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 FitzSimons
Producer: Orla Maher

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The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent.

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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.

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 FitzSimons Producer: Orla Maher
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click &lsquo;follow&rsquo; 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? <a href="https://thedailyaus.com.au/newsletter/">Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thedailyaus">Subscribe to The Daily Aus&rsquo; YouTube Channel</a>
Have feedback for us? We&rsquo;re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you&rsquo;ve got feedback, we&rsquo;re all ears.&nbsp;<a href="https://thedailyaus.typeform.com/to/D0EhJI4S">Tell us here</a>.

This is a daily news podcast for young people in Australia. Join The Daily Aus team every weekday morning as we cover the news in your language. We’re a newsroom of young journalists, delivering news for young people.

TDA is completely independent. We are not owned by any larger media company.

This is a daily news podcast that breaks down issues important to young people in Australia.

The Daily Aus

Why your HECS went up, again

Todays headlines include:
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows household spending rose 0.8% in June – despite the Middle East conflict exacerbating cost-of-living concerns.
NSW Police have charged two men over a public stunt involving a plastic gun, a bulletproof vest and a fake police badge.
U.S. President Donald Trump says peace talks with Iran are continuing, but Iran ‌denies any negotiations are being held or planned.
And today's good news: Two of nature’s deadliest flowers may hold the key to treating pain, malaria and cancer, and scientists have taken a major step towards unlocking their potential.

Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie
Producer: 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 newsletter
Subscribe 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.

Todays headlines include:
<ul>
<li>New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows household spending rose 0.8% in June &ndash; despite the Middle East conflict exacerbating cost-of-living concerns.</li>
<li>NSW Police have charged two men over a public stunt involving a plastic gun, a bulletproof vest and a fake police badge.</li>
<li>U.S. President Donald Trump says peace talks with Iran are continuing, but Iran &zwnj;denies any negotiations are being held or planned.</li>
<li>And today's good news: Two of nature&rsquo;s deadliest flowers may hold the key to treating pain, malaria and cancer, and scientists have taken a major step towards unlocking their potential.</li>
</ul>
Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie Producer: Orla Maher
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click &lsquo;follow&rsquo; 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? <a href="https://thedailyaus.com.au/newsletter/">Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thedailyaus">Subscribe to The Daily Aus&rsquo; YouTube Channel</a>
Have feedback for us? We&rsquo;re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you&rsquo;ve got feedback, we&rsquo;re all ears.&nbsp;<a href="https://thedailyaus.typeform.com/to/D0EhJI4S">Tell us here.</a>

Headlines: Two men charged over plastic gun stunt

The trial of one of the most influential figures in Australian media history began this week, when Alan Jones walked into a Sydney courtroom facing six complainants, 22 charges, and a trial that could span several months. 

It comes after years of pre-trial fighting and multiple rounds of charges being dropped. 

Today, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this veteran broadcaster and how we got here.

Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Sam Koslowski
Producer: Orla Maher
Video editor: Imogen Abbott

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 newsletter
Subscribe 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.

Shot on Fujifilm.

The trial of one of the most influential figures in Australian media history began this week, when Alan Jones walked into a Sydney courtroom facing six complainants, 22 charges, and a trial that could span several months.&nbsp;
It comes after years of pre-trial fighting and multiple rounds of charges being dropped.&nbsp;
Today, we&rsquo;ll explain everything you need to know about this veteran broadcaster and how we got here.
Hosts: Emma Gillespie and Sam Koslowski Producer: Orla Maher Video editor: Imogen Abbott
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click &lsquo;follow&rsquo; 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? <a href="https://thedailyaus.com.au/newsletter/">Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thedailyaus">Subscribe to The Daily Aus&rsquo; YouTube Channel</a>
Have feedback for us? We&rsquo;re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you&rsquo;ve got feedback, we&rsquo;re all ears.&nbsp;<a href="https://thedailyaus.typeform.com/to/D0EhJI4S">Tell us here</a>.
Shot on <a href="https://www.fujifilm.com/au/en">Fujifilm</a>.

The veteran broadcaster on trial for assault

Todays headlines include:
The first mass mortality event in Australia’s bird flu outbreak has been confirmed, prompting authorities to warn of "significant losses” and a “long, difficult journey” ahead.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been criticised for barring some major media outlets from a press conference in Melbourne.
Two Australian-owned helicopters have collided mid-air while fighting fires in Greece, killing two people.
And today’s good news: Hundreds of spectators and their pets have descended on a Californian beach to watch the 2026 World Dog Surfing Championships.

Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie
Producer: Imogen Abbott

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 newsletter
Subscribe 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.

Todays headlines include:
<ul>
<li>The first mass mortality event in Australia&rsquo;s bird flu outbreak has been confirmed, prompting authorities to warn of "significant losses&rdquo; and a &ldquo;long, difficult journey&rdquo; ahead.</li>
<li>One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been criticised for barring some major media outlets from a press conference in Melbourne.</li>
<li>Two Australian-owned helicopters have collided mid-air while fighting fires in Greece, killing two people.</li>
<li>And today&rsquo;s good news: Hundreds of spectators and their pets have descended on a Californian beach to watch the 2026 World Dog Surfing Championships.</li>
</ul>
Hosts: Lucy Tassell and Emma Gillespie Producer: Imogen Abbott
Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click &lsquo;follow&rsquo; 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? <a href="https://thedailyaus.com.au/newsletter/">Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thedailyaus">Subscribe to The Daily Aus&rsquo; YouTube Channel</a>
Have feedback for us? We&rsquo;re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you&rsquo;ve got feedback, we&rsquo;re all ears.&nbsp;<a href="https://thedailyaus.typeform.com/to/D0EhJI4S">Tell us here.</a>

Why your HECS went up, again

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