The Front

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has a blockbuster finale in cinemas and now HBO’s renewed companion show The Gilded Age for season 4. What’s his secret formula for making history sexy?  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.

Shocking footage of a young woman being stabbed in the chest in an unprovoked attack on a Melbourne city street has plunged the Victorian government into damage control mode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former minister Linda Reynolds - Brittany Higgins’ ex-boss - wants justice. Her new targets: Labor foes Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher.  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 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.

Six months after her death, Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre’s memoir is published, including an allegation Prince Andrew considered it his ‘birthright’ to have sex with her. The Duke of York denies any wrongdoing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The parents of Victorian school children are being cut out of potentially life-altering decisions about how to care for gender dysphoric children by the state’s school system, but the state government doesn’t want to talk about it. 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 Jasper Leak. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, and Stephanie Coombes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has warned Hamas to hold up its side of a peace deal if they don’t want the US to intervene. Plus, cautious words from the RBA and Candace Owens’ court loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buoyed by his success in the Middle East, Donald Trump has indicated he’ll turn his attention to the conflict raging between Russia and Ukraine. 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 Joshua 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.

20 Israeli hostages are freed in return for nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners - and a lingering heartbreak for the remaining 28 deceased captives.  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.

Saleh al-Jafarawi, one of Gaza’s most prominent influencers, reportedly killed in clashes between Hamas and rival militias as Israeli forces pull back and Donald Trump flies in to greet hostages.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters descended on Australia’s cities this weekend. But with a peace deal in the offing, what are they marching for? 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 Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘A factoid dude, but it ain’t art’ says guest Jack Marx on Dan Brown and his latest novel The Secret of Secrets. Brown’s books sell by the boatload, but can he really write? Literary Editor Caroline Overington joins Marx to dissect Brown’s appeal: from his love of puzzles to his ‘romantic nincompoop’ hero, Robert Langdon. 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.

Israel’s government has approved the first phase of a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, as well as Qatari and Egyptian negotiators. Plus, Bowen big concession on renewables figures and a look at Australia’s top innovators.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was jubilation across the Middle East on Thursday as Donald Trump announced Hamas had agreed to his peace plan. Now, they have to follow though. 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 Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump announced Israel and Hamas have agreed to a historic peace deal, while a NSW court blocked a pro-Palestinian protest planned for Sunday.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has accused a group of environmentalists of spreading misinformation. But he can’t – or won’t – explain his own department’s figures. 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 Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hackers who stole troves of Qantas customer data are threatening to release the data unless the airline pays up. Plus, an Opera House protest bid returns to court and Optus outage bungle is revealed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Jewish people commemorated October 7, Pro-Palestinian extremists celebrated Hamas’ atrocities at rallies and in pro-terror graffiti.  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 Joshua 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.

Hamas reportedly demanded the release of prominent terrorists held in Israeli prisons to secure its commitment to a peace plan for Gaza. Plus, Western Sydney University is once again the target of a cyber attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Middle East is closer than ever to a peace deal – but infighting among members of Hamas risks blowing the whole thing up. 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.

Nathalie Matthews was granted bail on Monday following her arrest on revenge porn charges. Plus, Albanese and Marape ink defence treaty and Trump talks up Middle East negotiations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sanae Takaichi is the first woman to be elected to lead Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party, and the country’s probable next PM. Can she hold onto the top job? 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 Joshua 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.

The 2025 NRL grand final is here and the code’s decision to book American singer Teddy Swims has stoked the flames of an age-old debate: The grand final isn’t just a game; it’s a stage - and the question is, who deserves the spotlight? 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 flashpoint as police seek to block Palestine Action Group protest for October 7 on the steps of the Sydney Opera House to mark two years since Hamas’ murderous rampage. Meanwhile, activist Greta Thunberg is detained in Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors who poured millions into the Public Hospitality Group are unlikely to recoup their cash after founder Jon Adgemis declared bankruptcy. Today: how this former billionaire built - and lost - an empire.  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 Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A peace plan proposed by Donald Trump to end the conflict in Gaza is edging closer to an agreement. Plus, the mushroom killer’s next move and last drink’s for a Sydney pub baron.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beijing may be making an example of mining giant BHP in a bid to get better prices for iron ore, but our expert says China’s reported ban could be short-lived. You can read more about this episode, 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 Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keith Urban will face a crowd of thousands just days after news of his split from Nicole Kidman broke. Plus, a major inquiry into the embattled CFMEU gets underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arab and Muslim leaders are on board. Israel says yes. But the Trump-Netanyahu peace deal needs a ‘terrorist death cult’ to lay down its arms. Foreign editor Greg Sheridan charts the way forward.  View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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 Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A complete Hamas surrender and the return of all hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners - that's the core of a 20-point peace deal announced by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu with the blessing of Arab leaders, who now have to persuade Hamas to sign up. Today, US correspondent Joe Kelly joins us to break down the detail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A father who was convicted of sexually abusing his own five-year-old daughter was given a minimum prison term of just two and a half years because a judge found he was in the process of transitioning to a woman, and that reduced his moral culpability. Now, the offender’s serving the sentence in a women’s prison. View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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 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.

Embattled telco Optus is embroiled in a new 000 outage a week after at least three people died when they couldn’t connect to emergency services. Plus, the government gives itself a pat on the back for new budget figures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior, award-winning Seven News reporter has been stood down after she initiated a class action against the network for allegedly underpaying staff. It comes amid leadership turmoil, a ratings nosedive and widespread fears among staff about further cost-cutting. Today, what’s going on at the legacy broadcaster?  View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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 Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bigambul-Kamilaroi artist Archie Moore - who’s already won the world’s most prestigious art prize - is bringing his masterwork kith and kin to Australia. Today - how Moore creates powerfully emotional art from Aboriginal stories of family, love and loss. 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.

Tensions are high after NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned Russia that its warplanes could be shot down if they stray over European territory, a stance backed by Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Trump has imposed a 100 per cent tariff on foreign-made pharmaceutical products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geelong v Brisbane? Sure - but the real AFL GF drama is high in the Olympic Room corporate suite, where our own John Stensholt will be prowling for the secrets of Australia’s business titans.   View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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. Original music is composed by Jasper Leak.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little old Australia wants a seat on the world’s most powerful body - the United Nations Security Council. Also in today’s headlines: drama at Premier Investments and stationery powerhouse Smiggle, with billionaire Solomon Lew ripping in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A generation ago, gas was fighting for its life. Now, it’s an essential part of keeping the lights on. But do we have enough? And will it hamper the net zero transition?  View an edited transcript of this episode, plus photos and 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.

Sacked radio presenter Antoinette Lattouf has been awarded an additional $150,000 in penalties after a judge found she was unfairly terminated by the ABC. Plus, Albo finally meets Donald Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does paracetamol cause autism? There’s no evidence it does - but Donald Trump and American medical authorities are telling doctors its use in pregnancy could be associated with a higher risk.  Read more about this episode, 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 original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has missed out on a meeting with US President Donald Trump yet again, but he’s keeping busy in New York City. Plus, a fresh scandal envelops the Duke and Duchess of York. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese claims Palestinians want a homeland just as much as Jews do. But is Palestinian statehood an achievable dream or a symbolic gesture? Political Editor Geoff Chambers joins us from New York City.  View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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 Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grief, vengeance and mercy are the themes of huge Charlie Kirk memorial in Arizona, as Donald Trump announces Presidential medal of freedom and Kirk’s widow Erika says she forgives his alleged killer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Less than two years after an historic outage blocked Australians from contacting emergency services, Optus is once again scrambling to regain the public’s trust.  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 Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a song by Benson Boone and Amy Allen, plus a heap of raw talent and years of grind, an Australian-US boy band stands on the cusp of stardom - but can they break through in today’s fragmented, algorithmic, AI-tinted music business?  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 produced by 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.

Stephen Colbert’s gone, Jimmy Kimmel is suspended - now Donald Trump’s war on late night hosts continues, with the President demanding NBC sack Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.  Plus, Brittany Higgins' husband, David Sharaz, has been ordered to pay Linda Reynolds $92,000 in damages for defamation, with Higgins also facing a substantial payment and launching an appeal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve got to halve emissions in a decade in order to hit the Government's bold new climate goal - so what’s really behind the target, and will climate policy kill off any more leaders?  View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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.

Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions must halve in the next decade to reach the Government’s big new goal of 62 to 70 per cent reduction on 2005 levels by 2035. Why not faster? Why not slower? And how will we get there?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia and Papua New Guinea have agreed to sign a sweeping mutual defence treaty - but it could all be scuttled by China.  There were awkward scenes in Port Moresby as the planned signing ceremony fizzled out - the second time Albanese’s been snubbed by a Pacific partner this month. Today - what the deal would mean - and why it could all go badly wrong.  View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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 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.

Prosecutors say the alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk confessed to the crime in text messages to his roommate. Plus, the PM’s PNG defence deal fails to launch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charming students and greenlighting giant Chinese energy projects: just weeks after Dan Andrews’ parade photo call, Victorian premier Jacinta Allan is wooing Beijing despite Canberra’s deep sensitivities about the relationship.  View an edited transcript of this episode, plus 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 Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.