The Daily Aus

The worst serial killer of children in modern UK history has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Lucy Letby was a neonatal nurse when she targeted newborns in her care in 2015 and 2016. During this time, Letby’s colleagues claim they held suspicions about her. In today’s deep dive, we’ll explore the investigation that led to Letby’s arrest, what her sentencing means, and what comes ne...

Australians spend more money gambling online per person than anywhere else in the world. Now, the Federal Government has launched a new initiative to help change that. BetStop lets Australian exclude themselves from online gambling, but will it work? In the deep dive, we’ll look at what these bans are trying to achieve and whether or not they'll help Australians stop betting. Credits Guest: Carol...

You may not have heard of Crawford Lake in Canada… because at first glance, it’s really just a sinkhole. But for those in the know, this little body of water holds the key to understanding humanity’s impact on the planet: from hydrogen bomb tests to the use of fossil fuels. In today’s deep dive, TDA’s deputy editor Emma Gillespie is going to share with us what secrets have been discovered so far a...

School attendance has dropped since the pandemic, and a Senate inquiry says something called ‘school refusal’ could be to blame. Unlike ‘wagging’ school refusal is tied to mental ill-health. In today’s deep dive we’ll look at what’s at the root of school refusal, hear from those impacted by it and speak to someone who’s trying to help kids get back on track. Credits Guest: John Chellew, Director o...

The NSW Teachers Federation says it has been betrayed by the NSW Government in wage negotiations - and teachers are angry too. One teacher told us this is a “kick in the gut”, while someone else described it as a “slap in the face”. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what led to these negotiations breaking down, and what the Government is saying in response. Listen to  ‘Teachers told us they aren’...

Two years ago, back when The Daily Aus was a little company of four people, Penguin approached us and asked if we wanted to write a book. Now, we are super excited to be sharing it with the world. To celebrate, we asked TDA Editor Billi FitzSimons to come ask us all the hard questions about ‘No Silly Questions’. Pre-order our new book No Silly Questions. If that link isn't working in your show not...

The deadliest U.S. wildfires in over a century are burning in Hawai’i. The historic town of Lahaina almost “burnt to the ground” with more loss of life expected as recovery efforts continue on the ground. In today’s deep dive, we discuss what led to this disaster and what its fallout could mean for a pre-existing housing shortage on the island. Listen to “ What the global heatwave means for Austra...

The Women’s World Cup has broken records and captured the imagination of the country, with the nation well and truly rallying behind the Matildas’ journey. While the past few weeks have proven women’s soccer has firmly cemented itself as a beloved Aussie sporting code, it wasn’t easy getting there. From selling lamingtons to fundraising on street corners, the original World Cup Matildas squad had...

A cap limiting how much performers are paid for radio plays is under the spotlight this week. Independent Senator David Pocock is calling for reform on how radio royalties work, with the backing of Aussie pop icon Jack River. In today’s deep dive, we speak to the artist about overturning the royalties cap, why it exists in the first place, and how she’s shaking up the Australian radio industry. Cr...

We’ve all spent enough time with ChatGPT to guess how AI might pose a threat to writers, but when it comes to performing roles, are actors' jobs equally at risk? Both writers and actors are striking in Hollywood, and one of the tension points is AI. So what exactly does the technology look like, and could AI replace actors entirely? Why actors walked out on their own premiere What you need to know...

An independent inquiry into the handling of the Bruce Lehrmann case was handed down on Monday. This has been an ongoing news story with lots of twists and turns. TDA journalist Tom Crowley will explain what you need to know in the deep dive. Credits Guest: Tom Crowley, TDA journalist  Hosts: Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski Producer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter Pre-order our ne...

A controversial plan to store carbon at the bottom of the ocean is dividing Australian politicians. On the one hand, the Government says this process will stop carbon dioxide from escaping into the atmosphere, while critics of the scheme say it’s just an excuse for the Government to approve more gas projects. In today’s deep dive, TDA journalist Tom Crowley will explain what 'carbon capture and st...

Last week we brought you TDA Editor Billi FitzSimon’s interview with the Minister for Youth, Dr. Anne Aly. Now we have an interview with her political opponent from the coalition. Billi asks the Shadow Minister what she would do differently if she was in Government, and whether young people have an issue with leader of the opposition, Peter Dutton. Listen to  An interview with the Minister for You...

The Government has reintroduced its housing bill to Parliament this week. It’s previously faced opposition from both the Liberals, Greens and some Independents, and if it fails again, it could lead to something called a double dissolution. In today’s deep dive, TDA journalist Tom Crowley explains what the bill is, what’s standing in its way, and why the Government could potentially want it to fail...

Lizzo is being sued by three dancers for a toxic workplace, with allegations including sexual harassment and fat-shaming. The lawsuit is seeking damages including loss of income and emotional distress. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what’s led to this point and what this means for Lizzo - a star who’s shaped her career around inclusivity and empowerment. Listen to  Why your HECS debt is about...

UNESCO has delayed its decision to classify the Great Barrier Reef as ‘in danger’, welcoming steps from the Australian Government to protect the reef. While the Government has been quick to call this a win, this doesn’t mean the reef is in the clear, with UNESCO noting more regular and severe coral bleaching events as a cause for concern. In today’s deep dive we’ll look at what’s going on with the...

A recent spate of gun violence in Sydney escalated last week when five people were shot in five days. It follows the murder of a man once known as the 'Tony Soprano' of Sydney's crime underworld. In today’s deep dive, we speak with Crime Editor at the Daily Telegraph Mark Morri about the shootings, their links to organised crime, and why it’s so hard to hold perpetrators responsible. Credits Guest...

If you didn’t know we had a Minister for Youth, you wouldn’t be alone. In today’s deep dive, TDA Editor Billi FitzSimons asks the Minister what she actually does and what her plans are for her time in government. From mental health, HECS, the voting age, climate change, housing and more, this special episode will give you insight into the Minister charged with prioritising young Australians. Credi...

The good(ish) news is that this week we had the strongest indicator yet that inflation is easing, while unemployment remains low. The bad news is that the rental crisis continues, with rental prices rising at the fastest rate since 1988. TDA journalist Tom Crowley will explain why this is all happening, and what it means for you, in the deep dive.  Credits Hosts: Zara Seidler and Tom Crowley  Prod...

Protests and strikes have continued in Israel this week in response to judicial reforms that will limit the powers of its Supreme Court. The reform passed despite fierce opposition, both in the parliament and on the streets. In today’s deep dive we’ll look at what’s led to this point, and what’s going to happen next. Credits Hosts: Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski Producer: Ninah Kopel Subscribe to...

Casual employees who work consistent hours could have the option to become permanent employees under a new Government proposal. Employment Minister Tony Burke says it would mean job security for those who want it, but not everyone is a fan of the changes. In today’s deep dive we’ll explain what’s on the table for casual workers, and why some businesses are against the reforms. Credits Hosts: Zara...

The first week of this month was the hottest week on record according to the World Meteorological Organisation, but the Northern Hemisphere has continued to experience extreme weather conditions in the weeks since, across the U.S., Asia and Europe. In today’s deep dive we speak to climate scientist Associate Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick about what’s led to these conditions and whether Austr...

Following a review into higher education, the Federal Government has shed light on planned reforms for the university sector, including scrapping a rule that excludes some students from HECS. With a focus on improving regional access, creating more inclusive campuses and boosting First Nations enrolments, TDA journalist Tom Crowley explains what you need to know in the deep dive. Credits Hosts: To...

Barbie and Oppenheimer shouldn’t have anything in common. One is a nostalgic trip with Barbie into the ‘real’ world, the other is an epic thriller about the inventor of the atomic bomb. Yet, their simultaneous release has resulted in a film frenzy and cinemas pushing double features. In today’s deep dive we’ll discuss what’s caused this phenomenon, and whether ‘Barbenheimer’ ticket sales could be...

It’s time! The FIFA Women’s World Cup starts today and we are super excited. This event is going to be the most attended women’s sporting event in history. Off the field, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said to TDA he thinks the Premiers will race to declare a public holiday if the Matildas win. In the deep dive we’ll explain what it will take for the Matildas to win, and whether they will be...