Rob Smith
@onyadon.bsky.social
I've covered Olympics, World Cups, Cricket, Kangaroo tours, F1, Brit Opens, MotoGPs, Wimbledons, interest in politics/environment/music & I follow AFC Wimbledon
The cheapest tickets to the #DjokovicAlcaraz showdown at the #AusOpen going for $1899. When those were quickly snapped up on Saturday, some re-sale tickets went online for a staggering $6598. Other individual tickets ranged between $5718 and $5999. #AAP
February 1, 2026 at 2:44 AM
The cheapest tickets to the #DjokovicAlcaraz showdown at the #AusOpen going for $1899. When those were quickly snapped up on Saturday, some re-sale tickets went online for a staggering $6598. Other individual tickets ranged between $5718 and $5999. #AAP
Australia has rejected an offer from international partners to join a public statement condemning #Israel for the demolition of an international aid organisation's headquarters.
Canberra was invited to join, but declined without an explanation, one diplomatic source told AAP. #Auspol
Canberra was invited to join, but declined without an explanation, one diplomatic source told AAP. #Auspol
February 1, 2026 at 2:39 AM
#Australia is being asked to accept something extraordinary as if it were normal. Who invited #IsaacHerzog in the first place, and why did #AnthonyAlbanese say yes? Presented to us not as diplomacy, not as geopolitics, not as a strategic signal, but as “healing”. #Auspol
On Herzog. "Who asked for this visit? Why did the govt agree? And what exactly are Australians being told .. about where allegiance is supposed to lie?
Andrew Brown #auspol
michaelwest.com.au/what-is-isra...
Andrew Brown #auspol
michaelwest.com.au/what-is-isra...
What is Israel's Herzog doing here, who invited him, and why? - Michael West
Israel's President, Isaac Herzog to arrive in Australia in February. Why is a foreign Head of State asked to help heal Australian community?
michaelwest.com.au
January 30, 2026 at 4:39 AM
#Australia is being asked to accept something extraordinary as if it were normal. Who invited #IsaacHerzog in the first place, and why did #AnthonyAlbanese say yes? Presented to us not as diplomacy, not as geopolitics, not as a strategic signal, but as “healing”. #Auspol
Of course, Mr President, of course ... your word is your bond.. #Trump
Trump cut short a cabinet meeting on Thursday, declaring previous marathon sessions in which he was spotted resting his eyes were "pretty boring".
Trump has denied napping during previous gatherings
u.afp.com/S23s
Trump has denied napping during previous gatherings
u.afp.com/S23s
January 30, 2026 at 4:37 AM
Of course, Mr President, of course ... your word is your bond.. #Trump
The #Nationals, led by the #LNP, have spent the better part of three decades dragging the #Liberals to where they are now. And like Monty Python’s Black Knight, the Liberal Party, bereft of direction, shared values, or understanding of what it is slides further and further into irrelevancy. #Auspol
“To understand what’s happening in the Coalition, you have to understand Queensland,” writes @amyremeikis.bsky.social, Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute.
Read Amy Remeikis’ full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4k7F9by
Read Amy Remeikis’ full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4k7F9by
January 30, 2026 at 4:35 AM
The #Nationals, led by the #LNP, have spent the better part of three decades dragging the #Liberals to where they are now. And like Monty Python’s Black Knight, the Liberal Party, bereft of direction, shared values, or understanding of what it is slides further and further into irrelevancy. #Auspol
Reposted by Rob Smith
Uses for the flag.
My @smh @theage cartoon
My @smh @theage cartoon
January 29, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Uses for the flag.
My @smh @theage cartoon
My @smh @theage cartoon
Reposted by Rob Smith
Israel has now said it accepts Hamas' estimate of the Gaza death toll, 71,000+, after years of insisting it was inflated. We're about to welcome the head of that state as an official guest.
January 29, 2026 at 11:58 PM
Israel has now said it accepts Hamas' estimate of the Gaza death toll, 71,000+, after years of insisting it was inflated. We're about to welcome the head of that state as an official guest.
The invitation to #Herzog to visit to Australia in the wake of the #BondiBeach atrocity also serves to add fuel to the already combustible debate about #antisemitism, #Zionism and criticism of the state of #Israel. #auspol
The folly of inviting Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, to Australia.
My column for the ABC.
My column for the ABC.
Why the looming visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog may backfire on Anthony Albanese - ABC Religion & Ethics
The Prime Minister is not known for taking big risks — but the visit of Isaac Herzog risks jeopardising his government’s efforts to address escalating tensions within the Australian community over Gaz...
www.abc.net.au
January 29, 2026 at 5:52 AM
The invitation to #Herzog to visit to Australia in the wake of the #BondiBeach atrocity also serves to add fuel to the already combustible debate about #antisemitism, #Zionism and criticism of the state of #Israel. #auspol
The normalisation of #OneNation, through reality TV, breakfast TV slots and inclusion as a serious political player in Australia has been #media-driven, dressed up as the people’s choice. #Auspol
What is being ‘normalised’ through politics and media is abhorrent and dangerous.
www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politic...
www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politic...
Beware the new 'normal', it might be about to bite us
Some people just like power. Those same people enjoy sowing seeds of discord that they never have to actually solve, in order to keep it.
www.thenewdaily.com.au
January 28, 2026 at 11:21 PM
The normalisation of #OneNation, through reality TV, breakfast TV slots and inclusion as a serious political player in Australia has been #media-driven, dressed up as the people’s choice. #Auspol
#ScottMorrison’s speech drew swift condemnation from Labor MPs & the Australian National Imams Council, which said comments were “reckless, irresponsible & deeply ill-informed”. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Morrison was a “pretty divisive figure” #Auspol
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Muslim leaders slam Morrison as ‘reckless, irresponsible’ after Islam speech
Andrew Bragg has urged Australian Muslims to take some responsibility for religious extremism, after Scott Morrison told an antisemitism conference in Israel that Islamic leaders should enforce stron...
www.smh.com.au
January 28, 2026 at 4:37 AM
#ScottMorrison’s speech drew swift condemnation from Labor MPs & the Australian National Imams Council, which said comments were “reckless, irresponsible & deeply ill-informed”. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Morrison was a “pretty divisive figure” #Auspol
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
During intergovernmental negotiations intended to determine a maritime boundary, the Australian Government bugged government offices in #TimorLeste. This led Timor-Leste to file a case with the International Court of Justice, which in 2014 ordered #Australia not to spy on Timor-Leste.
Ahead of PM Albanese’s visit to Timor-Leste this week, new @australiainstitute.org.au research reveals five things you may not know about one of Australia’s closest neighbours.
Read the full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4qmZdbP
Read the full piece on The Point: https://theaus.in/4qmZdbP
January 28, 2026 at 4:27 AM
During intergovernmental negotiations intended to determine a maritime boundary, the Australian Government bugged government offices in #TimorLeste. This led Timor-Leste to file a case with the International Court of Justice, which in 2014 ordered #Australia not to spy on Timor-Leste.
#Herzog's visit has prompted legal groups to urge the AFP to investigate him for inciting #genocide. A UN Human Rights Council inquiry examining the war in #Gaza found comments Herzog made following the 7 October attacks by #Hamas against #Israel were evidence of genocidal intent. #Auspol
January 28, 2026 at 2:40 AM
Reposted by Rob Smith
#America feels like a country on the brink of an #authoritarian takeover.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
America feels like a country on the brink of an authoritarian takeover | Francine Prose
This is the news we should be paying attention to. At least for the moment, everything else is a distraction
www.theguardian.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:59 AM
#America feels like a country on the brink of an #authoritarian takeover.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Rob Smith
This was the most dominant of Scorchers' 6 titles - won in different ways, road success + thrashed Sixers x2 in finals.
A look into how they shaped this bolder, aggressive side starting with the recruitment of Finn Allen + fostering a successful culture
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-fi...
A look into how they shaped this bolder, aggressive side starting with the recruitment of Finn Allen + fostering a successful culture
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-fi...
Back to familiar territory: what went behind Scorchers' all-conquering season
It was dominance personified from start to the end in front of a packed Optus Stadium and even on the road
www.espncricinfo.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:22 AM
This was the most dominant of Scorchers' 6 titles - won in different ways, road success + thrashed Sixers x2 in finals.
A look into how they shaped this bolder, aggressive side starting with the recruitment of Finn Allen + fostering a successful culture
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-fi...
A look into how they shaped this bolder, aggressive side starting with the recruitment of Finn Allen + fostering a successful culture
www.espncricinfo.com/story/bbl-fi...
We may be entering an ugly time – and given how horrible some of the past years have been an uglier time is an awful thought. This is the nation #Albanese must try to lead and keep together. “Lucky” is not the word that comes to mind. #Auspol
@mrseankelly.bsky.social www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
@mrseankelly.bsky.social www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Rise of One Nation reflects deeper divisions in society
We may be entering an ugly time – an awful concept. This is the nation the PM must now try to keep together.
www.smh.com.au
January 26, 2026 at 1:34 AM
We may be entering an ugly time – and given how horrible some of the past years have been an uglier time is an awful thought. This is the nation #Albanese must try to lead and keep together. “Lucky” is not the word that comes to mind. #Auspol
@mrseankelly.bsky.social www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
@mrseankelly.bsky.social www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Reposted by Rob Smith
January 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM
January 22, 2026 at 3:24 AM
Reposted by Rob Smith
If the question is "can you accuse Israel of genocide without fear of prosecution" and the answer is anything other than an unqualified "yes", then there is something dangerously wrong with your "hate laws".
www.youtube.com/shorts/YmEcn...
www.youtube.com/shorts/YmEcn...
Attorney-General attempts to explain extent of hate speech laws | 7.30
YouTube video by ABC News In-depth
www.youtube.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:15 AM
If the question is "can you accuse Israel of genocide without fear of prosecution" and the answer is anything other than an unqualified "yes", then there is something dangerously wrong with your "hate laws".
www.youtube.com/shorts/YmEcn...
www.youtube.com/shorts/YmEcn...
What the #Israel lobby fail to realise is that whatever sympathy Australians had for people of the #Jewish faith is being eroded by the Israel lobby every time they bang their drum; and bang their drum they do. @ronnisalt.bsky.social #Auspol
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
The dark arts - The Shot
The ideology of the Israel lobby in Australia is this - burn it to the ground rather than ever allow an opposing voice.
theshot.net.au
January 21, 2026 at 1:41 AM
What the #Israel lobby fail to realise is that whatever sympathy Australians had for people of the #Jewish faith is being eroded by the Israel lobby every time they bang their drum; and bang their drum they do. @ronnisalt.bsky.social #Auspol
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
theshot.net.au/uncategorize...
Reposted by Rob Smith
Rob Hirst has had a massive impact on Australian culture. He was the engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time. RIP, dear Rob. You are irreplaceable, one of a kind, and myself, my family, and all the rest of this great country will miss you so much.
January 20, 2026 at 7:05 AM
Rob Hirst has had a massive impact on Australian culture. He was the engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time. RIP, dear Rob. You are irreplaceable, one of a kind, and myself, my family, and all the rest of this great country will miss you so much.
There is a growing sense of embarrassment among mid-level and senior officials within #Fifa over the awarding of its "peace prize" to #DonaldTrump.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Growing sense of embarrassment at Fifa over Donald Trump peace prize
There is a growing sense of embarrassment among mid-level and senior officials within Fifa over the awarding of the peace prize to Donald Trump
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:01 AM
There is a growing sense of embarrassment among mid-level and senior officials within #Fifa over the awarding of its "peace prize" to #DonaldTrump.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...