Australia

Donna Nelson returns to Perth after secret prisoner transfer from Japan

Perth grandmother Donna Nelson has returned to Western Australia under a secret international prisoner transfer, almost four years after she was arrested in Japan with nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in her suitcase. The 60-year-old former Greens candidate, who was duped by an online love scammer, arrived in Perth on Thursday night and has been taken to a Perth prison to serve out the remainder of her six-year sentence.

23 Oct·2 min·9 sources

Senior Victorian police officer charged with stalking, tracking offences

A 40-year-old senior constable from Victoria Police's North West Metro region has been charged with stalking, installing a tracking device, and attempting to pervert the course of justice, following an internal police investigation.

23 Oct·1 min·2 sources

Schofield chases second Cox Plate as Brooker rides in Invitation

Chad Schofield is chasing a second Cox Plate victory, having won the race as a 19-year-old apprentice in 2013. Meanwhile, former champion apprentice Tiffani Brooker is aiming for a dream comeback in the $2 million Invitation at Randwick, just months after a remarkable return to stakes-winning form.

23 Oct·2 min·2 sources

Doctor found guilty of sexually assaulting patients remains registered to practise

A GP found guilty of sexually assaulting two female patients during medical consultations remains on Australia's medical register, able to continue practising, despite facing up to 20 years' imprisonment. Deepak Shadilal Puri was convicted in the NSW District Court of two counts of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, with sentencing set for early December. He has lodged a notice of appeal.

23 Oct·3 min·2 sources

Former police officer found guilty of 2006 cold case murder of Warrnambool father

A Supreme Court jury has found former police officer Steven Frederick Johnson, 74, guilty of murdering Warrnambool father Christopher Jarvis, who vanished from his home in regional Victoria in June 2006 in what prosecutors said was a dispute over unpaid rent. Jarvis's body has never been found.

23 Oct·3 min·3 sources

'Safe air' bill passes NT parliament, but critics say monitoring scheme lacks vital detail

The Northern Territory parliament on Thursday passed the Country Liberal Party government's 'safe air' bill, establishing a scheme to monitor and publicly report toxic volatile organic compound emissions from gas industry operations on Darwin Harbour. Minister Joshua Burgoyne said the scheme, funded by industry, will be in place by mid-2027 with six new monitoring stations, but critics including independent MLA Justine Davis and the opposition say the bill leaves critical details to regulations, bypassing public consultation and failing to set pollution limits.

23 Oct·3 min·2 sources

Fortnite returns to Australian Apple devices as court orders iPhone maker to open up app store

The Federal Court has ordered Apple to allow alternative app stores and payment systems on its devices, finding the tech giant violated Australian competition law in a landmark decision that brings Fortnite back to Apple's Australian app store after a six-year absence.

23 Oct·2 min

Landry resignation sets stage for Canavan-One Nation showdown in Capricornia

Veteran Nationals MP Michelle Landry has announced she will resign from the Queensland seat of Capricornia, opening the door for Nationals leader Matt Canavan to move from the Senate to the lower house in a contest likely to pit him against One Nation's national director James Ashby.

23 Oct·2 min·5 sources

Anastasia Marshall jailed for assisting Parker evade prosecution, eligible for parole in May

Anastasia Marshall, the former wife of South Australian woman Krystal Marshall, has been jailed for assisting Jonathan Parker evade apprehension or prosecution. Sentenced on Friday, she could be released on parole as early as May next year.

23 Oct·2 min·4 sources

Chalmers warns of worsening economy as oil prices surge and AI wobbles add pressure

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed that his officials are downgrading economic forecasts ahead of December's mid-year budget update, with slower growth and higher unemployment expected. The warning comes as a broadening Middle East conflict pushed the global benchmark oil price to US$113 a barrel and fresh concerns emerged over the sustainability of AI-related investment spending.

Foreign multi-club ownership reshapes the A-League, bringing capital with strings attached

More than half of the A-League's 12 men's clubs are now tied to international multi-club ownership groups, a model league chief executive Steve Rosich calls "only positive" for a competition short on local capital. But the risks are showing, from alienated supporters at Melbourne City to the Premier League's guilty findings against Manchester City, flagship of the same network.

Son of Wallabies legend Teddy Wilson named in spring tour squad

Twenty-seven years after his father helped Australia win the Rugby World Cup, rising Waratahs halfback Teddy Wilson has been selected in his first Wallabies squad for next month's UK tour. Coach Les Kiss named a 33-man group on Thursday that includes Wilson and Queensland prop Tom Lambert as the only two uncapped players.

Mother of alleged victim tells court she was in 'web of dependency' with Alan Jones after alleged assault

The mother of an alleged victim of Alan Jones has told a Sydney court she continued to seek advice from the broadcaster after her son was allegedly indecently assaulted, describing herself as being in a 'web of dependency' with him. Her testimony came on the final day of her evidence in the trial of the 85-year-old former broadcaster, who has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching involving five men between 2003 and 2020.

Kisnorbo hits back at 'killing the game' critics over Akon World Cup saga

Sydney FC coach Patrick Kisnorbo has launched a strong defence of the club's actions in the Akol Akon World Cup dispute, accusing critics of 'killing the game' after an agreement was reached to release the 17-year-old for next month's FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. Kisnorbo detailed the injury crisis that prompted the initial block and hit out at columnists who labelled the club's stance a 'disgrace' and 'pathetic'.

Brisbane office of Minister Anika Wells closed after security incident

The Brisbane electorate office of Federal Minister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells has been temporarily closed after a woman allegedly threatened staff on Wednesday. Police arrested a 47-year-old woman at the scene on Sandgate Road in Nundah. Wells stated the office will remain closed while security improvements are made, with staff continuing to take calls remotely.

Robe mayor faces censure after probe finds she told staffer to 'lose some weight'

The mayor of the District Council of Robe in regional South Australia will face a censure vote on Monday night after an independent investigation found she breached behavioural standards, including telling a staff member they "needs to go back to netball and lose some weight".

23 Oct·3 min

Indigenous teenager shackled to hospital bed in Western Australia, family alleges excessive force

An Indigenous teenager was shackled to a hospital bed in Western Australia after being taken into custody, drawing condemnation from her family and advocates. The Western Australian justice department defended the use of restraints as standard procedure, while police said officers acted within policy during the arrest. The incident has reignited calls for a federal ban on shackling incarcerated people in hospital settings.

23 Oct·3 min

Koloamatangi to cap World Cup before taking ball-playing lock role at Dragons

Keaon Koloamatangi will move his young family to Wollongong as soon as the Rugby League World Cup is over, and has told his future St George Illawarra teammates to watch his Kangaroos performance against Fiji on Sunday night as proof of what the club is getting. Dragons coach Dean Young has revealed he plans to turn the club's $5 million recruit into a ball-playing lock.

23 Oct·3 min·3 sources

Column links Lambie's prolapse disclosure, Hanson cartoon and Haines attack to history of women's silence

In a column published Friday, historian and journalist Julia Baird argues that Senator Jacqui Lambie's public disclosure of her pelvic prolapse, the subsequent mocking cartoon from Pauline Hanson, and the recent attack on independent MP Helen Haines are all part of a long pattern in which women in public life are expected to endure pain and hostility in silence. Baird links these modern events to Queen Victoria's undisclosed prolapsed uterus, which she says contributed to her later mobility and temperament.

The Next Jarome Luai Ready to Face the Original in World Cup Showdown

PNG playmaker Gairo Voro, whose rapid rise from a remote fishing village to a London Broncos contract has drawn comparisons to Jarome Luai, will face the three-time premiership winner for the first time this Saturday when the Papua New Guinea Kumuls meet Samoa in a Rugby League World Cup match in Port Moresby.

From a refugee camp to the NGV: Atong Atem’s major survey opens next week

The first major survey of South Sudanese-Australian artist Atong Atem opens at the National Gallery of Victoria next week. Titled 'Passage: The Art of Atong Atem', it includes 65 of her photographs, several never seen in Australia, and explores themes of identity, displacement, and colonialism through a combination of portraiture, painting, and textiles.

23 Oct·2 min·5 sources

‘I couldn’t save my own niece’: family violence advocate mourns grandniece Jayda

Anti-violence advocate and family violence survivor Kellie Carter-Bell has spoken of her heartbreak after her grandniece Jayda Lou-Eve Allen Bonner, 21, died and her boyfriend was charged with murder. In a column published by The Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times and WAtoday, Carter-Bell traces three generations of violence in her family and condemns online victim-blaming directed at Jayda’s relatives.

Teenager faces court over alleged assault on another student

A teenage boy has faced the ACT Children's Court accused of assaulting another student.

Albanese gave Greens 15 staff days before party backed blocking inquiry into staffing powers

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed off on a letter providing 15 advisers to the Greens three days before the minor party voted against a Senate inquiry into his power to allocate staff to federal politicians, as crossbench anger over the discretionary system intensifies. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and independent senators have stepped up demands for a mandatory minimum staffing guarantee after Labor, the Coalition and the Greens combined to block a motion to establish the principle.

Up to 60 Roads Closed as Storms and Flooding Threaten Queensland

Reports published on Thursday, 22 October 2026, indicate that up to 60 roads have been closed across Queensland as the state faces storms and looming flooding.

22 Oct·1 min·2 sources

Sydney housing price drop reported by major news sites, but details scarce

Headlines indicating a drop in Sydney housing prices appeared on multiple major Australian news websites on Wednesday evening, but the articles themselves contained no substantive reporting, leaving the nature and extent of any price decline unclear.

22 Oct·1 min·3 sources

Record $1.46b Super Withdrawn for Medical Costs, Regulators Target 'Predatory' Practitioners

Australians withdrew a record $1.46 billion from their superannuation on compassionate grounds in the 2025-26 financial year, with the vast majority ($1.42 billion) spent on medical and dental treatments. The surge, a 220 per cent increase since 2018-19, has drawn sharp concern from regulators, who are cracking down on health practitioners they accuse of using predatory sales tactics to encourage patients to raid their retirement savings for unnecessary or cosmetic procedures.

22 Oct·3 min·2 sources

Landry retires from Capricornia as Canavan eyes lower house move, pollster warns of Senate wipeout

Veteran Nationals MP Michelle Landry has announced she will not contest her Queensland seat of Capricornia at the next election, clearing the way for Nationals leader Matt Canavan to attempt a move to the House of Representatives, as a leading pollster warns he faces a "zero per cent" chance of holding his Senate seat if the One Nation polling surge remains unchanged.

22 Oct·2 min·7 sources

Worlds of power, union and crime converge at funeral of Bob Setka, West Gate Bridge survivor

On a cold, drizzly August day in 2023, the funeral of Bob Setka, a survivor of the 1970 West Gate Bridge collapse, brought together an unusual convergence of union leaders, state politics and organised crime. Held at St Leopold's Church in Sunshine, the service drew the then-CFMEU leader John Setka, Victorian minister Jacinta Allan, and a published condolence from underworld figure Mick Gatto, revealing the overlapping circles that have defined John Setka's career.

Rivervale residents dismiss politicians' visit as 'five-minute photo op'

Politicians are scrambling to contain growing frustration in Perth's inner-east, where Rivervale residents and business owners accuse the Cook government of ignoring a community living in fear over anti-social behaviour they link to unsupported public housing. A visit to the Kooyong Road shopping strip last week by local MP Cassie Rowe and Police Minister Reece Whitby has been dismissed as a "five-minute photo op", and the dispute has now been taken to Parliament.

Backyard supper club Flour & Fire brings personal Italian dining to Fremantle

In the Fremantle suburb of Fremantle, a backyard supper club called Flour & Fire is offering Italian dining experiences built on personal connections and ingredients from the owners' own farm. Chef Valerio Fantinelli and front-of-house host Anna Tamburri run the private dinners from a commercial kitchen and dining area they built themselves, serving seasonal menus at $180–$200 per person. Summer reservations for December, January and February open on October 26.

Inside the LR5: Australia's submarine rescue 'lifeline' undergoes critical drills

The Royal Australian Navy and its contractor JFD have been conducting simulated submarine rescue missions off the coast of Western Australia, testing the LR5 rescue sub, a system described as a “lifeline” for submariners in distress. The $23 million per annum contract ensures the vessel can be deployed within 12 hours to retrieve stranded crew from depths of hundreds of metres.

Mother of alleged Alan Jones victim wept on stand, said she 'trusted' broadcaster

The mother of the youngest complainant in the Alan Jones trial broke down in tears after being shown a note written by her son alleging 'something happened' at the broadcaster's property at Fitzroy Falls. She told the court she had 'trusted' Jones with her then teenage son, and was questioned about why she stayed in contact with him after her son disclosed the alleged indecent assault.

22 Oct·1 min·3 sources

Treasurer warns: weaker growth, higher unemployment in budget update

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed that the December mid-year budget update will project weaker economic growth and higher unemployment, as higher inflation and tighter monetary policy weigh on the economy. The warning comes amid hints of another potential interest rate hike from the Reserve Bank, as reported by The Guardian.

22 Oct·1 min

ACT affordable home scheme leaves buyers in limbo as disputes drag on

Almost five years after being selected in a ballot for an affordable home in Canberra's new suburbs of Whitlam and Taylor, some buyers say they are still waiting to move in, locked in contractual disputes with builders and feeling let down by the scheme's operator, the Suburban Land Agency.

22 Oct·3 min·2 sources

Snowy 2.0 blows out to $22.2b as completion slips to late 2029

Snowy Hydro has formally set the cost of the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project at $22.2 billion, up to $25 billion with contingencies, and warned the scheme will not be fully operational until late 2029. The long-awaited reassessment, released on Thursday night, is the most severe setback yet for Australia's largest renewable energy project, replacing a $12 billion estimate and pushing first power to early 2029.

22 Oct·3 min·12 sources

Red-carpet looks set the pace for spring racing fashions

The spring racing season is drawing style cues from recent red-carpet events, with trends from the Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Paris Fashion Week shaping what racegoers will wear at Flemington and other tracks this year, according to fashion editor Damien Woolnough.

Staff of WA minister threatened with nunchucks days after MP's alleged car attack

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening the staff of Western Australian government minister Hannah Beazley with nunchucks, days after independent federal MP Helen Haines was left critically injured when a man allegedly struck her with a car. The two episodes have sharpened concerns about the safety of female politicians in Australia, a country where elected representatives are traditionally easy for the public to reach.

22 Oct·3 min·2 sources

Roberts-Smith denies war crimes, launches clothing label in media blitz

Ben Roberts-Smith has launched a coordinated media offensive to deny five charges of murder ahead of his criminal trial, insisting his military actions were legitimate and unveiling a new clothing brand to fund his legal battles. The former soldier gave a 2½-hour radio interview and a lengthy exclusive online story, asserting his innocence and criticising changes to Australia's war crimes legislation.

22 Oct·3 min·7 sources

Rain delays day five as Australia battle to save second Test in Gqeberha

Intermittent rain has repeatedly stalled play on the final day of the second Test at St George's Park, where Australia are fighting to save the match at 4/156 in their second innings after being forced to follow on. Steve Smith is expected to bat despite a neck problem, while a selection squeeze is already building ahead of the third Test in Cape Town.

22 Oct·3 min·4 sources

Megan Schutt banned two matches for prescription medication breach

Cricket Australia has banned veteran Australian women's cricketer Megan Schutt for two matches after she failed to adhere to Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines concerning prescription medication. The 33-year-old strike bowler accepted the penalty and apologised, stating the breach was not for performance-enhancing purposes. She begins the suspension on Thursday night when Australia face New Zealand in Sydney.

New Fremantle recording studio aims to nurture next generation of musicians

Fremantle has opened a $1.28 million creative hub and recording studio at the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, designed to provide emerging artists with affordable access to professional recording and rehearsal space. The project, jointly funded by the federal government and the City of Fremantle, is part of a push to sustain the city's legacy as a music incubator.

Fortescue warns China iron ore price fight could force Pilbara production cuts

Mining giant Fortescue Metals Group has warned it may be forced to cut production at its Pilbara iron ore mines if a protracted pricing stand-off with China is not resolved by the end of the year. The company disclosed it exported more ore than it had managed to sell in the three months to September 30, as Beijing's centralised buying agency tightens the screws on contract negotiations.

22 Oct·2 min·2 sources

No assurance in procurement framework: Watt report finds gaps as KPMG ban extended to 2027

An independent review by Dr Ian Watt has found that the Commonwealth procurement framework lacks assurance mechanisms to identify and manage unethical supplier conduct. The finding comes as the government extends its ban on new contracts with KPMG until March 2027 and tightens monitoring, but stops short of agreeing to stronger systemic oversight.

22 Oct·2 min·5 sources

Police investigate Married at First Sight over alleged sharing of personal content

Police have visited the set of reality television show Married at First Sight following a complaint about inappropriate sharing of private information, with the matter now referred to Western Australian authorities. Broadcaster Nine confirmed the investigation, while producers EndemolShine Australia have been contacted for comment.

22 Oct·2 min·5 sources

Sharnelle Vella exits ABC Melbourne breakfast as radio exodus continues

Respected journalist Sharnelle Vella has informed ABC management she will not return to co-host Melbourne's breakfast radio show, sources said, extending a shake-up in Australian commercial and public radio.

‘No thinking involved’: ABC reporter recounts split-second rescue from sinking car

The dramatic rescue of a driver from a sinking car in floodwaters north of Brisbane has gained international attention, after ABC journalist Will Murray told the BBC there was no hesitation when he saw a four-wheel-drive disappear into the water. 'There was no thinking involved,' Murray said. 'Better that you jump in and give it a crack.'

22 Oct·2 min·8 sources