The Front
The Front brings the unrivalled journalism of Australia’s national broadsheet to audio, featuring each day’s essential page-one stories, journalists’ candid take on the issues that matter, and behind-the-scenes insights from our newsrooms. Read more at theaustralian.com.au and see the video episodes by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
How exactly do we turn the temperature down?
Turn the temperature down - that’s the refrain from Anthony Albanese as independent MP Helen Haines battles to survive injuries sustained in a shocking vehicle attack. But what does that actually mean? What did Haines’ alleged attacker believe in? Can we draw reason and meaning from online rants or a grab-bag of grievances - and even if we can, how does it help us? And when the target of political violence is a mild-mannered grandma from the country, how do we find optimism? Today, political editor Geoff Chambers joins us to think through all these big ideas.
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What we know about Helen Haines’ alleged attacker
What could motivate someone to mow down a grandma, nurse and widely respected MP? Although no charges have been laid, questions emerge about the alleged grievances of Brendan Nugent.
Read more:
‘Plant person’ and ‘pro-Gaza’ radical Brendan Nugent arrested over Helen Haines attack
Helen Haines attack sparks political rivals to rally behind ‘one of the finest’
Barber Ricky Jefferies recalls disarming driver after alleged Helen Haines attack
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France has terrible aircon. Why is that causing a generational riot?
It’s the most French of stories: a public grievance blows up into a major conflagration with town halls burnt and synagogues ransacked. This time, anger over classroom conditions in history’s hottest summer has become a public order catastrophe. So who’s really to blame? Greg Sheridan is here.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Further reading:
Rule of law? Far too bourgeois
Synagogues ransacked, Jewish businesses burnt
Stunned Macron seeks answers
This episode...
Tax Office accidentally creates a points bonanza
Backflipping and confusion over credit card surcharges seem to have left points junkies able to pay their tax on plastic and reap a one-time-only points haul. Plus, Vladimir Putin’s plan for Ukraine peace that doesn’t involve Ukraine.
Read more:
Taxpayers pocket free frequent flyer points as government subsidises ATO credit card fees
Putin floats summit with Trump and Xi to decide Ukraine’s fate
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The old warhorses uniting to fight Netanyahu
Nobody thought Benjamin Netanyahu could survive the Hamas onslaught, a scandal over unheeded warnings and the sprawling Gaza-Iran-Lebanon-Houthi conflicts that have arisen.
As Israel’s October 28 elections near, rivals Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid say it’s time to end the Bibi era - but there is a wild possibility Netanyahu could survive yet again. Julie Szego is here.
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What will decide Israel's election psychodrama?
Israeli settlers in new wave of v...
‘Movin to the Sun’: the AI drama engulfing a mega-hit
French DJ Florent Hugel has a monster global hit on his hands - and now he’s frantically trying to refute claims the whole thing came from artificial intelligence. Today, Claire and Jasper Leak peel the layers off ‘Movin’ to the Sun’ to work out what’s real and what’s audacious spin.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
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...
Media boss says his wife wants DV charges dropped
The media mogul accused of attacking his wife, Anthony Catalano, now says he wants to move overseas with her and their children. Plus, the jury in the double-murder trial of Beau Lamarre-Condon visits the scene of the alleged crime, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their first public appearance since returning to the UK.
Read more:
Australian media mogul Antony Catalano to move overseas with family amid assault allegations, court told
Beau Lamarre-Condon jury visits Paddington terrace where couple was allegedly shot
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stage mock royal vi...
Are we forgetting Kokoda?
Fear, exhaustion and elation combine on the 96-kilometre Kokoda Track, where trekkers honour one of our greatest military victories. But is this ultimate immersive experience being forgotten by Australians, as tourist numbers dwindle and PNG is gripped by extreme poverty and violence? Our own John Ferguson reports, fresh from his own Kokoda adventure - and 5 kilos lighter than when he set out.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet a...
Cop ‘asked friend to ditch phone’ after murders
Accused killer cop Beau Lamarre-Condon asked a friend to dispose of a mobile phone connected to two men he’s accused of murdering. Plus, taxpayers foot the bill for Michelin stars in South Australia.
Read more:
Beau Lamarre-Condon asked friend to dump phone in WA after murders, court hears
IBAC exposes $285m Covid government cover-up in Victoria
11 Michelin-star winners in South Australia revealed
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The great Snowy squeeze: how the ‘world’s biggest battery’ got stuck
Snowy 2.0 was supposed to be the renewable energy dream made real right here in Australia. But a decade of catastrophic delays and blowouts have the whole project literally at risk of getting squeezed to death by Australia’s ancient geology - and now, The Australian is revealing the Commonwealth government considered sacking the builder that was meant to save this enormous project.
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Snowy Hydro blame game erupts amid cost blowout tensions
Snowy Hydro sits on c...
‘Completely agreed’: Albanese denies rolling Chalmers on ATO credit card ban
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says he wasn’t undercut by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on a controversial Tax Office plan to ban credit card payments.
Plus, China’s first foreign military base and Powerfinger’s tour ticket frenzy sparks new shows.
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Chalmers rejects claim PM undercut him on credit card backdown
Anthony Albanese admits overruling Chalmers on ATO credit card ban
Commentary by Dennis Shanahan: PM’s blame game has begun and Jim Chalmers is at the centre of it
China opens first foreign air base as it ‘enc...
Landlords pull a giant u-turn on investment
In a post-negative gearing world, property investors have to find a completely different kind of property to buy - and they’re shaking up the entire market. Today - what it means for renters, owners and the price of all our places. Mackenzie Scott is here.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Property investors target high-yield suburbs as negative gearing ban triggers spring market slump
Temporary rental relief as price growth slows, but crisis not over
Australian home sale...
Tom Cruise’s ‘obnoxious’ movie is an historic bomb
Tom Cruise’s film Digger is on track to lose more than $350 million, making it one of the biggest box-office bombs in history.
Plus, Independent senator David Pocock says the Prime Minister’s office edited a letter raising concerns about artificial intelligence before it was sent to - the Prime Minister.
Read more:
Tom Cruise film Digger set to lose Warner Bros $352m in historic flop
Nikki Gemmell’s review: Tom Cruise delivers an exhausting misfire in new satire Digger
Pocock claims PM’s office heavily vetted AI committee letter
...Will the Firmus flop kill our hyperscaler future?
Firmus is a giant flop - so what happens now to the tens of billions of dollars in AI hyperscaler money flooding into Australia to fund data centres? Chief business correspondent Perry Williams joins us.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Kristen Amiet, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.
See omnystudio.com/lis...
Brethren leader to face parliamentary inquiry
A drama surrounding the Brethren Christian Church has just accelerated, with the church’s global leader to appear before an Australian parliamentary inquiry into what church members got up to in the leadup to the 2025 federal election. Plus, new hearings from the antisemitism royal commission.
Read more:
Bruce Hales says ‘truth will prevail’ in his appearance before inquiry
Plymouth Brethren leader Bruce Hales to appear before parliamentary inquiry despite backlash
Antisemitism royal commission orders extra closed hearings into Bondi terror attack
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Oliver Curtis vents after Firmus fail
Australia’s missed a big opportunity - that’s the accusation from a disappointed impresario Olvier Curtis, who in a decade went from convicted insider trading criminal to data centre billionaire. A public float of his company, Firmus, has fallen flat and Curtis has retreated to Singapore. Today, a wild few days in the life of Firmus.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Firmus boss Oliver Curtis crisscrosses globe in $20m jet as ASX float fails
Oliver Curtis risks losing billi...
Why does Elon Musk hate the 4-hour documentary about himself?
The world’s richest man, Elon Musk has a new documentary. It got a five minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, and critics are unanimous in their praise. But Musk hates it. He’s labelled director Alex Gibney a “douche” and a “horrible human”. And now he’s threatening to sue.
Max Aitchison joins Claire Harvey to discuss all the shades of Musk.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey an...
ATO Credit card ban paused after business backlash
Small business owners will be able to pay their tax bills using credit cards, after the Australian Taxation Office paused its ban on plastic until 2027. Plus, Firmus multibillion-dollar IPO is scrapped and ‘The Bachelor’ star Sam Wood refused bail in Queensland.
Read more:
Labor caves in on ATO’s controversial credit card payment ban
Firmus pulls $44bn ASX float and looks to pursue US listing after investor revolt
Inside story: How the $44bn Firmus dream unravelled for Oliver Curtis
From DataRoom: Blame game begins after Oliver Curtis-led Firmus pulls massive A...
Nowhere Dan: What’s with Andrews’ new beachy life?
He was premier for nine years, a buddy to the billionaires and still a household name today - but Dan Andrews is toxic for his Victorian Labor party and living in a giant house he doesn’t own on the Mornington Peninsula. Today, the mystery of what’s going on with Daniel Andrews.
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Daniel Andrews living in luxury Mornington Peninsula home owned by Labor donor
Dan a nowhere man for Labor election campaign
Thi...
Firmus ASX float in doubt as investor interest wanes
Billionaire Oliver Curtis and his Firmus co-founders may not go ahead with an IPO planned for October 23 after investor interest waned. Plus, talkback tumbles in the latest radio ratings and 170 jobs axed by Penfolds winemaker.
Read more:
Oliver Curtis’ ASX float in chaos as Firmus slashes share valuation
Oliver Curtis-led Firmus poised to shelve float following market pushback
Talkback tumbles in radio ratings as audiences opt for easy-listening
Treasury Wine Estates makes 170 roles redundant as part of restructure
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Why did Australians walk into Hamas’ racist trap?
From the pulpit to the lecture theatre, antisemitism has found voice in Australia – just as Hamas planned with its October 7 slaughter of innocents. But why now? Was hatred of Jews a remnant of our Anglo-Christian heritage? Is it about extreme Islamism? Why would ‘progressives’ sign up to a racist cause? And what role did Israel play? Greg Sheridan is here to help us puzzle it out.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
‘Deaf ears’: Trump appointee claims Albanese ‘neutered’ Jillian Segal before Bondi attack
...NSW coal mines forced to consider global emissions
New South Wales coal miners will need to consider the global impacts of carbon emissions after the nation’s highest court handed down a landmark ruling on Wednesday. Plus, death-row inmate Christa Pike is reportedly awake following a botched execution, and pro-Palestine protesters gather in Melbourne on October 7 anniversary.
Read more:
NSW coal mines to be forced to consider overseas emissions in landmark climate ruling
Christa Pike is conscious and speaking after Tennessee failed execution, her attorneys say
Pro-Palestine protesters gather at Melbourne State Library on October 7 anniversary
See omnys...
The intriguing search for legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Friends and family of Sir Ranulph Fiennes say he’s been secreted away in care homes under fake names for months, unable to make contact with the world outside. Now, he’s reportedly living back at his rural property in Shropshire in England. So, how did it come to this?
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Ranulph Fiennes ‘placed in care home merry-go-round’ by second wife
This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edit...
Coalition eyes ‘biggest’ migration cut in Australian history
The Coalition will cut net overseas migration to 100,000 people per year and slash temporary visas if the Liberals and Nationals win the next election. Plus, fears of supermarket price hikes as Woolworths’ fuel levy triples, and Australian Army soldier dies in NT training exercise.
Read more:
Coalition vows biggest migration cut in history
Woolworths triples freight fuel levy as Middle East war threatens new supermarket price hikes
Australian Army soldier dies, five injured in vehicle crash at NT training base
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One party, 11 egos: inside the Greens’ meltdown
New leader, same old drama for the Greens, whose outsize capacity for melodrama marks a crisis of confidence for the party that’s become more about Gaza than the grassroots. Today, Richard Ferguson on where the Greens are actually going.
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David Shoebridge vows Greens will ‘replace’ Labor as defeated Faruqi rebels
‘I wish we’d listened to Faruqi before Bondi’, Greens leader David Shoebridge says
Commentary by Richard Ferguson: Greens desperately look for their Zohra...
‘Bachelor’ star to stay behind bars after alleged DV incident
Bachelor star Sam Wood will spend the next three nights in a Queensland watch house after he was charged with domestic violence offences.
Wood’s lawyer Matthew Cuskelly said on Monday his client intends to defend the charges and will apply for bail on Thursday.
Plus, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor takes the Thames Valley police to court, and Australia’s Rugby League World Cup Squad revealed.
Read more:
Bachelor star Sam Wood stood down from business; charged with domestic violence offences after alleged Noosa incident
Andrew takes UK police to court over E...
The Social Reckoning: Jeremy Strong steps into Mark Zuckerberg’s villain era
It’s the sequel nobody asked for but we’ll all be watching. Jeremy Allen White and Jeremy Strong face off in Aaron Sorkin’s new Facebook movie, charting the destabilisation of the Metaverse from within. Bianca Farmakis joins us to discuss where Sorkin is taking the story, 16 years after the original Facebook movie The Social Network became accidental inspo for a new generation of tech wannabes.
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‘I didn’t mean to mythologise him’: Sorkin takes on Zuckerberg...
‘Lift your game’: Online gaming platforms put on notice
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant urged online gaming platforms to “lift their game”, after it was revealed children are being exposed to sexual exploitation and extremism on their sites. Plus, Jai Arrow tribute line-up revealed, and ANZ dumps KPMG after audit scandal.
Read more:
Gaming giants must ‘lift their game’ on child safety, eSafety boss urges
Amy Shark to lead music stars in Jai Arrow NRL grand final tribute
ANZ plots KPMG breakup after 59 years as external auditor
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Is terrorism morphing to find a new front line?
An incredible mid-air cockpit attack - and claims of an Iranian cell lurking outside a military base: from the Middle East to Britain, authorities are on high alert after two alleged terrorism incidents. Today - what really happened with RAF Fairford and Flydubai 1073.
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Hero Flydubai pilot managed to open cockpit door despite being stabbed by a co-pilot
‘Who’s going to save you?’ Hero pilot lauds highly trained aircrew
Australians Carol and Steven M...
Credit card fury as Tax Office brings in tough new rule
The Australian Tax Office has declared it’ll no longer accept payments made with credit cards, leaving some businesses declaring they've been blindsided. Plus, UK PM Andy Burnham opens the door to a second Brexit vote and championship coach Chris Fagan to leave the Brisbane Lions.
Read more:
Small businesses given eight hours’ notice before ATO credit card change
Andy Burnham says a second Brexit referendum is an option
Three time premiership coach Chris Fagan to step down as Brisbane coach
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Andrew Webster’s ultimate NRL grand final preview
If you thought the AFL Grand Final was entertaining, strap in for a rugby league spectacular - the flash Harry Sydney Roosters versus the hardscrabble Newcastle Knights. There’s already been tears, ambulances, dust-ups and dramas and we’ve got the game’s best commentator who’s already scooping everyone.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
How NRL plans to honour brave Jai Arrow at decider with ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’
Knights consider starting Thomas Cant for Phoenix Crossland
‘Pull the...
No beef between Treasurer and RBA boss, PM says
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there’s no beef between Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Reserve Bank boss Michele Bullock over the source of stubborn inflation.
Plus, new crime scene evidence in the double-murder trial of former cop Beau Lamarre Condon, and one of Australia’s most prestigious universities takes a tumble in global rankings.
Read more:
'I agree with both': Albanese says no split over inflation
Commentary by Paul Kelly: Albanese and Chalmers are stuck in vicious economic loop of their own making
Commentary by Robert Gottliebsen: Four economic blows s...
How your super is fuelling Jim Chalmers’ budget brag
The target cash rate is up to a 15-year high and unemployment is up too - but the Treasurer says the budget’s looking better than even he expected. Why? Record tax revenue - and a big chunk of it is from all of our superannuation accounts. Economics correspondent Matthew Cranston is here.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Deficit $6bn lower ahead of expected rate hike, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says
Jim Chalmers’ deficit reduction helped by increased superannuation tax take...
OpenAI apologises for hack, but boss won’t answer questions
OpenAI has apologised for a breach of Australian government websites, including Medicare – but its chief executive Sam Altman won’t answer questions from a parliamentary committee about how the hack happened. Plus, the Greens are in the market for a new leader after Larissa Waters steps down.
Read more:
OpenAI apologises for Medicare hack amid warnings over Australia’s vulnerable government systems
OpenAI to send chief strategy officer to explain Medicare breach
OpenAI scraps release of new AI model over safety concerns
Greens to choose new leader 'in days' at Sydn...
Inside Ukraine’s fight for the next generation
As Vladimir Putin’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine enters a fifth brutal winter, Jacquelin Magnay reports from Europe on the fresh fight to bring home Ukrainian kids who were taken behind enemy lines, some of whom face being conscripted to fight for Russia. Plus - is Australia’s fresh $60m commitment going to make any difference?
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Image: 8-year-old Ukrainian girl Lisa Shtanko near the frontline in the first year of the war. Picture: AFP
Nobel no...
‘Killer cop’ told friend ‘nobody would ever find’ body
Former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon allegedly told a friend he’d dispose of a body in bushland and dump their belongings in rubbish bins before allegedly murdering two people.
Plus, thousands of Virgin Airways passengers left stranded by cancellations and delays, and cash to make a comeback as surcharge ban comes into effect.
Read more:
Cop told friend how he would hide bodies after break-up, jury told
Thousands of Virgin Australia passengers delayed after exhausted cabin crew reject extra shifts
RBA card surcharge ban triggers cash comeback and discounts
Pauline, Queen of the North
Pauline Hanson is now the Queen of the North – a political celebrity like nobody else on the scene today – as evidenced by Australia’s most authoritative opinion tracker, Newspoll.
One Nation has overtaken Labor and the Coalition on primary votes in NSW and Queensland and is only one point behind Labor in Western Australia and South Australia, according to exclusive Newspoll quarterly analysis prepared for The Australian by Pyxis Polling & Insights.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
The Queen of the Nort...
Imaginary babies: the woman who tried to trap a Bachelor
When ‘America’s most hated Bachelor’, Clayton Echard, moved to Arizona, a routine real estate meeting spiralled into a massive paternity scandal. Hit podcast Love Trapped examines the complex resulting legal case, and an unlikely story of vindication.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
The Australian facing Chinese jail for ‘headbutting cop’
China-based businessman Nick Wilshire faces potential jail time following a court scuffle, with the embassy unable to intervene. Also in The Front’s afternoon headlines edition, the University of Sydney faces outrage as a student group seeks election under the party name 'Globalise the Intifada'.
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Australian businessman faces ‘headbutt’ charge
‘Intifada’ group reaches uni elections
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Total football: Peter V’landys just got even more powerful
He’s blown up racing, revved up rugby league and now Peter V’landys is cementing his authority as the most powerful person in sport by becoming the National Rugby League’s first ever executive chairman. Today, our columnist Andrew Webster on the take-no-prisoners titan of the toughest game of all.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Peter V’landys officially announced as NRL executive chairman
Commentary by Andrew Webster: For Pete’s sake, fix refs and leave rules alone
Comment...
