Dearden picked ahead of Walker as Kangaroos change halves again
Reece Walsh returns at fullback against the Cook Islands, while Ethan Strange could make his Test debut from the bench.
Australian Herald: news from across Australia
In brief
Parliament IT and cyber project budget put at about A$40 million
Network segmentation is an early priority, while a new risk team is reviewing 104 historical assessments marked complete without evidence.
Lambie challenges One Nation candidate over cartoon mocking her health
Cartoon creator Mark Nicholson refused to apologise, while Jacqui Lambie said Pauline Hanson had not apologised to her personally.
Dean Solomon rejoins Gold Coast as assistant coach
The former Essendon interim coach returns to the Suns after previously spending 10 years at the club.
Raiders withdraw A$4.4 million contract offer to Hudson Young
The PNG Chiefs remain a potential destination for the NSW forward, but his salary cap valuation is still an issue.
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Bulldogs pledge to re-draft Garcia after delisting
The midfielder remains contracted for another year, but hamstring problems restricted him to one VFL match for the season.
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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.
Lambie challenges One Nation candidate over cartoon mocking her health
Cartoon creator Mark Nicholson refused to apologise, while Jacqui Lambie said Pauline Hanson had not apologised to her personally.
Coalition puts proposed budget savings at A$31.3 billion
The partial costings cover cuts to climate and housing programs, alongside plans to remove welfare and NDIS eligibility from permanent residents.
South Coast rail promised A$6.8 billion overhaul under NSW Labor
The election commitment would extend electric services to Bomaderry, with planning expected to start in 2027 and construction completed in the mid to late 2030s.
Foodbank reports rise in Australian households going hungry
The charity's 2026 report puts the number at 3.6 million households, with 69% of those experiencing food insecurity affected for the first time.
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.
NAB workers face contest for remaining roles under job cuts
The bank plans to eliminate 2,500 positions by June, including 1,500 before Christmas, with corporate staff most affected.
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.
Parliament IT and cyber project budget put at about A$40 million
Network segmentation is an early priority, while a new risk team is reviewing 104 historical assessments marked complete without evidence.
IAG puts finance data clean-up at centre of SAP migration
The insurer says removing 40% of its company codes has reduced migration requirements and helped finance teams close accounts faster.
ABC wipes staff devices after exposure to spyware-linked ads
The broadcaster says it has found no evidence of compromise, while researchers say more than two dozen Australian organisations were targeted.
Government counters ESA offer for Bennell-Pegg space flight
The Commonwealth has not revealed its proposed financial contribution, with a response from the European Space Agency expected by the end of 2026.
AGL records 500,000 customer passkey enrolments
The utility says customers using passkeys typically cut their average login time by 30 seconds, with adoption reaching 30.5%.
Sam Wright to leave Collingwood after final AFLW round
Wright's three-season tenure will end against Essendon at Windy Hill, with Collingwood having won just one of its 11 games.
Roosters withdraw Sam Walker contract extension offer
The halfback’s manager says negotiations could resume after the club and player failed to agree on terms for a deal beyond 2027.
Wheelaroos prepare for home World Cup in Wollongong
Australia's fourth-ranked wheelchair rugby league team will compete for its first world title, with matches receiving prime-time free-to-air coverage.
Smith tests sore neck as Australia weigh side for Cape Town decider
Australia will confirm their XI at the toss, with Cameron Green fit again and several batting and bowling positions still in contention.
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.