The Briefing

You can gamble on anything. Now you can even bet on the war in the Middle East. Concern is growing over a dangerous new form of prediction markets, where users are anonymous, and crypto is the only currency. There are even claims of insider trading, where players make billions betting on military strikes and a country's next move in a major war...  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Karoline Thomsen from UNSW to explain how this popular platform works and the dangerous fallout.  Headlines:  Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced an extra 100 million litres of fuel a month will be made available as concerns grow over Australia’s fuel supplies in the wake of the Middle East war Australian software giant, Atlassian, has confirmed it’s slashing 1600 jobs Former ASIO boss, Dennis Richardson, has abruptly resigned from the Royal Commission into Antisemitism Melbourne has been crowned the best city in the world Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trita Parsi, foreign policy analyst and Quincy Institute leader focused on US–Iran relations, unpacks the deep historical roots of the Iran conflict. He traces 1953 coup fallout, the 1979 revolution and Iran’s regional alliances. He explains why external attempts to topple Tehran keep failing and why the war’s end is unlikely to be quick.

Katina Curtis, Canberra bureau chief of The West Australian and federal politics analyst. She explains the sudden Nationals leadership change and why One Nation’s surge is reshaping rural seats. Discussion covers Matt Canavan’s challenge to revive the party, his style and messaging, and the risks of defections and declining support in key electorates.

Wednesday Headlines:  Iranian women footballers defected to Australia last night US warn today will be the most intense so far in Iran Nationals to choose new leader after Littleproud’s shock resignation Lululemon cops $700k + fine for spam emails Australia’s favourite toilet paper revealed Deep Dive: Digital price tags that can change instantly, smart trolleys that track what goes in your basket and cameras that are monitoring more than just shelves.   The modern supermarket is evolving quickly as major chains invest heavily in automation, AI and data-driven systems designed to make shopping faster and more efficient. But while many of these changes promise convenience for customers, they also raise important questions about privacy, pricing and the growing power of Australia’s supermarket giants.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt and Chris Spyrou dig into some of the tech quietly reshaping our supermarket aisles and what it could mean for the future of shopping.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re often told to seek help if we’re struggling with trauma. But what happens when the therapy that helps you heal could also impact your chance at justice? EMDR is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, but one Australian woman says undergoing the therapy later became a factor in prosecutors deciding not to proceed with her case alleging sexual abuse as an adolescent...and she’s not alone.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Katie Bird, who explains how EMDR changed her life... but also prevented her from seeking justice in a flawed system.  In a statement to the ABC, who originally reported this story, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions would not comment on individual matters but said: "Each prosecution is assessed individually in accordance with the prosecution policy of the Commonwealth."  "Part of the assessment is the consideration of the admissibility of the evidence both at statute and common law."  For information and support, you can contact Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service on 1800 RESPECT. Headlines: Nationals Leader David Littleproud has sensationally quit as leader of the National Party The federal government has stepped up its commitment to the War in the Middle East The 5 Iranian soccer players who fled from their handlers overnight have been granted humanitarian visas Labor will push through new superannuation tax changes after securing support from the Greens in the Senate A spokesperson for Kyle Sandilands has released a statement demanding the radio host be allowed back on air Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP, brings concise macroeconomic perspective. He discusses rising petrol prices, how Middle East tensions affect global oil and Australian pump costs. He covers fuel reserves, risks to gas exports and links between fuel shocks, inflation and interest rates. He also outlines likely fiscal responses and practical household steps to cope.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert, Middle East political expert and former political prisoner in Iran, outlines who Mojtaba Khamenei is and how he rose to power. She breaks down likely US and Israeli reactions. Short, sharp takes explore risks of harsher repression at home, possible escalation into prolonged conflict, and calls to offer asylum to Iran’s women’s soccer team.

Roben Farzad, business and media journalist and NPR host, breaks down the Ellison family’s expanding reach. He maps Larry and David Ellison’s tech-government ties, the blockbuster Warner bid, and worries about concentrated media influence. Short, sharp takes on power, profit and what a mega-acquisition might mean for politics and journalism.

Grace Tame, former Australian of the Year and advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse, who helped overturn Tasmania’s gag laws. She talks about life back in Tasmania and why trails and community ground her. She describes social-impact projects like Nike’s After Dark Tour, the costs of public scrutiny, weaponised legal language, leadership thrust upon her, and why she stepped back from governance.

Sam Taunton, Australian comedian and former regular on Channel 10's The Project, reflects on growing up in Nowra and his shift from junior golf to stand-up. He talks about learning live TV, the shock of the show ending, his gratitude journal habit, and his new tour, This Must Be The Place. Quick, candid and warm.