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Women’s World Cup LIVE: Kerr named to start, ill Kennedy at home for Matildas while England names unchanged side
It might just be the biggest match in Australian sporting history, and we’ll be live all the way as the Matildas take on England for a place in the World Cup final.
- by Dan Walsh and Roy Ward
Exclusive
State Parliament
Government probe after former secretary takes job with building giant
Planning Minister Paul Scully has ordered a review after Michael Cassel took up a senior role with Walker Corp just months after leaving the public service.
- by Michael McGowan
‘Historic day’ as opposition parties pile on Labor over integrity reform
The Coalition and the Victorian Greens passed legislation through the state upper house that would have given greater powers to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.
- by Kieran Rooney
New $3.5 billion incentive for states to lift housing target
National cabinet has backed a deal on housing that sets a new target to build 1.2 million homes over five years, and moves to set national principles on renters’ rights.
- by David Crowe
Updated
World markets
Miners, tech companies sink ASX as China’s struggles rattle investors
The ASX has dropped sharply, following falls on overseas sharemarkets as China raises worries about the global economy.
- by Millie Muroi
Marles to frame Labor as party of defence as tensions emerge over ‘stifling’ conference rules
Two party figures say open debate at the party’s triennial conference is being shut down.
- by David Crowe, Paul Sakkal and James Massola
‘Real and growing threat’: Almost every state government body hit in cyberattack surge
The state’s auditor-general says 90 per cent of government agencies suffered cybersecurity incidents last year, and attacks seriously disrupted key services.
- by Rachel Eddie
★★★★½
Review
Inspired by something which never existed, Godland is one of year’s best films
Godland is a bone-chilling, eye-dazzling, heart-wrenching film – both an epic saga of landscape cinema and a terrifying philosophical voyage.
- by Paul Byrnes
Analysis
Affordable housing
Albanese goes back to the future for housing reform
Giving the states a kick up the bum while offering them cash to really put more housing stock into the market is one step to repairing the damage caused by decades of poor policy.
- by Shane Wright
The Scoop
AFL 2023
‘Staying at Sydney’: AFL’s head of football role not for Tom Harley
The Sydney Swans chief was considered a frontrunner for the league’s head of football role, but says he won’t be applying.
- by Sam McClure
Record traffic and inflation drive toll road bonanza
Road traffic growth and inflation-linked toll rises helped tollway giant Transurban earn nearly $1 billion from Melbourne’s drivers.
- by Simon Johanson
Retail sales slide, but Vicinity shopping centres prove ‘resilient’
Visitors to the retail property group’s sites, including Melbourne’s Chadstone, climbed more than a third following a recovery in tourism and as more workers returned to the office.
- by Stephen Miles
Opinion
Women of Influence
Why appointing a female CEO to run a big company doesn’t feel like progress
What passes for success – or even progress – is still a low bar.
- by Elizabeth Knight
Why trees in this east Melbourne suburb are disappearing at night
The city’s leafy eastern suburbs are quickly losing their greenery as private development and illegal tree-removing operations sweep the area.
- by Najma Sambul
Sicilian airport reopens after Europe’s largest volcano erupted
Thousands of flights were cancelled and travellers grounded after Sicily’s Mt Etna erupted at an altitude of about 2700 metres, causing chaos for holidaymakers.
- by Lucy Cormack
Voice sparking racism, should be called off: Lidia Thorpe
The independent senator reversed her previous commitment to avoid campaigning for a so-called “progressive No” and railed against what she labelled a powerless and patronising Voice.
- by Paul Sakkal
Pauline Hanson did not defame sexual harasser, court rules
An appeal court overturned former senator Brian Burston’s $250,000 defamation win and said he had repeatedly inflicted “unwanted and unwelcome verbal and physical sexual behaviour” on two female staff members.
- by Michaela Whitbourn
Nausea, tension, mind games and glory: How a penalty shootout works
A penalty shootout is one of the most dramatic situations in sport, and the stakes in a knockout match of a World Cup could not be higher. But what are the rules and the tactics?
- by Marnie Vinall
Dozens of Victorian senior public servants axed, Treasury left without senior trio
The Andrews government has sacked 49 Department of Justice executives, while three deputy secretaries have left the Treasury.
- by Annika Smethurst and Cameron Houston
Dear Merri Creek: Veteran litter picker’s love letter to waterway
Two volunteer Merri Creek rubbish removers of 30 years found $100 in the water – and donated it back to the creek.
- by Carolyn Webb
As it happened: National housing target to be increased; Matildas prepare for Women’s World Cup semi-final clash with England
Housing on the agenda for national cabinet meets in Brisbane, Australia prepares for the Matildas to play England and four Australians found after being lost at sea.
- by Caroline Schelle and Josefine Ganko
Opinion
FIFA Women's World Cup
This World Cup’s been a huge success, but for one Olympic-sized fail
The Sydney Olympics set the standard for promoting Australia to the world. This Women’s World Cup is a reminder of how to get it all wrong.
- by Anthony Dennis
Pacific Championships another big step as PNG closes in on 18th NRL licence
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has again reiterated his desire for PNG to become the NRL’s next franchise, and is putting his money where his mouth is.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Exclusive
Missing person
‘They couldn’t see us’: Rescue plane flew over lost Australians five times
As the four Australians recounted their ordeal, more details emerged about the 36 hours they were missing at sea and about the plight of an Indonesian man still missing.
- by Chris Barrett, Amilia Rosa and Karuni Rompies
Iranian women forced to wash corpses for refusing to wear veil
The punishments highlight a widening crackdown on women and girls, as Iranian MPs vote to review, behind closed doors, new laws that would enshrine penalties.
- by Lucy Cormack
Woodside given a week to pay up to avoid strike
If agreement is not reached next Wednesday then industrial action is almost certain, according to a union source.
- by Peter Milne
‘They get painted as villains’: SBW reacts to Pangai, Haas bombshells
Even Sonny Bill Williams, a friend and mentor to Payne Haas and Tevita Pangai jnr, said he was taken aback by the latter’s shock career call.
- by Adrian Proszenko
‘Disillusioned’: North Korea claims US soldier defected because of inequality in America
It’s the regime’s first official confirmation of detention of Private 2nd Class Travis King, who bolted across the border while on a tour on July 18.
Opinion
Inside China
Xi Jinping under pressure as China’s troubles deepen
The Chinese president has so far resisted pulling the trigger on a major move to revive the world’s second-biggest economy. But the push is on.
- by Jill Disis
Kitten found in stolen vehicle after crime spree police chase
The gray-and-white male cat was perched under a seat in the stolen vehicle, which collided with a police car during a chase.
AFL Briefing
AFL 2023
De Goey, Hill out of Lions clash; Concussion stops Seedsman; Star Bombers push for recall
Jordan De Goey and Bobby Hill have already been ruled out of Collingwood’s top-of-the-table clash with the Brisbane Lions; and Pie-turned Crow Paul Seedsman’s career ends because of head injuries.
- by Damien Ractliffe and Jon Pierik
Drinks giant Endeavour cheers profits as Australians flock to pubs, pokies
Consumers keep heading out to bars and bistros despite the rising cost of living, but the drinks retailer warns its recent double-digit growth can’t continue.
- by Jessica Yun and Amelia McGuire
Guys and Dolls shakes off the shackles of its time
This wrap of live shows includes Guys and Dolls at Chapel Off Chapel, Escaped Alone and What If If Only, an anniversary performance by The Beasts and more.
- by Sonia Nair, Tony Way, Kate Herbert and Martin Boulton
The Blind Side family reject claims they cheated footballer son
The family portrayed in the film about the life of former USA NFL player Michael Oher have rejected his claims that he was tricked and exploited.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
‘Waterfall effect’: Recession looms as more businesses face collapse
Most of the experts involved in corporate insolvencies warn Australia will tip into a recession in the next 12 months.
- by Sarah Danckert
KPMG boss takes a pay hit as deal flow slows
Consulting giant KPMG Australia boss Andrew Yates’ pay packet has shrunk by $600,000 in the past financial year, as a softer local economy took its toll on available consulting work.
- by Colin Kruger
Opinion
US politics
How Trump’s ‘Co-conspirator No. 1’ went from hero to crank
Legal experts on both sides say, given the allegations in the indictment, Rudi Giuliani is likely to be the subject of a formal prosecution in the matter at some point.
- by Bill Wyman
Analysis
Death cap case
The 12 deadly questions in the mushroom mystery
Were tests conducted on Erin Patterson in hospital that could shed light on the mystery of the deceased trio of Leongatha lunch guests?
- by John Silvester
Analysis
US politics
Road back to the White House for Trump now passes through four different courtrooms
The charges in Georgia under anti-organised crime laws carry a penalty of between five and 20 years in prison. Crucially for Trump, they are also unpardonable.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Kah free to ride in spring carnival, with white powder hearing to be held after Melbourne Cup
Star jockey Jamie Kah intends to plead not guilty to charges of bringing racing into disrepute over images of her pictured cutting lines of a white powder.
- by Damien Ractliffe
Scrapped Shrine to Sea bike path could be revived – but at a cost to cars
The government axed plans for a controversial separated bike lane that would cut speed limits and a lane of traffic – but a local council has been lashed for putting it back on the agenda.
- by Cara Waters
Mirvac, Dexus swing to losses on empty offices
Falling office property valuations, bad weather and the effects of rising interest rates have become strong headwinds for the two major real estate investment groups.
- by Carolyn Cummins
Opinion
FIFA Women's World Cup
I’m a Pom in Australia – and I’m supporting the Matildas against England
The nation is fast becoming a green-and-gold-tinged emotional mess, but it’s also creating an awkward dilemma for a million British expats living here.
- by Lucie Morris-Marr
Attenborough got Opera House film made; NSW made sure it was never seen again – or so they thought
A meat cleaver was taken to the 1968 documentary, which detailed the cost-cutting and compromises that led to the resignation of Danish architect Jørn Utzon, in the basement of the BBC.
- by Julie Power
Updated
US politics
The legal troubles of former US president Donald Trump
As he campaigns for the Republican nomination for the 2024 US election, the legal troubles facing former president Donald Trump continue to grow.
‘Might be in love again’: Rupert Murdoch reportedly dating Roman Abramovich’s former mother-in-law
Elena Zhukova, who has been divorced twice, has lived in America since leaving Russia in 1991 and is a friend of Murdoch’s third wife Wendi Deng.
- by Gordon Rayner
Updated
NRL 2023
‘We don’t think it is an error’: Tigers call time on Sheens but refuse to call appointment a mistake
After a horror first season back in charge, Wests Tigers announced Tim Sheens won’t be coach next year and that he will not return to his previous role as general manager.
- by Michael Chammas and Adam Pengilly
‘What do you have to do to get the VC?’ Posthumous award in limbo 55 years after conflict
Former governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove says he was “blown away” by the bravery of Private Richard Norden.
- by Tim Barlass
Opinion
Rugby World Cup
For the sake of rugby, England captain Owen Farrell must be banned
England captain Owen Farrell has been handed a remarkable reprieve and is free to play at the World Cup after his red card for a dangerous tackle against Wales was overturned.
- by Oliver Brown
Five burning questions as Matildas take on England in World Cup semi-final
How will Tony Gustavsson manage squad fatigue, and what if it goes to penalties? We answer all the big queries ahead of the biggest game in Australian history.
- by Emma Kemp
Elon Musk’s X accused of throttling traffic to websites he dislikes
The company formerly known as Twitter has begun slowing the speed with which users can access links to the New York Times, Facebook and other news organisations and online competitors.
- by Jeremy B. Merrill and Drew Harwell
Opinion
Global economy
The good, the bad and the very ugly: Chinese giant faces collapse
Once China’s biggest real estate developer, Country Garden is on the edge. And doubts are growing over whether its 41-year-old major shareholder will dip into her fortune to try to rescue it.
- by Shuli Ren
‘We have tried everything’: Plane breakdown forces German foreign minister to cancel Australia trip
Annalena Baerbock’s trip was designed to deepen Germany and Australia’s collaboration in supporting Ukraine and in dealing with China.
- by Latika Bourke
Far and wide: Where the Matildas started their journeys to World Cup glory
Matildas striker Cortnee Vine is just one of the squad members to learn her skills in the sunshine state.
- by Billie Eder
Three arrested in Russian espionage investigation face charges in UK
Last year, Britain’s domestic spy chief said more than 400 suspected Russian spies had been expelled from Europe.
Bend it like Jezza: Did the AFL snub Cameron’s ‘Clayton’s’ goal?
Could the goal that wasn’t a goal end up a goal of the year contender? And, eagle-eyed viewers spot a footy journeyman’s reality TV appearance.
- by Peter Ryan
World Cup shootout or a 12-foot wipeout? The mind games of sport’s scariest moments
The loneliest walk in sport is from halfway to the penalty spot, with the whole world watching. The loneliest wait might be sitting in the middle of the Pacific, with a 12-foot monster heading your way.
- by Dan Walsh
Think classical music isn’t the place for electric guitar? Think again
Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 2024 season includes a Scottish guitarist wunderkind, a Sydney Dance Company collaboration, and a tour of their award-winning score.
- by Hannah Story
Madame Cezanne steps out of the paintings to tell her hidden story
Angela O’Keeffe follows up her novel about Blue poles by giving voice to Hortense Fiquet Cezanne, the wife of the great impressionist painter.
- by Fiona Gruber
Analysis
Superannuation
The simple step that could seriously boost your super savings
Taking a little more investment risk can add tens of thousands of dollars to your super balance by retirement.
- by John Collett
Opinion
Renting
Lowe is right: New York’s soaring rents shows why freezes won’t work
In his final appearance before parliament as Reserve Bank governor, Philip Lowe voiced his opposition towards rent freezes or caps. He may have a point.
- by William Bennett
Analysis
Retirement living
More retirement villages ditch capital gain sharing in contract revamp
Retirement village contracts are moving away from giving residents a share of the capital gain on their unit.
- by Rachel Lane
Analysis
Investing
Australian shares beating out global peers over the very long run
An initial investment 30 years ago in the Australian share market, without adding to it, would have grown more than 13 times.
- by John Collett
‘Very hurtful’: Here’s why you can’t buy Mackenzie Arnold’s jersey - yet
The Matildas star and Mary Earps, her English counterpart, will be mortal enemies on Wednesday night - but when it comes to Nike’s decision not to sell goalkeeper jerseys, they’ve found common ground.
- by Vince Rugari
‘I love Sam Kerr, but I love Luke Combs more’: Why Latrell’s skipping Matildas
Souths ace Latrell Mitchell is right behind the Matildas, but has a more important date at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday night.
- by Christian Nicolussi
‘This is only the beginning’: Matildas are ready for the biggest night of their lives
Is this the “Cathy Freeman moment” the Matildas wanted to give to Australia? Hopefully not. Hopefully, this is just the entree.
- by Vince Rugari and Emma Kemp
Consultancy giant boss a no-show at inquiry after Canberra spray
The Deloitte chieftain conceded his pay was too high in his last big public grilling. Maybe it’s no surprise he is skipping this one.
- by David Estcourt and Kishor Napier-Raman
Exclusive
ALP
Union push for worker representatives on RBA and Future Fund
CFMMEU national secretary Zach Smith says ordinary Australians cannot afford to see the two bodies stacked with “captains of industry with little insight into their daily struggles”.
- by Paul Sakkal and James Massola
State parliament has sat on MP, staff safety plan for two years
An independent commissioner examining complaints levelled at state MPs won’t be established until later this year, despite a cross-party committee calling for the change more than two years ago.
- by Broede Carmody
Opinion
Ask an expert
My friends all earn more than me, how do I not feel left behind?
Satisfaction with our financial lives isn’t just about how much money we have, it’s more to do with how we compare to others.
- by Paridhi Jain
Exclusive
Housing affordability
Voters spurn idea of early poll over housing deadlock
Voters are split on whether the federal stoush over housing policy is important enough to trigger a double-dissolution election, but a clear majority has rejected the idea of going to the polls before 2025 even if the deadlock continues.
- by David Crowe
England have outpassed and outscored us. These stats reveal the Matildas’ edge
The Matildas face a foe they know well when they take on the Lionesses for a place in the World Cup final. Here’s where a blockbuster semi-final might well be won or lost.
- by Adam Pengilly
Spam with your order? DoorDash fined for flooding customers, drivers with promos
The popular delivery service has copped a $2 million fine for spamming customers, including more than 500,000 people who had asked to unsubscribe to its promotions.
- by Sarah Danckert
Where to watch the Matildas in Melbourne on Wednesday night
The Matildas will take on England in the semi-final, kicking off at 8pm Wednesday – fresh off the back of a nail-biting penalty shootout win against France.
- by Alex Crowe and Katherine Scott
Women’s World Cup as it happened: Spain qualify for first World Cup final after dramatic 2-1 victory over Sweden
Spain defeated the highest-ranked side left in the World Cup, Sweden, in a dramatic 90-minute showdown in Auckland to qualify for their first World Cup final.
- by Billie Eder
Outrage about a holiday we might actually relate to
Readers respond to the push for a Matildas public holiday; The Voice; and seas rising in the Pacific.
‘Australia is not just Sam Kerr’: Lionesses are ready to spoil Matildas’ moment
What the Matildas are feeling right now, England experienced last year when they won the Euros at home. Now they’re ready to ruin Australia’s party.
- by Vince Rugari
Thanks to the Matildas, everyone gets a guernsey
The Matildas and the World Cup show there’s room for all in Australia’s sporting ethos.
- by Greg Baum
Kinder surprise: 1100 kids in limbo as council pulls plug on kinder services
A Melbourne council will shut down dozens of kindergartens while another municipality is considering closing its kinder facilities due to cost pressures linked to the state government’s free kinder program.
- by Cara Waters
Labor member was enrolled after he had dementia and even after death
Branch memberships are a point of influence within Labor, with larger member rolls providing factional leaders with more votes at state conferences to shape party policy.
- by Annika Smethurst, Kieran Rooney and Broede Carmody
Analysis
Victorian Parliament
Why no one wants to look for the Labor Party’s signature forgers
Victoria’s integrity bodies aren’t set up to deal with misconduct like this. It means the Labor Party will be more focused on the leakers than the forgers.
- by Annika Smethurst
Seven police interviewed, station raided over ‘false’ non-binary claims
Victoria Police has interviewed seven male officers accused of identifying as non-binary to exploit a $1300 force clothing allowance for women.
- by Cameron Houston