Victoria cracks down as COVID cases rise
Victoria has scrapped plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions until July 12 after another double-digit rise in new cases.
The faceless men who started it all have no regrets
A decade after Labor torched a first-term prime minister, the party's faceless men tell Phillip Coorey they have no regrets.
Surge in cyber attacks amid China tensions
Venture capital firms and defence contractors have been among the hardest hit by cyber attacks by an unnamed foreign government.
Could there be a second wave?
After a fresh COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing, more cases across the US and an emerging crisis in the developing world, Australia is on high alert for a second wave. But if it comes, experts say we're ready.
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
In this new reality, retailers face tough choices
Retail sales might have bounced back, but COVID-19 has accelerated a shift on online that is already leading smart retailers to make hard decisions.
Beijing outbreak a warning for the world
China says an outbreak of coronavirus linked to a produce market is under control but the city remains in partial lockdown as fears grow of a second wave.
Want to switch super? Here's what to check
Rather than making knee-jerk changes to your asset allocation in volatile markets, ensure you have the right mix of growth and defensive investments to begin with.
Expert advice for getting ahead in the new world of work left by COVID-19
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![Alan Oster says the government is armed with much more information to manage its way out of recession than in the early 1990s.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
How bank data is being used to pilot the economy
As it looks to wean the economy off the extraordinary taxpayer support that has been provided in the past few months, up-to-date figures from the big banks are being used to target policies.
![Reported fears in government a new owner may abandon regional Australia also appear partly addressed, with Bain's local managing director Mike Murphy committed to maintaining "strong regional coverage".](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
ACCC gets new powers over aviation as Virgin bids loom
Binding offers are due to Virgin's administrators from Deloitte by 2pm on Monday, after which the administrators will pick a buyer to present to creditors in mid-August.
![Bedarra Island owners Sam and Kerri-Ann Charlton are opening their resort on July 1.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Hamilton Island race week returns, but not as you knew it
Queensland's luxury resorts are finally starting to open and are praying the state borders are open on July 10.
![Lleyton and Bec Hewitt have been regular local magazine fodder for Bauer titles.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Magazine buyer writes new story
Mercury Capital's purchase of the Bauer titles has opportunity, say industry experts.
'Malicious' cyber attacks target firms, infrastructure
A foreign government has escalated "malicious" cyber attacks against Australian businesses and government agencies including critical infrastructure, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed.
Foxtel signs new one-year $30 million FFA deal
The new deal will see the remainder of the 2019-20 A-League season broadcast on Fox Sports, as well as the 2020-21 A-League and W-League seasons.
Team Oz poles apart on super-sized bank compo
A plan to draw a line under the fees-for-no-service scandal by introducing a formula for compensation is not been universally supported.
Markets
![James Mawhinney talks up the Dunk Island tourism project in a Mayfair promotion.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
ASIC flags concerns with IPO Wealth fund
ASIC has intervened to contest an attempt by Mayfair 101's James Mawhinney to delay the appointment of a liquidator to the IPO Wealth fund.
- Investigation
- Biotech
![Thorney Investments chairman Alex Waislitz was a pre-IPO investor in Mesoblast.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Mesoblast re-enters ASX/200 after wild two decade ride
Investors are split whether the stem cell company is a blue-chip of tomorrow or a cash drain.
![ASX generic](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Tech stocks drive ASX to a 1.6pc weekly gain
The Australian sharemarket regained its winning form in the past week, rallying for the seventh week in eight, as technology stocks performed strongly.
- Opinion
- Globalisation
Quants show deglobalisation is reshaping our world
The decoupling of trade between the world's two largest economies will have profound consequences for portfolio construction that all investors should try to understand, writes Christopher Joye.
ASX gains 1.6pc over week; tech stocks surge 6.7pc
The Australian sharemarket advanced 1.6 per cent over the week after the S&P/ASX200 Index added 0.1 per cent on Friday. Tech stocks were the big winners of the week as Afterpay, Appen and Xero pushed to fresh highs.
Opinion
Labor turmoil may not help Morrison in Eden-Monaro
The scandal leaves Anthony Albanese exposed just weeks before a byelection in one of the most economically vulnerable electorates in the country.
Columnist
Tin-eared FWC throws fuel on the bonfire of jobs
As Australia comes to grips with the employment fallout from the virus, an early-20th-century institution raises the floor price of labour.
Editorial
The secret trial that could turn pear-shaped for the government
The government is under pressure to be more open about the trial of a former spy and his lawyer, accused of disclosing information about a controversial East Timor bugging operation.
Senior writer
Where did it all go wrong for Boris' Britain?
Britain has been among the hardest hit by COVID-19, and has uncharacteristically struggled to counter the crisis. It hasn't been Boris Johnson's finest hour.
Europe correspondent
Quants show deglobalisation is reshaping our world
The decoupling of trade between the world's two largest economies will have profound consequences for portfolio construction that all investors should try to understand, writes Christopher Joye.
Columnist
More questions than answers as PM goes on cyber offensive
The Prime Minister had nothing new to say about cyber attacks, as he called out China without mentioning it, but tech execs can use his words for much-needed investment.
Technology editor
Politics
- Exclusive
- Labor in turmoil
![Former prime minister Kevin Rudd with wife Therese Rein after the spill in 2010.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
'Faceless men' say they'd do it again - in a heartbeat
Ten years on and key players on both sides of coup against Kevin Rudd have not changed their views.
- Analysis
- Somyurek scandal
![Editorial cartoon for 18 June 2020 from David Rowe. Gallery Thursday 18th June 2020 ALP, Anthony Albanese, Daniel Andrews, branch stacking, Labor, Adem Semyurek](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
How to wreck a political party
The Victorian branch stacking debacle shows that old fashioned political machines have been replaced by warring tribes that undermine good government, writes Aaron Patrick.
![Bedarra Island owners Sam and Kerri-Ann Charlton are opening their resort on July 1.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Hamilton Island race week returns, but not as you knew it
Queensland's luxury resorts are finally starting to open and are praying the state borders are open on July 10.
Rare split in minimum wage decision reveals 'risk to jobs'
Employers have pointed to the first divided wage panel in almost 30 years as showing the risks to jobs from increasing minimum wages by 1.75 per cent during the pandemic crisis.
Time to bring back international students
Low coronavirus numbers give Australia a competitive advantage in the international student market, but universities and governments need to act quickly.
SPONSORED
World
![A Chinese epidemic control worker in a protective suit at a COVID-19 testing center on Wednesday in Beijing,](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Beijing outbreak a warning for the world
China says an outbreak of coronavirus linked to a produce market is under control but the city remains in partial lockdown as fears grow of a second wave.
- Opinion
- US election
![Democratic presidential candidate, former vice-president Joe Biden, has argued that Trump is on the wrong side of broader social movements.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Why Joe Biden is in the box seat
Donald Trump remains competitive. But all the messaging and polling currents are flowing against him.
![Detained in China: Canadian nationals Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
China charges two Canadians with espionage as diplomatic tensions rise
China has charged two Canadians with spying as relations with the United States, Australia, India and other nations worsen.
Ivanka Trump, free speech champion or dystopian villainess?
Smooth, serene and polished, Ivanka Trump appears the opposite of her presidential father. Yet she shares one of his prominent traits.
- Breaking
- Tragedy
Manhunt underway after police killed in Auckland
A manhunt is underway and local schools are in lockdown after a New Zealand police officer was shot and killed in Auckland.
Property
![Outward-facing screens on the women's shelter act as a beacon.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
The NT's best designed buildings go back to school
Reflecting the boom-bust nature of the NT economy, there were few privately funded entries this year. But the public work was ground-breaking.
![AFR](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Working from home sparks regional property boom
Towns within commuting distance of big cities are gaining in popularity but, along with the advantages of cheaper lifestyles, there are risks.
![The house has been improved with new bathrooms, a kitchen and finishes throughout.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Investment banker and chairwoman list Point Piper digs
Nick Langley and Lorraine Tarabay are selling a property that was billed as a 1960s time capsule when it was listed in 2016, selling soon after for $13 million.
Surry Hills renter allegedly assaulted for not paying rent
An inner-Sydney tenant has been allegedly assaulted and held against his will after falling behind on his rent during the coronavirus, police say.
Charter Hall tops surging local fund managers
Charter Hall has surged to the top of the league table among its local peers for property funds management within the Asia Pacific region.
Wealth
![The Tax Office is investigating some people who have drawn down on their super savings without suffering a change in their income, or using a loophole in the government's COVID-19 support measures to reduce their tax liabilities.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
ATO investigating early super release tax avoidance
Australians who accessed super despite not suffering a job loss or reduced hours, or who use the scheme as a tax loophole, are under investigation by the Tax Office.
- Opinion
- Globalisation
Quants show deglobalisation is reshaping our world
The decoupling of trade between the world's two largest economies will have profound consequences for portfolio construction that all investors should try to understand, writes Christopher Joye.
- Opinion
- Sharemarket
Meituan Dianping thrives on food deliveries in lockdown
After travel restrictions are lifted, Meituan's the travel and hotel bookings division offers a longer-term recovery angle.
Technology
![Prime Minister Scott Morrison reveals a state-based cyber attack targeting Australian government and business.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
The simple cut-and-paste used in major cyber attack
The cyber campaign against Australian organisations is using basic, well-known attack techniques to sit and watch potential targets.
![The incidence of ransomware attacks is growing alarmingly, yet many Australian companies are oblivious to the need to beef up security.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
'In for a rude shock': Cyber insecurity warnings
Days before a massive, state-led cyber assault on Australia was revealed, cyber security experts were raising alarm bells about Australia's insecurity.
![Fineos CEO Michael Kelly founded the company in 1993 and still owns the bulk of the business.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
How the pandemic has helped Fineos accelerate growth
Having emerged relatively unscathed from the dotcom crash and GFC, the ASX-listed insurance software player is now capitalising on accelerated digital transformation journeys because of the pandemic.
Work & Careers
![](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Experts hail biggest reform to maths skills in two decades
But economists and lawyers say their qualifications are being downgraded.
Collaboration the key for 2020 BOSS Young Executives
Westpac director Nerida Caesar sums up the standout qualities of this year's winners in two words: collaborative and entrepreneurial.
Life & Luxury
![Director and star Elia Suleiman in It Must Be Heaven.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
'It Must Be Heaven' is a Palestinian twist on a silent comedy
Elia Suleiman's reticent comedy takes a long, surreal and weirdly seductive look at what it means to be an eternal outsider.
![Women still do more domestic work than men, even when they are the breadwinner.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Coming clean about housework
Domestic labour is still disproportionately a woman's burden - and it's getting worse. Author Sally Howard wants us all to take a hard look at ourselves.
![Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, left, and Klaus Meine of the Scorpions, right, on stage during the finale of the Moscow Music Peace Festival, Luzhiniki Stadium, Moscow in August 1991.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Did the CIA write the hit that split the USSR?
A new podcast suggests the American intelligence agency was behind the Scorpions’ world-changing song 'Wind Of Change'.
![Expend by Prue Stevenson.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Artists adapt to overcome pain and disability
A group exhibition showcases the work of seven artists who worked through a disability or chronic illness.
![Low Jetstar fares are taking off.](/web/20200620082145im_/http://www.afr.com/assets/b4682377.gif)
Jetstar launches tourism recovery sale with $19 flights
Qantas' budget carrier is offering 10,000 one-way fares for $19 on 22 routes, including Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Gold Coast and Melbourne to Ballina.