Latest News Stories
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Erin Patterson appeals triple murder conviction and sentence in Victoria’s Court of Appeal
Erin Patterson, a 51-year-old woman convicted of the triple murder and attempted murder of her estranged husband’s relatives by poisoning a beef Wellington with death cap mushrooms on 29 July 2023, is appealing her convictions and sentence in Victoria’s Court of Appeal. Patterson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 33-year non-parole period in September 2025, but the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is also appealing to remove any possibility of parole, arguing the sentence is 'manifestly inadequate.' The appeal hinges on seven grounds, including jury sequestering irregularities, the admissibility of cell tower and mushroom sighting evidence, and allegations of unfair cross-examination and prosecutorial misconduct. Patterson’s legal team argues that her trial was flawed, particularly due to the jury being housed near police and media, while the DPP contends her crimes are so severe that she should never be released. The Court of Appeal judges have reserved their decision, and the hearing has drawn significant public and media attention, with Patterson watching proceedings via video link from Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. The case remains one of the most high-profile trials in Australian history, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for future sentencing and appeals involving notorious crimes.
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- Erin Patterson, 51, is appealing her convictions for the murders of Don Patterson (51), Gail Patterson (51), and Heather Wilkinson (51), and the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, all of whom consumed a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms on 29 July 2023.
- Patterson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years in September 2025 by Justice Christopher Beale.
- The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Brendan Kissane KC is appealing against Patterson’s sentence, arguing it is 'manifestly inadequate' and that she should have no possibility of parole.
Today
Victorian royal commission into construction sector corruption announced
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced a royal commission into corruption in the state’s construction sector, with former South Australian Supreme Court Chief Justice Christopher Kourakis appointed to lead the inquiry. The commission, which will have a budget of $50 million and report by August 20 next year, will investigate allegations of criminal infiltration, grift, and violence on taxpayer-funded projects, including Labor’s Big Build. Its broad terms of reference cover the CFMEU, construction companies, labour hire firms, and the role of government. Carroll, who replaced Jacinta Allan last month, framed the inquiry as a top priority, while Allan had previously rejected calls for a royal commission. Legislation to strengthen Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog, IBAC, will be introduced in the last sitting week in September, with additional parliamentary sittings expected before the November state election. The commission aims to uncover the truth behind misconduct, with a special prosecutor to be appointed to hold wrongdoers accountable. The inquiry follows years of reporting on corruption in the sector, including allegations of organised crime, drug use, and payments to underworld figures.
Natalie Harp’s role as Trump’s aide and controversy over Ossoff’s remarks
Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old cancer survivor and Trump aide, has become a focal point after Democratic senator Jon Ossoff’s remarks about her sparked controversy. Harp, who works as special assistant and executive assistant to the president, is known for her role as Trump’s ‘human printer,’ providing printed materials and drafting his Truth Social posts. She gained prominence in June 2019 after appearing on Fox News to discuss her bone cancer treatment, crediting Trump’s Right to Try Act for saving her life. Harp spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention, thanking Trump publicly, though some reports question the timeline of her treatment. She worked for One America News Network from 2020 to 2022 before rejoining Trump’s campaign in 2024. Last month, she accompanied Trump on a secret flight from Turkey amid an alleged Iranian assassination threat, drawing further scrutiny. Ossoff’s comment about Trump prioritizing Harp over his duties ignited a White House backlash, with Trump and his team defending her loyalty while critics accused Ossoff of spreading innuendo. Harp’s brother Preston described her devotion to Trump as stemming from her upbringing and belief in American exceptionalism, though some details about her personal life remain disputed.
Prince Harry and Meghan return to Britain with children after six years abroad
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are returning to Britain this month with their children, Archie seven and Lilibet five, after six years abroad following their 2020 departure. They will live in a private residence outside London, with the children starting school in September. The move was confirmed by both the Guardian and ABC, with King Charles informed on Sunday. The couple’s reconciliation with the royal family appears partial, as tensions with Prince William remain unresolved. Their return follows a July meeting with Charles, their first UK visit together in four years, and comes amid ongoing legal disputes, including a recent loss against the Daily Mail. Security concerns, previously a major obstacle, seem resolved, though details remain undisclosed. The couple will retain homes in California and Portugal, with Meghan continuing her lifestyle brand As Ever. The royal family has not commented on the long-term implications, but the move marks a significant shift after years of estrangement.
North Korea fires missiles amid scaled-back US-South Korea military drills and Trump-Kim diplomacy
North Korea launched 10 short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Thursday, as the US and South Korea conducted scaled-back military drills. Both sources confirm the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were reduced from 11 days to 5 days this year, following Donald Trump’s order to cut them short just after they began on Monday. Trump also stated he would meet Kim Jong-un this year, though no date was set. The Guardian reports Kim Yo-jong dismissed Trump’s diplomatic overture, while ABC notes North Korea had previously warned of a 'new level of a deterrent' before the drills. Both sources agree South Korea and Japan detected the missile launches, and an emergency meeting was held. However, ABC adds that North Korea fired another missile earlier this month and that China’s foreign minister urged South Korea to avoid taking sides in US-China tensions.
Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan sentenced to life in prison for fraud
The founder of China’s Evergrande, Hui Ka Yan (67), was sentenced to life in prison in 2026 after pleading guilty to fraud charges in April. Both the Guardian and ABC confirm he was convicted of inflating Evergrande’s assets and concealing liabilities between 2016 and 2021, leading to a $300bn ($420bn) debt crisis. The company and its executives faced fines totaling 8.8bn yuan ($1.85bn) and 7bn yuan ($1.45bn), with over 50 individuals receiving prison terms from 20 months to 18 years. The Guardian notes Hui’s peak net worth of $42.5bn (£31.2bn) in 2017 and Evergrande’s delisting from Hong Kong in 2021, while ABC highlights a $US80bn ($112bn) revenue overstatement between 2019 and 2020. The 2020 regulatory crackdown on property debt triggered the collapse, reshaping China’s real estate sector into a ‘stable contraction’ by 2026, with oversupply and economic strain persisting.
Max Verstappen extends Red Bull F1 contract until 2030
Max Verstappen has signed a new contract with Red Bull Racing extending his stay in Formula 1 until 2030, ending speculation about his future. The four-time world champion, who joined Red Bull in 2014 and made his debut midway through the 2016 season, had previously been set to leave at the end of 2028 but chose to stay. The announcement comes ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, which will be the last time the Zandvoort circuit appears on the F1 calendar. Verstappen, now 28, has struggled this season under new regulations, securing only two second-place finishes while finishing sixth in the standings. Despite challenges, he remains committed to Red Bull, praising team principal Laurent Mekies, who took over in July last season. The partnership has been transformative, with Verstappen winning four titles between 2021 and 2024 and 71 grands prix in total. Both sources confirm his deep connection to the team, which he calls a second family.
Israel clears IDF of criminal wrongdoing in Gaza strike killing Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom
The articles cover Israel’s decision in April 2024 not to pursue criminal charges against IDF personnel involved in a strike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six other World Central Kitchen employees in Gaza. The IDF admitted procedural failures, mistaken identification, and errors but concluded no criminal wrongdoing occurred. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed outrage, called in Israel’s ambassador, and demanded full accountability, noting the announcement was made on World Humanitarian Day, which she called especially insulting. Frankcom’s family and World Central Kitchen rejected the IDF’s findings, calling for an independent investigation and criticizing the timing and lack of transparency. Both sources agree the strike involved a convoy of clearly marked humanitarian vehicles, despite coordination with the IDF, and that two officers were removed and three reprimanded. The ABC additionally covers unrelated stories, including Roblox’s safety audit and calls for sanctions against Israel, while the Guardian details a $1.48 million settlement for a former staffer and Australia’s rising national debt.
Jacqui Lambie criticizes veterans' health policies and $5,000 allied health cap
Jacqui Lambie delivered a fiery Senate speech on Wednesday criticizing the Labor government's proposed $5,000 cap on allied health services for veterans, set to begin 1 July 2027. She shared her personal struggle with a vaginal prolapse that began six months ago and worsened three months later, requiring surgery. Lambie highlighted the plight of veteran Kate, who waited three years to find a gynaecologist due to low Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) payment rates. She accused the DVA of neglecting female veterans' reproductive health and urged the government to drop the cap, which she called unfair. Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh faced backlash after initially refusing to meet with veterans opposing the cap but later agreed under pressure, though he denied disrespecting them. The Coalition seized on the issue, calling for Keogh's sacking. The ABC also noted broader political deals, including a bipartisan agreement on gambling advertising reforms, with a review in three years' time, and tensions over superannuation and tobacco excise policies.
Gold mine collapse in Central African Republic kills over 100
A gold mine collapse in the Central African Republic’s Nana-Mambere prefecture, specifically in the village of Zamboye, has killed more than 100 people according to both ABC and The Guardian. The incident, described as a landslide or tunnel collapse, buried miners and bystanders, with dozens scattered around the site. Investigations are underway to determine the cause, identify victims, and assess criminal liability, while rescue efforts continue amid concerns the death toll may rise. Both sources confirm at least three Cameroonian citizens are among the victims, and at least 40 people have died in mining incidents in CAR this year alone. The Guardian notes the collapse occurred on Tuesday afternoon, while ABC highlights the use of heavy machinery in retrieval efforts, which may endanger survivors. The tragedy underscores the dangers of artisanal mining in the region, where weak safety standards contribute to repeated disasters.
Australia-China crackdown on $100m+ illegal tobacco smuggling syndicate
Australian and Chinese authorities conducted a joint operation to dismantle a major illegal tobacco smuggling syndicate, seizing over $92 million worth of illicit cigarettes and loose-leaf tobacco between January and May. The operation involved intercepting 91 of 100+ containers, arresting 60 people in China, and disrupting a network smuggling Southeast Asian-manufactured tobacco via Shanghai. Intelligence sharing between the two countries was critical, with Chinese authorities providing key targeting information. The illicit tobacco market in Australia now accounts for 75% of consumption, up from 12% in 2017, leading to significant revenue losses for the government. While some officials advocate for cutting the tobacco excise by 75% to undermine the black market, others argue enforcement efforts should be strengthened instead. The operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organised crime.
Mass bird deaths linked to H5 bird flu in Australia’s South Australia and Tasmania
Two Australian states, South Australia and Tasmania, are investigating mass bird deaths linked to H5 bird flu, with more than 1,000 greater crested terns dying in three separate events and 28 little penguin deaths reported on King Island. Both sources confirm the deaths were detected through aerial surveillance on Wednesday, with samples collected for testing and the birds removed on Thursday to limit transmission. The Guardian notes the strain arrived on the mainland in June, while ABC specifies the virus was first detected in Tasmania last Thursday in a brown skua. South Australia’s premier described the events as a significant escalation, with no mammal deaths reported so far. The Guardian highlights concerns for endangered species like Australian sea lions, while ABC mentions Victoria’s vaccination efforts for little penguins on Phillip Island. Both agree the situation is deeply concerning, with ongoing surveillance and testing critical to understanding the outbreak’s spread.
Fair Work Commission orders sacked worker to pay $1230 for AI-generated unfair dismissal claim
A sacked Aldi store assistant was ordered to pay $1230 in legal costs after using AI to file an unfair dismissal claim that ignored the six-month minimum employment requirement. The worker was dismissed three days before reaching the eligibility threshold, but his AI-generated materials repeatedly cited an incorrect date. Fair Work Commission deputy president Michael Easton warned the worker multiple times via email before the hearing that his case was hopeless and could result in costs, but the worker continued with the claim. The case was decided on Wednesday, with the worker discontinuing his application only after the hearing began. The ruling marks a potential pitfall for workers relying on AI in Fair Work claims, contrasting with a recent victory for a Macquarie University worker who successfully used AI to win permanent part-time status last week. Easton emphasized that the worker could have avoided the costs by discontinuing the claim earlier, as the flaw in the case was preventable.
Alessandro Circati's $33m transfer from Parma to Benfica
Alessandro Circati, a 22-year-old Socceroos player, has completed a high-profile transfer from Parma to Benfica for a reported 20m euros ($33m). He signed a five-year contract through to 2031, joining the Portuguese giants after a standout season in Serie A where he helped Parma finish 12th. Circati played a key role in Parma's 2023/24 Serie B title triumph and secured survival over the following 2 seasons, making 96 appearances and scoring 2 goals. He has 17 international appearances and 2 goals for the Socceroos, including playing in all 4 of their World Cup matches. Both sources confirm the financial details, contract length, and Circati's contributions to Parma, though minor phrasing differences exist in describing his World Cup appearances.
Sydney Swans player conduct scandal and club values under scrutiny
Two identical opinion pieces by former Sydney Swans player Brandon Jack criticize the club's handling of a scandal involving players' choices that allegedly prioritized a man's football career over a woman's wellbeing. The articles highlight a disconnect between the club's stated values—such as condemning abuse and disrespect toward women—and the actions of its players and leadership. The Sydney Swans' chief executive and captain have issued vague responses, with the captain admitting he lacked facts to comment. The author argues the club's focus remains on minimizing PR damage rather than addressing the issue substantively, questioning whether the club truly values its public image or the wellbeing of victims. Both pieces emphasize the club's history of profiting from its cultural influence while failing to uphold its stated principles during crises.
Matt Comyn's marriage breakdown and CBA share sales amid government reforms
Matt Comyn, CEO of Commonwealth Bank, is navigating a personal and professional storm as his marriage to Lucy Comyn has broken down, confirmed by the bank last Tuesday. Both TheAge and SMH report the separation, noting Comyn’s pay rose to $9.1 million in the last financial year amid government reforms, including housing investor tax concessions announced in the May budget. SMH adds that Comyn offloaded $8.4 million in CBA shares last week, disclosed on August 14, in two tranches totaling 50,097 shares sold at $168.18 and $168.80 per share, with the second tranche jointly held with Lucy. The sales align with his annual share disposals since 2022, though the bank declined to comment on the separation’s influence. Meanwhile, Comyn remains a key figure in business and political circles, with close ties to Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, including attendance at Felix Lee’s Point Piper fundraiser. SMH also delves into broader political maneuvering, such as lobbyists like Jannette Cotterell positioning themselves to influence One Nation until at least 2028, and Superhero’s meetings with Albanese and Coalition MPs, while TheAge focuses solely on Comyn’s personal and professional challenges.
Queen Camilla discusses keeping King Charles’s cancer diagnosis private before public announcement
Queen Camilla publicly shared for the first time how difficult it was to keep King Charles’s cancer diagnosis private before its announcement in February 2024. She revealed she nearly disclosed the news during a visit to a Maggie’s cancer support centre on 31 January 2024, just days before Buckingham Palace confirmed the diagnosis on 5 February. The charity, marking its 30th anniversary in 2024, operates 27 centres across the UK, providing free emotional and practical support. Camilla’s seven-minute film, released on Maggie’s and the royal family’s YouTube channels, highlighted the importance of such services for patients and their families. While both sources agree on the timeline of the diagnosis and announcement, the Guardian adds details about Charles’s prostate treatment and Camilla’s internal struggle, whereas ABC emphasizes the impact of Charles’s openness on others and his scaled-back treatment mentioned last December.
FIFA president Infantino faces growing opposition amid World Cup controversies
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure as multiple vice-presidents and national football federations withdraw their support following the dismissal of chief operating officer Kevin Lamour. Lamour’s exit, which came after he criticized Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup commercial rights, was described as the final straw by Sandor Csanyi, a FIFA vice-president and council member. Infantino is up for re-election in March and is seeking a fourth term until 2031. While three confederations (UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF) have withdrawn support, CAF and Conmebol remain aligned with him. The Guardian notes controversial decisions at this year’s World Cup, including outsourcing competitions, while ABC highlights formal withdrawals by Israel and Wales earlier this month. Infantino’s leadership is now under scrutiny, with calls for a democratic review by FIFA’s 211-member associations at next year’s elections.
Yesterday
Roblox faces Australian child safety audits and enforcement actions
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has secured a court-enforceable undertaking from Roblox to improve child safety protections after tests revealed adults could still contact children without parental consent. Both sources confirm Roblox has three months to implement changes, including making children’s accounts private by default, improving reporting systems, and hiring an independent auditor to assess safety measures. The Guardian notes that 1.7 million Australian children use Roblox, while the ABC highlights that Roblox previously made nine commitments in September to address safety concerns. The ABC also mentions Roblox was put 'on notice' earlier this year, a detail not repeated in the Guardian. Both agree Roblox has made some progress, but eSafety warns of potential court action if the company fails to comply.
Ukraine's sacked defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov challenges Zelenskyy with calls for wartime elections
Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, has emerged as a vocal critic of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after being sacked in July following six months in the role. His dismissal, linked to a falling out with military commander Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, triggered protests in Kyiv that have continued for more than a month, including a 2,000-person march on Sunday. Fedorov released a nine-minute video on Tuesday calling for wartime elections and accusing Zelenskyy’s administration of systemic corruption and poor governance, arguing democracy cannot be 'held hostage by Russia.' Zelenskyy responded by nominating Yevhen Khmara, the acting defence minister, for permanent appointment, with parliamentary confirmation expected on Wednesday. Polling at the turn of the month suggests Fedorov could challenge Zelenskyy in a runoff election, with 13.1% support in the first round, trailing only Zelenskyy and Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy fired his deputy chief of staff, Iryna Mudra, on Wednesday after a corruption raid, and his five-year term ended in May 2024 without an election due to wartime conditions.