The Daily Aus

This week, 14 members of a religious group were sentenced over the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. Her death was the result of consistently being denied insulin or medical care for type 1 diabetes, under the belief that she would be healed by God. On today’s podcast, we’re going to take you through the events that led up to what a presiding judge described to be a “slow...

Today's headlines include: The Federal Government has signed off on a deal allowing Qatar Airways to acquire 25% of Virgin Australia. A suspicious object that washed up on a Gold Coast beach this morning was a practice army torpedo, which is a type of underwater weapon, authorities have confirmed. Israel and Hamas have completed another hostage-prisoner release, as the end of phase one of the ceas...

The nurse in the antisemitic video filmed at Bankstown Hospital earlier this month has been charged by NSW Police. The 26-year-old woman was charged with three Commonwealth offences, and remains on bail until her next court on 19 March. In today's podcast, we explain what the video was about, what's happened since and the latest charges. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Billi FitzSimons Producer: Orla...

Today's headlines include: Prices rose by 2.5% in the year to January, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.  A review into the handling of sexual assault cases in NSW has made “no findings of misconduct” or breaches within the justice system.  Apple shareholders have rejected a proposal to end the tech giant’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusio...

The trial of four people accused of murdering 15-year-old Cassius Turvey in Perth has begun in the WA Supreme Court over two years after his death. It’s a case that prompted widespread rallies across the country and broader discussions about the treatment of First Nations children in Australia. In today’s podcast, we explain the context of the trial and what’s happened so far. Ho...

Today's headlines include: The U.S. has voted with Russia and against its European allies in the United Nations.  Phone reception would be available “almost everywhere” in Australia under a new Federal Government proposal. Organ donations increased in 2024 but the number of transplant procedures decreased, according to new national data.  And today’s good news: Parts of...

Whether it’s to get a medicine script or diagnose a cold, we’ve all needed a GP at some point in our lives – but a visit isn't getting easier or cheaper. Bulk billing rates are down, meaning more Australians are paying to see a GP – and ABS data shows 25 to 34-year-olds are the most likely cohort to delay a doctor’s visit due to cost. Over the weekend, both major part...

Today's headlines include: Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has faced a Tasmanian court on a car theft charge.  The Australian and New Zealand governments are continuing to monitor three Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea.   Key U.S. Government agencies have told staff not to respond to an email from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  And today&...

Just a heads up, today’s episode discusses extremely distressing themes including child sexual abuse and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Last year, the story of a French rape case and the woman at its centre, Gisèle Pélicot, captured global attention. 51 men, including her ex-husband, were found guilty of charges including rape and sexual assault. Just months after tha...

On today's good news wrap up, we discuss the good news about a new cancer treatment, a scientific discovery that helps trap wind for energy and the Aussie sporting legend making her mark overseas. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Emma Gillespie Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We w...

Today's headlines include: Israel has accused Hamas of violating their ceasefire by handing over a different body in place of one of the hostages taken on 7 October 2023.  The Australian Federal Police has seized more than 11 tonnes of chemicals that were “likely” to be used to make methamphetamine. A court in Argentina has dropped criminal charges against three of the five people...

The head of Australia's spy agency, Mike Burgess, has given his annual threat assessment address. The ASIO boss delivered a wide-ranging speech, which discussed 'foreign actors', sabotage, and 'hostile nation states'. But what do those terms actually mean, and how does ASIO respond to these threats? Jennifer Parker is a defence analyst and security expert with ANU's National Security Col...

Today's headlines include: The unemployment rate has risen to 4.1% in January, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Authorities have begun euthanising a pod of false killer whales, following a mass stranding event on Tasmania’s west coast. Hamas is expected to hand over the bodies of four Israeli hostages as the first phase of the ceasefire agreement reac...

This week will mark three years since Russia invaded Ukraine: the first open conflict between two countries in Europe since the Second World War. Little movement on the frontlines in Ukraine over the past year has deepened the sense of an unmoving and unending conflict. Since coming to power, the second Trump administration has carved out a new strategy: engage with both Russia and Ukraine to brok...

Today's stories include: Wages grew by 3.2% in the year to the December quarter, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).  Mining billionaire Clive Palmer has announced he’s launching a new Donald Trump-inspired political party. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been charged over an alleged election interference plot. And today’s good news:...

Yesterday afternoon, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced it is lowering the cash rate for the first time since 2020.The cash rate was 4.35%, but it is now 4.1%.It’s big news for Aussies, particularly those with a mortgage or who are wanting to apply for a home loan for the first time, and it’s also big news for the Labor Government - with this likely now impacting when we will go t...

Today's stories include: The Reserve Bank of Australia has lowered its cash rate for the first time since November 2020. Australia’s most notorious paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale has died in prison, aged 90.  At least 18 people have been injured after a passenger plane flipped upside down at Toronto Airport. And today’s good news: Archeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old...

We are well and truly getting close to election season, with the next federal election to be held before May 17 this year. Over the past few days, there’s been a suite of new polling released, with all three pointing to a possible Labor loss. In today’s podcast, we’ll explain the latest on the election and what the new polling could tell us about Australia’s next government...

Today's stories include: The 2026 Census will include a new topic on sexual orientation and gender and changes to 10 existing topics, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has confirmed.  National high school completion rates have improved for the first time since 2017, according to new Government data.  European leaders will meet for crisis talks over fears Ukraine has been shut out...

Last week you may have seen the press conference Elon Musk held in the White House next to the U.S. President Donald Trump, and also his son, X.If you were wondering what that was all about, you’ve come to the right place. It’s been nearly one month since Trump was inaugurated and Elon Musk commenced his official role as part of the Trump administration. We now know a little more about...

Last year, the government legislated a change to HELP and other student loans, with that change now coming into effect. With that in mind, we thought it was the perfect time for a classic TDA explainer—breaking down everything you need to know about your student loan and, more importantly, how this change might affect you. A quick note: This podcast is produced with financial support from th...

The Aussies smashing it on the world stage On today's good news wrap up, we discuss the Aussie athletes reaching new heights this week, an out of this world discovery and the best dog in all the lands. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Emma Gillespie Producer: Elliot Lawry Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave...

Today's stories include: Category five Tropical Cyclone Zelia has started to make landfall in Western Australia. Labor has won the state seat of Werribee in a by-election in Victoria. At least 30 people have been injured after a man drove a car into a crowd of over 1,500 protesters in Munich, Germany. And today’s good news: The number of unprovoked shark attack incidents decreased significan...

An Aussie Netflix series has become one of the most watched shows on the platform. Since 'Apple Cider Vinegar' was released just over a week ago, it’s been streamed nearly four million times and made it into the top five of the streaming service’s global charts. The miniseries follows the rise of Australian wellness blogger Belle Gibson, who claimed she’d been diagnosed with a ma...

Today's stories include: U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken to Vladimir Putin in a push to end the war in Ukraine, three years after Russia invaded.  The inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities has handed down its report, making 10 recommendations.  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has marked the 17th anniversary of the apology to Australia’s First Nations people.&n...