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Opinion

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The Matildas ran out 2-0 winners over Mexico.

‘Exactly what we needed’: Matildas learn plenty from Mexico showdown

Tony Gustavsson got the test he wanted from the high-pressing, high-energy world No.31-ranked side.

  • by Vince Rugari

Latest

China SMIC
Opinion
Trade wars

China has spooked the West in the war that may never end

The West is splashing out hundreds of billions of dollars to maintain its edge in the fight over the world’s most critical technology. But China is playing the long game.

  • by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Swiss women demonstrate outside the European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday.

What does the Swiss climate decision mean for Australia?

In a landmark ruling, Europe’s top human rights court has ruled the Swiss government violated the human rights of its citizens by failing to do enough to combat climate change. But what happens next?

  • by Bianca Hall
We’re taught in school to succeed as an individual, not a group. Don’t make the same mistake when it comes to money.

Making money is a team sport, so don’t do it alone

We’re taught in school to succeed as individuals, not in a group. Don’t make the same mistake when it comes to money.

  • by Paridhi Jain
It’s possible for anybody to make a non-concessional superannuation contribution into another person’s super account.

Can I put money into my child’s super account?

It’s possible to make a non-concessional superannuation contribution into another person’s super account – but there are notable downsides.

  • by Noel Whittaker
Royal commissioner Kenneth Hayne recommended a compensation scheme of last resort

Long-awaited investor compensation scheme gets under way

A compensation scheme offering up to $150,000 to consumers who have experienced misconduct is now operating.

  • by John Collett
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Apple watches, cinema tickets: Are health insurance perks worth it?

Apple watches, cinema tickets: Are health insurance perks worth it?

Customers have been warned that new health insurer incentives should not come at the expense of high premiums.

  • by John Collett
A new report has suggested ways retirement village residents could get better care and more efficient funding.

How retirement village residents could get better quality care

The lack of choice provided to retirement village residents is unfair but the inefficiencies, added costs and delays that are caused are ludicrous.

  • by Rachel Lane
Hero shot: One of Tobruk’s “Black Rats”, Archibald Driscoll’s good looks made him a Hollywood poster boy.
Editorial
Anzac Day

No discrimination in the trenches of Tobruk, but back home it hit hard

On the anniversary of one of Australia’s most famous war achievements, the Australian War Memorial has uncovered the untold story of one of the best-known “Rats of Tobruk”.

  • The Herald's View
Taylor Auerbach and Bruce Lehrmann,
Opinion
Sex work

Why we shouldn’t put the Spotlight on sex work

It’s legal. It’s well-paid. And many women do it because it’s flexible, and they can be their own bosses. Our collective weirdness about sex work is embarrassing.

  • by Jenna Price
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Opinion
Column 8

Calibrating the carbon cycle

Central Westies know there’s no planet B.

Opinion
Childcare

Costly childcare’s a slippery slope. So why haven’t we learnt?

The faults in Australia’s childcare model have been obvious for years. It’s time for a sweeping overhaul.

  • by Matt Wade
Remember Salt Bae? A little potassium could make his sprinkle extra sexy (and heart-friendly).
Analysis
Science

The tiny dietary tweak with a giant health impact

Scientific studies show replacing regular table salt with potassium or “Cinderella” salt could arrest rising rates of cardiovascular disease. But will it work in our processed-food loving culture?

  • by Angus Dalton
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 25 March 2024. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Peter Dutton embraces division for no reason - again

The opposition leader thinks that by making repugnant statements he can turn Australian against Australian

A pint of beer should not be $16.
Opinion
Beer

$16 a pint, in this economy? Stuff that, I’m starting a moonshine side-hustle

In recent years, I made the mistake of acquiring a taste for expensive booze. I would find beers with exceptional can designs and phrases such as “NEIPA” and “hazy pale” which made me feel special. Now I can’t afford the cheap stuff.

  • by Doug Hendrie
Illustration: Andrew Dyson

Migrants – what are they good for? A lot, actually

Far from stealing our homes, migrants are returning to their pre-COVID university digs and propping up our economy.

  • by Shane Wright
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Vice Admiral David Johnston.
Analysis
Defence

Can a two-year ‘placeholder’ reform the Australian Defence Force?

The Albanese government has opted for continuity over change and safety over boldness in its choice of a new Defence Force chief.

  • by Matthew Knott
Craig Emerson has recommended considerable fines for supermarkets that break a proposed code of conduct.

Everyone seems to be a victim in the supermarket review

While Woolworths and Coles point the finger at the behaviour of other big retailers, it’s a brain twister as to how giving suppliers more help will benefit customers at the checkout.

  • by Elizabeth Knight
Dot Comme at Curtin House, Melbourne, is a treasure trove for vintage fashion.
Analysis
Collectables

Why more people are investing in – and wearing – vintage fashion

Buyers don’t just want to shop sustainably – they want to own a piece of history.

  • by Stephen Crafti
Farrah Tomazin preparing to view the solar eclipse in Greenville, Maine.
Opinion
Space

A divided America comes together for a moment that won’t return for 20 years

For almost four minutes there’s nothing but ethereal serenity. All I can see in the distance is the black silhouette of the moon surrounded by the pearly glow of the sun’s corona.

  • by Farrah Tomazin
One of the most important questions anyone thinking of engaging a mortgage broker can ask is about their experience

Thinking about using a mortgage broker? Here’s one thing you should always ask

One-in-five mortgage brokers did not write a single loan in the six months to March 2023 and could be out of touch with the market.

  • by John Collett
“We want to be very, very competitive on pay.“: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon.

The chief of America’s biggest bank is worried. That’s bad news for all of us

Jamie Dimon is one of the most powerful people in the world. His annual letter to shareholders contains an alarming scenario. Australia would not be immune.

  • by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Google’s strategy in dominating search via paid default status on phones is coming under antitrust scrutiny.

Google may be about to make the biggest strategy change in its history

Google is weighing up charging customers to use its AI products. We should be begging it to.

  • by Matthew Lynn
Illustration: Andrew Dyson.
Opinion
AUKUS

Japan is set to join AUKUS – it won’t be the last country to do so

Japan is the world’s fourth-biggest economy, yet only the ninth-biggest defence spender. As China’s military build-up continues, that is beginning to change.

  • by Peter Hartcher
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Opinion
Column 8

Take the bun out of Bunnings

And it’s the worst idea since sliced bread.

Qantas boss Vanessa Hudson says the rewards program will become more flexible.

Qantas loyalty revamp the right flight path to healing customer ‘pain point’

Vanessa Hudson has taken on the Herculean task of trying to restore the relationship with Qantas customers and staff – and reweight the division of the spoils.

  • by Elizabeth Knight
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Peter Ladhams may have ruined his own AFL finals chances, remote as they might have been.
Opinion
AFL 2024

‘That’s enough’: AFL must send Finlayson a simple message with slur penalty

What shocks about Jeremy Finlayson’s homophobic insult against Essendon is that it even sprung to his mind to use such language in 2024.

  • by Greg Baum
Incoming Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

Sad state of debate and nuance on key matters

Regrettably, conflict and expressions of discontent and anger have become fashionable, prompting discussions to become polarised and a zero-sum game.

South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas (second from left) promotes Gather Round with Zac Bailey of the Brisbane Lions (to his right) , the AFL’s Josh Mahoney and North Melbourne’s Jy Simpkin.
Opinion
AFL 2024

Gather Round? More like Blather Round if you ask me

After being bombarded with missives about the charms of South Australia, we were supposed to rejoice and be grateful that they had the footy and we didn’t.

  • by Greg Baum
Bruce Lehrmann during the 2023 Spotlight interview.
Editorial
Defamation

The squalor of buying a scoop undermines good journalism

The ever-growing cluster of self-immolation surrounding the Lehrmann case has now remorselessly spread to journalism, thrusting it into the unaccustomed role of guilty bystander while besmirching a profession vitally important to a fairer society.

  • The Herald's View
Low-rise jeans came back in vogue. Here’s how the Coalition can do the same.

Low-rise jeans have won over Gen Z. Here’s how the Coalition can do the same

The cycle of youth opinion is brutal and constant. Birkenstocks, once decidedly out, are in again. The Coalition, too, can win over my generation. Here’s how.

  • by Daniel Cash
A man displays blood-stained British, Polish, and Australian passports

The Albanese government is finally awakening to the bleak nature of Israel’s fighting

In appointing a special adviser to review the investigation of seven aid workers, Australia is telegraphing its lack of confidence in the Israeli military justice system.

  • by Ben Saul
Fast, free Wi-Fi and integrated device/tablet holders are among the new features.
Analysis
Aviation

Will Qantas’ frequent flyer changes make it easier to get a seat?

Qantas has added a third way to redeem frequent flyer points on flights. But will it make snagging a seat easier?

  • by Amelia McGuire
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is aiming to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics.

The moment Michael Hooper showed he was up to the challenge of sevens

The former Wallabies captain’s bid to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics is up and running after 19 minutes of rugby over the weekend in Hong Kong. Here’s how he went.

  • by Tom Decent
Photo: Steven Siewert

As much as I’d love it, free public transport is a bad idea

Public transport should never be a money train. But asking for a full fare-free system would be driving a hard bargain.

  • by Millie Muroi
The Eagles’ Harley Reid and the Dockers’ James Aish.

Crucial moments sunk Freo, while Harley Reid activated beast mode

A perfect start to the season came to a shattering end for the Dockers on Saturday, while rising Eagle Harley Reid displayed power, poise and aggressiveness.

  • by Paddy Sweeney
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The Chinese giants that have set off alarm bells in the US

A flood of small packages driven by companies like Shein and Temu is causing Washington big headaches.

  • by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Russell Crowe and Wayne Bennett
Opinion
NRL 2024

‘I miss you blokes’: It’s time for Russell Crowe to pick up the phone to Wayne Bennett

There is only one man who can pull South Sydney out of the mire while Bennett has unfinished business - with himself and Souths.

  • by Andrew Webster
Australia has a long-running ideology about housing.

A family home doesn’t need to be a house: The case for European-style living

Moving overseas highlighted that our national psyche is to see houses not as places merely to live, but an asset class that, for many, is a way to grow wealth.

  • by Caroline Zielinski
Jack Ginnivan and Brayden Maynard have a disagreement.
Analysis
AFL 2024

Ginnivan and the small attack: How the Pies survived a monumental Hawks comeback

The Magpies used all of their guile to survive Hawthorn’s stunningly unlikely and spirited surge, winning by just five points. Jack Ginnivan said there was plenty to be optimistic about, and explained how he would make himself a better player.

  • by Jake Niall
Gather Round was a wake-up call for Essendon.
Analysis
AFL 2024

Essendon the big losers, Blues’ Houdini strikes again: Key takeouts from round four

The round of football started slowly and built to a crescendo with controversy, comebacks, scandal and a celebration of a round now embedded in the football calendar.

  • by Peter Ryan
AI voice illo
Analysis
AI

OpenAI’s new Voice Engine could bring real benefits, and real dangers

With just a 15-second sample of your voice, OpenAI’s latest model can generate audio of you saying almost anything.

  • by Tim Biggs
Although Coles and Woolies have agreed a voluntary code of conduct, farmers contend that a mandatory code is the only way to stamp out abuses of market power.

Political rhetoric on supermarkets went further than mandatory code

The first of an array of inquiries aimed at promoting competition has arrived and raised hopes of an eventual check on checkout prices.

  • The Herald's View
Incoming Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

Silence descends: Our inability to discuss difficult issues has never been more obvious

Never more than in the past week have we seen national discussion on major issues marked by the mass silencing of everyone outside the extremes.

  • by Sean Kelly
The Star’s flagship casino has been given a six-month deadline to regain its licence or face the possibility of closing.
Analysis
Casinos

Four ways the cards could fall for Star Sydney

Star Sydney’s current and former executives are about to be hauled before Adam Bell, SC, for a second time in 18 months – and the stakes are high.

  • by Amelia McGuire
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Opinion
Column 8

Tracking the analog generation

For the record, Spotify hopes the stream will never stop flowing.

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The new AFL broadcast rights deal will lead to changes for some viewers from 2025.
Opinion
AFL 2024

Priced out: In ‘footy country’, you’ll struggle to watch a game on TV at the pub

This, we are regularly assured by AFL ads, was not just a country footy town – we were in footy country. That’s true, unless the game you wanted to watch in Stawell happened to be on pay TV.

  • by Michael Gleeson
A cabbage butterfly.

I thought not Googling everything would set me free. Instead, it ruined my garden

I’m not sure if having the answers would have saved my nasturtiums, but not knowing didn’t help me either. Somehow, my fantasy didn’t bring peace or protection.

  • by Wendy Syfret
Illustration:

‘Cheap sniping’: Critics of the next governor-general are way out of line

The idea that an appointee needs to demonstrate an absence of opinions and have no party background is a fiction.

Voters will depose  Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the oncoming election if his own party doesn’t get in first.

Tories may throw Sunak overboard, but rearranging deckchairs can’t save this ship

Are the Tories mad enough to roll another leader? My spies inside the Conservative Party tell me this is a real possibility.

  • by George Brandis