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Breaking
Coronavirus pandemic
Two cases in Sydney as possible hotel leak investigated
A man from Sydney’s east and a household contact of his became the state’s first two local COVID-19 case in 40 days on Wednesday.
Exclusive
Victoria
Top-up Pfizer would be used to fully vaccinate Victorians, state government told Commonwealth
Health Minister Martin Foley wrote to his federal counterpart Greg Hunt thanking him for providing more Pfizer doses to meet the increased demand for vaccine uptake in Victoria.
Super legislation pushed in Senate as Labor fears One Nation deal
The government is forging ahead with a plan to overhaul the $3.2 trillion superannuation sector.
Government bars Senate bid for inquiry into Porter’s suitability to be a minister
A push for an inquiry into Christian Porter’s fitness to be a minister has been stopped by the government’s unusual move to prevent a senator from introducing a bill.
Pushing back against China will take global effort ‘not seen for many decades’: Morrison
In an address to the OECD, the Prime Minister warned rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific were a threat to the financial prosperity of other nations.
Live
World Boxing
We know Gal can box... but can Huni play footy?
There’s plenty on the line for both heavyweights as unbeaten Olympic hopeful Justis Huni and NRL legend Paul Gallen go toe-to-toe.
Cate Campbell seals spot at fourth Olympics as McKeon edges sprint finish
Emma McKeon held off a lightning field to win the 100m freestyle ahead of an ecstatic Campbell, who has secured her spot at a remarkable fourth Olympics.
Roberts-Smith’s lawyer casts his line with the practised art of a fly fisherman
On the last day of the former soldier’s evidence, it fell to lawyer Bruce McClintock to coax from the witness a demonstration of the emotional impact on him.
Craft beer going flat: Return to classics drives VB, Carlton sales surge
Sales of classic lagers such as VB and Carlton have surged during the pandemic, in a sign the craft beer craze may be fading.
Northern beaches restaurateur charged over alleged role in cocaine import syndicate
Mostafa Baluch, a resident of Bayview on the northern beaches and former owner of Cervo in Northbridge, is the fourth man charged in the investigation.
Analysis
Trade deals
Cheap whisky with a Hobnob on the side: What does the Australia-UK free trade deal mean for you?
Whiskey, biscuits and even cars could be cheaper under the free trade deal.
Miles Franklin Literary Award 2021 shortlist announced
Stories of loss – including from a Booker Prize winner and two debut novelists – form a left-of-field shortlist for Australia’s most famous literary prize.
Fashion a worthy focus for revitalised Powerhouse
Ultimo will be a place to collaborate, source inspiration and see the world’s best international exhibitions right here in Sydney.
Herald and Age journalists recognised at Walkley awards ceremony
Journalists from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been recognised at the Walkley Foundation’s Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism.
Sydney
Inmate who called prison guard ‘girlfriend’ a ‘dog’ refuses to give evidence against her
An inmate who told police he was in a sexual relationship with a prison guard has refused to give evidence in court – potentially thwarting the prosecution’s case against her.
Lucy Turnbull says women can be PMs, premiers and judges – but why not members of the Australian Club?
The former Sydney lord mayor says the issue of membership at the Australian Club is a very personal one for her.
‘We’re not going to see this lost’: Heritage protection for harbour coal loader
The Coal Loader was the most advanced facility of its kind in Australia when it began operating as a depot for shifting coal from bulk carriers to smaller vessels in 1919, according to the National Trust.
Roberts-Smith feared media would ‘intercept’ his phone calls, court hears
The former special forces soldier told his Federal Court defamation trial that a family friend bought him a prepaid phone to speak to former comrades.
‘Timely intervention is needed’: Minister will ban councillors under ICAC probe from meetings
The NSW government proposes to ban two Sydney councillors being investigated by the corruption watchdog from attending meetings where their probe is discussed.
Politics
Dutton defamation case not among court’s ‘biggest’ cases, judge says
A Federal Court judge presiding over a Twitter defamation case brought by Defence Minister Dutton has ordered the parties to attend mediation in person.
Business
‘Still a long way to go’: ASX 200 still failing on harassment
Most big companies are yet to develop systems to tackle sexual harassment at work, according to a new report, despite a raft of scandals rocking large corporates.
World
A much thinner Kim warns of food shortages, longer COVID lockdown
Pandemic conditions and crop damage could be aligning for a perfect famine storm. Meanwhile, Kim’s health is the subject of speculation again.
Opinion
Should we pay a carbon tax to our own government or to someone else’s?
Nick O'Malley
Environment and Climate Editor
Explore
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Property bydomain
Radio veteran Ray Hadley sells $7.7m Dural estate
Veteran radio broadcaster Ray Hadley sold his Dural estate on Wednesday after more than a quarter of a century as the suburb's highest profile resident.
How to find and keep the best tenants for your investment property
Attracting the right tenants for your investment property is always a challenge, but there are things you can do to keep them there longer.
Life & Culture
Russell Crowe outlines plans for a ‘bespoke’ film studio on NSW north coast
While Sydney’s Fox Studios and the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios are expected to keep attracting big-budget movies, the actor said the new venture would be ideal for shooting smaller-scale projects.
Sport
Live
World Boxing
‘You’re a legend, mate’: Justis Huni claims final-round stoppage win over gritty, gutsy Gallen
There’s plenty on the line for both heavyweights as unbeaten Olympic hopeful Justis Huni and similarly unblemished NRL legend Paul Gallen go toe-to-toe in Sydney. Coverage from 7.30pm.
Cate Campbell seals spot at fourth Olympics as McKeon edges sprint finish
Emma McKeon held off a lightning field to win the 100m freestyle ahead of an ecstatic Campbell, who has secured her spot at a remarkable fourth Olympics.
‘How hard is it to get on a flight?’: Robinson slams Radley for drunken incident
Roosters coach Trent Robinson launched a stunning rebuke of one of his players, saying Victor Radley needs to “act like a man in public”.
Updated
Australian cricket
Cricketers told to put country before franchise after mass tour withdrawals
David Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell have withdrawn from Australia’s upcoming tours of the West Indies and Bangladesh in a big disruption to the team’s T20 World Cup plans.
Young gun’s Olympic dream looked over after disqualification. Now he’s on his way to Tokyo
After a disqualification at the Olympic swimming trials, Zac Incerti was shattered. Hours later, he was back on the blocks ready for the race of his life.
Week on from cutting face in Origin, Cleary to wear stitches in NRL return
Nathan Cleary is still sporting a red eye and a bruised face, but insists it won’t be a risk making his comeback for the Panthers against the Roosters.
‘I couldn’t breathe’: Hutchison breaks silence about sickening injuries
Roosters playmaker Drew Hutchison says he bears no ill will towards Dylan Brown for the incident that left him with three broken ribs and a collapsed lung.
Have Your Say
The one week of the season when rugby league learns to love
The Beanie for Brain Cancer Round is a reminder of the good rugby league can be when it isn’t so consumed with self-interest.
Andrew Webster
Chief Sports Writer