Background Briefing

ABC listen
undefined
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.
undefined
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?
undefined
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. 
undefined
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?
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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.
undefined
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. 
undefined
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.
undefined
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.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app