The Briefing

Is the great Australian dream of owning a home over?  In this special election edition of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil to unpack Labor’s record on housing, missed targets, and what the government plans to do next to solve a housing and rental crisis that’s been decades in the making. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Spicy second leaders' debate between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton, Australians trust in the US lowest in 20 years, Swedish teenager in Australia charged with contract killings, tropical Cyclone off WA expected to make landfall over the weekend and lab grown chicken nuggets breakthrough! Deep Dive: The rate of Australians travelling to the US has dropped to its lowest level since the pandemic, with Donald Trump’s return to the White House sparking a wave of concern among international visitors. Countries like China, Germany, Portugal and the UK have issued warnings for citizens heading to the country —so why hasn’t and should Australia do the same? In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Griffith University’s Dr Lee Morgenbesser, who recently cancelled his own trip, about the risks, the politics, and what it means for Australia.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: PM says he won’t be deterred from making public appearances after another security breach, police search underway following the alleged sexual assault of an 83-year-old woman and a British tennis player has apologised after calling our her opponent for bad body odour.   Deep Dive: National security is back in the spotlight, with claims that Russia tried to base military aircraft in Indonesia.   In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by foreign affairs expert Dr Keith Suter to unpack what’s really going on, how it affects us in Australia and how China’s growing influence is reshaping power in our region. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Caroline Fisher, a political communication professor and former journalist, sheds light on the art of political spin. She examines how methods like 'Mediscare' shape public perception leading up to elections. The conversation dives into Australia’s urgent vaccine efforts against Disease X and the startling rise of bots in online interactions. Additionally, Caroline highlights innovative approaches to public health awareness, including using platforms like OnlyFans, prompting a blend of politics and social responsibility.

Dr. Chris Boshuizen is an Australian physicist and former NASA engineer who took a ride on a Blue Origin flight. In this conversation, he discusses the recent all-female space mission featuring celebs like Katy Perry, pondering if it was all a publicity stunt. They delve into the emotional transformations astronauts experience, including the powerful 'overview effect' that fosters a unique connection to humanity. The importance of female representation in space travel is also highlighted, showcasing a significant shift in the industry.

Joel Gibson, a money-saving expert and author of 'Kill Bills' and 'Easy Money,' joins the discussion on pressing financial issues facing Australians. He reveals that over half a million homes are at risk due to climate change, sparking concerns over home insurance. With an election looming, Gibson critiques party policies promising quick cash relief, questioning their long-term effectiveness. He also shares practical cost-of-living tips, helping listeners navigate financial pressures as early voting approaches.

Adam Bandt, the Greens Leader and advocate for social reforms, discusses ambitious proposals for Australia, including free university and TAFE education. He highlights the critical need for housing policy reform to assist first-time buyers and proposes fair taxation on billionaires to fund these initiatives. Bandt also addresses the challenges of rising education debts and the disconnect between the government and citizens, urging for a shift towards transparency and accountability in politics.

In this discussion, Dave Coghill, Chair of Developmental Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and President of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association, dives into the contentious landscape of ADHD diagnoses in Australia. He tackles the surge in cases, especially among adult women, and addresses claims that ADHD has become 'trendy,' a notion he argues harms those genuinely affected. The conversation also highlights the stigma surrounding ADHD and underscores the urgent need for better support and advocacy for individuals struggling with the disorder.

Jameela Jamil, a British actor, writer, and activist known for her role in The Good Place, brings her candidness to this conversation. She tackles the challenges of wellness culture and how it can be misleading. Jameela shares her insights on approaching life with the confidence often attributed to white men. The discussion also delves into the complexities of body image, the importance of women's empowerment, and the risks involved in creative careers. Expect a mix of honesty and activism from this unapologetic voice.

In a gripping discussion, Amelia Oberhardt, host of the investigative podcast Secrets We Keep: By Any Means, dives into a shocking IVF mistake where a woman gives birth to a stranger's child due to a mix-up. She explores the emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise from such human errors in reproductive technology. The conversation also touches on the chaotic regulatory landscape of the fertility industry and the urgent need for better oversight to protect families and donor-conceived individuals from traumatic situations.