The Briefing

Afternoon Headlines: Parents say Alleged childcare sex offender Joshua Dale Brown might have worked across more dates in centres than authorities initially identified, NSW man dies from 'rabies-like' virus after bat bite and Eileen Bond ex-wife of controversial businessmen Alan Bond dies Deep Dive: It’s the trial that gripped the world, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, one of music’s most powerful men facing life behind bars after facing a number of sex trafficking and prostitution charges.  Today the jury handed down its verdict finding Diddy not guilty of the most serious allegations and guilty on two prostitution charges.  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Music Industry expert, Associate Professor Catherine Strong from RMIT University, to unpack the downfall of Diddy.   If you or anyone you know needs help you can call 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 and Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs not guilty of sex trafficking, Kanye West banned from entering Australia, ‘Bomb cyclone’ leaving, rain and flooding incoming, a Queensland council forced to pause demolishing a homeless camp, and 3.2 million Aussies expected to take part in Dry July. Deep Dive: From nuclear threats to climate change and AI, the world has never been closer to ‘Doomsday’.  Each year a group of experts from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the world’s Doomsday Clock, letting us know our risk of existential threat.  In 2025, the globe’s just 89 seconds to midnight – the closest we’ve ever been to catastrophe.  In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with the President and CEO of the Bulletin of The Atomic Scientists, the publication behind the Doomsday Clock, about what’s got us here and the tools we have to fix it.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon headlines: Second man charged after Melbourne childcare worker accused of 70 offences, third person arrested in relation to the alleged murder of teenager, Phoebe Bishop and US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk feud reignites Deep Dive: Qantas has been hit with a major cyber-attack, possibly exposing the private data of an estimated 6 million Australians. The airline has confirmed hackers have stolen some customer’s names, birth dates email addresses and frequent flyer numbers. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Cyber Security expert Professor Matthew Warren, who explains how serious this latest corporate breach is and what to do if your personal information has been stolen.  If you have any concerns, take advantage of the dedicated support line Qantas has set up for customers: 1800 971 541 or +61 2 8028 0534, which is available 24/7. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Murray Lee, a criminology expert from the University of Sydney, who dives into recent changes in child safety laws in Victoria. He highlights the government's response to serious allegations and the urgent need for better safeguards. The conversation shifts to Glastonbury's controversial performances, questioning the boundaries of artistic expression and free speech. Lee analyzes the tension between political statements in music and legal repercussions, shedding light on how societal values shape these debates.

Afternoon Headlines: Five million could be hit with intense weather system hitting the coast of NSW, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to meet with US President Donald Trump and two major sunscreen brands under fire for ‘greenwashing’ Deep Dive: There are calls for greater childcare regulations after new allegations against a 26-year man Victorian man.  He’s been charged with 70 sexual offences including rape relating to his work at an early learning centre. He also worked at 19 other childcare centres. More than 1200 families have been urged to test their children for infectious diseases.  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Bravehearts Founder and child safety advocate, Hetty Johnston AM, to explain the urgent need for change in our childcare safety regulations.    This episode contains descriptions of child sex abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or harassment, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT. org.au. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Police are investigating Bop Vylan and Kneecap over Glastonbury performances, Sydney under ‘prepare now’ orders as east coast low hits, House prices reach record highs, grow twice as fast as wages, AI could boost the Australian economy by $115bn within five years, and Albo reacts to ‘Daddy’ Trump on Ten's new News program. Deed Dive: It's tax time but before you lodge your return, it’s important to know what you can claim, what you can’t and some of the new areas the ATO are keeping on their radar.  So, what is the best way to get the most out of you tax return and should you be using an account or is MyGov enough?In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by accountant and business advisor Emma Bowdler from The Women's Accountant to discuss. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.   She’s pled not guilty to all charges.   In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: BUPA to pay $35 MILLION dollars in penalties and two US firefighters have been shot with the body of a suspected shooter found and the jury for Erin Patterson’s murder trial starts deliberation Deep Dive: Donald Trump’s trade war with China is set to cost Australia $27 billion in lost income from two of our biggest exports, liquefied natural gas and iron ore, according to the federal government. It comes as Anthony Albanese has slammed the US President for placing tariffs on Australia, as world leaders prepare for a second “Liberation Day” announcement when the 90-day pause on tariffs lifts next week. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Susan Stone, economist from UniSA Business to explain the impact these tariffs continue to have on our economy.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey Watson, an investigative journalist with Listener, delves into the chilling story of Australia’s worst terrorist, whose 2019 attack left 51 dead. He discusses the complexities of radicalization and the dangers of viewing such acts as isolated. Joey retraces the killer's steps in his series, revealing overlooked connections to broader extremist ideologies. The conversation also touches on the impact of anti-protest laws in NSW, social compensation changes, and a shark attack that highlights everyday heroism amidst societal shifts.

Bonus Episode: As the Australian government prepares to review our national patchwork of surrogacy laws, this exclusive LiSTNR investigation reveals how restrictive domestic policies are quietly fuelling a booming, unregulated international surrogacy marketplace - one that has recently shifted to Latin America. In this special episode of The Briefing, investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco travels to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, to uncover a secretive world of ethical grey zones, riddled with stories of underpaid and medically vulnerable surrogates and opaque payment systems. Going undercover, she exposes how private clinics rely on Colombia’s overstretched public health system to support foreign clients. Listen to Claudianna on Secrets We Keep: By Any Means.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.