Sydney desk

Filed from the Sydney desk — including multi-city pieces that also ran elsewhere.

Sports · 18 October 2026

WNBA Rockets Past Records While Aussie Fans Stare at Their Own Scoreboards

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The WNBA’s unprecedented popularity and social‑media buzz highlight a growing gap with Australia’s women’s sport, which remains under‑the‑radar despite local efforts to catch up.

Politics · 18 October 2026

One Nation’s anti‑migration plan would add $275 billion to federal debt, PBO finds

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The Parliamentary Budget Office’s ten‑year modelling shows that One Nation’s proposal to sharply curb migration would swell the Commonwealth’s debt by $275 billion, underscoring the fiscal risk of the policy.

Sports · 18 October 2026

NRL Boss Publicly Declares ‘Man Crush’ on Departing Rooster at Rugby World Cup Opener

Craig Pohutukawa, Auckland desk

During the Australia‑New Zealand Rugby World Cup opener, NRL chief Peter V’landys announced a public ‘man crush’ on Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is leaving the NRL for rugby union, turning the match into an unexpec…

Sports · 18 October 2026

All Blacks turn Sydney into a Kiwi showcase, leaving Wallabies with a side of wilted lettuce

Tariq Bell, World desk

The All Blacks, down to just 14 fit players, thumped the Wallabies 43-21 at Sydney's Accor Stadium, extending their Bledisloe streak and leaving Les Kiss to ponder a World Cup nightmare.

Business · 17 October 2026

Bundaberg’s First Hotel in Two Decades Opens, Market Participants Brace for a Possible Property Boom

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Bundaberg’s 20‑year hotel lull ends as a new development opens, sparking speculation that market participants might finally see a tourism‑driven property boom.

Sports · 17 October 2026

Caulfield Cup Turns Into Fashion Show as Trainer Fined for Dress‑Code Breach

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

Race officials at the Caulfield Cup and The Everest cautioned spectators about possible wardrobe malfunctions and fined a high‑profile trainer for a dress‑code breach away from the track, turning the day into an unex…

Business · 17 October 2026

Electric Surge Leaves Classic Cars in the Dust – Second‑Hand Market Takes a Shock

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Australia’s rapid shift to electric vehicles is flooding the used‑car market with petrol and diesel models, driving prices sharply lower as owners trade up to zero‑emission rides.

Sports · 17 October 2026

Daisy Pearce’s ‘big decision’ fuels former club’s rout of Geelong Tigers

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Daisy Pearce’s return to her former AFLW club sparked a dominant performance that left the Geelong Tigers on the back foot in round 10, highlighting the impact of her move as the finals race tightens.

Business · 17 October 2026

Boomers Trade Golden Years for Golden Hour: Retirement’s New Work‑Life Balance

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

More baby boomers are staying in the workforce well beyond traditional retirement age, driven by low interest rates, property incentives and concerns over shrinking pension pots.