Stories from Sydney · Australia

A&Z Bank reported a jump in first half statutory net profit to $3.65 billion. The bank's performance follows a period of slack. The announcement was made during a broadcast regarding regional diplomacy and naval assets. Cash earnings in the second half of 2025 saw a 70% jump.

A recent report suggests that progress regarding intergenerational equity for Aboriginal Australians is slow or non-existent in several areas. While life expectancy for Aboriginal men and women has improved, it remains off track to meet targets.

Zurich Australia has changed its policy regarding insurance access for brain injuries in Australian rules football. Establishing eligibility for coverage would require detailed medical evidence and a detailed injury history. Some reported payouts for these claims reached seven figures. Professional athletes remain excluded from state-based workers' compensation schemes due to expectations of alternative insurance coverage. The insurer noted an expectation that athletes would have other insurance arrangements in place. The National Rugby League has recommended that clubs limit contact training to mitigate head trauma risks. Jamie Burra of the Rugby League Players Association commented on the matter. Andrew Lavender, CEO of the Association of Social Sciences AFL, stated that players should be removed from play immediately following a concussion.

Woolworths reported $9.8 billion in sales revenue for the first three months of 2026. The company posted these quarterly sales results to the ASX on Friday morning. The report follows the company's recent financial disclosures to the Australian Securities Exchange.

Arthur Laundey and his family company have officially taken control of Australia's largest talk radio network. The newly formed TAP Media Group now operates Sydney's 2GB along with sister stations 3RW, 4BC, and 6PR.

The M6 motorway project in Sydney has been stuck in limbo since 2024. Motorists are currently unable to use the infrastructure despite its outward appearance. Minister Atchison issued a formal statement regarding the project in March.

An interim report into the National Construction Code recommends a system-wide overhaul to increase housing supply and affordability. The report suggests slashing red tape to address current regulatory issues.

Initial findings from a Royal Commission suggest that no agency advised of changes that would have prevented the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The findings also point to rising anti-Semitism in the region.

Commissioner Virginia Bell delivered an interim report examining the Bondi Beach terror attack. The report found that while intelligence agency funding increased by billions of dollars, the share allocated to counterterrorism has significantly fallen.

Designs for the new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital have been released in Australia. Early site preparation works for the facility are currently underway. Ryan Park stated the hospital will provide a much needed emergency department and comprehensive birthing services.