Stories from Sydney · Australia

Former Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk launched her autobiography, titled "The Politics of Being Me," in Sydney on Wednesday. The book covers her career and includes personal details regarding her early years.

The AFL Commission has approved a draft of changes to the National Draft. These compensation picks are limited to one per club and are only available to clubs that finished in the bottom five the previous season.

Shares of a company utilizing CTVQ technology have increased by more than 1300 percent over the past 12 months. The technology converts standard lung scans into detailed functional maps without requiring injections or additional radiation.

Australian medical technology company 4D Medical has entered the ASX200, which tracks the top 200 companies on the Australian share market. The company's share price has increased by more than 1300% over the past 12 months.

Former Panthers player Luay will leave the Wests Tigers to play for the PNG Chiefs starting in their first NRL season in 2028. The move is described as a opportunity for the player and the landscape of rugby league. The transition is expected to provide financial benefits and position the player as a face of the game. Several Penrith Panthers players are reportedly considering options to play for the Chiefs starting in 2028. Players mentioned include Nathan Cleary, Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Brian Tauho, and Isaiah Yeo. Panthers co-captain Isaiah Yeo admitted to looking at various options for his future. Penrith co-captain Isiah Yio described the signing as a smart move that will change the landscape of the sport.

Australia's largest private child care operator will close up to 40 of its centres. One of Australia's largest childcare operators, G8 Education, announced plans to close dozens of its underperforming centres. Approximately 40 centres, representing nearly 10 percent of its locations, are earmarked for closure. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson described the move as a potential circuit breaker if state governments engage in formal negotiations. Premier Roger Cook has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to begin these negotiations. Almost 10 per cent of underperforming education centres are being earmarked for closure. The specific number of centres identified for closure is 40. The company cited falling enrolments and rising costs as contributing factors to the decision. The operator manages brands including Head Start, Jelly Beans, and Cool.

Unions have cautioned that this year's annual wage review claim must exceed the initial 5% request. The report was issued from Aizawl. The risk specifically affects schools, churches, halls, and government buildings in the Lunglei district. Local officials noted that more than seventy instances of heavy rain have been recorded in the area. The report indicates an increasing risk of such geological events in the region. No specific casualty counts or immediate evacuation orders were mentioned in the report. Rockfalls and landslides are occurring in the Lunglei district of Mizoram. No specific casualty numbers or immediate damage assessments were provided in the report. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in southern Brazil, specifically in the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. Multiple weather systems are acting jointly to produce localized storms.

A key witness has changed their evidence in a high-profile double murder case in Sydney. A 63-year-old woman was arrested in Sydney's inner west this morning in connection with a high-profile double murder trial. New South Wales police stated she was refused bail.

Former ACCC boss Rod Sims welcomed proposed news reforms but expressed concern that they do not cover artificial intelligence summarizing news articles. Sims is urging the government to target AI summarization in future regulatory actions.

NRL captain Jerome Luai will join the Chiefs for the 2028 season on a deal lasting up to three years. The 29-year-old player is contracted to the Chiefs for the 2028 and 2029 seasons with an option to remain in 2030. Luai, a four-time Premiership winner, will stay with the Tigers for the remainder of the current season and through 2027. The player will receive a tax-free deal according to the report. Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson stated that Luai was selected to lead the club's entry into the competition. The signing is described as being about more than rugby league. West Tigers player Jerome Luai has signed a multi-year contract with the PNG NRL franchise, the Chiefs. Luai will reportedly earn at least $1 million more over the course of the contract compared to his West Tigers agreement due to tax-free status in Papua New Guinea. He is set to become the face of the new franchise.