The Briefing

The Australian Defence Force is getting smarter, savvier, and more strategic in its recruitment, with it’s highest annual intake in 15 years, and you might be surprised by what’s causing the trend.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Behavioural Economist, Professor Robert Hoffman, to unpack the psychology behind a surprising global surge in military enlistment, and why the ADF’s battle ...

Friday Headlines: US warns Australia must meet with Trump over ‘critical’ AUKUS deal, chilling footage revealed of accused Melbourne double murderer, UTS staff facing job loss told to 'do some laundry' to manage stress, the average Aussie is earning more than ever but we still feel broke, and your thoughts on property millionaires, the Denmark Zoo saga and Insta's controversial map feature.

Deep Dive: It can be hard to ...

New Australian research has uncovered a dangerous new trend on TikTok, with a growing number of unqualified influencers spreading misinformation about female contraception. Despite having no medical qualifications, these social media stars are giving harmful advice to women about sex, leading to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and STIs. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with public health exper...

Thursday Headlines: The coalition has slammed Anthony Albanese for his decision to recognise a state of Palestine, Commonwealth Bank urged to repay fees of 2 million low-income customers after recording $10b profit, Netflix star Matt Wright’s trial will hear from more witnesses today, young men Australia's biggest phone addicts, and an Aussie teen chasing his NFL dream has gone viral for a tearful homesick message.

Deep Dive:...

Real estate agents underquoting is back in the headlines with authorities cracking down on the illegal practice. But now there are calls for the dodgy agents who often make millions of dollars in commission to face tougher penalties.  

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by buyer’s agent Julie DeBondt-Barker, who explains how underquoting is preventing young people from buying homes and ...

Wednesday Headlines: Julie Bishop labelled a hostile bully at uni senate inquiry, Apple and Google lose landmark court case to Fortnite developer over anti-competitive conduct, WA is overhauling the states surrogacy and IVF laws, one in five Aussies carry incurable parasite from cats, and Freddo Frog shrinkflation!

Deep Dive: Distraction politics take place nearly every day - in an attempt to steer us away from the negative or put ...

An investigation into the ankle monitoring of accused criminals on bail has exposed a shocking flaw in the system. A private company who was supposed to monitor the alleged offenders in our community stopped operations without notifying authorities.

Now, at least two state governments are abolishing ankle monitoring altogether, with a flawed system with concerning loopholes set to take over. 

In this episode of The Briefing, N...

Tuesday Headlines: Kathleen Folbigg speaks out after ‘slap in the face’ wrongful conviction payout, mourners gather for funeral of media workers murdered by Israeli military, woman charged with foreign interference has hundreds of thousands in unexplained wealth, new road tax for EV users, and Harry and Meghan have penned a new multi-year TV deal with Netflix!

Deep Dive: Vitamins and supplements are a multi-billion doll...

PM Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. The move involves a number of conditions, including not allowing terror group Hamas to play any role in future governance. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by political expert Josh Roose from Deakin University to unpack what this historic move means for Australia, our alli...

Deep Dive: French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are suing right-wing podcaster Candace Owens over bizarre allegations that the First Lady is a man who has stolen an identity and committed crimes including fraud and forgery. 

The legal action comes after the conspiracy exploded on social media worldwide. 

So where did these claims come from and why are they getting traction? And why is Candace, who was re...

Monday Headlines: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has labelled Australia “shameful” over Gaza, the Reserve Bank is set to hand down their latest cash rate decision tomorrow, greyhound racing is set to finish up in Tasmania by 2029, we’re in for a soggy rest of winter and spring according to the weather bureau, and Instagram has a controversial new map feature that allows users to share their location with followers.

Music reality TV promises to turn ordinary singers into national icons — but what’s the secret formula behind these shows? 

In this bonus episode of The Briefing, former judges Ian “Dicko” Dickson and Mark Holden reveal the controversies, iconic moments, and impact that reality TV had on Australia’s music industry.   

Plus former contestants reveal the hidden side of overn...

Alex Lee is a face you'll recognise from TV, whether it's from The Feed, Saturday Night Rove, Celebrity Mastermind, Spicks and Specks, The Checkout, Win the Week or What the FAQ.
And as the journalist-turned-comedian points out, not ALL of those shows got axed.

Alex recounts how shock jock and alleged sexual predator Alan Jones once tried to sue her over a comedy skit she made making fun of him. That would have been pretty darn ...

Lured from a Canberra supermarket into the grip of a dangerous cult, Liz Cameron’s life spiralled into captivity, starvation, and a desperate fight to survive. In this episode, Liz reveals to Natarsha Belling how she was brainwashed, how her family staged a daring intervention, and why she’s speaking out to warn others about the hidden dangers of...

Here's the evidence the jury in the mushroom triple murder trial wasn't allowed to hear.

In this special update to The Briefing's coverage of this case, Tara Cassidy reveals allegations that murderer Erin Patterson had tried to poison and kill her estranged ex-husband Simon multiple times before.

Until today, this information was under a strict non-publication order by the Victorian Supreme Court. 

See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Friday Headlines: Kathleen Folbigg calls for inquiry into ‘insulting’ $2m wrongful conviction payout, Netenyahu plans full occupation of Gaza, 6yo girl discharged from Sydney hospital twice before dying of influenza, men outearn women in 98% of jobs, and a millionaire donates $100m to Aus vet school!

Deep Dive: When you’re socializing in a group, are you the life of the party, a participant but exhausted from the ...

It’s the government rort ripping off millions of Australians that could be the next Robodebt disaster. We explain how a broken government payment system is seeing job and support payments cut off or cancelled, in many cases unlawfully. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by anti-poverty campaigner Kristin O’Connell, who explains how some of our most vulnerable are being unfairly targeted by...

Thursday Headlines: Lawyers for sex offender Gareth Ward argue against his expulsion from NSW Parliament, Donald Trump says JD Vance is the next likely Republican candidate for 2028, the trial of Outback Wrangler TV star Matt Wright is underway, WhatsApp's deleted over 6.8 million accounts linked to scams, and we're in the 'Golden Age’ of swimming, better than Thorpe and O’Neill.

Deep Dive: Videos of influencers and str...

The government’s excise freeze on draught beer is being hailed as a win for pubs, but how much is it really saving us?  

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Mick Gibb, CEO of the Nighttime Industries Association, who unpacks how this move has created a two-tier tax system that penalises small bars, live music venues, and cocktail lovers. 

Headlines: A Sydney man has become the first in Aus...