The Briefing

Wednesday Headlines: Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case returns to court, Anthony Albanese has been called a “weak politician" by the Israeli PM, majority of land in NSW sold to developers instead of used as public housing, seven in 10 Australian’s who've signed up to the NDIS in the past year have autism, and a UK woman tries to take her annoying 20 and 30yo colleagues to court for socialising and wasting time. Deep Dive: Australian’s are divided over whether property owners should have the right to use lethal force during a home invasion.  While some argue we already have strong enough protections, tens of thousands of Queenslanders and Victorian’s are pushing to legislate Castle Law, to give home owner’s the right to use any force necessary if confronted with an intruder.  In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Castle Law advocate, Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter and Nick Dore of Fisher Dore lawyers about both sides of the contentious debate.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were numerous promises made during today’s historic peace talks between the Ukrainian and US presidents regarding Russia, with key European leaders standing by. President Donald Trump claims he’s negotiated talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, with both wanted lasting peace. But many are now asking at what cost?  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by international conflict expert Dr Jessica Genauer, who is concerned about what conditions Russia wants in any breakthrough, and what’s next if Putin wins this latest war.  Headlines: A 38-year-old mother is facing a number of child sex charges, the data of 280,000 Australians has been compromised, and a woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” has agreed to plead guilty to supplying the drugs that killed Friends star Matthew Perry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Major investigation launched after infant found dead in storm drain, Israel’s Foreign Minister revokes Australian visas, Matt Wright's being counter sued over death of mate, AFL launches investigation into alleged homophobic incident, and what do 'delulu', 'skibidi' and 'forever chemicals' all have in common? Deep Dive: It’s an often-polarizing debate: should you go public or private when you need hospital treatment? On the one hand, you might get a nicer room and a shorter wait time for elective procedures if you’re prepared to pay for private. But if you find yourself in an emergency, would it be better to get the full resources and staffing of a public hospital? In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith if joined by Nine reporter Christine Ahern, who has investigated private hospitals in Australia, to find out what you need to know.  Further listening: What the actual f*** is skibidi toilet? and Are tradwives dangerous? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax reform and working from home are top of the agenda at this week’s Productivity roundtable in Canberra. But will the expensive get together just be a waste of time, or will Australia’s business, economic and union leaders show courage and enact much-needed reforms?  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey’s political editor Bernard Keane to unpack the agenda and find out the expected winners and losers.  Headlines: Qantas has been fined $90 million, tens of thousands of Israelis have protested in Tel Aviv and, a surfer has had a fortunate escape after a close encounter with a shark in Northern NSW.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A newly announced ban on greyhound racing in one Australian state has divided the public but left animal welfare advocates celebrating. Last week the Tasmanian Premier told those in the sector, the sport would be phased out by 2029, leaving many in the industry furious and questioning his true motives. In part two of this two-part deep dive, Tara Cassidy speaks with TasRacing CEO Andrew Jenkins and Coalition For The Protection of Greyhounds President Amy MacMahon about the controversial decision, and the future of greyhound racing in Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Trump's NATO-style deal with Putin, shootings in Sydney and Melbourne nightlife precincts, fresh push to extradite Chinese man over baby burning incident, young Australians may have a tougher life than their parents, and a major scientific discovery that could re-write history. Deep Dive: The Australian greyhound racing community is reeling after news last week that the sport will be phased out in Tasmania by 2029, while animal welfare advocates applaud the long-awaited move.   Many across the sector say the industry’s been used as a scapegoat, as part of a political power play by the state’s premier, who’d recently pledged to bolster the industry, not ban it.   In part one of this two-part deep dive, Tara Cassidy speaks with Greyhound Racing Victoria Chair Peita Duncan about the controversial decision, and the future of greyhound racing in Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus episode: The Voice Australia is back for its 14th season. But in all those years, no contestant has made an impact quite like shows very first winner,  Karise Eden. Today, we’re bringing you Karise’s full-length interview from LiSTNR’s The Moment It Changed: Touchdown podcast. Music journalist Cam Adams sits down with Karise as she opens up about her meteoric rise from struggling artist to national sensation, and the fallout that followed, from industry exploitation to the fight to reclaim her voice. For more, including extraordinary revelations from former Australia Idol judges, you can listen to all episodes of The Moment It Changed: Touchdown for free on Apple, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts.  This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. There's also references to family violence. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claudia Karvan is a screen legend who grew up in the iconic Kings Cross nightclub district and became one of Australia’s most admired (and drama-free) stars. She first stepped in front of the camera at just 10 years old and hasn’t looked back... creating iconic moments in film and TV from The Secret Life of Us to Bump on Stan. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Claudia reveals what it was like to uncover jaw-dropping details about her own family tree live on camera and explains why she hates crying in public despite being an open book. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO DO: Change your algorithm on Instagram TO WATCH: K-pop Demon Hunters on Netflix TO WATCH: Wednesday season 2 on Netflix TO LISTEN: Twice Displaced by Lem Zakharia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Defence Force is getting smarter, savvier, and more strategic in its recruitment, with it’s highest annual intake in 15 years, and you might be surprised by what’s causing the trend. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Behavioural Economist, Professor Robert Hoffman, to unpack the psychology behind a surprising global surge in military enlistment, and why the ADF’s battle for talent might just be its most important mission yet.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: US warns Australia must meet with Trump over ‘critical’ AUKUS deal, chilling footage revealed of accused Melbourne double murderer, UTS staff facing job loss told to 'do some laundry' to manage stress, the average Aussie is earning more than ever but we still feel broke, and your thoughts on property millionaires, the Denmark Zoo saga and Insta's controversial map feature. Deep Dive: It can be hard to tell what’s real in the world of celebrities, amid a sea of cosmetic surgery, white veneers, tightly-controlled branding and picture-perfect relationships.  But today a PR insider is lifting the lid on the hidden practice of manufactured celebrity relationships, aimed at boosting exposure, image and popularity.  In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Billy Daniels, owner of PR agency Billy Etc, to get the scoop on which celebrities’ relationships are real - and which are likely not.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.