Sydney desk

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

Sports · 14 October 2026

McKenna’s double fuels Matildas’ 7‑1 demolition of Haiti

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Leticia McKenna scored twice as Australia’s Matildas thrashed Haiti 7‑1 in a friendly in France, with goals also coming from Daniela Galic (on debut), Caitlin Foord, Clare Wheeler and Holly McNamara.

World · 14 October 2026

Greta Thunberg Walks the Walk: Paris High School Blockade Gets a Runway

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined a high school blockade outside Paris, turning the protest into a runway.

Politics · 14 October 2026

Albanese delays ATO credit‑card ban, Greens point to $45bn revenue gap, Chalmers warns against mocking One Nation

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stepped in to postpone the Australian Taxation Office’s planned ban on credit‑card use, a move prompted by a plea from a peak business lobby. The Greens seized the moment to highlight…

World · 14 October 2026

Katie Zacharia's Tricky Test of Patience: The 14-Minute Press Briefing That Left Reporters Stunned

Priya Nair, Sydney desk

During her inaugural press briefing, Katie Zacharia, the new press secretary, delivered a 14-minute monologue that left the audience, including seasoned reporters and newcomers, struggling to stay engaged. The event high…

Politics · 14 October 2026

Albanese and One Nation’s Taylor Meet Over AI, Sparking Talk of a Labor‑Coalition Pact

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and One Nation crossbencher David Taylor met in Parliament House on Monday, prompting speculation that Labor may be considering a joint AI initiative with the Coalition, a move One Nation…

Sports · 13 October 2026

Dragons Eye Kangaroos Debutant After Bostock Slip‑through

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

After losing Jack Bostock, the Dragons say they’ll pounce on a Kangaroos debutant if he ever hits free agency, turning a slip‑up into a scouting opportunity.

Environment · 13 October 2026

Deadly Fire Ants Invade Sydney Logistics Centre, Camera Catches the Chaos

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Surveillance footage from a Sydney logistics hub shows a swarm of fire ants marching across the floor, confirming the insects’ surprising urban appearance.

Environment · 13 October 2026

State moves closer to Great Koala National Park

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

The state is a step closer to establishing the Great Koala National Park, bringing koalas into the spotlight.

Finance · 13 October 2026

RBA Hits Pause on Digital Cash, 2030 Dream Deferred

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

The Reserve Bank of Australia has put its planned government‑backed digital currency on hold, shelving the 2030 rollout target and leaving cash as a physical medium for now.