Sydney desk

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

Business · 3 October 2026

Australia’s Power Reliability Forecasts Now Built on Fairy Tales

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Experts admit Australia’s latest power reliability outlook relies on projects that, according to the latest review, will never materialise. The satire highlights the paradox of forecasting reliability with a portfolio…

World · 3 October 2026

Pentobarbital Panic: Christa Pike's Ventilator Victory Turns Execution into a Hospital Horror Show

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

A planned execution of convicted murderer Christa Pike in Nashville went awry when a faulty IV caused pentobarbital to leak into the wrong bloodstream, leaving the woman unconscious on a ventilator. The incident has spar…

Politics · 3 October 2026

51% of Australians Are Second‑Generation, Yet Parties Still Trade in a ‘Native Aussie’ Myth

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Half the nation’s kids are born of immigrant parents, but politicians persist in pitching a monolithic Aussie narrative, leaving voters wondering whether the true story has finally been sold out.

Sports · 3 October 2026

Tony Romo's Road to Retirement: CBS Cuts Ties After DWI, Promises New 'Smooth Play' for Viewers

Rita Knox, Washington desk

CBS Sports has severed ties with former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo following his DWI plea, sparking speculation about the network's future NFL commentary lineup.

Sports · 2 October 2026

Legendary All Blacks Trio Counsel Wallabies to Embrace 2023 Debacle Ahead of 2027

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Three rugby greats – Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and George Gregan – advise the Wallabies to celebrate their 2023 mess as they eye the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Finance · 2 October 2026

Bank Bans KPMG After Leak, Market Participants Sigh, Treasury Yields Dip

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

A major Australian bank severed ties with KPMG after a high‑profile audit leak, while market participants noted a modest lift in shares and a gentle retreat in US Treasury yields.

Finance · 2 October 2026

Drill Hit Parade: Solstice Minerals Hits the Jackpot While Kantra Copper and Brazilian Rare Earths Play the Long Game

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Solstice Minerals’ latest drill intercept has market participants cheering, while Kantra Copper and Brazilian Rare Earths are left chasing smaller nuggets. The ASX buzzes as the three firms vie for the same glittering…

Sports · 2 October 2026

Roosters Ticket Fiasco Leaves Fans on the Sidelines

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

With ticket sales stalled, Roosters supporters are left on the sidelines, watching the grand final from their living rooms, while the club's ticket office offers nothing but a shrug.

Politics · 2 October 2026

Matt Davidson’s Latest Illustrations Are the Nation’s New Economic Policy—And It’s a Masterpiece

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Matt Davidson’s latest exhibition is being hailed as a national emergency, with experts claiming it will single‑handedly save the Aussie economy.