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Good Weekend Talks
In-depth conversations with the people fascinating Australians right now, from sport to politics to the arts.
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Exclusive
Defamation
‘Terrify them’: Text trove reveals Credlin’s secret advice to Deeming
A trove of text messages and emails has emerged highlighting the close relationship between maverick MP Moira Deeming and political commentator Peta Credlin.
‘Melbourne will be the size of London’: The promises - and problems - of housing
The state government set an ambitious target to build 800,000 new dwellings over a decade to fix the housing crisis. It’s off to a slow start.
Opinion
US Votes 2024
Harris played all the Trump cards, but one was risky
By emphasising race – something she has so far downplayed, as Obama did in 2008 – Kamala Harris runs the risk of playing into her opponent’s hands.
Nick Bryant
Journalist and author
From country to couture: Locals used to head here for mining supplies, now they come for the shopping
A central clock tower remains an icon but also serves as a yardstick to measure the scale of change and development in the suburb.
I’m a real estate agent and would-be buyers are being conned at auctions every weekend
Auctions have always been a balance between integrity and street theatre, but the balance has been disrupted and infiltrated by deceitful practices.
John Keating
Real estate agent
Nothing to sneeze at: Why so many Australians suffer from hay fever
A record one-in-four people now have the debilitating condition, which is a risk factor for developing asthma.
AFL to investigate Hinkley clash with Hawks players after Power’s thrilling win
The Port Adelaide coach had heated words with Hawk forward Jack Ginnivan and skipper James Sicily on the field in the aftermath of a thrilling semi-final match.
Yabba dabba doo: Inside Jesse Hogan’s Fred Flintstone goalkicking action
The Giants spearhead’s unconventional goalkicking approach should not inspire confidence. Jerky and twitchy, it’s not easily replicated. But it works.
Analysis
Analysis
Why a Demons presidency candidate put Melbourne in the too-hard basket
Former 200-game Demon Steven Smith had been seen as someone who could take over as president.
Caroline Wilson
‘Such a weird kid’: Alone winner Gina Chick never did fit in – and that’s her strength
She talked to a lake and apologised to a wallaby before eating it. Like her famous grandmother, survival-show star Chick does things her way.
Move over, Bluey: meet Australia’s newest canine star
The search for a dog to play the title role in new film Runt, based on a bestselling children’s book, led to a foster home in Geelong.
Yes, running can make you need to go to the toilet. Here’s how to cope
Runners experience worse gastrointestinal symptoms than athletes in other endurance sports.
Death threats, a panic room and $2000 a week: The wild court case that has snared Mick Gatto
Jamal Khan Mohammed alleges he is the victim of a decades-long extortion and standover campaign by underworld figure Mick Gatto.
‘Learn from this mistake’: Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to impaired driving
The pop singer urged drivers not to get behind the wheel of a car after even a single alcoholic drink shortly after pleading guilty.
Opinion
Superannuation
What does it mean to be retirement ready?
Here are the levers you should start with to take charge of your retirement.
Bec Wilson
Money contributor
Who is the ‘great woman’ looming over Trump everywhere he goes?
Far-right activist and “proud Islamophobe”, Laura Loomer travels with Donald Trump to official engagements. She once described Kamala Harris as a “drug-using prostitute”.
Recipe collection
Pasta bake
Cooking for a crowd this weekend? These five easy pasta bakes make it a breeze
Perfect for a casual meal with friends, or to make ahead and eat next week, these dishes are guaranteed crowd pleasers.
Qatar’s business class should come with a warning
Our high expectations were first quashed when we were quoted an extra $149 each for seat selection. Later, we found we didn’t have lounge access.
Weekend Reads
Analysis
The predators that locked doors can’t stop
Criminal syndicates will provide anything for a price – and that includes child abuse material.
Elon Musk: Is he the special one, or just a bully and hypocrite?
Why did Elon Musk buy Twitter, rename it as X, then destroy the company’s influence? Whatever the case, good riddance.
Victoria
Exclusive
Political leadership
Queensland ‘blow-in’ picked to run in Shorten’s safe Melbourne seat
Allan government ministers are outraged that locals have been denied a say on who gets the old seats of Bill Shorten, Brendan O’Connor and Maria Vamvakinou.
Death threats, a panic room and extortion. The case that has snared Gatto
Jamal Khan Mohammed alleges he’s the victim of a decades-long extortion and standover campaign by underworld figure Mick Gatto.
Protest photographer loses part of ear after being shot by rubber bullet
The man said it felt like he’d been “hit by a car” and that he may suffer permanent hearing loss.
Exclusive
Building Bad
Victorian CFMEU overseer quits after claims of inappropriate comments
Appointed to help the administrator restore order to the union’s Victorian branch, Grahame McCulloch has instead resigned.
Exclusive
Courts
Estranged couple’s gym battle laced with debts, threats and a claw hammer
After meeting in a Surfers Paradise nightclub, AK Moslehi Roudi and Tamika Gray were married and separated within three months. Now they are locked in a wild dispute over a South Melbourne gym.
AFL finals 2024
‘A little bit embarrassing’: How Hawk moved on from Mitchell’s public spray
In April, Jack Scrimshaw was on the receiving end of a ferocious spray from his coach. He’s pleased to know his skipper thinks Scrimshaw’s response showed he’d become a man – at 26.
Jacob kicked Penshurst into the grand final - on a carbon-fibre leg
In Saturday’s grand final, a young bloke who last season played with and against footballers on AFL lists will run out alongside a teammate who is missing half a leg.
Politics
Exclusive
Australian economy
It’s the news your boss doesn’t want to hear - working from home saved $85 billion
Craig and Sylvia saved $350 a week when they stopped commuting to work and spent the money going to Italy instead. They are not alone.
Opinion
Political leadership
Albanese and Dutton have agreed on something. Just don’t expect a lasting bromance
David Crowe
Chief political correspondent
Business
‘Clock is ticking’: Can Allaway convince investors BOQ has turned a corner?
In an environment where Australians are starved for competition, there are questions about where BOQ fits and how it will survive.
World
Forget the stereotype. The Irish are drinking a lot less
The image of the drunken Irish is taking a hit, with booze consumption in Ireland is at its lowest level in more than 35 years.
Opinion
Explore
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Property
Our 11 favourite homes for sale in Victoria right now
Looking for your next home? From a Palm Springs-inspired pool to a contemporary designer home with rich textures, we’ve got you covered.
Why Melbourne property values are falling and bucking a national trend
It’s become slightly easier to afford to buy a home in Melbourne since 2020, but experts say it’s still challenging for buyers to crack into the market.
Good Food
Lifestyle
Making friends later in life can be tough, but these women are bucking the trend
From ukulele clubs to op-shop volunteering, women over 50 are finding new ways to meet people.
Opinion
WordPlay
It’s hard to convince Google you’re not dead - just ask Tom Faber
David Astle
Crossword compiler and ABC Radio Melbourne presenter
Culture
PM’s Literary Award brings 48 hours’ relief from poet’s life of self-doubt
Amy Crutchfield has won the $80,000 poetry prize for her first book, but she’s not letting it go to her head.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Yabba dabba doo: Inside Jesse Hogan’s Fred Flintstone goalkicking action
The Giants spearhead’s unconventional goalkicking approach should not inspire confidence. Jerky and twitchy, it’s not easily replicated. But it works.
Hinkley’s regret over post-match sprays, but Hawthorn legends slam ‘embarrassing’ behaviour
Port Adelaide prevailed in a classic final against the gallant Hawks, who had salt rubbed into their raw wounds by Ken Hinkley’s verbal jousting towards players.
Herald Sun’s gambling hit: Tabcorp pulls cash from form guide
Racenet and Herald Sun deals were worth about $2 million a year. Tabcorp ended the Herald Sun form guide agreement in July, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
Opinion
Nick Kyrgios
Mic drop: Why we need Nick Kyrgios off our TV screens
Charismatic and insightful and vulnerable as the Australian is, these qualities do not offset the abusive and misogynistic behaviour he has once again demonstrated.
Emma Kemp
Sports reporter
Analysis
AFL 2024
‘A good fit’: Inside Dusty’s bid to rekindle his career with Hardwick’s Suns
The renewal of talks between the triple Norm Smith medallist, arguably the greatest Tiger of all time, and Gold Coast happened quickly, after an initial slow burn.
AFL to probe Hinkley confrontation with Hawks’ Ginnivan, Sicily after Power’s win
The Port Adelaide coach had heated words with Hawk forward Jack Ginnivan and skipper James Sicily on the field in the aftermath of a thrilling semi-final match.
Analysis
AFL 2024
Why a Demons presidency candidate put Melbourne in the too-hard basket
Former 200-game Demon Steven Smith had been seen as someone who could take over as president.
Caroline Wilson
Have Your Say
Hey Sydney, it’s OK little bro, we haven’t forgotten you
Rumblings out of Sydney about how Melbourne is shunning the Swans and Giants betray a paranoia that used to be a Melburnian affliction.
Greg Baum
Sports columnist
