The Briefing

There’s a new phone-scam that’s being reported around the world, and it’s petrifying. It uses an AI generated cloned version of a loved one, who calls, claiming that there’s an emergency (often that they’ve been kidnapped and a ransom needs to be paid). They’re emotive, they’re high-quality replications, and they’re expected to hit Australians soon. So how does the scam work, and what do you need to know to ensure that you or your loved ones don’t fall victim to it? In today’s episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Toby Murray, Associate Professor of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne to find out more. Headlines: Federal government under fire for pulling Palestinian Visas Australian women died in Bali landslide EV purchases soar in Australia Space X mega rocket reaches new heights, before ending up lost Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haiti has been all over international headlines this week, and it’s culminated in the Caribbean country’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry being forced to step down. His resignation follows weeks of mounting pressure and increasing violence. Henry is currently stranded in Puerto Rico after being prevented by armed gangs from returning home. Now the Caribbean country is looking towards creating a transitional government for the foreseeable future. In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert sits down with Australian National University's Professor Nicolas Lemay-Hebert to find out why Haiti is in such strife, and what will happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook and Instagram could soon be wiped of news content. It’s after their parent company Meta, announced it will stop paying for news content in Australia when the current deals it has expire. In the future, Meta will encourage news publishers to buy extra services to increase their own traffic, flipping the flow of funds from Meta to news publishers, rather than the other way around. The move brings into question the issue of the sustainability of news journalism in Australia. The Albanese government has said it will move to force Meta to negotiate. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Cheek Media’s Hannah Ferguson, whose platform grew through Instagram, to talk about how she plans to deal with the change, and what she thinks the impact will be on news in Australia. Headlines: The US is one step closer to banning TikTok Two-thirds of women report bias in Australian healthcare Hot autumn ahead for Australia Clive Palmer unveils plans, again, to build the Titanic II Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1969, Leila Khaled became the world's first female aeroplane hijacker when she took control of a flight from Rome to Tel Aviv. Now, at almost 80, she remains on the national committee for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and is set to appear as a speaker at Green Left’s Ecosocialism 2024 conference in WA in June. But with her past history and her more recent activism, would she be allowed entry into Australia? Or would her name be added to the long list of other controversial figures - like Novak Djokovic, Chelsea Manning, Chris Brown, who have been banned from entering the country? In today’s episode, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR Investigations Editor, Clair Weaver, about how visa decisions on controversial figures are decided.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s housing market has been in crisis for years and it only seems to be getting worse. Interest rate hikes last year have pushed many families’ budgets to the brink while renters are finding more and more of their pay cheque disappearing each month. All sides of politics have their own ideas to tackle rising rents, supply issues and soaring house prices, from assisting first home buyers to increasing the number of new builds.So is it time for a royal commission into the real estate industry and would that make a meaningful dent in fixing the housing crisis? In the final episode of this three-part series, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather to find out. Headlines: Illicit drug use in Australia soars by 17% year-on-year Andrew Tate to be extradited to the UK Gaza medics tell BBC of inhumane treatment 1 in 4 properties in NSW, Victoria and QLD were paid for in cash Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s love of an underdog is really special and unique – we're always cheering on the Aussie battler. It goes hand in hand with our belief that everyone deserves a fair go, but we’re also pretty renowned for being the first to cut down someone who might stand out. It’s called Tall Poppy Syndrome and has become synonymous with Australian culture. But why? And is it time to rethink our approach to success and standing out? On today’s episode, The Briefing host Sacha Barbour-Gatt talks to Dr Rumeet Billan, the author of 2023 study ‘The Tallest Poppy’, to find out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s housing market has been in crisis for years and it only seems to be getting worse. Interest rate hikes last year have pushed many families’ budgets to the brink while renters are finding more and more of their pay cheque disappearing each month. All sides of politics have their own ideas to tackle rising rents, supply issues and soaring house prices, from assisting first home buyers to increasing the number of new builds.So is it time for a royal commission into the real estate industry and would that make a meaningful dent in fixing the housing crisis? In the second episode of this three part series, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Jordie Van Den Berg a.k.a. Purple Pingers, to find out. Headlines: Princess of Wales apologises for editing family photo Ramadan starts in Gaza without a ceasefire deal Roosters prop Spencer Leniu cops eight week ban over racial slur Oppenheimer sweeps the Oscars Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first official photo of the Princess of Wales since her abdominal surgery has been released. It shows Kate smiling while surrounded by her three children, alongside a message from the royal thanking well-wishers for their support. Within hours of its release, several global news agencies announced they were pulling the image because it had been doctored. To what extent, we’re not sure, but if the recent conspiracy theories about Kate’s wellbeing are anything to go by, this latest development will only add to the wild rumours being thrown around. But why are people so ready to engage in conspiracies? How has that changed over the years? And just how significant is this move by agencies like Reuters, AP and Getty? On today’s afternoon episode of The Briefing, we discuss these issues with Axel Bruns, a Professor for the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The housing crisis in Australia is well documented and much debated. All sides of politics have their own ideas to tackle rising rents, supply issues and soaring house prices, from assisting first home buyers to increasing the number of new builds. But on the ground the feeling is that it’s all just kicking the can down the road, and a lot of the solutions fail to address the sometimes dodgy and underhanded tactics used by our country’s real estate agencies. So is it time for a royal commission into the real estate industry and would that make a meaningful dent in fixing the housing crisis? In the first episode of this three part series, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks to Rob Westwood, National Chairman of First National Real Estate to get his take on the housing crisis. Headlines: US military ship departs for Gaza port-building mission Suspected drug overdose death at Victorian music festival First image released of Princess Kate since surgery Oscars hit by plagiarism scandal hours before the event Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wendell Sailor represented Australia in both rugby league and rugby union at the highest level in the 90s and 2000s. Now, he spends his afternoons on the airwaves with Triple M’s Sydney drive show The Rush Hour with Gus Worland and Jude Bolton. In this chat with Tom Tilley, Wendell weighs in on the latest racism scandal in the NRL, and opens up about his own experiences with racism growing up. He also reveals what it was like finding out he’d been adopted, and explores why a two-year ban for cocaine use in 2006 was the making of him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clare Verrall was a contestant on season two of Married At First Sight - and by her description, she was “hurled into the lion’s den”. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, she shares how her experience impacted her mental health, and why she wants others to think twice before applying for reality television shows. The pair also explore her journey being diagnosed with ADHD and autism as an adult, her massive love for fostering dogs, and the Taylor Swift tattoo typo she’ll never forget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alabama has been in a state of turmoil after a legal case had unexpected consequences by implying that frozen embryos could be interpreted as having the same rights as children. After the judgment, several IVF clinics around the state suspended services due to the fear of legal ramifications, leaving prospective parents undergoing procedures in the dark. On Thursday, legislation was passed to protect IVF providers, but has this opened the door to further debate over reproductive rights in the US? And how much of this conversation is linked to religious or political views? On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with John Sharp, a local news reporter based in Alabama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve seen two major decisions affect the reproductive rights of women in the lead up to International Women’s Day: the decision of the Alabama Supreme Court to declare embryos created through IVF as children, and France’s move to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution. They present the opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the issue of women’s health, so where does Australia stand? On today’s episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with the Chair of the Australian Women's Health Alliance, Bonney Corbin, to dive deeper into the reproductive rights of women in Australia. You'll hear what we’ve achieved, and what work is still needed to ensure the health, safety and respect of women’s bodies and choices. Headlines: Police allege Samantha Murphy was murdered in “deliberate act” Hamas delegates leave Cairo without a ceasefire deal AFL pays tribute to Luke Davies and Jesse Baird at season opener Debate sparked by Sam Kerr revelation Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The importation of all non-therapeutic vapes is now illegal in Australia. This means anyone wanting to import a vape into the country needs a licence to do so, and anyone wanting to buy a vape will need a prescription from their doctor. With vaping rates continuing to soar across the country, will this next step in the government's crackdown on vaping make a noticeable difference? And will the latest legislative changes push those who can't access a vape onto smoking cigarettes instead? Federal Health Minister Mark Butler joins Bension Siebert to explain why he's so focused on trying to get young people off the vapes in 2024, and why he "shares the fear" about those vaping switching back to smoking instead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PFAS are known as forever chemicals, and they're really bad for the environment - they never break down, and can spread into waterways, land, animals...and us. Research has also shown that they can be really bad for us, with high exposure also been linked to a various range of health conditions, and a higher risk of some cancers. Larry Acton has been farming cattle for over 50 years, but when he bought his property in 2021, he had no idea it was contaminated with PFAS. He's now seriously worried about his cattle drinking the groundwater, and whether that could make it into the meat, and eventually into consumers. Speaking to The Briefing, the long time cattle farmer shares his concerns, and what he thinks needs to be done about it. Headlines: Nikki Haley drops out of run for Republican presidential nomination ASEAN ends with watered down warning to China Sam Kerr’s alleged slur revealed Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Super Tuesday in the US presidential election, but the biggest day in America's primary season won't be like any other we've seen in recent history. In today's episode, Bension Siebert sits down with Planet America's Chas Licciardello to explain what Super Tuesday is, why Donald Trump looks set to wipe the floor with his closest rival, and why Americans are stuck with two unpopular old men running for President. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know there is a World Cup of Gay Rugby? Technically called The Bingham Cup, it's an international tournament for gay and inclusive rugby teams from around the world - and the next one will be in Rome this coming May. The Cup has been around for 20 years, and Australian teams are some of the most successful. The Sydney Convicts have won the competition five times! In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Ken Averre, Sydney Convicts club president to find out all about this year’s Bingham Cup. Headlines: Football Australia blindsided by Sam Kerr charge Anthony Albanese referred to the ICC as an 'accessory to genocide in Gaza' Super Tuesday gets underway in the US Queensland unions push for 10 days of reproductive health leave Jeff Bezos reclaims world’s richest person title Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you concerned by seeing young children glued to iPads or screens out in public? Or are you a parent of one of those children, wondering how much screen time is actually okay for your child's brain? A new study of Australian families has found that the average toddler is missing out on more than 1000 words spoken by an adult each day because they or their parents are watching screens. Senior research officer at the Telethon Kids Institute, Dr Mary Brushe led the research, and on this episode of The Briefing speaks with Bension Siebert to explain what they found.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many, going to the doctor can be a financially painful experience. It can be difficult to find out how the prices of GPs compare in your area, never mind trying to find a bulk billing practice. Thankfully, James Gillespie is trying to solve these problems, by creating a publicly searchable database, called Cleanbill, that lists medical centres by location, fees, bulk-billing and whether they’re taking new patients. Today on The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with James about his database, what his data has shown about Australian GP billing practices, and why he's become such a thorn in the side of the federal Health Minister. Headlines: US Supreme Court rules Trump wrongly removed from Colorado Apple fined $3b over antitrust moves Liberal MP says work to be done on preselecting women France to enshrine abortion rights in their constitution Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve probably heard of 'nangs', the canisters full of nitrous oxide. The laughing gas can help whip your cream - but used incorrectly, it can also make you high. The substance can be more dangerous than it seems - nangs have contributed to the deaths of 20 people in the last 20 years in Australia, with more potentially not recorded as coronial lab equipment isn’t always up to the task. In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert sits down with LiSTNR reporter Archie Milligan to discover how dangerous nangs are, and hear from a nitrous oxide seller who's using TikTok videos to marketing their product. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian casino industry has been in strife for years, and the latest iteration is another enquiry into Sydney’s Star. The second Bell review is currently underway and set to finish up in May looking at whether the Star’s license should be revoked. This comes after the Star was fined $100m 18 months ago; was found unsuitable to run a casino; and an external manager was appointed. In this episode of The Briefing Katrina Blowers sits down with Helen Bird from Swinburne University to find out why our casinos seem to be so dodgy. Headlines: China revealed as country behind spy operation targeting Australia Israel refuses to attend ceasefire talks in Cairo Albanese criticises Liberal ‘fear campaign’ following Dunkley by-election 12,000 people marched in Sydney’s Mardi Gras Planning for King Charles royal visit gets underway Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic make up the Aussie pop-guitar duo Royel Otis. The pair are living the rock star life on tour, currently being in the middle of a sold-out national tour before they head to North America for a month of shows. In this chat with Tom Tilley, Royel and Otis talk about the process behind their debut album Pratts and Pain, why they initially didn’t want to do live performances, and why the duo were so unsure about covering Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s 2001 hit Murder on the Dance Floor for Triple J’s Like a Version - which has since gone viral with more than 7 millions views on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rowi Singh is a Sydney-based artist and beauty influencer. She’s a proud Indian-Australian woman, and melds Indian and Western culture in many of the mesmerizing makeup looks she showcases on TikTok and Instagram. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Rowi admits she always wanted to be “some sort of famous”, explains the choice to ditch her nine-to-five job for influencing - and tells us why representation in the beauty industry matters. Weekend List:World of Secrets Season Two, The Disciples (podcast)Brooklyn Nine NineMorning Wars Season TwoLife with Piccasso Reading trash magazines GriseldaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you remember the early days of Facebook and Instagram? When your feed was filled with content you actually wanted like your friends’ updates and family dog pictures? Have you noticed that now every second post feels like it’s sponsored or an ad? If yes, it's not your imagination - it’s because you’re noticing the cycle social media platforms go through, where they seem to get worse and worse over time. In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert delves into just how that cycle works, with Canadian-British blogger and journalist Cory Doctorow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crackdown on vaping goes into its next stage today, with the government making it illegal to import any non-therapeutic vapes, that includes rechargable vapes and anything you would buy without a prescription. It’s after disposable vapes were banned from being imported at the beginning of this year. In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Jamie Hartmann-Boyce from the Department of Health Promotion and Policy at the University of Massachusetts to find out whether banning vapes could drive people back to cigarettes. Headlines: UN says war crimes have been committed by Israel and Hamas Putin warns West they risk nuclear war Joe Biden’s team say he’s fit for duty Sporting codes set to take part in Mard Gras Summer possible third hottest on record Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An elite foreign spy group called 'A-Team' has been targeting Australian students, academics, law enforcement officials, a former politician and even a prime minister’s family members. That's the assessment of Australia's top intelligence agency, ASIO, which released its annual assessment of the biggest threats to our national security overnight. On this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Joey Watson, 'spy watcher', investigative journalist and host of Secrets We Keep: Nest of Traitors. He reveals why foreign espionage and spying has overtaken far-right extremism and other threats become our intelligence services' top concern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL will create history this month and launch season 2024 in Las Vegas, USA. Two games will be played in prime time: Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs & Roosters v Broncos, with the league hoping to bring their game to America’s 330 million strong market. In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert sits down with former NRL great, host of the Bye Round & NRL commentator for Fox Sports and Triple M James Graham from Vegas to get the low down. Headlines: ASIO reveals details of international spy ring targeting Australia Matildas are going to the Paris Olympics NSW police can march in Mardi Gras without uniform Red Bull’s Christian Horner exonerated Prince Harry loses court challenge over security Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Ovarian cancer wasn't even on my radar." February is ovarian cancer awareness month in Australia. It's a cruel disease, with 70% of patients discovering the cancer in advanced stages, and a shocking 49% five-year survival rate. In this episode of The Briefing, our producer Simon Beaton sits down to speak with his mum, who was diagnosed less than six months ago, as well as Lisa Finuncane, who has been living with ovarian cancer for over fourteen years, to discuss their experiences of living with the cancer, and what they hope their futures will look like. This is part two of our special series on ovarian cancer - listen to part one here. To find out more about ovarian cancer, or to donate, visit Ovarian Cancer Australia at https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ovarian cancer is a silent scourge in Australia. Most people know little about it, there aren’t any tests you can do to detect it early, and that means 70% of women and gender diverse people diagnosed with it catch it late. Ovarian cancer has a 49% five year survival rate, whereas breast cancer by contrast has a 92% survival rate. In this episode of The Briefing, producer Simon Beaton speaks with Bridget Bradhurst, the Acting Chief National Ovarian Cancer Advocacy & Support Services to find out why ovarian cancer is such an overlooked disease. Headlines: A vigil has been held for Jesse Baird and Luke Davies Stage Three tax cuts pass parliament Hamas and Israel pour cold water on ceasefire South east braces for catastrophic fire day Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Swift has finished her run of sold-out concerts here in Australia, playing in front of over 600,000 fans throughout the tour. Yet with events of this size comes a price to our environment. Many fans fly interstate or internationally, purely to be at those shows, which also use large amounts of power to amplify sound and for light displays. They also produce copious amounts of waste, including everything from paper cups through to glitter, bracelets and feather boas. LiSTNR journalist, Loren Howarth, joins Bension Siebert on this afternoon's episode of The Briefing to explain just big of a problem this is, and what can be done to make festivals and large-scale concerts more eco-friendly and sustainable in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American firm Intuitive Machines made history last Friday when its lunar lander touched down on the Moon. It’s the first private company to land on the Moon, and the first US mission to land on the lunar surface in more than 50 years. It’s up there for a week conducting experiments and preparing for humans to return to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program. In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Swinburne University Astrophysicist Dr Rebecca Allen to find out what it’s doing up there and what NASA needs to do to get back to the Moon. Headlines: Aussie companies singled out in landmark gender pay gap data Mardi Gras organisers uninvite NSW Police from Saturday’s march Sweden is set to join NATO Scott Morrison to give his final speech in Parliament today Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have charged a New South Wales police officer, Constable Beau Lamarre-Condon, with the murder of former Network Ten presenter, Jesse Baird, and his partner, QANTAS flight attendant Luke Davies. At the time of recording, police divers have been searching dams in Goulburn, southwest of Sydney, looking for Baird and Davies’ bodies. Often, when we tell these stories, we focus on the criminal allegations – but Isaac Muller, a proud Wiradjuri and Palawa man, and one of Jesse’s friends – wants him to be remembered not for his death, but for the extraordinary person he was in life. On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Isaac, who reflects on his memories of Jesse Baird.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been two years since the start of the war in Ukraine, and both Russia and Ukraine appear to be at a stalemate. Russia has been making tiny territorial gains on the ground at an enormous cost both in troops and equipment; while Ukraine is on the backfoot after failing to achieve the objectives of their 2023 counteroffensive, while also sustaining huge casualties. In this episode of The Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Ukraine-born Politico journalist Zoya Sheftalovich to find out what’s happening on the ground; what the war has taught us about NATO, the EU and US relationship; the China-Russia relationship; sanctions; and her predictions for how the war could end. Headlines: Authorities hold grave concerns over heat spike in Victoria, as bushfires burn in the west Housing and tax cuts to dominate as parliament resumes this week Nikki Haley loses South Carolina Republican primary, vows to keep up the fight against Donald Trump Accidental discovery solves 120-year missing ship mystery Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kumi Taguchi is an Australian journalist, broadcaster and presenter living in Sydney. She’s currently the host of Insight on SBS, which many would consider to be one of the most challenging and stressful hosting gigs in the country. Joining Tom Tilley for the Weekend Briefing, Kumi explains what goes on behind the scenes of the show, growing up “feeling on the outer”, reconnecting with her father before his death, and the importance of sharing stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Szeps wants us all think about having more uncomfortable conversations. The Australian media personality and podcast host, who recently departed the ABC because he was “too spicy” for the public broadcaster, is a big fan of asking the 'why' behind the status quo. Joining Antoinette Lattouf, Josh speaks on what life is like after the ABC, the non-mystery of the spelling of his name, and explains why he loves having uncomfortable conversations his guests on his own podcast, Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, the Australian government have rolled out a national framework guiding the use of AI, including Chat GPT, to be used within school classrooms across the country. Use of Chat GPT had previously been banned in all public schools (aside from South Australia) amidst plagiarism and privacy concerns. So what changed? And will the use of artificial intelligence in our classrooms aid or limit learning for our youth? On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, our producer Simon Beaton speaks with Dr Jason Zagami from Griffith University's School of Education and Professional Studies, to find out more about how AI is being used in the new framework, and how we can expect this tech to change teaching in the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we raising a generation of soft kids? Millennial parents are getting blamed for everything that seems to be wrong with Generation Alpha: that they’re lazy, entitled, addicted to their screens, and averse to boredom. Another big criticism is they lack resilience, social skills, and even the ability to read. In this episode of The Briefing we sit down with social researcher Ashley Fell to find out what is this generation of mums, dads and caregivers getting wrong when it comes to raising the next generation? Headlines: Alexei Navalny’s mother says she’s seen her son’s body Average Aussie weekly wage revealed in new data TGA approves new drug to treat endometriosis 31-year-old ‘Bobi’ stripped of world’s oldest dog title Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 10th is the deadline Israel has given Hamas to release the remaining hostages before Israel launches a massive, troops-on-the-ground invasion of Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah. In this special afternoon episode of The Briefing, we speak to a 26-year-old woman sheltering in Rafah with her remaining family. Palestinian journalist and translator Aseel Mousa shares her story of survival, and reveals exactly what life is like in Rafah right now, as a new catastrophe looms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more Australians are choosing rentvesting as their way into the property market. It’s basically buying in a high rent areas as an investment and then renting in an area you want to live. It means you can break into the property market, purchasing a property in lower-cost areas without giving up the benefits of a city lifestyle. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by property expert Michael Beresford from OpenCorp, to find out how rentvesting works, and if it’s for you. Headlines: US lawyers say Julian Assange put lives at risk Brisbane aged care facility investigated over maggot-infested wound Should we axe tax deductions Female leads in Hollywood films are down Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 8:30am today, Woolworths announced its CEO Brad Banducci is retiring after eight years in the top job. Woolworths announced to the stock market that Banducci will be retiring in September, to make way for the company’s head of loyalty, Amanda Bardwell. It comes after Balducci's disastrous interview on the ABC’s Four Corners on Monday night. So was this change due to Banducci's conduct in the interview, or was this plan already in the works? And can a change in leadership stem the PR bleeding for Woolworths, which, much like Coles and Qantas, has nosedived in recent months? On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert chats with Tim Burrowes - one of the country’s top media and PR analysts and author of the popular newsletter UnMade - to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmacists are being given more power to give and refill prescriptions. It comes as more and more GPs opt out of bulk billing and a doctor shortage in regional areas mean it’s more difficult to see a doctor. So where are the trials and what types of medications can you get without having to see a GP? We’ll hear frome the Australian Medical Association, someone involved in the NSW/ACT Pharmacy Trial, and look at where those trials are at the moment, if they’re being considered successful and if they really will take the pressure of GPs. Headlines: Assange facing last appeal against US extradition US vetoes Gaza ceasefire resolution at the UN Triple murder takes place in Sydney Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney is currently dealing with a widespread asbestos-contaminated mulch investigation, with 45 locations - including potentially six schools - contaminated with bonded asbestos that was mixed in with garden mulch. Since investigation into the mulch began, most identified sites have been found with the much lower risk bonded asbestos, while two have been found to include friable asbestos, which poses a much greater health risk to the community. So how did this happen, and is the rest of the country at risk? And could this current situation in NSW lead to greater control of asbestos nationally moving forward? On today's episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR journalist Tessa Randello, who has been following the recent crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people charged with human trafficking in Australian Federal Police is growing year on year. We’re talking about forced marriage, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude and even slavery. In this episode of the Briefing, we’re joined by Justine Nolan is a Professor in the Faculty of Law and Justice at UNSW Sydney and Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, to take a deep dive on what constitutes human trafficking and why, despite increased awareness, it keeps growing year on year Headlines: Alexei Navalny's widow vows to keep fighting for a free Russia Labor senator backs drug and alcohol testing for politicians Woman goes into labour at Taylor Swift's concert Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man many considered Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most powerful critic, Alexie Navalny, is dead. His death comes after a highly publicised assassination attempt a few years ago, when it's believed Russian secret services tried to kill him by putting the deadly nerve agent Novichok into his underpants. Incredibly, Navalny survived that assassination attempt. However, instead of remaining safe in exile overseas like many of the country’s opposition figures, he returned to Russia, where he was quickly arrested and sent to prison. So who was Alexie Navalny, and why was it now that Putin has supposedly had him killed? And what does this mean for the pro-democracy movement in Russia moving forward? On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with Russian politics specialist from La Trobe University, Dr Robert Horvath, to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are 450,000 Australians living with Dementia. Our parents or grandparents drift away from us as the disease takes hold. So are we doing enough to manage the crisis? Closed wards, limited interactions with the outside world, a long list of medications, in some cases restraints, doesn’t sound like the way we’d like to see our loved ones treated. In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Maree McCabe, the CEO of Dementia Australia, to try to find out what can be done for our family and friends as the number of Australians with Dementia escalates. Headlines: Anthony Albanese blames Putin for Navalny's death Around 40 suspected asylum seekers transported to Nauru Sydney's asbestos problem grows Taylor Swift wraps up her Melbourne shows Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Armstrong is a proud Gamilaroi man and former AFL player, turned TV presenter, podcaster and two time Logie winner. With his moustache and cheeky smile all over our screens as the sports presenter on ABCTV News Breakfast and a regular on the project, Tony seems to have it all. In this chat with Tom Tilley, Tony unpacks his relationship with Adam Goodes, how he feels since the Voice referendum and why hard work doesn’t always pay off. Send us your Weekend Briefing suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azure Antoinette is a Grammy nominated poet, a corporate crisis fixer, a public speaker and a global ambassador for living with multiple sclerosis. Azure moved to left LA and arrived on Australian shores a few years ago, both for love, and because of threats from the Ku Klux Klan which drove her from home. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Azure breaks down what it’s like being the co-host of a new podcast, The Antoinettes, with our very own Antoinette Lattouf. Weekend List: Bogan San Choy Bao Dance class at your gym or at home with MadFit on Youtube Taylor Elyse Tomlinson Netflix specials Dance Life on Amazon Prime Send us your Weekend List suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Swift is the talk of the town, with the icon shortly kicking off her leg of the Australian Eras Tour show tonight in Melbourne. The hype is real, with Swifties creating palpable levels of excitement right across the country. So why have we become so caught up in Swiftmania? And in a broader sense, why do fan girls cop more criticism than sports fans, who are often just as passionate? On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert speaks with LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth, who has deep-dived into our cultural criticism of music fans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Measles is making a comeback. Here’s what you need to know. Australia was declared Measles-free ten years ago, but a resurgence in cases, largely from people visiting from overseas, has seen it return. It’s not just a itchy rash, either. It can lead to very serious health problems. So in this episode of The Briefing, how and why has Measles returned to Australia and what you need to know to stay safe. Headlines: Judge lists first Trump criminal trial for next month Politicians call for HECS overhaul Israeli army storms Gaza’s main hospital Britain slides into recession ahead of election Follow The Briefing:Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tasmania, currently the last Liberal government in the country, will head to an election more than a year earlier than planned. Yesterday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced that Tasmanians will vote on March 23rd, amidst claims that the parliament has become unworkable after two former Liberal MPs ditched the party and won’t agree to pass legislation. On today's afternoon episode of The Briefing, Tessa Randello from the Listnr newsroom joins Bension Siebert to discuss how the party in power for the last 10 years ended up in a minority, and the impact this result could have on the rest of the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.