The Briefing

Thursday Headlines: Coalition’s future in doubt after mass shadow cabinet walkout, Australia to mark National Day of Mourning for Bondi victims today, Trump rules out using force to acquire Greenland, Gen X overtake Baby Boomers as richest landholders by generation, and Alex De Minaur becomes the first Aussie through to round three of the AO.Deep Dive: The ACT government has reopened an investigation into its fleet of Chinese-made electric buses amid renewed warnings they could be remotely disabled through a "kill switch.”   Security experts say the issue goes far beyond buses and points to a broader trend where we're trading national security in the interest of affordability.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Alastair MacGibbon, Chief Strategy Officer at CyberCX, about when concern over Chinese-made EVs is warranted and how seriously we should be taking these new warnings.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coalition is again in crisis, as three Nationals MPs quit after opposing the Coalition’s stance on hate crime laws. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by 7News Political Editor Mark Riley, to unpack today’s unprecedented developments and what it means for Sussan Ley and the future of the Coalition.  Headlines: Leaders of both France and Canada have taken aim at Donald Trump in speeches at the World Economic Summit, a top barrister has been charged with possessing child abuse material, Premier David Crisafulli has confirmed Queensland will not partake in the federal gun buyback scheme, and new research has revealed cows may be far smarter than we first thought.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Professor Chris Pepin-Neff, a shark bite policy researcher at the University of Sydney, as he delves into the recent shark attacks in Sydney. He explores how environmental factors like rain and sewage can lead to increased shark activity near beaches. Discover the differences between risks at harbour and ocean beaches and the need for improved public warning systems regarding shark presence. Plus, he shares essential tips on what to do if you encounter a shark, emphasizing the importance of education in ensuring safety.

Professor Helen Leonard, a Principal Research Fellow specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, joins to debunk the myth linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism and ADHD. She explains a comprehensive Lancet study that found no increased risks, contrasting it with less rigorous past claims. Helen emphasizes the importance of treating fever during pregnancy and highlights the role of genetic factors in autism. The discussion also touches on the recent progression of hate crime laws and alarming shark attacks in New South Wales.

Tuesday Headlines: Labor’s Bondi bills set to pass today, Sydney beaches closed after three shark attacks in 24 hours, Police ‘traumatised’ after 19-year-old found dead on Queensland beach, Donald Trump declines to rule out seizing Greenland by force and Aussies advance through at the Aus Open in day two action.Deep Dive: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation is polling higher than ever, overtaking the Coalition in one survey, prompting the Senator to declare she wants to run the country.  With Pauline Hanson’s primary vote surging and mainstream parties under pressure, what was once considered fringe appears to be shaping the national conversation.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with political scientist Dr Jill Sheppard from ANU about the rise of One Nation, what the polling really tells us, and whether Hanson could ever translate her support on paper into real power.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The collapse of key parts of the federal government’s legislation on hate speech is now raising serious questions about the Prime Minister’s leadership. Concerns have already been raised about key aspects of the proposed overhaul, with the Greens and Coalition stating they will not support it.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey’s political editor Bernard Keane, who explains why rushing through the changes was a mistake, and why this political disaster is one of the worst he’s seen in Australian history.  Headlines: An emotional tribute for the victims of the Bondi Terror attack in parliament, at least 21 people have been killed and many more injured after two high-speed trains derailed in Spain, and Sydney’s Dee Why Beach has been closed after another shark attack.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Politicians return to Canberra today ahead of contentious vote on hate speech laws, boy critical after Sydney shark attack, Anthony Albanese asked to join Gaza ‘Board of Peace,' Trump threatens tariffs on Europe over Greenland bid, and round one of the Aus Open is underway!Deep Dive: In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, questions are being raised about how far governments should go in the name of security.  One company that’s surfacing in those conversations is Palantir - a powerful and controversial data firm used by both companies and intelligence agencies around the world.   In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with journalist Paul Gregoire about Palantir’s origins, its role in surveillance, and why its possible expansion in Australia is contentious.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has been eyeing off a Nobel Peace Prize, after scoring nominations from countries including Israel and Pakistan - and it looks like he’s finally gotten one. The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has “presented” her gold Nobel peace prize medal to the US President in a meeting at the White House - nearly a fortnight after he ordered the arrest of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. In this bonus episode of The Briefing from 2025, Helen Smith is joined by Allan Behm, a special advisor at the Australia Institute, to unpack what a Trump win would mean for the award’s credibility, and whether he could be ruled out of the race altogether. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hannah Ferguson, the dynamic founder of Cheek Media Co. and author, discusses her journey into politics and media at an impressively young age. She shares how family debates informed her political views and the importance of constructive conversations around dinner tables. Hannah critiques the tribalism in media, highlights Cheek's influence on the 2025 election, and opens up about the challenges of online harassment. With a refreshing take, she addresses the intersection of sexuality, feminism, and political ambitions, all while advocating for transparency in new media.

Ian Hickie, a leading expert in psychiatry and co-director at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre, dives into the complexities of antidepressant responses. He reveals that about 20% of Australians with depression don't benefit from these medications due to distinct biological drivers. Exploring genetic profiles, he emphasizes the need for personalized treatment combining genetics and symptoms. He also introduces the idea of 'circadian depression,' explaining its unique symptoms and how tracking data can lead to better care.