Headlines: Our house prices and rents are at record highs, Australian Border Force says its actively monitoring a Chinese warship, convicted killer Chris Dawson appeals conviction, hope for those working from home and Kamala Harris is coming to Australia!

Deep Dive: The illegal tobacco industry is growing, and despite its links to violent firebombings and illegal sales, so is the number of people turning to it for cheaper smokes and vapes. 
 
Experts say the government’s high tobacco taxes are only fueling the issue, with more people pushed into searching for cheaper alternatives, and leaving a near $7 billion hole in the federal budget. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by former Australian Federal Police officer Rohan Pike, who led one of the country’s illicit tobacco task forces. 

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Afternoon headlines: Mother of attempted triple murder suicide arrested, Danielle Laidley battling rare brain tumour and cast of The White Lotus in Australia 

Deep dive: A damning report into some of our top super funds has found poor service and delayed payouts are now the norm. 

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Kirby Rappell, Executive Director of Super Rating to explain why you need to get on top of your super now and the top tips to get the best deal. 

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Monday Headlines: PM off to WA today, flooding could see communities cut off for weeks in NSW and QLD, search and rescue efforts continue in Myanmar and Thailand, Tonga tsunami threat cancelled, and more crimes to be added to Queensland’s ‘adult crime, adult time’ laws.
 
Deep Dive: A class action has been launched in the US aimed at limiting how many Australians can play college football and NFL in the country.

In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Dr Adam Cohen, lecturer and coordinator of the Sport Business Department at UTS, to unpack it all. 

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Konrad Michalski, better known as Punter's Politics, is on a mission to cut through the political spin and convince everyday Aussies (or punters) that politics actually matters.

With a mass online following, Konrad has become the go-to voice for satirical takes on Australia’s top stories. Now, with the election looming large, his insights have never been more vital.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Konrad explores how he challenges gas oligarchs to tackling housing inequality through social media, and shares his best tips on how to vote smart and avoid election regret.

Weekend list with Helen Smith

• TO WATCH: Adolescence on Netflix and our Adolescence episode 
• TO LISTEN: Good or Bad Billion BBC Podcasts
• TO READ: @disappointingaffirmations on Instagram

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Afternoon headlines: New poll shows Peter Dutton is now in the lead with voters, no jail time for ex-cop who tasered 95 year old in age care and two school students hit by an out of control car that was allegedly stolen.

Deep dive: There’s renewed concern over the health of King Charles, after the Monarch was hospitalized with side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. 

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Royal expert Angela Mollard to explain what’s really going on with the Monarch’s health and what plans are in place if his condition continues to deteriorate. 

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Friday Headlines: We have an election date, Peter Dutton’s budget reply, NSW court docs and Nine hit by data breach, search continues for missing Queensland police officer, US Yemen attack update and The Greens slam Albo for inviting Trump down under.

Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese wants you to buy Aussie-made—but are your Tim Tams, Twisties, and Milo purchases really supporting Australian businesses?     

With some of our iconic brands owned by foreign companies, can the Prime Minister’s "Team Australia" campaign actually help shield us from Trump's tariffs and more importantly ... boost our economy?    

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by the CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, Erin Turner, to break it all down. 

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Deep dive: Speculation is rife the Federal election will be called tomorrow, after an embarrassing blunder. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet posted on social media that the government was in caretaker mode, which was then quickly deleted. 

It comes just hours before Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is set to give his budget reply speech tonight, with some experts wondering if it was a genuine mistake or a clever strategic move to steal Mr Dutton’s thunder. 

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by 7 News Business Editor Amelia Brace to unpack the latest sensational twist ahead of what’s shaping up to be one of the closest elections in Australia’s history.  

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Thursday Headlines: Labor’s surprise tax cut passes the senate, groceries are the most expensive at Woolies, Salmon laws, NSW court data breach, and Bluey stars react to show’s censorship in the US.

Deep Dive: A virus that’s killed two people in recent months, and infected nine more, is back circulating the country. 
 
It comes after a series of back-to-back wet weather events, like Cyclone Alfred and various floods, have seen mozzie numbers surge and help spread Japanese Encephalitis Virus. 
 
In 2021, an unprecedented outbreak of JEV led to the deaths of seven people, with experts now warning that a third of those who survive are left with long-term neurological issues. 
 
In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy sits down with an Aussie mum whose 4-month-old son contracted JEV and is now facing lifelong health issues, and a viral diseases expert on how to protect ourselves against the incurable virus.

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Afternoon Headlines: The PM blasts the opposition over tax cuts, Jeanswest goes into administration and AirPods Pro 2 can now act as hearing aids. 

Deep Dive: Cost of living relief or a cruel hoax? We break down what the federal budget really means for Australians and its effect on skyrocketing bills and interest rates. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Sally Tindall to find out if the government’s tax cuts go far enough and why many experts are saying the inflation crisis is far from over.  

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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: 
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