The Daily Aus
This is a daily news podcast for young people in Australia. Join The Daily Aus team every weekday morning as we cover the news in your language. We’re a newsroom of young journalists, delivering news for young people. TDA is completely independent. We are not owned by any larger media company.
It's a new financial year. Here's what's changing.
Today marks the start of a new financial year, which means a raft of new measures are now in effect – from a payrise for 2.7 million workers, to tax and super changes, and a variety of new federal and state-specific laws.
We’ll take you through all the 1 July updates in today’s deep dive.
Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Zara Seidler
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Shot on Fujifilm.
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Headlines: Police seek info on threatening letters
Today's headlines include:
Police are appealing for information from the public to track down the author of threatening letters sent to high profile people in the community, including politicians. Six people have been shot dead at a shelter for mothers and children in northern Germany. Two men have faced court over allegations they accessed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's personal bank account. And today’s good news! A rare southern right whale mother and baby have been spotted in Botany Bay and off Bondi Beach in Sydney.Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Zara Seidler
Producer: Rosa Bowden
Wan...
Why politicians can lie in ads
In Australia, it is completely legal to lie in a political ad. Politicians can run false claims, spread misinformation, and publish AI-generated content, all without facing consequences. That could soon change though, after one MP introduced a bill last week to try and legislate truth in political advertising.
In today’s podcast we're going to break down the rules around political ads, and what proposed changes could be on the horizon.
Hosts: Elliot Lawry and Zara Seidler
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Shot on Fujifilm.
Want to sup...
Headlines: U.S. and Iran agree to stop strikes
Today's headlines include:
Iran and the United States have agreed to halt recent hostilities and renew talks regarding their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes of saving the peace deal that had been under pressure from days of strikes. Australia and Vanuatu have signed a security deal, months after the island nation’s Government backed away from the agreement over concerns about its independence. The World Health Organisation says the hantavirus outbreak is almost over. And today’s good news! Scientists have developed a water-based gel that can speed up wound healing.Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Ell...
Why did Nine fire Karl Stefanovic?
Last week, Channel Nine dropped Karl Stefanovic, one of its longest-standing TV hosts, over a podcast episode with a British far-right, anti-Islam activist. Stefanovic launched the podcast saying it was going to be “unfiltered and uncensored,” and while that might be the case, that doesn’t mean it is without consequences for his Australian media career. In today’s episode, we’ll explain why interviewing Tommy Robinson meant Karl lost his job at Nine.
Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie
Producer: Orla Maher
Shot on Fujifilm.
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How has AI changed the travel industry
There’s been a huge rise in the number of Aussies using AI to plan their holidays, with the biggest cohort of users being young people. But what are the implications for travellers who are facing rapidly changing environments, with confusing visa laws, travel restrictions and outdated entry requirements leaving people stranded. In today’s podcast, we’re going to explain what the latest trends across travel are, and what people can do if they need a little help along the way!
This podcast is produced with insights from Smartraveller. However, everything we’re about to talk about wa...
Headlines: ISIS-linked woman granted bail
Today's headlines include:
An Australian woman linked to ISIS has been granted bail in Melbourne Magistrates Court. A Tasmanian man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the 2025 murder of a police officer. Venezuelan search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to find survivors in the rubble of yesterday’s powerful double earthquake. The Socceroos have progressed to the World Cup knockout stages following a nil all draw with Paraguay in their final group game.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy Tassell
Producer: Orla Maher
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Meet Australia's new political party
Australia officially has a new political party. It’s called Community Strong Australia, and it’s been founded by two of the country's most prominent independent MPs.
On today’s podcast I sat down with Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall to discuss the launch of their new party, why their fellow teal independents aren’t coming along for the ride, and what CSA has to offer for young voters.
Hosts: Elliot Lawry and Zara Seidler
Guests: Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender
Producer: Orla Maher
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Headlines: Thousands feared dead in Venezuelan quakes
Today's headlines include:
Two strong earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday night (local time), causing buildings in the capital city of Caracas to collapse. The unemployment rate is down to 4.4% from 4.5%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. At least 48 people have died in France from drowning since the onset of a heatwave across Western Europe. And today’s good news! The International Olympic Committee has announced grants of 10,000 American dollars, that’s about 15,000 Australian dollars, to all Olympians.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy Tassell
Producer: Rosa Bowden
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The global warning about AI
Earlier this week, five nations, including Australia, issued a joint warning on AI. In a rare move, the joint warning said the world’s most powerful AI tools are on the very of making cyber attacks faster, cheaper and more damaging. It comes just weeks after the US government shut down a new AI model over national security fears. In today’s podcast, we’ll explain the latest warning, as well as why you can’t access Claude’s latest update.
Hosts: Zara Seidler and Emma Gillespie
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Shot on...
Headlines: Inflation eases slightly to 4%
Today's headlines include:
Prices increased by an average of 4% over the year to May, down from 4.2% in April, according to new inflation data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Papua New Guinea (PNG) has suspended the importation of all Australian chicken and egg products after the first mainland cases of a deadly bird flu strain. YouTube and its parent company Google have settled a case with a Florida teen who claimed the platform caused mental health harms. And today’s good news: A new study from an international team of scientists shows Indigenous traditions can offer new insig...How UK PM Keir Starmer lost his job
This week marks 10 years since the Brexit referendum, when a majority of the UK population voted to leave the European Union. In that time, six Prime Ministers have resigned - the latest being Keir Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide victory less than two years ago. In today’s episode, we’ll explain exactly how Starmer’s position became untenable.
Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie
Producer: Rosa Bowden
Shot on Fujifilm.
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify...
Headlines: Labor's tax reforms to become law
Today's headlines include:
Labor’s controversial tax reforms are set to become law with the support of the Greens. Six cruise ship passengers taken to a quarantine facility in WA have been cleared of hantavirus after 42 days in isolation. The U.S. has waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days following the first round of talks under an emerging peace deal. And today’s good news: Researchers in the UK believe a tropical butterfly species could hold secrets about the biology of longevity.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy Tassell
Producer: Avegail Matutina
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Bird flu is here. Should we be worried?
A few days ago, Australia was the only continent in the world to have avoided the deadly H5 bird flu strain. After years spent watching this virus devastate wildlife populations and agricultural sectors from afar, everything changed on Saturday when the Government confirmed bird flu has finally arrived on our shores. In today’s deep dive, we explain why you should care, and what this actually means for our wildlife, for your food bill, and your health.
Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Zara Seidler
Producer: Orla Maher
Learn more about the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline her...
Headlines: Govt signs $2.5b defence deal w. Canada
Today's headlines include:
Authorities have identified a second case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain, as the country’s largest poultry producer locks down its Western Australian operations. Australia has signed its largest ever defence export deal, entering into a multi-billion dollar contract with Canada. Dozens of drones have been shot down in Moscow, with flights briefly suspended in the Russian capital, according to local authorities. And today’s good news: New research out of the UK shows cervical cancer deaths have dropped to record low levels thanks to the HPV vaccine.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and L...
Why Australia's immigration debate is back
One in three people living in Australia right now were born overseas. It's one of the highest proportions in the world. And right now, every political party has a very different idea about whether that number should go up, down, or stay the same.
Today we're breaking down the current migration figures, why the debate over immigration is dominating headlines, and what the different sides of politics have to say about it.
Hosts: Elliot Lawry and Sam Koslowksi
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Shot on Fujifilm.
Want t...
How to think about your shares at tax time
Today we're talking about something that's pretty much unavoidable at the moment: tax. Specifically, tax as it relates to investing. End of financial year is almost here, and if you've got investments, or bought and sold shares since July last year, this is the moment those two worlds run into each other.
This podcast was produced with insights from CommSec. However, everything we talk about was researched and written by us, and the content remains entirely independent. For more information on tax time, head to CommSec.
Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimons
Producer: Orla M...
Headlines: Police charge 3rd synagogue firebombing suspect
Today's headlines include:
Counter-terrorism police have charged a third man over the firebombing of a Victorian synagogue. Australia’s work health and safety regulator has recommended the Defence Force be prosecuted over a fatal army helicopter crash. Around 300 students and teachers have been rescued after a fire tore through a primary school in Tokyo. And today’s good news: An all women referee crew has officiated a match at the men’s World Cup for the first time this tournament, taking charge of the one all draw between South Africa and Czechia.Hosts: Zara Seidler and Lucy Tassell...
Aussie activists' allegations against the IDF, explained
Last week, a group of Australian activists who had tried to sail to Gaza on a flotilla of boats carrying humanitarian aid returned home. They’ve publicly alleged that while the Israeli Defence Force had them in custody, soldiers sexually and physically assaulted them.
Now, the Australian Federal Police says it is investigating their allegations. On today’s podcast, we’ll unpack what has been alleged and what the AFP can actually do.
Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Shot on Fujifilm.
Want to...
Headlines: U.S. & Iran release interim agreement to end war
Today's headlines include:
The U.S. and Iran have released the text of an interim agreement to end their war, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they fail to honour their commitments. Annual migration levels have fallen slightly, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Two children have died after a SUV hit them as they were crossing the road with their mother in Sydney’s south-west on Wednesday afternoon. And today’s good news: New research shows 166,000 square kilometres worth of coral reefs across the world will be able...Young Aussies' changing relationship with the media
Earlier this week, a new report on how Aussies consume news media was released. It’s the latest in a long-running international survey that compares data on media usage in 48 different countries, and is deemed the authoritative source of information for understanding changing attitudes and behaviours when it comes to news.
In today’s podcast, we’re gonna break down some of the biggest findings, including that young people’s trust in news jumped significantly in a single year, Australia is bucking global trends when it comes to interest in news and that news creators are growing steeply i...
Headlines: Protesters interrupt Pauline Hanson's speech
Today's headlines include:
Protesters have interrupted One Nation leader Pauline Hanson’s first National Press Club address. The Victorian Government has announced gun law reforms, including strengthening background checks. U.S. officials disrupted a planned attack targeting the recent UFC White House event, according to newly unsealed court papers. And today’s good news: Aussie teen sprint sensation Gout Gout has set a new under-20 world record at an event in Czechia.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy Tassell
Producer: Rosa Bowden
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Can we prevent shark attacks?
A woman suffered life threatening injuries after she was bitten by a shark, 30 metres from the shore at Sydney’s Coogee beach on the weekend. The incident has reignited long-running debate around how/if humans can safely coexist with sharks in the ocean.
Today we’ll unpack how governments are trying to mitigate the risk of shark attacks, what technologies exist in this space, and why these attacks seem to be on the rise.
Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Elliot Lawry
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Shot on Fujifilm.
Wa...
Headlines: RBA keeps interest rates at 4.35%
Today's headlines include:
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept interest rates on hold for the first time this year. An Australian World Cup referee has been cleared of wrongdoing after he was accused of making a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist sign. The Bureau of Meteorology has announced an El Niño is underway in the tropical Pacific. And today’s good news: A once locally extinct kangaroo-like marsupial has been released back into the far northwestern NSW desert.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy Tassell
Producer: Rosa Bowden
Want to support The...
The world's first trillionaire (kind of)
A trillion - a number so big it almost doesn't make sense. But this week, Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire thanks to his company SpaceX going public on the stock market. It means Musk himself is now richer than most countries, and the value of his rocket manufacturing company is on par with the economies of Australia, Mexico and Spain. We're going to explain what any of that actually means and why it matters in today’s deep dive
Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Sam Koslowski
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
...
Headlines: ASX surges due to U.S-Iran peace deal
Today's headlines include:
The Australian share market has surged to an eight-week high while oil prices have plunged, following news of a U.S-Iran peace deal. The Federal Government has urged Pakistani authorities to launch an inquiry into the shooting death of a young Australian girl. The UK is expected to implement a social media ban for children under 16. And today's good news: Scientists have found a blood test that can identify people likely to develop lung cancer up to five years before the disease takes hold.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy Tassell
Producer: Rosa Bowden<...
Bill Gates' relationship with Epstein
Nearly six years after Jeffrey Epstein's death, the questions have not stopped.
Last week, Bill Gates testified before a US congressional committee about their relationship – one that started after Epstein had already served time for sex crimes.
So what was the extent of Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein’s friendship? And did Gates know of Epstein’s crimes?
Hosts: Elliot Lawry and Billi FitzSimons
Producer: Orla Maher
Video Editor: Rosa Bowden
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’...
Headlines: Fallout from NDIS Senate inquiry
Today's headlines include:
A senate inquiry into proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has wrapped after three days of hearings in Canberra. Principals in Victoria will be given stronger powers to ban abusive parents from school grounds. U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States and Iran could sign a peace deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as this weekend. And today’s good news: An 11-year-old in the U.S. state of Kansas discovered an 85 million-year-old fossil during a school excursion.Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Elliot Lawry
Prod...
The World Cup controversies, explained
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off! It marks the biggest football tournament in history, with 48 teams playing across three countries. But before a single ball has been kicked, this might already be the most controversial World Cup ever.
One of the teams competing is at war with the host country. A referee was turned away at the border. And fans are being blocked from watching their own team play.
On today’s podcast we’re going to break down everything you need to know about this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup.<...
Headlines: NSW Police force review finds widespread harassment
Today's headlines include:
A wide-ranging review has found a culture of sexual harassment in the NSW police force. The U.S. has launched further strikes on Iran, with an Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) chief vowing to “turn the region into hell” for the U.S. Anti-immigration riots in Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast have continued for a second night. And today’s good news: English Premier League side Arsenal has donated players’ old socks to a donkey and horse sanctuary.Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Elliot Lawry
Producer: Rosa Bowden
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Why 'Ditch the Witch' is back in politics
Listen to The Mirror on Spotify - episode 1, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4
Listen to The Mirror on Apple Podcasts - episode 1, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4
A billboard truck has been spotted driving around Melbourne with the slogan "Ditch the Witch" next to an image of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
The campaign has been condemned across the political spectrum, reviving a slogan that was used against Australia's first female prime minister more than fifteen years ago.
On today's podcast, we're breaking down who's behind it, what it means for Victorian politics, and what Julia Gillard h...
Headlines: Accused Bondi terrorist charged with more offences
Today's headlines include:
The accused Bondi terrorist has been charged with 19 further offences, adding to his 15 existing murder charges and 40 counts of attempted murder. Thousands of people have turned out to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to farewell AFL legend and MND advocate Neale Daniher. Iran has confirmed it carried out attacks against a U.S. base in Jordan and 21 other targets in the Gulf, in retaliation for American strikes around the Strait of Hormuz. And today’s good news: An orphaned Eastern Grey Kangaroo joey has been released into the wild in north Queensland after a 2,000km roun...Australia's illegal tobacco boom
Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy cigarettes. A standard pack now costs around $60, and it's a price most smokers aren’t willing to pay. But that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped buying them altogether. New data estimates around 80% of cigarettes and nicotine products consumed last year were purchased on the black market, with organised crime undercutting the government by $30 a pack. And despite decades of taxes and education campaigns, overall nicotine consumption has surged. So what's actually going on? Today we unpack Australia's rapidly growing illegal tobacco industry.
Hosts: Billi...
Headlines: Intl. Criminal Court suspends chief prosecutor
Today's headlines include:
The Coalition has left the door open to working with Pauline Hanson to oust Labor from power, as One Nation rises in the polls. NSW Police have charged two people over a shooting at the wrong funeral site for a murdered gangland figure. The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor has been suspended following sexual harassment allegations. And today’s good news: Australian researchers have discovered a new way to brew espresso using ultrasonic sound waves, a method they say could make coffee cheaper.Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimons
Producer: Orla Maher
The accusations of political interference against Trump
Is U.S. President Donald Trump interfering with journalism in the U.S.?
That is the question at the core of the controversy surrounding the U.S. version of 60 Minutes - the most watched television news program in the country.
It’s a show that for decades has demonstrated journalism at its best - holding the political and corporate powers to account.
Now, new owners, and a suite of firings, has led many to question the motivations behind its latest decision. But is this actually political interference? That is what we will explore on t...
Headlines: One Nation the most popular party in latest poll
Today's headlines include:
Fresh polling has once again suggested that Pauline Hanson's One Nation is the most popular party in Australia. Former Australian of the Year and pioneering melanoma researcher Professor Richard Scolyer has died, aged 59. Israel has struck military targets in western and central Iran, despite reports that U.S. President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from further attacks. And today’s good news: Aussie pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall has pulled off a remarkable victory, beating Olympic champion and world record holder Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis at a Diamond League event in Stockholm, Sweden, o...The young Aussies being blackmailed online
Australia’s online safety regulator received more than 3,300 reports of sexual extortion last year, with young men the most targeted group.
‘Sextortion’ is a form of online blackmail and sexual abuse, which experts warn is growing rapidly in scale and sophistication, partly due to generative AI. eSafety is now “turning the tables” on scammers by using AI itself for a new campaign.
To talk us through the latest data and it’s new education campaign, TDA sits down with eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant in today’s deep dive.
Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Sam Koslowski
Headlines: Vic teen to face trial on terror charges
Today's headlines include:
A Melbourne teenager who allegedly attempted to hijack a plane may become the first child in Victoria to face trial on terror charges. Australians lost almost a quarter of a billion dollars to scams in the first three months of 2026, according to new data released by the ACCC's National Anti-Scam Centre. Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to North Korea to meet with Kim Jong-un for his first visit in six years. And today’s good news: An Australian-Tamil footballer has made history as the first Tamil athlete to make a FIFA World Cup squad.Host...
Why Patagonia is suing a drag queen
Over the last week or so, you may have seen news coverage or social media posts about a lawsuit from outdoor gear brand Patagonia against a drag queen named Pattie Gonia.
Patagonia alleges Pattie (real name Wyn Wiley) is infringing on its trademark. Pattie says Patagonia is trying to “erase her advocacy”.
In today’s episode, we’ll unpack this very full hiking backpack and give you a little lesson on trademark law.
Want more stories like this one? Subscribe to TDA's Culture Newsletter here.
Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie
Producer...
Headlines: NSW to scrap driving penalties for cannabis users
Today's headlines include:
The NSW Government will introduce laws to scrap automatic drug-driving penalties for some medicinal cannabis users. The Federal Government's tax bill, which includes limiting negative gearing and removing the 50% capital gains tax discount, has passed the House of Representatives. NASA has announced the end of its MAVEN spacecraft mission after losing contact with the robotic probe six months ago. And today’s good news: Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout has notched the biggest achievement of his career so far, with his 200m world record officially ratified.Hosts: Elliot Lawry and Billi FitzSimons
Producer: Ros...
