ICAC is investigating allegations the former CEO of City of Parramatta Council subverted hiring practices to fill job vacancies with friends.
Queensland's government is projected to collect nearly $5 billion annually from land tax by 2029-30, a significant increase from current figures. The tax, which applies to investment properties exceeding a $600,000 threshold, was previously criticized by Premier David Crisafulli as affecting "humble" investors.
Employees of Sydney-based branding agency For The People found their office locked due to unpaid rent. A liquidator's report suggests the director, Chris Billing, operated the company while insolvent for years, potentially engaging in illegal 'phoenix trading' by transferring business to a new entity to avoid debts totaling nearly $5 million to the ATO and $8 million to creditors.
Angus Pitman, a promising junior footballer, was forced to quit the sport after eight concussions by age 16. He has since found a new passion in rowing and aims to compete professionally, while concerns about concussion protocols in Australian Rules Football persist.
Epping Football Netball Club player Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, died from head injuries sustained during a match. His teammates will sit out this weekend's game, and a commemorative service will be held. The AFL will encourage black armbands across all clubs. The incident has sparked an investigation into the safety of cricket pitch coverings on multi-use ovals.
Norwegian rider Torstein Traeen of Uno-X Mobility is the new leader of the Tour de France after a 181km stage in the Pyrenees. Mads Pedersen won the stage, but Traeen's strong performance secured him the yellow jersey, making him the third Norwegian to achieve this feat.
Queensland hosts New South Wales in a winner-takes-all Game III of the State of Origin series at Lang Park. The Maroons aim to leverage their historical advantage at home against the Blues, who have a mixed record in Brisbane deciders.
