SBS News In Depth

The senior leader of the ultra-conservative religious group, the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, has appeared before a parliamentary inquiry to respond to allegations of interference in the last federal election in 2025.

Senior leaders of the the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church have given evidence at a parliamentary inquiry on allegations of interference with the 2025 federal election. Bruce Hales and his son, Gareth Hales, appeared before the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in the latest hearing.

In this episode:
What are the allegations against the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church?
Why have the leaders of the Brethren group been asked to appear at a parliamentary inquiry?
How are election interference concerns being addressed?

Some Australian cemeteries could run out of burial space within a decade, raising questions about the future of deathcare.

As some urban cemeteries near capacity, Australia's deathcare sector is grappling with a growing shortage of burial space. It's changing how Australians are approaching death and disposition, with cremation and alternative commemorisation rituals on the rise.

In this episode:
Why some urban cemeteries are nearing capacity.
Why planning and developing new cemeteries and crematoria can face challenges.
How cemeteries are regulated in Australia.
Do governments have an obligation to provide burial space for certain faith groups?
Why cremation is becoming more popular in Australia.
Alternative forms of disposition, including upright burials.
Why some cemeteries offer renewable tenure for graves.
Questions around the future of deathcare in Australia.

As Ukraine casts doubt over US partnership,it looks to Europe for fresh support in the ongoing war with Russia.

Ukraine's leader says the US has chosen the "wrong side" in signing a deal with Russia for oil exports despite Moscow's ongoing war in Ukraine, accusing the US of withholding crucial intelligence information as he courts European leaders for fresh support. Donald Trump is spruiking what he says is a significant oil deal with Russia.

South Australia becomes the first Australian home of the Michelin Guide, with 77 restaurants recognised.

The Michelin Guide has arrived in Australia for the first time, choosing South Australia for its inaugural guide. Anonymous inspectors assessed dozens of venues, with one restaurant earning two stars. What made the cut, and why is the move being hailed as a major boost for the state's food and wine scene?

In this episode:
Why Michelin inspectors spent months anonymously dining across South Australia.
The emotional moment a South Australian chef received the state's first two Michelin stars.
How 77 restaurants were recognised across Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand and Selected categories.
The surprising historical link between Michelin tyres, motoring and restaurant awards.
What the South Australian Premier says the guide could mean for the state's global reputation.

The US President appears to have upended months of support for Ukraine, striking a diesel import deal with Vladimir Putin. What does the agreement mean for Ukraine’s fight for survival? And as fears of Russian aggression linger, how is neighbouring Estonia preparing to defend itself? Meanwhile, Houthi fighters are escalating tensions in the Middle East, targeting Saudi Arabia’s main airport. We examine how Riyadh is likely to respond, and why some of its closest allies may be reluctant to get involved. Plus, a cyberattack sends fridges across France into meltdown in a bizarre new frontier of hacking, and the unexpected stowaways discovered aboard a Perth-to-Rome flight.

The US President appears to have upended months of support for Ukraine, striking a diesel import deal with Vladimir Putin. What does the agreement mean for Ukraine’s fight for survival? And as fears of Russian aggression linger, how is neighbouring Estonia preparing to defend itself?

Meanwhile, Houthi fighters are escalating tensions in the Middle East, targeting Saudi Arabia’s main airport. We examine how Riyadh is likely to respond, and why some of its closest allies may be reluctant to get involved.

Plus, a cyberattack sends fridges across France into meltdown in a bizarre new frontier of hacking, and the unexpected stowaways discovered aboard a Perth-to-Rome flight.