Category: Australian
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST CORRUPTION SCANDAL IS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT FOR A NEW SERIES OF LiSTNR’S AWARD-WINNING PODCAST, SECRETS WE KEEP
– How Australia funded a dictator, told by the men on the inside –
LiSTNR has today released the third series of Secrets We Keep, an exploration of Australia’s biggest corruption scandal when a trusted Australian company funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars to dictator Saddam Hussein in the lead-up to the Iraq War.
Secrets We Keep: Baghdad Nights follows multi-award-winning journalist Richard Baker and his investigation into Australia’s biggest-ever international trade scandal, told by the men on the inside. Listeners will hear a thrilling and personal account of how Australia conducts its dirty business in far-flung places and who pays the price when scandal erupts. The audience is taken into war zones, secret meetings, and the offices of the country’s most powerful people, whilst hearing what it is like to have the nation’s media bearing down.
The scandal, which unfolded in the early 2000s, revealed a complex web of corruption and deceit involving the United Nations’ oil-for-food program in Iraq. At the heart of the scandal was the Australian Wheat Board (AWB), a corporation responsible for selling Australia’s wheat crop to the world. AWB, once a pillar of the Australian agricultural industry, was implicated in a scheme to funnel $300 million to the regime of Saddam Hussein, which Australia and its allies ultimately declared war on.
The key players from AWB implicated in the scandal, are integral voices in the series. The trio, including former AWB Chairman Trevor Flugge, have never spoken about their work in Iraq nor what it was like to go from being trusted government insiders to the poster boys of a national scandal.
Richard Baker said: “Secrets We Keep: Baghdad Nights takes you behind the scenes of how Australia conducts itself on the world stage – in making money and making war. It’s about how our country deals with scandal, who is held to account and who gets away with it.
“In telling this story I’m hoping it will cause people to think about how quickly we leap to judgement to declare someone as good or evil. This especially applies to people like me in the media. The truth is there’s always more to the story.
“Stories like this matter. They matter because what Australian governments and companies get up to overseas, whatever’s done, it’s in all our names”.
LiSTNR Head of Factual, Clair Weaver, said: “Once again, the LiSTNR Factual team has resurfaced an important Australian story that impacted the fabric of Australia. The far-reaching consequences of the AWB scandal extended beyond financial loss and reputational damage. It eroded public trust in corporate governance and highlighted the urgent need for robust anti-corruption measures.
“Richard’s investigations and discoveries are a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and transparency in business. It underscores the need for vigilant oversight and accountability to prevent such breaches of trust from recurring.”
About LiSTNR:
LiSTNR is a curated and personalised, free app offering radio, podcasts, music, and news, creating a new audio destination for all Australians. Featuring a fun and intuitive onboarding process, LiSTNR delivers an audio destination that is built for individual listeners’ routines and preferences. Highly personalised, it provides listeners a new world of audio entertainment, with their own daily feed of audio and easy discovery of new content through curated recommendations. Available across a large array of devices including both iOS and Android, CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant and Alexa and Android TV, LiSTNR enables a fantastic listening experience, anytime and anywhere. Open your Ears to a new world of audio – download the free app today. LiSTNR.com
About Richard Baker:
Multi-award-winning journalist Richard Baker has partnered with LiSTNR’s in-house Factual team to develop new original investigative documentary series, continuing his reputation for compelling, narrative content.
A long-time The Age and Sydney Morning Herald journalist, in recent years Baker has become renowned for his critically acclaimed podcast series, including Phoebe’s Fall, Wrong Skin, The Last Voyage of the Pong Su and The Confession, which sat at number one on the Australian and NZ podcast charts for several weeks in late 2022.
Baker’s podcasts have garnered worldwide audiences, along with accolades at the New York Festivals, the Kennedy journalism awards and the Melbourne Press Club. Baker has won five Walkley Awards, Australia’s most prestigious journalism honour.
Got a podcast idea? ABC Australia’s Podcaster of the Year is listening!
The fourth annual call-out for distinctive podcasts in any language is open now! Pitch your podcast to join the growing collection of award-winning SBS podcasts for all Australians, including English language learners and soccer fans.
Calling all veteran and aspiring podcasters – SBS is looking for more exciting podcasts to share with its national multicultural, multilingual and First Nations audiences.
SBS Audio wants to hear your ideas across news, entertainment, society and culture, language, food and more to develop with our experienced team and share with Australia’s growing podcast audience.
With a keen eye for new and underrepresented talent, SBS is also seeking podcast ideas for new migrants settling in Australia, adult English language learners, and soccer fans with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ which will be broadcast exclusively on SBS.
This is the fourth year SBS is inviting podcast pitches from the public which have led to the creation of award-winning series like Should You Really Eat That?, The Idiom, Bad Taste and My Bilingual Family.
Acting Director of Audio and Language Content, Pamela Cook, said: “SBS Audio lives and breathes the stories of multicultural, multilingual and First Nations Australia, and we’re the perfect home for podcasts that celebrate diversity and bring new voices and talent to the fore.
“We’re thrilled that SBS was named Best Publisher at the Australian Podcast Awards 2023 for a second consecutive year and part of that success comes from our open call-out for pitches.”
SBS Digital Audio and Podcast Manager, Caroline Gates, said, “We’re looking for stories that only SBS is able to tell, which means more distinctive voices and perspectives that connect with our audiences.
“It’s been wonderful to see podcast ideas incubated through SBS’s annual call-out become award-winning series and even grow into second seasons.”
A new season of My First Year in Australia with comedian Suraj Kolarkar is available now as well as a second season of Like Us featuring three women from different backgrounds discussing their relationship with Australia available from Wednesday 7 August.
Pitches are shortlisted and workshopped with the SBS Audio podcast team before the next stage, which involves creating a pilot episode.
SBS Audio broadcasts in more than 60 languages with a distinctive podcast offering that sees more than 4 million downloads each month.
Pitches can be made through the online form on the SBS Audio website and close Friday 30 August 2024. Listen to all of SBS Audio’s podcasts on the SBS Audio App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LiSTNR and wherever you stream podcasts.
ACMA consults on proposal to remake apparatus licence tax determinations
The ACMA need to remake the following 2 apparatus licence tax determinations, which are due to sunset on 1 April 2025:
Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Determination 2015
Radiocommunications (Receiver Licence Tax) Determination 2015.
Their view is that the determinations are operating effectively and efficiently. They propose to remake them with minor changes. They will also consider other tax updates, including annual tax increases, as part of this process.
Full details, including the consultation paper and draft instruments, are available on the ACMA website.
They welcome your views by COB, Monday 2 September 2025.
https://www.acma.gov.au/consultations/2024-08/remaking-sunsetting-apparatus-licence-tax-determinations-and-other-proposed-tax-changes
SBS commits to 10-year renewable energy power purchase agreement with ZEN Energy
The SBS-ZEN Energy wind power partnership provides price certainty for SBS and establishes a model for de-carbonising the media industry.
SBS, Australia’s most diverse broadcaster, is now also Australia’s first 100 per cent renewable media organisation.
ZEN Energy will supply SBS’s New South Wales and Victoria-based operations with 100 per cent renewable energy over the next 10 years with Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) uniquely paired with the 226.8MW Collector Wind Farm in NSW.
SBS is the first Australian media organisation to switch to 100 per cent renewable energy in FY23. This commitment will now be achieved over the long term through the 10-year agreement with ZEN.
SBS Head of Sustainability, Abigail Thomas said, “This 10-year agreement with ZEN Energy through wind power ensures that SBS’s commitment to carbon reduction is not just a short-term initiative but a long-term strategy. By securing a decade of 100% renewable energy, we are taking significant steps towards our Net Zero targets and demonstrating our dedication to sustainability efforts and innovation in Australia’s media sector.”
SBS has set the most ambitious target of any Australian media outlet, to reach Net Zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2045. SBS has also partnered with Scope3 to measure emissions from advertising technology, affording advertising clients greater transparency of carbon emissions from their advertising campaigns.
SBS Chief Financial Officer, Nitsa Niarchos said, “SBS is proud to lead the way in the media industry by committing to 100% renewable energy. Our partnership with ZEN Energy underscores our commitment to sustainability and sets a new standard for reducing carbon emissions in media. Our goal is to inspire others in the industry to take meaningful steps towards a greener future.”
ZEN was Australia’s first energy company to commit to the global Science-based Targets initiative for corporate action on climate change. SBS has also applied to have its Net Zero targets validated by the initiative.
The Collector Wind Farm commenced operations in 2022 and consists of 54 turbines collectively producing 528GWh each year, capable of powering 80,000 NSW homes and saving close to 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emission each year. The wind farm project has also involved an industry-leading community benefit sharing scheme.
ZEN Energy CEO, Anthony Garnau said, “SBS is already an industry leader in community engagement and a champion of diversity. ZEN is honoured to be able to now assist SBS deepen its connections to Australians by becoming an industry leader in climate action.”
“As part of our responsibilities under the Science-Based Targets Initiative, ZEN has voluntarily committed to reduce its scope 3 (sold electricity) emissions. This means we are partnering with our customers to transition their contracts to 100 per cent renewable electricity, and we’ve committed to only sign new contracts where 100 per cent renewable is achieved within the contract period.
Official clarification from the ACMA regarding transfer of Apparatus Licences of Deceased Persons
Earlier this year an issue with the transfer of Apparatus Licences of deceased persons was brought to ANRA’s attention. We requested official clarification from the ACMA and have recently been advised that the ACMA has updated their website to include the following information:
LiSTNR LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE DOCUSERIES GUDINSKI, HOSTED BY KATE GUDINSKI
“There’s no one else like him.” – Kate Gudinski
LiSTNR has launched Gudinski, a five-part docuseries that tells a new side to the story of the late music mogul, Michael Gudinski. Hosted by Gudinski’s daughter Kate Gudinski, the podcast series unpacks her father’s legacy from signing Aussie icons including Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes, to touring superstars like Madonna and The Rolling Stones around Australia.
This is the first time that Kate Gudinski has spoken at length about her father, and through the series she explores what drove his passion for music, how he built the global entertainment empire Mushroom Group and his lasting impact on the music industry, which has his fingerprints all over it. She also shares her own stories of growing up with her dad – including having Madonna over to the family home for dinner!
The podcast has rare recordings from Gudinski himself, offering an unprecedented look into the mind of the man who shaped the Australian music landscape. Gudinski is a must-listen for music fans of all ages, industry insiders, and anyone captivated by the story of a true Australian icon and how the Australian music scene transformed under Gudinski’s influence.
Reflecting on both her father and the new series, Kate Gudinski said: “I’ve had a front row seat to my dad’s legendary career; watching him rub shoulders with some of the most famous people in the world, hosting rock stars for dinner at our family home, and running the show for the latest world performer touring Australia. In this new series, I explore how my dad changed the Australian music scene and our national culture.
“We take an in-depth look at his early life, when he cut his teeth in the fledgling Aussie music scene, and the big swings he later took in business that included squaring off with competing music promoters and outsmarting a billionaire.
“When I consider my dad’s legacy, I know that there’s no one else like him and that ultimately, he used his platform and his influence to champion the Australian music scene.”
Executive Head of LiSTNR Podcasts, Grant Tothill, said: “The LiSTNR team of Cameron Adams, Jake Morcom and Matt Nikolic have worked closely with Mushroom and Kate Gudinski to tell the story of a man who was an early pioneer and who really did shape the Australian music industry as we know it today.
“To be able to tell Michael’s story in the way we have, with so many contributors, is a privilege and one that is important to tell. The cut and thrust of the music and touring industry is front and centre as is a story of the small guy taking on the biggest moguls in the world to achieve success and leave a legacy that will be honoured by all of those who worked with Michael.
“Our thanks and gratitude to the Gudinski family and Mushroom.”
All five episodes of Gudinski, are available now on LiSTNR.
POSITION: Station Manager, PBA-FM, Salisbury SA
An opportunity for an enterprising, innovative go-getter to be the Station Manager at PBA-FM community radio station in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. Located in Salisbury, PBA-FM has been broadcasting for nearly 40 years. This is an exciting opportunity to take PBA-FM into the future. The successful candidate will have a proven record and skills in business development, leadership and management of a mainly volunteer workforce, community engagement, sales knowledge and ability, the ability to drive cultural change, a growth mindset, and experience in radio. Working knowledge of community broadcasting is highly desirable.
This is a full-time postion.
Applications close on Monday 19th August 2024 at 5pm, emailed to the Secretary: nick.brown@pbafm.org.au.
To find out more, and to obtain a copy of the position description, email Secretary nick.brown@pbafm.org.au or phone 0417 014 431.
ABC celebrates the Garma Festival 2024
As the proud official media partner of the Garma Festival, the country’s biggest gathering of First Nations politics and culture, the ABC will this weekend bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, stories and culture to all Australians across our platforms.
On Friday 2 August ABC audiences can watch the Garma Festival official opening ceremony on the ABC News channel.
ABC NEWS coverage will be led by Head, International and Indigenous News Suzanne Dredge and Indigenous Affairs Editor Julie Nimmo, supported by a team of First Nations journalists including Indigenous Affairs correspondent Carly Williams and News Channel presenter Dan Bourchier.
Among the other content highlights, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will speak with ABC National Political Lead David Speers on a special episode of Insiders live from the festival.
A year on from the referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, this year’s theme looks ahead. ‘Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu’ is a Yolŋu phrase signifying fire, strength and renewal.
ABC Managing Director David Anderson said: “The ABC is proud to continue this important partnership with Garma in 2024.
“The ABC remains committed to building a greater understanding and respect of First Nations cultures and perspectives and enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to share their stories with all Australians.”
The Garma Festival is held at Gulkula, about 40 kilometres from the town of Nhulunbuy in North-East Arnhem Land, a prominent ceremonial place for the Gumatj clan of the Yolŋu people.
Now in its 24th year, the annual festival is run by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, a four-day celebration of Yolngu life and culture.
The event serves as a national hub for discussions, policy and action formulation. It brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through youth forums, miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and story-telling.
Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO Denise Bowden said the ABC’s comprehensive coverage across all platforms was important in sharing the Garma message with the nation.
“We’re grateful for the ABC’s long-standing commitment to the event, and its coverage of First Nations issues more broadly,” she said.
RN Breakfast presenter and Q+A host Patricia Karvelas will be back at the festival reporting for ABC NEWS and RN.
On a special episode of Insiders live from Gulkula on Sunday 4 August host David Speers will be joined by panellists Patricia Karvelas, Carly Williams and John Paul Janke.
Younger audiences will be provided with Garma highlights by triple j hack and BTN will film segments from the festival over the weekend.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.
START, GROW OR SWITCH UP YOUR CAREER AT AFTRS
Go behind the scenes this Saturday as Australia’s national screen and audio school, opens its doors to all with an interest in pursuing a creative career.
There is nothing quite like the buzz of a film and television set, or slipping behind the mic in a radio studio. With working studios and sets in full swing, AFTRS Open Day is an opportunity to experience the magic and learn about igniting a career in Australia’s booming screen and audio industries.
Over the past 50 years, AFTRS screen graduates have received critical acclaim and been recognised through a slate of prestigious gongs. The School’s alumni have received Academy Awards, AACTAs, BAFTAs, Palme d’Ors, Silver Lions, Golden Globes, Emmys and hundreds of guild prizes. AFTRS radio graduates are snapped up by Australia’s biggest broadcasters, often before they have completed their studies, and go on to have long and illustrious careers.
AFTRS training is unique – hands on, delivered by industry experts, in state-of-the-art studios, production sets and sound stages – and is the key to the School’s exceptional career outcomes, with over 80% of graduates finding employment in their chosen industry within six months.
“This is a really exciting time to join the screen and audio sectors – we have billion-dollar industries that are rapidly growing, and we need new talent. If you’re a school leaver curious about how to get your first foot on the ladder; if you’re mid-career and thinking about retraining; or if you’re already in the industry and looking to level up, we have you covered,” said AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood. “Open Day is an exciting chance to explore all the School has to offer and find the career pathway that’s right for you.”
AFTRS Open Day will include demonstrations of its state-of-the-art Virtual Production Volume studio. This is the technology that films like Thor: Love and Thunder used to capture In Camera Visual Effects. Films made by current and recent students will be screening in the AFTRS Mix Theatre. A short scene filmed on rotation on an AFTRS’ sound stage will give visitors to chance to participate in front of or behind the camera, while another studio will present a broadcast set up from an orchestral film scoring exercise. And for those interested in radio, there will be a live broadcast all day from the front of the School, as well as tours of AFTRS’ broadcast studios.
AFTRS senior staff will present deep-dive sessions into each course offering: Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, the Masters program, which is offered in 9 disciplines, and the Master of Arts Screen: Business. AFTRS CEO Nell Greenwood will lead a career pathways panel with AFTRS alumni – Heartbreak High writer, film and TV director Thomas Wilson-White; Bronte Nener who has worked in the camera departments of Thor: Love and Thunder, Furiosa, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Bump; Hannah-Rae Meegan, co-creator of The Formal, a TikTok and Screen Australia-funded series with 12 million views and over 100,000 followers; and Simon Beaton, a podcast producer at LiSTNR who helped create and produce the daily news podcast This Arvo in Sydney and the Blak Matters podcast.
The AFTRS café and Library will be open, with an annual sale of books and AFTRS apparel. In the foyer visitors can also see a remarkable collection of screen and broadcast items on loan from AFTRS alumni including Oscars and other awards from notable alumni and clapper boards from Academy Award-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe.
AFTRS Open Day runs from 10am to 4pm, Saturday 3 August – on campus at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park, Sydney, and with sessions livestreamed online. More information here.