The Front

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.

Super Retail CEO Anthony Heraghty has been terminated effective immediately after the company said he misled them about a workplace affair. Plus, the PM’s PNG pact hits a snag and a rock front man’s musical tribute to his mum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Albanese government says the stakes have never been higher when it comes to climate change, but the energy transition is proving harder than anyone expected. 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 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.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has hinted at an ambitious 2035 emissions reductions target in releasing the National Climate Change Assessment. Plus, the Prime Minister is in the market for a new electorate office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louise Bryant has the publishing world at her feet, but she’s also living the heartbreak of caring for her partner through dementia. Today, Lou launches a powerful dementia awareness campaign through The Australian and news.com.au: Think Again.  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 presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bear’s a comedy? White Lotus is a drama? Today, we stack up the finalists from Adolescence to Severance and ask: is Hollywood celebrating the best in TV or just patting itself on the back?  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.

The FBI has released new footage of the person suspected of shooting activist Charlie Kirk on a university campus. Plus, the Prime Minister takes a fight at Coalition ‘infighting’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 31-year-old father of two - famous for swinging young men to vote Donald Trump - is shot dead on a Utah university campus. Today: how political violence spread across the political spectrum and why ordinary Americans no longer feel safe.  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 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.

Free speech warrior Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two young children, is shot dead while debating ideas at a university campus in Utah. Plus, Lleyton Hewitt’s huge fine after dispute with an anti-doping official.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest employer in Australian banking has a new boss – and he’s shaking things up. Today, meet Nuno Matos: the cost-saving crusader they call ‘Nunogeddon’.  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 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.

US President Donald Trump warned Qatar about an Israeli strike on Hamas officials ahead of time. Plus, Australia signs a new security pact with Fiji and NAB slashes jobs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treaty, a voice-like advisory body and a school curriculum focused on dispossession and systemic racism: how Victoria wants to reshape its relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. Today, Indigenous Affairs editor Paige Taylor joins us.  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 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.

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann is going back to court after the home of his media adviser was raided by the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Plus, Israel orders residents of Gaza City to leave and ANZ slashes jobs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson will spend at least 33 years in prison after a judge found she intended to murder her estranged husband at the same family lunch where she poisoned four of his elderly relatives with death cap mushrooms. Today, how Justice Christopher Beale fit together Patterson’s puzzle of lies – and what happens now.  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 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.

Mushroom killer Erin Patterson has been given three life sentences plus 25 years for the murder of three elderly relatives and the attempted murder of another. With time served, she’ll be eligible for parole in 2056. Plus, Atlassian’s president quits the tech giant after missing out on a plum gig.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cigarettes are now over $50 a packet - unless you buy on the booming black market created by huge government tax hikes. Today - how well-intentioned policy went bad, and the serious baddies who are cashing in.  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 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.

Behind the black clothes and deadpan stare, we look at how Wednesday became a global sensation - from the show's gothic roots to the viral TikTok dance that made an outcast a cultural icon. Director Tim Burton and star Jenna Ortega join us to reveal how they introduced this classic character to a new generation. 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.

Today on The Front's afternoon headlines: Labor Party President Wayne Swan questions Dan Andrews’ China trip, while the bonus of Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson is slashed and a neo-Nazi is denied bail. For all the latest in news, sport, politics, and business, visit theaustralian.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian law enforcement is preparing for the repatriation of women and children stranded in the Middle East – but the Albanese government is determined to dodge questions about the plan. 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 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 musicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Front's afternoon headlines: Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews praises China's efforts in renewable energy, while victims of the Robodebt disaster are set to receive nearly half a billion dollars in compensation. Plus, get a preview of tomorrow's big story on the return of ISIS brides to Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A monumental defence display in Beijing sends a clear message to the world, and especially to Taiwan. The Australian’s Will Glasgow joins us to discuss the new hardware on display and how the presence of Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-Un, and even Australia's own Daniel Andrews played into Xi Jinping’s propaganda push.  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 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.

Today’s headlines, including China flexing its military might in a massive parade in Beijing attended by world leaders including former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Plus, the fiery court battle between sacked ABC presenter Antoinette Lattouf and the national broadcaster heats up, with Lattouf's lawyer ripping into the ABC's conduct.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gavin Morris was celebrated as a visionary school leader helping transform the lives of Aboriginal kids. Now he’s on trial, pleading not guilty, over alleged aggravated physical assaults of kids aged 8 to 13 - including alleged choking and ear-pulling. 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 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.

Self-proclaimed neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell gatecrashes a press conference shouting about proposed protest laws. Plus, Taiwan’s diplomats in Australia condemn China’s duchessing of former state Labor premiers. And a former outback school principal is on trial in Alice Springs for alleged aggravated assaults on five boys. For all the latest in news, sport, politics, and business, visit theaustralian.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary, mother of God, is suddenly a streaming sensation. Jesus and his followers are going off on YouTube. As new generations rediscover the gospel on screen, author Greg Sheridan reveals how women and girls were pivotal to the explosion of Christianity around the world.  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 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.

Today’s headlines: Fallout from the weekend’s anti-immigration rallies, a tough new ID system for NDIS providers and a car ramming the Russian consulate in Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of terrorising shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade and firing missiles at Israel, the anti-Semitic Houthi leadership of northern Yemen has been wiped out in an Israeli airstrike. Today - chief international correspondent Cameron Stewart on how Mossad’s network of spies called in the strikes.  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 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.

Steven Spielberg at 26 created a horror masterpiece that still haunts every beachgoer. Today, film critic Stephen Romei on why you should rush to see Jaws in cinemas this weekend.  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.

Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright Matt Wright has been found guilty of two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice - and acquitted of some other charges. Plus, former Premiers head to China and Jaws makes a comeback. For all the latest in news, sport, politics, and business, visit theaustralian.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wild allegations of racism, bullying and misconduct are causing chaos at the top of the prestigious Royal College of Physicians. 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 presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s headlines in brief. A cyber hack and a huge federal court penalty - yet Qantas is delivering giant returns to shareholders. How are they doing it? Plus, Pentagon drama involving Defence Minister Richard Marles. For all the latest in news, sport, politics, and business, visit theaustralian.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.