The Front

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday he’ll establish a new office of AI within his own department to consolidate his government’s response to AI’s meteoric rise. Plus, Qantas tests its new ultra-long-haul aircraft and American football star Folarin Balogun breaks his silence over that Donald Trump phone call.
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PM vows 'strongest protections' for creatives, journalists
Qantas pushes new A350 jet to its limits on historic test flight
'More pressure than we needed': Trump intervention hurt USA says Balogun
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Just five more sleeps until the FIFA World Cup Final - and today we’re lining up the contenders for the cup, the ageing lions and the young superstars who’ve made this tournament so gripping - and asking: what’s with all the rolling-on-the-pitch histrionics? Our football columnist Josh Whittington is here.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
World Cup 2026: France, England, Spain, Argentina remain - who to hate, and who to back
Messi meets England at last with World Cup final place on the line
Commentary by Josh Whittington: FIFA World Cup takes a breath: Erling Haaland fires, Cristiano Ronaldo exits and the Socceroos feel the reality check
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino opens door to controversial 64-team World Cup format
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.
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Atlassian staff will be paid a mix of cash and shares instead of so-called “equity refresh grants” after the company’s share value halved. Plus, investors in talks for a stake in the Melbourne Storm and KIIS FM’s ratings keep falling.
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Atlassian swaps equity for cash bonuses for staff amid share price slump
Melbourne Storm sale: Chinese consortium in negotiations to purchase club for $160 million
KIIS of death as listener exodus continues to plague ARN
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Donald Trump’s peace in the Middle East has failed for a second time, with war restarting with Iran to match the active hostilities still raging in Gaza. Now, the battered Iranian regime is asserting its control of the Strait of Hormuz. So is this modern-day piracy something we just have to get used to - or is there a way back? Chief international correspondent Cameron Stewart is here.
Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.
Iran attacks neighbours as US promises Tehran will ‘pay’ and war in the Middle East resumes
‘Expect bigger strikes today’: US military starts new attack on Iran
Commentary by Cameron Stewart: Donald Trump finally accepts Iran’s radicals aren’t interested in peace with new round of strikes
This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israeli Defence Forces say they’ve discovered a vast tunnel network belonging to Hezbollah under a 12th-century castle in southern Lebanon. Plus, auction clearance rates bounce back and Richard Scolyer is farewelled at the Sydney Opera House.
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IDF finds huge Hezbollah tunnel maze under Crusader castle
Australian auction clearance rates rebound to a near two month high
State memorial service for former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer
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