Zac Lomax named for Australia A debut against USA
The former NRL player will line up at outside centre in New Jersey as he pursues a place in Australia's 2027 World Cup squad.
Australian Herald: news from across Australia
In brief
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.
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.
Best retains Kangaroos centre spot as World Cup selection contest builds
Latrell Mitchell has again missed out at left centre, with coach Kevin Walters facing a selection decision before the 8 November semi-final.
So You Are wins Bendigo Cup but Melbourne Cup berth remains uncertain
The gelding needs a 1.5kg handicap penalty to move into the top 24 in the Melbourne Cup entry order.
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Jamie Melham waits on Melbourne Cup berth for Future History
Future History is 25th in the entry order for the 24-horse race, leaving the defending champion jockey needing another withdrawal.
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Victorian crime website owner admits using fictional reporter identities
Craig Winder says Philippines-based writers produce stories credited to an invented Australian reporting team on Victoria Crime News.
SA snapper ban could ease from July, subject to stock tests
The rebuilding plan would introduce catch quotas and reporting rules, while fishers have questioned sampling and future management.
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.
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.
Bega asks northern Queensland farmers to lift milk output
The dairy processor wants 20 to 30% more milk delivered to Malanda, but farmers say stronger prices and new producers are needed.
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.
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.
Saint George withdrawn from Melbourne Cup after veterinary scans
Racing Victoria stewards have barred the Ciaron Maher-trained horse from the rest of the 2026 Spring Racing Carnival over injury concerns.
Devils retain Robbie Fox in staff position after ending playing stint
The club says behavioural expectations were considered alongside its football priorities when deciding against another VFL contract for Fox.
Marinkovich puts World Cup preparation ahead of coaching future
The Diamonds have no competitive matches scheduled before their title defence in Sydney after losing the Constellation Cup series 3-1.
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.