The Briefing

Australia’s relationship with alcohol is changing, on average we're drinking less, in fact less than anytime in the last 50 years. In today's briefing topic, you’ll find out why.   Someone who’s watched this relationship from a safe distance, is comedian Shaun Micallef. He stopped drinking in his 20s and made a documentary series called "On The Sauce". He joins us on today's episode. We’ll also dive deeper into the social research on alcohol consumption with Mark McCrindle from McCrindle research.   In today's headlines: Tony Mokbel’s conviction overturned over Lawyer X scandal Actor Craig McLachlan acquitted on indecent assault charges Senior soldier steps down over prosthetic leg drinking photo Biden savages Trump after Electoral College confirms election win   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Briefing we’ll find out how you negotiate a rental decrease! In some parts of the country the pandemic had a big impact on renters who are more likely to have insecure jobs.    As a renter it always feels like the landlord has the upper hand and that rent only ever goes up but that’s not the case at the moment in some of Australia’s biggest rental markets so it’s a good time to make sure you’re getting a fair deal on your rent. Leo Patterson Ross, the CEO NSW Tenants Union will talk us through how to do this.   In today's headlines: New Zealand travel bubble “the first step towards international normality” New York City nurse the first to receive US Covid-19 vaccine NSW shelves drug reform as ACT considers decriminalisation China reportedly bans Australian coal imports Storms destroy iconic Australian beaches   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 has really sped up the cashless tend and in today’s episode we’re Briefing you on how close we are to becoming a cashless economy, and the surprising and important reasons why we may never go 100% cash free.    The big four banks closed 170 branches during the pandemic and more than two thousand ATM’s were removed mid-year, it’s unclear whether they’ll come back. Michele Bullock is Assistant Governor at the Reserve Bank of Australia joins us to explain how close Australia is to becoming cashless, and how we compare to other countries.     In today's headlines: Applause as Pfizer vaccine sent out in US Western Australian police brace for gangland war Alleged Bali Bombing mastermind arrested World still not on track to meet Paris Agreement, warns UN chief Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Paris agreement is having its 5th birthday tomorrow so you’ll be hearing a lot about it, and a lot about achieving net zero emissions by 2050 which is something our government haven’t committed to yet despite being a signatory to the Paris climate agreement.    In today's episode we’ll explain what the Paris agreement actually is and go back to basics with Andrew Higham who helped draft the agreement. Andrew is currently CEO of an organisation called Mission 2020 which works with big business to help reduce their carbon footprint.   In today's headlines: Lebanon’s Prime Minister, three ministers charged over Beirut blast Facebook could be forced to sell off Whatsapp, Instagram Nine arrested over NSW bushfire grants fraud WA Premier snubs National Cabinet to avoid SA Premier       Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A film about one of Australia’s darkest moments, the 1996 Port Arthur massacre is in production right now. It’s called Nitram which is Martin spelt backwards and is scheduled for release next year. The filmmakers want to shine a light on the gun laws that were brought in after the attack, but a long list of Tasmanians don’t want the film to go ahead, and in today's Briefing you’ll find out why.   We’ll be joined by Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz who was part of the Howard government that introduced the strict gun laws, Brian Mitchell Labour MP for Lyons which includes Port Arthur, and Professor Richard Bryant Director of Traumatic Stress Clinic at UNSW who specialises in PTSD.   In today's headlines: Albury teenager with “extreme” right-wing views facing terror charges UK investigates allergic reactions to Pfizer vaccine UN warns world still facing “catastrophic” 3C warming Report into destruction of ancient caves recommends restitution, reconstruction   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day one year ago Whakaari/White Island volcano off the coast of New Zealand erupted. Tragically there were 47 tourists on or near the island and around 12 of them were actually inside the crater. In total 22 people died, 17 of them were Australians.    So now that we’re one year on what have we learned about this tragedy? what should have been done differently? and who will take responsibility? In this episode we’re joined by Merdith Dallow who lost her brother Gavin in the tragedy, and Katie Stevenson a reporter for TVNZ who was on scene at Whakatane to cover the story.    In today's headlines: UK grandmother first to receive Pfizer vaccine Plan to force Facebook, Google to pay for news to be introduced to parliament today Christchurch gunman could have only been stopped by chance, finds royal commission Australia introduces new alcohol guidelines   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016, 20-year-old Australian Elly Warren was killed on a night out with friends at a tourist resort in Mozambique. Her father Paul Warren is still fighting for justice having travelled to Africa and funded his own investigation. And as part of that investigation he hired a local woman to act as a sex worker and gather evidence on the key suspect.    In this Briefing topic, you’ll find out why Paul has had to take this investigation into his own hands and why he’s frustrated with Australian police, as well as the Mozambican authorities. We're also joined by retired Victorian homicide detective Charlie Bezzina.   In today's headlines: German pair who mistakenly travelled interstate receive second negative Covid-19 test WA finally reopens to NSW, Victoria Most of California to be in hard lockdown over Christmas Part-time workers to lose overtime under major government shakeup Covid-19 imported to Wuhan in Australian steak, says China   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Streaming services have transformed the way we watch TV with 16 million Australians now accessing these platforms. But the giants Netflix, Amazon and Disney are all US companies with mostly US shows.   Last month the Australian government put out a proposal to force these streaming services to spend a certain percentage of their Australian revenue on Australian content. On today’s episode we ask ‘Should we force those platforms to make Aussie shows? We’re joined by Aussie actor, writer, and presenter Matt Okine, and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.   In today's headlines: NSW officer who let German travellers skip quarantine won’t be punished Fraser Island residents told to leave immediately New laws strengthen protections for casuals US breaks new Covid-19 records following Thanksgiving   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s been a running boom in 2020. During lockdown it was one of the only things you could do and in some parts of the country the number of people using running tracks and walking trails doubled during the height of the pandemic.   So in this episode we’re going to find out why so many of us turned to running and what we got out of it not just the physical side but the psychological and philosophical. You’ll also get some tips on how to avoid an injury with guests Warren Williams, head coach of The Run Squad and John Connell, author of The Running Book.   In today's headlines: Plans to reopen could be delayed by NSW hotel quarantine worker case Scott Morrison “unnerved” by planned Port Arthur film “I’ll see you in four years”: Trump hints at 2024 Presidential bid Major music festivals announced in three Australian states   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A national review has suggested that smartphone apps and wearable surveillance devices including ankle bracelets are among options that could allow returning travellers to quarantine at home rather than in a hotel. Since March, Hong Kong has been allowing travellers to home quarantine using a wrist bracelet that you scan into a phone app and it has been working effectively.   On today's episode we explore how these monitoring devices could work, and how they’d be received by Australian travellers. Dr Marietta Martinovic is a Criminologist from RMIT has done a PhD on electronic monitoring and explains more about this technology.    In today's headlines: UK to get Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine next week Australia is officially out of recession Chinese social media app WeChat censors Scott Morrison Singapore approves sale of world-first lab-made chicken nuggets   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parler is a growing platform that calls itself the “world’s premier free speech social network.”  But is it free speech? or hate speech?   Parler has created a space for people who share a similar world view and those that feel their opinions are being blocked by more traditional social media sites. User numbers spiked dramatically after the 2020 US Presidential election and Parler believes this is because other social media platforms are curtailing the spread of information, and censoring right wing voices and opinions.   It’s similar to Twitter in that there’s a newsfeed, and users can upload images and write posts, but that’s where the similarities end. Unlike Twitter there is no fact checking, so Parler users can say and post whatever they like as long as it’s not against the law.    To discuss this new platform we're joined by Mark Pesce, futurist and host of Podcast One’s The Next Billion Seconds and Vicki, an Australian Parler user.   In today's headlines: Tensions with China reach fever pitch over doctored photo Photo alleges Australian Soldier drinking beer out of dead Taliban fighters prosthetic leg Australia edges closer to border freedom by Christmas Tasmanians condemn planned Port Arthur gunman film   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What may be a few easy taps on your phone to order takeout straight to your door, can be a treacherous and sometimes life-threatening trek for food delivery drivers. On average, one food delivery rider dies in Australia every fortnight. Five delivery riders have died nationally in the past nine weeks, four of them in Sydney.   The latest tragedy involved a 37-year-old UberEats cyclist from Malaysia, who died after being hit by a truck last week. What is being done to protect our delivery riders? Who’s responsible for making sure drivers receive proper training?    To answer these questions, we're joined by Delivery rider Ash, who was injured on the job last year and Joellen Riley Munton, Professor of Law, University of Technology Sydney who says food delivery drivers are 21st century chimney sweeps.   In today's headlines: China doubles down over "appalling" fake image of Australian soldier Qantas axes 2000 baggage handlers, plane cleaners, ground crew Victoria’s hotel quarantine program to restart Charges laid over White Island tragedy   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can “shareholder activists” bring meaningful action on climate change, even as the federal government continues to hold out? At 23 years old, Mark McViegh sued one of Australia’s biggest super funds over its handling of climate change, forcing them to commit to being carbon neutral by 2050. This year a number other superannuation funds have committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from their investment portfolios by 2050.    His story is part of a much bigger movement of shareholders, investors and consumers forcing companies to commit to greater action on climate change. To discuss, we're also joined by Scott Phillips, partner at law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler.   In today's headlines: Records tumble as Australia’s east bakes Two million workers leave JobKeeper as economy recovers SA testing blitz continues after quarantine breach Covid-19 vaccination could begin in the UK next week   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll explain the meaning of the symbol in the neo-nazi cartoon that cause Pete Evans fall from grace two weeks ago. We’ll find out what this means for Pete Evans future, and find out where the black sun symbol comes from, what it actually means, and how it relates to the cartoon.   Our guests today are Andrew Horney from the Sydney Morning Herald and Andrew Jakubowicz, a professor of sociology at University of Technology.   In today's headlines: Defence moves to expel 10 SAS soldiers Freed academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert expected to arrive home today Victoria on the brink of COVID-19 elimination Federal govt considers Aussie show quota for streaming giants   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robodebt is the automated process that wrongly calculated millions of dollars of Centrelink debt for Australians. Hundreds of thousands were impacted, and in 2019 they sued the government in a class action.    Last week the case was settled in the largest class action payout in the country, with $1.2 billion given back to victims. But many of those victims are not happy with the settlement and on today’s Briefing you’ll find out why $1.2 billion is not as good as it sounds.    If you need help regarding Robodebt you can go to Legal Aid or other community legal centres in your state, or if Kath’s story brought up issues for you please call lifeline for support 13 11 14 In today's headlines: Developing: Australian academic reportedly released in Iranian prison swap Convicted terrorist Abdul Nassar Benbrika stripped of citizenship Meghan Markle reveals miscarriage The big winners of 2020’s Virtual ARIA awards   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s three weeks since the US Presidential election and Donald Trump is continuing court challenges and still refusing to concede defeat.   His fight against the result started long before the election when he began questioning the legitimacy of mail in ballots, and he continued with these allegations on election night when he appeared to be losing.   On today’s episode we find out how President Trumps legal fight to overturn the election is going and whether his legal avenues are about to close.    We’re joined by Adam Klasfeld, investigative reporter with Law & Crime news.   In today's headlines: Every Australian could be vaccinated by September 2021: CSIRO QLD expected to open to Victoria Qatari officers charged over invasive searches Biden Presidential transition begins   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A four-year investigation into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan by Australian special forces was made public by the Chief of Defence Angus Campbell.   The key revelation from the report include the alleged unlawful killing of 39 Afghan civilians and prisoners by Australian troops between 2009 and 2013.   19 of those soldiers have been referred to the Australian Federal Police for prosecution over their war crimes charges.   In this briefing, we are joined by David Kilcullen, an Australian author, strategist, and counterinsurgency expert to explain what has happened in this dark chapter of Australian military history and how to stop it from ever happening again.   In today's headlines: Oxford vaccine at least 70% effective as Qantas CEO confirms vaccine mandatory Allegations NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian failed to isolate after COVID-19 test More than 100 former Republican officials demand Trump concession   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.