Sydney desk

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

Politics · 9 October 2026

Coalition's Migration Myth Unveiled: Former Secretary Calls Migrants a Scapegoat

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Former Department of Immigration secretary Abul Rizvi appeared on the Inside Politics podcast to argue that the Coalition uses migrants as a political scapegoat, focusing on rhetoric rather than practical solutions.

Finance · 9 October 2026

ASX Edges Up as Wall Street Slides, Tech Stocks Tumble and Brent Crude Struts Past $104

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Australian shares edged higher while U.S. markets slipped further from record highs, with technology stocks falling sharply. At the same time, Brent crude jumped back above $104 a barrel, adding a volatile twist to the g…

Politics · 9 October 2026

Operation Safety Plunge: Government Launches Inquiry Into Military Training Disaster

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

Sydney tabloid headlines have sparked a satirical story about a government move to investigate army training accidents.

Politics · 8 October 2026

Abbott and Taylor Ride Bondi Shooting Wave to Boost Migration Clampdown

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and former prime minister Tony Abbott have linked the Coalition’s tougher migration stance to the recent Bondi beach shooting, using the tragedy to sharpen their political message.

Sports · 8 October 2026

Andrew Abdo’s ‘Jacob’ Slip Sends Rod Laver Arena into Laughter

Noor Hale, World desk

At his launch event, Australian Open CEO Andrew Abdo mistakenly referred to world No 1 Jannik Sinner as ‘Jacob Sinner’, prompting a wave of chuckles from the Rod Laver Arena crowd and spawning a flurry of m…

Politics · 8 October 2026

Ink‑ed Insurrections: The Herald’s ‘Best’ Cartoons Take Over the Political Page

Ash Park, Sydney desk

The Herald’s weekly cartoon roundup showcases the ‘best’ artworks, turning the political page into a gallery of snarky sketches that could out‑speak any minister.

Finance · 8 October 2026

Bond Yields Skyrocket, ASX Slides, Oil Prices Rebound: Wall Street Takes a Breather

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

As bond yields climb and oil prices bounce back, the Australian share market is poised to retreat, prompting a cautious retreat from Wall Street and a chorus of market participants scrambling to adjust their portfolios.

Politics · 8 October 2026

Sydney Politicians Double‑Down on Gig‑Economy Gamble

Ash Park, Sydney desk

The opposition’s plan to have the Home Affairs Department clamp down on international students working in the gig economy has sparked debate over its impact on local jobs and migration policy.

Politics · 7 October 2026

Albanese’s golf grant dubbed a ‘fairway farce’ by constitutional scholar

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

University of Sydney professor emerita Anne Twomey slammed the prime minister’s golf grant as a textbook case of grey corruption, urging politicians to take lessons in both federalism and integrity.