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Australia news LIVE: Tax cuts worth nearly $1900 in federal budget; Home Affairs botched sex-trafficking investigation
Home Affairs has been criticised for botching investigations, the treasurer will lift rent assistance in the budget and debate continues on deportation laws.
The $17 billion surprise: Customers of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX are set to get all their money back
Two years after the dramatic implosion of Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto exchange, customers have received some welcome news. But it is not as good as it sounds.
- by Michelle Chapman
‘Like a ghost town now’: Palestinians flee for safety amid Israel’s threat of Rafah invasion
Residents said tanks, which had moved in to take control of the crossing, had not entered built-up areas of the city and gun battles were still outside the city limits.
- by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Hatem Khaled
Opinion
NRL 2024
Why this is the most important three weeks of Nicho Hynes’ career
Over the next month, the Sharks have a golden chance to shake their tag as flat-track bullies – and their star man can prove he belongs at Origin level.
- by Andrew Johns
★★
Review
If you want to see apes in action, skip the cinema and head to the zoo
This Aussie-made reboot of Planet of the Apes is not a movie to be taken too seriously, but it’s also too slow and ponderous to qualify as a campy good time.
- by Jake Wilson
The aftermath of Baby Reindeer shows we’ve lost the plot on armchair sleuthing
Viewers, it’s time for a reality check.
- by Sarah Thomas
Their housing estate was demolished. Here’s what happened to the final residents
Things Will Be Different tells the story of two of the final residents to vacate their homes ahead of a controversial public housing estate demolition.
- by Cher Tan
ASX set to slide as Wall Street drifts lower
Wall Street has stayed in neutral, setting up the ASX to retreat at the open.
- by Stan Choe
Analysis
Tax deductions
Why sorting your tax early this year is more important than ever
You need to look for every tax deduction and defer any income you can, and take advice on your particular circumstances so you don’t overdo it.
- by Julia Hartman
Opinion
Sydney councils
Book ban uncovers uncomfortable truths for Labor in Sydney’s west
The decision of a Labor councillor to vote in favour of a motion to ban books about same-sex parenting has created a headache for the ALP in western Sydney.
- by Alexandra Smith
Opinion
Concussion crisis
Why I will continue to argue for concussion victims – past and future
The column written by my colleague last week shocked me, but this issue is far bigger than a difference of opinion.
- by Peter FitzSimons
Opinion
Political leadership
Albanese’s is an ‘experimental’ government – and it looks like the experiment is failing
It’s the first federal government I’ve seen that has sought to build most of its political and policy mandate after winning office rather than before it.
- by Shaun Carney
Ten surprising airlines you can use your Qantas points with
You don’t have to use your points flying with Qantas. Sometimes the better deal comes from hopping aboard a partner airline.
- by David Whitley
It’s going to be faster to take a train to Sydney’s existing airport than a bus to the new one
Forecast journey times show it will take about an hour to travel on new bus services to Western Sydney Airport from nearby urban centres.
- by Matt O'Sullivan
‘Great power on the cheap’: China free rides on US diplomacy in the Middle East
China is playing a calculated strategic game in the Middle East, positioning itself as a peace-brokering alternative to the US while having no real skin in the game, experts say.
- by Lisa Visentin
Australian renters would be nearly $4b better off under a rent freeze
Tenants would have saved as much as $3000 over the 12 months to March, and proponents of a rent freeze say the cash would be life-changing.
- by Jim Malo
Exclusive
Domestic violence
Study every death, tackle alcohol: DV commissioner’s urgent advice
As new analysis shows federal spending on family, domestic and sexual violence has soared from $2 million to $644 million over the last 10 years, experts are asking for better evidence and more action.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos
Labor steps on the gas to fuel its climate targets
The federal government is backing new gas fields as essential in the move to renewables.
- by David Crowe and Mike Foley
‘Stop shifting blame’: Australia, China trade barbs over helicopter incident
The dispute came as Penny Wong announced $110 million in new funding for Tuvalu and confirmed Australia and the tiny island nation would push ahead with a climate resettlement and security treaty inked last year.
- by Matthew Knott
Rambo-style hunting knives for sale at Westfield shopping centre
Long-bladed knives, swords, axes and other weapons are being sold at a kiosk in Westfield Hornsby just weeks after the shocking knife attack in which six people were killed at Westfield Bondi Junction.
- by Andrew Taylor
From man of the match to NSW outcast – but Origin is last thing on Cody Walker’s mind
In the last Origin match, the Souths star was the best player on the field. But on the cusp of a milestone game, he knows his odds of suiting up this year are long.
- by Adam Pengilly
Exclusive
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
University orders removal of ‘Zionist not welcome’ signs as protests escalate
As scuffles broke out at a pro-Palestine encampment at an Australian university, the institution confirmed it was acting after days of pressure on vice chancellors.
- by Paul Sakkal and Alex Crowe
‘Ineffective’: Home Affairs hammered over trafficking investigation failures
Auditor-general damns Home Affairs’ handling of migration agents after finding inadequate supervision and poor complaint handling.
- by Angus Thompson
Martin linked to a move as Blues chase Swans gun Hayward
Carlton are the front-runners to secure Sydney free agent Will Hayward as clubs circle out-of-contract Blues forward Jack Martin amid a salary-cap juggle at Ikon Park.
- by Jake Niall and Michael Gleeson
Tony Birch wins Book of the Year for timely novel about one of Australia’s great challenges
Birch says that while his book wasn’t written “with that issue in mind”, it had become timely given the crucial discussions under way.
- by Jason Steger
Ban on same-sex books is morally and legally wrong
It is not for any local government to censor library content.
Opinion
Parenting
How do you know if you were ‘raised right’? I’ve always felt like I’m missing something
To be brought up with money, power, beauty and status are advantages few of us are lucky to have. But to be “raised right” is a scarcer, more valuable privilege.
- by Wendy Syfret
Updated
Police
Woman stabbed in the neck outside Sydney gym, former partner a suspect
A 39-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed multiple times while in the car park of an Alexandria gym by a man with whom police say she was previously in a relationship.
- by Josefine Ganko
‘Thank you for living’: Bondi survivor meets her superhero
Liya Barko nearly died when she was stabbed at Westfield Bondi Junction, but she was saved by a tall, calm man in a green T-shirt. Now she’s finally met Wayne Tolver-Banks.
- by Julie Power
Updated
Around the clubs
Crichton ready for To’o, Turuva and test of Bulldogs’ finals credentials
Triple premiership winner Stephen Crichton will feel the full force of the Panthers for the first time on Friday night.
- by Christian Nicolussi and Billie Eder
Graphic content
Courts
Woman breaks down in court detailing alleged rape inside police station
The former sex crimes detective was investigating the then-teenager’s complaint when he allegedly put $70 on the police station desk and said she could leave if they had sex.
- by Clare Sibthorpe
Exclusive
Crime
‘Cleaning cars’: How an alleged murder syndicate was blown open
Toufik Hamze, 64, and his son Salim, 18, were gunned down outside their Sydney home. This is how police tracked down the organised crime figures they say ordered the teen’s death.
- by Sally Rawsthorne
Journalist had power to ‘utterly destroy’ surgeon, court told
Investigative reporter Charlotte Grieve defended the depth and fairness of her reporting in articles she wrote about orthopaedic surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis.
- by Melissa Cunningham
Australia news as it happened: Colleges told to stop recruiting fake overseas students; RBA holds rates steady
Private colleges are being told to stop recruiting fake overseas students, the Reserve Bank has held interest rates steady and the Coalition wants overhaul of deportation bill.
- by Josefine Ganko and Caroline Schelle
Aussie rock legend and Jimmy and the Boys frontman, Ignatius Jones, dies
Jones was lead singer of Jimmy and the Boys and went on to direct some of Sydney’s leading arts festivals.
- by Linda Morris
This country wants to kick under-13s off social media. Will Australia do the same?
Social media firms will be required to introduce robust checks, including the use of photo ID such as passports, to identify children using their sites and protect them from harm online.
- by Charles Hymas
Updated
State of Origin
‘A phone call you never want to get’: Why Pearson understands Southwell’s Origin pain
NSW halfback Rachael Pearson knows more than most how Jesse Southwell feels after missing out on the Origin opener. A year ago, she was in her shoes.
- by Billie Eder
Plot to assassinate Zelensky and top Ukrainian officials a ‘gift to Putin’
Ukrainian authorities said they arrested two officers in the agency responsible for protecting senior government leaders and accused them of developing the assassination plot.
- by David L. Stern and Serhiy Morgunov
Multinationals push back, blaming supermarkets for rising prices
Global companies like Nestle, Unilever, Coca-Cola and Mars face the possibility of a further inquiry into their role in rising grocery prices.
- by Jessica Yun
Editorial
Education
Same-sex families don’t just belong in Newtown: they belong everywhere
The ugly topic of censorship made an unwelcome return to the headlines this week.
- The Herald's View
The school, transport and health projects in your area being delayed
Search to find the more than 100 big builds, programs and services being pushed back in your area to help the Victorian government’s bottom line.
- by Kieran Rooney
‘Great Wall of Docklands’: Council savages state, AFL plan to rebuild near Marvel Stadium
Docklands locals say they desperately need a high school and a public pool. Instead, the state government and the AFL plans to use public land for three more towers.
- by Rachael Dexter
‘Glute master’ influencer banned by healthcare watchdog
Khadije Dandachli is accused of posing as a nurse and injecting unknown substances into the buttocks of patients, allegations she denies.
- by Angus Thomson
Let’s call time on famous actors making travel shows; unless it’s Stanley Tucci
It was said of US troops in Britain during WWII that they were overpaid, overfed, oversexed and over here. Same goes for most celebrities on the tourist trail.
- by Louise Rugendyke
Every life matters in this remarkable documentary set in a Paris psychiatric centre
Nicolas Philibert is the director of On the Adamant, which observes the comings and goings of patients at a centre located on a barge in central Paris.
- by Tom Ryan
Dark Matter is a ‘sliding door’ head-spinner tailor-made for Joel Edgerton
The Australian actor plays an introverted physics professor who is kidnapped to a parallel world where he finds himself single, as he chose work over love.
- by Craig Mathieson
Opinion
Private schools
What are the consequences of being a ‘wifey’ or ‘unrapable’. I hope those girls never find out
When my own high school rating list came out, that ranking stayed with me forever. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
- by Katy Hall
More than 40 staff at northern beaches school targeted with malware by colleague
Police say school staff had personal information including credit card details allegedly stolen by Aaron Pennesi. Police also allegedly found child abuse material.
- by Sally Rawsthorne
Opinion
Mergers & acquisitions
‘A joke’: The $2.2b deal with no detail that has left investors fuming
Hostilities have broken out over wealth powerhouse Perpetual’s deal to sell two of its major divisions and brand to private equity giant KKR.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Wallabies prop sent to Waratahs in historic deal as Jorgensen suffers another serious injury
A World Cup player has flown from Melbourne to help the injury-plagued Waratahs, but there is more trouble for Max Jorgensen.
- by Iain Payten
The everyday mistake sparking more than 1000 fires a year
Batteries being thrown in the bin are a growing threat to safety, bursting into flames as they degrade. Would people recycle them properly if they were paid?
- by Mike Foley
Exclusive
Housing affordability
Banks open to overlooking student debt in home loans – but there’s a catch
The banks say it should be up to financial regulators to determine whether student debt gets special treatment in mortgage assessments.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos and Angus Thompson
Lonely Neil the Seal now in danger of being loved to death
The 700-kilogram seal pup has grown into an international viral celebrity, but authorities fear he could become a victim of his own popularity.
- by Bianca Hall
Councillor has not read same-sex parenting book he led charge to ban
Conservative councillor Steve Christou made the admission as the NSW government accused the western Sydney council of breaking state-enforced library guidelines.
- by Anthony Segaert and Jessica McSweeney
The best outfit transformations at the Met Gala after-parties
Competing after-parties were a chance for guests Janelle Monáe, Usher and Kendall Jenner to undress to impress again.
- by Nell Geraets
★★★
Review
A beautiful jigsaw puzzle of a film that will ultimately move you
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda takes his time unfolding this complex story.
- by Jake Wilson
El Niño blamed for floods that killed scores, left 150,000 homeless in Brazil
On the outskirts of Eldorado do Sul, people are sleeping on the roadside and going hungry.
- by Amanda Perobelli and Leonardo Benansatto
Exclusive
State Parliament
Buying a home? The building commissioner has a message for you
The state’s departing construction tsar David Chandler says buyers now have unprecedented powers at their disposal before purchasing a property.
- by Max Maddison
US delayed arm shipments to Israel to send message against Rafah assault
Joe Biden has been trying to head off a full-scale assault by the Israelis against Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge from combat elsewhere in Gaza.
- by Mike Stone, Steve Holland and Phil Stewart
Exclusive
Hunter Valley tragedy
Hunter Valley bus driver addicted to drugs, took pills before fatal crash
The bus driver, who killed 10 people in a crash last year, had a long history of opioid abuse that concerned doctors and employers.
- by Perry Duffin
Prince Harry in UK but won’t visit father because King couldn’t find time
The Duke of Sussex had made little secret of his hopes to see his father, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year.
- by Rob Harris
Analysis
China relations
PM’s rinse-and-repeat response to China jet incident will do little to deter aggression
How stable are relations with China if the People’s Liberation Army is regularly putting the lives of Australian military personnel at risk?
- by Matthew Knott
★★★★★
Review
Blue Lights is one of the best police dramas in years
Set in Northern Ireland, this police drama is a genuine sleeper that deserves the wide acclaim it’s earned over two seasons (with two more on the way).
- by Aine Ryan
Origin gets $410 million boost as stake in UK outfit Octopus soars in value
Australian power giant Origin’s stake in Britain’s Octopus Energy has gained hundreds of millions of dollars in value after the fast-growing UK company secured new backing.
- by Nick Toscano
Opinion
Social media
TikTok makes a stand against forced sale or ban in the US
TikTok has filed a court challenge against a recently-enacted US law that would force its Chinese parent to divest its US business or close it down.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
How Anya Taylor-Joy took over Australian cinema’s most iconic franchise
The Hollywood star spent more than six months in Sydney ensconced in George Miller’s dystopian Mad Max universe, and lived to tell the tale.
- by Robert Moran
Analysis
US Votes 2024
Stormy Daniels tells a story of sex with Trump as he listens in disgust
After about half an hour of giving evidence, the 45-year-old started disclosing intimate details about the former president, so much so that the judge baulked at some of the testimony.
- by Ben Protess, Jonah E. Bromwich, Maggie Haberman, Michael Rothfeld and Jonathan Swan
From Socceroos and Pele to a drug den. Now this stadium has been reborn
The condemned grandstand at the old St George Stadium, or Barton Park, was a magnet for anti-social behaviour. But a new redevelopment has ensured a broken piece of Sydney’s proud sporting history has been restored.
- by Vince Rugari
‘Sydney’s best-kept secret’: Inside the hub that is flying beneath the radar
Covering a site the size of Sydney’s CBD, a vast hub in the city’s south-west is the most important piece of infrastructure that few know about.
- by Matt O'Sullivan and Matt Wade
Bad talk, take a walk: NRL warns clubs over ref abuse
Referees won’t tolerate players pushing the envelope in round 10 after the ugly scenes that marred the spiteful Tigers-Bulldogs encounter.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Opinion
Aviation
Sorry, not sorry: Qantas perfects the art of the non-apology
To suggest that the airline’s settlement over the ghost flights matter makes Qantas a trustworthy company is to be wilfully blind to its recent history.
- by Joe Aston
Analysis
Gadgets
Apple’s iPad event: Five things you should know
We’ve had our hands on all of Apple’s newly announced hardware. Here are our first impressions.
- by Tim Biggs
Updated
World markets
Industrials and tech stocks lift ASX; Perpetual plunges 7 per cent
The Australian sharemarket edged higher on Wednesday following its rally in the previous session.
- by Millie Muroi
In just 19 balls, Fraser-McGurk heaps more pressure on Australian selectors
He wasn’t deemed good enough for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, but Jake Fraser-McGurk’s responded in the best possible way with another IPL batting blitz.
- by Glenn Moore
Lehrmann’s no-win, no-fee agreement with lawyers revealed in court
Network Ten sought access to documents revealing whether the former Liberal staffer had financial assistance in bringing his multimillion-dollar defamation case.
- by Michaela Whitbourn
Security guard shot outside Drake’s mansion in Toronto
The shooting comes amid a heavyweight rap feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
- by Herb Scribner
Australian duo Electric Fields out of Eurovision in nail-biting finish
Their stunning finish is a blow to Australia’s ambitions in the 68-year-old iconic music competition.
- by Michael Idato
The president, the porn star and the payment: Stormy Daniels testifies in Trump’s hush money trial
In another astonishing moment ahead of this year’s election, the porn star told a jury in explicit detail about her alleged sexual encounter with the former US president.
- by Farrah Tomazin
‘Our hearts are broken’: Parents of Callum and Jake Robinson share their grief
The Australian brothers were on a surfing trip in Mexico when they were allegedly murdered by Mexican nationals attempting to steal car parts.
- by Alex Crowe