The Briefing

Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through TikTok being bombarded with food reviews? Sometimes they appear organic, with creators hopping on a trend or trying a viral product for their followers. Other times, these creators are being paid by restaurants and cafes to plug their businesses or products. There are legal and ethical guidelines in place to stop this content from appearing organically in your feed – but why are they being so rarely followed, and even more rarely enforced? In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by TikTok lawyer Jahan Kalantar to find out exactly how online creators are sidestepping consumer laws and what more, if anything, can be done. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much of Israel’s economy ground to a halt overnight, during the country’s first major workers’ strike since the start of the war. The strike shut down Israel’s international airport and disrupted banks, manufacturing facilities, healthcare facilities and businesses, as Israelis expressed their anger over six Israeli captives of Hamas found dead in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career has survived major demonstrations before, but could this strike finally force him to agree to a hostage swap deal and a ceasefire? On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined Dr Eyal Mayroz, a Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney to provide some insight into what impact it might have. Headlines: Paralympics Update Britain is suspending dozens of weapons sales to Israel Wild weather wrap Famous Beluga whale found dead Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renting in Australia can really suck. With winter over and the end of 2024 approaching, we’re heading towards peak moving season. Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events – made even more stressful by the process of trying to get your bond back. In this two-part feature, The Briefing investigates the messy world of rental bonds. In Part Two, Bension Siebert speaks to Leanne Pilkington, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia, on what the experience is like on the landlord and agent side of the bond system, and what she thinks might make the system fairer overall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renting in Australia can really suck. With winter over and the end of 2024 approaching, we’re heading towards peak moving season. Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful events – made even more stressful by the process of trying to get your bond back. In this two-part feature, The Briefing looks into the messy world of rental bonds. In Part One, Bension Siebert speaks to CEO of the New South Wales Tenants’ Union Leo Patterson Ross on how to stop your landlord stealing your bond, and whether there’s a way to run this system that’s better for everyone. Headlines: Paralympics update Israeli military recovers bodies of six hostages in Gaza Australians advised to work from home due to wild weather New survey asks Aussie teens what they want to be when they grow up Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Fatima Payman first won office in 2022 and dominated headlines this year when she crossed the floor over Labor’s refusal to recognise a Palestinian state. Her life since then has been a self-described “whirlwind.” Fatima now sits as an independent, and in this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, she reveals the inner workings of the Albanese government that led to her resignation and whether she was prepared for the wave of bigotry and intense scrutiny she and her family experienced. Her story begins in Afghanistan in the 1990s where she and her family fled the Taliban to Pakistan, before starting a new life in Australia. As a proud and determined independent voice for Western Australia, Fatima is committed to breaking stereotypes, saying she is “more than a Muslim senator.” Weekend List TO BUY: Sticky grippy phone stickers TO DO: Bye-bye text messages and hello voice memos! TO TRY: Korean skincare TO WATCH: Fatima Payman on Australian Story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big week of debate over the 2026 census and a handful of questions that might – or might not – be added to it. This episode, we speak to one of the Labor MPs who rebelled against the Government’s decision to exclude questions about LGBTIQA+ Australians from the Census – and get his take on a partial backflip from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning. Labor's Federal Member for the Melbourne seat of Macnamara, Josh Burns, joins Bension Siebert for this episode of The Briefing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AFLW 2024 season kicks off today – but not everyone’s happy with the fixtures. As the AFL works to manage the men’s finals being played alongside the start of the women’s game, fans and key stakeholders are asking why logistical confusion remains as the competition heads into its ninth season. Georgia Rajic is a sports commentator and reporter – on this bonus episode of The Briefing, she joins Helen Smith to unpack the complex start to the AFLW this year, where the competition is at almost a decade into running, and who looks set to top the ladder in 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring brings with it some pretty wonderful things; blooming flowers, warmer weather and longer days. But it also means another thing that can strike fear into the heart of nearly every Australian – magpie swooping season. From August to October, the black and white birds are nesting, which means they’re feeling extra protective and have been known to fly at humans as they pass by their babies. Today on The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt, self-confessed magpie lady, is joined by Sean Dooley, conservationist and birdwatcher with Birdlife Australia, to break down the facts and myths around these fabulous birds, and encourage you to think differently about them this swooping season. Headlines: All the action from day one of The Paralympics Israeli forces have carried out raids in the West bank for a second day in a row Labor party under fire for census ABS Data shows more women than men in Australia Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Paralympics are on! In the very early hours of this morning Australia time, a spectacular opening ceremony kicked off the 2024 summer games in Paris, with more than 4,000 athletes from around the world preparing to compete over two massive weeks. How different is their experience from that of able-bodies athletes, and how do they feel about the competition starting so long after the first round of the Olympics has wrapped up? Carol Cooke is a Paralympic champion, competing on the world stage winning medals for Australia in London, Rio and Tokyo. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to reflect on what it’s like to compete at the most elite level in Paralympic sport, and how it compares to the experience of able-bodied Olympians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leonardo da Vinci + a Saudi Prince + one very old painting = a world of controversy. Salvator Mundi is the most expensive painting sold at auction. Dubbed the male Mona Lisa, Salvator Mundi is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci – but not all art experts agree that the work is by the famous artist. The painting sold for $450 million to Saudi Arabian Prince Mohamed bin Salman in 2017. After several years hidden away in storage, the Prince reportedly has plans to make the painting the centerpiece of what some of called the ‘Saudi Louvre’, and in turn creating a tourist attraction for the West. Is this art washing live in action? Professor Anne Dunlop is the Herald Chair in Fine Arts from the University of Melbourne. She joins Helen Smith on this episode of The Briefing to explain the backstory of the artwork, and what it might mean if it comes out of hiding and onto display. Headlines: Paralympics opening ceremony Israel West Bank attack Trump blames Biden and Harris for assassination attempt New study shows dogs can communicate with humans Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study has found astrologers are no better at prediction than random guessing. Does that matter? Many of those obsessed with their astrological chart when pressed might still admit it’s probably a little bit bullshit – but they like it, it’s fun, and it doesn’t do any harm. But for those who use astrology to help them make significant decisions in their life, it sort of does matter whether this stuff is true. Enter Spencer Greenberg, the founder of ClearerThinking.org, a social enterprise in the US. He and his colleagues were so interested in the topic that they designed and conducted a study to hopefully settle the argument once and for all – on this episode of The Briefing, he joins Bension Siebert to help explain what they found. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noel and Liam Gallagher, the two brothers behind the seminal British band Oasis, have announced they’re about to head out on a massive tour - the first time they’ve appeared together since 2009. Noel quit the band just before they were due to take the stage in Paris after a massive backstage fight, and the brothers have waged war against each other ever since. But in a twist, they're now reportedly saying it’s now or never. Once the biggest band in the world, this tour is expected to make in the vicinity of $1 billion. Music feature writer Cameron Adams joins Bension Siebert to explain what might have led to the change of heart, and why the two 'Don’t look back in anger'. Headlines: Hostage freed from Gaza Greens propose “Robin Hood” tax reform Zuckerberg says White House censored Meta during COVID-19 Trump agrees to debate Harris Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful - especially with the average wedding in Australia costing nearly $35,000. That’s a price tag that can cover everything from venue hire, catering, hair, make-up, photography and now a professional bridesmaid. It’s like paying for a best friend (who's not actually your best friend) to support you every step of the way. Is this a logical development meeting the needs of busy lives, or commercialisation and a wedding industry gone insane? In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Kerstyn Walsh, the director of Hire a Bridesmaid, to breakdown why more and more Aussies are turning to their services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the 2026 Census ask you if you’re gay? That’s one of the questions advocacy groups for queer Australians have been grappling with as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) prepares its next census. LGBTIQA+ advocacy groups have argued that the government does not collect enough fine-grain data on queer Australians to improve physical and mental health outcomes in the community that are poorer than the general population. On the other hand – could questions about people’s sexuality and gender identity risk the safety of people who aren’t out to their families? Seemingly out of nowhere, in recent days advocates have learned that the government will not allow the ABS to include questions about questions about sexuality, sex and gender, which the groups have been arguing for. On this episode of the Briefing, LGBTIQ+ Health CEO Nicky Bath chats to Bension Siebert about what should and should not be on the Census. Headlines: Ceasefire talks progress as Aussies have their say on Gazans getting visas Italian authorities confirm investigation into captain of Bayesian for manslaughter Winter temperature records smashed Trump and Harris argue over muted mics Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telegram is ranked as one of the world's major social media platforms, after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and Wechat. Just like Apple’s iMessage, Facebook messenger, Discord and WhatsApp, it lets you send end-to-end encrypted messages, meaning most of the time nobody – governments, law enforcement, private companies – can access those messages. In the early hours of Sunday morning Australia time French police officers reportedly arrested boss and founder of the app Pavel Durov, over claims the platform enables criminal activity. In a post on the network, Telegram News says Durov has nothing to hide, and it’s “absurd” to hold an online platform or its owner responsible for abuse that might happen on it. Is that right? On this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by James Hennessy, ideas and features editor for Capital Brief and cohost of LiSTNR's Down Round to reflect on what the arrest might mean for free speech online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) are forever chemicals that seem to be turning up in just about everything. We now know they’re in platypuses, human testicles, and Sydney’s water supply. Last week, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe won support to hold a Senate inquiry into the health and environmental impacts of PFAS. But for those of us without an expert understanding of this subject, all of this news is equal parts concerning and confusing. Should the government be acting now, and should we be concerned? Or is it too early to say? Water researcher and associate professor at Western Sydney University's School of Science Ian Wright joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack how we, and state and federal governments, should feel about these ‘forever chemicals’. Headlines: Israel and Hezbollah exchange rocket fire Labor's landslide loss in NT election New aviation ombudsman out today ‘Right to Disconnect’ laws come into force Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Smith and Nathan Roye choose the name of their radio show using a $12 love calculator app and it looks like it was right. The duo have formed back in 2015 and since then the Jimmy and Nath show has made it to the big time - brekkie radio. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Jimmy and Nath reveal what it’s like working with your best friend and go deep on their views on domestic violence and mental health. Weekend List TO FOLLOW - Jack Schlossberg on insta @jackuno TO WATCH - Joe Rogan: Burn the Boats on Netflix TO DO - Christmas budgeting templates from She’s on the Money TO DO - Mini bands workout Send us your weekend briefing recommendations! Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Appearing at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Kamala Harris has accepted the party's nomination for president in the most important speech of her career so far. Taking the opportunity to outline her platform to millions of Americans set to cast her vote in November, she made passionate points for women’s and reproductive rights, freedom and stability, addressed Israel and Gaza and other global conflicts, that Donald Trump “wants to be an autocrat himself” and described the Republican party as, simply put, "out of their minds”. It’s been a big week for the democratic party at the Democratic National Convention, with political pageantry at its finest on display. Dave Levinthal, Editor-in-Chief of Raw Story, joins Bension Siebert live from Chicago to unpack what was said, and the week that was in American politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mid-west princess and pop megastar Chappell Roan says some fan behavior is ‘abusive’, bordering on ‘harassment’, and ‘weird’. In a series of TikToks posted to her account, the singer has outlined her immense discomfort at the behaviors of fans approaching her on the street, demanding pictures and also physical contact like hugs. The posts have started a firestorm of debate online, with some praising her for her vulnerability and honesty during the highest moment in her career so far, while others say this level of interest is the cost of fame – that part of the deal of huge success is fans following you on the street and asking for a photo. Do celebrities experiencing worldwide fame, and earning massive wealth from their fans, owe those fans anything? And are these ‘parasocial’ relationships between fans and famous people getting worse? Dr Veronica Lamarche is a social psychologist and relationships researcher at the University of Essex. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to explore what’s going on with the fans of Chappell Roan. Headlines: Body of tech millionaire found after the sinking of his superyacht New charges for Andrew Tate NDIS passes new bill that changes support access Kamala Harris to headline final day of DNC Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many times a week are you ordering from Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Menulog? Is your dinner order putting delivery riders at risk? A 27-year-old Door Dash delivery cyclist died in a hit and run accident in Melbourne this week. Victorian police say the driver allegedly fled the scene, but handed himself into officers later in the night. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) says it’s the 18th death of a delivery rider on Australian roads since the explosion in home delivery services. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Michael Kaine, national secretary of the TWU, to find out if it's the delivery companies hustling their staff, motorists on the roads fed up with lawless riders, or the riders putting themselves in danger.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candace Owens once suggested the US invade Australia to save us from “tyrannical” COVID policies. Laura Loomer has described herself as a proud Islamophobe. Nick Fuentes is a white supremacist who’s praised Hitler. All three have been big Donald Trump supporters, using huge social media platforms to advocate for the former president. But recently, all of them have turned on Trump’s campaign. What’s behind this dramatic turnaround? And are these far-right influencers right about their criticism of Trump’s strategy? Dr Emma Shortis is a Senior Researcher for the International & Security Affairs Program at independent thinktank the Australia Institute. She joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to provide some insight into what’s happening on the right side of the US political sphere. Headlines: Bodies recovered in Sicily after superyacht sinking Democratic National Convention day three wrap Aldi crowned Australia’s favourite supermarket Hot girl summer just got more expensive Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is coming for the Australian music industry. Whether that’s a catastrophe or a creative revolution (or both) is yet to be seen. But this week music licensing lobby group APRA AMCOS released a report surveying thousands of musicians across Australia and New Zealand. Economic modelling in the report found AI is likely to wipe more than half a billion dollars off the revenues of music creators by 2028 - but it also found more than half of the musicians and producers surveyed said AI technology can help with the human creative process. On this episode of The Briefing Australian singer songwriters Josh Pyke and Sophie Payten AKA Gordi join Bension Siebert to unpack on the promise, and threat, of AI for Australian music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Dyson has been working in breakfast radio since 2010 and now he’s running for politics (again). The radio presenter confirmed on his Matt & Alex - All Day Breakfast podcast with co-host Matt Okine that he’ll be running as an independent candidate for the Victorian seat of Wannon at the next federal election. For the third time, he’ll go up against the Liberal Party’s Dan Tehan – former Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment – who is the current sitting Member for the seat. In this chat with Bension Siebert for The Briefing, Alex explains why he’s having another crack, and why he still thinks young people across the country should be engaged with federal politics. Headlines: Tough new penalties for badly behaved politicians to be unveiled today Bodies of six Israeli hostages recovered from Gaza DNC Day Two: Obamas to headline World’s oldest person dies Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has more than 100,000 houses sitting empty. Is an obvious solution to our housing crisis staring us in the face? This week, data analysis commissioned by the Greens showed those in every day jobs like aged or disability carer, retail manager or nurse would need to spend more than two-thirds of their income to pay off a mortgage on an average house in Australia. But there's an elephant in the room. What about all those perfectly good houses just sitting empty across Australia? Could they be part of the solution? LiSTNR senior investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to dig into the data and unpack what she's found.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is mpox (previously known as Monkeypox) a runaway train? The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern”, following a rise in the number of cases across the globe. The declaration triggers an international mobilisation of resources, including vaccination and testing, to try and slow down the spread of the disease. Rates in Australia are also continuing to rise, despite our best efforts to slow or stop them. Why can’t we get a grip on mpox rates in Australia – and does the growing rates of infection overseas mean numbers here will only continue to grow? Professor Andrew Grulich is the Head of the HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program at the Kirby Institute. He joined Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to answer if he thinks state health departments are doing enough, and how the growing transmission rate might impact the global community going forward. Headlines: Tech entrepreneur missing after his luxury yacht sunk off Sicily The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago The most common Aussies can’t afford a house 1 in 3 Aussies turn to socials for fin advice Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the greatest racehorses of all time was euthanised after a short illness over the weekend. Australian thoroughbred Black Caviar was considered the world’s best sprinter, clocking up 25 wins for 25 starts over a career spanning 2009 to 2013. But the champion died over the weekend, a few days before her 18th birthday and reportedly just hours after giving birth to her ninth foal. The death has sparked a conversation questioning the ethics of forcing retired racehorses to pretty much constantly be pregnant and giving birth until they die. Walkley-winning author and investigative journalist Lucie Morris-Marr met Black Caviar during her retirement. She joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to share what she thinks following Black Caviars death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cruise ships have doubled in size in the last two decades - and so has their impact on the environment. A new report from European lobby group Transport and Environment is warning that by 2050, cruise ships will be eight times bigger than the Titanic and the industry’s emissions are getting “out of control”. So, is the cruising industry doing enough to address these concerns? And how might travelling by ship look like in the future? Australian Traveller’s Quentin Long joins Sacha Barbour Gatt on The Briefing to explain. Headlines: Antony Blinken arrives in Israel for Gaza ceasefire talks 20 scam websites being taken down a day by Asic Logies wrap up Man slapped in the face by a whale off NSW north coast Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We fell in love with Michael Theo on Love on the Spectrum and now he’s embarking on an exciting new career. Since the show Michael has been busy hosting his podcast, doing Ted Talks and now is jumping into the world of acting, staring in ABC’s series Austin. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Michael explains the important of neurodiverse representation on screen and how his search for love is going. Austin - Stream all episodes now on ABC iview: https://ab.co/Austin Weekend ListTO WATCH - Scavengers Reign on BingeTO TRY - Nimble Activewear In tempo range for runningTO EAT - Cashew Chicken from Recipe Tin Eats TO TRY - Epzen magnesium lotion and soak for running recoveryTO EAT - Logan’s cucumber saladSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An alarming new study our this week has found no baby or toddler foods in Australian supermarkets meet World Health Organisation standards. But how can this be possible, and what does this actually mean? And is there anything the Australian government should be doing about it? Daisy Coyle is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Research Fellow at The George Institute and an author of the paper. She joined Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack the findings, and to share her advice on what anyone with kids in their lives should consider following the results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke Schofield has been cancelled. But in 2024, does that matter to anyone anymore? Since the term entered the zeitgeist, 'getting cancelled' was once the worst thing that could happen to a public figure – and for some it still is. But in 2024 how do we decide who gets cancelled, and does it even matter anymore? Cancel culture looks different for different people depending on their race, ethnicity, sex, gender and privilege - and when old tweets or posts online get resurfaced the response is swift and sometimes career ending. In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Helen Smith to unpack where cancelling is at in 2024, following a spate of recent influencers and public figures feeling the sting. Headlines: Australian b-girl Rachel “Raygun” Gunn has broken her silence Gaza death toll passes 40,000 Five charged over Matthew Perry’s death NRL inducts first ever female players into the hall of fame Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government has advised Australians not to travel to Lebanon, and any Australians in Lebanon to return home due to a "volatile security situation and the risk of the security situation deteriorating further" in the region. There are currently 23 countries on Australia’s ‘do not travel’ list - places like North Korea, Russia, Mali, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says if you travel to those countries, you’re at a high risk of death, imprisonment, kidnapping or serious injury. But if you wanted to, could the government stop you going there? In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Dr David Bierman from the University of Technology in Sydney, who actually advises the government on travel warnings, to explain what happens if you ignore the government’s advice and visit a country on its ‘do not travel’ list. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An inquest into the December 2022 Wieambilla police massacre has heard evidence the trio responsible – Gareth, Stacey and Nathaniel Train – would have been ruled morally insane and unfit to stand trial had they not been killed in a shootout. Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity is a legitimate legal defence in Australia and is thought to be used in as little as 1% of cases here. But what happens to those accused of some of the most serious crimes who escape jail time because of their mental fitness to stand trial? And can they ever be released back into society? On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro to learn more about what happens to the criminally insane in Australia. Headlines: Majority of Palestinians fleeing Gaza have had visas refused to Australia Stabbing victim identified as 11-year-old Australian girl NASA update on stuck astronauts Tassie mum gives birth on the toilet not knowing she was pregnant Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone’s talking about Australian breaker Dr Rachael Gunn – aka Raygun – and her performance at the Paris Olympics less than a week ago. Some think she is a national treasure who should be celebrated for her representation of the Australian ‘give-it-a-go' attitude on the world stage. Others say she’s embarrassed the country with a lacklustre attempt at breaking, significantly hurting its chances of being included in future Olympics, as well as the perception of the sport in Australia. In the firestorm, how is the Australian breaking community fairing, and what do they think of the controversy that has unfolded? Michael Fox aka B-Boy Flyin Foxy is an Australian Allstar and breaking champion, teaches breaking at Melbourne Break Dance and has been involved in the community for over 20 years. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to give us his verdict on the performance, and what he thinks of the global conversation it has sparked.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The algorithms that decide what we experience on social media, and on the internet in general, have a profound impact on the way we see the world. Yet giant companies like Meta and Google keep the details of these algorithms and how exactly they influence each of us a closely guarded secret. Now, researchers across the country are working to change that. Daniel Angus is Professor of Digital Communication at the Queensland University of Technology and is part of a research partnership involving universities around the country called the Australian Internet Observatory. He joins Bension Siebert on this episode of The Briefing to unpack how they're beginning to crack the social media code. Headlines: Pilot of Cairns helicopter crash identified Calls to ban Aussies from southern Lebanon Melbourne bans e-scooters B-girls speak out about Raygun Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made a significant (and significantly delayed) return to social media platform X, formally known as Twitter, in a ‘live conversation’ with the platform's owner and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Well over 1 million people tuned in to listen to what unfolded. The two weren't always such good friends – Musk has previously called Trump “another bullshit artist”, and Trump has been openly skeptical of electric vehicle tech including Tesla's, another one of Musk’s key personal projects. But the two have reunited in a blaze of glory – or has it been madness? On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert and Sacha Barbour Gatt bring you the what-you-need-to-know wrap of what was said, and how it might affect the 2024 US presidential race and the future of global democracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report on Australia’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws was handed down in federal parliament on Monday - and it's found euthanasia is more widely accepted than ever before. Almost 2500 terminally ill patients have used VAD in Australia since 2019, with the average age of applicants between 70 and 79. As our parents and grandparents age, understanding what options are available and how to have the difficult discussion about when to choose to take your own life through VAD becomes more important than ever. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Linda Swan from Go Gentle Australia, who delivered the report, to talk us through what euthanasia looks like in Australia in 2024. Lifeline 13 11 14 Headlines: Pressure to ban gambling ads Ukraine claims to control 1000sqm of Russian territory Trump told to stop questioning Harris’ crowd sizes Miley Cyrus becomes youngest Disney legend Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selling your sperm or eggs is illegal in Australia, and has been for a long time. Unlike other parts of the world, where you can make a considerable profit – in some cases up to $10,000 per egg cycle, and hundreds of dollars per sperm donation – in Australia we’re only able to participate in ‘altruistic donation’ of eggs and sperm, meaning donating with no personal profit and in a highly regulated system. But amidst a cost-of-living crisis and a shortage of donors, should we be rethinking these laws? In this two-part Briefing feature, Sacha Barbour Gatt explores the value that can be gained in selling a part of yourself for a profit. In this episode, she’s joined by Clinic Director Lotus Health and Psychology and Fertility Reproductive Counsellor Narelle Dickinson to explore the risks of making it legal in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selling your sperm or eggs is illegal in Australia, and has been for a long time. Unlike other parts of the world, where you can make a considerable profit – in some cases up to $10,000 per egg cycle, and hundreds of dollars per sperm donation – in Australia we’re only able to participate in ‘altruistic donation’ of eggs and sperm, meaning donating with no personal profit and in a highly regulated system. But amidst a cost-of-living crisis and a shortage of donors, should we be rethinking these laws? In this two-part Briefing feature, Sacha Barbour Gatt explores the value that can be gained in selling a part of yourself for a profit. In this episode, she’s joined by Senior Research Fellow in Global and Women's Health at Monash University Karin Hammarberg, who has worked in IVF programs for 20 years, to explore what it might look like if we changed the laws in Australia. Headlines: 2024 Paris Olympics wraps up Ukrainian troops advance inside Russia Close to 100 people killed in Israeli air strike in southern Gaza Joe Biden gives first interview since dropping out Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy Shark is one of Australia’s biggest names in pop music. When she changed her name to Amy Shark in 2013 her career took off, winning multiple ARIA Awards and working with Ed Sheeran to Keith Urban. Shark's new album, Sunday Sadness, features a dream line up of producers and artists including Kid Harpoon, who has produced and co-written with Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus. For this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Shark joins Helen Smith to break down how she thinks the live music scene has changed over the last decade, and who she ran into backstage at while preforming on The Late Late Show with James Corden. Weekend List TO WATCH - Taskmaster New Zealand on Binge TO DO - DIY Nail dip set TO EAT - One pot Spinach and Ricotta Rotolo (Italian Lasagna Roll Ups) from Recipe Tin Eats TO EAT - Latin American restaurant near you Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a bit of a media frenzy at the Paris games recently when North Korean athletes posed for selfies with South Korean competitors at the gymnastics. Those same athletes were also spotted cheering for American rivals, hugging competitors and waving and smiling for tv cameras. There has been cautious optimism that the usually hermit-like North is finally starting to open up to the world after a period of extreme isolation. But how much of this display at the Olympics is diplomatic gymnastics, carefully planned and carried out as positive PR for the totalitarian state? In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Roald Maliangkay, associate professor in Korean studies and director of the Korea Institute at the Australian National University to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been in the International Space Station (ISS) since early June – and they can’t get down. The pair have been stranded in space for over 60 days due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft – and NASA now says they'll remain there for some time yet. The American space agency says the astronauts will remain orbiting the planet till September 24th at earliest, and potentially until February next year. What went so wildly wrong as to extend an eight-day mission out to what could be eight months? And what’s it going be like to be stuck there with no solid return date. Dr Rebecca Allen is co-director of the Swinburne Space Technology and Industry Institute and joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to explain what happens next. Headlines: Australia has added to its medal haul overnight in Paris Man arrested over alleged terror attack plot at Taylor Swift concert AUKUS deal officially signed Donald Trump confirms he will debate Kamala Harris Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McDonald’s is an economic juggernaut. Since its inception in the 1940s, the golden arches have dominated the fast food market globally, becoming a beacon of success. But is the seemingly never-ending fast food honeymoon with them, and other outlets around the globe, over? McDonalds has reported experiencing its first downturn in years, and it’s not the only one – recently US burger chain Carl’s Junior, which had ambitions to open hundreds of outlets across Australia, collapsed into voluntary administration. So, what the hell is going on? What does this say about the immediate future of the global economy, and what does it say about us as consumers? Mitchell Taylor is a partner at Simon-Kucher, a global strategy consulting firm focusing on growth strategy, marketing, pricing, and sales. He joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to shed a light on what this might mean for our global economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is colliding with elite sport and mega-events like the Olympics in ways that could soon affect our daily lives, in surprising ways. AI is being used to identify talented future Olympians around the world, to help coaches identify minute flaws in athletic performance, and to improve training. But it’s also seriously ramping up state surveillance of crowds, and for all its amazing uses AI also has some big fundamental problems, like reliability issues and bias. So what should be the role of this kind of technology at a global mega-event like the Olympics? And what does its use there tell us about the future of AI in our own daily lives. On this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert speaks with Ari Waldman, an expert in the ethics of artificial intelligence and big data, to find out. Headlines: Another golden night in Paris Childcare pay rise Harris and Walz tour as Trump reacts to running mate pick Dog perfume for $165 a bottle Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previously, dairy milk was viewed as an irreplaceable part of a balanced diet. But things are more complicated now, and Australians are drinking less of it. So why the shift? Is it due to greater awareness of lactose intolerance, concerns over animal welfare, or environmental considerations? And how do dairy milk alternatives, such as soy, almond or oat milk compare for health and sustainability? In this episode, The Briefing’s Simon Beaton is joined by farmer and author of Milk, Matthew Evans, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASIO and the federal government announced on Monday that Australia’s terror threat level had increased from 'possible' to 'probable'. Part of the reasoning - an increase in young men being radicalised. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said “governments around the world are concerned about youth radicalisation, online radicalisation and the rise of new mixed ideologies”. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Levi West from the ANU’s Centre for Social Policy Research to find out how and why young men in particular get radicalised, and what’s being done to stop it. Headlines: The youngest Aussie medal winner ever Kamala Harris picks running mate Global markets show signs of recovery Judge rules Google has a monopoly on internet searches Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you in need of a go-to explainer on what the hell is going on with the stock market and how it could affect you? This time last week, everything was coming up Milhouse for Australian investors. The Australian Stock Exchange – or ASX – hit yet another record high after months of relatively consistent growth. But since Friday markets across the globe have been tumbling, and $100 billion has been wiped off the value of Australian shares alone. Dr Angela Jackson is Lead Economist at Impact Economics - she joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to break down what it all means for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 11, the Iraq War and John Howard’s prime ministership were among the most pivotal news events of the early 2000’s. But did you know that during that same period, Australia lived through its biggest corruption scandal – where Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was paid kickbacks for lucrative Australian wheat contracts? Today, investigative reporter Richard Baker launches a major new LiSTNR podcast, Secrets We Keep: Baghdad Nights, diving deep into the scandal, offering new revelations and focusing on the humanity of the people caught up in it. He joins Bension Siebert on The Briefing to reflect on how Australia’s politics and media can fail to capture the nuance of a major scandal, and the lessons he’s learned getting to know the real people involved. Headlines: Olympics Update Stock market plunge over US recession fears The national terror threat level raised from ‘possible’ to ‘probable’ Bangladeshi PM flees the country Kamala Harris set to unveil her running mate Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Nine Newspapers reported the government was about to walk away from a near-total ban on gambling ads across the country, to instead focus on banning gambling ads from social media and other digital platforms. The new plan for TV would reportedly be caps on the number of gambling ads per hour and banning them an hour before and after live sport. The reported proposal – which goes against the plan originally designed and championed by Labor’s Peta Murphy, who died last year – has prompted outrage on both sides of the debate. Anti-gambling advocates say the new proposal doesn’t go nearly far enough, while the big players in this conversation, sporting bodies, say banning gambling ads threatens revenue that funds grassroots and free-to-air sport. Media companies, including NewsCorp and Nine, argue such a ban threatens jobs. David Pocock is in a unique position to deeply understand this issue—he's both a former Rugby Union star and an independent senator for the ACT. He joined Bension Siebert to explain why the news has made him angry and what he thinks the government should do about gambling ads going forward. This episode mentions suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you wear an ‘always-on’ AI chatbot buddy around your neck to keep you company? Meet your newest ‘Friend’. Picture a small, white pendant – kind of like an Apple AirTag, about the size of a button large – enclosed in a necklace so it sits perfectly at your chest. It’s watching, listening, and ready to chat to you all day, every day. A user wears their ‘Friend’, talks to it with the press of a button, and then the chatbot responds via text through the app. The point of the ‘Friend’ is simply to keep people company, but what are the implications of technology you wear and talk to 24/7, and what does its creation say about who we are becoming as a society? On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by the lead engineer of Friend, Jackson Mowatt Gok, to explain why it's been created, and what he hopes it will achieve. Headlines: Olympics wrap Makarrata Commission scrapped by Albanese government US recession fears spook stock market French pole vaulter talks after going viral for one ‘big’ reason Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daizy Maan Kaur is full of surprises and her name is one of them. She’s the founder of Brown Women Comedy and Soul house with a mission to create more inclusive spaces for south Asian and migrant women. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Daizy reveals where her comedic side came from and why she legally changed her name when she was just thirteen. Weekend List TO DO - Short term goal setting planners TO EAT - Paddle pops TO READ - Meet the queen of the ‘trad wives’ (and her eight children) by Megan Agnew in The Times TO WEAR - Hair tie for a belt TO WATCH - Customise your Olympics experience Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.