The Briefing

Loneliness and learning to be happy alone are important things to work out in your 20s. 2020 has given many of us a chance to reflect on our lives. What decisions did we make as twenty-somethings to get us here and were they right?   The hosts of the pop culture podcast Shameless, Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald, join us on todays episode to discuss why learning to be happy alone is one of life’s important lessons. They’ve written a book called The Space Between which is all about living in your 20s, figuring out who you are now and who you want to be, and the challenge of being alone.   In today's news headlines: Stranded Aussies could quarantine on Christmas Island Officer who stomped on man’s head stood down JK Rowling accused of Transphobia   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day 20 years ago, the world was watching Sydney for the Olympic Opening Ceremony.  Today on The Briefing, we’re reliving the Sydney Olympic glory including some of the most iconic moments across the Games.   The Sydney 2000 Olympics were our biggest ever medal haul to date, so we ask if our sporting heyday is behind us? And how do we get back to our former sporting best? To answer these questions we're joined by Andrew Gaze (basketballer and flag bearer) and Kerri Pottharst (gold medalist in beach volleyball).   In today's headlines: Scott Morrison backs gas to bring down power bills SA to reopen to NSW, ACT as early as today QLD Chief Health Officer says death threats have taken an “enormous toll” Dad of three in an induced coma after alleged police head stomp   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID deep cleaners are on the forefront of the fight against the virus spread. We take a deep dive into deep COVID cleaning and how it works. How does it differ to a regular clean? How long does a germ last? And what is turbo fogging? More importantly, we look at how deep we need to go to properly stop contamination.   To answer these questions we’re joined by Associate Professor Paul Griffin from the University of Queensland (Infectious Diseases Physician and Microbiologist) and Sandra Pankhurst, a trauma cleaner and owner of STC Services.   In today’s news headlines: Freedom closer for Victoria as restrictions ease After blaming Peter Dutton, revelations QLD requested Tom Hanks’ return California a “warzone” as wildfires ravage the state   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Year 12 is looking a bit different this year. Formals have been cancelled in Victoria and severely restricted in other states and territories. The official Schoolies on the Gold Coast has been canned and travel restrictions mean overseas gap years aren't possible.     On top of the social aspects of high school, academics have been hugely disrupted affecting students’ futures after graduation. To discuss Year 12 in this COVID nightmare we talk to a current student and Catriona Jackson (Universities Australia CEO) joins us to discuss how to make university entrance fair given everyone’s been affected differently.     In today's headlines: More than $200,000 raised to help dying Brisbane dad say goodbye to his kids Queensland Premier accuses Prime Minister of “worst bullying I’ve seen” Family of Australian men on capsized livestock ship plead with federal government to launch search Key Victorian MP calls for curfew to be dumped after revelations it was the Premier’s decision   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announced on Sunday harsh measures for the state’s pathway out of lockdown. Resentment to the strict approach is growing beyond protesters and is beginning to be questioned by those who accept the science, including our epidemiologists.   We talk to Federal Liberal MP and medical researcher Dr. Katie Allen about the lockdown roadmap and Victoria’s contact tracing, while epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett weighs in on the gaps in the state’s modelling scenarios.   In today's news headlines: Oxford University’s promising vaccine trial put on hold QLD accused of double standards after Tom Hanks return Large tiger shark caught in nets could be behind fatal Gold Coast attack Prime Minister tells TikTok to do better after viral death video   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last financial quarter, Australia experienced its biggest economic drop since the Great Depression, officially plunging the country into a recession. But what exactly does a recession mean and what impact does it have on our lives?   Economist writer Jessica Irvine joins The Briefing to explain the ins-and-outs of a recession and whether we should be worried.   In today's news headlines: Young people warned to stay off TikTok after disturbing video goes viral Two Australian journalists rushed out of China as Australian TV anchor charged Man killed in suspected great white shark attack on the Gold Coast WA nurse helping with Melbourne outbreak contracts Covid-19   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 per cent of people in their 20s have lost their jobs in the COVID crisis, and many more are reassessing their career choices. So how do you turn a career low point or a complete job loss into a positive? What can you do to get a competitive edge in the current job market?   Businesswoman and author of You’ve Got This, Bec Brown, educates The Briefing on how to successfully navigate a profession pivot in a recession and find the silver linings of a career catastrophe.   In today's news headlines: “Worst case scenario”: federal officials pan Victoria’s lockdown roadmap Novak Djokovic issues apology after hitting line judge with a ball Data from 186,000 customers stolen in Service NSW hack Prime Minister to push ahead with new laws despite Facebook threat to block local news   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the pandemic we’ve been more hungry for information than ever before. So how different are the questions you’re asking to the rest of the country? Are your google searches weirder than everyone else’s? Are you responding differently to this moment than most people? What is the most googled question in this pandemic?   On today's episode we take a look at the most googled search terms over the last six months, and find out what they say about us. We’ve gone straight to Google and asked what are the top ten questions of the last six months in Australia? Google’s Data editor Simon Rogers counts them down with us.   In today's headlines: Victoria’s roadmap revealed: Melbourne to be in the world’s longest lockdown Free Covid-19 vaccines available from next year if trials prove successful More than half of mortgage-holders still deferring payments as deadline looms   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. In today's episode we catch up with Kevin Rudd, the 26th Prime Minister of Australia serving from 2007 to 2010 and again in 2013.     What would his approach to be managing the tension between Australia and China? Does he think Australia should have led the inquiry into the origins of Coronavius? Does Kevin think Joe Biden will be the next President of USA? How was Covid handled by the Trump administration? The last time he got recognised in the street and what they said to him The most common things kids ask him to do  Why he’s the king of handball, and why its helping Aussie kids in lockdown     Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a bombshell this week Facebook threatened to block the sharing of Australian news content. It means media companies and everyday users won't be able to share news on Facebook or Instagram. This threat from Facebook is in response to a new code developed by the ACCC that would require Facebook and Google, which also owns Youtube, to share a portion of their ad revenue with Australian media organisations and newspapers.   So who is going to win? Will Facebook really stop doing news in Australia? Or will the Australian government be able to force them to agree on a revenue deal? On today's episode we break it down for you with the help of Dan Van Boom, editor of tech site CNET.   In today's news headlines: PM to push for open borders at National Cabinet, but some states have already refused Two Australians among ship crew missing feared dead after Typhoon off Japan Australian arrested in Bali on drug charges Facebook cracks down on US ads before election   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music festivals in 2021. What will they look like, if they can even go ahead at all?   COVID has decimated the festival scene around the world. So is there any way festivals can happen in cities where there’s still high community transmission? Can you have thousands of people in one place, sharing a drink, dancing and listening to the bands they love but also keep them socially distanced? Will a COVID safe festival kill the vibe for both the audience and the performers?   Blues Fest in Byron Bay is planning to go ahead next Easter and on today’s episode we’re joined by its promoter Peter Noble to explain how it will work. Tash Sultana has sold out major arenas and headlined the world’s biggest festivals. Tash joins us to explain the future of festivals from the artists' perspective and the decision to be part of Bluesfest 2021. What’s it like to play to a seated crowd? Is Tash going to have to change the show up in any way and adapt?   In today's news headlines: It’s official: Australia is in its first recession in 28 years AFL officials thank the QLD government for keeping footy alive Police warn TV personality Sam Newman against lockdown as video of pregnant mum’s arrest goes viral     Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As bushfire season approaches, hazard reduction burning is happening in parts of Australia, and hopefully making us safer.   But the smell of smoke is also bringing back memories of the horror Black Summer many of us faced.   Recent findings from a NSW inquiry and some interim observations from the Royal Commission have come through this week. So what did we learn from these findings? And are we any better prepared for this year’s summer... than we were last year?   On todays episode we’re joined by one of the key people leading the bushfire response this summer Acting Deputy Commissioner at the NSW RFS Peter Mckechnie.   In today's news headlines: Facebook threatens to block Australian news Changes to JobKeeper pass parliament: What does it mean for you? AFL Grand Final expected to be moved to Queensland   In today's Briefing we ask: What is the bush fire smoke we're smelling in many areas of the country? What is the difference between control burning and back burning? Have we done anything differently this year? Are we doing more controlled burning? Does a wetter spring mean we wont see fires as early? or will there be more fuel to burn? Have we changed our approach to responding to fires as soon as they start, even if they're hard to access? What can we do from a human response to deal with bushfires? Will some of the Covid restrictions put us at more risk of bushfire danger? Will the quarantine restriction on state borders make it a hard to get firefighters from other states or countries to come in and fight the bushfires?   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On todays episode we look at twists of fate, and the survivor’s guilt of avoiding a tragedy. We hear the of real life sliding doors stories of people who’ve narrowly avoided death by chance or intuition and then lived with the survivors guilt that comes from it.   Tyla Harrison-Hunt was meant to be in the Christchurch mosque where the deadly shooting happened last year, he prayed there every Friday, however this particular day he was in Melbourne for a weekend away. We also hear the story of our Producer Claire - she was supposed to take a job in Christchurch but something told her not to, and if she had she would have died in an earthquake. We’re also joined by Clinical Psychologist Kim Felmingham  - an expert in trauma who explains what survivors guilt is, how debilitating it can be, and the concept of Post Traumatic Growth.    In today's news headlines: Australian TV anchor detained in China Interim bushfire report recommends national bushfire warning system Victorian roadmap out of stage four to be released Sunday $563 million aged care support package unveiled   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it like being the person at the top in times of crisis? Is there a breaking point? How do you sleep? Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has lived the answers to those questions as the person that led Australia through the Global Financial Crisis, the Black Saturday Bushfires and the threat of Swine Flu.   Six months into the coronavirus pandemic, we are in unprecedented times - which means an unprecedented number of press conferences for our State and territory leaders, as well as the PM. They’ve been working day in and day out. In Victoria, Premier Dan Andrews is about to front his 60th daily press conference in a row.    Today on the show, former PM Kevin Rudd is our special guest.   In today's news headlines:  Most Aussies back border closures, poll finds Queenslanders urged to wear masks amid new restrictions Australia’s emissions fall to lowest levels since 1998   In today's Briefing we ask Kevin Rudd: Should our leaders take some time off? Why does he recommend a couple of hours a day of ‘thinking’? What are his music recommendations? What did his day to day look like during the GFC? With the Black Saturday Bushfires, why did prayer and meditation helped get his own headspace in order? How did he stop himself from blubbering on national TV? Who are the everyday Aussies he stays in touch with? What advice does he have for other PM’s wanting to take a break? What is his advice for Dan Andrews? How has the role of PM impacted his mental health?      Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we doing enough to protect our healthcare workers from getting Covid at work? To look after those who look after us? Nurses, doctors and allied health professionals are ending up in intensive care because of what they say is inadequate infection control.     2700 workers have tested positive since the beginning of the pandemic with more than 100 hospitalised and sadly one death. So are we doing enough to protect our health workers while they’re on the job? And how can we expect them to look after us, when we can’t first, keep them safe at work?   On today’s episode we speak with Emily Morris, an Emergency Department nurse at The Royal Melbourne Hospital where she works with Covid patients every day, and contracted Covid herself last month. We’re also joined by Dr Michelle Ananda-Raja, a consulting physician in infectious diseases who has spoken to more than 400 Victorian health workers about their experiences.   In today's news headlines: Christchurch shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole China lashes Australia again over federal bill to kill problematic state, local agreements with foreign powers 20,000 shifts filled: chief nurse reveals the impact of Victoria’s second wave on aged care On National Equal Pay Day, experts warn pandemic will make gender pay gap worse   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent headlines you might have seen the Aboriginal Flag caught up in a copyright controversy. On today’s episode we get you up to speed, looking at why the flag is copyrighted, who can use the flag and for what purpose, and who should own the Aboriginal flag? For example, did you know that if you get a tattoo of the Aboriginal flag you're technically breaking copyright laws?   We speak with Professor Isabella Alexander an expert on all things copyright, and Gunditjmara woman Laura Thompson who found out the threat is real when she received a 'Cease and Desist' notice last year. That legal threat prompted her to start a campaign to free the flag from copyright.   In today's headlines: Victoria’s 12 month state of emergency extension dead in the water Senior Chinese diplomat says Australia “betrayed” Beijing Two people killed during US protests over latest police shooting   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate our 100th episode we’ve assembled the whole team for the very first time to thank you for being with us on this journey in this Ask Me Anything special.   To mark the occasion we’ve turned the tables, so you get to ask the hard hitting and burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask Tom, Jamila, Annika and Jan.     If you could do a long form deep 2-hour interview with anyone in Australia who would it be? What do you think would be the biggest news story at the moment if Covid didn’t exist? What is Toms favourite podcast and his favourite part of being on The Briefing? What are Jan Frans secrets for finding all the most amazing second-hand pieces of clothing? Since being diagnosed with a brain tumour and dealing with the onslaught of procedures and disruptions to her life, does Jamila think this has somewhat prepared her for the turbulence of this year? Who does Annika think will win the US election? What was Toms hardest “smile and bite one’s tongue” moment with a Politician? What’s been Jan’s most challenging news story to cover and why? How does Jamila explain to her child what is happening in the world at the moment? Did the raid on Annika’s apartment have an effect on her ability to sleep and rest properly? Is Tom still playing the bass? How does Jan Fran live with herself when she is that fabulous?     Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019 year the single largest massacre in New Zealand was perpetrated by a 28-year-old man from Grafton NSW. His sentencing is currently underway, with Christchurch’s High Court hearing from surviving victims and their families. The man has plead guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one charge of committing a terrorist act.    Our guest, Hisham Al Zarzour, is one of more than 60 people who survived the attack and who’s victim impact statement will be read to the court and to the gunman who killed 51 of his fellow worshippers.    In today's news headlines: Hundreds of travelers moved from Sydney Travelodge which was found unfit for hotel quarantine More job losses for Qantas and major fashion retailers NSW inquiry into summer bushfires that killed 33 Australians handed down WA’s court border battle win over Clive Palmer     Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recessions, depressions, wars and pandemics change what we value, the way we relate to one another and how we express ourselves. They also change our day-to-day lives including what we eat, how we work and what we wear.    Will this economic downturn keep up in bleak, darker colours? What will happen when this is all over? Will there ever be corporate attire if we all work from home? To find out a bit more about what the pandemic and recession might do to the way we dress, eat, work and play we’ speak to Associate Professor Jordan Williams, who is a cultural critic specialising in creativity and trauma.   In today's headlines: Top doctor defends vaccine after religious leaders raise "ethical concerns” Victoria’s state of emergency could be extended for another year President Donald Trump formally renominated for “the most important election in our history” KFC drops its iconic slogan because of Covid-19   In today's Briefing we ask: What is Covid going to change about the way we dress? How we live? Will Covid kill the bra? What changes will we see in the way we present ourselves? What interior styles do we see coming in? Will it change the way we eat and buy produce? Will there be a renaissance period where the arts will be put on a pedestal?   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disappearance of 3 year old William Tyrrell is one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in Australian history. If you’re someone who’s followed that case, you’ll probably know the name Gary Jubelin.    Earlier this year NSW detective Gary was found guilty of unlawfully recording conversations with a suspect and was fined $10,000. An appeal is underway, but it ended his 34 year career in the police force. Since his conviction Gary has released a book telling his side of the story it’s called ‘I catch Killers: The Life and Many deaths of a homicide detective’    Gary Jubelin joins us today to explain why he’s fighting to save his reputation.   In today's news headlines: Second TV show shut down after Masked Singer Covid-19 outbreak QLD races to get on top of Covid-19 outbreak Christchurch terrorist sentencing begins today TikTok to sue the Trump Administration   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Weekend Briefing. In this bonus episode, Australians experienced a horrific summer with devastating bushfires, drought and floods – all which have been intensified due to climate change.   At the peak of fires, Australia rallied for our government to acknowledge climate change and to take action.   Since COVID-19, the national discussion on climate change has taken a back seat, so how can we continue to tackle climate change amidst a pandemic and what is our government doing about it?   Tom talks to climate activist Jean Hinchliffe  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you think Coronavirus is just an old person’s disease then think again. Older people might be more likely to die from COVID 19 but it’s actually people in their 20s who are the most likely to contract and spread the virus.   Today we hear the harrowing story of Marcus Tomoff, a 28-year-old from Florida who contracted Covid-19 in June and is still dealing with really serious health and neurological problems. Marcus also infected his parents. He has a message that he hopes will get through to his fellow young people. We're also joined Dr Sora Park from the News and Media Centre at the University of Canberra.   In today's news headlines: Prime Minister asks state leaders to resolve border closure crisis Qantas sheds 6000 jobs as profits plunge 91 percent Hillary Clinton, Billie Eilish, Barack Obama and Kamala Harris urge voters to kick Trump out   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you love or hate Donald Trump, you’ll need to know about the new player on the block that could take him down in November’s election. Last week Kamala Harris was announced as the Democrats' Vice Presidential candidate, who will stand with presidential candidate Joe Biden to try and defeat Trump.    So given Harris will be critical to taking on Trump, on todays episode we find out who she is and whether she could make the difference for the Democrats and be key to defeating the current President of the United States. Our guest is Maya King – US POLITICO journalist.   In today's news headlines: Confusion over Prime Minister’s comments about whether or not Covid-19 vaccine will be mandatory “No evidence” Sydney hotel quarantine guard who caught Covid-19 did anything wrong Joe Biden officially endorsed as Democratic Presidential candidate as Julie Gillard gives advice to Kamala Harris Police slam “disgusting” national puppy scam   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve heard of anti-vaxxers, the people who straight up refuse to vaccinate. But have you heard of ‘vaccine hesitancy’? The World Health organisation defines vaccine hesitancy as people who might be sitting on the fence, delaying acceptance that vaccines work, or those who refuse to get it when its freely available. Vaccine hesitaters are considered one of the top ten risks to global health.   If Scientists and politicians are optimistic about their ability to roll out a safe and effective vaccine next year, why will some of us still hesitate? To discuss this our guests are Dr Robin Canniford (University of Melbourne) and Dr Margie Danchin (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute).   In today's news headlines: Australia locks in Coronavirus vaccine deal Jacinda Ardern isn't having Donald Trump's beat up. Research suggests muggy conditions could help mitigate COVID-19   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has postponed their national election because of a COVID-19 cluster which highlights their different approach to the pandemic. They are going for elimination, while Australia is pursuing suppression.     Their elimination strategy had been working well. After a national stage four six week lock down, restrictions were lifted and life seemed to return to normal until last week when the clean streak ended, and restrictions came back into play. So is New Zealand starting to pay a bigger price for the elimination strategy, and how different is their strategy to ours? Is elimination even a reality?   Professor Michael Baker is an epidemiologist on the New Zealand Health Ministry’s COVID19 Technical Advisory Group and joins us to explain if New Zealand’s elimination strategy is about to get a whole lot more difficult.   In today's news headlines: 99% of Victoria’s Covid-19 cases are linked to hotel quarantine, while NSW government apologises for Ruby Princess crisis NZ Pushes Back Election Due To Covid Young Aussies are the target of the latest ad campaign around Covid-19 ad campaign.    Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There appears to be a new kind of celebrity take down story emerging. One that could only exist in the current social media and cultural climate. Is it fair enough that people are finally calling out celebrities for their bad behaviour or do we just like seeing a really successful person brought down?    For decades Ellen has been one the most popular talk show hosts in the world, her brand is building on kindness and credibility but this year this image has started to unravel. On today's episode we find out what Perez Hilton thinks of the unfolding Ellen story. He’s world’s most infamous gossip blogger and responsible for breaking some of the biggest celebrity stories of all time.    In today's news headlines: The health minister "optimistic" about vaccine in mid-2021 Victoria’s state of emergency extended for another month as cases decline International students flying to South Australia in Australian-first pilot program   Follow Perez Hilton at perezhilton.com and be sure to check out his new book "TMI".   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week’s deadly explosion in Beirut was one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions in history. It also sent a massive political shockwave through the already struggling country with protestors calling on the government to resign.   We're going to brief you on why this explosion of ammonium nitrate has brought down the government, and what are the deeper problems causing so much despair in Lebanon? What was happening leading up to the blast that led Lebanon’s government to step down as a result? We're joined by journalist Adam Chamseddine from Beirut.   In today's news headlines: Hope as Victoria records its best case numbers in more than three weeks National unemployment now at a 22 year high Quarantine breach “likely” behind New Zealand Covid-19 outbreak Melbourne man fined for Maskacne   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research shows sniffer dogs can be 100% accurate at detecting Covid! On today’s episode we find out how do they do it? Which breeds are best? And when could our furry friends could be used to save us from Covid?   We’re joined by both Dr Anne-Lise Chaberis and Dr Susan Hazel, from the School of Animal and Veterinary Science at Adelaide Uni who explain the science behind this and when these dogs could be trained and rolled out here in Australian hospitals, airports and aged care facilities.   In today's headlines: New Zealand probes whether frozen freight to blame for coronavirus spread Joe Biden names Senator Kamala Harris as his Presidential running mate Western Australia works to pass emergency legislation to stop Clive Palmer’s $30b lawsuit University students who fail half of first year subjects to lose access to HELP   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is one year since Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York prison and exposed a dark underbelly among some of the world's most powerful people. For many of us watching on, it was this mysterious death that first brought Epstein to our attention. On today's episode we go back and find out more about what happened up until that point.   We’ll also find out what’s happened since, including Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial and the trial of the two New York prison guards. Adam Klasfeld is a reporter with Courthouse News and takes us through the story of Jeffrey Epstein.   In today's headlines: Russia claims it’s designed the world’s first coronavirus vaccine New Zealand returns to lockdown after first cases in 102 days Canberra slaps down Victorian Premier after claims army help was not offered for hotel quarantine   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On todays episode we explore how COVID-19 has impacted our weddings. Classed as 'super spreading events’ Covid Marshals are now required as part of a safety plan at weddings. But does this actually stop the spread of the virus, or is it just as a visual deterrent? These ‘fun police’ are required to ensure safety guidelines are being met which includes no dancing, no mingling, no singing, no embracing or shaking hands. Police have even turned up to do head counts and dancefloor inspections.   So is a wedding with so many restrictions even worth it? And could line dancing be the answer to keep our weddings safe?   Our guests are: John Alten (Sydney MC and event director), Professor Nancy Baxter from the University of Melbourne and Antoinette Lattouf, who was a guest at a covid safe wedding where the police were called.   In today's news headlines: BREAKING: The entire Lebanese government has resigned Australia's aged care death rate among the worst in the world  Covid-19: Victoria’s promising case drop; NSW school cluster grows; teens arrested for skipping quarantine   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are terrorists up to now during the pandemic? Are they more or less of a threat?   Whether it’s Islamic State or right-wing extremists some experts are warning that the pandemic is giving terrorists a unique opportunity to recruit new members online. In this episode we speak with Greg Barton, one of Australia’s leading experts on Islamic Terrorism who says there’s actually been an uptick in attacks in parts of Iraq during this pandemic.   So what does that mean for us here in Australia? How has the pandemic affected the threat of attacks on Western soil? Gary Ackerman, a US terror expert, also joins us to answer the question: How will terrorists pivot in the pandemic?   In today's news headlines: WA family of toddler killed in Beirut to return to Australia Victorian mental health suffers in second lockdown  Top doctor says COVIDSafe app is working well   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest issues of the last year was climate change. So where is the climate debate now and how has the pandemic affected it?   Best known for his work with The Chaser, Craig Reucassel joins us to talk about his environmental quest. His new show Fight For Planet A raises the question: How much difference we can make as individuals?   In today's headlines: JobKeeper to be expanded amid second lockdown People in their 20s make up the largest proportion of COVID transmissions both in NSW and nationally More pain for Lebanon as Covid-19 cases spike days after deadly blast NRL coach Wayne Bennett sidelined for two weeks over Covid breach   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of countries have used curfews as part of their pandemic lockdown measures including France, Italy, Cyrus, parts of the US, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa and now our very own city of Melbourne, but have they been proven to work? In this episode we explore the psychological impacts of a curfew, and also get the medical perspective on the impact it’s supposed to have.   We’re joined by Psychologist Eoin Killacky - a senior researcher at Orygen youth mental health service at Melbourne University and Professor John Matthews  - a public health expert who’s advised the Australian Government and also the World Health Organisation.   In today's news headlines: Two week state of emergency declared in Lebanon after horrific Beirut blast QLD shuts out NSW, ACT as man in his 30s dies in Victoria TigerAir to be dumped as Virgin sheds at least 3000 jobs TikTok won’t be banned in Australia, says Prime Minister   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU  If you’d like to help those affected by the Beirut explosion there are a number of ways Australians can help fund emergency relief:   Disaster relief campaigns include: Lebanese Red Cross  Human Appeal Australia Muslim Aid Australia Impact Lebanon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert is a 33 year old Australian academic convicted of spying, and sentenced to ten years in an Iranian prison. Kylie has always maintained her innocence. After serving two years, she was recently transferred to what’s been described as one of the world's worst women’s prisons, severely overcrowded and rife with coronavirus.   On todays episode we discover the chain of events that led to Kylie’s imprisonment. We speak with one of her biggest supporters Jessie Moritz and Australia’s former Middle East diplomat Dave Sharma. Freekylie.net is the website her supporters have created with steps on how you can help.   In today's news headlines: Victorian exercise loophole closed as new $5000 fine introduced Police officer’s face slammed into concrete by mask-dodger “They are dying, it is what it is”: President Trump’s disastrous sit-down interview Christmas Island to be reopened for criminals, non-citizens   Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAUTwitter: @TheBriefingAU See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly facts about Coronavirus you need to know. When the coronavirus pandemic first took hold in March one of the most prominent voices explaining what was happening was the ABC’s Dr Norman Swan. He’s a medical doctor and journalist and has become one of the most trusted voices in the country when it comes to the Coronavirus. Now that it’s almost five months since WHO declared the pandemic Norman Swan is with us to answer some of your burning Coronavirus questions.   In today's news headlines: Most non-essential Victorian businesses to shut as Prime Minister unveils $1500 pandemic payment Property prices continue to fall in the major cities Big spike in Aussies importing illegal, unproven Covid-19 “cure”   In today's Briefing we ask: Why did Dr Norman Swan become a prominent voice in discussing coronavirus in Australia? How does he rate the government response to the pandemic? Are these restrictions the new normal or are they an aberration? What will work to curb the spread of the virus in Victoria? How long will it take to get the case numbers under control? How do the restrictions help stop the spread of the virus? What is known about the effects of the virus long term? How does the pandemic end?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the pandemic pushed more people not to have kids? By 2030, the number of couples without children will overtake the number of couples with children. Despite initial talk of lockdown love and the ‘the makings of a baby boom’, history tells us that birth rates are likely to drop in the wake of Covid-19 and the recession.   For some people the pandemic, is the final straw, they  won’t be having kids because the world is ‘no place for children’. Joining us today is Anne Hollonds - Director, Australian Institute of Family Studies.   In today's news headlines: Victoria in a state of disaster, Melbourne’s stage four shutdown NSW upgrades facemask policy as QLD traces flight case Telstra backflips on cyberattack claim over mass outage Nick Kygrios slams “selfish” tennis stars while pulling out of US Open   In today's Briefing we ask: Is declaring a fear of a post-Covid world being a reason to not have kids an over-reaction? Will the pandemic mean Australia’s population will go into decline?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The label ‘Karen’ has become a new archetype of middle-class white privilege. ‘Karen’ has mostly been used in the U.S as a way of calling out entitled white women who are used to getting their way and who police the behaviour of others.    So today we find out what this label really means... by going back to where it started.   In today's news headlines: Three Queensland women charged with fraud over Coronavirus Victorian restrictions extended after record 723 new cases, 13 deaths Zuckerberg told he may be forced to sell Instagram as Trump considers US TikTok ban   In today's Briefing we speak to: Karen Hopkins, Australian who has no problem with the name Karen - is happy to have a laugh about it. Andre Brock, Association Professor of media studies at Georgia Tech. Dr Benjamin Nickl, lecturer at the University of Sydney. Professor Roly Sussex; emeritus professor of applied language studies at the University of Queensland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mental health consequences of COVID-19 are being described as the next wave of the pandemic. The pain of this pandemic could last for years, even if the medical emergency ends soon.   Calls to Lifeline have increased and new research from Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre predicts that under a best case scenario rates of suicide will rise by 14 per cent over the next five years. So how do we try and stop that from happening? On today's episode we speak to Professor Ian Hickie the director of the Brain and Mind centre.   In today's news headlines: Queensland is shutting out all of Greater Sydney after two Covid-19 positive teens sneak in Melbourne police break car window in dramatic arrest of viral Covid-19 sceptic Young Australians incomes’ have actually gone backwards Lorde, Sia, Rihanna sign letter demanding politicians ask before playing songs at rallies   If you're feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping or staying safe. You can call 13 11 14 for confidential one-to-one support with a trained Lifeline telephone crisis supporter. Or visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre, or go and see your local doctor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest threats of the pandemic is unfolding right now. The number of old people getting covid-19 in Victoria’s aged care facilities is frightening.    On today’s episode we look at the Covid crisis engulfing the aged care centres in Melbourne, and how this could be happening given the loss and devastation at Newmarch house in Sydney?   Nicholas Barboussas shares his heartbreaking story about his fathers covid death in St Basil’s nursing home in Melbourne, and Thomas Patsakos descrbes whats its like to have a loved one with dementia in the same aged care facility.     In today's news headlines:  Specialist teams rushed in amid Victorian aged care crisis Sydney Black Lives Matter protest over before it began Heartbreaking number: almost 3 billion animals killed or displaced by summer fires Donald Trump Jr restricted by Twitter over anti-masker post   In today's Briefing we ask: what's it like to have family inside an aged care home during the time of Coronavirus? How difficult is it to not be able to visit and not be able to be there in a family members final days? What is the reaction to people refusing to wear masks or the "herd immunity" theory?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to open last week before the pandemic pushed them back to next year. Australian Olympic Swimming champion Mack Horton would’ve been racing this week, defending his 400m Gold medal from Rio. It would also have been the first Olympics without a Sun Yang drug cloud hanging over it after the Chinese swimmer was banned for eight years after tampering with a drug test. He joins us on today's show as our very special guest.   In today's news headlines: Three-week-old baby infected with coronavirus in Melbourne NICU cluster Top lawmakers refuse to #RaiseTheAge Black Lives Matter protesters say they’ll cancel today’s rally – on one condition The ACCC’s world-first case against Google   In today's Briefing we ask Mack Horton: How time out of the water was harder than the postponement of the Olympics for him? What was it like not having a pool to train in during lockdown? What's the new sport he’s fallen in love with? What is the physical and psychological impacts of not training? How different the Olympics might look in 2021 in a pandemic world? What was his podium protest really about at the Rio Games?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across Australia children as young as 10 can be arrested by police, charged with an offence, hauled before a court and locked away in youth prisons. We’re one of the only western countries that do that. Today Australian lawmakers will have a historic chance to change that. The Council of Attorneys-General will be looking at raising the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years in line with UN standards.    On today’s episode we hear the deeply moving story of Keenan Mundine who was first locked up at 14 and then spent 15 years in an out of prison. He is part of the campaign to raise the age, and runs an organisation called Deadly Connections. Roxanne Moore is a Noongar woman and human rights lawyer and is helping drive the #RaiseTheAge campaign.   In today's news headlines: “Anti-maskers” slammed by government, business Premier says Melbourne is “effectively” in stage four already Supreme Court blocks upcoming Sydney Black Lives Matter protest Majority of Australians support legal change to stop putting ten-year-olds in prison   In today's Briefing we ask: what is the impact of being locked up on a young person? How does going to prison at a young age normalise it if it happens in future? What does it take to break out of that system? What is a better way to deal with crime than sending children to detention? What would the impact of raising the age of criminal responsibility be? What percentage of young people who are locked up come back to prison?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with guest Julia Gillard.    In today’s episode, we catch up with Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister about her famous misogyny speech of 2012, how ultra macho leadership styles are letting us down during the pandemic, and her new book Women in Leadership.   In today's episode Julia Gillard speaks to us about: The speech that turned her into a feminist hero The fact she never expected her gender to be such a key point in her leadership of the country Her take on some of the more controversial male leaders across the world during the pandemic Whether New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern would ‘make it’ in Australian politics Whether she expected her post-political life to centre around female leadership  Where she thinks the gender equality debate will be after the pandemic What male leaders of today can do to pave the way for a more equal future See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we take a deep dive on JobKeeper rorts and the bosses taking advantage during the pandemic. Common issues include workers being forced to change hours and duties to receive JobKeeper, and workers being pressured into accepting JobKeeper on the employer’s terms. Since the scheme began in March the Australian Tax office has received more than 6168 tip offs about JobKeeper payment issues, and the Fair Work Ombudsman has received 726 requests for assistance.   In today's episode we speak to some workers who fall under JobKeeper's provisions and Giri Sivaraman, a Principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn.   In today's headlines: A quarter of a million more people will lose their jobs by Christmas Man in his 50s one of five new Victorian deaths as $300 hardship payment introduced Twitter confirms private messages accessed in high profile hack of Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Kanye West Bill Gates “doesn’t know” where Covid-19 microchip conspiracy theory came from   On today's Briefing we ask: Is your employer allowed to force you into a different role or hours on JobKeeper? What should you do if you're being forced to change hours on JobKeeper? What should you do if you're being forced to change duties on JobKeeper? Are you forced to accept JobKeeper?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shark attacks are at a ten year high in Australia. We’re only halfway through the year and we’ve already seen 18 attacks, 4 of those in the past 5 weeks. 5 of these attacks have been fatal, when the average is usually 1.8 deaths per year.   On today's episode we're joined by Dr Vanessa Pirotta: wildlife scientist, marine biologist and last week’s shark attack victim who loves sharks. Our other guest is Dr Vincent Raoult, a marine ecologist at the University of Newcastle.    Today's news headlines: Covid-19: We’ll be paying off the budget hit for 30 years More than half of Victorians not isolating while waiting for Covid-19 test results US President Donald Trump asks Americans to wear masks in major backflip   In today's Briefing we ask: Why there has been a spike in shark attacks in Australia? What are the best approaches to deal with this?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Prime Minister Julia Gillard stood up in parliament and gave her misogyny speech in 2012 she had no idea it would become the defining moment of her career.  It went viral with 6 million people watching it on YouTube alone, and it made Julia a feminist hero. She was the Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister, coming to power controversially after the axing of Kevin Rudd in 2010. She is our special guest on the show today.   In today's news headlines: All the new JobKeeper and JobSeeker changes explained Melbourne security guard claims she was recruited on Whatsapp, given no training Charges laid over 2016 Dreamworld deaths Coronavirus bites with eight iconic Aussie magazines axed   In today's Briefing: Julia Gillard has a new book Women In Leadership and joins The Briefing in this episode to talk about what’s unique about female leadership and how ultra-macho leadership styles are letting us down in the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month our Prime Minister, side by side with the Defence Minister gave us a very strong warning about cyberattacks. Along with that warning here in Australia, there’s been a concerning development in the UK after they accused a Russian hacking group of trying to steal COVID-19 research.   On todays episode we find out what harm these attacks could actually do., and what we really need to worry about. Our guest today is Alastair MacGibbon: Chief Strategy Officer, CyberCX and former National Cyber Security Advisor & Head of Australian Cyber Security Centre.   In today's news headlines: JobKeeper: payments reduced from October, extended to 2021 NSW at a “critical point” as person in their 30s in ICU Major development in UK Covid-19 vaccine trial   In today's Briefing we ask: Why are cyberattacks a threat to us all? How do they really affect our lives? And what harm could these attacks actually do?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On todays episode we interview a disease detective hunting for patient zero and trying to stop the spread of COVID-19. Christian Peut is a Contact Tracer in the Communicable Disease and Control Branch at SA Health. Coronavirus contact tracers or "disease detectives" are the health experts who interview people with COVID-19 to try and work out who they might have got the disease from and who they might have given it to.    In today's news headlines:  Masks mandatory in Melbourne from Thursday More small business support ahead of JobKeeper tweaks Presidential latecomer Kanye West is holding his first rally today   In todays Briefing we ask: How does contact tracing actually work? Is it really possible to track everyone an infectious person has come into contact with? What happens if - or when - the Covid Safe app fails? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a special weekend edition of The Briefing with guest Dr Pimple Popper.   In today’s episode, we catch up with global YouTube sensation, dermatologist Dr Pimple Popper AKA Dr Sandra Lee. She has more than 6.5 million YouTube subscribers and 3.9 million on Instagram… with some individual videos clocking up 60 million views.   Did she ever expect to clock up 4 million Instagram followers? Her reaction to the success of her videos. Generating an income from what some people squirm over. How pimple popping videos are educating the next generation. Why her videos hit the spot with so many people across the world. The increase in views since COVID-19, and why she thinks there’ll be MORE videos to come thanks to MASK-NE [pron: like acne] from wearing masks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the pandemic making us watch strange internet videos? Jan Fran has felt the need to watch ASMR and Pimple Popping videos during lockdown and on today's episode we explore why? Pimple popping videos are a type of ASMR which is an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. We’re joined by the biggest pimple popper in the world: Dr Pimple Popper who has 6.5million subscribers on youtube and 3.9m on Instagram. To learn more  our other guest is Dr Craig Richard, an international ASMR expert who created ASMRuniversity.com and is trained in Physiology and Cell biology.   In today's news headlines: Perth AFL game hosts biggest crowd since pandemic began Australian unemployment hits 22 year high Celebrity Twitter hack hits Obama, Jeff Bezos   In today's Briefing we ask: Is Jan Fran the only one who enjoys this pastime? Why do some people love it and some people hate it? Should more people watch them to relax and ease anxiety?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 45 years letters between the Queen and Australia’s Governor General have been kept secret. This week, against the Queen's wishes this series of private letters were released.   On todays episode our guest is the Gough Whitlam biographer who fought for the palace papers to be released in court - Australian Historian Emeritus Professor Jenny Hocking from Monash University. We're also joined by Niki Savva - was in Canberra at the time of the dismissal.   In today's news headlines: $2.5b rescue package for young workers on the way Pokemon Go, KFC: the ridiculous reasons Victorians are breaching lockdown AFL moving north for the rest of the home and away season Young people drinking, using fewer drugs than their parents   In today's Briefing we ask: what is in the palace letters? What do they mean for Australia now?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.