Julia Bergin
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Articles by Julia Bergin
Judge sets aside civil intervention order against head of advocacy group Council Watch
A County Court judge has set aside a civil personal safety intervention order made against the head of a Victorian ratepayer advocacy group. Council Watch president Dean Hurlston was successful in his appeal against a magistrate's earlier ruling. Judge Julie Clayton said that Mr Hurlston's content may have been distressing to Ms Sehr but the content he posted was "permissible".
A development on prime Sydney real estate pitched Australian-first proton therapy. But will it deliver?
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A development on prime Sydney real estate pitched Australian-first proton therapy. But will it deliver?
Sue Bleasel says she is running out of time. She needs a building and a subterranean concrete bunker to house a highly specialised cancer treatment machine. If she can find $22 million Ms Bleasel says she can make it happen. "In two months' time, we've got to have this money in," she said. It's been the 79-year-old's decades' long mission to bring proton therapy, a very precise form of radiation treatment, to Australia so that sick kids can stop travelling overseas for treatment.
Program: 01 'This Bloody Machine' | Jewel in the Crown
Sue Bleasel is running out of time. Her life's work has been to bring a life-saving proton therapy machine to Australia. It would be a game-changer for families with sick kids right across the country. The plan is to install the machine in a bunker under a multi-million-dollar development on prime Sydney real estate. But with construction about to start, big questions remain. Where's the money? Can it get done in time? And why do key players keep saying they're not involved?
Program: TRAILER – Introducing 'This Bloody Machine'
It's a plan so good that everyone wants to believe it. Bring a life-saving cancer machine to Australia so desperate families don't have to travel overseas for treatment. But the plan keeps failing. The latest idea is to build a half-billion-dollar health science precinct in the heart of Sydney to house Australia's first proton therapy machine. It's got some big names backing it, support from a federal politician, and the green light from state government and local council.
Program: 03 In Search of the Missing Artist | The Name
Jean Paul Mangin is a nom de plume, an alias, a fake name. But no one seems to know that. So why would a commercial gallery – a family-run business – go to such extreme lengths to protect the identity of its artist? The answer, Julia Bergin discovers, has been hiding in plain sight all along — in the name itself.
In search of the missing artist
An Australian gallery said their artist was an "internationally acclaimed" Parisian sculptor. Then the story changed. Eliza Murley is standing outside a Melbourne art gallery, peering through a large glass window. She's there with the ABC to see a particular piece of art. But on the street — where the wind is whipping up a frenzy — is as close as she can get. Ms Murley — a former gallery worker — is not comfortable going inside. The ABC has been banned from entering.
Program: Controversy over artist's true identity
To Australian art buyers, he was marketed as an "internationally acclaimed" sculptor - A French recluse based in Paris. But a Background Briefing investigation has discovered that the mysterious artist known as "Jean Paul Mangin" is not French, not based in France, and was never shipping work from Paris at all. The Australian art gallery representing the artist maintains that revealing who they really are would cause serious psychological harm.
Program: 02 In Search of the Missing Artist | The Plastic
The only clue to Jean Paul Mangin's true identity is hiding in his art. Unlike everything else about the elusive French sculptor, the material he works with is right there for anyone to see — giant, flat sheets of plastic, in vivid colours and glossy finishes. Perhaps if reporter Julia Bergin can find out where they're coming from, she can find him too. And it’s that trail that leads her to a noisy factory floor, where another artist has been making strikingly similar work for years.
Minneapolis on edge following fatal shooting
Tensions are high in the US. Police say US federal agents have shot two people in the city of Portland, who are now in hospital. In Minneapolis, there have been vigils, protests, and more border patrol raids, in the day since 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by an Immigration Officer.
Trump doubles down on Greenland takeover
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The US President Donald Trump is continuing to push his case for an American takeover of Greenland, again saying he will use military force if necessary. His threat follows the US operation in Venezuela which saw American troops capture the nation's authoritarian president Nicholas Maduro. World leaders are drawing a clear distinction between Greenland and the troubled South American country, but many residents of the Danish territory are worried about what is to come.
By Samantha Donovan Verified, Julia Bergin Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Elvis Presley fans head to Parkes Elvis festival
With their blue suede shoes and bedazzled jackets, hundreds of Elvis fans converged on Sydney's central station this morning, ready to head to the iconic Parkes Elvis Festival. The festival has been running since 1993, with this year's theme 'Love Me Tender'.
Maduro pleads not guilty in US
In New York, the deposed Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and weapons charges. Outside the courtroom, opposing groups of protesters chanted and heckled. The United States' arrest of Venezuela's authoritarian leader is proving just as divisive around the world, as leaders react to the developments.
Australia faces floods, heatwave and fire - ABC listen
Flooded north Queensland communities remain on high alert with more wet weather forecast, bulging river systems, and a potential cyclone. South eastern Australia faces extreme fire danger as it braces for a multi-day heat wave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees.
Trump floats US attack on Colombia
The United States' dramatic capture of the Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro has emboldened Donald Trump, with the American leader threatening to take over other South American countries. Mr Maduro and his wife are expected to face court later today charged with conspiring to traffic drugs and other offences.
Cattle farmers devastated after deadly flood disaster - ABC listen
Cattle producers are predicting huge stock losses after floods swept across North-Western Queensland. Tourists were left stranded as water surrounded the town of Winton prompting a series of evacuations. While there's been little reprieve for communities, there's hope for a small break as the heavy rain subsides in some areas.
Rain continues to lash Queensland
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Heavy rain is showing no signs of easing in Queensland as large parts of that state continue to be hit by flooding. One man has been killed, many people are cut off, and a growing number of crocodiles have been appearing in suburban areas deluged by the floodwaters. In Queensland heavy rain is showing no signs of easing, as large parts of that state continue to be hit by flooding.
By Julia Bergin Verified, Kimberley Price Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Bondi victims remembered amid New Year's celebrations
As Sydney residents soaked up the city's famous New Year's Eve fireworks display, this year the annual celebration took a more sombre tone. There was a large extra police presence as people remembered the victims of the Bondi terror attack.
Floods hit Far North Queensland
A man has died in floodwater in Queensland's far north as large parts of the state continue to be battered by rain. Authorities are expecting communities to be cut off for many days to come and are bracing for serious stock losses.
Plan to tighten politicians' family travel expenses - ABC listen
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The Prime Minister has today announced a number of proposed changes to the rules regarding politicians' travel entitlements. It comes after revelations earlier this month that a number of federal politicians collectively claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars for family related travel expenses.
By Samantha Donovan Verified, Julia Bergin Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
High school students forced to fight false allegations of AI cheating
The clock struck three and the school bell rang — it was home time for students at Davidson High School, but not for Gabe Jones. He said he sat alone in a classroom, stressed and overwhelmed, as his teachers peppered him with questions about the authenticity of his year 12 assessment. An AI detector tool had incorrectly identified Gabe's work as AI-generated and, for the second time in five days, the 18-year-old was pulled out of class and kept after school to prove he was not a cheat.
Students falsely accused of AI cheating
It's not just universities using AI tools to detect AI cheating - high schools are also and they're also getting it wrong. Students say they're being pulled out of class, held back after school, referred to the principal, and forced to prove they're not cheats while parents aren't told a thing.
Fire outlook as heatwave hits pat of the country
As the temperature heats up, fires are already burning across Australia. Total fire bans have been announced for west Victoria and across the border into South Australia. Authorities say this is a taste of what's to come in this year's fire danger period.
Optus releases report on outage - ABC listen
Optus has today released a report into its September outage, which saw hundreds of people unable to contact Triple Zero and the deaths of two people. The review was led by experienced executive Kerry Schott and identified widespread failures that contributed to the outage. Dr Schott's report makes 21 recommendations and Optus is accepting all of them.
Hollywood legend Rob Reiner murdered
Hollywood stars and movie fans around the world have been stunned by the murders of legendary film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele. Their son Nick Reiner has been arrested and is suspected of killing them. Rob Reiner was an actor, director, and a prominent supporter of the Democratic party.
New generation of multicultural Cronulla lifeguards
Twenty years ago, Cronulla's surf life saving club was the scene of an ugly flashpoint that spiralled into a series of race riots. Today, the club looks and feels very different with a whole new generation of multicultural lifeguards. It's part of a tailored program to open up surf club culture that's also improving surf safety among the growing numbers of culturally diverse beach goers.
Skydiving instructors strike - ABC listen
In an Australian first, skydiving instructors are on strike in three states. The industrial action follows a pay dispute with the industry's biggest employer, Experience Co's Skydive Australia. The Australian Workers Union says the current pay offer amounts to a drop in wages.
First government dataset on neurological conditions
For the first time, the Australian Government has published a full dataset on neurological conditions in the country. That report - published today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - captures the number of Australians living with neurological conditions and their impact on the health system. In 2022, an estimated 2.2 million Australians suffered, at a cost of $6.6 billion to the country and experts believe those figures only just scratch the surface.
Sabrina Carpenter slams Trump ad
The Trump Administration has again used a musician's song, without permission, to push its political agenda. This time it is the work of American pop star Sabrina Carpenter, and she is not happy.
Domestic violence perpetrators weaponise smart cars - ABC listen
Australia's eSafety advisory has issued a new warning about smart cars and the risks they pose to victims of domestic and family violence. Every day, perpetrators are using the technology to track, intimidate and control. It's prompted calls to better support frontline services and hold tech companies to account. Featured: Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner Micaela Cronin, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Tanya Plibersek, federal Minister for Social Services
US embassy instructed to monitor migrants in Australia
The Trump Administration has instructed the US Embassy in Canberra to gather data on crimes committed by migrants in Australia. The directive was sent to several other western nations too. Some observers say the move does not pose a risk to Australia's sovereignty, but is another significant development in US immigration policy.
'King of Music' Jimmy Cliff dies at 81 - ABC listen
Jimmy Cliff, the man who helped make reggae music recognised around the globe has died at the age of 81. But it wasn't just reggae he became known for. He turned his hand, and his mellifluous voice to all kinds of music during his seven decade career. The Jamaican prime minister has paid tribute to Cliff, calling him "a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world"
Bureau of Meteorology's $96M website
The Federal Government is demanding the Bureau of Meteorology explain why it's new website has ended up costing $96 million, rather than the initial estimate of $4 million. Nationals Leader David Littleproud is accusing the Bureau of misleading the public and suggesting it should face the consequences. All of this comes amid mounting criticism from the public that the website is not user-friendly.
Calls to boost Australian investment in AI
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Countries across the world are betting big on Artificial Intelligence. In just over a year's time, it's estimated global investment will top AUD $3 trillion. New research suggests greater Australian investment could add $235 billion dollars to the national economy, but as fears of a global tech bubble grows, is it a safe bet?
By Julia Bergin Verified, Angus Randall Verified
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Verified
Meta warns teens to save data as ban approaches
Social media giant Meta has begun sending two-week warnings to teenagers under the age of 16- urging them to download or delete their account data from Facebook and Instagram. Australia's social media ban begins in less than a month... but Meta says they will begin removing access for teens as early as December 4. Many parents are bracing for how their children will react to the change, as they scramble to get their save their information before the lockout period.
Russia strikes kills dozens of Ukrainians
Russia has launched fresh attacks on western Ukraine overnight, killing dozens and injuring many more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues his appeal for global support, flying to Turkiye. European leaders also met, making promises of long-range weapons to fast track an end to the war, while the United States has doubled down on its peace plan. Featured: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Death sentence for ousted Bangladesh prime minister - ABC listen
Bangladesh's deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia over her bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters last year. An estimated 1400 people were killed during the student-led uprising that toppled her government and forced Hasina to flee to India. Those execution orders are contingent on India sending Hasina back.
More schools shut over asbestos sand
In the Australian Capital Territory more than 70 schools have been closed today after they were found to have used sand imported from China, possibly contaminated with asbestos. Schools in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania are also affected. Despite the national recall, states and territories aren't taking a uniform approach to dealing with the scare.
Domestic dogs in the Stone Age
It's a common misconception that keeping a dog as a pet has only been around a couple of hundred years. But new research from the UK suggests the animal has been a popular human companion for more than 11 thousand years. New research has found the dog breeds we see today aren't much different to those that were around in the Stone Age.
Neo-Nazis threaten female politicians - ABC listen
In New South Wales, two female politicians have been threatened with death and rape after they condemned a neo-Nazi rally outside state parliament on the weekend. About 60 men dressed in black stood next to a sign that read "Abolish the Jewish Lobby". Both the New South Wales Premier and the state's police force are under pressure to explain how the rally was allowed to go ahead in the first place.
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Small businesses reporting lower profits - ABC listen
Wages are up, operating costs are high, and global supply chains are increasingly unpredictable. In the current economic climate, Australian businesses are feeling the squeeze. That's particularly acute for small businesses, according to a new report by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Seagull patrol heads to Melbourne
They watch over the city and keep it safe from marauding thieves who steal our chips. At Sydney's Opera House and Barangaroo areas, the fearless canine recruits of the Seagull Patrol provide four-legged protection against the bothersome birds intent on pinching the food off our plates. The program has proved so successful that it's now being introduced in Melbourne.
The art of price baiting - how real estate agents lure buyers to auction
Online, a double-brick, three-bedroom duplex in Sydney's western suburbs was advertised at $1 million. At auction, the ABC was quoted $1.2 million. But the seller wanted over $1.3 million — and that is what they got. "They'll tell you anything to get you here," unsuccessful bidder Tina told the ABC. "Once they do, it's a totally different story." That practice of attracting buyers to auction with property price guides well below what the seller wants is called underquoting, or price baiting.
Baiting buyers to auction
Advertising a property for $1 million knowing it must sell over $1.3 million is illegal. The practice is called underquoting, or price baiting, and it's rife in New South Wales. Selling agents says it's just a few bad apples, but property data tells a different story.
Call for productivity inquiry into homelessness
According to the latest census, the number of homeless people in Australia on a single night was 122,000. Support groups say this is costing the nation's economy billions of dollars. They're asking the federal government's Productivity Commission to launch a full inquiry into the crisis.
Israel launches fresh strikes on Gaza
Israeli warplanes have launched fresh strikes on Gaza City overnight, killing at least 26 people, according to Gaza health authorities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the attacks after claims Hamas breached the ceasefire agreement by shooting at Israeli positions and returning the wrong human remains. Both sides have accused the other of violating the US-brokered deal.
Artificial intelligence conference tests outcomes
Until today, serious scientific research and artificial intelligence have been kept well apart. In fact, AI has been banned by most reputable journals and scientific gatherings. Now, for the first time, a conference is underway, where all the featured research has been authored and reviewed by AI.
Space junk crashes in remote WA
The large, black, burning object that landed near mine site in remote Western Australia has been confirmed as space junk. A multi-agency response is underway, but experts are pointing to a Chinese rocket. It's believed to be the same spacecraft that dropped debris in Argentina last month.
Thousands unfairly accused of using AI to cheat
A couple of weeks ago the ABC revealed thousands of Australian Catholic University students were wrongly accused of using artificial intelligence to cheat. The University had used artificial intelligence technology to make the claims. Now it seems the problem is more widespread.
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