Sydney desk

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

Politics · 28 September 2026

Pauline and James Discover the Ultimate Suburb: A Place Where Nothing Is Said But Much Is Assumed

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

One Nation’s leadership has rebranded a quiet coastal spot as the 'New Byron Bay', seemingly because it is geographically convenient for the leader's property and the home turf of her deputy, who is also training to fl…

Finance · 28 September 2026

Banks Banish Loyalty: Rewards Vanish as Surcharge Ban Sparks Fee Surge

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Major Australian banks slash reward points and free travel insurance as the Reserve Bank enforces a surcharge ban, prompting market participants to scramble for cheaper alternatives.

Environment · 28 September 2026

Storm, Stake and a Shock: Two Billionaires’ Bet Powers Aussie Energy Revolution

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

When a ferocious South Australian storm rattled the nation, two billionaires turned a casual online wager into a global grid revolution, leaving the world’s power grids in a new, electrified state of mind.

Politics · 27 September 2026

Senator Tyrrell’s phantom adviser ordered to repay $12,000 hire‑car invoice after watchdog audit

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Labor senator Tammy Tyrrell’s senior adviser, whose very existence has been questioned by backbenchers, has been told to return a $12,000 hire‑car charge after the parliamentary expenses watchdog stepped in.

Environment · 27 September 2026

Woodside's Drilling Dream Could Send Scott Reef into a Deep‑Sea Traffic Jam

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

Woodside's proposed drilling near Scott Reef could endanger the reef, turning a pristine marine corridor into a slick of corporate ambition and ecological risk.

Environment · 27 September 2026

The Great Green Glide: When an Eighty-Metre Blade Decides to Take a Scenic Route

Priya Nair, Sydney desk

A specialized logistics team is currently guiding 80-metre wind turbine blades through Sydney streets, turning a routine transit into a masterclass in civic anxiety and precise navigation.

Politics · 27 September 2026

Albanese’s UN Selfie‑Safari: Why His Hand‑Shake Tour is the Real Election Game‑changer

Rex Blister, Sydney desk

Prime Minister Albanese’s recent United Nations visit, featuring more selfies than substantive policy, is now the headline of his next political strategy: he must explain how rubbing shoulders with foreign leaders is a…

Technology · 27 September 2026

GP's AI Assistant Learns to Play Beach Volleyball: Meet Your New Doctor

Doug Kettle, Sydney desk

In a medical revolution at the beach, doctors are kickin' it with AI, raising patient's pulse, not just blood pressure. 40% of Aussie docs use AI scribes on turf they haven't seen: the TGA's head office. Now, GP's AI ass…

Environment · 27 September 2026

Norfolk Island Sharks Outgrow Their Own Tides, Residents Demand Bigger Boats

Ash Park, Sydney desk

In a bizarre twist of marine evolution, Norfolk Island’s sharks have grown to the size of commercial airliners, prompting locals to upgrade from dinghies to yachts, and sparking a national debate on whether the island…