The Briefing

Facebook moderators are the 15,000 people around the world whose job it is to decide what content stays, what gets flagged with a warning, and what gets deleted. They are watching the worst stuff on the internet so you don’t have to, and now some of them are fighting back against the tech giant and winning.   In recent years thousands of moderators have come forward saying they now suffer from depression, nightmares and PTSD because of what they were made to see on the job. We're joined today by Chris Gray, a former Facebook moderator and Dave Coleman, Coleman Legal.   In today's headlines: Scott Morrison talks vaccine distribution, international travel at virtual G20 SA officials defend brief lockdown with worrying modelling Couple praised for pulling shark attack victim from water Facebook, Google must pay for news, say Australian media companies   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special edition of The Briefing we give you Mary Trump uncut, an extended episode of Tom Tilley’s compelling interview with Donald Trump's niece.   You’ll hear Mary’s fascinating insights into her uncle, who she refers to as ‘the worlds most dangerous man’.   With a PHD in psychology, Mary’s helps us understand more about the man, his mind, and what he might do next as he continues to deny the reality that he’s lost the election.   In the lead up to the election Mary published a book Too Much and Never Enough - how my family created the world’s most dangerous man.   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a growing awareness about the damage hard core contact sports is doing to our players, and in today's briefing we go deep on what football is doing to player’s brains and what should be done about it.    In Australia five players have been diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This is a brain disease caused by repeated knocks to the head. It doesn’t cause immediate symptoms and is degenerative so it happens over time affecting the thoughts, moods and behaviours of those who have it.    In September this year Former AFL player Shaun Smith received an historic 1.4million dollar insurance payout that acknowledged the permanent damage caused by repetitive concussions while playing. Shaun joins the Briefing along with player agent Peter Jess and Associate Professor Michael Buckland who set up the Australian Sports Brain Bank to research CTE.   In today's headlines: Scott Morrison says alleged war crimes will be dealt with seriously South Australia records no new Covid-19 cases Australia fires back at China’s list of “grievances” Australians making more money but not as happy, survey finds   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s is going through Donald Trump’s head right now? It's more than two weeks since the US Presidential election and Donald Trump has still not publicly conceded. To understand more about the man his mind and what he might do next, we’re joined by his niece, Mary Trump.   In the lead up to the election Mary published a book ‘Too Much and Never Enough - How my family created the world’s most dangerous man’. In today’s episode Tom Tilley goes deep with Mary Trump to find out:   What is going on in his head right now?  Will he just bat this loss away like he has with so many other of his problems? Will this be the downfall of Donald Trump? Major media has turned on him and called out misinformation, how will that be affecting him? Where does she see things going from this point forward? How does she feel about what’s happened personally? Does she want to see him go down? Would she like to see him broken by this loss? Would she like to see him in jail as a result of the legal problems he might face? With 73 million Americans voting for him, why does Mary think he holds so much appeal to so many Americans?     In today's headlines: South Australia has entered day one of 6 day hard lockdown China outlines official list of reasons to be angered with Australia A redacted report into alleged war crimes by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan is due to be made public today A glimmer of normality, with sports stadiums filling up.. And now live music return announcements. President Trump has fired his top election official Christopher Krebs … via Twitter!   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s Trade Minister Simon Birmingham joins this episode of The Briefing as we look at the growing trade tensions between Australia and China, and what Australia is going to do to fix it.   This year after our political leaders called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 China announced restrictions on some of our key exports including Barley wine, timber, coal, copper ore, sugar and seafood, all of which are now on the banned list by China Customs.   So how bad is our relationship with China right now? How did we get here? Who is at fault? Is this a coordinated act of punishment out of Beijing? And has Australia been too outspoken for our own good? We’re also joined by Geoff Raby AO, an Australian economist and diplomat and former Ambassador to China.     In today's headlines: More sponsors ditch Pete Evans over cartoon featuring neo-Nazi symbol Adelaide cluster continues to grow as thousands forced to isolate Australia and Japan agree 'in principle' to historic defence pact   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial and economic abuse is a form of domestic or family violence. It can be really hard to identify and to escape from as money is often used as a powerful tool for control or exploitation.   The Commonwealth Bank and the UNSW’s Gendered Violence Research Network have looked into this in a new report for financial institutions so they can better support people impacted by economic and financial abuse. So what exactly does this form of abuse look like and what can we do to aid those caught up in it?   To help us answer these questions we're joined by Professor Jan Breckenridge, Head of School, School of Social Sciences and Co-Convener, Gendered Violence Research Network (GVRN) and Natasha Janssens, the founder of Women With Cents.   In today's headlines: US biotech firm says its Covid-19 vaccine is 94.5% effective Defence force to be deployed to South Australia amid potential second wave Robodebt victims to receive $1.2 billion settlement Pete Evans dropped by publisher after sharing image with neo-Nazi symbol   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oregon has become the first US state to decriminalize the personal use of all drugs. The "Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act" will allow people arrested with small amounts of hard drugs to avoid going to trial, and possible jail time, by paying a $100 fine and attending an addiction recovery program.   In today's episode we find out how Oregon got here, and how Australia’s drug reform advocates have been pushing for a similar harm minimisation approach here when it comes to drug use and criminal punishments. Our guests today are Kate Chatfield  - Director of Policy with The Justice Collaborative a non-profit advocating law reform in America and Reverend Simon Hansford - Head of the Uniting Church Australia.   In today's headlines: Donald Trump comes close to admitting Joe Biden won the election WA shuts door on South Australia amid hotel quarantine outbreak Vaccine factory to be built in Melbourne under $1.8b deal   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What could you accomplish if you knew how to improve concentration and overcome distractions? What if you had the power to stay focused and become “indistractable?” In today's Briefing we're going deep on distractions.   Nir Eyal is a behavioural scientist and former marketing lecturer at Stanford University and he’s written a number of books on technology and talks us through his groundbreaking new book Indestractable.   In today's Briefing we discuss: What is distraction? Our internal and external distraction Triggers The 4 steps to becoming indistractable  How to master our internal triggers and hack back external triggers Getting the best out of technology, without letting it get the best of us   In today's headlines: Prime Minister warns Australians to brace for “difficult” and “disturbing” news about soldiers  Hottest years will feel cool in coming decades, says CSIRO WA’s hard border is softening from midnight   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Pfizers exciting announcement this week, the reaction from experts around the world has been positive. We’ve already learnt some important things about the vaccine, and in today’s Briefing we’re going to dig deeper and find out how it might speed up our path back to normal life? How it will be rolled out? Who gets it? And how will it change travel?   Dr Mary-Louise McLaws is an epidemiologist from NSW University who’s been part of World Health Organisation COVID-19 advisory panel talks us through this possible pathway back to life as we knew it.   In today's headlines: Five million Australian vaccinations could happen from March President Trump’s first formal public appearance since election defeat NSW smashes QLD sending State of Origin to a decider   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A vaccine being produced by Pfizer may be 90 per cent effective in stopping the transmission of COVID-19 which has created a lot of excitement about getting the deadly virus under control and getting our lives back to normal. The Pfizer trial is one of four potential vaccines the Australian Government has signed an agreement to purchase if it is successful. Pfizer have announced they could produce 50 million doses by the end of this year and 1.3 billion by the end of next year.    In today’s Briefing topic we ask Dr Norman Swan about some of his concerns about the trial and what it means from here. We’re also joined by Dr Sheryl Recinos, a Californian doctor who was part of this very vaccine trial.    In today's headlines: Pfizer vaccine reportedly being fast-tracked for Australian approval Jobseeker supplement extended but reduced Prime Minister won’t take disciplinary action after Four Corners report   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, four innocent people died in a terror attack in Vienna, Austria. The 20-year-old perpetrator had already been in jail after trying to join ISIS and was made to participate in a deradicalisation program during his sentence time. There were reports he was showing signs of a turn around and was subsequently released early from his 22-month sentence. He’d served less than half of it.   We’re going to find out more about how these deradicalisation programs work and whether they should be used in early release decisions? Joining the show are guests Johannes Saal, an expert in Austrian extremism at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland and Labor MP Dr Anne Aly.   In today's headlines: Major breakthrough: Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine “90 percent effective” US President-elect Joe Biden announces new Covid-19 task force Australia’s Attorney-General considers “legal options” after Four Corners Floor cleaner that’s less effective than water named and shamed in 2020 Shonky Awards   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden is officially the US President-elect. Biden called for unity and calm in his victory speech in Delaware yesterday, but the challenges facing America will be very divisive. First and foremost, bringing COVID under control and managing the economic recovery from the pandemic. He’s also pledged to re-join the Paris agreement, and then there’s the extreme racial division… In this Briefing topic, we’re going to ask where to next for Biden’s America. Matthew Knott, is the SMH and The Age Washington correspondent   Headlines: President-elect Joe Biden promises to unify America Donald Trump refuses to concede Victoria becomes “whole again” after incredible Covid-19 results Covid-19 vaccine production begins in Australia   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We bring you the latest on the US Presidential Election as it plays out. With Joe Biden insisting every ballot be counted and Donald Trump launching legal action, American voters are anxious and exhausted. Hugh Riminton joins us from Washington as the US election race continues.   In today's headlines: US election count update “Stop the count”: Armed guards protect American voting centres from angry protesters NSW Premier “shocked” after QLD Premier rubs in State of Origin win Mardi Gras parade cancelled, moved to the SCG   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We cross to David Lipson in Washington during the most divisive election in decades, to find out what’s behind the results so far, and how will this super tight election play out? David has spent the last year living and reporting in the US through COVID, civil unrest and a drama-packed election campaign. How likely is it the election will be called today? Do you think its Joe Biden mostly likely to win a path to victory? What has he seen in Washington over the last 24 hours? Why are these remaining states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania so key to this election? Where did Trump do well that had his opponents taking deep breaths? What have we learned about which messages have worked with the American people? The reaction to Trump and Bidens speeches Trump has threatened a supreme court challenge. If that case is to go ahead what would it actually be deciding on?     In today's headlines: Tight election race continues after Donald Trump falsely claims victory QLD debutants stun NSW in State of Origin NSW to become the only state to open to the rest of the country   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In contemporary Australian politics the Coalition (Liberal and National) is considered centre-right and the Australian Labor Party is considered centre-left.   So what exactly are the origins of the political terms 'left' and 'right'? and is there something intrinsic in us that means we align with either of these two lablels?   Dr Zareh Ghazarian is a political scientist and leading commentator on Australian Politics and joins us on todays episode to explain: What is left, what is right and how have they changed? Where did they come from? And how did we end up with this binary way of defining politics? What does progressive mean? Why do we still use these terms as relevant today?   In today's headlines: It begins: the US election is underway Melbourne Cup win marred by euthanasia Islamist terrorist who was granted early prison release behind Austrian terror attack Reserve Bank expects record low rates to remain for years   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Spanish Flu, the Melbourne Cup - the race that stops the nation - has never been stopped. But there was a moment back in March where it looked like Covid-19 would halt the Melbourne Cup for the first time in 160 years.     Today, the race will run with no crowds, no stilettos in the mud, no celebrities shoulder to shoulder in the Birdcage. Fashions On The Field will turn online as fashions in people’s front yards. No roar from the stadium full of people, just the sound of horses’ hooves and jockeys’ voices.    In this Briefing, you’ll find out how the race was saved and just how different it will be in this bizarre pandemic year.  Our guests are VRC Executive General Manager of Customer Experience Caroline Ralphsmith and Emma Freedman.     In today's headlines: Polls narrow for Trump on election eve Johnny Depp loses court battle Australia Post CEO resigns after Cartier watch saga House prices rise ahead of anticipated rate cut   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Australia’s most famous lawyer Geoffrey Robertson who shares his thoughts on the future of the Royal Family. Geoffrey Robertson AO QC is a Barrister, author and one-time host of Geoffrey Robertson’s Hypotheticals on the ABC.   Geoffrey worked on a case against Princess Diana in the mid 90s, he socialises with members of the Royal Family including Prince Charles and Meghan Markle. He is also the founder of the London legal chambers where Amal Clooney works. Geoffrey will be on stage in Australia next year with ‘It’s no longer hypothetical’ where he talks about post truth, Trump, Brexit and the Royal family. Tickets on sale via www.lateralevents.com   In today's headlines: UK returns to lockdown as Australia boasts no community transmission Premier Palaszczuk back to work after historic QLD election win Original James Bond Sean Connery has died, aged 90. US election: Biden, Trump blitz battleground states on election eve   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special weekend edition of The Briefing we give you an extended version of our interview with Magda.   She’s one of Australia’s most loved comedians however Magda Szubanski was recently targeted by a coordinated “avalanche of hate” from rightwing extremists and COVID deniers after appearing in a Victorian government ad encouraging mask use.   As you’ll hear this is a subject Magda knows a lot about, and is really passionate about.    We find out: Why Magda thinks she was a victim of “brigading”.  Why people are more tribal/aggressive during the pandemic and social media enables pile-ons.  Whether she considered asking for the ads to be taken down after the pile-on.  Why Magda sometimes feeds the trolls and what she wanted to achieve by replying to them.  The reasons she felt it was important to call out Covid-19 deniers.  Why marriage equality has shaped the way she has responded to Covid-19 deniers When she finally understood the impact of trolling.  Why “report and support” is the best approach and why she wouldn’t recommend other people taking on trolls.    Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s much-loved comedian Magda Szubanski was recently targeted by a coordinated “avalanche of hate” from rightwing extremists and COVID deniers after appearing in a Victorian government ad encouraging mask use. Australia’s e-safety commissioner Julie Inman-Grant reported Magda was subjected to ‘volumetric cross-platform online abuse’ which is commonly organised in closed groups on Facebook or other platforms.   Magda’s joins The Briefing to share her story: Did she ever expect the campaign would come with this much backlash? What was it about her involvement that really triggered them? What is it about the pandemic that has brought the abuse and attacks out? Was there any point where she regretted being part of this campaign or even considered asking for the ads to be taken down? Why did she take the approach of calling out the attacks?   In today's headlines: Developing: France on high alert after terror attack NRL backs down on plan to ditch national anthem Australia Post CEO accuses Prime Minister of “humiliating” her Border news: QLD, WA decide futures as early as today   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode is about the rebellious act of an Aussie Professor. Professor Edward Holmes is the Aussie scientist who defied China and shared the genome sequence for COVID-19 with the world.   When the first signs of the pandemic emerged in January Chinese scientist Professor Yong-Zhen Zhang sequenced the gnome of this coronavirus and shared that information with Eddie. The Chinese government had told them not to publish the information. However Eddie Holmes was adamant the world needed the information ASAP. So he defied the Chinese authorities and hit publish.   Eddie was recently awarded NSW scientist of the year.    In today's headlines: Qatari government “regrets distress” over invasive searches Kevin Rudd “blindsided” by revelations of Epstein’s think tank link Nation’s largest cybercrime squad investigating school exam bomb threats “Friends wasn’t funny either”: Kanye slams Jennifer Aniston over voter push     Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a passport powerful? and has the pandemic had any long-term impacts on where a passport might rank compared to others?   The current global health crisis might have crippled global travel, but what makes a passport truly powerful is showing consistency amid volatile times. On today’s episode we find out which passports have gone up and which have gone down during the pandemic.   We’re going to find out the power of the Aussie passport, and where that little blue book comes in compared to New Zealand.   In today's headlines: Melbourne officially open for business Recession may already be over, suggests Reserve Bank Jobseekers can expect payment to be above pre-pandemic levels next year Amy Coney Barratt confirmed to the US Supreme Court as Joe Biden forgets Trumps name     Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the weekend we didn’t think would happen: grand final weekend. Earlier in the year, coronavirus threatened to cancel the 2020 seasons of AFL and NRL, but luckily for sports fans, the games went ahead – a remarkable feat for the footy codes. This weekend saw historic grand final matches being played in Brisbane following a season of fake crowd noises, travel bubbles, completely revised fixtures and a lot of challenging COVID-19 protocols.    So let’s find out how the codes got there and whether the games have suffered any lasting damage due to this season? Collingwood President Eddie McGuire joins The Briefing to discuss what the future of the games look like.   In today's news headlines: After 111 days in lockdown, Melbourne is opening back up “Grossly disturbing”: Australia demands answers after women searched in Qatar Northern Territory police officer to face murder trial over death of Indigenous teenager Thousands of Australia Post offices threaten to shut over watch saga   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The appointment of US Supreme Court judges is one of the most intense election issues, and as early as tomorrow US congress will vote to approve a new supreme court judge Amy Coney Barrett.    If she’s sworn in she’ll take the place of the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg who died in September 2020.   Michael Macagnone is a US Politics reporter and joins us to explain why supreme court judge appointments are so controversial in the US.   In today's news headlines: Grand Final glory for Melbourne with Storm and Richmond crowned winners Hopes Melbourne’s restrictions could be eased today after cluster testing blitz Qatar Airways accused of forcibly examining 13 Australian women Emergency surgery for man critically injured in Queensland reef shark attack   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gladys Berejiklian secret relationship scandal has made national headlines, and on todays episode we explain what happened. There’s been a huge debate about whether or not the NSW Premier should resign. So far she’s toughed it out but as you’re about to hear, it’s not over yet.    Telegraph reporter Linda Silmalis who’s been covering the story joins us to explain.   In today's news headlines: Drones to monitor Melbourne footy fans as nation gears up for AFL, NRL grand finals Australia Post CEO stands aside over luxury watch scandal Vulnerable Australians board first Qantas flight to Darwin Countdown to the final Presidential debate as Trump accused of running country “like a reality show”   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take you on a road trip through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois, and find out the one thing that locals say when asked why they vote for Trump. When we watch America through our own media we get a perspective on the US through New York, Washington and California, but these others states up in the Mid North East offer a different view all together. Almost all of them voted for Trump in 2016 with some of them being crucial to his victory because they were expected to go the other way.    So understanding the people in these states will be pivotal in helping to understand the result we’ll see unfold in the election which is now only two weeks away. Australian journalist Jacob Greber is the Washington Correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, and joins us on this episode to the share the findings of the 4000km road trip he took through these states.   In today's news headlines: Covid-19 alert for Bathurst 1000 after virus found in wastewater Push for pre-Christmas travel plan as nation loses $319 million a day Extremists targeted Magda Szubanski, says eSafety Commissioner Pope Francis endorses same-sex civil unions for the first time   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 1 in 9 Australians smoke, and the government have set a goal to bring down our smoking rate to 1 in 10 by 2025. In a new plan to wipe out smoking in Australia, smokers could be made to buy cigarettes with a prescription or at a pharmacy. But is this fair?   Cigarettes already cost $40 a packet, so if people really want to spend that amount of their own money should they be free to do that?  This idea has come from a University of Queensland lead group Centre for Research Excellence on Achieving the Tobacco Endgame (CREATE) and we’re joined on todays episode by Professor Billie Bonevski to explain the prescription model.   In today's news headlines: New emails suggest top Victorian health official knew about hotel security guards  President Trump not a fan of plan to mute microphones during final debate AFP investigates potential corruption in $30 million land deal   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike a lot of other western countries, Australia has a forced saving system called superannuation. When the system was introduced back in 1992, 3% of your income went to your super, which is only accessible at the age of 66. Nowadays, that percentage is 9.5%, but there are plans to increase it so that by 2025, 12% of your pay will be put into your super.   Should more of our money be put into super? Or would you rather have it now to buy a house? Senator Andrew Bragg and Executive Director of Per Capita Emma Dawson join The Briefing to discuss the opposing sides to the super increase.   In today's news headlines: Western Australia delays easing restrictions after bulk carrier cluster Victoria’s hotel quarantine inquiry hones in on Brett Sutton NRL’s Dally M awards overshadowed by embarrassing leak UK accuses Russia of planning cyber-attack on the Tokyo Olympics Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Conspiritualism is a blend of two words: Conspiracy and spiritualism and it describes a strange phenomena that you might have noticed on your social media feeds. It describes the wellness bloggers and influencers who’ve taken up the same causes as conspiracy theorists.   This wellness community and QAnon conspiracy theorists have previously seemed worlds apart but according to Sarah Wilson they have quite a lot in common, and she joins us on this episode to explain. Sarah’s latest book ‘This One Wild and Precious Life’ is about coming together in a world determined to keep us apart.   In today's news headlines: Melbournians regain some freedoms but retail, hospitality to wait Federal government told to do more after New Zealanders leave travel bubble states Jacinda Ardern’s caucus to meet after landslide election win   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s in a name when you’re applying for a job? Does your name impact your hire ability?   In 2012 researchers conducted an experiment sending out fictional applications for real jobs. On some they used English-sounding names and on others they used names that sounded stereotypically Indigenous, Italian, Chinese and Middle Eastern. They found that these applicants were less likely to score an interview than those with English sounding names. Other research has found that when employers were presented with otherwise identical resumes, women were at least 30 percent less likely to be interviewed than men.   So what can be about it? How do we take race and gender out of recruitment and out of the workplace - to ensure that everyone gets treated fairly and gets to be who they are?   In today's news headlines: Top WHO scientist warns young, healthy people may not get vaccine until 2021 Discussions on plan to bring more stranded Aussies home delayed Victoria nudges Australian jobless rate up to 6.9 percent  Biden, Trump field questions from voters in lieu of second debate   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will COVID-19 be the ‘great accelerator’ in the death of the shopping mall? The mall has gone from the height of the social scene to struggle street in only a couple of decades, and the closing of shops amid the pandemic is leading to fears the “dead mall” phenomenon seen in the US could be in store for Australia.   More than a third of all shopping is expected to be online by 2030 and big retail chains here in Australia are struggling.  So in today’s Briefing, we ask: Is the mall dead? And is Covid-19 the final nail in its coffin? We speak to Gemma Acton, an economist for 7News who’s been watching retail trends very closely, and we find out what it’s been like to work at a mall and in retail during Covid.   In today's news headlines: Queensland, ACT rush to trace Covid-19 case as NSW delays easing restrictions Revamped Virgin could become a budget airline Inquiry warns acquiring Aboriginal flag copyright sets “dangerous precedent”   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s easy to feel like we’re the first ones to go through a pandemic like this, and that the deprivations and constant state of underlying anxiety is unique to our generation. But while this is a once in a generation pandemic, Australians have lived through difficult times before and survived. And some of them are still alive to tell us about it.   86 year olds Dorothy McRae-McMahon and Val Reily have lived through and survived pandemics, recessions and moments of global upheaval and in this episode they share their wisdom and experience, and reassure us that we will get through the years that lie ahead.   In today's news headlines: Hopes more states will join the trans-Tasman bubble days before launch “I’ll kiss everyone”: Donald Trump’s first campaign rally since contracting Covid-19 Two Australian Premiers face no confidence votes in just two days   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J.K. Rowling is one of the most famous authors in the world. The Harry Potter book series have sold more than 500 million copies across 80 languages. Potter isn’t just a series, it’s a phenomenon.   Back in June, J.K. Rowling retweeted an opinion piece that used the phrase “people who menstruate”. Rowling -- who has over 14.2 million of followers on Twitter -- publicly took issue with the story not simply using the word ‘women’.  “People who menstruate” is a commonly used term in the transgender community and many felt Rowling was mocking people who identify as a different gender to the sex they were born. She’s since compared hormone therapy to conversion therapy and expressed concern that young trans people are being pushed towards gender surgery against their best interests, prompting Twitter to “cancel” her.   So what does this moment mean for trans people who love the Harry Potter series? Can you love the books while taking issue with their author? To answer these questions we speak to Dr Lauren Rosewarne (University of Melbourne's School of Social and Political Sciences) and Hayden Moon (he/they), author of A Letter To J.K. Rowling From A Young Transgender Person Who’s Sick Of Her S--- for Junkee.    In today's news headlines: NSW Premier “stuffed up in her personal life” but refuses to resign Reported spike in dating app sex assaults Fake blood, fruit hurled at Scott Morrison in Queensland   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eighteen years ago today 202 people including 88 Australians were killed in a terror attack in the tourist district of Bali. A powerful car bomb, hidden inside a white Mitsubishi van, was detonated by a suicide bomber right outside the Sari Club, a renowned open-air thatch-roof bar in the Kuta district.   The blast site itself has lain dormant for almost 20 years, and the question of what to do with it is at the centre of a bitter dispute. A group of Aussies are pushing for a permanent memorial in the form of a peace park or museum, instead of plans by landowners to redevelop the site into a five storey commercial complex of restaurants and bars.   Carmen Jaques is one of those Australians. She’s also a researcher from Edith Cowan University who’s looking into the impacts of terrorism on communities. We’re also joined by Australian man Damien Murnane Australians who was in Bali that night.   In today's news headlines: President Trump says he is “immune” to Covid-19 Big names want trolls locked up Search for Esperance shark attack victim called off High Court bid to end Melbourne’s lockdown   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fast fashion is the rise of cheap, trendy, affordable and accessible clothes that turn catwalk trends into bargain buys in a matter of weeks. And while more fashion choices might seem like a good thing for consumers, it’s a bad thing for the planet. The average Australian buys 27 kilograms of clothes every year, and we throw away 23 of those, so 85 percent of what we buy ends up in landfill.   On today's Briefing we ask: Just how much is fast fashion destroying the planet and what can we do about it? To help answer this question we speak to Clare Press – Sustainable fashion expert and presenter of the Wardrobe Crisis podcast and Lucianne Tonti, founder of sustainable fashion showroom and consultancy Le 31.   In today's news headlines: Trump refuses second debate, labelling his Covid diagnosis “a blessing from God” Labor’s budget reply has big focus on women, families and blue collar workers Senator Jacqui Lambie refuses to support increase in Uni Degree Costs   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeownership in Australia is declining, with the biggest drop happening for young people. But the good news to come out of the Federal Budget this week is that the Government has added an extra 10,000 places to its First Home Loan Deposit Scheme which allows singles or couples to buy their first home with a deposit of only five per cent and the government acting as guarantor for the loan. This gets rid of the need for lender's mortgage insurance.   Today we’re joined by Federal Minister for Housing Michael Sukkar to talk us through how the scheme works, and Brendan Coates from The Grattan Institute on whether he thinks the scheme will be enough to get young people into the housing market   In today's news headlines: Labor throws support behind tax cuts Some Uni course fees set climb after a minor party signed off on planned reforms Spike in Overseas Covid cases, while new cases in NSW cast doubt on QLD border to be reopened.   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal budget is usually handed down in May, but this year it was delayed while the government focused on the coronavirus outbreak and rethought their approach to an economy in big trouble. The government has now released its plans to reboot the economy in what is reported to be one of the most important federal budgets in Australia’s history.   So how does the government intend on spending our taxpayer dollars over the next four years and what does it mean for young people? Former Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan weighs in.   In today's news headlines: The Federal Budget has been handed down overnight, with a big focus on young people and small business Tax Cuts for 11 million Aussies Job Maker – Cash for bosses hiring unemployed workersMore help for First Home Buyers Donald Trump has stepped out of hospital    Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While countries like China, Italy, France, Spain were taking strict lockdown measures when the Pandemic struck, Sweden went out alone with a very different approach. People were still out in cafes, children were still going to school and there were very few facemasks.   Initially that seemed to be a disaster compared to their neighbouring countries, as their infection rate was high, their death rate was high and their economy went backwards. But six months down the track Sweden is not seeing the second wave that some other European countries are experiencing. So is the Swedish long game starting to pay off? Has their controversial pandemic plan worked?   To find out we're joined by Peter Lindgren, the managing director of the Swedish Institute for Health Economics and Lily, an Australia journalist who moved to Sweden several years ago.   In today's news headlines: Josh Frydenberg to hand down the Federal Budget tonight. Covid-positive Donald Trump could be discharged from hospital as soon as today, but some critics believe he’s sicker than he’s letting on. Cardinal George Pell’s lawyers call for an investigation after claims Vatican funds were used to pay lawyers for damning evidence   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode we get the latest sleep science on daylight saving. A peak medical body says daylight saving is bad for us, and the EU has voted to stop doing it from 2021. So is it time for Australia to get rid of it?   Last month the US American Academy of Sleep Medicine changed its position on daylight saving, coming out against it citing new research the health impacts of moving the clocks forward.  In Australia we’re already divided on it WA, NT and QLD don’t do it. while the rest of the country does.   So how damaging is it for our heath? Dr. Kannan Ramar President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Scientist Gemma Paech from the Sleep Foundation help explain.   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump reportedly claimed $US70,000 in haircuts as part of millions in business expenses that have helped reduce his federal tax bill to just a few hundred dollars. An investigation by the New York Times exposed two decades of the Presidents tax returns, revealing he paid just $750 US in both 2016 and 2017, and paid no income tax in 10 of the past 15 years.   Trump's critics hope the leaked taxed returns will hurt the President’s chances when Americans go to the polls next months. It’s already come up as an issue in the first debate, but will it have any impact at the ballot box? We’re joined by Dr David Smith, Senior Lecturer in American Politics at the University of Sydney to find out why Trumps taxes are a big deal.     In today's news headlines: Trans-Tasman bubble inching closer Aged care royal commission: federal government’s Covid-19 response was “insufficient” Google to pay $1.4 billion after local news stoush   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we find out about the woman at the centre of one of the biggest crime scandals in Australian history. Last year it was revealed that Lawyer X was Nicola Gobbo: a prominent Melbourne lawyer who represented some of Melbourne’s biggest criminals and at the same time was giving information about them to the police.   The Lawyer X scandal could see some of Australia's most notorious criminals released from prison, and there’s concern that they might want Lawyer X dead, and that’s why she might have to spend the rest of her life in hiding. To explain this story we’re joined by Anthony Dowsley: the journalist who first broke the story for the Herald Sun in 2014.   In today's news headlines: Presidential debate format to be changed after “dumpster fire” spectacle $1.5 billion to boost Australian manufacturing Facebook to integrate Instagram, Messenger, Whatsapp   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s going on inside some of Australia’s most expensive schools? What kind of culture is being promoted? Should private schools review their culture? Are the high marks, fancy uniforms and big gymnasiums really worth it?   The recent muck up day scandal re-opens some of the debates about the problems with private schools elitist attitudes to people less fortunate, and unhealthy outdated attitudes towards women.  One voice that’s stood out in the public vs private school debate is Rob Sturrock who joins us on this episode. Rob is a former Shore student and author of Man Raises Boy: A revolutionary approach for fathers who want to raise kind, confident and happy sons.   In today's news headlines: PM flags international quarantine change Wet and stormy end to 2020 expected on Australia’s east coast Joe Biden and Donald Trump face off in the first Presidential debate   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last week, there has been an epic struggle of life and death on a remote wild part of the Tasmanian coast. 470 long-finned pilot whales were discovered beached around Macquarie Harbour and Ocean Beach near the Tasmanian town of Strahan. The tragic event stands as the largest whale stranding in Australian history.   Rescuers have managed to save 110 whales but sadly the rest are dead and are currently being disposed of. In this Briefing, we dive deep into why this mass beaching has happened and why we have intervened in this natural occurrence. Our guests are Dr Wally Franklin (Adjunct Fellow - Southern Cross University and Marine Scientist with The Oceania Project) and Tom Mountney (a salmon fisherman who’s been assisting with the rescue).   In today's news headlines: Police investigate after bushfire-ravaged town defrauded by conman Victoria’s case numbers fall to single digits Dreamworld convicted, fined $3.6 million for 2016 tragedy George Pell reportedly returning to the Vatican   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

175 years in a US prison: that’s the sentence Australian Wikileaks founder Julian Assange could be facing. Julian is currently in London with legal proceedings underway to decide whether or not he is extradited to the US to face espionage charges. In this episode we get you up to speed on Julian’s story so far, going back to 2010 when he and Wikileaks made headlines for the release of almost 400,000 classified US documents about the war in Iraq.   Today we find out what’s going on for Julian right now when we speak with Jen Robinson, his Australian lawyer in London who’s been working on the case the whole time. She joins us in the midst of the evidential stage of the extradition hearing.   We find out: His emotional and psychological state.  What is the argument they are making in this case? What would it take and what hope do they have of getting this UK court to refuse the US extradition order?  What happens if the UK refuses extradition what happens to Julian, and if they don’t what happens?  How does he want the Australian government to intervene?  Is there any hope that Trump could pardon Assange?  The timeline of the extradition and what the next few years look like for Julian and his legal team.   In today's news headlines: Restrictions ease in Melbourne Federal budget "bent, not broken" as JobKeeper wound back Trump’s US Supreme Court pick named   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode we look at the global campaign to strip Beijing of the Winter Olympics asking: Should a country have the privilege to host the Olympic Games if the government of that country is doing something harmful to its citizens?   Hosting the Olympics is a privilege and often a very positive PR moment for the host nation, however a group of human rights activists have delivered a joint letter to the International Olympic Committee calling for Beijing to be stripped of the Games over its crackdown on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and the detention of Uighurs, a Muslim minority. Should China be stripped of the games? Or is it too late given they were awarded back in 2015?   To answer this question we're joined by Sir Iain Duncan Smith (former leader of the British Conservative Party and founder of the The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance On China), Craig Foster (former Socceroos coach turned human rights activist), Dr Steve Georgakis (Senior Lecturer of pedagogy and sports studies, University of Sydney) and Federal MP Dave Sharma.   In today's news headlines: Victorian Premier to front hotel quarantine inquiry WA’s notorious Claremont serial killer found guilty New plan to slash home loan approval times   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are 25,000 Australian’s wanting to come home from overseas and our Prime Minister wants them home by Christmas. But with limits on the number of people allowed home and into quarantine each week the airlines that are still flying can only bring in a fraction of the passengers they used to, so passengers are being charged first and business class tickets and those with economy seats are being bumped.   We’re joined by Aviation expert Neil Hansford to explain why that is happening, how will this situation change, and whether the 25,000 Australians be home by Christmas? We also speak to Nadine, an Aussie who came back from Portugal after forking out $15,000 for business class seats.   In today's news headlines: Charges laid in Breonna Taylor case Millions of Australians to get faster internet through NBN upgrade Sydney principal defends elite boys school after shocking scavenger hunt list   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turia Pitt was 24 years old when she was caught in a grassfire while competing in an ultramarathon. She tried to outrun the flames but couldn’t. She suffered burns to 65% of her body and wasn’t expected to survive her injuries.   But Turia is proof that with the right mindset anything is possible. On today’s episode we find out what Turia’s tragedy taught her about happiness and why she‘s  happier now than she was before her accident.   Turia’s new book’s called Happy and other Ridiculous Aspirations couldn’t have come at a better time for many of us. Turia explains how we can use the challenges of 2020 to work out what actually makes us happy rather than what we thought made us happy, or what we thought defined our life.   In today's news headlines: SA opening to NSW from midnight tonight as QLD expands border bubble New international deal for Covid-19 vaccine Far-right terrorism now about a third of cases, ASIO says Australia’s Technology Roadmap for reducing carbon emissions   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The horrifying video of George Floyd being killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May sparked massive Black Lives Matter protests in America and around the world, including here in Australia. But another death that actually happened before that of Floyd’s, the police shooting of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, continues to fuel BLM protests.   Who was Breonna Taylor? How has her death impacted the BLM movement? And why did the Louisville City Council pay her family a US$12m settlement last week? To answer these questions we speak to Michael Trautmann, investigative journalist with Kentucky’s Courier Journal paper to tell you what you need to know about this case.   In today's news headlines: Ellen DeGeneres returns after allegations of toxic workplace environment Accused paedophile principal cleared for extradition to Australia Most Victorians support Premier Daniel Andrews, poll finds Billions to reduce carbon emissions but no targets, federal government announces   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the children and wives of the Australian men who went to fight with ISIS. 47 of their children and 20 ISIS brides are still alive and stuck in refugee camps in Syria that hold people displaced by Islamic State. Their families have been pleading with Australian government to bring them home, and so far they’ve been refused, despite other Western countries having taken their ISIS brides and their children home.   Laws were introduced that allowed Australia to take away the citizenship of someone who joined ISIS, plus other terror laws which means if these women return home they could potentially face hefty penalties. So should we bring them home and try them under those laws rather than leave them in Syria?   To help answer this question, we're joined by Professor Guy Goodwin-Gill, Professor of Law at UNSW and Acting Director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law. Our other guest is Matt Tinkler - Deputy CEO of Save the Children, an organisation working with women and children in the refugee camps.   In today's news headlines: Victoria “ahead of schedule” after 14 daily cases “Road to nowhere”: Labor lashes Scott Morrison for rejecting 2050 emissions target Two Republican Senators won’t back pre-election Ruth Bader Ginsberg replacement TikTok saved at the 11th hour, but another app is still being banned today   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At beginning of the pandemic in March we were hearing a lot about Europe, then in the following months the continent seemed to have the virus under control. Residents appeared to be enjoying the summer, travelling freely between countries. So have these lax attitudes contributed to Europe’s second wave? Last week the EU and Britain announced 41,000 fresh cases a day on average, however medical teams managing to keep the death rates lower during this second wave.   On today's episode we find out what has caused this second wave, how widespread mask use is in Europe, Sweden's approach to not lockdown and compare Australia’s approach to Europe. We’re joined by Martin McKee, professor of European public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and also the former chair of the World Health Organisation’s European Advisory Committee on Health Research.    In today's news headlines: Jobless rate falls, defying all expectations Telehealth and home medication deliveries extended into next year Man charged with threatening to kill QLD Premier, Chief Health Officer Woman in her 20s wins entire $60 million Powerball   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscription-based social media site OnlyFans is booming during the pandemic with over 24 million users. So what exactly is it? and how does it work?   Being a new combination of porn and social media where subscribers pay a small monthly fee and content creators keep 80% profits, we find out whether it comes with some dangers. In this episode we’re joined by Renee Gracie, the former V8 racer who wasn’t making enough money in the sport, and is now making hundreds of thousands a month on OnlyFans posting explicit content.   In today's news headlines: Bid to bring more stranded Aussies home on track Renewables in line for federal funding boost, but there’s a catch Confirmed: illness that paused Oxford vaccine trial “unlikely” to be from shot   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.