Homophobia in the AFL is back in the spotlight, with star Crows forward Izak Rankine banned for four games for using a homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent. But Rankine could still play in the AFL grand final if the Adelaide Crows make it. But Rankine is the sixth AFL player to be suspended for a homophobic remark aimed at an opponent in the past 16 months alone, so do bans even work?

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by behavioural scientist Erik Denison from Monash University's Faculty of Arts, who argues that bans don’t work and there are serious cultural issues in Australian sporting codes that need urgent action. 

This episode contains references to suicide and homophobic language. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or QLife on 1800 184 527. 

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Thursday Headlines: A former SAS soldier will be the first in Australia to ever face trial for a war crime, pedestrian deaths are up by almost 50 per cent, Monash IVF is under pressure to publicly release a review into two separate IVF bungles, the larger the house the less people living in it, and a year one teacher has gone viral for an informative private parts song.

Deep Dive: Amazon have just launched ‘their own version of Temu’ in a bid to compete with the ultra-low-cost marketplace called Amazon Haul.  

From mid 2023 to 2024 Temu reached nearly 4 million Australian shoppers and Shein reached about 2 million, with experts predicting that number could be greater in 2025.  

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Dr. Bo Pang associate director of consumer innovation at Swinburne University to explain the ethical and regulatory concerns within the ultra-low-cost marketplace and how Haul is different from the Amazon we know.  

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In a bombshell announcement, the Federal Health Minister has announced a major overhaul of the troubled NDIS. Mark Butler claims the NDIS was not fit for large numbers of children with autism and developmental delays, promising the changes will ensure the scheme is sustainable. But will those who need the support the most be unfairly targeted? 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by expert Professor Adam Guastella who warns the government needs to crack down on alleged dodgy providers who are exploiting a broken system.  

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Wednesday Headlines: Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case returns to court, Anthony Albanese has been called a “weak politician" by the Israeli PM, majority of land in NSW sold to developers instead of used as public housing, seven in 10 Australian’s who've signed up to the NDIS in the past year have autism, and a UK woman tries to take her annoying 20 and 30yo colleagues to court for socialising and wasting time.

Deep Dive: Australian’s are divided over whether property owners should have the right to use lethal force during a home invasion. 

While some argue we already have strong enough protections, tens of thousands of Queenslanders and Victorian’s are pushing to legislate Castle Law, to give home owner’s the right to use any force necessary if confronted with an intruder. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with Castle Law advocate, Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter and Nick Dore of Fisher Dore lawyers about both sides of the contentious debate. 

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There were numerous promises made during today’s historic peace talks between the Ukrainian and US presidents regarding Russia, with key European leaders standing by. President Donald Trump claims he’s negotiated talks between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, with both wanted lasting peace. But many are now asking at what cost? 

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by international conflict expert Dr Jessica Genauer, who is concerned about what conditions Russia wants in any breakthrough, and what’s next if Putin wins this latest war. 

Headlines: A 38-year-old mother is facing a number of child sex charges, the data of 280,000 Australians has been compromised, and a woman dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” has agreed to plead guilty to supplying the drugs that killed Friends star Matthew Perry.

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Tuesday Headlines: Major investigation launched after infant found dead in storm drain, Israel’s Foreign Minister revokes Australian visas, Matt Wright's being counter sued over death of mate, AFL launches investigation into alleged homophobic incident, and what do 'delulu', 'skibidi' and 'forever chemicals' all have in common?

Deep Dive: It’s an often-polarizing debate: should you go public or private when you need hospital treatment?

On the one hand, you might get a nicer room and a shorter wait time for elective procedures if you’re prepared to pay for private. But if you find yourself in an emergency, would it be better to get the full resources and staffing of a public hospital?

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith if joined by Nine reporter Christine Ahern, who has investigated private hospitals in Australia, to find out what you need to know. 

Further listening: What the actual f*** is skibidi toilet? and Are tradwives dangerous?

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Tax reform and working from home are top of the agenda at this week’s Productivity roundtable in Canberra. But will the expensive get together just be a waste of time, or will Australia’s business, economic and union leaders show courage and enact much-needed reforms? 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Crikey’s political editor Bernard Keane to unpack the agenda and find out the expected winners and losers. 

Headlines: Qantas has been fined $90 million, tens of thousands of Israelis have protested in Tel Aviv and, a surfer has had a fortunate escape after a close encounter with a shark in Northern NSW. 

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A newly announced ban on greyhound racing in one Australian state has divided the public but left animal welfare advocates celebrating.

Last week the Tasmanian Premier told those in the sector, the sport would be phased out by 2029, leaving many in the industry furious and questioning his true motives.

In part two of this two-part deep dive, Tara Cassidy speaks with TasRacing CEO Andrew Jenkins and Coalition For The Protection of Greyhounds President Amy MacMahon about the controversial decision, and the future of greyhound racing in Australia.

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Monday Headlines: Trump's NATO-style deal with Putin, shootings in Sydney and Melbourne nightlife precincts, fresh push to extradite Chinese man over baby burning incident, young Australians may have a tougher life than their parents, and a major scientific discovery that could re-write history.

Deep Dive: The Australian greyhound racing community is reeling after news last week that the sport will be phased out in Tasmania by 2029, while animal welfare advocates applaud the long-awaited move.  

Many across the sector say the industry’s been used as a scapegoat, as part of a political power play by the state’s premier, who’d recently pledged to bolster the industry, not ban it.  

In part one of this two-part deep dive, Tara Cassidy speaks with Greyhound Racing Victoria Chair Peita Duncan about the controversial decision, and the future of greyhound racing in Australia.

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Bonus episode: The Voice Australia is back for its 14th season. But in all those years, no contestant has made an impact quite like shows very first winner,  Karise Eden. Today, we’re bringing you Karise’s full-length interview from LiSTNR’s The Moment It Changed: Touchdown podcast.

Music journalist Cam Adams sits down with Karise as she opens up about her meteoric rise from struggling artist to national sensation, and the fallout that followed, from industry exploitation to the fight to reclaim her voice.

For more, including extraordinary revelations from former Australia Idol judges, you can listen to all episodes of The Moment It Changed: Touchdown for free on Apple, Spotify, LiSTNR or wherever you get your podcasts. 

This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. There's also references to family violence. If you or anyone you know needs support, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. 

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