The Briefing

Katina Curtis, Canberra-based political reporter and bureau chief, breaks down the sudden Angus Taylor leadership challenge and what it means for a struggling Liberal Party. She explains timing, tight vote maths and the messy deputy contest. Discussion covers Taylor’s record, whether he was pushed into running and the risk of alienating women voters.

Brad Tucker, astrophysicist and ANU associate professor, explains lunar exploration and space infrastructure. He describes the idea of a self-growing city on the Moon. He compares Gateway and ISS plans, discusses inflatable moon hotels and in-space manufacturing. He outlines legal and timeline questions as multiple nations and companies race to develop lunar bases.

Dr Martin Kear, Middle East political expert and academic, outlines the contested phrase 'globalise the Intifada' and its roots in Palestinian uprisings. He traces historical Intifadas and tactics. He discusses whether the slogan implies violence in Australia and how political reactions shape public debate.

Joey Watson, investigative journalist who researched Brenton Tarrant, discusses Tarrant's radicalisation and links to international extremist networks. He walks through why Tarrant pled guilty then tried to change course. The conversation covers prison conditions claims, propaganda tactics, courtroom publicity risks, and the impact on survivors and families.

Abigail Boyd, Greens MP and civil liberties advocate, describes alleged police violence at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney. She recounts being struck while filming, scenes of injured protesters, and why she doubts official accounts. The conversation also critiques protest laws and the leadership choices that may have escalated the clash.

Matt Acton, Brisbane radio presenter and dad, recounts his son being targeted by an online sextortion scam. He describes how he found the messages, the red flags that revealed danger, and the regret over his initial reaction. He discusses parental controls, teaching tech literacy, reporting choices, and expectations for tech companies' responsibility.

Joel Scanlan, associate professor and cybersecurity expert who co-leads the CSAM Deterrence Centre, explains how mainstream platforms hide and enable child sexual abuse material. He discusses how livestreams and video calls are used for grooming and sextortion. He outlines law enforcement responses and why platforms resist safety tools, plus calls for stronger regulation and a duty of care.

Kieran Hardy, Associate Professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice who studies terrorism and radicalisation, discusses why Australia’s terrorism definition needs rethinking. He traces its post‑9/11 origins. He explores intent versus motive in the law. He examines challenges from lone actors and online radicalisation and considers modest legal tweaks and their likely effects.

David Shoebridge, Greens senator and justice and foreign affairs spokesperson, discusses the controversy around President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia. He talks about why the invitation was political, concerns about normalising relations amid alleged war crimes, planned nationwide protests, and tensions between security measures and civil liberties.

Chappell Roan took home the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2025, clocked more than 68 million streams in the first 6 months of 2024 and she's currently touring Australia, headlining Laneway music festival.  Over the last few years, female-made, female-focused pop has been in the middle of a full-blown renaissance and all signs suggest it’s carrying straight through into 2026 - with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX still dominating and Lily Allen re-entering the race.  In this bonus ep of the Briefing from 2024 Sacha Barbour-Gatt is joined by Nic Kelly, host of The Hot Hits on the Hit Network, to unpack the female pop revolution and the secret ingredient to becoming a pop star today.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.