Sydney desk

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

Politics · 10 October 2026

Extremist fervour set to give Shoebridge and Hanson a reality check as election looms

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Rising enthusiasm for the fringe is about to test the political durability of Shoebridge and Hanson, as an election call promises to reshuffle public mood.

Technology · 10 October 2026

Firmus' AI Dream Crashes: From “Slowly, Then Suddenly” to a Public‑Listing Meltdown

Ash Park, Sydney desk

Sydney’s tech satire pokes fun at Firmus Corp, the Australian AI hopeful whose bankers hyped a “slowly, then suddenly” growth story, only to see its public listing unravel in spectacular fashion.

Environment · 10 October 2026

When Weather Gets a Nickname, Even Meteorologists Need a Dictionary

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Extreme weather events are being rebranded with vivid nicknames like rain bombs, heat domes, atmospheric rivers and polar vortexes, reminding us that nature doesn’t care about our labels.

Finance · 9 October 2026

L1 Global’s $480m haul triggers broker fee frenzy and punters’ roller‑coaster on ASX

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

L1 Global captured $480m of a $700m ASX capital raise, prompting intense scrutiny of broker fees and options while punters walked away with big gains or double‑digit losses.

Environment · 9 October 2026

Massive coal mine braces for High Court showdown, carbon‑bomb anxiously awaiting its trial by fire

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

A massive coal mine, dubbed a “carbon bomb” by campaigners, is set to fight a two‑decade extension in the High Court, with experts warning of a drawn‑out legal battle.

Sports · 9 October 2026

Khawaja’s Sandpaper Saga Returns in Autobiography – Cummins Says He’s Unfazed

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

Usman Khawaja’s upcoming autobiography will revisit the 2018 sandpaper scandal. Australian captain Pat Cummins says the book won’t ruffle his feathers and praises the team’s evolution since then.

Politics · 9 October 2026

Treasury Delays ATO Credit‑Card Ban After Business Backlash

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Treasury Minister Jim Chalmers has postponed the Australian Tax Office’s planned ban on credit‑card payments for tax bills by six months, citing a year‑long transition period funded by extra Treasury dollars. The d…

Technology · 9 October 2026

Drone LiDAR Finds Three Unrecorded Indigenous Shelters in Sydney Suburbs

Ash Park, Sydney desk

Using LiDAR mounted on a University of Sydney drone, researcher Dr Jacob Bongers identified three previously unknown Indigenous shelters in a suburban area, highlighting the growing power of aerial archaeology.

Finance · 9 October 2026

ABC’s Embarrassing Radio U‑Turn Promises a ‘Ratings Dividend’ for Market Participants

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

ABC Radio Sydney has flipped its format, sparking speculation that the network will pay a ‘ratings dividend’ to listeners. The move, described as an embarrassing U‑turn, has drawn commentary from investors, philant…