The Briefing

Adam Bandt, the Greens Leader and advocate for social reforms, discusses ambitious proposals for Australia, including free university and TAFE education. He highlights the critical need for housing policy reform to assist first-time buyers and proposes fair taxation on billionaires to fund these initiatives. Bandt also addresses the challenges of rising education debts and the disconnect between the government and citizens, urging for a shift towards transparency and accountability in politics.

In this discussion, Dave Coghill, Chair of Developmental Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and President of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association, dives into the contentious landscape of ADHD diagnoses in Australia. He tackles the surge in cases, especially among adult women, and addresses claims that ADHD has become 'trendy,' a notion he argues harms those genuinely affected. The conversation also highlights the stigma surrounding ADHD and underscores the urgent need for better support and advocacy for individuals struggling with the disorder.

Jameela Jamil, a British actor, writer, and activist known for her role in The Good Place, brings her candidness to this conversation. She tackles the challenges of wellness culture and how it can be misleading. Jameela shares her insights on approaching life with the confidence often attributed to white men. The discussion also delves into the complexities of body image, the importance of women's empowerment, and the risks involved in creative careers. Expect a mix of honesty and activism from this unapologetic voice.

In a gripping discussion, Amelia Oberhardt, host of the investigative podcast Secrets We Keep: By Any Means, dives into a shocking IVF mistake where a woman gives birth to a stranger's child due to a mix-up. She explores the emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise from such human errors in reproductive technology. The conversation also touches on the chaotic regulatory landscape of the fertility industry and the urgent need for better oversight to protect families and donor-conceived individuals from traumatic situations.

In this discussion, Alexa Scarlata, a digital communication lecturer at RMIT and streaming services expert, dives into Netflix's decade-long transformation of Australian television. She explains how Netflix chooses its content and reaches global Top 10 rankings. The conversation also touches on the fierce competition from new platforms like MAX and raises questions about Netflix's future in a rapidly changing media landscape. Additionally, they explore the implications of streaming on local productions and the rise of ad-supported models.

In this discussion, cybersecurity expert Susan McLean sheds light on the recent banning of the violent video game No Mercy in Australia, which glorifies misogyny and abuse. She emphasizes the critical need for accountability in digital content to protect youth. The conversation also touches on the unsettling implications of graphic material on young minds and the urgent necessity for parents and society to engage in open dialogues about online safety. Additionally, McLean critiques current regulatory gaps and calls for collective action against harmful media.

In a compelling discussion, Melbourne-based criminal defense lawyer Felix Ralph tackles the explosive topic of genetic surveillance and DNA databases. With nearly 2 million profiles on Australia’s police database, he reveals how familial testing can entangle innocent individuals in investigations. Ralph raises alarms about our diminishing privacy and the ethical implications tied to this rapid DNA expansion. Additionally, he touches on Trump’s recent tariff rollbacks, highlighting their impact on Australia amid growing global tensions.

Chris O’Keefe from the Clean Energy Council, a strong advocate for the shift to renewable energy, dives into the pressing issues of soaring power bills and the transition from coal. He discusses the impacts of Trump's new tariffs on global markets and critiques how Australian politicians are addressing the energy crisis. O’Keefe emphasizes the need to embrace renewables for a sustainable and affordable future while highlighting potential job opportunities in emerging clean energy sectors, especially in rural communities.

Skeeve Stevens, a former hacker turned future crime researcher, discusses Australia's growing vulnerabilities to cyber attacks. He highlights how modern warfare has shifted from traditional battlefields to the digital realm, posing threats that could incapacitate entire cities. Stevens emphasizes the inadequacies of current defense strategies and offers insights on who the biggest threats are. He also shares practical tips for enhancing online security, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone concerned about cyber safety.

In this discussion, Paul Bassat, a prominent businessman and founder of Amplify, presents compelling insights on Australia's housing crisis. He argues for the necessity of community-led solutions, emphasizing that people power can drive change. The conversation also navigates the escalating trade tensions between the US and China, highlighting the potential economic repercussions. Bassat calls for innovative political leadership to address systemic failures and advocate for long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.