The Front

Australia’s new law banning social media for under-16s is now in effect—hear the reaction from an advocate and the Communications Minister. Plus, Minister Anika Wells is under fire and facing a travel entitlements scandal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today the federal government’s much-vaunted social media reform kicks in - but Communications Minister Anika Wells has another drama to sort out: she’s referred herself for an independent audit after a huge drama blew up over her use of taxpayer-funded travel entitlements. So what’s fair when it comes to politicians’ expenses - and is this superstar minister under threat?  This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Stephanie Coombes. Jasper Leak also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry has won a review of his security arrangements in the UK - and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is reportedly claiming to have lost her seriously ill father’s phone number. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After phenomenal success in reducing HIV transmissions, the former AIDS Council of NSW - ACON - pivoted to become a hugely influential lobby group with a new focus: trans rights. Today - the deep concerns of lesbian and LGBT groups about how ACON wields its power. The Australian’s New South Wales Editor Stephen Rice explains the story.   Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Kristen Amiet, produced by Stephanie Coombes and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communications Minister Anika Wells billed taxpayers thousands of dollars for members of her family to attend sporting events around the country.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The peaceful Pioneer Valley was meant to be a renewable energy hotspot – but farmers say their water has been contaminated. Today, when a green energy dream goes wrong. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new show reveals the pure rebellious genius of Comme des Garcons’ Rei Kawakubo and Sex Pistols muse Vivienne Westwood.  This edition of The Front is produced and hosted by Claire Harvey. Audio editing and sound design by Tiffany Dimmack. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre didn’t leave a will when she died by suicide in April. Now, a bitter legal battle has erupted over her estate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian’s investigative podcast Shadow of Doubt in 2023 raised serious doubts over the convictions of parents nicknamed Australia’s most evil.  They were accused of grotesque sexual abuse of their own daughter - but journalist Richard Guilliatt revealed inconsistencies, ‘recovered memories’, and some huge twists. Now - a fresh development raises the possibility they could get out of jail.  Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is produced and presented by Claire Harve and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widows and children stranded in Syria after the collapse of the so-called caliphate are now back in Australia - and the Government says it didn’t “assist”, it just gave them passports. New notes, revealed by The Australian, tell a more nuanced story.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The superstar of Japanese pop, Ayumi Hamasaki, is the latest victim of a geopolitical dispute that’s flaring big-time. It’s China versus Japan - and it’s all about China’s number one issue: the future of Taiwan. Now, Australia's under pressure to choose a side. That’s today’s story. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Joshua Burton, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justice Michael Lee was right to find, on the balance of probabilities, that Bruce Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins - that’s the decision from the full Federal Court in dismissing Lehrmann’s appeal. Now Lehrmann will have to pay more legal costs for his opponents, Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. Hear our earlier episode about Lehrmann’s appeal grounds here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher - who aggressively pursued the concept of a Liberal conspiracy to cover up the rape of Brittany Higgins - has refused to say whether she accepts two courts’ rulings that the conspiracy was fabricated. In today’s episode - inside the fiery parliamentary hearings exploring why the Labor government is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars defending its actions in the Higgins matter.   This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was embarrassing, unnecessary - and expensive. The ABC’s bungled handling of two casual radio presenting shifts by Antoinette Lattouf cost the broadcaster - and therefore taxpayers more than $2.62 million dollars. Plus - the union pushing for AI to equal shorter hours and higher pay.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joan Taufua, mother of NRL star Payne Haas, was living in a grief-induced fantasy world when she was involved in a car accident where three people died, according to her lawyers. Now, her defence team wants the case treated as a mental health episode. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump confirms he spoke on the phone with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as tensions between the two nations rise. Plus, Marles spruiks Defence Department reforms and Head is happy to open the batting in Brisbane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As aircraft become more computerised - and even pilotless - they’re also more vulnerable to space events like the giant solar flare that put an Airbus into an ‘uncommanded’ dive and grounded thousands of flights. So should we praise Airbus for acting quickly, or rethink the risk of autopilot systems?   Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At two hours, 18 minutes, Wicked: For Good is a sequel for the superfans - but it’s also drawing huge box office. Nikki Gemmell is here to rave about a movie she says is the most significant for young women since Barbie - and a very unusual love scene.  Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is produced by Claire Harvey with Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team also includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who created our theme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German military officials have been actively planning for a potential land war with Russia, detailing a massive, 1,200-page NATO response in "Operation Plan Germany." Plus, an American National Guard soldier is dead after being shot near the White House in an alleged ambush by an Afghan national who had previously worked with the CIA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Australia’s best-known and most colourful politicians, Barnaby Joyce, is quitting the National Party to sit as an independent—and he hasn't ruled out joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in the future. Sarah Ison joins Claire Harvey to unpack the shock defection, what Pauline Hanson sees in the firebrand former leader, and why Joyce isn't resigning his New England seat to trigger a by-election. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a huge move for the longtime Nat, who says the party simply doesn’t allow him to properly represent his constituents in the NSW seat of New England any more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian has released a collection of our reporting and commentary on Australia’s antisemitism crisis. Commentary Editor Nicholas Jensen reflects on the seismic shift in Australian society – and the landmark journalism that captured it. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and Kristen Amiet. It’s edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says Ukraine is close to signing a peace deal that will end its almost-four-year war with Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For one president to call another is a big deal. When it’s China’s Xi Jinping ringing Donald J Trump - both men who like to be the most powerful person in any environment - it sends the analysis into overdrive. So what did the presidents discuss in their call - and what does it all mean? Greg Sheridan is here. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From a burka in Parliament to suspension from the Senate - and now a very controversial steak lunch: Pauline Hanson knows her way around a sandwich press and a political inflection point. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ‘four Fs’ spell a fossil fuel-free future that includes … gas? The man entrusted with explaining this tricky idea to Australians is sharp-tongued Chris Bowen, the nation’s most unpopular minister. Dennis Shanahan joins us. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud has lashed the Bureau of Meteorology after the true cost of its controversial website redesign was revealed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is fuming over a decision by world leaders – including Anthony Albanese – to defy his policy agenda at the G20 summit. Is it a sign his influence is on the wane? You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chief Culture Correspondent Tim Douglas has an adventure to make us all jealous, involving world-famous musician Richard Tognetti and a surprising amount of upper body strength. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of the weekend edition of The Front is produced and hosted by Claire Harvey. Sound design by Tiffany Dimmack. The theme was composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Coalition minister Linda Reynolds, victorious in her court battles against Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz, is now taking aim at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Plus, is this Sussan Ley’s last week as leader?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ashes test cricket series is steeped in 150 years of history – and the Australian and English teams haven’t been this evenly matched in decades. You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen cedes hosting rights for the COP 31 climate summit to Turkey – but he hasn’t given up completely. Plus, Reynolds’ warning to the PM, and Speakman fights for his job. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cape York Partnership wants to balance personal responsibility with an actual fair go - and it wants governments to legislate a radical new national plan to lift a million Australians out of poverty. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is announcing $1 trillion in deals with Saudi Arabia, and will sell American F-35 supersonic jets - but crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is baulking at what Trump wants in return: for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalise relations with Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican congresswoman and former MAGA hype girl Marjorie Taylor Greene and Trump have fallen out big time. So, who really owns MAGA, and why is Donald Trump so very angry? You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jess Wilson was elected leader of the Victorian Liberal Party on Tuesday after her predecessor Brad Battin lost a spill motion. Plus, Nine cuts 50 jobs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He opposes high immigration, net zero, late-term abortion and same-sex marriage - but Andrew Hastie is now the preferred leader of many Liberal moderates. What’s going on? You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has given up trying to dissuade Republicans from voting to release the so-called Epstein files.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A crackdown on asylum seekers looms this week for the scandal-plagued UK Labour government - but can it save embattled PM Sir Keir Starmer, as three credible leadership rivals loom?  Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on our website or The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Joshua Burton.. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can you compare Succession to Bluey, Parasite to Barbie?  And what defines ‘the best’ anyway?  Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new twist in the Brittany Higgins-sparked feud between three of politics’ most senior women: Cabinet ministers Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher at odds with former Morrison government minister Linda Reynolds.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A blockbuster new podcast from The Australian and our investigative star reporter Hedley Thomas: Sick To Death is the horrifying true story of a surgeon who made catastrophic mistakes - and went unchallenged by a broken system. Hedley Thomas is here for a special episode to mark the launch of Sick To Death, available now in Apple Podcasts and at sicktodeathpodcast.com This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump labels the late Jeffrey Epstein a ‘paedophile and a creep’ after Democrats release fresh emails between the convicted child sex offender, his girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell and author Michael Wolff. Plus, Adolf Hitler’s DNA secrets revealed - and the latest twist in Linda Reynolds v Brittany Higgins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says he’ll sue the BBC for a $1 billion; part of a pattern of lawsuits over what Trump says is unfair and selective reporting. What exactly did the BBC do to enrage Trump - and should Australia’s own ABC be worried? Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former CFMEU boss John Setka has been charged by police for allegedly harassing the union’s government-appointed administrator. Plus, a potentially devastating Ashes blow and the Libs duke it out over net zero.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Until now, it’s been judges trying to grapple with big questions of gender and justice. Now, politicians and sporting administrators face big decisions on what’s fair and whose rights come first.  You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Olympic Committee will ban men from competing in women’s sport in time for the 2028 Olympic Games.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 years ago today, an Australian governor-general sacked the Prime Minister. A new book reveals something about Gough Whitlam’s character that might explain why the PM didn’t see the ambush coming. You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. and our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New laws targeting Nazi hate speech could be enacted in NSW within the next fortnight. Plus, a warning from the RBA and tributes for radio titan John Laws.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Liberals will decide once and for all if they’ll dump net zero at a special party room meeting on Wednesday, as Sussan Ley’s leadership hangs in the balance. You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited byJoshua Burton. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.