The Briefing

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has handed down his fourth—and possibly final—Federal Budget. There are tax cuts, energy bill relief, and cheaper medicines on offer. The government's pitching it as a win for everyday Australians ... but is it really? And with back-to-back surpluses turning into a decade-long deficit, is this an election-friendly budget or a real plan for economic stability? In this special budget episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Tara Cassidy break down what you need to know and how it affects you. Further listening from the headlines: We're being promised free GP visits. What's the catch? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Can Australia afford free university? is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. How MDMA freed Kate from PTSD is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Panda Propaganda: Why China is sending us diplomacy bears is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Mar 22min

Afternoon Headlines: Trump and US Defence Secretary respond to leaked Yemen war plans and 2032 Olympic Games venue confirmed Deep Dive: Top secret US war plans have been leaked after a journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on encrypted messaging app Signal. President Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth both dismissed the story, even after National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed it ‘appears to be authentic’. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by tech expert Trevor Long to explain why it’s a massive wake-up call for all governments, even here in Australia. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Mar 12min

Tuesday Headlines: Budget will be in deficit + more potential energy relief on the horizon, sixth day of protests in Turkey, Queensland told to brace for more severe flooding while WA braces for heatwave and possible cyclone and the 2032 Olympic Game venue to be announced today. Deep Dive: Adolescence is the Netflix series exposing the dark reality of how online influencers are hijacking the minds of young boys, hitting 24.3 million views in its first four days of premiering. The series has sparked calls for new age limits on access to smartphones and even prompted conversations on introducing a Minister for Men. In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Renee Chopping, a Trauma counsellor for survivors of sex trafficking and an advocate of child protection, who led a recent petition that successfully got Andrew Tate content removed from Spotify. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Mar 26min

Afternoon headlines: Teal MP Monique Ryan’s partner has apologised after stealing a Liberal campaign sign, Federal Government announces $1 billion in defence spending for budget and Tiger Woods confirms relationship with Donald’s Trump ex daughter in law Deep dive: The latest Newspoll survey reveals women are now abandoning both major parties at an alarming rate, as Labor’s female support base has dipped to 29% for the first time. While it’s perceived Mr Dutton has a problem with female voters, young men are also deserting Labor. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Samantha Maiden, the political editor for news.com.au to unpack the latest data, as Australia goes through one of the biggest political shake-ups in history. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Mar 12min

Monday Headlines: More bill relief announced as budget looms, Gaza death toll passes 50,000, Pope Francis makes first public appearance since hospitalisation, redemption for Oscar Piastri in Chinese Grand Prix and a new study shows humans are getting dumber.Deep Dive: Sports betting is surging among young men —should we be worried? New research shows the rates of sports betting among Aussie men aged 18-44 has skyrocketed by 65% since 2015, with spending also on the rise. Despite stricter regulations - gambling ads and online apps are fueling a growing industry that some see as a public health crisis—while others say it’s just a bit of fun. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with three young men who regularly bet on sports to hear their take: Is sports betting really a problem? Would they support tougher restrictions? And could they stop if they had to? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Mar 30min

David Pocock, the former rugby star turned independent senator, embraces the label of “weirdo” for his belief that sports and politics should go hand in hand. The former rugby star isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, famously refused to marry until same-sex couples had the same rights and being arrested for climate protests. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, David explains why rugby must lead on climate action, given its deep ties to Pacific Island nations with communities already bearing the brunt of climate change. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: The White Lotus season 3 on Binge TO EAT: Pistachio Papi Spread TO READ: Conspiracy? War on the waterfront on ABC Listen TO LISTEN: Discover weekly playlist on Spotify Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Mar 40min

Afternoon headlines: Treasurer Jim Chalmer stands by ACCC inquiry, flights to Bali cancelled after volcano eruption and Donald Trump shutting down the Department of Education Deep dive: Country music is having a moment, embraced by Millennial and Gen Z listeners with demand for the genre doubling over the last five years on Spotify. Artists like Beyoncé, Post Malone and Chappell Roan are moving back to their country roots as country music continues to top the Billboard Top 100 chart. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by country music artists Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen to unpack how the genre has taken over the global stage with its authenticity. Find tickets to Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen's tour here Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Mar 10min

Friday Headlines: Coles and Woolies found among ‘most profitable’ supermarkets in world, US Tech giants call on Trump to target Australia, Socceroos inch closer to qualifying for next year’s World Cup, and the world’s happiest countries have been revealed. Deep Dive: Australians love their dogs. Almost half of all homes have a pet pooch according to the RSPCA’s latest figures. Dog owners are also increasingly treating their pups as part of the family, whether that’s letting them sleep in the bed, throwing birthday parties for them and even taking them on holidays to Europe. And as more young couples are delaying having children to raise a dog instead, it really feels like we’re reaching a new stage in the human-dog relationship. So, what does all of this say about us, not only as owners, but as a society? Legendary Australian veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren (and her dog, Chilli) join Sacha Barbour Gatt on today’s episode of The Briefing to ask: has the line blurred too much? Further listening from the headlines: 'Top 10 hacks to cut your supermarket bill' is out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Mar 26min