The Daily Aus

The mass murderers using ChatGPT 02.06.2026 18min

Can you sue a chatbot for helping a murderer? A first of its kind legal battle surrounding OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is unfolding in the U.S. state of Florida. The suit claims the company and its CEO failed to warn users that ChatGPT could be dangerous. This case and other related ongoing action raise the same question: If AI helps someone plan a killing, who is actually responsible? We’ll unpack everything you need to know in today’s deep dive. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Elliot LawryProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: First trade deficit since 2017 02.06.2026 4min

Today's headlines include: Australia has recorded its first trade deficit in almost nine years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Lebanon has announced &zwnj;a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. Victoria’s Youth Minister has apologised for providing character references for two men who had been convicted of domestic violence and sexual assault while they were appealing decisions about their ability to stay in Australia. And today’s good news: The GOAT returns. Serena Williams is making her return to professional tennis, almost four years after “evolving away” from the sport. Subscribe to the Sports newsletter here. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy TassellProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why your HECS went up, again 01.06.2026 23min

The HECS debts of around three million Australians went up by 2.8% this week. The system has undergone plenty of change in recent years, but one question remains the same: Why do debts rise on 1 June, and is the system doing what it's supposed to? Today we're going to explain what just happened, what it means given the changes the government has already made, and why the timing of this annual increase is still being debated. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Orla Maher 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: NSW plan to prevent kids in hot cars 01.06.2026 5min

Today's headlines include: A woman accused of travelling to Syria to join ISIS has renounced the terror group, her lawyer says. A NSW coroner has made recommendations to prevent children being left in hot cars following two deaths in the state. The U.S. military says it has bombed Iranian military control sites after Tehran shot down an American drone. And today’s good news: A new study has found that chimpanzees and bonobos have human-like friendship circles. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Avegail Matutina 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forever chemicals: The Govt's largest ever lawsuit 31.05.2026 19min

In case you missed it, the Federal Government has launched its largest ever court case against a company… and it’s all to do with forever chemicals. The landmark $2 billion case deals with concerns around how forever chemicals impact local environments and the health of Australians that have existed for decades.  So what even are forever chemicals? We’ll tell you what you need to know in today’s podcast. Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Elliot LawryProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to test your fertility? 30.05.2026 15min

Today, we're cutting through one of the most confusing conversations young women are navigating right now — fertility testing. There's more information about fertility testing available than ever before. There's also more misinformation. Today, we're working out which is which — and what it actually means for you. To help us navigate this topic, we're joined by Dr Tessa Copp, a researcher at the University of Sydney who studies how women make decisions about their reproductive health. This podcast was made possible by our friends over at University of Sydney. However, everything we’re about to talk about was researched and written by us, and the content remains entirely independent. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Billi FitzSimonsGuest: Dr Tessa Copp, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney School of Public HealthProducer: Orla Maher 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Erin Patterson appeal date set 29.05.2026 3min

Today's headlines include:  An appeal date has been set for convicted mushroom murderer Erin Patterson, who was sentenced to 33-years behind bars without parole in September. The consumer watchdog has launched a landmark lawsuit against Amazon over button battery safety breaches. A group working to rescue seven people trapped &zwnj;in a cave in Laos says more oxygen &zwnj;tanks will be needed to complete the mission. And today’s good news: A 14-year-old Californian student has won the Scripps National Spelling Bee – one of the most well-known academic competitions in the United States. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race to rescue men in a Laos cave 28.05.2026 18min

Until the moment five villagers stuck in a flooded cave for more than a week were rescued, the group had no idea a rescue mission was even afoot. It's a story with echoes of the famous Thai cave rescue of 2018 - and in fact, some of the same divers are involved. Today, we're taking you through what happened and where things stand.  Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden Today's podcast was sponsored by YWCA, to learn more please visit: ywca.org.au/membership 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: ISIS-linked woman charged 28.05.2026 3min

Today's headlines include:  A woman accused of joining ISIS has been charged with terrorism offences, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has confirmed. The U.S. military has carried out new strikes in Iran targeting a military site that officials believe posed a threat to American &zwnj;forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an anonymous U.S. official speaking to Reuters. The World Meteorological Organisation has released a new report suggesting global temperatures will continue to break records in the coming years. And today’s good news: The levels of forever chemicals in the eggs of a colony of wild seabirds have dropped by 70% over the last 55 years, according to a new study. Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma GillespieProducer: Orla Maher 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is everyone talking about a 'death tax'? 27.05.2026 17min

There’s a common saying that there’s nothing certain in this world except death and taxes, and so today, we’re taking it one step further and talking about a death tax. That’s right. You might’ve heard the term ‘death tax’ in the news lately amid discussion on the Federal budget.  In today’s podcast, we’re going to explain the proposed changes, which mean discretionary trusts would face a minimum 30% tax on trust income. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Elliot LawryProducer: Rosa Bowden For more stories like this, sign up to TDA's Finance newsletter here. Today's podcast was sponsored by YWCA, to learn more please visit: ywca.org.au/membership 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Inflation slows to 4.2% in April 27.05.2026 4min

Today's headlines include: Annual inflation slowed to 4.2% in April after reaching a three-year-high of 4.6% in March, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Russia's ambassador to Australia has been called to the Department of Foreign Affairs to explain his country's most recent threats to Ukraine. Former President Joe Biden has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, seeking to block the release of recordings from interviews he gave to a biographer. And today’s good news: A first of its kind type 1 diabetes treatment has been approved for use in Australia. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Lucy TassellProducer: Rosa Bowden Today's podcast was sponsored by YWCA, to learn more please visit: ywca.org.au/membership 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What went wrong for the Enhanced Games? 26.05.2026 22min

The Enhanced Games, described by some as the Steroid Olympics, promised to shatter world records and redefine sport. Instead, a clean swimmer beat doped athletes, and Australia's biggest name finished last. Today we’ll recap how we got here, and break down what actually happened at this week’s inaugural games in Vegas. Sign up to the TDA Culture newsletter here. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden Today's podcast was sponsored by YWCA, to learn more please visit: ywca.org.au/membership 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: U.S. strikes Iran amidst peace deal talks 26.05.2026 4min

Today's headlines include: The U.S. has attacked southern &zwnj;Iran, describing its resumption of strikes as “defensive actions” designed to “protect our troops from threats &zwnj;posed by Iranian forces”. A second group of women and children linked to ISIS are expected to face charges when they arrive back in Australia. Heavy rain at a remote South Australian station has prompted police to renew their search for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont. And today’s good news: For the first time in its 115-year history, the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) has named a woman as its next Music Director. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden Today's podcast was sponsored by YWCA, to learn more please visit: ywca.org.au/membership 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The teals' fight against One Nation 25.05.2026 20min

Australian politics is in a period of serious flux right now. A new poll has reaffirmed One Nation’s growing popularity, showing the party could become the federal opposition if an election were held today. A handful of independents are responding with talks to form their own political party. Today we're unpacking what's actually being proposed by the teals, who's in, who's out, and what it all means for the future of Australian democracy. Access RedBridge Group & Accent Research's poll data here. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden Today's podcast was sponsored by YWCA, to learn more please visit: ywca.org.au/membership 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: ASIO boss fronts antisemitism inquiry 25.05.2026 3min

Today's headlines include: ASIO director-general Mike Burgess has defended the spy agency’s actions ahead of the Bondi Terror Attack, when 15 people were killed during a beachside Hanukkah celebration. A coronial hearing in Victoria has heard new details about the deaths of two police officers shot dead by Dezi Freeman at his Porepunkah property last year.  Three Chinese astronauts – known in their home country as ‘taikonauts’ - have reached China’s space station, according to state media reports. The population of platypuses reintroduced to native parklands in Sydney's south has grown to 20 known individuals. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Elliot LawryProducer: 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 us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's worst diphtheria outbreak, explained 24.05.2026 15min

Australia is experiencing its worst outbreak of diphtheria since records began in the 1990s. So far this year, the majority of cases are currently in the Northern Territory, but it has started spreading to other states.So what is it, and how concerned should we be? We’ll tell you what you need to know in today’s podcast. Hosts: Zara Seidler and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When is the right time to invest? 23.05.2026 13min

Today, we're tackling one of the most common traps in investing - the idea that you should wait for the "right moment" to get started. If you've ever looked at the market, felt uneasy, and decided to just hold off a little longer, this one is very much for you.This podcast was produced with insights from CommSec. However, everything we talk about was researched and written by us, and the content remains entirely independent. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Aussie man dies falling off trail in Peru 22.05.2026 3min

Today's headlines include: An Australian man has died after falling on the trail to the ancient Incan site of Machu Picchu in Peru. Mexican-themed chain Guzman y Gomez has pulled out of the U.S. market, closing all of its restaurants in Chicago effective immediately. A Paris appeals court has found plane manufacturer Airbus and airline Air France guilty of corporate manslaughter over a plane crash in the Atlantic Ocean in 2009 that killed 228 people. And today’s good news! Las Vegas is set to host a parade celebrating female athletes, following a push from American rapper Flavor Flav. Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Zara SeidlerProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How TDA prepares for political interviews 21.05.2026 22min

Billi is usually the person asking the questions on this podcast. Today, we're flipping that - because this week, she interviewed the Treasurer, and we want to know how she actually did it. From research, to the questions she cuts, to what it's like when someone won't give you a straight answer - we're getting into all of it. Today, Billi's going to take us behind the scenes to see what it takes to prepare for, execute, and then publish a big interview.Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden 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 would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Aus condemns Israeli minister who taunted detained activists 21.05.2026 5min

Today's headlines include: The Australian Government has joined global condemnation of an Israeli minister who taunted detained activists, including 11 Australians. The unemployment rate jumped to 4.5% and 18,600 jobs dropped out of the economy in April, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). A photographer has been charged after allegedly stealing camera equipment from a Bondi Beach massacre victim and selling it to a pawn shop days after the attack. And today’s good news: Scientists have discovered over 1,100 previously unknown marine species, in what’s been described as a “landmark” Ocean Census. Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: 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 us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.