Politics
Federal
Soldier, labourer, gold diggers: who are the married couple accused of spying for Russia?
It was gold Kira Korolev was obsessed with, filling her YouTube channel with footage of her never-ending search for a few glimmering flecks.
- by Angus Thompson, Cloe Read, Cameron Atfield and Adrian Proszenko
Latest
Russian-born Australian army private and her husband charged with espionage
Kira Korolev, 40, and her 62-year-old husband, Igor Korolev, are accused of using her defence force account to spy for Russia since December 2022.
- by Angus Thompson, Cloe Read and Cameron Atfield
Bleeding knees, burning abs: I spent a week living like David Pocock. It nearly killed me
How does Canberra’s most shredded politician stay fit? Angus Thompson underwent five days of pain involving heavy weights, burning abs – and a winter dip in frigid waters.
- by Angus Thompson
Exclusive
International students
Chinese students outnumber others in asylum claims surge
Visas for Chinese students continue to be approved at much higher rates than other source countries. A former top immigration bureaucrat is urging the government to overhaul the system.
- by Angus Thompson
Best of cartoons, July 12, 2024
The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.
The latest illustrations from artist Simon Letch
Gallery of illustrations by the Sydney Morning Herald artist.
The latest illustrations from artist Cathy Wilcox
The latest work by the acclaimed Sydney Morning Herald editorial cartoonist.
Exclusive
Political leadership
Albanese’s race around Australia to lock in crucial candidates
The prime minister is going to Dutton’s own seat of Dickson on Friday to unveil the Labor candidate in the battle for Queensland.
- by James Massola and Paul Sakkal
Editorial
International students
The asylum backdoor system for international students should be closed
The rise in the number of international students who enter Australia under the guise of studying but then apply for asylum suggests redemption for some, a rort for others.
- The Herald's View
Opinion
Political leadership
Identity politics has the power to be meaningful. If only we stopped making it an incoherent mess
Since the resignation of Senator Fatima Payman, fretting about identity politics has become a renewed national sport. Now it’s the frame through which all political actions must pass.
- by Waleed Aly