

The Daily Aus
The Daily Aus
This is a daily news podcast for young people in Australia. Join The Daily Aus team every weekday morning as we cover the news in your language. We’re a newsroom of young journalists, delivering news for young people.
TDA is completely independent. We are not owned by any larger media company.
TDA is completely independent. We are not owned by any larger media company.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2025 • 14min
Is the U.S. turning away from vaccines?
We want to make sure TDA's content remains relevant and useful. Fill out this 3 minute survey to tell us more about you! This week, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced he's cancelling 22 vaccine development projects worth $500 million, specifically targeting mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines. The decision has sparked concern from infectious disease experts who say it could leave America vulnerable to future pandemics. On today’s podcast, we’re going to dive into what these cuts mean, why we’re seeing such dramatic changes in US health policy, and whether similar changes could come to Australia. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 7, 2025 • 4min
Headlines: Albanese defends Vic plan to legislate WFH rights
Today's headlines: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the Victorian Government’s plan to legislate working from home protections. Teachers in Queensland have resumed negotiations with the State Government after this week’s widespread strike action. U.S officials have ordered NASA to fast-track plans to install a nuclear reactor on the moon. And today's good news: New research shows a bowel cancer screening initiative has led to an increase in lifesaving early detection rates. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Emma Gillespie Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 6, 2025 • 15min
What caused the Titan sub disaster?
We want to make sure TDA's content remains relevant and useful. Fill out this 3 minute survey to tell us more about you! More than two years after the implosion of a submersible expedition to the Titanic wreck, the U.S. Coast Guard has released its final report into what went wrong. According to the 335-page document, the disaster, which killed five people, was preventable – driven by flawed design, regulatory avoidance, and a toxic workplace culture. This landmark report paints a damning picture of OceanGate (the company behind the mission) and of its late CEO, Stockton Rush. Today, we’ll take you through what happened to the Titan, what the report found, its recommendations, and whether anyone could still face legal consequences. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Sam Koslowski Producer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 6, 2025 • 4min
Headlines: Rockliff reappointed Tas Premier
Today's headlines: Tasmania’s Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff has been reappointed as the state’s Premier, weeks after an early election. A 20-year-old Sydney man has become the first in Australia charged with supplying vape liquid laced with nitazenes. At least 100 people are missing after severe flash flooding in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, a popular tourist destination for people travelling to the Himalayas. And today's good news: Para-athletes in the Northern Territory now have access to greater support and training with the launch of a new Para Sport Unit in Darwin, Australia’s sixth such facility in just seven months. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Emma Gillespie Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 5, 2025 • 17min
The Sydney Sweeney controversy, explained
We want to make sure TDA's content remains relevant and useful. Fill out this 3 minute survey to tell us more about you! A new American Eagle ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney has sparked controversy over what critics say are references to white supremacist messaging. The ad has divided opinion online and drawn responses from major political figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Today we're breaking down everything you need to know about this viral ad: What happened, why people are upset, the political response and the ongoing fallout. Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Emma GillespieProducer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 5, 2025 • 5min
Headlines: Chinese national accused of spying in Canberra
Today's headlines: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for the first time since the early stages of the current conflict in Gaza. A Chinese national with permanent residency has been charged with foreign interference in Canberra. Former President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has been placed under house arrest by the country’s Supreme Court. And today’s good news, scientists have developed a breakthrough vaccine to protect livestock from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Emma Gillespie Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 4, 2025 • 20min
Should WFH be a legal right?
A new proposal in Victoria could make working from home a legal right for employees. This move is said to enhance productivity and assist those with caregiving duties. However, the plan has sparked debate over its legality and practicality, with differing views from unions and political groups. The potential creation of a two-tiered workforce is also a hot topic, along with concerns about how this will affect both urban and rural economies. The discussion highlights the complex interaction between state and federal workplace rights in Australia.

Aug 4, 2025 • 4min
Headlines: First woman appointed to AFP Commissioner role
A historic milestone as Australia welcomes its first female Commissioner of the Federal Police, a move that promises significant impacts on national security. Meanwhile, a troubling investigation reveals critical failures in Queensland’s forensic DNA testing, raising concerns about justice. In tragic news, over 140 migrants sadly perished when a boat capsized near Yemen. Yet, amidst the sorrow, a bright spark emerges with Australian swimmer Meg Harris clinching gold in the women's 50m freestyle at the world championships.

Aug 3, 2025 • 12min
Is the economy... calming down?
Greg Jericho, Chief Economist of the Australia Institute, dives into the latest inflation data, revealing it’s at its lowest in four years. He discusses the implications for interest rates, hinting at an anticipated cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia. The conversation also highlights the complex relationship between falling inflation and the persistent cost of living burden, especially for younger generations. Jericho further unpacks how cash rate decisions impact consumer borrowing and examines Australia’s economic outlook amidst global tariff changes.

Aug 2, 2025 • 16min
Wait, where does our tap water come from?
Ever wondered where your tap water really comes from? The hosts dive into the water cycle, revealing the journey from rain to your faucet. They unravel common myths about drinking water sources and discuss the role of dams. Climate change impacts are examined alongside cutting-edge solutions like desalination. Plus, taste variations across regions are revealed, influenced by minerals and treatment. The importance of chlorine for safety is highlighted, alongside global efforts to ensure clean water access for all.