Sydney desk

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

Politics · 12 October 2026

Greens Offer Australians Right to Sue Big Tech – Because Who Doesn’t Want a Legal Reprieve from Meta’s $25 B Scandal?

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

The Greens are proposing a private right of action in Anika Wells’ new digital safety bill, modelling the idea on the $25 billion settlement Meta paid in the United States.

Business · 11 October 2026

One Nation Finds Office Space, Gina Rinehart Finds a Tenant, Barnaby Joyce Finds a Way to Blame the Rent

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

The political party has secured a multimillion-dollar Brisbane headquarters through a lease arrangement with a mining billionaire's company, a move defended as standard commercial practice despite the optics of a politic…

Technology · 11 October 2026

Apple’s $3500 Foldable Phone: Will Buyers Fold Their Wallets or the Device?

Ash Park, Sydney desk

Apple’s new $3,500 foldable phone has sparked a debate: is the high price tag a barrier or a badge of honor? The outcome will be crucial for the tech giant’s future plans.

World · 11 October 2026

Drivers Polish Cars While Aussies Google Aaron Seton as Bathurst 1000 Preps Go Live

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

As teams make final preparations for the Bathurst 1000, Australians are flooding Google with searches for Aaron Seton, turning the pre‑race buzz into a nationwide online treasure hunt.

Business · 11 October 2026

High Court Verdict Leaves Market Participants With Empty Coal Pockets

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

The High Court’s ruling against the Mount Pleasant coal mine has sent shockwaves through the mining sector, leaving market participants scrambling to re‑evaluate their portfolios and earn their next dividend from a g…

Business · 11 October 2026

Adidas sues White Fox over four‑stripe design, calling it ‘deceptively similar’

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Adidas has taken Australian label White Fox to the Federal Court, alleging the retailer’s four‑stripe motif is a deceptive copy that trades off the global brand’s reputation.

Sports · 11 October 2026

Ikitau sidelined, Valetini cleared as World Rugby pushes hip‑drop review to November 1

Nell Hartley, Melbourne desk

A World Rugby decision to delay the hip‑drop rule review until 1 November means Rob Valetini remains eligible for the Sydney Bledisloe match while Ikitau is left out.

Business · 11 October 2026

Opal Tower Declared Defect‑Free After Eight‑Year Legal Saga

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Eight years after cracks appeared on level 10 on Christmas Eve 2018, a ribbon‑cutting ceremony marked Opal Tower’s official declaration of being defect‑free, ending a class action and two separate legal cases.

Business · 11 October 2026

Cardigan Denim: The Unlikely Home of Britain’s Premium Jeans

Iris Quay, London desk

Hiut Denim, a small factory in Cardigan, Wales, is reviving local denim skills and producing premium British jeans, challenging the notion that luxury denim must be made in global fashion hubs.