Background Briefing

Nathan Tinkler is a billionaire and the richest man in Australia under 40. He loves fast horses, fast cars, the Newcastle Knights, and big business deals. He's held in awe and trepidation - but he won't talk to BB. Nor will most people who know him. So who is he, how did he get so rich, and why will Newcastle rise or fall with him? Reporter Brendan King. Photo: Lucas Dawson

We should be able to choose the way we die by writing an advanced care directive, or appointing someone to make our medical decisions when we can't. But there's legal arguments, confusion and arrogance in the way of us going gentle into that good night. Make your wishes clear, tell someone about them, and do it while you're competent. Reporter Di Martin Photograph: Tom Coull

One in three cancers are preventable and successful campaigns such as 'Slip Slop Slap' are proof. Lung and bowel cancer rates are coming down, also melanoma in children. St Vincents Institute in Melbourne held a forum to discuss aspects of cancer prevention, including the fact that every $1 used in prevention saves $50 in treatment. Producer, Kirsten Garrett.

As an entire population we're losing sleep. Fatigue has become a dangerous side-effect of 24/7 living and nowhere is the danger more acute than in the transportation industry - a frightening number of airline pilots as well as train, truck and car drivers admit to falling asleep on the job. But it's almost impossible to know how many fatal accidents are caused by fatigue. Reporter, Ian Townsend. Photo: iStockphoto

The compulsory English language test for migrants can make or break their future in Australia. But critics say it is a blunt instrument that can produce odd results. Frustration with the test is mounting and there is evidence of corruption. Reporter, Hagar Cohen.

In Egypt democracy activists called themselves the Facebook revolutionaries, but in China there are fears the social networking sites will be used to spy on dissidents. For governments, social media represent easy access to their citizens, for good or ill. But for digital entrepreneurs, including the odd Russian billionaire, there must be money in it, if they could only find a way. No-one knows where it will go next. Reporter: Stan Correy

David Brooks, a leading political analyst for the New York Times and PBS NewsHour, has come to some surprising conclusions after years of observing political life. He says politicians place too much value on reason, and not enough on social relationships, emotion and morality. Politicians can only develop successful policies if they learn the skills of intuition, sympathy and restraint.

Warlpiri woman Bess Nungarrayi Price gives a personal account of the way violence has ripped apart her family, and others, in Aboriginal communities of Central Australia. Bess and her white husband, Dave, argue passionately for the right of people in these communities to live without the fear of violence, and for children in remote areas to have access to a good quality education. Photo: Ann Arnold

Physicians' assistants have joined pharmacists, nurse practitioners and optometrists to say they can do the straightforward, simple, and repetitive work that would take the load off GPs. Patient safety is central to the debate, as the AMA guards its turf. Reporter Brendan King.

Many intellectually disabled people end up in jail. They plead guilty to minor crimes not understanding either social rules or the consequences. Hear the story of Melisa who has an IQ of 57, which is in the lowest l%, and who still faces jail. Reporter Cathy Van Extel.