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Federal budget
Budget plan: Australia to open borders next year to bring back migrants
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he believed in restoring migration to the levels seen before the pandemic as soon as the government’s health experts declared it possible.
NSW’s roads to get $3b federal budget spend
The budget will also include new funding for one of the busiest intersections on the M5 Motorway in Sydney, along with upgrades to the Pacific Highway near Taree.
Mass vaccination hub to open as Greater Sydney restrictions stay
Thousands of frontline workers have booked in for the COVID-19 jab as the government’s mass vaccination hub opens.
Exclusive
Casinos
Star proposes $12b casino merger with Packer’s Crown Resorts
Casino group Star Entertainment has proposed merging with James Packer’s beleaguered Crown Resorts in a $12 billion deal that would create a gambling giant.
Opinion
Gambling
Packer’s get out of jail card could also be his worst nightmare
James Packer wants out of his Crown casino empire, but the proposal that will deliver the exit strategy he so desperately wants comes from the rival group he despises.
Elizabeth Knight
Business columnist
There’ll be 150k new homes in Sydney in four years. More than 200 suburbs will get none of them
Northern Sydney appears to be only lightly touched by developers, but it’s a different story in Parramatta and surrounds.
One of Sydney’s last grand dames set to return to harbour
After more than three years tied up at wharves, one of Sydney’s last Lady-class ferries will once again become a regular sight on the harbour.
Why we feel anxious in the morning – and what to do about it
Some mental health experts describe 7am as “stress o’clock” as work-related anxiety – brought on by the pandemic – continues to be an issue for many Australians.
Exclusive
ICAC
Ex-Liberal staffer before court, seven years after ICAC warning about lying
An ex-political staffer who faced a corruption inquiry for setting up a NSW Liberal Party slush fund is before a court for allegedly lying to the ICAC.
CBD
City life
Qantas saves the day with budget shuttle
Amid the budget events calendar mayhem, it’s good to see the national carrier is doing what it can to ease logistical burden.
Goldminer in talks to convert 192-megalitre water licence for new pit
The proponent of a new gold mine in the state’s Central West is pressing the NSW government to hand over a large water licence that opponents say would damage the environment and farming.
Exclusive
Super Rugby
Pablo Matera was open to playing for the Waratahs. They never made him an offer
The Waratahs were told the Argentinian star was open to playing for NSW in Super Rugby, but the franchise did not make him an offer. Matera signed with the Crusaders soon after.
Exclusive
NRL 2021
‘Who’s leaking that stuff out?’ Bateman takes aim at Raiders
John Bateman has taken aim at unnamed Canberra officials for undermining the players.
Gates divorce talks begun in 2019 on link to Epstein: Wall Street Journal
Work began with divorce lawyers well over a year ago due in part to Melinda Gate’s unease over her husband’s dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.
★★★★
Review
Inside the scandal that rocked New York’s rarefied art world
This documentary about an $80 million art fraud is a rollicking story.
Sydney
Restrictions extended in bid to avoid ‘super-spreading event’
Social restrictions imposed in Greater Sydney in the wake of two locally acquired cases of COVID-19 will be extended by a week.
‘A sacred place’: Residents want to save paradise by keeping a car park
A village is split by a fight to save a car park, hailed as a “sacrosanct gathering place for surfers”, but described in a report commissioned by council as obscuring views.
‘Nothing short of treachery’: Turnbull backs independent over Nats in critical byelection
Deputy Premier John Barilaro has described the former PM as an ‘albatross around the neck of the Liberal Party’.
Walls of the famous Savill gallery now a blank canvas
His extensive knowledge and expertise made him one of the most respected dealers in Australia. After so many years in the game it’s no surprise his legacy includes the repatriation of more than 1000 important paintings.
‘Like the anti-climate change brigade’: Water scientists under attack
A large group of water researchers has been accused of acting like a consulting consortium, a stance they reject.
Politics
Dole numbers fall even as JobKeeper ends
Economists feared a drop in employment with the end of the JobKeeper subsidy, but the number of people needing support has actually fallen.
Business
Business leaders call for trade diversity amid China tensions
Business leaders have called on the federal government to work through differences to establish a healthier relationship with our largest trading partner.
World
‘Basically the Titanic’: Republicans expected to oust Trump critic Liz Cheney
Cheney is under fire as a party leader because of her repeated criticism of ex-president Donald Trump’s lie that the 2020 election was stolen.
Opinion
Little has gone right for the Morrison government, but it’s not clear much has gone badly wrong
Sean Kelly
Columnist and former adviser to Labor prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.
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Property bydomain
Harbourside home sells for $790,000 above reserve
Although some parts of the Sydney market – including waterside – are still running hot, results in others are showing signs of cooling, agents say.
How much extra you need to save in a booming property market
Hopeful buyers needed to have been putting away an additional four-figures a week this year to keep up with the market and maintain a 20 per cent deposit.
Life & Culture
Time to start planning big holidays, says Getaway’s Jason Dundas
As the veteran travel show celebrates its 30th birthday, the LA-based presenter says it’s a perfect time to dream about adventures beyond our shores.
Sport
Exclusive
NRL 2021
‘Who’s leaking that stuff out?’ Bateman takes aim at Raiders
John Bateman has taken aim at unnamed Canberra officials for undermining the players.
Bubble trouble: Eels may only have 17 eligible players for Magic Round
Parramatta’s decision to play their fringe first-graders in NSW Cup could backfire due to biosecurity regulations.
Dragons 32 Bulldogs 12
NRL 2021
Frustrated Barrett benches Flanagan as Bulldogs hit rock bottom
St George Illawarra woke up from a first-half slumber to pile further pain on Canterbury as Trent Barrett made the boldest call of his NRL coaching career.
Exclusive
Super Rugby
Matera was open to playing for the Waratahs. They never made him an offer
When the Pumas star came knocking, the Waratahs chose to focus on their existing player stocks. NSW’s loss was the Crusaders’ gain.
Has the Super Rugby final wrecked Suncorp Stadium before Magic Round?
The NRL maintains the venue will be in tip-top shape for eight matches as clubs battle mounting injury tolls at the midway point of the season.
Manly 38 Warriors 32
NRL 2021
Hasler warns Trbojevic still not at his best despite Mother’s Day masterclass
Tom Trbojevic produced four try assists and scored two of his own to see off the Warriors in his 100th NRL game on Sunday.
The Spidercam vision which left shattered Brumbies seething
In a manic finale, James O’Connor scored a try to win Super Rugby AU for Queensland over the Brumbies. But new vision casts doubt on the previous play.
Have Your Say
Why the Wallabies are now favourites against France
A few months ago, I said Australia should not expect to win a match in their upcoming three-Test series against France. I’d like to retract those comments.