The Front

Paul Kelly, editor-at-large and veteran political journalist, offers a brisk mini-bio and perspective on John Howard’s 30-year leadership story. He discusses Howard’s gun-law resolve, the GST gamble, the Tampa speech and border politics. Kelly traces Howard’s national-security stance, his partnership with Peter Costello, and the leadership tensions that shaped his legacy.

Coverage of Iran firing drones and missiles across the Persian Gulf and the cities and airbases affected. Discussion of Western and Gulf military responses, including an RAF shoot-down and coordination with allies. Examination of attacks on US bases, strategic economic targets and widening regional involvement.

Our correspondent in the MIddle East, Yoni Bashan, joins us as Iran declares revenge - and 40 days of mourning - for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Muslim cleric who rose to become one of the most influential figures in the world. So, what do Iran’s terror proxies, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Hamas, do now?  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. 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 and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge US and Israeli airborne assault on Iran has killed the leader of the Shia world, 86-year-old supreme leader Ali Khamenei. As Iran fires waves of missiles at Israel, American military bases and US allies in the Middle East, the world waits to see if this is the end of the repressive theocratic regime in Iran or the start of a huge regional war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wuthering Heights - our chief film critic threw 5 stars at it, while our guest Bianca Farmakis said it’s the worst movie she’s ever seen. What can lovers and haters of Emerald Fennell’s adaptation agree on? And what’s with all the egg smashing 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.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly told a House Oversight Committee investigating the crimes of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein her testimony wasn’t about “feelings”. Plus, Ley formally departs parliament and Afterpay swings the axe.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new twist in the drama sparked by Brittany Higgins’ rape case: former ACT prosecutor Shane Drumgold complained to the Press Council about The Australian's reporting of findings by a Supreme Court judge. Today, journalist and columnist Janet Albrechtsen joins us to explore a finding she – and The Australian – strongly disagree with. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. 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 and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lawyer representing one of the men accused of kidnapping and killing Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian says his client is “no mastermind”. Plus, Bondi Royal Commissioner meets with survivors, victims’ families and a billionaire finds himself in the middle of a scuffle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian goes inside the camp in northern Syria where 34 Australian women and children are waiting to begin their long journey home.  Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. 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, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two men were arrested in relation to the alleged kidnapping and murder of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian on Wednesday. That’s after the 85-year-old’s remains were located almost 50km from his home. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.