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Opinion

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Opinion
Column 8

Time for a self-driving Grand Prix?

Get on down to the smart grid.

Latest

Zac Lomax trains with the Kangaroos in 2024.
Opinion
NRL 2026

‘I hope it’s the last we see of him’: The parting shot from Lomax that has enraged rugby league

Zac Lomax is finally off to rugby. Three words in his statement have left rugby league figures – including the coach who gave him his Kangaroos debut – furious.

  • by Christian Nicolussi
Iran players stand silently during the anthem before their match against Korea Republic on March 2.

Iran’s brave players have stood tall. Now Australia must stand with them

Both Australia and the Asian Football Confederation are being tested, not just on the pitch, but on whether they will protect the basic rights of athletes who have already shown immense courage.

  • by Daniel Ghezelbash and Mary Anne Kenny
Margot Robbie in a scene from Neighbours in 2009. 

Margot Robbie and I started out with ‘bogan’ accents. I’ve still got mine

I’ve been taunted about my ocker twang ever since Pauline Hanson emerged, but I’m getting the last laugh.

  • by Amy Fallon
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Australia must stay out of the US’s fight with Iran

Australia is not allied with any Gulf states and we do not have to follow Israel and the US into this illegally founded fight with Iran.

The surging oil price has rattled international sharemarkets.
Opinion
Shares

Markets broke into a heavy sweat last week. Now they are melting down

There is a chance that inflation and interest rate rises, the sharemarket’s kryptonite, will re-emerge as a result of this black swan event.

  • by Elizabeth Knight
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Children’s brains are hardwired to learn, and learn fast.
Opinion
AI

Allow students to use this ‘sneaky drug’, just not at assessment time

We should welcome AI into all aspects of learning, but we’re already playing catch-up when it comes to restricting it from all forms of assessment.

  • by Ed Cavanough
Supporters gesture to the Iranian players on the Gold Coast on Sunday night.

We are watching state-sponsored control play out live on the Gold Coast

The Iranian women’s soccer team are trapped in a living nightmare and Australia’s government appears powerless to intervene.

  • by Jacqueline Maley
Has Donald Trump just helped China get ahead in the AI race?
Opinion
AI

Trump is the wildcard that could blow up AI

The ultimate fate of the technology that promises to transform the world looks to be in the hands of an erratic president.

  • by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord process the 3-3 draw.

Matildas ‘make things harder for ourselves’ at Asian Cup. What’s new?

The Matildas could have had it easy and stayed in Sydney for their quarter-final. So, of course, they are travelling back to Perth for a more difficult match.

  • by Emma Kemp
Patterns of immigration in Sydney.
Analysis
City life

They come from across the world – but where do migrants settle in Sydney?

Search our map to see where migrants come from in your suburb.

  • by Matt Wade, Mostafa Rachwani and Craig Butt
Filipo Daugunu in action for the Reds.

Rugby’s conundrum: Get the right decision, or let the game flow?

The guidelines that keep the television match official out of the game hurt the Brumbies on Saturday night.

  • by Paul Cully
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Opinion
NRL 2026

Queensland, beautiful one day, winless in the NRL the next

It was all doom and gloom in the Sunshine State as all three of its teams lost in the opening round, including the bumbling Broncos, who were lucky to score zero.

  • by Malcolm Knox
Women hold posters as thousands of people gather in Enghelab Square, Tehran, after Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Opinion
Religion

My cell guard’s tears put my jaw on the floor. Why ‘good’ Australians mourn a torturer

We have experienced the trauma of Islamist-inspired terror on our shores. How can memorials for a vicious mass killer align with Australian values?

  • by Kylie Moore-Gilbert
Mourners at a funeral for a child killed in an airstrike on Iran.

We’ve lost sight of something about our humanity, and it’s hurting our politics

Amid discussion of geopolitical and moral arithmetic, I worry that we fall out of touch with people. Very quickly, they are abstracted away by the need to make a case.

  • by Sean Kelly
The Aussie dollar has had a strong run against a suite of major currencies.
Opinion
Currencies

Why the Aussie dollar isn’t a ‘whipping boy’ any more

Our dollar has had a strong run, and there are good reasons to think we should get used to it staying around the US70¢ mark – or even climbing higher.

  • by Clancy Yeates
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Opinion
Column 8

Hazards of working on your VoVo

That really takes the biscuit.

NRL six agains GIF
Analysis
NRL 2026

Another NRL opening week of rule changes and confusion. Here’s hoping history doesn’t repeat

Lopsided scores – even by record margins – in round one aren’t exactly new in the NRL. But a fresh batch of rules and interpretations is enough to make everyone nervous.

  • by Dan Walsh
George Russell wins

‘Very dangerous by Leclerc’: Inside an epic battle for supremacy at Albert Park

The hometown hero didn’t make the start line, but here’s how the race unfolded.

  • by Matthew Clayton
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The intricacies of asylum for brave Iranian players

The refusal of the Iranian women’s football team to sing their national anthem places Australia in a difficult position, but we must deal with it in a moral way

Two scammers from Nigeria have been convicted as a result of action by NSW police, the AFP and local authorities.
Editorial
Crime

Nigerian scammers got just deserts but online teens need guardrails

The jailing of two Nigerians whose online scam resulted in the death of a NSW teenager shows social media is not an open free-for-all.

  • The Herald's View
Oscar Piastri’s car sits abandoned after he crashed out on a warm-up lap.

The driver, the car, or both? How Piastri crashed out in Melbourne before the race even started

The Melburnian didn’t even make it to the start of Sunday’s 58-lap race, crashing his McLaren on the formation lap to the grid. We break down what happened.

  • by Matthew Clayton
Kristi Noem is one of America's most conservative governors.

Forget Margot and Jacob, this is Wuthering Heights, MAGA-style

A Washington scandal involving sex is never very sexy but this one has echoes of Emily Bronte’s classic.

  • by Maureen Dowd
Charlie Cameron Goal GIF
Analysis
AFL 2026

Watch: But for two costly misses, the Cameron of old was back for the Lions

This one appeared destined to end in a Lions triumph. Then came one of the most frantic final quarters an opening round has produced.

  • by Nick Wright
After a series of big moves in 2025, St Kilda are firmly in the spotlight in 2026. From left are president Andrew Bassat, star recruit Tom De Koning, and coach Ross Lyon.
Analysis
AFL 2026

‘Not going to be pushed around’: Can the Saints buy a stairway to heaven?

Whatever unfolds at St Kilda in 2026, the Saints have moved from off-Broadway to Times Square. They’ve raised the stakes dramatically.

  • by Jake Niall
Demi Moore attends the 32nd annual Actor Awards earlier this month.

Is it OK to mention how skinny female celebrities are getting? Again?

Body-shaming is uncool and the policing of women’s bodies is a retrograde step. But we can’t ignore what we see. 

  • by Jacqueline Maley
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Marcelo Montoya, Reed Mahoney. Las Vegas 2026.
Opinion
NRL 2026

Mahoney’s Vegas verbals with old teammates light fuse for explosive reunion

The former Canterbury captain ran into his old teammates at a nightclub in Las Vegas last weekend – and some remarks to Marcelo Montoya did not go down well with the Dogs.

  • by Danny Weidler
Fuchsia is flowering enthusiastically at the moment.
Opinion
Gardening

A garden full of memories and hope: The best therapy money can buy

In mid-December, reporter’s Julie Power’s garden was being overhauled. It provided a place for tears, joy and hope.

  • by Julie Power
SALE ROOM. The Personal Siddur (Prayer Book) Of Marilyn Monroe
Printed in Vienna, 1922. Titled “THE FORM OF DAILY PRAYERS ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOM OF THE GERMAN AND POLISH JEWS”. Published by H. Wagner. Many notations in hand written pencil as if someone were receiving instructions on what prayers to recite/not to recite. Possibly by Monroe when she was learning her newly adopted religion or Arthur Miller. Marilyn Monroe who converted to Judaism in 1956 at the same time as he marriage to American playwright Arthur Miller. Rabbi Robert Goldberg of Connecticut presided over her conversion. Miller’s synagogue was Cong. Torah Vodat-The Avenue N Jewish Center which was reportedly Conservative at the time. Monroe and Miller divorced in 1961 but remained committed to her new religion. Sold in Christie’s in the October 27/28, 1999 sale. Lot number 543. With original Christie’s sticker affixed to back cover. Worn with spine nearly detached.

Estimate: $5,000 – $8,000 .
Opinion
Religion

The power of prayer

The power of prayer is not to be underestimated. And if you think it is about asking God for something, read on ...

  • by Nomi Kaltmann
Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

Is your investment portfolio at risk of a Trump tantrum?

As the case of Tesla and Elon Musk demonstrated, all it takes is one public falling out with the US president for share prices to plummet.

  • by Victoria Devine
Squirrelling away $200,000 into your super is likely the best option, despite potential market falls.

I’m 65, and I want to retire in two years. How should I invest $200k?

Once you retire, your retirement savings will continue on as they were and continue to earn, so don’t be afraid to top them up.

  • by Paul Benson
Breastfeeding is often promoted as a way for new mothers to lose weight.

I don’t take part in this sisterhood jamboree. Why? Let’s start with the Big Lie

The organisers of International Women’s Day says we are equal to men. I have news for them.

  • by Parnell Palme McGuinness
Kylie and Jackie O

I gave Kyle and Jackie O their big break. They were superb, but I know why they imploded

Craig Bruce discovered the now-warring duo in 2004 and put them on the air. The rest is history.

  • by Peter FitzSimons
Victoria’s health regulator has placed conditions on Monash IVF following a second embryo mix-up.
Editorial
IVF

After IVF’s horror year, the sector must be held to the highest standard

The fertility treatment sector has become one Australian families are increasingly reliant on.

  • The Herald's View
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Opinion
Hip pocket

Is it time to bet against the stock market?

Short selling is profiting from an asset’s price decreasing, and with global markets in decline, now could be the time to give it a go.

  • by Dominic Powell

I thought about the type of women I admire and came to this surprising realisation

Celebrities don’t make the best role models. For that, we should look closer to home.

  • by Kerri Sackville
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Grace Forrest, founder of campaign group Walk Free.

Need to act against slavery is urgent and compelling

Obligations to act against supporting slavery are already embedded in other areas of Australian law.

Bulldogs
Opinion
NRL 2026

Forget expansion. Niche is the best thing rugby league has going for it

Peter V’landys is keen to conquer new markets. But what if everything that sustains the NRL’s success is local, tribal, even individual?

  • by Malcolm Knox
US President Donald Trump could benefit from a history lesson.
Middle East at War
Donald Trump

On Trump’s gilded stage, history has no worth – even if he understood it

Donald Trump’s complaints about Britain and European nations being “uncooperative” with his attack on Iran are ignorant and hollow when viewed against the light of 20th century history.

  • by Tony Wright
Cleary attempts to break free.
Analysis
NRL 2026

How Cleary, Edwards and a dire lack of discipline led to Broncos downfall

Two of the NRL’s leading fullbacks, both Clive Churchill Medal winners, were poised to go to war and ignite Suncorp Stadium. In the end, it was hardly a fight.

  • by Nick Wright
Stephen Larkham watching the warm-up in Canberra.

The next Wallabies coach versus the great who might never get the chance

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has done it all in Australian rugby - except for coaching the national team.

  • by Paul Cully
The superannuation fund that helped you accumulate money over 30 years may not be well equipped to help you use that money.

The retirement question most Australians never ask – but should

Australians have spent decades building their super. They deserve a system that supports them just as strongly once they reach retirement.

  • by Bec Wilson
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon: Having private health insurance was invaluable for my cancer scare.

Five years ago today I beat breast cancer. This insurance saved me

The five-year survivor milestone is a big, beautiful one when it comes to breast cancer. And I hit it today, thanks in part to this insurance.

  • by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Illustration by Joe Benke

To remain one and free, Australia must confront three key systemic challenges

Exhausted systems fail. It takes creative, energetic leadership to develop new ones. Best to start yesterday. Failing that, today.

  • by Peter Hartcher
Bec Zacharia (left) looks shocked as Tyson Gordon faces off with Laura Byrne, Brittany Hockley and Jules Lund on MAFS: After the Dinner Party, which screens on Stan.
Opinion
Sexism

Misogyny at first sight but I’m glad MAFS gave toxic Tyson a platform

Tyson would prefer a “submissive” woman but he’s far from alone. Many Gen Z males hold similar views, so we need to shine light on this regression.

  • by Julia Baird
Dennis Cometti’s commentary career spanned 51 years on TV and radio.
Opinion
AFL 2026

Vale, Dennis, the fans will never forget your Cometti-isms

I have been inundated by readers sending me their favourite moments from the late, great AFL commentator Dennis Cometti. So here they are.

  • by Peter FitzSimons
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Consumers have lost their appetite for luxury fashion.

Luxury retailer’s fashion spree defied auditor’s survival concerns

When Cettire’s number-crunchers were warning, again, about a cash crunch, the luxury fashion group went shopping.

  • by Colin Kruger
Dave Rennie posing in his new All Blacks attire.

Does Dave Rennie hold a grudge about his Wallabies sacking? It’s a million-dollar question for RA

The former Wallabies coach could play a key role in getting a new trans-Tasman tradition off the ground. But Rennie also made a statement this week as All Blacks boss that won’t be missed by his former players.

  • by Iain Payten
The bulk of Glebe Island’s working port facilities will be scrapped for high-density housing around the future Bays West metro station.
Opinion
Planning

This new waterfront suburb will reshape Sydney, but who will get to live there?

If we are sacrificing a working harbour to build this shiny new precinct, we cannot sacrifice working Sydneysiders too.

  • by Estelle Grech
A giant banner of Khamenei stretched over one of the Islamic Cultural Centre’s windows.

‘World’s thugs’: In Indonesia, resentment about the Iran war is everywhere

Politicians and pundits in Australia tell Muslims it is inappropriate to publicly mourn Iran’s dead supreme leader. There are no such qualms in Jakarta.

  • by Zach Hope and Karuni Rompies