Victoria’s controversial pandemic bill explained

Wednesday Headlines: Victorian government to strengthen state's Working with Children Checks after Joshua Cook charged with 70 offences, NSW residents evacuated and warned to stay indoors as wild weather continues, Elon wins ‘free speech’ fight against Australia's eSafety Commissioner, a blistering heatwave is fuelling wildfires across parts of Europe, and 130,000 Western Australians have been busted in a new road safety camera trial.Further listening from headlines: Calls for increased childcare safeguards Deep Dive: Punk-rap duo Bob Vylan and Irish rap group Kneecap are under criminal investigation over their performances at Glastonbury. It comes after Bob Vylan frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster led chants of “Death, death to the IDF”, referring to the Israeli Defense Force and Kneecap followed with an incendiary performance, leading the crowd in chants of “fuck [British Prime Minister] Keir Starmer.”   The BBC has expressed regret for not cutting its live stream of Bob Vylan’s set, describing the remarks as containing “utterly unacceptable” antisemitic sentiments. The US announced it was revoking visas for the band.   In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr Murray Lee, professor of criminology from the University of Sydney, to explore the boundaries of artistic expression and the legal implications of political speech on stage. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Five million could be hit with intense weather system hitting the coast of NSW, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to meet with US President Donald Trump and two major sunscreen brands under fire for ‘greenwashing’ Deep Dive: There are calls for greater childcare regulations after new allegations against a 26-year man Victorian man.  He’s been charged with 70 sexual offences including rape relating to his work at an early learning centre. He also worked at 19 other childcare centres. More than 1200 families have been urged to test their children for infectious diseases.  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Bravehearts Founder and child safety advocate, Hetty Johnston AM, to explain the urgent need for change in our childcare safety regulations.    This episode contains descriptions of child sex abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or harassment, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT. org.au. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Police are investigating Bop Vylan and Kneecap over Glastonbury performances, Sydney under ‘prepare now’ orders as east coast low hits, House prices reach record highs, grow twice as fast as wages, AI could boost the Australian economy by $115bn within five years, and Albo reacts to ‘Daddy’ Trump on Ten's new News program. Deed Dive: It's tax time but before you lodge your return, it’s important to know what you can claim, what you can’t and some of the new areas the ATO are keeping on their radar.  So, what is the best way to get the most out of you tax return and should you be using an account or is MyGov enough?In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by accountant and business advisor Emma Bowdler from The Women's Accountant to discuss. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.   She’s pled not guilty to all charges.   In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: BUPA to pay $35 MILLION dollars in penalties and two US firefighters have been shot with the body of a suspected shooter found and the jury for Erin Patterson’s murder trial starts deliberation Deep Dive: Donald Trump’s trade war with China is set to cost Australia $27 billion in lost income from two of our biggest exports, liquefied natural gas and iron ore, according to the federal government. It comes as Anthony Albanese has slammed the US President for placing tariffs on Australia, as world leaders prepare for a second “Liberation Day” announcement when the 90-day pause on tariffs lifts next week. In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Susan Stone, economist from UniSA Business to explain the impact these tariffs continue to have on our economy.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Greens candidate left ‘potentially without vision’ after being arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest, Teen in serious but stable condition after NSW shark attack, Uni & TAFE students to be paid for placements, we're in for a wild week of weather, and Aussies are 35% less likely to buy a round of drinks for their mates. Deep Dive: We think we know the story of Australia’s worst terrorist - the man who in 2019 opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 worshippers and livestreaming the massacre.  He was convicted of terrorism and is now serving life without parole. For years, we’ve been told he acted alone but that’s not the whole story.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with investigative journalist Joey Watson, who retraces the killer’s steps in his new series Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor and uncovers what we may have missed six years on. Listen to Joey's latest season of Secrets We Keep on the LiSTNR app for free now. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus Episode: As the Australian government prepares to review our national patchwork of surrogacy laws, this exclusive LiSTNR investigation reveals how restrictive domestic policies are quietly fuelling a booming, unregulated international surrogacy marketplace - one that has recently shifted to Latin America. In this special episode of The Briefing, investigative journalist Claudianna Blanco travels to the Colombian capital, Bogotá, to uncover a secretive world of ethical grey zones, riddled with stories of underpaid and medically vulnerable surrogates and opaque payment systems. Going undercover, she exposes how private clinics rely on Colombia’s overstretched public health system to support foreign clients. Listen to Claudianna on Secrets We Keep: By Any Means.Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carina Mirabile grew up dreaming of being a blonde beach babe instead of the 'ethnic girl', but now she proudly embraces her Italian heritage. The Married at First Sight reality star, fashion label boss and podcast host is a walking content machine who admits she 'low-key manifested' her rise to fame. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Carina opens up about the violent outburst from her on-screen husband on national TV, her reflections on domestic violence and why her search for love is currently on pause. Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou:  TO WATCH: America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders season 2 on Netflix TO TRY: QV Baby bath oil for washing your pet TO DO: Flowers from Harris Farm TO DO: Send us your shoe recs for Chris! Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erin Patterson has been charged with the murders of three relatives and the attempted murder of another; after allegedly serving up a beef Wellington dish laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her home in 2023.   She’s pled not guilty to all charges.   In this special series of The Briefing, Helen Smith unpacks the trial in under two minutes.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoon Headlines: Teenager charged with murder for allegedly fatally stabbing a man, appeal hearing underway for police officer who tasered a 95-year-old great grandmother, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese isn’t matching NATO's massive defence pledge and Anna Wintour steps down as American Vogue's editor-in-chief Deep Dive: The weeklong wedding extravaganza between billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice, that’s costing an estimated 85 million dollars, is dividing the internet.  Protests have forced the couple to move venues, as A-list celebrities, politicians and millionaires start to arrive with the celebrations kicking off with a foam party on board a luxury yacht.  In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by culture journalist Maggie Zhou to unpack everything we know about the multi-million-dollar affair.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.