BONUS: How undercover police radicalised an autistic child

Monday Headlines: Cooler conditions ease bushfires across NSW, Coalition calls for independent review of minister’s $100,000 US visit, warning Chernobyl radiation no longer being contained, around 600 protesters call on SBS to boycott Eurovision, and the F1 has a world champion! Enter The Briefing survey HERE Deep Dive: The US has 15,000 troops and a dozen warships stationed in the Caribbean, escalating tensions with Venezuela after weeks of controversial strikes - including a double-tap attack some experts say may constitute a war crime.  While Washington maintains it is targeting drug traffickers, analysts argue the motivations run far deeper, from oil and geopolitics to decades of tension with an authoritarian regime.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou unpacks it with the help of La Trobe University’s Professor Raul Sanchez-Urribarri and LiSTNR’s investigative journalist, Claudianna Blanco. Further listening from headlines: Inside Oscar Piastri's and Lando Norris' fight for number one at McLaren Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @thebriefingpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's bonus episode, Secrets We Keep: Uncovered host Joey Watson interviews the parents of a young teenager with autism radicalised by covert Australian Federal Police (AFP) operatives and later charged with terrorism. His charges were dropped by a Victorian court. For the first time, Thomas’ parents speak publicly about the devastating moment they learned the state had pursued a criminal case against a child with significant cognitive vulnerabilities, and how a system meant to protect their son instead put him at greater risk. Their account, alongside the court’s damning findings, that police conduct fell “profoundly short” of acceptable standards, raises questions about policing, oversight, and how a terrorism prevention program turned into an institutional failure. Part 2 of this extraordinary story will be published on Tuesday 9 December at Secrets We Keep: Uncovered. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts. *** POLICE RESPONSE The AFP referred us to its previous comments regarding this matter: Senate Estimates LINK Parliamentary Joint Committee LINK Victoria Police claimed that to their knowledge, the Imam assigned to the family through their CVE program did not record without the family’s knowledge or consent. “Victoria Police does not publicly provide specific details of the operations or programs of this nature," a spokesperson said. "This is partly to ensure we maintain the confidentiality needs of all of those involved. The community can be reassured that we remain committed to working with the community and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies to divert those vulnerable to radicalising towards violent extremism to a different path, assist those who are already holding violent extremist beliefs to disengage, and ensure the safety and security of the Victorian public.”    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fidan Shevket has mastered the art of turning the mundane into content gold, amassing more than a million TikTok followers simply by sharing her daily life. The lawyer launched her TikTok career by breaking down family law cases and offering viewers a rare glimpse into the real-world challenges behind them. But the mum-of-two eventually found herself gaining a following for her straight-shooter personality and candid content, with many checking in for their daily dose of 'Fidan-tok.' In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Fidan shares how she built a cult following from her viral catchphrases, to 'Saturday Platter day' and the weekly grocery shop.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Journalist Olivia Nuzzi has released her new bombshell book detailing her alleged “digital affair” with RFK Junior in the lead-up to the US Presidential election. Nuzzi's book raises serious questions about political sabotage, conflicts of interest and why RFK Junior from the famous Kennedy dynasty remains untouchable.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey journalist and US Political expert Charlie Lewis to unpack these latest bombshell developments.  Headlines: Victoria Police have concluded a 5-day targeted search for fugitive Dezi Freeman, two gunmen are still at large after opening fire in a Sydney carpark, and a number of countries will boycott this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Instagram and Facebook begin shutting down teen accounts as High Court challenge to social media ban approved, millions told to brace for heatwave, Bruce Lehrmann sentenced for using car without consent, new report confirms Aussies paying more but getting less from private health insurance, our most trusted brands of the year revealed. Deep Dive: Australia is home to 20 of the world’s 25 most venomous snakes, with the critters found in every corner of the country, including our suburbs.   With urban development driving up the number of encounters between humans and our slippery friends, there’s been a boom in people wanting to become snake catchers.   On this episode of The Briefing, Julia Baker, aka Snake Sheila, talks all things snakes with Sacha Barbour Gatt, and explains the recent trend seeing more of us ditching our day jobs to work with the misunderstood animals.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The real-life succession battle over the Murdoch media empire worth billions resulted in one of the biggest family feuds playing out in court and destroyed the relationship between Rupert Murdoch and his son James.   Earlier this year James Murdoch gave a rare interview in the Atlantic sharing his side of the story, where he called his father a “misogynist” and described Fox News as a “menace” to US democracy.   In this episode of The Beefing, Helen Smith unpacks why James spoke out against his family, how Donald Trump was involved and if their feud is anything like HBO’s hit series Succession.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Federal MP is calling for a nationwide crackdown on dangerous e-bikes, claiming the government has been too slow to act. Hospitals are seeing hundreds of serious e-bike injuries, and experts warn the situation could become catastrophic if urgent measures aren’t introduced. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Federal Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps, to discuss her Safer E-Bikes Bill, why tougher laws are needed, and what it could mean for riders across Australia. Headlines: Victoria Police have announced they have laid 83 new charges against alleged Melbourne childcare pedophile Joshua Dale Brown, the Victorian government will cut 1,000 public sector jobs, and Google has revealed the most searched terms in Australia this year.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines: Brittany Higgins says she ‘can breathe again’ after Lehrmann loses appeal, government warned to curb spending or risk rising inflation in 2026, baby among dead as Hong Kong fire death toll climbs to 159, controversial Hobart stadium gets parliament's support, and Spotify has dropped its Wrapped for 2025!  Deep Dive: If you could, would you ditch the algorithm that decides who and what you see on social media?   That’s the idea behind a new campaign which is calling on the Australian Government to legislate an “opt-in” feature to help us avoid misogynistic, racist, homophobic and harmful content online.   On this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Chanel Contos, the founder of Teach Us Consent, to learn more about the Fix Our Feeds campaign. If you want to check out the open letter to Anthony Albanese, you can do that here: https://www.teachusconsent.com/fix-our-feeds#open-letter  Further listening from headlines: Higgins v Lehrmann: Part 1 Brittany Higgins v Bruce Lehrmann explained: Part 2 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Victorian government is investigating mothers’ groups and a homeschooling network run by neo-Nazis. Experts say these groups can often end up as patriarchal cults with coercive control.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by far-right researcher Dr Kaz Ross, who explains what’s really fuelling this far-right extremism and why governments need to listen.  Headlines: Bruce Lehrmann has lost his latest defamation appeal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if pushed, Russia is ready for war, and Anika Wells is under fire after revelations that taxpayers footed a massive bill for a New York event promoting Australia’s teen social media ban.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: New apps soar in popularity ahead of social media ban, internal Liberal Party review blames Trump for election defeat, coroner hears of pilot’s breakdown before deadly SeaWorld chopper crash, flagship gambling reform has done little to deter addicts, and the Matildas have ended their playing year on a high, beating New Zealand 2-0. Deep Dive: The 2025 TikTok Awards made headlines last week for their celebrity guests, record-breaking votes and history-making Creator of the Year - but another story quickly took over online.  Black creators publicly alleged they were blocked from the red carpet while white creators walked through freely, prompting accusations of racism and a response from TikTok Australia that many say fell short.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with independent journalist and Back Cover Media founder Mibenge Nsenduluka about what unfolded, why it escalated so quickly online, and how events like this can be handled better in the future.  You can read TikTok Australia’s statement here.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.