Background Briefing
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Background Briefing tells true stories not everyone will want you to hear. We infuse investigative reporting with captivating drama, following the thread of an individual story only to find that it leads us to something bigger. It's the only podcast in Australia that does this week in, week out.
Hosted by Thomas Oriti.
We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au
Hosted by Thomas Oriti.
We want to hear from you too. If you have a tip-off, please contact us at backgroundbriefing[at]abc.net.au
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 17, 2025 • 40min
The secret teacher blacklist
Kim saw a teacher’s aide laughing at a video of a vulnerable student and reported it to the principal. She had no idea it would come to define the next seven years of her life.
Oct 10, 2025 • 32min
05 The Favourite - A Day in Court
After years of manipulation, Alliyah is determined to see justice done. When Kellie appears in the dock, what will she say? And how will the judge respond?
Oct 3, 2025 • 35min
04 The Favourite | Full Disclosure
Alliyah steps into a police station on the outskirts of Brisbane, and says: “I want to report a crime.” After keeping the so-called relationship with Kellie secret for almost a decade, Alliyah is finally ready to tell their story.
Sep 26, 2025 • 40min
03 The Favourite | Alliyah's choice
A new job and a surprise encounter show Alliyah that another way is possible. Will they manage to slip out of Kellie's control?
Sep 19, 2025 • 35min
02 The Favourite | A marriage proposal
When the principal discovers Alliyah and their teacher Kellie are exchanging secret messages outside class, Kellie is warned — but not fired. Then, on the last day of Alliyah’s graduation, another message arrives: “Secret squirrel… you can’t tell anyone.” As suspicion mounts at home, Alliyah's connection with Kellie grows stronger and more dangerous by the day.
Sep 12, 2025 • 31min
01 The Favourite | Secrets after school
12-year-old Alliyah’s clowning around in science class, testing the waters to see how the new teacher will respond. An unusual bond grows between them — and what starts with a death stare and a smirk, soon slips into a world of secrets.
Sep 9, 2025 • 2min
Introducing... The Favourite
She's every student’s favourite teacher — warm, funny, the kind who bends the rules. But for one 12-year-old, Alliyah, her attention goes far beyond the classroom. The Favourite is a five-part series by Background Briefing about how a secret remained hidden in plain sight for nearly a decade.
Sep 4, 2025 • 32min
The invisible stuff on your blueberries
When a marine scientist starts picking up traces of pesticides in oysters, she follows a trail that leads inland — to NSW blueberries carrying a poison not permitted for use in Australia.
Aug 29, 2025 • 20min
Long Read | The smart kids who can’t afford to succeed
Catherine Taylor investigates how money, disadvantage and resources risk holding back our brightest students.
Aug 14, 2025 • 19min
Long Read | The fight over your backyard
The Yes In My Backyard movement is lobbying for denser cities and more housing in places people want to work and live. The YIMBYs want these homes built yesterday, but as Gina Rushton explains, the NIMBYs haven’t given up yet.
