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Good Weekend Talks
In-depth conversations with the people fascinating Australians right now, from sport to politics to the arts.
Superquiz
See how many of today's questions you can get right.
Exclusive
Sex, sleaze and hospitality
Two women go public with Swillhouse sex assault claims
Rachelle “Rocky’ Hair” was the first female bartender at Swillhouse venues and Jenna Hemsworth was Australian Bartender of the Year in 2018. They won’t be silenced.
Analysis
Political leadership
12 big ideas and six sitting weeks: It’s crunch time for Albanese
With an election looming, the federal government is running out of time to get a raft of reforms through.
Exclusive
RBA
Chalmers’ Reserve Bank deal with Coalition triggers sweep of the board
A long-awaited overhaul of the RBA looks to be in sight, but new board members will be needed to run the economic institution.
The Sydney school debunking myths and bucking NAPLAN trends
The release of the latest literacy and numeracy results comes amid a stand-off between the federal education minister and his state counterparts over funding.
North Shore Rapist re-enacted attack with escort, on $1300 pension, court told
Graham James Kay has also refused medication and remains a “high risk” of attacks – but wants his ankle monitor off early.
Exclusive
Skills shortage
The fixable problem that would boost wages and deliver $9b for economy
About 44 per cent of permanent migrants are working below their qualification level. The economic cost is huge.
Opinion
US Votes 2024
Trump out-Foxed: The most telling thing about Kamala’s pyjama party
Donald Trump phoned in to Fox to offer his critique of Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech at the DNC. They duly put him to air, initially...
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
RFK Jr drops US presidential campaign, endorses Trump
His campaign indicated that he feared staying in the race would siphon support from the ex-US president.
Last body recovered following Sicily superyacht tragedy
The body is believed to be that of Hannah Lynch, the daughter of tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch.
Spurs fans love ‘Big Ange’. If only he had been shown such respect here
In Australia, some struggled with Ange Postecoglou’s name. In the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, tens of thousands of Brits chant it.
Opinion
The Fitz Files
Bravo to you, Ron Coote, but this Immortals-mania needs to slow down
Further trips back through rugby league’s history is an exercise that best be avoided.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
Opinion
Bledisloe Cup
In the coffin of All Blacks rugby, the Bledisloe Cup is now in play
The implosion of the once-invincible team has Wallabies fans passing the popcorn and dreaming of an upset.
Paul Cully
Rugby columnist
Exclusive
Title Deeds
Salim Mehajer’s Lidcombe home listed for mortgagee-in-possession sale
The former deputy mayor built what is arguably the most famous - and glamorous - house in Lidcombe, but it is the bank that’s selling it.
Traveller Letters: Book with this budget airline at your peril
“When it works, it’s great. When things go wrong however, you are totally on your own.”
The inside story of how Disney roared back to life
A year after a series of failures bruised its brand, the House of Mouse has two billion-dollar babies on its slate, and a third in its sights.
Mornings without screens, coffee or exercise? I tried it and have thoughts
Is the ‘low-dopamine morning’ as life-changing as it sounds? Experts weigh in on the trend.
Australian fine wines are world-class. So why don’t they dominate our drinks lists?
Our wines win trophies all over the world, but many restaurant lists still draw heavily on imports.
Meet the 31-year-old bride. She’s probably getting married in November
The latest ABS report revealed the most popular wedding date and the changing shape of nuptials here.
SEX, SLEAZE AND HOSPITALITY
Exclusive
The sordid bet that unfolded behind the bank vault door at Baxter Inn
Graphic content: When hospitality group Swillhouse opened a new whisky bar, the all-male team was issued a challenge: a special prize for being to the first to have sex with a customer.
Exclusive
Swillhouse cancels festival after sponsors and musicians pull out
The company said it was “heartbroken” by the sexual assault allegations as it pleaded with staff and suppliers not to abandon them.
Sydney
Analysis
Sydney Metro
My night out with the transport minister: 12km, three bars, and a metro line
Who said the metro was for only commuters? From North Sydney to the inner west, bar hopping just became easy.
Whale leads rescuers on harbour chase, before tasting sweet freedom
The humpback moved erratically, lunging across Sydney Harbour’s coves and bays and then hugging the coastline. It was untangled from the fishing line with a few deft cuts.
Earthquake damages buildings near proposed nuclear plant site
The “quite alarming” quake was felt from southern Sydney to Coffs Harbour on the Mid North Coast.
Construction boss George Alex guilty of proceeds of crime conspiracy
After a marathon six-month trial, the jury found the 53-year-old committed the offence, but continue deliberations on whether he ran a $10 million tax fraud.
Judge vilified sexual assault complainant, bullied prosecutor, watchdog finds
The NSW Judicial Commission said District Court Judge Robert Newlinds should not hear criminal cases for the “foreseeable future” after his conduct in a sexual assault trial.
WEEKEND READS
‘A very serious mistake’: What Mandela regretted during his visit to Australia
As the statesman’s physician, Dr Peter Friedland thought he understood much about Nelson Mandela. Then Friedland announced he was moving to Australia.
Two of Us
For a long time, Alli didn’t ‘understand’ her mum. Now they run a bar together
At Catherine’s and Alli’s bar in Sydney’s inner west, family dynamics can be as challenging as new cocktail recipes.
Politics
Albanese’s domestic violence experts tell him to ban gambling ads
The prime minister ordered a rapid review of practical solutions to stop the violence. The advice he received is something he’s been reluctant to do.
Business
Outgoing boss urges ABC to ‘correct the record’ on women at the top
David Anderson wants more women promoted into senior executive roles at the broadcaster, and has pushed back against criticism of the ABC’s news coverage.
World
Analysis
US Votes 2024
As Harris is crowned, Trump comes to terms with the race being upended
In accepting her nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate, the US vice president highlighted all the ways her rival Donald Trump would take the country backwards.
Opinion
I jumped up and down when I heard Michelle Obama utter one amazing word
Julia Baird
Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author
Explore
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Property
Our seven favourite homes for sale in NSW right now
Looking for your next home? From a former whaler’s cottage to an ‘iceberg house’ with Harbour Bridge views, we’ve got you covered.
Exclusive
Title Deeds
Lifestyle blogger sells one of Sydney’s most expensive houses for about $80m
Stephanie Conley-Buhre has developed a reputation for her high-end house flips, but her latest puts her among the country’s most expensive house sellers.
Good Food
Lifestyle
‘I’m not scared of the words fast fashion’: Alice McCall defends Shein collaboration
The Australian designer has described her new collection with ultra-cheap Chinese giant as “investment” pieces of “very good quality”.
Culture
Neighbours may be shedding viewers, but TikTok soaps are attracting millions
Minute-long TikTok soaps are unavoidable on the social media app. What’s behind this unexpected shift?
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Opinion
The Fitz Files
Bravo to you, Ron Coote, but this Immortals-mania needs to slow down
Further trips back through rugby league’s history is an exercise that best be avoided.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
Opinion
Bledisloe Cup
In the coffin of All Blacks rugby, the Bledisloe Cup is in play
The implosion of the once-invincible All Blacks has Wallabies fans passing the popcorn and dreaming of a Bledisloe upset.
Paul Cully
Rugby columnist
Drainage dramas won’t force games to be relocated from Allianz Stadium
Serious questions have been asked about the Allianz Stadium drainage after a relatively minor downpour caused havoc last week.
Beastie noise: Why rise of Sydney’s strongest rugby club has caused a loud stir
The resurgent Eastern Suburbs were club champions this year and are chasing their first Shute Shield since 1969 – but there is no shortage of rivals hoping they’ll stumble.
How a stranded surfer and a backflipping teen can help Molly Picklum’s title tilt
The Australian star has locked in her WSL Finals spot and can now climb up the world rankings after a strong showing in the Fiji Pro.
Exclusive
Australian rugby
Fittler junior considering career in rugby after Waratahs, RA offer
It’s one of the most famous surnames in Australian rugby league. But the son of Brad Fittler could be become a star in the rival 15-man code instead.
Warriors 18 Bulldogs 34
NRL 2024
As it happened: Bulldogs spoil Johnson’s home farewell
Canterbury remain in the hunt for a top-four finish after a fifth successive win.
Have Your Say
Finals of fortune: The dollars, deals and reputations up for grabs in September
Several halves - from the biggest earners to unlikeliest match-winners - are stepping out of the shadows and into the NRL spotlight.
