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The Front

The Australian

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.

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Today · 3 min
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 ASX listing at final hour Firmus valuation slashed by billions as Oliver Curtis mega float stumbles before debut Commentary by Eric Johnston: Forget Curtis and Rosenfield: Firmus’ IPO stall hits Australia’s global AI reputation Sam Wood refused bail after being charged with strangling wife Snezana in Noosa See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Yesterday · 13 min
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. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Daniel Andrews living in luxury Mornington Peninsula home owned by Labor donor Dan a nowhere man for Labor election campaign This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Yesterday · 2 min
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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Wednesday · 16 min
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 ‘I witnessed horror on October 7 and I am still there’ Commentary by Greg Sheridan: Antisemitism is a reminder of left’s distorted world view Commentary by Cameron Stewart: Three years after October 7, Hamas, not Israel, in ruins This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Wednesday · 2 min
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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Tuesday · 11 min
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 edited by Jasper Leak. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Tiffanty Dimmack. Our music was composed by Jasper Leak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Tuesday · 2 min
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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Monday · 14 min
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. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. 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 Zohran Mamdani. They have Mehreen Faruqi instead Commentary by The Mocker: We get it, Mehreen. It’s not easy being Green This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Monday · 3 min
‘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 Epstein files arrest Kangaroos squad revealed: Six debutants, big returns, No.1 battle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 2 · 12 min
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. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. ‘I didn’t mean to mythologise him’: Sorkin takes on Zuckerberg Meta’s soaring $2.4bn legal bill wipes out profit growth amid multiple lawsuits Inside Story: Facebook’s foul underbelly and how it cashes in on kids Labor vows crackdown on tech giants exploiting child social media ban loopholes 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 privacy information.
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October 2 · 2 min
‘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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 1 · 11 min
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. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. 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 Moss caught in FlyDubai hijack drama RAF Fairford terror plot ‘foiled when suspect called police’ Locals say RAF Fairford security ramped up in week before ‘terror plot arrests’ This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 1 · 2 min
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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 30 · 14 min
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 pin’: Nick Politis considers walking away if Sydney Roosters win grand final Ultimate NRL Grand Final Guide: Everything you need to know This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 30 · 4 min
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 set to trigger brutal Australian downturn and widespread job losses Blood stain trail and the ‘missed’ bullet hole in Baird home Hard-left senator David Shoebridge named the Greens’ third federal leader in over a year Top Australian universities revealed in global Times Higher Ed rankings See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 29 · 14 min
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 Commentary by Matthew Cranston: Jim Chalmers’ higher-than-expected tax take in final budget outcome comes from super Interest rates rise to 4.6 per cent, 15-year high, in blow to homeowners and Anthony Albanese This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 29 · 3 min
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 Sydney retreat Commentary by Richard Ferguson: Greens desperately look for their Zohran Mamdani. They have Mehreen Faruqi instead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 28 · 12 min
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 nominee Mykola Kuleba battles to rescue stolen Ukrainian children before Russian military conscription You think Russia isn’t at war with Europe? Think again PM signs security deal with Ukraine This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Jasper Leak, who also composed our theme. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Joshua Burton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 28 · 3 min
‘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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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September 27 · 15 min
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 North: Sunshine State voters want Hanson as prime minister Commentary by Geoff Chambers: Is there no stopping the rise of Hanson? This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Jasper Leak, who also composed our theme. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Joshua Burton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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