The Front
Episodes
How China’s brutal trade war backfired
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Beijing’s fury over Covid-19 saw Australian exporters banned and punished - but it barely made a blip on our economy. Why not? Find out more about...
Albo’s battle to get Labor under control
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Labor’s left moves to condemn the AUKUS subs deal and recognise Palestine at the party’s brawl-a-thon national conference. Find out more about T...
Could China control our solar grid?
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a national security risk lurking on our rooftops - solar technology made by Chinese-owned companies with direct links to Beijing. Find out...
Has Dan Andrews killed the Comm Games?
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Andrews’ 2026 Commonwealth Games cancellation has thrown the event’s future into doubt. We break down the political and sporting disaster. F...
The Voice arguments, decoded
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament hopeful, or scary? We decode the opposing camps’ official referendum pamphlets. F...
Life after death: How fallen WWI diggers got their names back
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Australian soldiers killed in a WW1 battle were identified using DNA analysis. Now, they’ll be laid to rest by newly discovered relatives. Find out ...
Labor’s bold abortion shake-up
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One year after Roe v Wade was overturned, Labor is making bold moves to improve access to safe and legal medical abortions in Australia. Find out more...
Our brand new billionairess
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nicola Forrest rockets up the Richest 250 list after splitting her wealth from husband Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest. So what next? Find out more about ...
The AI bot beating scammers at their own game
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Experts have found a new way to combat phone scammers – and it’s powered by Artificial Intelligence. We unpack how the novel technology works. F...
How do you solve a problem like misinformation?
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tech giants have had their say on new laws designed to combat misinformation on the internet. We unpack what it means for our lives online. Find out m...
Why the PM has a seat at NATO’s table
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Anthony Albanese is in Lithuania for today’s NATO summit. Our expert unpacks invitation’s significance in this tense geopolitical moment. Find out...
The workplace reforms that give unions a boost
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The government is moving to advance the rights of union delegates at work. Our expert unpacks what it means for workers and their employers. Find out ...
Clare O’Neil’s no good, very bad Trump tweet
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil is in hot water over a tweet about Donald Trump Jr. Could it cause a diplomatic headache down the line? Find out ...
Who’ll be the next RBA boss?
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Opposition wants RBA governor Philip Lowe to stay put. We unpack what it means for the Reserve Bank – and who else is in the running. Find out m...
The Ashes war being waged off the cricket pitch
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As claims of cheating threaten to overshadow the third Ashes test, our experts unpick how a legendary cricket rivalry turned political. Find out more ...
PWC in the crosshairs on NACC’s big first day
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is open for business – and a tax scandal at PriceWaterhouseCoopers represents its first big test. Find ou...
Why migrants are our best chance at skirting a recession
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Australia could avoid a recession thanks to a mega migration surge. Our experts break down what else to expect from the new financial year. Find out m...
It's back: The Teacher's Pet returns for Australian listeners
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Australian's global smash-hit podcast Teacher's Pet returns for Australian audiences on July 1. You can find it wherever you got this podcast. Jus...
Does Gladys’ defence fly? Plus, the Port Arthur story that didn't check out
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gladys Berejiklian says her toe-curling chats with ‘I’m the boss’ boyfriend were no big deal. Plus, a tactical cop who didn't witness Australia'...
Chris Dawson, convicted child sex offender
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
She was a vulnerable 16-year-old girl, groomed by her teacher. Now AB has been vindicated, as wife-killer Chris Dawson is found guilty. Find out more ...
Chris Dawson found guilty of carnal knowledge
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Christopher Michael Dawson has been found guilty of carnal knowledge of a complainant who was his student at Cromer High School in 1980. Find out more...
Decision day in Dawson carnal knowledge trial
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a big day for convicted murderer Christopher Michael Dawson. We down what to expect from today’s carnal knowledge verdict. Find out more abou...
Who are the good guys in Russia’s ‘revolution’?
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It was the revolution that wasn’t. Our expert breaks down days of high drama in Russia’s capital and what it means for Vladimir Putin. Find out mo...
War-crimes investigators coming for top-secret court file
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Investigators are seeking a secret court file from Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial. So, what does it mean for the former soldier? Find out more...
Lawyer X saga takes another turn
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A war of words has erupted over the DPP’s decision not to charge police over their alleged involvement in Victoria’s storied Lawyer X saga. Find o...
Titanic fever in the deep dark Atlantic
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
111 years on, the wreck of Titanic has a terrifying allure. We go inside the hunt for Titan, in the abyssal blackness of the North Atlantic. Find ...
Colourful MP’s integrity drama
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Embattled federal Liberal MP Warren Entsch denies wrongdoing over grants to his wife. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about th...
Voice campaigning is going to get nasty
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Senators fire up over the Voice debate, our national editor Dennis Shanahan says a ‘no’ vote would shatter and divide the nation. Find out mo...
Footy’s concussion ‘loophole’
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Head knocks are finally taken seriously by sports - or are they? We examine the handling of superstars Tom Trbojevic and Robbie O’Davis. Find out ...
Thorpe doubles down, and The Teskey Brothers on tour
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Senator Lidia Thorpe has doubled down on allegations she was made to feel unsafe in Parliament. Plus, The Teskey Brothers’ “slow tour”. Find out...
Where are all the nurses?
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Victoria’s aged care sector is struggling to service nurse-to-patient ratios. What does it mean for the government’s 24/7 election promise? Find o...
Chris Dawson’s latest trial comes to a close
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The judge in the carnal knowledge trial of Chris Dawson has retired to consider her verdict. We break down how both sides closed their cases. Find out...
Tranche of texts could be Albanese’s first major test
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The government is facing a tough two weeks in Parliament as the furore surrounding a tranche of text messages gathers steam. Find out more about The F...
Higgins’ texts provoke a political war of words
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A tranche of text messages raised serious questions over who knew what and when in Brittany Higgins’ rape allegation against Bruce Lehrmann. Find ou...
Why Dawson won’t give evidence in his own defence
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Wife-killer Chris Dawson won’t call witnesses or give evidence in his trial for sex with a schoolgirl. Plus, Brittany Higgins’ payout. Find out mo...
Is this job the canary in the ChatGPT coal mine?
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Concerns that AI could replace jobs or entire industries are rising. We look at the reality of artificial intelligence at work. Find out more about ...
Trolley boy’s terrifying encounter with Chris Dawson
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Acquaintances and investigators have shed light on Chris Dawson’s alleged interactions with the complainant in his carnal knowledge trial. Find out ...
Schoolgirl says Paul Dawson ‘groomed’ her
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Dawson’s twin brother Paul joined in the ‘grooming’ of a schoolgirl, a court hears. Plus, Kathleen Folbigg is pardoned. Find out more ab...
‘I want it to end’: Dawson accuser’s emotional plea
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The testimony of Chris Dawson’s accuser has wrapped up. We break down what comes next in the convicted murderer’s carnal knowledge trial. Find out...
Dawson’s defence ‘garbage’, ex-wife says
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Complainant AB, the former wife of convicted killer Chris Dawson, angrily rejects questioning by the defence in carnal knowledge trial. Find out mor...
Dawson’s accuser breaks down
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Dawson’s ex-wife and accuser bursts into tears in the witness box, as he watches from a cell at Long Bay jail. Find out more about The Front p...
‘Chris Dawson groomed and abused me’
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hedley Thomas joins us as convicted killer Chris Dawson hears his second wife describe him as a predator who abused her as a schoolgirl. Find out mo...
Chris Dawson on trial again
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Murderer Christopher Michael Dawson is back before the courts, this time pleading not guilty to unlawful sex with a 16-year-old schoolgirl. Find out...
There’s something about Sam: Kerr’s World Cup campaign kicks off
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam Kerr is in career-defining form. Our expert says she could put the Matildas on the path to glory at the World Cup in July. Find out more about T...
Electric shock: Why your bills are about to blow out
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Power bills will jump by hundreds of dollars per year from July 1. Our expert unpacks what’s driving the Default Market Offer increase. Find out mor...
What Stan Grant’s departure says about our public discourse
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ABC bosses admitted they were slow to act on racist abuse of Stan Grant. We unpack what happens when social media and news reporting meet. Find out mo...
Holiday-home tax to pay off Dan Andrews’ Covid debt
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Covid left Victorians a $31b debt hangover, and while the Opposition busies itself with infighting, Premier Dan Andrews hunts for savings. Find out mo...
Top cop’s doubts laid bare in Lehrmann inquiry
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A senior officer’s explosive evidence has further exposed the deep rift between Police and the ACT’s Director of Public Prosecutions. Find out mor...
Australia gets a slice of Washington’s clean energy pie
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A new deal that will see Australian companies take a slice of Washington’s $369bn Inflation Reduction Act. Our expert breaks the deal down. Find out...
So are Shadow of Doubt parents guilty or not?
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Richard Guilliatt reveals what he believes after years investigating a family sex-abuse nightmare for top-rating podcast Shadow of Doubt. ...
Something’s rotten in our recycling system
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Australia’s recycling system is buckling under ever-increasing demand – and we’re still making our waste someone else’s problem. Find out more...
DNA lab’s ‘Disney villain’ is still fighting for her job
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The former manager of Queensland’s troubled DNA lab is still in a job almost six months after its catastrophic failings were exposed. Find out more ...
Who decides if a national park is sacred?
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rock-climbers, bushwalkers and traditional custodians: the messy clash of cultures when parks like Wollumbin get locked up. Find out more about The Fr...
Something isn’t adding up in our schools
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A new government report has exposed systemic failings in Australia’s school system. Experts say going back to basics could solve them. Find out more...
Shane Drumgold vs. everyone
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Brittany Higgins drama keeps rolling, as ACT DPP Shane Drumgold rains bombshells at a sensational Board of Inquiry hearing. Find out more about Th...
What the budget says about the government – and the PM
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a lot to be gleaned about the government – and the Prime Minister – from the way it spends its money. Expert Dennis Shanahan explains. F...
Can Labor live up to the Budget’s big dreams?
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Political guru Paul Kelly’ leads our analysis of a Budget that shakes up bulk billing, welfare, energy and family budgets -- so can Labor change to ...
Lucky Jim’s budget: our snap analysis
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All the news from Jim Chalmers’ budget, with a big improvement in the forecasts, a mini-surplus -- and a risk of waking the inflation dragon. Find o...
Infighting, Lehrmann, and Logies: Day one of the Sofronoff inquiry
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An inquiry into the ACT’s criminal justice system is underway. Day one delivered drama and a surprise appearance by Bruce Lehrmann. Find out more ab...
Can the working from home egg be unscrambled?
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Business leaders are pulling out all the stops to entice employees back to the office. But do they risk losing talent to get bums in seats? Find out m...
Inside the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
06 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy and glorious - a new King of Australia is crowned, with the love of his life by his side. A special bonus episode live from the Coronation. Fi...
Why croissants are the new cocktails
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A flaky, crusty baking economy is burgeoning across Australia - and it’s even threatening to topple the pub crawl. Find out more about The Front p...
Can we fix aged care for the rock ‘n’ roll generation?
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed aged care will receive the biggest boost of any sector in the May 9 budget. Is it enough to save it? Find out more...
Is a vape crackdown bad news for Big Tobacco?
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our experts weigh in on whether the government’s crackdown will keep vapes out of kids’ hands and put Big Tobacco in its place. Find out more abou...
Kurt Fearnley’s vision for the NDIS
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Newly minted NDIA chair Kurt Fearnley gives his first interview about how the NDIS should be funded – and what it should pay for. Find out more ab...
Barry Humphries’ unique gesture of friendship
30 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Australian’s cartoonist Johannes Leak shares how Barry Humphries showed up for his late father, Bill Leak, in more ways than one. Subscribers to...
The pure artistry of Ed Sheeran and Sarah Holland-Batt
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author Sarah Holland-Batt wins the prestigious Stella Prize for her portrait of a remarkable father. Plus, how to win Ed Sheeran’s guitar. Find ou...
A big migration shake-up is coming
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The government will today release a comprehensive review of Australia’s migration system. Our expert says big changes could be on the way. Find out ...
Why Biden 2.0 has Paul Kelly depressed
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Political guru Paul Kelly shares withering insights into a presidential race that will define America’s future - and our own. Find out more about ...
Is the Defence Strategic Review a fizzer?
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Much talk of strike power, but no new cash or gear - our experts say the Defence Strategic Review leaves many questions unanswered. Find out more abou...
Lethal weapon: Defence Strategic Review readies us for war
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Defence Strategic Review calls for onshore weapons-building, long-range strike capacity, fuel security and a new focus on deadly force. Find out m...
Ric Blum and Marion Barter were spotted together
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Police say they now believe convicted fraudster Ric Blum was spotted with missing Queensland woman Marion Barter shortly before she vanished. Find out...
Goodbye, possums: Remembering Barry Humphries
22 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Iconic comedian and entertainer Barry Humphries has died, aged 89. We take a look at the life of one of Australia’s most-enduring performers. Find o...
Our best shot at being prepared for war
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Defence Strategic Review is due to drop any day now. Our expert explains what it is, who wrote it, and why we desperately need it now. Find out ...
The ‘world sensation’ that wasn’t: What AI means for media
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A magazine is under fire for printing an AI-generated “interview” with Michael Schumacher, but our experts say it’s not panic stations – yet. ...
Can the Libs claw their way out of a crisis?
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Liberal Party is in the midst of an historic downward spiral, but our experts say smart policy decisions could help them turn it around. Find out ...
The thing the Lehrmann inquiry won’t do
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann’s trial will cover significant legal ground – but it’s not a de facto retrial of the former Liberal staffer. Find...
The weapon we won’t give Ukraine
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After the triumph of the Bushmasters, Ukraine is begging Australia for Hawkei vehicles - so why won’t we hand them over? Find out more about The F...
God save ‘The Sovereign’?
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Vegan holy oil and non-binary language, as a very modern monarch meets thousand-year-old coronation tradition. Find out more about The Front podcast h...
Controversial chokehold on the chopping block
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A controversial chokehold has been linked to the deaths of at least four men. So why is Queensland Police the only force still using it? Find out more...
What’s ethical in Aboriginal art?
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Glorious art, desperate poverty and the ethics of black-white relations collide in an investigation into how Aboriginal art is really made. You can ...
The tooth hurts for TikTok
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A complete ban of TikTok is a very real possibility, says our tech editor. That’s good news for dentists busy fixing DIY tooth treatments. Find out ...
Does the ‘sneaker index’ explain our crisis spending?
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The ‘lipstick index’ has given way to the ‘sneaker index’ – and it could explain our spending habits in times of financial hardship. Find ou...
How long before we are at war?
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A special live event with our defence experts Greg Sheridan, Cameron Stewart and Ben Packham. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read ab...
Could Trump rip up AUKUS?
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The indictment of Donald Trump has sent American politics into uncharted territory – and it’s got Australia worrying about AUKUS. Find out more ab...
Renters, landlords and a hint of Budget goodies
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the RBA chills for a minute, we find out if renters, landlords and households can finally get a break. Find out more about The Front podcast here a...
Can Albanese deliver Yunupingu’s Voice dream?
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From his deathbed, revered Yolngu leader Yunupingu held the PM to his promise of a Voice with real power - but can the nation agree? Find out more abo...
The incomparable Yunupingu
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A towering figure: Yunupingu, the revered Gumatj leader who transformed Arnhem Land and Australia in seven decades of activism. Find out more about Th...
‘Complicated’ sexual assault conviction under the microscope in new podcast
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of Australia’s most-perplexing cases of child abuse is back in the spotlight thanks to The Australian’s new investigative podcast. Find out mo...
Floodgates open on DNA inquiry appeals
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A convicted murderer will appeal his life sentence, arguing crucial evidence may have been missed by Queensland’s troubled DNA lab. Find out more ab...
Whopping wage push from Labor and the unions
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lifting wages has become a personal quest for Anthony Albanese - so how will falling inflation and Tuesday’s RBA meeting affect our pay? Find out ...
Inside Labor’s big green deal
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What the safeguard mechanism means for the environment, industry, and households as Labor’s signature climate policy passes into law. Find out more ...
‘I’m so scared’: League legend’s devastating diagnosis
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark “Spudd” Carroll has opened up about his CTE diagnosis as it’s revealed NRLW players are more susceptible to concussion than men. Find out m...
Dan Andrews’ China jaunt raises questions – and eyebrows
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A lack of transparency around Dan Andrews’ surprise trip to China has many questioning what’s on the Victorian Premier’s overseas agenda. Find o...
Labor’s next big move, and a reclusive billionaire’s first interview
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New NSW Premier Chris Minns has shared his priorities for his first days in the job. Plus, Paula Fox fronts up for her first interview at 85. Find out...
Gina Rinehart loathes and loves our Richest 250 list
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From shy to shameless, the definitive line-up of Australia’s richest people. Billionaire-whisperer John Stensholt on our Richest 250. Find out more ...
Voice question sees elders get their way
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
High emotion in Canberra as the Prime Minister and Indigenous leaders release their wording for a referendum question on the Voice to Parliament. Find...
Cabinet’s huge call on the Voice
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Crucial details of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the balance as Dennis Shanahan unpacks big questions of power and precedence. Find out more a...
Are tech layoffs the end of quiet quitting?
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A generation after the dotcom bust, tech jobs are vanishing again - so why aren’t wages falling, and what happens to ‘work from anywhere’? Find ...
The farmer who helped blow up banking
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As banking reels from Credit Suisse’s crisis, we look at its old rivalry with rescuer UBS and how it wasted billions on an Australian farmer. Find o...