Ponga helps New Zealand beat Tonga to reach World Cup final
New Zealand will face either Australia or Samoa after a 34-10 semi-final win, with Kalyn Ponga returning 23 days after breaking his arm.
Australian Herald: news from across Australia
In brief
Payne tops Sandown practice as Supercars finalists face elimination
Seven championship contenders will be reduced to four at Sandown, with each race winner guaranteed a place in the Adelaide grand final.
Powerhouse Parramatta to open with 23-day festival
Five inaugural exhibitions will include a space show, a tribute to shopping malls and British artist Es Devlin’s first Australian exhibition.
Mike Hussey expands Australia consultancy ahead of England T20 series
The former Australian batter's commitments span the Ashes, the 50-over World Cup and cricket's Olympic return at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Mark Potter joins Australian Unity as technology executive
The former Optus CIO succeeds Mark Gay, who retired after just over four years overseeing technology, digital and transformation.
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Utah and Hawaii emerge as options for 2030 Rugby League World Cup
The proposed US tournament could group three to four matches at one stadium, but the hosting move has not been made official.
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Two Queensland reefs named in honour of conservationist John Büsst
Marine scientist Adam Smith proposed the naming to recognise Büsst's campaign to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland to review water options amid Western Downs expansion
A proposed A$32 billion data centre has put water demand under scrutiny, with its developer proposing rainwater harvesting and recycled supplies.
Spirit of Tasmania IV arrives four hours late after fault
A tug escorted the ferry to Geelong, while a separate autopilot incident involving sister ship Spirit V remains under investigation.
Year 5 NAPLAN writing test to switch to paper from 2028
Education ministers have agreed to replace the online writing assessment, while a decision on years 7 and 9 remains outstanding.
Blue Mountains residents push for overnight airport curfew
Hundreds have signed a petition seeking an 11pm–6am curfew as residents raise concerns about aircraft noise and sleep.
RBA brings Prosegur Australia under cash distribution regulation
The Armaguard subsidiary becomes a regulated entity under the Cash Distribution Framework Act 2026 following consultation.
China Southern to suspend Darwin–Guangzhou flights
The last scheduled departure is on 3 December, ending the NT’s only direct air connection with China.
Tasmanian lobster fishers oppose closures tied to salmon antibiotic plan
Salmon Tasmania is seeking emergency approval for florfenicol, with proposed fishing restrictions intended to protect wild seafood exports.
Mater to cut more than 100 pathology jobs within two months
A shift to external providers at Brisbane and Springfield hospitals is expected to affect more than 400 employees over 12 to 18 months.
ACT inflation reaches 4.7% as Canberra businesses report weaker trade
The territory's annual inflation rate exceeded the national figure of 4.3%, while local businesses reported fewer customers and pressure from rising costs.
RBA lifts cash rate to 4.85% as inflation outlook worsens
The board voted six to three for a 25-basis-point rise, with inflation now forecast to reach the target range only in late 2027.
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.
Mark Potter joins Australian Unity as technology executive
The former Optus CIO succeeds Mark Gay, who retired after just over four years overseeing technology, digital and transformation.
Tyro appoints Christina Keing as chief information security officer
The former Deloitte security leader says her initial priorities include using AI to strengthen Tyro’s cyber defences.
Telstra says MessageBank fault fixed after missed-call alerts
Customers reported messages about calls their contacts had not made. Telstra said emergency calls, voice services and mobile data were unaffected.
Toyota Finance Australia completes SAP cloud migration
The 13-month project replaced a 16-year-old system, with planning focused on existing connections and preparing staff for the new platform.
Energy North drops NT data centre power target after regulatory pause
The Northern Territory environment regulator has sought federal advice before setting assessment requirements for the proposed 1 gigawatt project.
Melbourne reach AFLW preliminary finals after 28-point comeback
Paxy Paxman kicked the decisive goal as the Demons beat Geelong by four points, with Chloe Scheer missing a late chance to win.
Jannik Sinner ends coaching partnership with Darren Cahill
Reports point to Sweden's Magnus Norman as the replacement for the Australian coach, who began working with Sinner in 2022.
Eight-year-old Kwon Bee Sim claims historic Northbridge golf title
The Sydney Year 3 student, who has a handicap of 10, sealed her final-round victory with five holes remaining.
Powerhouse Parramatta to open with 23-day festival
Five inaugural exhibitions will include a space show, a tribute to shopping malls and British artist Es Devlin’s first Australian exhibition.
Sydney Mardi Gras afterparty to return in 2027 at stadium venue
The post-parade celebration will be held beneath Sydney Football Stadium after financial losses forced organisers to cancel the 2026 party.
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.