A new law that punishes people before they’re guilty + Rob Irwin wins DWTS
The Briefing26 Nov 2025

A new law that punishes people before they’re guilty + Rob Irwin wins DWTS

The federal government has introduced a major change to social security payments, which allows financial support to be cut off if recipients with outstanding warrants, even before they’re found guilty. The government says the new powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances based on expert advice from law enforcement.

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Kristin O’Connell from the Anti-Poverty Centre who raises serious concerns that some of our most vulnerable will be unfairly targeted in these changes that have just passed the Senate.

Statement from a Spokesperson for Minister Tanya Plibersek:

The social safety net is a pillar of this country, and we are deeply committed to upholding its integrity.

If someone is charged with a serious offence like murder or child sexual abuse and is on the run, they should not continue receiving a payment from the Government.

Continuing to provide support in these circumstances is not appropriate, but there is currently no legal authority to cancel a payment.

These powers will only be used in exceptional circumstances, based on expert advice from law enforcement agencies.

Any impact on dependents must be considered by the Minister for Home Affairs before issuing a notice.

It is a serious power, for the most serious of circumstances.

Headlines: South Australian police have announced they’ve concluded a new search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has admitted inflation is higher than the federal government would like, and Robert Irwin has won Dancing with the Stars in the US.

Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
Facebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episoder(2683)

Why Tasmanians are angry about the Port Arthur film

Why Tasmanians are angry about the Port Arthur film

A film about one of Australia’s darkest moments, the 1996 Port Arthur massacre is in production right now. It’s called Nitram which is Martin spelt backwards and is scheduled for release next year. Th...

9 Des 202020min

White Island: What have we learned about this tragedy?

White Island: What have we learned about this tragedy?

On this day one year ago Whakaari/White Island volcano off the coast of New Zealand erupted. Tragically there were 47 tourists on or near the island and around 12 of them were actually inside the crat...

8 Des 202015min

The Aussie dad’s mission to solve his daughter’s murder

The Aussie dad’s mission to solve his daughter’s murder

In 2016, 20-year-old Australian Elly Warren was killed on a night out with friends at a tourist resort in Mozambique. Her father Paul Warren is still fighting for justice having travelled to Africa an...

7 Des 202017min

Should we force streaming platforms to make Aussie shows?

Should we force streaming platforms to make Aussie shows?

Streaming services have transformed the way we watch TV with 16 million Australians now accessing these platforms. But the giants Netflix, Amazon and Disney are all US companies with mostly US shows. ...

6 Des 202017min

The running boom of 2020

The running boom of 2020

There’s been a running boom in 2020. During lockdown it was one of the only things you could do and in some parts of the country the number of people using running tracks and walking trails doubled du...

3 Des 202020min

Ankle Bracelets: Are they the future for returned travelers?

Ankle Bracelets: Are they the future for returned travelers?

A national review has suggested that smartphone apps and wearable surveillance devices including ankle bracelets are among options that could allow returning travellers to quarantine at home rather th...

2 Des 202020min

Parler: The new ‘free speech’ social media platform

Parler: The new ‘free speech’ social media platform

Parler is a growing platform that calls itself the “world’s premier free speech social network.” But is it free speech? or hate speech? Parler has created a space for people who share a similar wor...

1 Des 202019min

The delivery drivers dying for your dinner

The delivery drivers dying for your dinner

What may be a few easy taps on your phone to order takeout straight to your door, can be a treacherous and sometimes life-threatening trek for food delivery drivers. On average, one food delivery ride...

30 Nov 202020min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
forklart
popradet
stopp-verden
dine-penger-pengeradet
nokon-ma-ga
det-store-bildet
rss-gukild-johaug
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
fotballpodden-2
hanna-de-heldige
aftenbla-bla
rss-ness
rss-espen-lee-usensurert
rss-dannet-uten-piano
rss-utenrikskomiteen-med-bogen-og-grasvik
frokostshowet-pa-p5
e24-podden