The Briefing

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.

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Afternoon Headlines: Trump and US Defence Secretary respond to leaked Yemen war plans and 2032 Olympic Games venue confirmed

Deep Dive: Top secret US war plans have been leaked after a journalist was accidentally added to a group chat on encrypted messaging app Signal.  

President Donald Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth both dismissed the story, even after National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed it ‘appears to be authentic’.  

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by tech expert Trevor Long to explain why it’s a massive wake-up call for all governments, even here in Australia.  

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Tuesday Headlines: Budget will be in deficit + more potential energy relief on the horizon, sixth day of protests in Turkey, Queensland told to brace for more severe flooding while WA braces for heatwave and possible cyclone and the 2032 Olympic Game venue to be announced today.

Deep Dive: Adolescence is the Netflix series exposing the dark reality of how online influencers are hijacking the minds of young boys, hitting 24.3 million views in its first four days of premiering.  

The series has sparked calls for new age limits on access to smartphones and even prompted conversations on introducing a Minister for Men. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith is joined by Renee Chopping, a Trauma counsellor for survivors of sex trafficking and an advocate of child protection, who led a recent petition that successfully got Andrew Tate content removed from Spotify.

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Afternoon headlines: Teal MP Monique Ryan’s partner has apologised after stealing a Liberal campaign sign, Federal Government announces $1 billion in defence spending for budget and Tiger Woods confirms relationship with Donald’s Trump ex daughter in law 

Deep dive: The latest Newspoll survey reveals women are now abandoning both major parties at an alarming rate, as Labor’s female support base has dipped to 29% for the first time.  

While it’s perceived Mr Dutton has a problem with female voters, young men are also deserting Labor. 

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Samantha Maiden, the political editor for news.com.au to unpack the latest data, as Australia goes through one of the biggest political shake-ups in history. 

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.