The Briefing

Wednesday Headlines: Identity of man accused of attempted Invasion Day bombing revealed, Angus Taylor unveils his front bench, landmark report finds 70% of Australian university students and staff have experienced racism, private health insurance costs to increase by biggest margin in ten years, American civil rights legend Jesse Jackson dies and Aussie pubs thriving as cafes call it quits. Deep Dive: Terror attacks and the people accused of committing them will almost always elicit a strong response from the community – ranging from anger to outright hatred.  When emotions are high and public anger is intense, what does it take for a barrister to put aside personal feelings to represent a client?   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with barrister Greg Barnes SC to chat about the ethics, pressures, and principles of defending the most reviled accused in our justice system.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has no sympathy for the latest group of so-called ISIS brides wanting to return to Australia. The PM also refused to provide assistance or repatriation.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Peta Lowe, who is a Countering Violent Extremism expert. Peta explains what threat these women and children pose and why the government needs to change its approach to tackling extremism and radicalisation.  Headlines: Investigations are underway after former NRL star Matt Utai was shot in a drive-by shooting, one person has been killed after a random stabbing attack in Western Sydney, and YouTube star Logan Paul has sold a Pokémon card for $US16.5 million.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Libs’ hardline immigration policy leaked, ‘ISIS brides’ turned back after leaving Syrian camp for Australia, grandparent of Gus Lamont arrested, intermittent fasting makes “no difference” to weight loss, and Barack Obama clarifies his stance on aliens. Deep Dive: Allegations of mob-linked figures, intimidation and inflated costs on taxpayer-funded infrastructure have triggered a political firestorm in Australia. At the centre of it is the construction arm of the CFMEU.  A recent inquiry has floated a $15 billion figure, which the Victorian government says is untested, as it resists calls for another royal commission. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with award-winning journalist from The Age, Nick McKenzie about what is alleged, how it connects to one of Australia’s largest infrastructure pipelines, and what it reveals about public money, unions and accountability.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been called the “Case of the Century”, and it could change supermarket pricing forever.  The ACCC is taking Coles to the Federal Court, alleging it engaged in a planned campaign to mislead customers over price discounts. Coles is denying allegations, saying the prices were a result of global inflation.   In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha is joined by economist Dr Meg Elkins, who unpacks today’s historic case and its implications for both consumers and companies.  Headlines: Accused Bondi Gunman, Naveed Akram, has appeared in court for the first time, South Australian Police have announced a new search for evidence related to the disappearance of 4-year-old Gus Lamont, police are appealing for information after an 85-year-old was kidnapped from his Sydney home, and former US President Barack Obama has admitted he believes in aliens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: New-look Libs get on the policy front foot following spill, Albanese shakes off AUKUS concerns with $3.9bn downpayment, Winter Olympics officially Australia’s best-ever, 52-year-old man to face court over Egyptian artefact theft, and millions of Aussies have scored an extra public holiday. Deep Dive: Peptides are being hyped online as miracle fixes for everything from glowing skin and fat loss to muscle growth and anti-ageing, with influencers injecting compounds that sound more like science fiction than skincare.  While peptides are legitimate biological building blocks used in medicine, the social media boom has blurred the line between evidence-based treatments and unregulated, risky products.   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by leading dermatologist Dr Ryan De Cruz to break down what peptides actually are and the dangers of buying and injecting them without medical oversight. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire Aird, investigative reporter who explores consumer DNA and policing, unpacks how forensic investigative genetic genealogy identified a suspect in a decades‑old case. She walks through how genealogy databases are used, pressure tactics in interrogations, landmark US cases that shaped the method, and the complex privacy and consent concerns this technology raises.

Ash London, Australian broadcaster and author of Love on the Air, reflects on her radio comeback in New Zealand and balancing life as a new mother. She recounts meeting Ricky Martin, moving between Melbourne and Manila, and why radio suits her. She also discusses writing a novel during nap times and learning production on her new show.

Alison Sandy, national investigations editor and host of Kiss and Kill, digs into Australia’s rising intimate‑partner homicides. She explores narcissistic traits in killers, warning signs like controlling behaviour, tactics such as gaslighting and isolation, and the systemic shocks uncovered while investigating these cases.

Justin Hill, LiSTNR entertainment reporter and host of The Streaming Service, discusses the new Wuthering Heights adaptation. He explores the film’s heightened sex and spectacle. They debate bold adaptation choices, casting controversy around Heathcliff, and whether the story’s portrayal of abuse is being reframed. The conversation also considers why reviews are so polarised.

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.