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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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‘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
How the Amy Gillett Foundation got back on its bike
A charity named after an Australian Olympian killed while cycling has been rescued from insolvency by some of Australia’s best-connected business figures.
Ginnivan regrets social media post that sparked war of words
Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan told club leaders this week he regretted making the social media post that sparked the war of words between Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley and Hawks captain James Sicily.
Analysis
Hawthorn Hawks
Old school versus Hokball: Inside Ken Hinkley’s attack on Jack Ginnivan
The most lenient view of the Ken Hinkley invective towards Jack Ginnivan is of an old-school coach unable to abide the look-at-me antics of modern footballers.
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.
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.
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
‘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.
How Frances turned 1000 straw bales into a fortress-like Torquay house
It took 22 years of dedication, but the result is a thoughtful refuge that’s warm in winter and connected to the landscape.
Opinion
Republic debate
When our King visits Oz, it’s the monarchy that should go ‘walkabout’
If Australians are too preoccupied with the cost of living to care about the monarchy, perhaps King Charles could take the initiative – and self-abolish his reign over us.
Malcolm Knox
Journalist, author and columnist
Mother charged with the murder of her two sons fronts court
Trish Smith appeared via video link at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday, charged with the murder of her sons, aged 9 and 11.
The perfect family portrait. Then the unspeakable horror
It was Christmas 2021, and Trish Smith hugged her boys tight as they were photographed on a beach. This week, she was accused of killing them.
Plibersek intervenes in giant ‘climate bomb’ gas project
Tanya Plibersek has stepped into a fracking debate as she fights multiple political battles on the environment.
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”.
Exclusive
AI
Has Apple’s AI ‘glow up’ made Siri better?
Apple’s digital assistant is 13 years old and one of its original inventors says it’s about time it got a makeover.
Athan flunked his first job interview. But he got the best life lesson
Three Australian executives share the best career advice given to them.
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
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.
Eye damage, insomnia, moving house: Hay fever is no longer just a sneeze
A record one-in-four people now have the debilitating condition, which is a risk factor for developing asthma.
Exclusive
Private schools
Parents brace for bill shock as private school hikes fees almost 20 per cent
As Victoria’s private schools begin to announce their 2025 fees – accounting for new payroll tax – families at one prestigious girls’ school are protesting.
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.
Photographer at protest shot with rubber bullet, loses part of ear
The man said it felt like he’d been “hit by a car” and that he may suffer permanent hearing loss.
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
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
World
‘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
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Property
How Melbourne’s housing affordability actually improved over four years
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.
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.
Good Food
Lifestyle
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.
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
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.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Analysis
AFL 2024
Old school versus Hokball: Inside Ken Hinkley’s attack on Jack Ginnivan
The most lenient view of the Ken Hinkley invective towards Jack Ginnivan is of an old-school coach unable to abide the look-at-me antics of modern footballers.
What Ginnivan told Hawk teammates about his Instagram post
The Hawks were furious on Friday night at Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley’s post-match behaviour in response to an Instagram post by Jack Ginnivan.
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
Can Lion star finally live up to the sky-high expectations?
Brisbane Lions half-forward Cam Rayner has had a career-best year. For the first time, he was picked in the All-Australian squad, even though he wasn’t selected in the final team.
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
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
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.
Have Your Say
‘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.
