Stories from Sydney · Australia

Alex Johnson has signed with a new NRL franchise after playing over 250 games. Johnson holds the record for the most tries of all time in the league. Teammate Bronson Garth suggested the signing will encourage other players to join the new franchise. The player is expected to face the Sharks starting this Sunday. Observers will monitor his performance and effort levels over the next two seasons.

Player Clear is off contract and will become a free agent effective November 1. The player is expected to explain the decision to the media. Reports suggest the player was approached via a private charter jet by PNG. The news follows a recent win by the Tigers over the Raiders.

Charges have been laid following an alleged road rage incident on the Northern Beaches. A teenage e-bike rider was hospitalized as a result of the incident. Photos from the scene were captured late yesterday.

The Opel Card Network is undergoing a upgrade that will cost more than $800 million. Transport for New South Wales Secretary Josh Murray discussed the long-awaited changes during an interview. The project has reportedly been in development for approximately five years.

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth addressed concerns regarding job cuts resulting from artificial intelligence at the Australian Financial Review's Business Forum. This position aims to prevent the bureaucratization of AI integration. The discussion focused on the need to harness AI opportunities while managing employment risks. The minister argued that such constraints would hinder the productivity improvements necessary for prosperity. The statement also acknowledged concerns regarding how artificial intelligence will affect the future. An Australian minister stated that unions should not hold a right of veto over businesses adopting technology to increase productivity and improve margins. Concerns regarding the future impact of AI were also acknowledged during the discussion.

Canterbury Bankstown Council will deliver a pedestrian refuge on Henry Lawson Drive to improve safety for visitors to Deepwater Pump Park. The facility is a BMX park owned and operated by the council. Transport for New South Wales confirmed the council's ownership of the park. Currently, some visitors park on the opposite side of Henry Lawson Drive to access the facility. The new infrastructure is intended to link up with existing pedestrian pathways. The project has received interim approval from Transport for New South Wales. The Council noted that Henry Lawson Drive is a state road and must meet specific requirements. A spokesman stated the Council would also welcome Transport for New South Wales to consider reducing speed limits or installing traffic lights. The move follows a petition regarding safety concerns at the entry to the deep water pump track.

A two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Newbridge Road and Henry Lawson Drive near Woodstock Avenue on the M7. Chief Inspector Andrew McCracken stated that one of the hangar users was training students, though he did not confirm a direct link to the crash. A vehicle smash on Old Maclin Road near Long Street has caused 10-minute traffic delays in all directions. The road is currently closed and diversions are in place. Additionally, a car has broken down on the highway at Woodville Road. Traffic lights are also malfunctioning at the intersection of Canterbury Road and Stacey Street. A bus is stuck on the M5 near Karajong Road in lane 1 facing eastbound towards the airport, causing delays back to Kenwood Valley Way. A truck smash on the M5 River Road off-ramp is affecting westbound traffic towards Liverpool, with lane 1 closed and delays back to Bond's Road.

South Sydney winger Alex Johnston announced he will join the new NRL club, the PNG Chiefs, for their inaugural season in 2028. The announcement follows recent changes to several team rosters. South Sydney hooker Bronson Garlick stated that Johnston's experience and leadership will be for the new club. The 31-year-old winger is of Papua New Guinean heritage. Luai will trigger his existing Tigers option for the 2027 season, ensuring he remains committed to the club for the remainder of his current term. The announcement was made during the Wide World of Sports broadcast. The 31-year-old player shared the news regarding his future club. Jerome Lui is expected to exercise a get-out clause in his contract with the West Tigers at the end of next season. The move was reportedly facilitated by West Tigers general manager of football Michael Chambers and CEO Lorna McPherson.

A survey of landlords in Australia found over 70% agreement that renting should be more affordable. The majority of respondents also supported regulating rent increases to provide greater stability for tenants. The findings were discussed in a breakdown of landlord responses regarding housing policy reforms.

A survey of more than 1,000 Australians indicates a demand to classify renting as an essential service. The campaign is currently entering a rebuilding phase. The campaign is advocating for this classification in Australia. The report notes that rapid rent increases beyond a renter's ability to pay often force displacement. Current protections to keep renters in their homes are described as inadequate. The existing tax system is also cited as a factor in the current housing landscape. A new report suggests policy reforms to address rental stability and affordability in Australia. The Australian public has been asked to weigh in on these proposed reforms. A survey indicates that 77% of the Australian population believes the current generation of renters may never afford home ownership.