The Briefing

US President Joe Biden announced last month American troops would withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11 this year.    Our PM quickly followed suit confirming the 80 remaining Australian defence personnel still in Afghanistan would also leave.    Around 80,000 Australians have been deployed to Afghanistan since the conflict began in 2001.  41 of them lost their lives.  More than 150,000 Afghan civilians and military personnel and Taliban fighters were killed in the 20-year conflict that cost the US more than $1.2trillion   Maryam Zahid is the founder and director of Afghan Women on the Move; and Raspal Khosa - independent defence analyst, formerly with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.      We ask what life is like for Afghans today.  And have we lost the war in Afghanistan? TODAY'S HEADLINES Perth avoids second lockdown Overseas Aussies getting enough help from government: poll Defence to review Darwin port lease Soccer fans storm stadium over Super League Manhunt underway for missing crew member in Townsville, others seek asylum OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prepare to see Any Lee uncut as he delves into personal territory with host Jamila Rizvi. He opens up about his mum's disability, the hard conversations of working in the popular radio duo Hamish & Andy, and his engagement plans with longterm girlfriend Bec Harding.   THE WEEKEND LIST: Do: Daniel Sloss’ Hubris Watch: RuPaul’s Drag Race re-runs on Stan Listen: Sixty Summers by Julia Stone PSA: Buy mum a decent gift for Mother’s Day!!   Follow us at @thebriefingpodcast and send us your recommendations on what to see, do, cook, watch, listen and eat!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 20 Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.    On today’s episode of The Briefing - Biden marks 100 days in office, let’s see how he’s going.     Prof. David Smith is an Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.   We sift through the rhetoric to try to find out what Joe Biden has actually done during his first 100 days.  Have his policies and decisions earned him a pass or fail?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Lockdown restrictions to remain in WA Brittany Higgins to meet with leaders including PM today ASIO issues terror warning Biden tells congress America “rising” OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are Australians so fascinated by Married at First Sight?  It’s the show we love to hate, or is it … hate to love?  Ever since MAFS appeared on our screens in 2015, it’s consistently been one of the highest rated shows on Australian television.   We’re joined by four guests to take us through our deep dive.  David Dale, a Walkley Award winning journalist who spent 20 years as media and TV columnist for SMH and The Age; Tarang Chawla, whose sister Nikita was murdered by her husband in 2015. Tarang’s became an anti-domestic violence campaigner;   Michael Goonan was one of the contestant on MAFS last year; and psychologist and relationship expert Jacqui Manning.   The show is full of big personalities, drama, fights, tears, lying, cheating, tantrums and sometimes... toxic behaviour among contestants. So what’s the appeal….?      TODAY'S HEADLINES Record day for India Covid outbreak China slams PM’s defence spend New rules for Tokyo Olympians Government targets 5% unemployment for budget Apollo 11 astronaut dies OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twelve of Europe’s top soccer clubs planned to shake up the sport. Instead, the project collapsed spectacularly in just 48 hours.  How did the power brokers mis-read the market ….and fans?   Murad Ahmed is a reporter for the Financial Times in the UK.  He’s been following this lead for years.   He joins us as we learn what the big clubs’ motivation was.   One word.   Money.   TODAY'S HEADLINES All Australian Olympians to be vaccinated before Tokyo India flights suspended as Covid crisis worsens Australia to spend $747m upgrading military bases Supermoon lights up night sky   OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been representing Australia at a virtual summit of world leaders discussing climate change.  The summit was convened by US President Joe Biden, who has put tackling climate change at the centre of his administration's agenda.   Joe Biden promised to halve America’s emissions by 2030.  Australia went to the summit without a firm target on reducing emissions.  Dr Emma Shortis is an expert on climate change policies and US history.   With our plans for hydrogen and carbon capture and storage and no clear reduction target, is Australia out of step or out of date with the rest of the world and their targets?  What is Scott Morrison’s end game? TODAY'S HEADLINES Perth lockdown lifted as quarantine stoush continues Australia considers providing aid and banning flights to India PM tells church leaders country needs them Home affairs secretary warns of war China censors Oscars winner OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions between Australia and China are at their worst in decades.  Our global campaign to blame China for the Covid-19 pandemic pushed our relationship to the brink.   The Australian Financial Review’s China correspondent Michael Smith was woken by China’s secret police on a September night last year.  Days later he was on a plane back to Australia – forced to leave the country he’d called home for the last three years.   There are now no Australian journalists working in China.  What does Michael Smith’s journey tell us about China?  His new book, The Last Correspondent: Dispatches from the frontline of Xi's new China, explores Canberra’s relationship with Beijing and if we’re heading for a new cold war. TODAY'S HEADLINES International aid for India amid growing Covid-19 crisis Indonesian submarine found on ocean floor WA lockdown decision expected today No plans to return to Afghanistan: government OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi sits down with Internet sensation and ultimate millennial “slashy” Lillian Ahenkan, otherwise known as Flex Mami.   She’s a DJ, TV presenter, podcaster, author, entrepreneur and “Professional Opinion Haver” who you can find hosting panels at the Sydney Opera House, sharing her thoughts on Pedestrian.TV or hosting on MTV among much more.   More importantly, she’s about to grace our screens as a contestant on Big Brother AU 2021, bringing her multi-dimensional personality to a reality format.   Jamila and Flex talk Big Brother, her sense of empowerment, the concept of Big Enjoyment and cancel culture.   THE WEEKEND LIST: Podcast:  Bobo and Flex Podcast: The Imperfects Cook: Kmart Pie Maker – send in your pie recipes! Watch: Lupin on Netflix Send us your recommendations on Instagram @thebriefingpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PART TWO - The UK, Europe and the United States are forging ahead with mass vaccines.  Australia is well behind in terms of progress. So, what is life like in London, Washington and Madrid now the vaccination numbers are climbing?   Today’s briefing is part two of our transatlantic peek over the vaccination horizon. We’re joined by Adam Creighton in Washington... he’s the US correspondent for the Australian newspaper.   What can we learn by taking a look over the horizon at the vaccine rollouts in Europe and the United States   TODAY'S HEADLINES Biden promises to halve US emissions by 2030 Vaccines open to all over 50s PM promises to defy China threats over Belt and Road deal Search continues for missing Indonesian submarine OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK, Europe and the United States are forging ahead with mass vaccines.  Australia is well behind in terms of progress. So, what is life like in London, Washington and Madrid now the vaccination numbers are climbing?   Today’s briefing is part one of our two-part transatlantic peek over the vaccination horizon. We’re joined by Bevan Shields in London... he’s the European correspondent for the Age and the Sydney Morning Herald.   What can we learn by taking a look over the horizon at the vaccine rollouts in Europe and the United States?   TODAY'S HEADLINES China anger as federal government tears up Victoria's Belt and Road deals US government to investigate Minneapolis policing Australia helps search for missing Indonesia submarine Second hotel quarantine breach in Sydney Queen breaks silence on Prince Philip’s death OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has announced a Royal Commission into veterans’ suicide.  Will it be enough to stem the number of returned servicemen and women taking their own lives?    We’re joined by Heston Russell - a 16-year army veteran and former Special Air Service Regiment commander and founder of Voice of a Veteran.   41 people died serving in Afghanistan... but ten times that number have taken their own lives after they got home.  Why?  The greater story needs to be told.    TODAY'S HEADLINES Gov announces half a billion funding for clean energy Travel bubble to remain intact despite NZ airport positive test Biden “praying for right verdict” as Chauvin jury deliberates Education groups welcome dumping of consent ad Byron residents protest new Netflix series OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Briefing kicked off on April 20, 2020, amid a global pandemic.  No one was sure what the future would look like.  Many of us were working from home for the first time, our computers perched on boxes of toilet paper.   On today’s Briefing we look back….and forward.   It’s been a crazy year – and we can’t wait to celebrate with the people that matter.  Our listeners!!!   TODAY'S HEADLINES Shakeup for vaccine program Emotional reunions as AUS/NZ bubble opens Royal commission into veterans’ suicides Closing arguments begin in Derek Chauvin case First powered flight on another planet OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know an Australian is leading one of the teams behind the Mars rover?     Australian geologist Dr Abigail Allwood is the first woman and the first Australian to ever be a principal investigator on a Mars mission.   Perseverance is the fifth NASA rover to explore the Red Planet and it’s being sent with the explicit goal of working out whether there is - or has ever been - life on Mars. We meet the Aussie geologist helping to find out if there’s life on Mars TODAY'S HEADLINES National Cabinet begins meeting twice a week The Australia/New Zealand travel bubble opens Sydney authorities investigate hotel breach Countries warn consequences for Navalny death UK national mourning ends, Harry considers staying OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi sits down with Benjamin Law, a man of many talents in the Australian media industry. He is the creator and writer of SBS’s award-winning ‘The Family Law’ and the maker and subject of the ABC documentary ‘Waltzing the Dragon’. Ben is also a radio broadcaster, podcaster, author and speaker.   Every Saturday for the Good Weekend magazine, Ben asks his famous subjects all sorts of things you’re not supposed to say publicly through the roll of the dice: sex, money, religion, bodies, death and politics. Jamila turns the microphone on his as Ben discusses his relationship with these dicey topics.   THE WEEKEND LIST: Listen:  McCartney III Imagined - Paul McCartney Do: The Roughin’ It Challenge Podcast: She Is Legend Tell us what you're loving by sending us a message on Instagram @the briefingpodcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we witnessing another big flashpoint for the BLM protests...?  When George Floyd was killed by a police officer last year... it sparked that wave of protests around the world including here in Australia.    Well in a very dramatic confluence of events... right at the same time that former officer, Derek Chauvin, is being tried for murder, another black man has been shot dead by police, just ten miles down the road.   We’re joined by New York Times’ national reporter and editor Shaila Dewan to take us through what’s happening.    You’ll find out how America is reacting to that shooting - and you’ll get the latest from the Chauvin trial from a reporter on the ground in Minneapolis.   TODAY'S HEADLINES PM: 1000 Covid cases a day if we reopen borders Woman dies from blood clots after receiving vaccine Australian troops to withdraw from Afghanistan Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral details have been released ABC apologises for doctoring dance troupe video OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last two months here in Australia there’s been a number of sexual abuse and harassment scandals that have forced a rethink about the way women are treated in our society.    Right in the middle of that lands a new book. 'The Light Of Days' by Judy Batalion tells the incredible story of the young Jewish women in Poland who fought back when the Nazis invaded. Judy Batalion is an American author and the granddaughter of Polish Holocaust survivors.   The incredible stories of the young Jewish women who resisted that attack are so powerful that Steven Spielberg has already taken out an option on turning this book into a movie.   TODAY'S HEADLINES US Covid expert’s warning for Australia PM: No apology for Holgate, meeting with Higgins Minneapolis police officer charged; victims’ families meet Queen returns to work Nuclear water OK to drink: Japan OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks the 30th anniversary of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, created by the Hawke Government in 1987.   We’re joined by Warren Mundine... former Chair of the PM’s indigenous advisory council during Tony Abbott’s time as PM; and Taylah Gray, an indigenous lawyer and academic, who come from different perspectives, but tell a similar story.   More than 455 Indigenous people have died in custody since the report was released on April 15, 1991. NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said this week First Nations people continued to be “overrepresented in every category of death dealt with by the Coroner’s Court”.  What more can be done?  And have we done enough….? TODAY'S HEADLINES Holgate: Morrison spray was "act of bullying" National Cabinet back on Covid war footing  US to delay troop withdrawal in Afghanistan Prince Philip island cult pay tribute OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A listener wrote to say Victorian paramedics are spending hours waiting outside emergency departments rather than back on the road responding to more emergencies. This is not a problem affecting only Victorian ambos. There’s been a big jump in response times right around the country.   We’re joined by Danny Hill, secretary of Victorian Ambulance Union; and Chris Kastelan, President of the NSW branch of Australian Paramedics Assoc.    It turns out, most of the delays are Covid-induced.  People aren't going to their GP so they're letting their manageable conditions spiral out of control. Paramedics are not responding to emergencies, just simple health issues.  And they're overworked and stressed to the max.   TODAY'S HEADLINES Princes William and Harry pay tribute to Prince Philip WA smashed by massive cyclone Taiwan scrambles jets to combat Chinese incursions Overseas travel not back to normal "until 2024" Minneapolis rocked by another police shooting death OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ PM Jacinda Ardern last week announced that as of Monday April 19 the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand will reopen.   And the response has been huge!   There was a “100-fold increase” in ticket sales between Australia and New Zealand after that announcement was made.    Aussies are keen to head over but before you book your tickets though … a warning!  We’re joined by Quentin Nolan a ski-tour operator in Queenstown; and Ben Groundwater, a writer for traveller.com.au to talk through what to to expect and what risks you might face.   Today on The Briefing - what you should know before you fly across the ditch.   TODAY'S HEADLINES PM backs away from vaccine rollout deadlines WA prepares for massive cyclone Prince Philip to be farewelled at low key funeral 80 dead in Myanmar protests OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi talks to Abbie Chatfield who rose to fame as the runner up and perceived villain of The Bachelor Season 7, chasing the heart of Matt Agnew.   She’s since turned the public’s opinion around to become one of Australia’s leading body positivity influencers, a podcast host and social media icon. Abbie was even crowned the 2021 Queen of the Jungle in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!   Jamila and Abbie discuss her time on the reality dating show, the price of fame and her recent sex toy collaboration.   THE WEEKEND LIST Podcast: It’s A Lot with Abbie Chatfield Read: Sex, Lies and Question Time by former MP Kate Ellis Listen: Fearless (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift Send us your suggestions on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A poll released last week showed the PMs approval rating dropped 10 points in a fortnight to 57 percent and what’s interesting is that his approval with women voters is down 16 points since the Britney Higgins story broke - but with male voters his approval rating has remained relatively unchanged.   Dr Sarah Cameron, a political scientist in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney joins us to discuss whether the Coalition has lost the female vote.   Has the Coalition’s recent cabinet changes; and the announcement it will implement all 55 recommendations in the Respect@Work report; changed voters’ intentions?   Has the Coalition lost the female vote? TODAY'S HEADLINES Pfizer to be prioritised for young people Government accepts sex law reform recommendations Christian Porter accuser requested interview with police Joe Biden calls for ban on assault weapons NSW government considering Luna Park fire inquiry OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nine Network was hacked last month.  Australia has increasingly been the target of hacks. Is Australia fighting back... with our own hacking attacks? Or are we only playing a defensive strategy?    We’re joined by Dr Suelette Dreyfus - Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Systems at The University of Melbourne.   You’ll be surprised by her response.   We also discuss if Australia is using the right strategy in the escalating cyber war?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Blood clots should be listed as vaccine side effect: EU PM Morrison denies vaccine stoush with EU Peter Dutton starts Twitter defamation Women’s safety summit announced for July Speed a factor in Tiger Woods car cash OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morrison government promised the vast majority of Australians would be vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of October.   It’s now been revised to the end of April 2020.   Paul Cross runs three online trade magazines focusing on the pharmaceutical industry.  He’s been watching developments closely and says the Commonwealth, while wanting to shine in the spotlight by rolling out the jab, has no experience in the space.  The states traditionally dole out vaccines.   So where does the stand-off end?   When will the average 30-year-old get their Covid jab?   TODAY'S HEADLINES Australia/New Zealand travel bubble launched EU denies stopping Aussie Covid vaccine shipments Malcolm Turnbull sacked from climate role Victorian police win "right to disconnect" Melissa Caddick's family farewell her OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gender wage gap is at more than 13 percent.  But it’s not always a woman being paid less for doing the same job as a man, it’s often the type of roles women do.   Meggie Palmer developed what’s called PepTalkHer, a site for teaching women the skills needed to get a better deal in the workforce.   So how do we secure fairer and more equitable pay for people like nurses, nursing home staff and people at the front line of critical care – roles usually performed by women?     TODAY'S HEADLINE Vaccine clinics ramp up amid clot concerns NZ to announce travel bubble details Putin unlocks terms with new law OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Briefing you’re going to meet a real life Jason Bourne... or James Bond...    It’s very rare that spies speak out publicly, as you’ll hear, when they join a secret service they basically have to ghost their old life... stop contact with all their friends and family.    But the former French spy we're speaking to, has moved to Australia and he’s written about his 9 years in the French secret service under the guise of fiction using a fictional alias... Jack Beaumont... the book’s called The Frenchman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi talks to Rosie Waterland, a best-selling author, award-winning podcast host, screenwriter, comedian and actress.   She became a household name for her satirical recaps of The Bachelor ten years ago, before going on to tour her stand-up comedy around Australia and writing two popular memoirs about her harrowed childhood, all before the age of 31.   Jamila and Rosie discuss her dark comedy sourced from her past, what encouraged her to pursuit her career and Rosie's ultimate end goal.   THE WEEKEND LIST: Watch: Behind Her Eyes (Netflix) Read: The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. Listen: Butter playlist (Spotify) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christianity is on the decline in Australia.  In 1966, 88 percent of the Australian population identified as Christian. In 2016 - 50 years later - that figure was down to 52 per cent.    But there’s one Christian denomination bucking the trend, Pentecostalism. Aka the religion of our current Prime Minister Scott Morrison.  Prof Andrew Singleton, from Deakin University joins us to talk through the rise of Pentecostalism, and whether the charismatic churches rely on migrants to stay on top.     Is Hillsong still a ‘rockstar’ church??See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We received an Instagram message from Melissa Smith who asked why farmers are never included in the discussion about climate change, when they’re a key part of the country’s net-zero emissions ambitions.   We invited Mel onto the Briefing to pose the question herself, and then invited Adam Coffey from Coffey Cattle - a beef producer from Miriam Vale, halfway between Rockhampton and Bundaberg to explain exactly what farmers are doing…..and they’re doing a stack.   The politicians supposedly representing farmers want producers left out of the net-zero equation. But producers themselves tell a much different story. TODAY'S HEADLINE Brisbane awaits lockdown update Vaccine war of words between states and Commonwealth Home grown guided missiles NSW government in minority as troubled MP quits OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the difference between locking a child in a cage... in a chain linked partition... or in a child migrant facility?     Those words are part of a war over the Mexico border... where President Biden is being called a hypocrite from both sides of politics for detaining migrant children in detention facilities.  The ABC’s US correspondent, Kathryn Diss has just returned from the border. Dulce Garcia is executive director of Open Borders and she joins us from a border camp.   In today’s Briefing... what’s going on with the US Mexico border... is Biden doing the same thing he accused Trump of?   TODAY'S HEADLINE QLD cluster: hospital closure and superspreading Labor conference and Cabinet swear-ins China to fill Hong Kong parliament with "patriots" OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June, 2019, hundreds of thousands of protestors lined the streets of Hong Kong.    China has jailed many of Hong Kong’s loudest progressive voices.  Almost two years later, the news cycle has moved on.      We’re joined by The Atlantic’s Tim McLaughlin who writes on politics and societal change in Hong Kong.     What is life like for the people of Hong Kong in 2021?  And what does Beijing have planned for   what’s now known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the   People's Republic of China.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government’s Covid subsidy, JobKeeper ends today.   We’re joined by Professor John Quiggan from the University of Queensland’s School of Economics to talk about what’s likely to happen once the subsidy is cut.    We’re about to enter a post Covid economy.  What does the future hold, and how many people will lose their jobs once the handouts are wound back?   JobKeeper ends today PM's approval rating plummets 100s dead as Myanmar violence erupts OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi talks to Wil Anderson, the award-winning stand-up comedian, television host, writer and podcaster. Wil’s about to take his show Wilegal to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival after the event was cancelled last year – the first time in 25 years he hasn’t attended.   Jamila checks in on how his year without touring has been, his personal philosophy for life and what audiences can expect from his upcoming live show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re all talking about consent! And with good cause!   It lies at the heart of the reason 100k plus women hit the streets last Monday. That march for justice was responding to the issues around sexual violence that have been raised through the Brittany Higgins and Christian Porter allegations... and the way they’ve been handled.   Broadcaster, podcaster and author Yumi Stynes joins us to talk about consent.   Consent 101. What is it... and how should we teach it?   In Today's Headlines  PM grilled over ministers' future Questions over NSW flood death Suez ship jammed for at least a week Tokyo torch relay begins OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more women are freezing their eggs to have a baby later in life.   In fact, there’s been a 20 percent increase in the number of women freezing eggs, and it prompts the question….why?   Musician and broadcaster, Linda Marigliano’s podcast is called Tough Love.  This week she talks about HER egg freezing journey.  To give us the medical facts and figures, we’re joined by Dr Peter Illingworth -  Medical Director of IVF Australia.   All your questions answered in relation to freezing your eggs.   The pesto recipe will come later In Today's Headlines  Scandal-plagued ministers expected to move in re-shuffle NSW MP names himself as rape accused Two dead as massive flood clean-up begins Container ship stuck in Suez Canal  OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid showed people they could work from home – live in a regional centre or on the coast, and work in the city.   It’s meant a massive rise in house prices pretty much across the country.  It’s also meant locals are being priced out of their own market.  We’re joined by Byron Bay local Nicqui Yazdi who’s had to move to Lennox Head to find affordable housing; Tim McKibbin is CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, who says he’s never seen anything like it.   Byron Bay councillor Sarah Ndiaye says the local community is in ruins.   Where do we draw the line?  Or is regional housing simply a reflection of the gentrification of country and coastal towns?  In Today's Headlines  MP Morrison forced to apologise to NewsCorp over sex allegations Rain eases as big flood clean-up begins Local AZ vaccine approved Ten dead in US mass shooting Festival cancels Union Jack artwork OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tens of thousands of women marched in rallies and protests across Australia last week. They sought a renewed dialogue about misogyny, sexual assault and respect.   New Zealand established a specialised court ten years ago to deal sensitively with victims of sexual assault. Angela Lynch from the Women’s Legal Service of QLD joins us to talk about how the court works and why she’s leading a push to establish a similar court here in Australia.   It’s time to start treating victims of sexual assault with the care and respect they deserve – and it might just mean more perpetrators are brought to justice. In Today's Headlines  Weather crisis continues across Australia  More claims of sex romps in Canberra's parliament house PM under pressure over inquiry pause Former NRL and NFL star Jarryd Hayne found guilty of sexual assault NZ travel bubble talks continue OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke Boney and Linda Marigliano, two of Australia’s most connected entertainment tastemakers, tell you what to think about the most important moments in culture this week.   Brooke & Linda’s Dream Club is a book club for film, TV, fashion, politics, society and culture, food, literature, gaming, travel, relationships and mental health. From the biggest stories of the week to the ones you need to know about, Brooke & Linda give their authentic insider opinions and tunnel into the deeper issues behind the moments. https://www.listnr.com/podcasts/podcasts/brooke-and-lindas-dream-club  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News bulletins all weekend featured stories about an emerging Covid crisis in Papua New Guinea. We’re told hospitals are overwhelmed and doctors and nurses are becoming infected daily.   We’re joined by Dr Gideon Kendino MBE, Manager of the Covid-19 National Control Centre in Port Moresby; and Kate Lyons, the Guardian Australia’s Pacific correspondent, to find out what’s going on, on the ground.   Australia is sending emergency supplies of the Covid vaccine and specialist medical teams to help manage the crisis. Is PNG’s emergency soon to become Australia’s emergency…?   In Today's Headlines  East coast flood crisis worsens Australia's vaccine rollout ramps up today TGA approves local production of AstraZeneca vaccine Two Australians detained in Myanmar OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi talks to Brooke Boney, a Gamilaroi Gomeroi woman who hangs out in the living rooms of a quarter of a million Australians every weekday morning as Today’s entertainment reporter on Channel 9.   She’s worked in the newsrooms of NITV, SBS and triple j, and is the co-host of ‘Brooke & Linda’s Dream Club’ with her best mate Linda Marigliano.   Jamila and Brooke discuss the importance of March 4 Justice, racism in the royal family and the necessity to use your platform to speak your truth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A decade ago, the world watched the Arab world explode in a fever of protests and explosions. Millions marched in the streets to over-throw governments. But was it worth it?   Hossam el-Halamaway is an Egyptian journalist and blogger living in exile in Berlin. He says social media might have informed the world, but it didn’t help the protestors. Peter Greste, the Australian journalist who was imprisoned in Egypt for 400 days says social media promises change, but ultimately is only a lens to view the emerging story.   So where are we ten years after the Arab Spring, and what role did the new phenomena of social media play in the campaign? In Today's Headlines  EU watchdog says AstraZeneca vaccine is safe  Australia's vaccine rollout ramps up Newstart increase passes through the Senate Employment figures point to post-Covid jobs boom Mystery player in Sydney wins $50m Powerball prize The AFL season kicks off at the MCG OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nations across Europe have paused the rollout of the AstraZeneca Covid jab after a handful of recipients suffered blood clots.  Australia is heavily invested in the vaccine.   Catherine Bennett - Deakin University Chair of Epidemiology joins us to assure Australians the vaccine is safe.  She says people get blood clots everyday – and it’s not a game-changer in terms of the effectiveness of the vaccine.   So where to for Australia?  And is the pause in the rollout actually a strategy to keep supply for the European countries?     In Today's Headlines  Health authorities reassure Australians vaccine is safe after allergic reactions European countries making threats against AstraZeneca, to secure vaccine supplies Anti-terror arrests in Victoria Trump v Markle in 2024?? OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid has made us all anxious. We’re all seeking ways to be more mindful, more relaxed, more in touch with now. Could learning a musical instrument calm our nerves and leave 2020 behind??   55-year-old GT inherited a piano from his mother and he has not stopped playing since he took it up. He says it’s changed his life. George Washingmachine, one of Australia’s premier musicians, tells us music transforms lives – and you’re never too old to pick up an instrument. Joe Thompson, a music therapist runs a program teaching guitar to vets and ex-firies to help with their PTSD. He tells us it’s all about calm.   Learning a musical instrument could be the new you. And you’re never too old to do it.   In Today's Headlines  PNG Covid 'catastrophe' looms for Australia  Hunt, Kelly:  AstraZeneca vaccine is safe Prince Philip leaves hospital after four-week stay Coalition MP Nicolle Flint takes aim at ALP in farewell speech Facebook inks media deals with News Corp and Sky New OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven people, including six children, died in a horrific fire at Sydney’s Luna Park in 1979.  Investigators at the time found an electrical fault was to blame.   The ABC’s investigative journalist Caro Meldrum-Hannah is hosting a new three-part series investigating the blaze.  She found the survivors, who for the first time, have had a chance to tell their story.   The blaze erupted on a cold June night more than 40 years ago.   It has never been adequately investigated – until now. Was it an accident, or arson?  In Today's Headlines  Thousands rally across Australia in support of women’s rights Christian Porter sues the ABC for defamation Germany, France and Italy have suspended the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine More protestor deaths in Myanmar OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government is introducing strict new online bullying laws, designed to stop trolls.   The problem is, they powers are too broad.  The legislation will see sex workers, who advertise legitimately online, removed from most platforms.  Lucie B is a QLD-based sex worker.  She says it will impact her ability to make an honest living.  Jarryd Bartle is a lawyer specialising in this space.  He says the new laws are being prepared without adequate consultation.   We’re all for stopping online bullying, but not if it’s at the expense of a totally legitimate industry.   In Today's Headlines  PM receives second Covid jab as new cases emerge Labor ahead in latest Newspoll after storming to victory in WA More protests in London in wake of woman's murder Women's rights protests across Australia today OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamila Rizvi talks to Eddie Perfect, the Australian who took over Broadway with his musical adaptations of Beetlejuice and King Kong.   He rose to Australian prominence as Mick Holland on Channel 10’s Offspring and a host of Playschool, all while proving himself as an esteemed comedian, performer, lyricist and writer - there’s not much Eddie doesn’t do.   Now residing back in Melbourne, Jamila learns about Eddie’s move from New York, his Broadway successes and failures and the state of the Arts from COVID-19.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week has been one of the most tumultuous weeks in the British monarchy’s history.   We take a look behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace, Highgrove House and Kensington Palace. Harry & Meghan kept referring to The Firm in their Oprah interview. Juliet Rieden is the Women’s Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief and Royal Correspondent.   She takes us behind the walls of the palaces to find out who really pulls the strings. You’ll be surprised who is responsible for curtsy training.   In Today's Headlines  Prince William speaks out in defence of the royal family Australia's Covid vaccine rollout now likely to run into 2022 More protest deaths in Myanmar as Aung San Suu Kyi accused of bribery NSW says QLD should not get cheap flights after border closures OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State governments across the country are changing defamation provisions. The laws haven’t been updated since 2005, when Facebook was still a frat house idea, and Twitter didn’t even exist. John-Paul Cashen from Thomson Geer Lawyers joins us to explain what the new laws mean for everyday Australians. Will they stifle, or encourage free speech? Today’s episode is an ‘explainer’ – a chance to dive deeper into the new laws determining what you can say about others, in the media and online.   In Today's Headlines  Commonwealth to fund cut price airfares to rejuvenate tourism industry Victorian coal-fired power plant to be replaced by giant battery Meghan Markle complained to ITV over Piers Morgan's comments  OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re more burned-out than ever before. A pandemic and back to back climate crises have left us fed-up and exhausted.   We’re joined today by the American GP and author Dr Amy Shah to find out why we’re so effing tired all the time. Is it diet? Or are some of us more prone to exhaustion than others?   It’s time for all of us to shake of the burden of tiredness. Find out how, today.   In Todays Headlines  Buckingham Palace responds to claims made in Harry & Meghan's Oprah interview Meghan's dad weighs in on racism claims MPs and ministers in hospital around the country Kylie Moore-Gilbert breaks her silence on Iran detention OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canberra has erupted with claims of toxic culture in the federal parliament – and the states are no better. So why would anyone choose to become a politician.   We’re joined by WA MP Anne Aly who freely admits she’s not watched Question Time before being elected an MP.   What’s the future look like in Canberra? Is it time the toxic culture in the corridors of parliaments – both federal and states – is overturned once and for all? In Todays Headlines  Fallout continues from Harry & Meghan's bombshell interview Former foreign minister Julie Bishop backs SA Coroner's inquiry Businesses to get funding to hire tradies Massive covid savings to fuel economic recovery OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victorian government is considering using robots to patrol the corridors of hotels where people are in quarantine to contain the coronavirus.   We’re joined by Bryan Goudsblom, CEO of Monjon Australia, the security company behind the robots. He says they’re the next frontier of technology and have a part to play in the country’s future.   So will robots take your job? Will they be effective corridor monitors? Are we talking Hal from Space Odyssey or R2D2? The robots are coming. In Todays Headlines  4500 GPs sign up to be part of the national Covid-19 rollout The world awaits the Harry & Meghan interview with Oprah Winfrey Australia cuts defence aid to Myanmar OR watch Today's Headlines on YouTube: http://bit.ly/TheBriefingSUBSCRIBE  Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.