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Albanese vows $10 billion fund for housing
Labor’s budget response seeks to galvanise voter concerns about soaring house prices while offering apprenticeship incentives and vowing to do more to protect women from sexual harassment.
Analysis
ALP
Labour has played it safe when big ideas are needed
The shortage of big policies in Anthony Albanese’s budget reply could mean he is keeping his powder dry, or perhaps he doesn’t have enough gunpowder.
Sexual violence allegations against MP threaten government’s hold on power
Families Minister Gareth Ward moved to the crossbench after news of the police investigation broke. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Analysis
Liberal Party
Gareth Ward allegations will be a test for Berejiklian - and the Coalition
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro sent a very clear message to the Premier. She must insist on the resignation of Gareth Ward.
Netanyahu says he’ll deploy military to quell ‘anarchy’
Amid the most severe outbreak of violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip since a 2014 war, people are asking an all-too-familiar question: Where should we go?
Sydney man detained in Iraq refused bail, suffering blackouts, his wife says
Robert Pether has been refused bail after being arrested in Iraq last month when a project he was working on became embroiled in a contractual dispute.
Reynolds ready to help police on handling of Higgins rape allegations
Senator Linda Reynolds has given a statement to police about the alleged rape of her former staffer in her office.
Socceroo makes shock retirement call in prime of his career
Goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has decided to retire from international football due to the pandemic.
Two climbers die on Mount Everest in the first fatalities of the climbing season
A Swiss and an American climber have died on Mount Everest, hiking company officials said on Thursday.
Experts say Australia could complete vaccination program by December
Australia has moved to snap up 25 million doses of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine in a bid to avoid further supply delays.
Jacinda Ardern plans for New Zealand to re-connect with post-pandemic world
Tough lockdowns and its geographical location have helped NZ eliminate the coronavirus but left the nation isolated from the rest of the world.
Australian IPL stars could return this weekend to quarantine in Sydney
A deal is close to being finalised which would allow the cricketers to quarantine in Sydney, with Indian cricket authorities to foot the bill.
Analysis
Talk shows
Ellen DeGeneres is ending her talk show, but was she really cancelled?
Social media was quick to proclaim the Emmy-winning chat show host had been #cancelled. The truth is far more complicated.
How bad skincare habits wreak havoc on your skin
Have a pesky pimple you want to squeeze?Three experts share the habits jeopardising a good complexion.
Thanks to Will Smith, the cult of the dad bod continues
Dad bod idolatry isn’t new, but when the Men In Black star said he was “in the worst shape of my life”, it sparked a moment.
Sydney
Inner west sporting clubs jostle for slice of new WestConnex park
Submissions on concept plans for the park show clubs representing football, athletics and hockey players are pushing for synthetic grass, multi-purpose courts, spectator seating, an athletics track and an indoor sports centre, to complement two sporting fields included in the proposed design.
Graphic content
Courts
‘Savage attack’: Man jailed for 30 years for murder, mutilation
Goran Stevanovic was stabbed in the back with no warning and pursued when he tried to flee. His killer then cut up his body.
‘Water thieves’ face multimillion-dollar fine for allegedly taking 1200 megalitres
The case includes 43 charges, which each attract maximum penalties of $1-2 million, making it the biggest prosecution issued by the national resources watchdog.
NSW government announces $50 million package to tackle mouse plague
NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall says an emergency application has been lodged for “the strongest mouse poison in the world”.
Migraine relief on the way for sufferers with new drug added to PBS
Emgality, a drug that could previously cost up to $6800 a year, will instead cost $41.30 a script.
Politics
Labor opens door to delaying high end tax cuts
Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers says the cost of the government’s stage three tax cuts has to be balanced against record levels of budget debt and deficit.
Business
Opinion
Billionaires
Why did I think we could get rid of billionaires?
The world is enthralled with billionaires, almost shamelessly so. So when the uber-rich grew billions of dollars richer while the world locked down in the pandemic, hardly a peep of criticism rang out.
Farhad Manjoo
World
In stinging critique, former British PM says progressive politics is facing extinction
Tony Blair has penned a withering critique of the far-left and its approach to culture, gender, race and identity.
Opinion
Budget’s avalanche of money hides a vacuum
David Crowe
Chief political correspondent
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Property bydomain
The Byron Bay real estate boom hits a surprising new extreme
Just when you thought the Byron Bay market couldn't get crazier, a barely dressed, slightly intoxicated agent sells a trophy home sight unseen for $12.5 million.
From 'white hot to red hot': Why auction results are a little less wild
'Wounded underbidders', otherwise known as those who have lost out at auctions repeatedly, have finally become buyers, and desperation has slightly eased.
Life & Culture
★★
Review
Chris Rock’s Saw spin-off is a tortured mess
Spiral seems intended as a comment on police brutality and corruption – but in practice the film conveys no coherent message.
Sport
Dale Hopgood died after a game of footy. On Sunday, his son makes his NRL debut
J’maine Hopgood’s father died of a heart attack following a game of rugby league. The young Panther hopes to honour his memory in his debut on Sunday.
Australian IPL stars could return this weekend to quarantine in Sydney
A deal is close to being finalised which would allow the cricketers to quarantine in Sydney rather than the Howard Springs facility, with Indian cricket authorities to foot the bill.
‘Family first’: Socceroos goalkeeper makes shock retirement call, citing pandemic
Mitch Langerak is retiring from international football in the prime of his career because of reservations about travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updated
NRL 2021
‘One of the toughest decisions I’ve made’: Why Reynolds joined Broncos
In his first interview since news of his signing for the Broncos, Adam Reynolds explains why he decided to join Brisbane over staying with his beloved South Sydney.
We want in: Swans to bid for early AFLW entry but need home ground first
The Sydney Swans have declared their intent to join an expanded 18-team AFLW as soon as possible. But first they need to find a suitable home ground.
Bold Gamble could make it harder for Flanagan to bounce back at Bulldogs
Trent Barrett has assured Kyle Flanagan his axing is “not the end” for him at Canterbury, although the club is watching a rival halfback with interest.
RA close in on 2027 World Cup after securing Cadbury deal
Rugby Australia revealed Cadbury as the Wallabies’ new major sponsor, and they have their eyes on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Have Your Say
Paine might be backing Smith to regain the captaincy, but will the CA board?
The rousing applause that followed Tim Paine’s support for Steve Smith will not have gone unnoticed by Cricket Australia. Three directors were there, including the chairman.