SA ministers acknowledge pressure on A$3.2 billion hospital budget
Lendlease is expected to provide a final construction price in late 2026 or early 2027, before the government considers any budget increase.
Australian Herald: news from across Australia
In brief
Telstra uses Microsoft AI agent to reconcile migration payments
Microsoft says the agent supports more than 272,000 service migrations, with recommendation accuracy above 95%.
Michael Clarke says discipline issues drove 2013 ‘homeworkgate’ bans
The former Australian captain backed coach Mickey Arthur’s decision but now says the penalty was heavy and communication should have been better.
Australian inflation reaches 4.3% ahead of RBA rate decision
Underlying inflation also increased in September, with the annual trimmed mean reaching 3.6% before the Reserve Bank's November meeting.
Sheza Alibi draws barrier six for A$10 million Golden Eagle
Autumn Boy will start alongside Sheza Alibi in barrier five, while Beiwacht drew gate 10 for the Group 1 race at Royal Randwick.
More top stories
Australia take Cape Town Test lead with four batters passing 50
Josh Inglis finished unbeaten on 85 and Alex Carey on 51 as Australia reached 4-330, replying to South Africa’s 329 in the series decider.
Latest
All latest
WA moves towards legalising plug-in solar panels and batteries
Consultation on a safety standard will examine how to prevent the devices from overloading household power circuits.
Northern NSW rescue helicopter review finds harassment response inadequate
The service has committed to all 31 recommendations after an independent review found workplace problems but no effect on patient safety.
Hail reaches seven centimetres as storms hit south-east Queensland
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of destructive winds and possible flash flooding, while police urged drivers to avoid floodwaters after three rescues.
Officials contradict PM's explanation for A$6 million golf club grant
Infrastructure Department officials say the Marrickville project excludes sewerage works, despite Anthony Albanese telling parliament the funding would address sewage spills.
Police help deliver baby after stopping speeding car near Warrnambool
Baby Ashlee arrived within two minutes, before an ambulance could reach the family, who were 4 kilometres from hospital.
NT utility losses exceed A$500 million amid gas supply disruption
Eni's Blacktip platform remains shut after cyclone damage, leaving Power and Water Corporation reliant on other gas suppliers.
Union and analyst warn of loopholes in gas reservation plan
Proposed laws would require exporters to reserve the equivalent of up to 20% of production for domestic buyers, but critics question how obligations would be set.
Airbnb to ban check-out chore lists for guests paying cleaning fees
A Sydney host club leader says basic tasks are reasonable but acknowledges some property owners have demanded too much.
Snowy 2.0 cost could reach A$25 billion as completion slips to 2029
Snowy Hydro has set a target cost of A$22 billion, with provision for another A$3 billion if needed.
Alinta Energy drops Oven Mountain pumped hydro plans
The proposed A$1.8 billion development in northern NSW has been deemed unviable, with Alinta citing economic and timing difficulties.
Australian inflation reaches 4.3% ahead of RBA rate decision
Underlying inflation also increased in September, with the annual trimmed mean reaching 3.6% before the Reserve Bank's November meeting.
NextDC loses 40% as power constraints force forecast cuts
The data centre operator has put new developments and land purchases on hold while electricity and planning delays affect its Melbourne expansion.
Firmus float withdrawal raises questions over Tasmanian projects
Opponents of three northern Tasmanian data centre proposals welcomed the withdrawal, while Firmus said it remained able to pursue its plans.
Firmus plans to allocate about half of IPO to existing investors
The Australian data centre operator has set an A$11 share price and is due to begin trading on the ASX on 23 October.
TAFE NSW uses SAP WalkMe to reduce staff support requests
A case study reports a 24% decline in support calls and tickets as the provider guides 17,000 employees through procurement and expense software.
Telstra uses Microsoft AI agent to reconcile migration payments
Microsoft says the agent supports more than 272,000 service migrations, with recommendation accuracy above 95%.
MP's partner develops tool to document online abuse
Launceston engineer Liam McGrath-Bishop says Clarify gathers evidence of threatening social media comments that can be passed to police.
Southern Cross Credit Union puts AI on account balance calls
The credit union says its Nova assistant handles 7% of calls, with plans to add answers to general enquiries.
Tungkillo residents raise noise and light concerns over data centre plan
Quantum DC plans a 1,200-megawatt hub east of Adelaide, but the state government says it has not received a formal development application.
Collingwood to commission independent review of AFLW program
The Magpies are 17th with one win ahead of their final match of 2026, with coach Sam Wright and captain Ruby Schleicher set to leave.
Kurtley Beale recalled to Wallabies squad for UK tour
The 37-year-old replaces Hunter Paisami, who is unavailable for personal reasons, with James Ramm and Kalani Thomas also joining the touring group.
Waller plans Oaks campaign for Your Colour and Tharwa
The two fillies are set to contest the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes at Flemington before a planned move to the Group 1 VRC Oaks.
Michael Clarke says discipline issues drove 2013 ‘homeworkgate’ bans
The former Australian captain backed coach Mickey Arthur’s decision but now says the penalty was heavy and communication should have been better.
Matt Stone to lead Taronga Zoo restaurant revamp
Me-Gal by Matt Stone is due to open in Mosman on 15 December 2026, offering à la carte and set menus to zoo visitors and other diners.
Rosalie Gascoigne exhibition brings Canberra landscapes to the NGA
The exhibition includes works made from discarded materials collected around Canberra and will run from 24 October to 14 February.
Harrie Fasher wins A$70,000 Sculpture by the Sea award
Her steel and bronze sculpture, Unveiling the Edges of the Sky, is among more than 100 works exhibited between Bondi and Tamarama.
Fiona O'Byrne wins Lester portrait prize for Luci, now
The Melbourne artist receives A$50,000, while Perth honours student Yasamin Khadembashi wins the A$10,000 emerging artist award.