
The Briefing
A daily news podcast, The Briefing gives you the latest headlines, discussion and explainer interviews to keep you informed and entertained.
Bringing you the news you need to know at 6am and 4pm Monday to Friday, and profile features across the weekend, The Briefing is Australia's go-to news podcast for your commute, coffee or exercise.
Hosted by journalists Sacha Barbour Gatt, Chris Spyrou, Natarsha Belling, Helen Smith and Antoinette Lattouf.
Latest episodes

Mar 27, 2025 • 28min
We have an election date + The truth about 'Australian Made'
Friday Headlines: We have an election date, Peter Dutton’s budget reply, NSW court docs and Nine hit by data breach, search continues for missing Queensland police officer, US Yemen attack update and The Greens slam Albo for inviting Trump down under. Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese wants you to buy Aussie-made—but are your Tim Tams, Twisties, and Milo purchases really supporting Australian businesses? With some of our iconic brands owned by foreign companies, can the Prime Minister’s "Team Australia" campaign actually help shield us from Trump's tariffs and more importantly ... boost our economy? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by the CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, Erin Turner, to break it all down. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 27, 2025 • 10min
PM's embarrassing election blunder
Deep dive: Speculation is rife the Federal election will be called tomorrow, after an embarrassing blunder. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet posted on social media that the government was in caretaker mode, which was then quickly deleted. It comes just hours before Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is set to give his budget reply speech tonight, with some experts wondering if it was a genuine mistake or a clever strategic move to steal Mr Dutton’s thunder. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7 News Business Editor Amelia Brace to unpack the latest sensational twist ahead of what’s shaping up to be one of the closest elections in Australia’s history. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 27min
Dutton's plan for cheaper fuel + The deadly virus back in Australia
A surprising tax cut passes the senate, aiming to ease living costs while grocery prices soar at Woolworths. Concerns grow over Japanese encephalitis re-emerging in Australia, linked to rising mosquito populations after severe weather, highlighting personal tragedies and long-term effects on health. Experts weigh in on prevention strategies. Controversies surface in Tasmania over salmon farming laws and a New South Wales data breach, alongside discussions about the censorship of children's show 'Bluey'.

Mar 26, 2025 • 16min
What the Federal Budget means for your interest rates
Afternoon Headlines: The PM blasts the opposition over tax cuts, Jeanswest goes into administration and AirPods Pro 2 can now act as hearing aids. Deep Dive: Cost of living relief or a cruel hoax? We break down what the federal budget really means for Australians and its effect on skyrocketing bills and interest rates. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sally Tindall to find out if the government’s tax cuts go far enough and why many experts are saying the inflation crisis is far from over. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 25, 2025 • 23min
Budget breakdown: A cuppa's worth of tax cuts, free GPs & cheaper pints
Treasurer Jim Chalmers reveals a federal budget packed with tax cuts and energy relief for Australians. However, these measures are questioned for their true effectiveness amid rising living costs. The discussion highlights plans to boost job mobility and affordable housing, including a new help-to-buy scheme. Health and education reforms aim to enhance Medicare and support free TAFE placements. Interestingly, the budget sets aside funds for pandas as a diplomatic gesture, while leveraging influencers to engage younger voters through modern media.

Mar 25, 2025 • 12min
Top secret war plans sent to journalist by mistake
Afternoon Headlines: Trump and US Defence Secretary respond to leaked Yemen war plans and 2032 Olympic Games venue confirmed Deep Dive: Top secret US war plans have been leaked after a journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on encrypted messaging app Signal. President Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth both dismissed the story, even after National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed it ‘appears to be authentic’. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by tech expert Trevor Long to explain why it’s a massive wake-up call for all governments, even here in Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 24, 2025 • 26min
Extreme weather warning + Inside Netflix's Adolescence
Renee Chopping, a trauma counsellor and child protection advocate, discusses the urgent themes highlighted in the Netflix series 'Adolescence,' which exposes the dangers online influencers pose to young boys. She emphasizes the need for positive male role models and educational reforms to combat toxic masculinity. The conversation also touches on the federal budget's impact on energy and health, and the civil unrest in Turkey, showcasing how these issues intertwine with societal well-being.

Mar 24, 2025 • 12min
$1 billion for defence + Women abandon major parties
Samantha Maiden, political editor for news.com.au, dives into the shifting landscape of Australian politics. She discusses the alarming trend of women abandoning major parties, with Labor's female support dropping to 29%. The conversation also highlights the evolving preferences of young men leaning towards conservative candidates, alongside concerns around the cost of living and healthcare. With these dynamics at play, Australia may be facing one of its biggest political shake-ups yet.

Mar 23, 2025 • 30min
Hundreds to be slashed from your bills + Why more men are sports betting
Brace yourself for a deep dive into the rising epidemic of sports betting among young men in Australia, which has surged by 65% since 2015. Explore the government’s new budget initiatives aimed at easing household costs while political tensions simmer. Emotional stories from bettors reveal the highs and lows of gambling, as they debate personal responsibility versus addiction risks. With stricter regulations on the horizon, the discussion unpacks the influence of marketing on young adults and the psychological impacts of this booming industry.

Mar 21, 2025 • 41min
David Pocock: rugby star, activist or political saviour?
David Pocock, a former rugby star and independent senator, passionately discusses the intertwining of sports and activism. Embracing the title of 'weirdo,' he reflects on his refusal to marry until same-sex rights were recognized and his arrests during climate protests. Pocock emphasizes rugby's responsibility to lead in climate action, especially for Pacific nations affected by climate change. He also shares insights on navigating independent political challenges and the importance of systemic reforms for a fairer society.