The Briefing

Students return to schools across the country this week (except for QLD) and they face a very challenging tension point for ‘living with covid’.   We’re joined by Correna Haythorpe, the Federal President of the Australian Education Union.  We know with Omicron spreading across the nation, you’ve got dozens of people in one room, a huge number of unvaccinated kids, who’re mixing in from different households, loads of transport creating potential contact points... and a workforce that was already stretched and in short supply in many places.   In this Briefing, you’ll hear more from teachers about their fears..  As we ask... are we throwing teachers under the bus?    Today's Headlines Nadal wins the Australian Open Scott Morrison Newspoll drop McDonald’s in court over allegedly denying paid rest breaks Spotify faces more controversy over covid misinformation Hillsong founder stands down   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably heard of Shameless, the celebrity and pop culture podcast that has taken the country by storm. But who are Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald, the notoriously private young women behind the podcasting juggernaut? In this conversation with Jamila Rizvi, Zara and Michelle unpack what gave them the courage to leave their secure jobs and try something totally new, why they like keeping some seperation between private and public, and why we are all so obsessed with celebrity culture. THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Queer Eye (Netflix) Podcast: The Bias Diagnosis Cook: Freekeh Salad by Rick Stein Podcast: And Just Like That…The Writers Room  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Australia has been cut off from the rest of the country for the last two years.  WA Premier Mark McGowan shut the borders letting only a handful of people in, or out, since the outbreak of the pandemic.   Now Omicron is on the march across the country, it was only a matter of time before it surfaced in WA – and this month, West Australians worst fears were realised when Omicron turned up in the community.  McGowan quickly moved to repeal a plan to re-open the state on February 5.  Jenna Clark is Associate Editor at The Australian newspaper and host of The Front Page Sky News.   Jenna tells us the problem West Australians now face is they’re well behind the rest of the country in terms of booster shots.  It may well be, WA’s ostracisation was a waste of time.    On today’s Briefing, what are the chances Mark McGowan will do a double backflip and re-open the borders after all…..especially with Omicron knocking on the door.     Todays Headlines Ash Barty through to Australian Open final $1billion to keep the Great Barrier Reef off endangered list Neil Young quits Spotify over Joe Rogen Covid claims Wild weather lashes Victoria and South Australia The definition of fully vaccinated could become 3 jabs   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has gone crazy for rapid antigen tests.  Schoolchildren will be tested twice a week when school returns; some people are even asking their friends to show a negative test before they’ll socialise with them.   So who’s making all the money?  Millions of tests are flooding the market.  Michael Roddan is a journalist at the Australian Financial Review.  He says it’s a handful of Australians and Australian companies making the big bucks.    There are tens of millions of RATs right across the country.  It prompts the question, who is making all that money?  And what will happen to all the tests if Covid, as we all hope, is assigned to history?    Todays Headlines Dylan Alcott set to play in the quad final after becoming Australian of the Year Pressure mounting on Boris Johnson as party report to be handed down Tonga can’t access vital supplies for another two days due to covid fears Australian gas prepared to step up if Ukraine crisis deepens   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Nour was last night named Young Australian of the Year.   Daniel was leaving Waterloo Station in London and saw a crowd gathering – he thought it was a busker.  It was a homeless man having a seizure, and it changed his life.   Daniel has been named as one of our Young Australians of the Year after establishing Street Side Medics, a medical service for the homeless.   This is an inspiring story of a young man, who arrived with his family from Egypt as a boy.  He has changed so many lives, and it’s just the beginning of his amazing contribution to the nation he now calls home.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world watched on as the Australian government ripped up world tennis number one Novac Djokovic’s visa.  He was taken into detention, an urgent court hearing convened, and eventually deported.  The whole saga was over and done with in less than a week.   While Novak was in detention, in the Park Hotel in Melbourne, we learned there are refugees holed up in the same hotel.  One of them, Mehdi, has been in the refugee process in Australia for almost ten years after arriving in Australia seeking asylum as a 15-year-old.  He's still in detention, almost a decade later.   We speak to Mehdi from his Melbourne hotel room; and we also speak with Carolyn Graydon, principal lawyer at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, to find out why Mehdi and his colleagues can’t – or don’t – get the same rushed process as Novak Djokovic.     Todays Headlines Aboriginal flag copyright secured Omicron wave past its peak Australians in the Ukraine being told to leave Assange wins court case to challenge extradition decision Cleo Smith’s alleged abductor pleads guilty   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

57-year-old Czech folk singer Hana Horka died last week after getting Covid... she was unvaccinated... and chose not to isolate from her husband and son when they contracted covid around Christmas.   Her son Jan Rek joins us to tell us how and why his mother chose to catch Covid, resulting in her sudden death.   We’ve spoken to people here in Australia about deliberately catching Covid – as you’ll hear from Jan, it’s not a good idea.  It can be fatal.  He calls it Russian roulette.     Todays Headlines WA concedes it cannot control Omicron RATS roll out across the country ahead of return to school Ash Barty is through to the quarters Tensions in the Ukraine continue to escalate Wiggles win JJJ’s Hottest 100   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, Michelle Law was both very aware and a little resistant to her own Chinese-ness. As an adult, she has embraced the cross-cultural narrative, putting her experiences into writing books, essays, plays and television series. In this conversation with Jamila Rizvi, Michelle Law talks about her new book Asian Girls Are Going Places, how she’s trying to unlearn some of her workaholic tendencies, and why she’s a passionate advocate for diversity quotas in the arts and culture industry. THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor: Watch: Euphoria (Binge) Watch: Cheer season 2 (Netflix) Listen: ADOLESCENCE by BANYK Watch: Love Me (Binge) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People are deliberately trying to catch Covid-19.  Some are hoping by catching it now, they can make sure they’re Covid-free for a big event, maybe a wedding or a birthday celebration.  So is it a good idea?    Two of our Briefing listeners are actively trying to catch it – Mel and David – but Professor Catherine Bennett, chair of epidemiology at Deakin University, says it’s not a good idea.   On today’s Briefing, we find out once and for all, if it’s a good idea to actively seek out and catch, Coronavirus.   Todays Headlines WA will keep borders closed Novovax gains provisional approval Australian aid arrives in Tonga Federal court releases Djokovic reasoning Pope Benedict accused of failing to act in four child sex abuse cases   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks one year in the White House for US President Joe Biden.   We’re joined by Damien Cave, the New York Times’ Australian correspondent, who details the big challenges Biden faces to turn around falling approval figures and rising inflation, while taking on Covid-19, diversity ….and Donald Trump.   On today’s Briefing, we review Joe Biden’s first year in office…..and look forward to critical mid-term elections due later this year.     Todays Headlines National cabinet meets today ahead of kids going back to school Vigil held for murdered nine-year old Christian Porter to pay legal fees Tensions rise in Ukraine with Germany threatening to cancel vital Russian gas pipeline Airlines cancel US flights over 5G fears   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has been gripped by the Novak Djokovic saga.  His plight has highlighted a much wider vaccine story emerging in Eastern Europe.   Some countries like Bulgaria, are facing an Omicron surge – and their vaccination rates are less than 50 percent.  Vojin Rakic, Professor at the University of Belgrade - a Serbian philosopher and political scientist – says some of the vaccine hesitancy can be blamed on people like Novak. BBC European correspondent, Kayleen Devlin, says there’s also an element of anti-western sentiment.   Hospitals are filling up, and governments are struggling to urge people to get vaccinated.  On today’s Briefing, what’s behind the Covid crisis in Eastern Europe.     Todays Headlines Man charged with murder of missing nine-year-old girl Victoria issues Code Brown as cases surge Tonga issues first volcano update: at least three dead Russian troops arriving in Belarus Five Aussies through to round two of the Australian Open   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American comedian and sports commentator Joe Rogan hosts the most popular podcast in the world – often clocking up 11 million listens per episode.  Last week, an Australian journalist and radio presenter appeared on the podcast.  His name is Josh Szeps.   Josh hosts Afternoons on ABC Radio Sydney, and spent more than a decade in the US appearing regularly on television and radio.    During the course of his podcast chat, Joe mentioned some statistics in relation to myocarditis in teenagers.  Joe’s figures were incorrect, and Josh called him out. The footage and audio has gone viral around the world.  So who is Josh Szeps? And what does it say about media and culpability, if the number one podcaster in the world can just riff on something as important as heart disease?     Josh also hosts the podcast "Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps"   Todays Headlines ACCC slams RAT price gougers Unions warn they will strike over lax Omicron OH&S Aftershocks expected after Tongan eruption Djokovic’s French Open plans in jeopardy   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians are finding supermarket shelves empty – again.   It’s largely due to the fact the federal government has told us all to prepare to catch Covid.   People are frightened we’re headed for another extended lockdown.   In a bid to free up the blockages in food and grocery supply chains, the Commonwealth made changes to the list of occupations considered ‘essential workers’ and relaxed the iso requirements.   So we know there’s hopefully light at the end of the tunnel… but should we be worried about Australia’s food supply shortage and how long will this last?   Stephen Bartos is Visiting Fellow at the ANU’S  Crawford School of Public Policy, and the good news is he says there’s no need to panic.   Todays Headlines Novak Djokovic leaves Australia after court upholds visa cancellation Tonga rocked by undersea volcano  Pfizer booster fast-tracked for teenagers Homicide squad joins search for missing nine-year-old Trump urges supporters to “take back the White House”   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Durack is the human personification of sunshine. The former star of the Australian production of Wicked is one of the most sought after people in show business and yet someone manages to make time for everyone. How does she do that? In this episode the actress, reality TV star, mum and queen of Australian musical theater talks to Jamila Rizvi about not being a natural singer, the joy of playing Glinda and why she works hard to cultivate gratitude. THE WEEKEND LIST with Linda Marigliano and Brooke Boney: Listen: Promises album  Read: How Decent Folk Behave by Maxine Beneba Clarke Podcast: Am I Normal? with Mona Chalabi Cook: Yotam Ottolenghi’s rolled pavlova See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is pre-occupied with the Covid Omicron explosion, but a huge story is playing out in a standoff between Russia and the United States over the Ukraine.  100,000 Russian troops have massed at the Russia/Ukraine border – and the world is nervously watching, waiting for Vladimir Putin’s next move.   Adam Creighton, the Australian newspaper’s US correspondent talks us through the developments of the week; and Elizaveta Isakova, a Geneva-based correspondent for the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, says she doesn’t sense an appetite for war in the Kremlin.   Talks this week between the US and Russia over the future of the Ukraine, could shape the future of Europe for a generation.  It’s clearly one of the biggest stories in the world.       Todays Headlines Prince Andrew stripped of all titles Scomo announces changes to iso for ‘essential workers’ Novak could still be deported despite being named in Aus Open draw QLD eases border requirements while WA bans unvaccinated Man’s surprise guilty plea over Sydney gay hate murder  Rust shooting armourer suing    Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three leading health experts have released a joint statement asking Australia’s leaders to reintroduce some Covid restrictions, such as mask-wearing and a limit on indoor gatherings, until more is known about the highly contagious new Omicron variant.   John Kaldor is professor of epidemiology at the Kirby Institute and the UNSW. He says the original reopening plan had been developed using the delta variant – and it might be time to re-think our approach to containing the virus.   On today’s Briefing, should we go back into lockdown to contain the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus.   Todays Headlines US judge dismisses a bid from Prince Andrew to have his sex case trial thrown out National cabinet to meet amid supply chain shortages Djokovic still facing deportation after admitting error on visa application US President Joe Biden trying to pass voting rights legislation Boris Johnson refuses to resign over attending BYO party at Downing St   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid’s Omicron variant is running riot across the country.  Some of our listeners, who are nurses, told us about the strain they’re under. Dr Stephen Parnis works in three Melbourne emergency departments - and is the former vice president of the Australian Medical Association. Dr Stephen tells us what it's like in the hospitals right now.  Nurses are at breaking point, doctors are working around the clock.....and it's only going to get worse, before it gets better. On today's Briefing - the Omicron crisis is crippling our hospital system.   Todays Headlines Staff shortages could cripple the economy GPs say they’re turning people away Half of Europe expected to contract Covid in next two months Djokovic could still be deported over travel declaration form Floods and cyclone in QLD and a fire in WA   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is watching Australia deal with Novak Djokovic, the number one men’s tennis player on the planet.  Novak wants to compete in the Australian Open next week – and potentially win a record-breaking tenth Aus Open title.   The Morrison government wants him deported – it says he hasn’t complied with Border Force requirements to secure the necessary visa.    Djokovic sued – and won.  But will the federal government let him win.....?   The Guardian’s Paul Karp has followed the Djokovic saga since day one.  He knows the ins and outs of what has become a major international story.....OR is it a timely distraction for the Morison government??   Todays Headlines Court win does not end Djokovic saga Australia passes one million Covid cases US/Russia talks in Geneva to discuss Ukraine crisis Aussies clean up at the Golden Globes   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid’s Omicron variant is running riot across Australia.  Tens of thousands of people are testing positive, throwing our Christmas and summer holiday plans into chaos.   We asked our listeners to send in their questions and asked Dr Paul Griffin, infectious disease expert and microbiologist at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, to answer them.   On today’s Briefing….your Omicron questions answered.   Todays Headlines Djokovic to face court over visa Australians urged to prepare to catch Omicron Five to eleven year olds eligible for Pfizer from today Supply crisis crippling retail sector Teenager missing in Queensland’s Wide Bay floodwaters   Follow The Briefing DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Australian Open exemptions under scrutiny; and the US marks the first anniversary of the deadly Capitol riotsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines Millions eligible for booster shot from today Canberra foots the bill for 84 million rapid tests QLD beaches still closed due to wild seas Big Bash teams to enter a hub Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines Fears of 100,000 cases a day by the end of January WA slams border shut to Tasmania and ACT Employment numbers surge Australia bags shock win at ATP Cup Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year to all our listeners.  We look forward to joining you in 2022!!     Todays Headlines New isolation rules in place Experts worried health system will be overwhelmed by omicron Ghislaine Maxwell likely to appeal guilty verdict Tsitsipas supports Djokovic's ATP withdrawal Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines Quarantine to be cut to seven days amid changes to isolation requirements Welfare payments to get a boost WA police arrest a man linked to assault of 7-year-old girl Djokovic pulls out of ATP cup Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines NSW overhauls quarantine protocols States struggle with PCR testing Black Jack claims line honours Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our 300th episode for the year!!!!!   Todays Headlines Cricket bosses confident Sydney test will go ahead despite Covid dramas States and territories under pressure to secure urgent testing kits Perth NYE events canned Australia on the verge of Ashes series victory Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines Covid rule changes in NSW and SA Homes under threat from two raging bushfires in WA The Queen pays tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu England's Ashes hopes hanging by a thread Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ways to celebrate Christmas in a Covid safe way amid a surge in cases  A new finger prick test to tell when we're due for a booster shot The number of people claiming unemployment benefits drops to early 2020 levels Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interstate Covid testing requirements under review Another vaccine to become available in Australia within weeks The first of six children killed in the Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy being laid to rest Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines New modelling predicts hundreds of thousands of daily Covid cases unless authorities act now Quarantine-free travel to New Zealand delayed again Locals council's deemed the weak link in Australia's national security Covid hits the AFL Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines Emergency National Cabinet meeting called as Australia battles Omicron Covid variant Tennis legend Rafael Nadal tests Covid positive  Good news for those planning an Aussie getaway with flights cheaper than they have been in years And, Australia claims a stunning two-nil lead in the Ashes Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todays Headlines How Christmas could be a super-spreader event Specialist NSW police to investigate Tasmanian jumping castle tragedy New rules forcing power companies to dumb down power bills  Australia is poised to take a two-nil lead in the Ashes Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dinesh Palipana works as a doctor in one of Australia’s busiest hospital emergency rooms. If this wasn’t impressive enough, Dinesh also had to learn how to do the immensely physical work of medicine with a spinal cord injury.  In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Dinesh recounts the harrowing accident that left him quadriplegic in 2010, how he’s learnt to meet the demands of his job without the use of much of his body, and why he feels like the luckiest person alive.  THE WEEKEND LIST with Linda Marigliano and Brooke Boney: Read: No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood Watch: And Just Like That (Binge) Listen: Actual Life by Fred again.. Watch: Succession season 3 (Binge) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians will go to the polls in 2022 to elect a federal government.  There are so many critical issues dominating the news: Covid-19 and its many variants; inflation; house prices; unemployment; education; health; and climate change.   Dan Ilic, an Australian comedian, started a crowdfunding campaign to fund Times Square billboards to embarrass Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Commonwealth Government over their inaction on climate change. His original campaign aimed to raise $12,500 to fund a billboard near November’s Glasgow COP26 conference. He ended up raising more than $228,000.   So what big-ticket item will dominate the 2022 federal election?     Todays Headlines Number of children killed in jumping castle tragedy rises to five NSW residents urged to avoid crowded events after record cases Federal budget $7 billion better off as government prepares for election battle Kennedy files released as descendant named as new Australian ambassador Ashes curveball for Australia, former Wallabies captain to run for senate   Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021 has certainly thrown us some curveballs. Covid’s Delta outbreak (and then Omicron), lockdowns, protests and vaccine mandates, the Royal family and their many sagas, and who could forget the Tokyo Olympics.   In this episode of The Briefing Tom Tilley and Katrina Blowers look back on the big issues of 2021, how they impacted us, and what they viewed as the critical issues we should keep an eye out for, in 2022.     Todays Headlines WA tightens travel restrictions as NSW cases increase Treasurer to promise higher wages, lower unemployment in budget update Labor warns Coalition grants would be targeted in corruption probe Defence to make case in Ghislaine Maxwell trial Hundreds rescued from Hong Kong office tower fire   Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Booster jabs will be offered to everyone over 18 in England from this week.  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation and said:       "No one should be in any doubt, there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming."   Johnson said the target to offer a booster to all adults by the end of January will be brought forward by a month.  The British government is hoping to vaccinate a million people a day by Christmas.  Hans van Leeuwen is the Europe correspondent for the Australian Financial Review.    He tells us what’s happening in the UK right now….and what it’s like in an area of South London, where families and minority groups are living in fear of catching Omicron.  Today’s Briefing goes inside the UK’s Omicron tidal wave.     Todays Headlines Restrictions easing in New South Wales and Tasmania  Tyrrell search to wrap-up this week: police Capitol riot texts expose Trump Jr's concerns National mourning for Haiti after dozens killed in fuel tanker explosion US hockey team, bank apologise for teacher cash stunt   Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has introduced a very radical plan to ban smoking for the next generation. Legislation, which comes into effect next year, means those who are aged 14 and under today will never be legally able to buy tobacco. The legal smoking age will increase every year, with the plan to create a smoke-free generation of Kiwis.   Chris Bullen is Professor of Public Health at the University of Auckland. Prof Bullen joins us to talk about the measures to help phase out smoking including reducing the legal amount of nicotine in tobacco products, cutting down the shops where cigarettes could legally be sold, and increasing funding to addiction services.   At the moment, around 12 percent of New Zealand's adults smoke but the rate is much higher among the indigenous Maori population, where it soars to almost a third. NZ’s goal is to have fewer than 5% of the population smoking daily by 2025.   Todays Headlines UK PM says Omicron to be dominant within days following first death McGowan locks-in date for WA reopening Moderna to be made in Australia under new VIC deal Australia and South Korea sign defence deal as border opening confirmed Joyce calls for Assange to be returned to Australia   Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teachers are walking out of classrooms across the country.  They’re protesting in the streets.  The pandemic meant they had to completely re-think the way they interacted with their students.  And they’ve had enough.   Louise Phillips, Associate Professor from the Faculty of Education, Southern Cross University, and other researchers from around the world, have conducted a study to get to the bottom of the problem….and it’s not good news.  Teachers have had enough.   We don’t value our teachers, nearly enough.  With an election campaign looming, it’s time to address the impact federal and state policies have on our teachers….and in turn, our children and young people.   Todays Headlines QLD border opens to hotspot states Shorter wait times and more choice in booster update WA authorities appeal for information on fire culprit US authorities warn tornado toll will continue rising No extra immunity for NZ man vaxxed 10 times in one day   Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke McGregor is refreshingly honest, totally uncomfortable and hilariously funny. You might known him as one half of the writing and acting team behind the ABC’s hit TV series Rosehaven, or from his awkward candidness as the presenter in Luke Warm Sex. In this chat Luke tells Jamila Rizvi what it was like getting bullied at school, why he keeps doing comedy despite suffering crippling panic attacks, plus he recounts his experience getting naked at a nudist colony. THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen: Private Affairs podcast Listen: Shameless presents The Books that Changed My Life Watch: PEN15 (Stan) Experience: Higher Order in Melbourne See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitchell Rice was dismissed by his employer Queensland Rail on the basis of having used a legally prescribed cannabis product to treat his medical conditions of anxiety and insomnia.     He’s suing.  Mitchell says he developed the conditions from a combination of extensive shift work for Queensland Rail, as well as caring for his terminally ill mother.    Despite evidence from Rice’s medical practitioner declaring that the medication would not affect his capacity to work safely, as long as the medication was taken more than 8 hours before commencing work, Queensland Rail proceeded to terminate his employment.  We’re joined by Mitchell Rice and his lawyer Jeremy Kennedy, from Chamberlain’s Law Firm.    On today’s Briefing, we look at a landmark trial over a man losing his job for taking medicinal cannabis.    Donations For the Legal Fees of Mitchell Rice to Assist Users of Prescription Cannabis Against Discrimination in the Workplace: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donations-for-the-legal-fees-of-mitchell-rice   Todays Headlines Final approval for 5-11 year old vaccinations Barnaby Joyce isolating in Washington after catching Covid Perrottet says increasing NSW cases won’t change rules UK government staff parties to be investigated New Zealand to create smoke-free generation   Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s Briefing, we go back to a story we did two weeks ago about the inventor of bitcoin.   A Florida court has ruled that Craig Wright, the Aussie who says he invented the blockchain currency, won’t have to pay half of his coins to his late business partner... David Kleiman. Klieman’s family were suing Wright for half of the 70B$ of bitcoin controlled by bitcoin inventor Satoshi Nakamoto... a pseudonym Wright says is him. The jury found Wright does not owe Kleiman’s family half of the coins.   We’re joined by Paul Vigna, journalist covering Bitcoin for the Wall Street Journal.  He explains, while the trial has not determined IF Craig Wright invented Bitcoin, he will still have to pay around $140 million in compensation for a breach in intellectual property rights related to the company he worked on with Kleiman.   In this Briefing, did the trial find Wright is Nakamoto - and does he have the key to 1.1m Bitcoins worth $70 billion.   Todays Headlines QLD uncovers new Omicron strain Pfizer confirms Omicron effectiveness as new booster approved UK latest country after Australia to boycott China games Berejiklian expected to rule out Canberra run Djokovic named on Aus Open draw despite vaccination stoush Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you find yourself infinitely browsing? Never able to make a commitment?  To a movie?  A partner?  A job?   Pete Davis is a writer and civic advocate from Falls Church, Virginia.   His Harvard Law School graduation speech, “A Counterculture of Commitment,” has been viewed more than 30 million times.   His new book is “Dedicated: the Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing”. He explains WHY you can’t make a choice of a movie...why you end up scrolling all night before going to bed in frustration.  WHY you can’t stay in one job for more than twelve months....and WHY you keep wondering what it would be like to be partnered with someone else.   In today’s Briefing, how to address our ‘counterculture of commitment’     Todays Headlines Australia weighs up Winter Olympics boycott Biden and Putin meet via video amid Ukraine tensions Uni debts cleared for doctors and nurses going bush 140 at risk following Omicron cruise exposure Craig Wright prevails in Bitcoin trial Follow The Briefing AND DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BRIEFING NEWSLETTER. LINK IS IN OUR BIO ON INSTAGRAM Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner broke down last month talking about death threats he and his family had received from online trolls protesting about the territory’s Covid vaccine mandates.   The debate has included people like Tucker Carlson and Russell Brand.      So how did global Covid trolls arrive in the top end?     Nicholas Hynes is a reporter with the ABC in Darwin.  He joins us to explain how and why the Gunner government’s policies have made global headlines....and if there’s any truth to comparisons with the Stolen Generations of the past.    Todays Headlines US confirms diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics QLD to open hotspot borders early  Senior Liberals publicly back Berejiklian for federal tilt Perth loses Ashes test due to strict border rules Global human rights bodies condemn Suu Kyi sentencing Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone knows someone who’s been swayed by internet conspiracies…misinformation about the Covid vaccine, covid conspiracies? 5G, fluoride. Was it QAnon? Far right groups? Parts of YouTube, Reddit or the more subversive forums like 4chan or 8chan or 8kun    In this Briefing... we learn more about what ties these internet conspiracy groups together... how dangerous it’s becoming... and what if anything we can do about it. Van Badham is an Australian playwright and author who has written a book QAnon and On, shining a light on the conspiracies and the dangers they pose.    Today we explore fusion paranoia... the frightening cluster of online conspiracies.   Todays Headlines NSW and VIC promise to keep borders open for Christmas Voters tip Labor win following campaign pitch PM on hand for second Mostert win at Bathurst 1000 Government awaits ATAGI advice after Pfizer approved for kids Indonesia volcano death toll rises to 14 Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carly Findlay is an author and appearance activist who lives with a rare skin condition called ichthyosis, which makes her skin scaly and red.  What this means is that Carly has to put up with a lot of silly, inappropriate and downright rude questions from strangers.  In this chat with Jamila Rizvi, Carly explains what it’s like to be trolled for how you look, how she’s coped with ableism during the pandemic, and why she sees disability as a culture to be proud of.  THE WEEKEND LIST: Read: Killernova by Omar bin Musa Read: The Game: A Portrait of Scott Morrison by Sean Kelly Watch: James Bond films Watch: Snowpiercer (Netflix) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are landmark court trials littered through US history….Michael Jackson’s two trials and OJ Simpson.  The Ghislaine Maxwell trial is poised to join them as a watershed hearing in front of the world’s media.   We cross to Seven’s US Bureau Chief Ashlee Mullany who is attending the court case in New York.  We’ve already heard explosive claims and we’re only in the first few days of hearings.   Maxwell is accused of procuring teenage girls for the convicted child sex offender Jeffery Epstein, who took his own life two years ago.  It’s long been suggested Epstein took his life to take his contacts and associates’ names with him.  So, what secrets will be revealed at Maxwell’s trial?  And will she implicate Prince Andrew?  This trial looks set to join the list of notorious trials played out on the world stage.   Todays Headlines Minister stands down after claims of abusive relationship SA introduces testing for NSW arrivals as Covid outbreak grows Victorian pandemic laws pass state parliament IOC holds second call with Shuai as WTA doubles-down on boycott Markle calls for press changes after winning court fight Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is trying to come to grips with the Omicron variant of Covid-19.  It’s spreading like wildfire across the globe. Governments are scrambling to close borders and scientists are rushing to determine just how potent the new strain is.   But could it be a blessing in disguise.  Could Omicron end the pandemic?  Dr Deborah Cromer leads the Infection Epidemiology and Policy Analytics Group at the Kirby Institute, UNSW.  Her job is to determine how effective vaccines are in combatting viruses.   Dr Deborah tells us if and when we’ll know that Omicron may take over from the more-virulent and dangerous Delta strain of the coronavirus….and what we need to do as a society to help make that happen.   Todays Headlines Porter quits parliaments as Hunt resignation expected Epstein accuser to be cross-examined after implicating Maxwell Flooding death in QLD as NSW cleans-up in Central West Omicron detected in 20+ countries as local cases grow NT authorities believe Howard Springs escapees didn’t contact community Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2013 on a night out in Kings Cross a devastating encounter in a laneway changed the course of Saxon Mullins’ life.      It led to a rape case that went for five years... there were two trials, two appeals and ultimately it was determined that the accused was acquitted after arguing he had reasonable grounds to believe she was consenting.      Now eight years on... Saxon Mullins’ story... has led to a change in the law... that could protect other victims who freeze during sex.     Todays Headlines NSW on alert for Omicron as PM calls for no more lockdowns One in three parliament staff harassed, according to Jenkins review Human remains discovered in VIC camper search Towns evacuated in QLD as flooding continues in NSW Ghislaine Maxwell trial begins in New York Australia hits back at claims of Solomon interference Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has a new variant of the Covid-19 virus to contend with.  Omicron was first detected in Botswana and has already been detected in the UK, Hong Kong, the Czech Republic and Australia. States and countries are locking borders to try to contain the spread.      Dr Norman Swan is host of the ABC’s Health Report and the Coronacast podcast.  Dr Swan explains how and why new variants of the virus emerge.  He also explains what’s likely to happen next.    How will the world cope with Omicron?  Will it be more contagious than Delta?  And how likely are we to catch it?    Todays Headlines Border opening delayed as more Omicron cases detected ATAGI reviewing booster timetable following new variant Ghislaine Maxwell trial begins in New York Family of missing Belgian backpacker doubt police claims Twitter co-founder and CEO to step down Renowned Australian actor David Gulpilil dead at 68 Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Australia will stay closed for Christmas with its border not reopening until at least late January. WA premier Mark McGowan says waiting to lift restrictions until the state achieves 90% vaccination coverage of people aged 12 and above will save lives.   We asked our listeners what they thought, and we received a mixed response.  Many believe McGowan is a hero keeping West Australians safe….while others say they want to be allowed to travel to see their loved ones like the rest of Australia.   Jenna Clarke is deputy editor The West Australian and presenter on MMM Perth Breakfast.  Jenna tells us what it’s like behind the WA curtain….and if McGowan’s Covid approach is going to cost Prime Minister Scott Morrison seats at the upcoming federal election.   Todays Headlines First Australian Omicron cases recorded in Sydney travellers Social media to be forced to reveal user identities under anti-troll laws Man in custody over alleged Wollongong shootings Woman in custody following Cairns quarantine hotel fire Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.