. Today is National Threatened Species Day and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has released a plan to protect another 48 endangered species across Australia, including a program to eradicate feral cats. One part of the plan would see a nationwide night curfew imposed on domestic cats. We're joined by Linda Stoner from Animal Liberation who argues it's the wrong approach; and Jack Gough from the Invasive Species Council who says it's long overdue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Leigh, Labor's assistant minister for competition, talks about the declining popularity of Anthony Albanese, Labor's struggles with the 'Yes' campaign, and the Defence Minister's golf club controversy. Other topics include the government's 'open skies' agreement for cheaper flights, record-breaking temperatures, and a legal complaint against the president of the Spanish Football Federation.

In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing:  Donald Trump refuses to acknowledge he lost the 2020 election, so would his re-election lead to the demise of democracy?  The United States likes to think of itself as the ultimate democracy, but if Donald Trump wins next year’s presidential election, could the US electorate be endorsing his claims his loss in 2020 was NOT the work of a fair and balanced democracy?  We’re joined by former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull who hosts the LiSTNR podcast Defending Democracy, to discuss the ramifications for the US democracy if Trump is endorsed as the G.O.P’s candidate next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're facing down the prospect of rolling blackouts this summer, with temperatures expected to break records. To find out about just where we’re at with our energy mix, we speak with Professor Samantha Hepburn who is an expert in environmental law research at Deakin University about what we need to do to safeguard our energy supply for the future.   Headlines: A Senate inquiry will be held into blocked Qatar Airways flights Alan Joyce is out as new CEO Vanessa Hudson starts Australia’s largest coal-powered station to stay open past its closure date  Spain sacks World Cup-winning women's coach Jorge Vilda    Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing: Qantas CEO Alan Joyce was due to retire in November, but made the stunning announcement this morning he was stepping down today. The news comes after a month of scandals, including facing an investigation by the ACCC that it sold tickets to flights that had already been cancelled.  We’re joined by Flight Centre CEO, Graham Turner, and Helen Bird from Swinburne University to talk about Alan Joyce’s last day as the national carrier’s CEO – and what his legacy will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As John Farnham’s anthem becomes the theme song for the Yes campaign we reveal the story behind the song. Turns out it was written by a British musician after he slept in for a protest! Tom Tilley gets the story from Double J presenter Zan Rowe and also speak to political campaign analyst Dee Madigan about the impact it will have on the referendum.   Headlines: No interest rates rises predicted William Tyrrell's foster mother pleads guilty to assaulting child  Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell dead at 56   Burning Man still planning to go ahead with burn    Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around the country, drivers are forking out an average of $2.05 a litre for petrol, while some unlucky Aussies have had to pay prices as high as $2.38 a litre. In this extra, headlines-free episode of The Briefing, we chat with Chief Investment Officer at The Motley Fool, Scott Phillips, to find out why it’s so expensive, how long we can expect to pay a bomb at the bowser, and tips for making your petrol budget stretch further.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across Australia paper straws, wooden cutlery and cardboard tubs have replaced plastic in a bid to protect the environment, but new research shows they can contain dangerous chemicals.The chemicals, known as PFAS, are found in many “eco- friendly” straws and takeaway containers because PFAS makes them water resistant.In this episode of The Briefing, Jan Fran speaks with the commercial manager EnviroLab Group David Springer about just how dangerous these products are.   Headlines: The voice NO vote reaches majority as support for Labor slides  The Federal Government's Closing Loopholes Bill enters Parliament today Burning Man festival-goers trapped    Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.