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Australia news LIVE: Brittany Higgins sued by Linda Reynolds for defamation; Debate over housing bill continues
Record numbers of Australians are taking on second jobs, skyrocketing premiums prompt government to expand insurance inquiry and the housing debate continues.
- by Caroline Schelle
Wallabies sponsor hit with ASIC action over its financial betting products
The corporate watchdog says 20,000 Australian customers of eToro lost money trading products known as contracts for difference.
- by Sarah Danckert
Calf no longer a stick in the mud thanks to team of firefighters
Fire crews spent two hours rescuing the cow trapped neck-deep in mud in Sydney’s west.
- by Olivia Ireland
Since Jaws we’ve been obsessed with shark movies. What makes them so compelling?
Whether it’s Jaws or The Meg, there are four essential elements all shark films need to reel in viewers.
- by Nell Geraets
Updated
World markets
ASX extends losses after Wall Street’s worst day since April
The local sharemarket slipped for a second day after Wall Street tumbled to its worst drop in months as its rally lost momentum.
- by Millie Muroi
Who are the Trump co-conspirators in the 2020 election charges?
None have been named and they are yet to be charged, but the descriptions make it easy to identify most of them.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Opinion
World markets
The $2.8 trillion question: America is hunting for cash, but there’s a bit of a problem
The US is going to put trillions worth of new debt up for sale before the end of the year as it tries to rebuild its cash reserves. There is an issue, however.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Linda Reynolds sues Brittany Higgins for defamation over Instagram post
The Liberal senator has made good on her threat to sue for defamation over a social media post accusing her of harassment.
- by Jesinta Burton
Prominent Entertainment Quarter investors could fund extra metro station
Entertainment Quarter chairman Tony Shepherd said it was “within the realm of possibility” the consortium could finance a station that would serve the precinct and Moore Park.
- by Michael Koziol
Ball at her feet: Kerr on track for World Cup return
Sam Kerr didn’t do much in the 15 minutes of Thursday’s session that media could watch - but for the first time since her calf injury, she had a ball at her feet.
- by Vince Rugari
The flawed Australian play that’s still worthy of being revived
The success of Mr Bailey’s Minder at Ensemble Theatre rests on the chemistry between actors playing the elderly Leo and his carer Therese.
- by John Shand
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie to separate
The two said in statements posted on Instagram that they had made the decision after “many meaningful and difficult conversations”.
Trump dined with Fox News executives after learning of federal charges
Trump has been vocal about probably skipping the first debate, which Fox News is hosting, but he’s also said he hasn’t closed the door on participating in it, either.
- by Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman
Breaking
Bledisloe Cup
‘A load of rubbish’: Indignant Jones defends young playmaker after sticking with Wallabies rookies
Eddie Jones says he is throwing his faith in the Wallabies’ gang of youths for the second Bledisloe and beyond after launching a strident defence of three-Test playmaker Carter Gordon.
- by Iain Payten
Welcome to Top Gun: The Australian fighter pilot preparing CEOs for war
Work is war — or it can feel that way to certain CEOs. Enter former Australian fighter pilot Christian Boucousis.
- by Emma Goldberg
What to read: A tale of heaven and hell, and the end of a giant shark
Our reviewers cast their eyes over recent fiction and non-fiction.
- by Cameron Woodhead and Fiona Capp
Pittsburgh synagogue shooter sentenced to death for anti-Semitic attack
Robert Bowers spewed hatred of Jews and espoused white supremacist beliefs online before planning and carrying out the 2018 massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue.
- by Peter Smith and Michael Rubinkam
‘Most potent use of language’: Why poetry is having a comeback
Jazz Money is one of the headliners for a month-long celebration of the best in Australian verse, as an official poet laureate looms on the horizon.
- by Lenny Ann Low
Why one of these dog breeds is the victim of unfair stereotyping
These are the “Big Three” guide dog breeds – but a charity says German shepherds have an unfair reputation and are the misunderstood victims of stereotyping.
- by Joe Pinkstone
‘A place where Australia comes together’: All you need to know about the Garma Festival
Australia’s largest and most influential annual First Nations event begins in Arnhem Land at the weekend, with the Voice to parliament the central talking point.
- by Jack Latimore
Damning findings against Shane Drumgold in Lehrmann inquiry
ACT top prosecutor Shane Drumgold, SC, lied to the Supreme Court in the lead-up to the rape trial of former Coalition staffer Bruce Lehrmann, a report into the handling of the high-profile case has found.
- by Angus Thompson
What are the charges against Donald Trump?
The case aims to hold Trump responsible for his efforts to remain in power during the weeks between his election loss and the attack on the US Capitol.
- by Alanna Durkin Richer
Wes Anderson is famous for his all-star casts. How does he do it?
Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston – Asteroid City is another star-studded outing in which Wes Anderson left nothing to chance.
- by Stephanie Bunbury
Our permafrost is thawing – and with it bacteria and viruses
At the ends of the world, ground that has long been frozen is warming – and scientists are discovering that some ancient bacteria and viruses can spring to life. Could dangerous pathogens emerge?
- by Liam Mannix
Australian road cyclist suspended over alleged doping violation
Rob Stannard has denied using a prohibited substance but will miss the world championships in Glasgow after learning that he had been provisionally suspended.
- by Ian Chadband
Russia targets Ukraine’s Danube port, sending global grain prices higher
“Moscow is waging a battle for a global catastrophe,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “They need world food markets to collapse.”
- by Pavel Polityuk
The top five shares Boomers and Millennials are buying
These investors have million-dollar-plus portfolios, but are buying very different shares.
- by Millie Muroi
Barbie hoax targets Mattel over plastic toys
Climate activists have staged an elaborate hoax that claimed that all Mattel toys, including the iconic Barbie doll, would be plastic free by 2030.
- by Livia Albeck-Ripka and Orlando Mayorquin
Opinion
NRL 2023
How to fix the Roosters? Stick with Sam and lay off Suaalii
There’s been plenty of reasons why the Roosters have been so disappointing this year - but they have to hand the keys to one of their young guns to turn it around in 2024.
- by Andrew Johns
From Miley to Garland: New show explores what makes a diva
Bernadette Robinson channels 10 powerhouse female performers, including Miley Cyrus and Judy Garland, in her new show Divas.
- by Cameron Bayley
Gunning for glory: The club act that kept Matildas in the game
It’s the left-hand connection described by Arsenal’s assistant coach as “telepathic”, and one from which Australia are very much benefiting.
- by Emma Kemp
★★★★
Review
Forget the glamour, Rachel Ward gets her hands dirty in documentary
Rachel’s Farm is a hugely valuable adventure infused with the actor’s insatiable curiosity and staunch refusal to give up, no matter what.
- by Sandra Hall
‘I wouldn’t do it again’: The true story behind this gut-wrenching Australian film
Noora Niasari’s Shayda is a stunning debut, a deeply personal film about a mother and daughter trying to spark joy inside a women’s refuge.
- by Karl Quinn
★★★★
Review
The story of Mozart’s rival is worth rediscovering
This unfairly neglected episode in Black history has been criticised by musical purists - but you can also just sit back and enjoy it.
- by Sandra Hall
Chefs are style icons too now? Sure, OK
Carmy from The Bear has us saying “Yes, Chef” when it comes to his tasty fits.
- by Robert Moran
From a Ratatouille musical and Kevin Rudd duet to the stage
Gabbi Bolt first found fame with her song for the unofficial Ratatouille musical and TikToks about Australian politics. Now she’s taking on a new challenge.
- by Hannah Story
Exclusive
Development outrage
The bankrupt, the fugitive and the billion-dollar Toplace collapse
An undischarged bankrupt was instrumental in landing his insolvency firm the lucrative rights to be administrator of fugitive Jean Nassif’s failed property empire Toplace.
- by Kate McClymont and Ben Cubby
Exclusive
Development
Premier questioned over City of Sydney development exemption
There are calls for Chris Minns to explain why a council won’t be included in the scheme to drive high-density housing across Sydney.
- by Max Maddison
Exclusive
Home Truths
Consultancy firm boasted ‘unfettered access’ to Defence, national security agencies
Having won tens of millions of dollars worth of consulting work, this Canberra consultancy felt it was in the box seat for plenty more.
- by Nick McKenzie and David Crowe
Dear diary: What the government’s first meetings reveal about power in NSW
In the government’s first few weeks, newly minted ministers met with newspapers, TV, Ray Hadley and billionaire nonagenarians.
- by Angus Dalton and Simone Fox Koob
Exclusive
Childcare
Disadvantaged preschoolers may miss out on affordable childcare
Of the 50 most disadvantaged suburbs in Victoria, only 13 have been confirmed as getting the integrated low-cost childcare centres meant to help the families most in need.
- by Annika Smethurst
Opinion
Sydney Metro
Trains are the future for global cities. Let’s not go off the rails, Sydney
A commitment to modern rail networks is critical to building safer, low-carbon cities.
- by Caroline Wilkie
Big builders on edge about risk of delays to Metro West contracts
The government has been warned that construction companies can’t afford to have staff “sitting twiddling their thumbs” while waiting for contracts to be awarded.
- by Matt O'Sullivan
The 8.04am train gets you from Canterbury to Town Hall in 33 minutes. The bus? Not so quick
The current bus route takes twice as long as the train does. Will the government find a solution before it closes the T3 line for the Metro conversion?
- by Anthony Segaert
Exclusive
Courts
The night an alleged $26m gambling fraudster partied with Sportsbet’s CEO
A video has emerged purporting to show Sportsbet chief Barni Evans dancing with a high roller now accused of defrauding millions of dollars.
- by Perry Duffin
Exclusive
General insurance
‘Perfect storm’: Soaring insurance premiums, claim delays under microscope
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones is worried the increase in premiums, combined with a rise in complaints, will result in people opting out of insurance.
- by Rachel Clun
Khawaja fumes after Australia, England stung by over rates
A revised system for over rate penalties in Tests has still resulted in major fines and points lost for Australia and England.
- by Daniel Brettig
Roosters eager to raise game before McGregor’s return with Dragons
The St George Illawarra halfback will try to wreak havoc when she fronts up against her former club on Thursday night.
- by Billie Eder
How these five Brisbane writers have changed the literary landscape
From Trent Dalton to Melissa Lucashenko, Brisbane is blessed with a host of Australia’s best writers.
- by Jason Steger
Opinion
Social media
TikTok isn’t the bogeyman of journalism, but it could help save it
Every decade or so we’re told journalism is facing a reckoning. While TikTok is the current bogeyman, a clip about the rise in Australia’s minimum wage reveals how different platforms can inspire conversations and showcase quality journalism.
- by Abbir Dib
‘I would probably celebrate it as well’: Moses weighs into Storm ‘premiership’ party
As he prepares to welcome back halves partner Dylan Brown, Mitchell Moses speaks about the Storm’s decision to parade the 2009 trophy “win” at last week’s game.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Investigation launched into Labor’s mobile phone black spot scheme
The Australian National Audit Office investigation announced on Wednesday is the first into alleged pork-barrelling by the government since the election.
- by Paul Sakkal
Striding to victory: Shopping centre mall walkers win reprieve
An enthusiastic group of Frankston mall walkers can put their shoes back on after a campaign to save their exercise program.
- by Carolyn Webb
Updated
State Parliament
Minns sacks minister from cabinet for ‘conflict of interest over family holdings’
NSW Premier Chris Minns has sacked Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Tim Crakanthorp for failing to disclose “substantial private family holdings in the Hunter region”.
- by Max Maddison, Michael McGowan and Carrie Fellner
‘Not a gotcha moment’: Yes advocates back Albanese in treaty stoush
Yes campaigners attempted to defuse two days of questions from the federal opposition about whether the creation of a Voice would then lead to a treaty.
- by James Massola, Paul Sakkal and Angus Thompson
Sydney teacher found to have racially vilified Indian student
During a year 12 business studies class at Cronulla High School, the teacher allegedly described Indian people as “Uber drivers and Deliveroo people”.
- by Sarah Keoghan
Singapore in a mess as PM admits politics not as clean as country’s image
The city-state places as much stock in the cleanliness of its politics as it does in spotless streets. Recent events have threatened to sully that reputation.
- by Chris Barrett
Analysis
State Parliament
Minns acted swiftly, but premier’s first ministerial casualty has come all too quickly
Just four months in and Labor has suffered its first ministerial sacking over the smelly combination of property interests and improper disclosure.
- by Michael Koziol
The man tasked with investigating Trump works with speed and aggression
A largely unknown former prosecutor, Jack Smith has delivered his basic assessment in two criminal investigations in a little more than eight months.
- by Glenn Thrush, Adam Goldman and Michael S. Schmidt
Pendulum swings too far as teachers struggle in the classroom
Parents now have too much power over teachers and the classroom is suffering.
Updated
World markets
ASX ends lower, following losses on Wall Street
The Australian sharemarket slid lower on Wednesday, as utilities and a negative lead from Wall Street weighed on the index.
- by Millie Muroi
As it happened: NSW Labor Minister resigns, referred to ICAC; PM casts doubt on Commonwealth’s role in future treaty negotiations
The RBA held interest rates for a second month, draft changes to Labor’s election platform point to treaty move and housing bill returns to parliament.
- by Caroline Schelle and Josefine Ganko
Future of controversial exhibition at centre of furore revealed
The exhibition had been suspended following claims of the provenance of the artwork.
- by Linda Morris
Record numbers take on second job as inflation nears 10 per cent for many
Natasha Piccolo is one of almost a million Australians now working more than one job as inflation for families with a mortgage reaches its highest level since the mid-1980s.
- by Shane Wright and Olivia Ireland
Two-match series are killing Test cricket: McDonald
Cricket’s leaders should set a three-match minimum for all Test series if they truly wish to keep the game’s longest format flourishing, Australian coach Andrew McDonald declared after an enthralling Ashes series.
- by Daniel Brettig
Opinion
Trump's America
Fasten your seatbelts, this wild ride will Trump anything we’ve seen
Next year will be like no other year we have witnessed in American politics. Trump is, of course, presumed innocent – but now let’s see what the evidence is against him.
- by Bill Wyman
Opinion
Telecommunications
Closing the gap: Vodafone’s desperate deal to catch Telstra and Optus
No matter how you interpret the $6.3 billion deal with Vocus, TPG - which owns the number three player in the mobiles market, Vodafone - is shrinking.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Hospital given ultimatum over delay in creating children’s crisis beds
The Northern Beaches Hospital has eight weeks to explain why children in crisis have nowhere to go more than a year after it was given $7.5 million.
- by Laura Banks
Updated
FIFA Women's World Cup
Another dance with the Danes brings Matildas’ World Cup journey full circle
Australia’s next opponents are very familiar foes. Ten months ago, a stirring comeback against Denmark helped Tony Gustavsson’s side rediscover its winning touch.
- by Vince Rugari
Donald Trump charged over effort to overturn 2020 election
The charges are the culmination of a months-long probe by Special Counsel Jack Smith – the same federal prosecutor who has charged Trump for his mishandling of classified documents.
- by Farrah Tomazin
‘It did not happen in Indonesia’: Jakarta at odds with Australia over cattle disease
Indonesian officials say Australian cattle with lumpy-skin disease showed symptoms before being unloaded from ships, heightening their suspicion over its origin.
- by Chris Barrett and Karuni Rompies
Explainer
Renewables
The magnetic appeal of induction cooktops (plus other ways to go electric)
With gas now on the nose, householders are switching to green electricity. Where do you start? And how far can you go?
- by Angus Holland
What do you call it when a helpline doesn’t help?
As the muzak played, I pondered the broken promise of the word’s meaning.
- by David Astle
ABC made inaccurate claim, reporter tells ex-commando’s defamation trial
The broadcaster issued an erroneous press release about a story at the centre of Heston Russell’s defamation case, senior ABC journalist Mark Willacy has said.
- by Michaela Whitbourn
‘Barbenheimer’ memes trigger backlash in Japan, scene of real atomic explosions
One critical posting said many victims who died under the mushroom clouds were children the same age as those playing with Barbie dolls.
- by Mari Yamaguchi