Sydney desk

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

Politics · 16 October 2026

Exclusive Brethren boss refuses to answer inquiry, citing confidentiality agreements

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church leader has declined to give evidence to an inquiry, arguing that confidentiality agreements signed by members for attending services prevent him from speaking publicly.

Business · 15 October 2026

Australia’s Job Market Sours: 39,300 Workers Lost, 8,900 Now Unemployed

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

A labour‑market report shows unemployment at a five‑year high, with 39,300 fewer Australians in work and the number of unemployed rising by 8,900 in the last month.

Business · 15 October 2026

Billionaire Heiress Sandra Ortega: The Invisible Force Behind the World’s Biggest Fashion Retailer

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Sandra Ortega, the reclusive billionaire heiress, has amassed a massive fortune without ever taking a role in the fashion empire founded by her parents, which today stands as the world’s largest fashion retailer.

Sports · 15 October 2026

Rachel King eyes another debut win at Green Spaces

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Sydney jockey Rachel King, fresh from a debut victory at Green Spaces, is aiming for another first‑time win. Her habit of breaking through on her first try is adding a string of firsts for female riders.

Politics · 15 October 2026

RBA pauses rate hikes as unemployment hits five‑year high

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Australian joblessness rose in September to its highest level in five years, prompting the Reserve Bank of Australia to pause further rate increases. Economists warn that higher unemployment could dampen consumer confide…

Business · 15 October 2026

Christchurch concrete king lands Hobart roof job, proving Kiwi slabs can cross the Tasman

Moss Harlow, Auckland desk

A New Zealand construction firm that raised Christchurch’s 30,000‑seat arena is now set to roof Hobart’s new Macquarie Point stadium, signalling a cross‑border export of concrete confidence.

World · 15 October 2026

Live From the War Zone: Pete Hegseth Announces Livestream of Nidal Hasan’s Firing‑Squad Execution

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad will be streamed live, turning a solemn event into a bizarre, spectator‑style experience.

Technology · 15 October 2026

ASIC’s $200 M Curtain‑Call: White’s Blackout‑Period Sale Saga Wraps, One WiseTech Employee Still in the Spotlight

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

ASIC has ended its insider‑trading investigation into billionaire Richard White’s $200 million blackout‑period share sales, while a single WiseTech employee remains under investigation.

Finance · 15 October 2026

Inflation’s Irony: ASX Slides as Wall Street Slumps Over Worsening Prices

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Rising inflation concerns are pushing the Australian Securities Exchange lower and prompting a similar decline on Wall Street, as markets adjust expectations for higher interest rates.