Sydney desk

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

Sports · 12 October 2026

Chicago Marathon Turns Aussie Record into a Suggestion

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

31‑year‑old Izzi Batt‑Doyle finished sixth in Chicago with a 2:20:38 marathon, erasing Jess Stenson’s Australian record by over 45 seconds and shaving more than two minutes off her own best.

Politics · 12 October 2026

Australian Engineer Robert Pether Released, $12 Million Fine Still Pending

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Australian engineer Robert Pether has been released from an Iraqi prison, but the Iraqi government still insists he or his employer pay a $12 million fine.

Business · 12 October 2026

Greg Norman bites a Qantas wing‑tip souvenir, calls airline “Never‑On‑Time”

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Golf legend Greg Norman snapped a piece of a Qantas wing‑tip souvenir at Sydney Airport and dubbed the carrier the “Never‑On‑Time” airline, prompting a flurry of commentary on the airline’s punctuality reputa…

Politics · 12 October 2026

Frydenberg’s “Things Have to Change” Rant Raises More Questions Than Answers About Liberal Future

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Josh Frydenberg criticised Peter Taylor’s leadership, warned the party faces an existential threat and hinted he hasn’t yet decided if he’ll throw his hat back in the ring.

Business · 12 October 2026

McKinsey’s glass ceiling cracks as Australian partner loses leadership role amid LinkedIn sparring

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

McKinsey has removed an Australian partner from a leadership position after a LinkedIn exchange about the glass ceiling, prompting a chorus of commentary from market participants about rates, earnings and office rent.

Sports · 12 October 2026

Smith’s brilliance turns Kingsmead into a box seat

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Steve Smith and Mitchell Cummins led Australia to dominate South Africa at Kingsmead, turning the venue into a metaphorical box seat for the visitors.

Sports · 12 October 2026

Blakey’s Trade Tango: Suns Eye Hawks Forward Duo as Deal Drama Hits Final Sprint

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

As the AFL trade period enters its final sprint, the Sydney Swans are poised to snap up a pair of Hawthorn forwards, while North Melbourne and the Swans remain deadlocked over Nick Blakey’s future.

World · 12 October 2026

Trump’s Energy Ceasefire: Power Plant Gets an Uninvited Guest

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

President Donald Trump announced a partial cease‑fire on energy infrastructure in Ukraine, but within hours Russian forces struck a power plant in the east. Zelensky called the announcement “news to me,” while the…

Business · 12 October 2026

Cavoodle‑Named Bus Revives Sunraysia‑South Australia Link, Leaving Market Participants Scratching Their Heads

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

After a six‑year hiatus, a Cavoodle‑named coach reconnects Mildura with South Australia, prompting market participants to chew over rates, property and earnings implications.