The Briefing

On this day 20 years ago, the world was watching Sydney for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Today on The Briefing, we’re reliving the Sydney Olympic glory including some of the most iconic moments across the Games.

The Sydney 2000 Olympics were our biggest ever medal haul to date, so we ask if our sporting heyday is behind us? And how do we get back to our former sporting best? To answer these questions we're joined by Andrew Gaze (basketballer and flag bearer) and Kerri Pottharst (gold medalist in beach volleyball).

In today's headlines:

• Scott Morrison backs gas to bring down power bills
• SA to reopen to NSW, ACT as early as today
• QLD Chief Health Officer says death threats have taken an “enormous toll”
• Dad of three in an induced coma after alleged police head stomp

Follow The Briefing

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Ellis was elected to the seat of Adelaide at the age of 27, and held the title of the youngest person to become a federal minister at 30.
After working in Parliament House for 12 years before leaving the profession to prioritise her family life and to write her book Sex, Lies and Question Time: Why the Successes and Struggles of Women in Australia's Parliament Matter to Us All.
Jamila Rizvi talks to Kate about her career in politics and quickly moving up the ranks, the experiences she uncovered in her book, motherhood and more.

THE WEEKEND LIST with Tait McGregor:

• Watch: Bo Burnham: Inside (Netflix)
• Cook: Cannelloni of silverbeet with burnt butter and parmesan (Good Food)
• Listen: 6 Of A Billion EP by Claire Rosinkranz

Let us know who you'd love to see on the show! Send us a message on Instagram at @thebriefingpodcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As bushfire season approaches, hazard reduction burning is happening in parts of Australia, and hopefully making us safer.

But the smell of smoke is also bringing back memories of the horror Black Summer many of us faced.

Recent findings from a NSW inquiry and some interim observations from the Royal Commission have come through this week. So what did we learn from these findings? And are we any better prepared for this year’s summer... than we were last year?

On todays episode we’re joined by one of the key people leading the bushfire response this summer Acting Deputy Commissioner at the NSW RFS Peter Mckechnie.

In today's news headlines:

• Facebook threatens to block Australian news
• Changes to JobKeeper pass parliament: What does it mean for you?
• AFL Grand Final expected to be moved to Queensland

In today's Briefing we ask: What is the bush fire smoke we're smelling in many areas of the country? What is the difference between control burning and back burning? Have we done anything differently this year? Are we doing more controlled burning? Does a wetter spring mean we wont see fires as early? or will there be more fuel to burn? Have we changed our approach to responding to fires as soon as they start, even if they're hard to access? What can we do from a human response to deal with bushfires? Will some of the Covid restrictions put us at more risk of bushfire danger? Will the quarantine restriction on state borders make it a hard to get firefighters from other states or countries to come in and fight the bushfires?

Follow The Briefing

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On todays episode we look at twists of fate, and the survivor’s guilt of avoiding a tragedy. We hear the of real life sliding doors stories of people who’ve narrowly avoided death by chance or intuition and then lived with the survivors guilt that comes from it.

Tyla Harrison-Hunt was meant to be in the Christchurch mosque where the deadly shooting happened last year, he prayed there every Friday, however this particular day he was in Melbourne for a weekend away. We also hear the story of our Producer Claire - she was supposed to take a job in Christchurch but something told her not to, and if she had she would have died in an earthquake. We’re also joined by Clinical Psychologist Kim Felmingham - an expert in trauma who explains what survivors guilt is, how debilitating it can be, and the concept of Post Traumatic Growth.

In today's news headlines:

• Australian TV anchor detained in China
• Interim bushfire report recommends national bushfire warning system
• Victorian roadmap out of stage four to be released Sunday
• $563 million aged care support package unveiled

Follow The Briefing

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music festivals in 2021. What will they look like, if they can even go ahead at all?

COVID has decimated the festival scene around the world. So is there any way festivals can happen in cities where there’s still high community transmission? Can you have thousands of people in one place, sharing a drink, dancing and listening to the bands they love but also keep them socially distanced? Will a COVID safe festival kill the vibe for both the audience and the performers?

Blues Fest in Byron Bay is planning to go ahead next Easter and on today’s episode we’re joined by its promoter Peter Noble to explain how it will work. Tash Sultana has sold out major arenas and headlined the world’s biggest festivals. Tash joins us to explain the future of festivals from the artists' perspective and the decision to be part of Bluesfest 2021. What’s it like to play to a seated crowd? Is Tash going to have to change the show up in any way and adapt?

In today's news headlines:

• It’s official: Australia is in its first recession in 28 years
• AFL officials thank the QLD government for keeping footy alive
• Police warn TV personality Sam Newman against lockdown as video of pregnant mum’s arrest goes viral

Follow The Briefing

Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU
Twitter: @TheBriefingAU

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.