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Behind the scenes: Carrie Fellner on her investigation into NSW regional hospitals
After 15 public hearings and more than 700 submissions, the NSW parliamentary inquiry into regional hospitals reported back last month. The inquiry, triggered by an investigation by Herald journalist Carrie Fellner, found that many doctors and nurses work in a culture of fear - where many are afraid to speak up about problems in the system. Here Fellner looks back at what prompted her series of stories.
- by Carrie Fellner
Australia news LIVE: Energy chief says crisis boosts case for renewables; Russia sanctions 121 Australians; National cabinet meets
Job-seeking and underemployment has dropped to its lowest level in 40 years, adding to pressure on the Reserve Bank to accelerate interest rate rises. Energy Security Board chair Anna Collyer said the pressure on the electricity grid highlighted the need for return to the long-term shift to renewable power.
- by Ashleigh McMillan
NSW energy supply ‘healthier’ as generators switch back on
NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean says he is unlikely to need emergency powers after “healthy” improvement to the state’s energy supply.
- by Lucy Cormack
Exclusive
Schools
Anger at King’s School over plans to fly headmaster to prestigious British regatta
An old boys’ representative on The King’s School board quit over plans to fly the headmaster, his deputy and their wives first class to the Henley Royal Regatta.
- by Lucy Carroll and Jordan Baker
Three jobs, four continents and World Cups in two codes: Why Cheika is getting no sleep
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is burning the candle at three ends with cross-code duties for Argentina, Lebanon and in Japan. And he’s loving it.
- by Iain Payten
Twiggy, Malinauskas wear Russian sanction as badge of honour
Andrew Forrest said: “you are not worth talking to unless you have been sanctioned”, while the South Australian premier sent a direct message to Vladimir Putin.
- by Rob Harris
Volatility is king: Markets brace for more turbulence amid meltdown
Global sharemarkets have been a sea of red as the era of cheap money comes to a screeching halt. And investors predict more uncertainty is on the horizon.
- by Clancy Yeates
Man arrested after alleged sexual assault of woman he met on dating app
The pair met at the man’s Belmore residence in April when four men arrived at the premises and she was sexually assaulted, police allege.
- by Amelia McGuire
Opinion
Australian rugby
The pros and cons of Rugby Australia walking away from New Zealand
Threats of a trans-Tasman schism are nothing new but there are points on both sides as Australia again considers going its own way.
- by Paul Cully
The best movies, TV, music, podcasts and books of the year (so far)
As a sort of mid-year stocktake, our critics have picked their favourite pieces of pop culture from the first half of 2022.
- by Debi Enker, Garry Maddox, Melanie Kembrey, Barry Divola and Robert Moran
Leo found a houseful of treasures on the street, including his cat
Using tips from social media sites dedicated to reducing the amount of waste, Leonardo Urbano has rescued valuables that would otherwise have ended up in landfill.
- by Julie Power
Can Prince Charles save the Commonwealth once the Queen is gone?
Never mind the family feuds - the House of Windsor must also navigate a colonial reckoning over the British Empire’s dark past and doubtful future.
- by Rob Harris
Live
NBA
NBA Finals game six LIVE updates: Boston Celtics v Golden State Warriors
Jaylen Brown and the Celtics need to win at home to send the series to game seven as Steve Kerr’s Warriors eye a fourth championship in eight seasons.
- by Paul Suttor
Bitcoin ‘bank’ boss fighting for his reputation after triggering crash
Alex Mashinsky may be caught in the eye of a crypto meltdown, but it is not the first time he has endured tough times, or criticism.
- by Ben Woods
Updated
World markets
ASX loses over $50bn in value as recession fears spook markets
The Australian sharemarket is on track to post its biggest weekly loss in two years following a wipeout on Wall Street, as worries about a fragile global economy roar back to the fore.
- by Stan Choe and Lachlan Abbott
Explainer
US politics
What are the Capitol riot hearings all about?
The hearings aim to show that Donald Trump was central to a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 US election results. But how do they work?
- by Farrah Tomazin
Forget girl bosses, I’m just here for the insane nanny
Magic or not, Mary Poppins is still lugging enormous lamps around in her handbag and claiming to be able to speak to dogs.
- by Deirdre Fidge
Rottnest ferries cancelled for the weekend as severe weather rolls in
The Rottnest Express has cancelled all services across Saturday and Sunday, with weather warnings of high tides, strong wind and swells.
- by Holly Thompson
Updated
US Open
McIlroy insists hot start to US Open not about sending LIV Golf message
Rory McIlroy is one shot off the lead at the US Open with Adam Scott the only Australian under par after the opening round at The Country Club.
- by Frank Pingue
Updated
Crime
Turkish national killed in Yongah Hill detention centre stabbing
Gokhan Can, 32, died after being stabbed in his sleep on Wednesday night. The WA Police riot squad were deployed on Thursday morning after a fire was started after the stabbing.
- by Heather McNeill
Opinion
Anthony Albanese
Turn with caution: Potholes ahead as PM tries to round climate corner
The government claims the climate wars are over. But that’s misplaced optimism, especially with the nation gripped by a climate crisis that will be exploited by the opposition.
- by Michelle Grattan
‘Feeling the support’: Zelensky gets more weapons after EU leaders’ high-stakes visit
The Ukrainian president is triumphant: ‘Today is a truly historic day - Ukraine has felt the support of four powerful European states at once.’
- by John Leicester and Sylvie
Dating as a black woman in Australia? It’s an experience worth an award-winning podcast
Christine “Kix” Mwaturura has caught the attention of the talent spotters behind a key podcast fellowship.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
WA’s challenge to keep the lights on with more solar and less coal
The Australian Energy Market Operator’s annual review of the power system serving WA’s populous south-west predicted a need for new generation from 2025 and more than 300 megawatts by 2031.
- by Peter Milne
Opinion
World markets
Wall Street’s implosion is terrible news for Biden - and it’s going to get worse
After months of dithering, Fed chair Jerome Powell appears ever more serious about reining in inflation. Joe Biden’s re-election hopes could be caught in the crossfire.
- by Jeremy Warner
‘He’ll learn from it’: Souths coach says benched half won’t be scarred
Lachlan Ilias watched the bulk of the contest from the sideline on Thursday night after being sensationally removed from the fray as St George Illawarra ran riot.
- by Caden Helmers
Lawyers told Trump that pressuring Pence to overthrow election was illegal
Things got heated in the White House when lawyers and a former judge were arguing against Trump’s plan, witnesses told the third hearing into the US Capitol riots.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Elon Musk flags job cuts in unorthodox meeting with Twitter staff
In an unusual move for what’s been an unusual takeover bid by the world’s richest man, Tesla CEO Elon Musk met virtually with Twitter employees even though his $US44 billion takeover has not been completed.
- by Barbara Ortutay
Updated
Russia-Ukraine war
Russia sanctions hundreds of Australians including journalists
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has announced it is sanctioning an additional 121 Australian citizens, including our editors, journalists and Defence officials.
Macron decries massacres, war crimes as European leaders visit Ukraine to support Zelensky
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Premier Mario Draghi arrived in Kyiv in “a message of European unity”.
- by David Keyton and Benoit Van Overstraeten
‘Doing the right thing’: Ella welcomes Cook Cup name change
The decision to retire the Cook Cup and replace it with a trophy honouring an Indigenous Wallabies great and an English war hero has been applauded.
- by Iain Payten
Opinion
State of Origin
Why Jake Trbojevic is poised for Origin II recall for NSW
When Brad Fittler took over in 2018, he picked players based on character as much as ability. Subsequently, the Manly enforcer was the first picked. And he’s what the Blues need now.
- by Andrew Webster
Rural escape: Where talking about the weather is more than small talk
As more of us leave city life for quieter locales, some are wondering - can you have a digital career from the bush?
- by Sue White
Karunaratne helps Sri Lanka level ODI series vs Australia
Sri Lanka has evened the five-match, one-day international series against Australia with a 26-run win.
Opinion
CBD
Energy crunch an unexpected boon for Mike Cannon-Brookes
How the crusading anti-fossil fuel billionaire tech bro could win out from Australia’s energy crunch. Plus, a new face at League HQ.
- by Kishor Napier-Raman and Noel Towell
Opinion
Energy
Albanese did not create the energy crisis, but he will have to fix it
The Labor government is electrified at the prospect of two terms in power. But if they can’t keep the lights on, an early outage could be sparked.
- by David Crowe
Exclusive
Public transport
Stalled industrial dispute adds $50 million to Sydney Metro costs
Sydney’s biggest public transport project has been swept up in a long-running dispute between the NSW government and rail unions.
- by Tom Rabe
Energy crisis boosts case for renewables, top policy adviser says
The pressure on the electricity grid highlights the need for a long-term shift away from fossil fuels, the chair of the Energy Security Board says.
- by David Crowe and Mike Foley
Analysis
State Parliament
‘Interstate bromance’: How Dom and Dan became Australia’s power pairing
The alliance between “good bloke” Dominic Perrottet and “great guy” Daniel Andrews has the makings of a significant political partnership.
- by Jordan Baker
‘It’s coming’: Small businesses brace for power bill shock
Hairdressers and other heavy electricity users, who are already struggling to recover from the pandemic, are bracing for their next challenge: higher power bills.
- by Jessica Yun
Exclusive
Gaming & wagering
A Rolex, private jet and chips: How Star courted John Khoury to gamble in Queensland
High-roller John Khoury was banned from casinos in Victoria and NSW, but says The Star was so desperate for him to gamble at its Gold Coast casino that it bought him a $50,000 watch and showered him with perks.
- by Nick McKenzie
Opinion
Work therapy
Am I thin-skinned, or is my colleague’s nagging getting nasty?
A good manager knows how hard constructive criticism is to give, but they need to give it. Your co-worker needs to be told they’re doing a poor job passing judgment on your work.
- by Jonathan Rivett
Revlon, beauty icon in crowded market, files for bankruptcy
The cosmetics giant has been a mainstay on store shelves since its founding 90 years ago in New York City as it oversaw a stable of household names, from Almay to Elizabeth Arden.
- by Anne D’innocenzio
The variety and challenge of being a principal, ‘it’s all gold to me’
St Bernadette’s Primary School Dundas Principal Lisa Gerrard says the beauty of working in a school is that no day is the same.
Ticking crypto time bomb could spark another financial crisis
Decentralised finance, also known as DeFi, is being touted as a better option to existing stuffy financial services. But it’s rife with unregulated middlemen.
- by Dominic Powell
Letters
Letters
Energy companies are holding all Australians to ransom
This is what happens when essential services like gas and electricity are handed over by governments to private businesses that are only interested in maximising profits.
Will home buyers be better off paying stamp duty or property tax?
Swapping stamp duty for a property tax could save some home buyers serious cash, with new modelling showing it could be the better option for those looking to hold their home for the medium to short term.
- by Kate Burke
Exclusive
NSW budget
Waterfront walkway to link Sydney Opera House and Parramatta
A 91-kilometre pathway linking the Opera House to Parramatta Park will become one of the city’s longest and most iconic walking and cycling routes.
- by Alexandra Smith
From the Archives 1972: Whoosh! Concorde’s first Sydney landing
With an ear-splitting roar and trailing a cloud of black smoke, the supersonic Concorde flew into Sydney for the first time on June 17, 1972.
- by Jack Percival
Universal paid domestic violence leave to be minister’s first act
Tony Burke says legislating 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave as a universal right would be his first parliamentary act.
- by Angus Thompson
Dragons 32 Rabbitohs 12
Match report
Dragons turn back the clock as opening blitz stuns Souths
St George Illawarra’s scoreless second half took some zip out of the contest, but they move into the top eight for the first time since round two.
- by Caden Helmers
Former Demons president Glen Bartlett claims ‘threats, deceitful conduct’
Former Melbourne president Glen Bartlett has opened up about the club’s off-field drama, claiming he and his partner have “been subjected to threats, deceitful conduct, and a public campaign to discredit us professionally and personally”.
- by Jon Pierik
Kevin Spacey appears at UK court to face sex assault charges
The actor “strenuously” denies the allegations, his lawyer said as the 62-year-old made his first appearance at a British court to face charges dating back almost 20 years.
- by Michael Holden
Exclusive
Electricity
NSW given emergency powers to direct coal companies to provide fuel to electricity generators
In an extraordinary development in NSW’s energy crisis, Kean met the governor late on Thursday to seek the powers, which gives him authority to force coal and logistics companies to deliver fuel.
- by Alexandra Smith
Albanese to attend NATO summit, invited to visit Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky has invited the Australian PM to visit Kyiv, an invitation he could take up after he joins world leaders at a NATO summit in Europe later this month.
- by David Crowe
The Cauliflower
Australian rugby
Rugby Australia poach first NRL talent ... from head office
When Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan baited league fans last month with a threat to raid the NRL for its best talent, no one saw this twist coming.
- by Georgina Robinson, Iain Payten and Tom Decent
NRL 2022 LIVE updates: Six tries, 26 minutes as Red V boil the Bunnies
The Rabbitohs stayed on the bus and the Dragons ran riot in response, setting up a comfortable win that revives hopes of an unlikely finals appearance.
- by Dan Walsh
COVID-19 reinfection warning as new Omicron strain becomes dominant
The BA.5 Omicron sub-variant is overtaking BA.2 as the most prevalent coronavirus infection in NSW.
- by Mary Ward and Lucy Carroll
Teacher shortages could undermine plan for extra year of education
The NSW government’s universal pre-kindergarten reforms were met with praise from the early childhood sector, but experts warned more educators were needed.
- by Daniella White
Analysis
NRL 2022
Why are the Knights rusting away in Steel City?
Adam O’Brien is confident the Knights can eventually resolve issues that have been ingrained for “close to two decades”.
- by Caden Helmers
Australia news LIVE: AEMO continues energy trading suspension; VIC, NSW making major investment in kindergartens
Follow along on our live blog for the major news of the day.
- by Roy Ward, Amelia McGuire and Josh Dye
Push to allow medicinal cannabis users the right to drive
A NSW inquiry has considered a bill that would let people get on with their lives while continuing to take their medicine, including driving cars.
Gaze officially a legend, Daniels scores draft invite
Andrew Gaze will officially become a Basketball Australia legend next month while Dyson Daniels has been invited to attend the NBA Draft in person.
- by Roy Ward
Buddy back for Swans but Hickey in the reserves
The Swans have regained star veteran Lance Franklin from suspension but ruckman Tom Hickey has been overlooked for Saturday’s clash against Port Adelaide in Adelaide.
- by Malcolm Conn
Coal the burning issue in energy crisis
The eastern seaboard has been threatened with rolling blackout risks followed by an unprecedented market failure.
- by Mike Foley
Tight jobs market adds to pressure on Reserve Bank to accelerate rate rises
The number of people looking for a job or underemployed has dropped to its lowest level in 40 years as the unemployment rate remains steady at 3.9 per cent.
- by Rachel Clun
Updated
Tragedy
Perth worker dies at North Coogee salt refinery
Emergency crews were focusing on a conveyor belt, with a large blanket draped over a section.
- by Heather McNeill
Exclusive
Schools
Bondi school parents slam decision to ban outdoor play before class
A decision to restrict students from using the playground before school started has sparked an angry response.
- by Lucy Carroll
Star should keep licence as key people to blame for failures have left: lawyer
Senior managers who have since resigned are responsible for the casino’s past failures and should not stop a renewed company from continuing to operate, its lawyer says.
- by Jack Gramenz
China feud helps push Australia down to 27th in peace index
New Zealand is the second most peaceful country in the world according to the index. Ukraine slid 17 spots to 153.
- by Latika Bourke
Computer mouses or computer mice? Let the people decide
After years of fielding language questions, I’ve learnt it’s unwise to be definitive about definitions.
- by David Astle
O’Connor open to fullback switch for England series
Quade Cooper and James O’Connor are poised to battle it out for the Wallabies No.10 jersey but, the latter says he’d consider a move elsewhere in the backline.
- by Tom Decent
Fluffy rodents ‘started Black Death and killed off half of Europe’
Harmless-looking marmots may have harboured the Black Death in Kyrgyzstan before it spread via the Silk Road.
- by Sarah Knapton
Exclusive
ABC
‘Heartfelt apology’: ABC news boss expresses sorrow over racism
ABC news director Justin Stevens said he was disturbed by an internal report that found ABC staff had experienced racism and bigotry at the public broadcaster.
- by Matthew Knott
Buffalo shooting suspect charged with federal hate crimes as chilling details emerge
Payton Gendron, the gunman at the centre of the Buffalo massacre in May, has been charged with 26 hate crimes that make him eligible for the death penalty.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Frank Zumbo exposed himself to witness on park bench, court told
A woman has told a Sydney court former MP Craig Kelly’s office manager spent years kissing and sexually touching her.
- by Greta Stonehouse
WA conviction appeal law to correct errors ‘within the halls of justice’
Western Australia’s parliament has passed new legislation providing a further avenue of appeal for people convicted of serious crimes.
- by Michael Ramsey
Sarah Ferguson on the darkness she’s seen in the US, trust, and 7.30
She’s one of Australia’s best interviewers and the Gold Walkley Award winner is about to take over the reins at the ABC’s 7.30.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
Exclusive
Parenting
When it comes to kids, mothers are saddled with the ‘mental load’
The particulars of running children’s lives are boundless, enduring, invisible and stressful, but who does it all is rarely measured. New research finds it is almost always mothers.
- by Wendy Tuohy
Aid group anger as Israel convicts Palestinian World Vision worker of supporting terrorists
A judge is set to rule on whether to dissolve the charity in Israel later this month.
- by Henriette Chacar
The bad, the bold, the historic: Six decades of big Logies moments
Forget who won or lost, TV’s night of nights is all about those moments when the presenters and winners went wildly off script.
- by Michael Idato
Dawson asked teammate if he knew anyone who could ‘get rid of his wife’, court told
Robert Silkman has given evidence at the NSW Supreme Court murder trial of Chris Dawson about a Newtown Jets end-of-season trip to the Gold Coast in 1975.
- by Sarah McPhee
Updated
AFL 2022
AFL suspends Bulldog Bailey Smith for two matches
Western Bulldog star Bailey Smith has been handed a two-match ban by the AFL after photographs and video emerged of him taking an illicit drug.
- by Jake Niall
Cleary reveals blood clot on lungs sent him to ICU
The Penrith coach spent last Saturday in Mater Hospital’s ICU in North Sydney after his ongoing knee infection escalated dramatically.
- by Dan Walsh
Nils Frahm’s music: a mind-altering beat or a mind-calming tone?
After eight years since his first run of sold-out shows at the Sydney Opera House, Nils Frahm returns to the building, to soothe Sydney audiences.
- by Bernard Zuel
‘Significant concerns’: $3b takeover of Aussie giant in jeopardy as ACCC spooks investors
The competition watchdog says the takeover of administration services giant Link could impact all property transactions in Australia.
- by Sarah Danckert
Slow moments of stillness that lacked luminosity
The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra’s latest performance of Eybler’s String Quintet in D major has lightness but lacked light.
- by Peter McCallum
Opinion
Energy security
Our energy crisis has been a decade in the making. Don’t expect a quick solution
The chaos and dysfunction in the national electricity market this week flows from the collision of a number of unexpected events with long-term vulnerabilities.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
New Zealand ditches COVID tests for inbound travellers
The shift comes ahead of the opening weekend of the ski season. Lifts are already moving at South Island resorts following a large snow dump last week.
- by Ben McKay
Updated
Australian Grand Prix
‘Hard bargain’ driven to keep Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park
The Australian Grand Prix will remain at Albert Park until at least 2035 after the Victorian government signed a 10-year contract extension, saying it had to drive a “hard bargain” in the face of extreme competition.
- by Nell Geraets
Those spectacular sunrises and sunsets? Scientists point to Tonga volcano eruption
An unusual spike in aerosols in the stratosphere above New Zealand is the likely cause for several weeks of vibrant and spectacular sunrises and sunsets over Australia’s east coast, scientists say.
- by Amelia McGuire