Sydney desk

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

Politics · 15 October 2026

Brethren boss Bruce Hales to be grilled by parliamentary committee as sect labelled ‘controlling’ not religion

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Former and current Brethren members say the group is a controlling sect rather than a religion, and its leader Bruce Hales is set to face a parliamentary committee on Friday.

Politics · 14 October 2026

Navy’s Hidden Recorder Triggers a Traffic‑Jam of Inquiries

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

A covert recording device discovered on a navy vessel has launched an investigation, prompting Senator Jacqui Lambie to demand a zero‑tolerance stance on abuse and caution prospective recruits.

Politics · 14 October 2026

Rural Health Funding Gap Swells to $9.2 Billion as Departments Drag Their Feet

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The latest data shows a $9.2 billion shortfall in rural health funding, with several government departments taking months to approve the release, according to industry sources.

Environment · 14 October 2026

Fiji’s Climate Summit: A ‘Resounding Success’ That Still Powers Aussie Coal

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

The Pacific describes Fiji’s climate negotiations as a resounding success, yet the spotlight remains on Australia’s ongoing coal exports, underscoring that the climate gains are still in jeopardy.

Sports · 14 October 2026

Australian side’s Durban drubbing sparks paradoxical quest for further greatness

Tariq Bell, World desk

The Australian team delivered a stonking victory over South Africa in Durban, prompting pundits to ask whether the winners could actually improve further.

Sports · 14 October 2026

Fuming Munster Reacts to Storm Pay Cut as Gus Pulls Dogs Coup

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

The Melbourne Storm’s huge payroll cut has left Munster fuming, while Gus’s surprise raid on a rival has bolstered the Dogs’ ranks.

Sports · 14 October 2026

Aussie stars light up Bayern's night: Stensness scores, Irankunda assists Suarez

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Gianni Stensness opened the scoring for Australia against Bayern Munich in a Champions League match, and Nestory Irankunda set up a second goal for Luis Suarez.

Sports · 14 October 2026

Australia Turns Durban Into a Grill, South Africa Gets Charred

Glenys Pike, Melbourne desk

Australia’s dominant display in Durban saw South Africa roasted, sparking talk of a reappraisal of Pat Cummins’ leadership.

Finance · 14 October 2026

Banks Put ASX on the Back Burner as JPMorgan and Goldman Issue a Cautionary Serenade

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

The Australian sharemarket opened lower after a mixed session on Wall Street, with JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs executives warning that interest rates could stay higher for longer and the inflation story is far from over.