The 2025 NRL grand final is here and the code’s decision to book American singer Teddy Swims has stoked the flames of an age-old debate: The grand final isn’t just a game; it’s a stage - and the question is, who deserves the spotlight?

Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app.

The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.

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A flashpoint as police seek to block Palestine Action Group protest for October 7 on the steps of the Sydney Opera House to mark two years since Hamas’ murderous rampage. Meanwhile, activist Greta Thunberg is detained in Israel.

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Investors who poured millions into the Public Hospitality Group are unlikely to recoup their cash after founder Jon Adgemis declared bankruptcy. Today: how this former billionaire built - and lost - an empire. 

You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app.

This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A peace plan proposed by Donald Trump to end the conflict in Gaza is edging closer to an agreement. Plus, the mushroom killer’s next move and last drink’s for a Sydney pub baron.

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Beijing may be making an example of mining giant BHP in a bid to get better prices for iron ore, but our expert says China’s reported ban could be short-lived.

You can read more about this episode, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app.

This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keith Urban will face a crowd of thousands just days after news of his split from Nicole Kidman broke. Plus, a major inquiry into the embattled CFMEU gets underway.

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Arab and Muslim leaders are on board. Israel says yes. But the Trump-Netanyahu peace deal needs a ‘terrorist death cult’ to lay down its arms. Foreign editor Greg Sheridan charts the way forward. 

View an edited transcript of this episode, plus photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app.

This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A complete Hamas surrender and the return of all hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners - that's the core of a 20-point peace deal announced by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu with the blessing of Arab leaders, who now have to persuade Hamas to sign up. Today, US correspondent Joe Kelly joins us to break down the detail.

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A father who was convicted of sexually abusing his own five-year-old daughter was given a minimum prison term of just two and a half years because a judge found he was in the process of transitioning to a woman, and that reduced his moral culpability. Now, the offender’s serving the sentence in a women’s prison.

View an edited transcript of this episode, plus photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app.

This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embattled telco Optus is embroiled in a new 000 outage a week after at least three people died when they couldn’t connect to emergency services. Plus, the government gives itself a pat on the back for new budget figures.

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