The points heist: frequent flyer hacks fuel the ATO credit card war

There’s a whole subculture out there of points junkies - the people for whom every purchase is a tactical opportunity. Today - the frequent flyer hacks complicating the Tax Office’s war on plastic - and why there’s a secret points goldmine that’s just opened up thanks to the Government’s bid to man…

MP car-attack accused ‘has rare disorder’

Brendan Nugent, the man accused of deliberately running over independent MP Helen Haines with his car, has a rare neurological disorder. That’s according to his lawyer, who didn’t apply for bail when Nugent appeared in court on Wednesday. Plus, Prince Harry says it’s not about him - it’s the rest o…

The crazies threatening Australian politicians from every side

Turn the temperature down - that’s the refrain from Anthony Albanese as independent MP Helen Haines battles to survive injuries sustained in a shocking vehicle attack. But what does that actually mean? What did Haines’ alleged attacker believe in? Can we draw reason and meaning from online rants or…

What we know about Helen Haines’ alleged attacker

What could motivate someone to mow down a grandma, nurse and widely respected MP? Although no charges have been laid, questions emerge about the alleged grievances of Brendan Nugent.  Read more:  ‘Plant person’ and ‘pro-Gaza’ radical Brendan Nugent arrested over Helen Haines attack Helen Haines …

France has terrible aircon. Why is that causing a generational riot?

It’s the most French of stories: a public grievance blows up into a major conflagration with town halls burnt and synagogues ransacked. This time, anger over classroom conditions in history’s hottest summer has become a public order catastrophe. So who’s really to blame? Greg Sheridan is here.  Re…

Tax Office accidentally creates a points bonanza

Backflipping and confusion over credit card surcharges seem to have left points junkies able to pay their tax on plastic and reap a one-time-only points haul. Plus, Vladimir Putin’s plan for Ukraine peace that doesn’t involve Ukraine.  Read more:  Taxpayers pocket free frequent flyer points as go…

The old warhorses uniting to fight Netanyahu

Nobody thought Benjamin Netanyahu could survive the Hamas onslaught, a scandal over unheeded warnings and the sprawling Gaza-Iran-Lebanon-Houthi conflicts that have arisen. As Israel’s October 28 elections near, rivals Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid say it’s time to end the Bibi era…

Did AI secretly write the biggest song of the year?

French DJ Florent Hugel has a monster global hit on his hands - and now he’s frantically trying to refute claims the whole thing came from artificial intelligence.Today, Claire and Jasper Leak peel the layers off ‘Movin’ to the Sun’ to work out what’s real and what’s audacious spin.  Read more abo…

Media boss says his wife wants DV charges dropped

The media mogul accused of attacking his wife, Anthony Catalano, now says he wants to move overseas with her and their children. Plus, the jury in the double-murder trial of Beau Lamarre-Condon visits the scene of the alleged crime, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make their first public appeara…

Are we forgetting Kokoda?

Fear, exhaustion and elation combine on the96-kilometre Kokoda Track, where trekkers honour one of our greatest military victories. But is this ultimate immersive experience being forgotten by Australians, as tourist numbers dwindle and PNG is gripped by extreme poverty and violence? Our own John F…