Sydney desk

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

Politics · 2 days ago

Albanese’s era teeters on the brink of a melon mishap

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Speculation swirls that the Prime Minister may soon be remembered for a slip involving melons, prompting his advisers to pray the mistake stays metaphorical rather than literal.

Business · 3 days ago

Alice Springs House Sales: Melbourne and Sydney Buyers Snap Up Outback Homes in 24 Hours, Rental Yields Soar

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Investors from Melbourne and Sydney are buying Alice Springs homes within a day of listing, chasing the town’s unusually high rental yields and turning the remote outback into a hot property market.

Business · 3 days ago

Etsy Tightens AI Rules, Sellers Still Uncertain About Their Digital Art's Future

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Etsy has rolled out new AI‑copying policies amid a chorus of user complaints, but many sellers remain unconvinced that the changes will protect their creative livelihoods.

Sports · 3 days ago

South Africa’s Early Dominance Crumbles as Australia Strikes Late, Setting Up a Grandstand Finale

Noor Hale, World desk

South Africa led for most of the day before Australia mounted a late surge, leaving the series finale tantalisingly open.

Business · 3 days ago

Horsham’s lone LPG pump goes silent, leaving motorists to hitch a ride to the nearest town for cheap fuel

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

The final LPG dispenser in Horsham has closed as demand dwindles, meaning drivers must travel out of town to fill up with the once‑cheap alternative to petrol.

Sports · 3 days ago

Wallabies' High‑Ball Hopes: Lomax and Pietsch Await the Wing Switch

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Zac Lomax’s knack for the high ball makes him a strong wing candidate, yet he remains in the centre for Australia A. Pietsch is also being discussed as a potential wing option ahead of the World Cup.

Sports · 3 days ago

Jillaroos' Anthem Remix Sparks Debate: Rugby League Commission Warns of 'Red Flag' for Brand Integrity

Lotte Nguyen, Melbourne desk

The Australian women's rugby league team, Jillaroos, sparked a debate after suggesting to add a dance routine to the national anthem. Rugby League Commission officials expressed concern over potential 'red flag' for bran…

Politics · 3 days ago

Albanese brands RBA’s rate hikes as blunt instrument, tries to keep Labor out of the toolbox

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese distanced his party from the Reserve Bank’s upcoming rate hikes, likening the policy tool to a blunt instrument and warning of a treacherous political climate both at home and abroad.

Sports · 4 days ago

England’s 98‑18 drubbing of Wales turns wheelchair rugby into controlled chaos

Tom Wick, London desk

England beat Wales 98‑18 in the opening match of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia, showcasing the sport’s signature controlled chaos. Captain Bayley McKenna warned spectators about the spectacle,…