The Briefing

We’re often told to seek help if we’re struggling with trauma. But what happens when the therapy that helps you heal could also impact your chance at justice? EMDR is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, but one Australian woman says undergoing the therapy later became a factor in prosecutors deciding not to proceed with her case alleging sexual abuse as an adolescent...and she’s not alone.
In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Katie Bird, who explains how EMDR changed her life... but also prevented her from seeking justice in a flawed system.
In a statement to the ABC, who originally reported this story, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions would not comment on individual matters but said: "Each prosecution is assessed individually in accordance with the prosecution policy of the Commonwealth."
"Part of the assessment is the consideration of the admissibility of the evidence both at statute and common law."
For information and support, you can contact Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service on 1800 RESPECT.
Headlines:
Nationals Leader David Littleproud has sensationally quit as leader of the National Party
The federal government has stepped up its commitment to the War in the Middle East
The 5 Iranian soccer players who fled from their handlers overnight have been granted humanitarian visas
Labor will push through new superannuation tax changes after securing support from the Greens in the Senate
A spokesperson for Kyle Sandilands has released a statement demanding the radio host be allowed back on air
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Monday Headlines:
Donald Trump and Albanese speak about Iranian footballers
Alleged Bondi terrorist seeks suppression order
Nationals float tripling paid parental leave and lowering HECS debts for women
Union calls on Labor to legislate four-day work weeks
Anger at plan to charge visitors an entry fee to the Twelve Apostles
Deep DIve: Fuel prices are already rising and the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel could push them even higher. But the impact won’t stop at the bowser.
From fuel and gas to inflation and interest rates, global conflicts can quickly hit household budgets in Australia, even when the fighting is thousands of kilometres away.
In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with AMP Chief Economist Dr Shane Oliver about how long the pressure could last and what the conflict could mean for inflation and the Australian economy.
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Iran has a new Supreme Leader - but who is he, and what does it mean for the region and the future of the Middle East conflict?
In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who explains the rise of Mojtaba Khamenei, who has stepped into power during one of the most volatile moments in Iran’s history. Kylie reveals what his rise means for the Iranian people, why the US and Israel may be deeply unhappy with this outcome, and whether the escalating conflict could spiral into a long and messy war. Plus, the growing calls in Australia to offer asylum to Iran’s women’s soccer team amid fears of persecution back home.
Headlines:
Former NSW Liberal MP, Rory Amon, has been found not guilty on a majority of child sex abuse charges
More than $110 billion has been wiped off the Australian stockmarket
Investigations are underway after two separate shootings in Sydney’s west
Prince Harry and Meagan will visit Australia next month
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Monday Headlines:
Australia’s role in Middle East being considered
Crocs “absolutely everywhere” in flooded NT
Tributes for 22-year-old Melbourne Good Samaritan
Age verification comes into effect for porn sites from today
Matildas draw 3-all with South Korea in electric Asian Cup clash
Further listening from the headlines:
Watching porn? ID please
How I escaped porn addiction
Deep Dive: There are fears one family is accumulating more control over tech, government and media than any other family in modern history. Most Australians have barely heard of them, but they probably should.

Tech titan and Trump backer Larry Ellison is one of the wealthiest people on the planet, and his company Oracle doesn't just do business with governments - it helps run them.

Now his son David has won the most expensive bidding war in entertainment history, bringing a vast collection of film studios, news networks and streaming platforms under the same family umbrella.

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by NPR host Roben Farzad to unpack what the Ellison empire actually controls and what its latest moves tell us about who really holds power in 2026.
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Before she was busy being “difficult”, Grace Tame was side-eyeing former Prime Ministers, calling out power at the highest levels and reshaping Australia’s conversation around sexual abuse.
The former Australian of the Year has endured more scrutiny than many public figures twice her age, all while staying fiercely outspoken and unapologetically herself.
In this bonus episode of The Weekend Briefing with Antoinette Lattouf, we bring you a discussion with Grace Tame about what it really takes to ‘win’ as a woman in Australia.
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