Woolworths increased prices during ‘freeze’; Abbott weighs in on Hastie cartoon; and turning the algorithm off | The Guardian

Support the Guardian

Support us

Fund independent journalism

A woman walks holding a Woolworths shopping bag

11/09/2026

Woolworths increased prices during ‘freeze’; Abbott weighs in on Hastie cartoon; and turning the algorithm off

Sign up for Politics, really - a new daily email from Guardian Australia’s stellar political team. Find out more and subscribe here.

Guardian staff

Good morning. Woolworths raised prices for popular items – including a 33% mark-up on chicken fillets – within days of promising to freeze prices on 300 “family staples” for three months to help customers with the cost of living.

Tony Abbott has joined in widespread condemnation of an “offensive” cartoon posted on social media by One Nation. And our reporter Caitlin Cassidy explores what it’s like to turn the algorithm off.

Australia

Brain freeze: The southern hemisphere’s only cryonics facility, Southern Cryonics, is selling people “a chance of life extension” for more than $200,000. Experts say there’s no way it will work.

Woolies counter: Pricing data compiled by CW Scanner and provided to Guardian Australia shows the supermarket chain increasing the prices of at least four key products after starting its three-month “Price Freeze” promotion.

Hastie takedown: The former prime minister Tony Abbott has called on One Nation to remove a cartoon labelling the Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie a “traitor” or accept that it’s playing a double standard.

Granted: Anthony Albanese is under fire after an invite-only grant program allocated millions to marginal Labor seats and his old local golf club. What went wrong – and is this sports rorts all over again?

World

Smoke over the skyline of lower Manhattan

9/11 remembered: CIA veterans recalled the chaos and confusion as the attacks unfolded – followed by a “war on terror” that left the agency with a tarnished reputation.

Global bond sell-off: Nervous investors across big economies have been dumping government bonds, driving up the cost of borrowing, as surging oil prices amplified fears about rising inflation.

Trump bucks: Donald Trump’s promise of a US$5,000 “Trump dividend” for every US citizen if Republicans retain control of the US Congress in November’s midterm elections has sparked incredulity and accusations of bribery.

Gaza documentary: Testimony from 24 Israeli military insiders on the secret systems used in the war on Gaza has been revealed in a new documentary film about the mass killing of Palestinian civilians.

The Guardian is a reader-funded news organisation that answers to no one other than the public. You can support us here – it’s quick, and any amount helps. Thank you.

Support us

Full Story

Alan Jones on Trial: Fierce loyalty, fiery texts and a parade of witnesses | Week 6

After a slow start to the week, the criminal trial of Alan Jones accelerated with a swift succession of witnesses taking the stand. Through a former politician, close friends and loyal associates, the court heard details of alleged indecent touching, scornful text messages and declarations of an “unbreakable bond” with Jones. Nour Haydar speaks to media correspondent Amanda Meade to unpack the cross-examinations, key testimonies and courtroom revelations.

In-depth

On the edge of the main highway winding from Hobart to Tasmania’s west coast, the concrete shell of the Royal Hotel stands like a spacecraft lingering on otherworldly terrain. One of the few official ruins in Tasmania, the old building is roofless, weathered by the elements – and has just sold for $300,000. Located in the ghost town of Linda, near Gormanston, the historic property was snapped up sight unseen by a Perth chef, Naiche, and his partner.

Not the news

Would Hollywood have brought Practical Magic back from the dead if the intervening 28 years looked more visible on Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman? An awkward question, as it risks subjecting their faces to the invasive scrutiny older female actors already endure. Their return as leads in their late 50s and early 60s should count as progress. Yet it reveals a condition of female stardom: age can increase a female actor’s nostalgic value, provided it does not show too clearly on her face.

Sport

Fremantle Dockers fans celebrate at a match

AFL| Fremantle frenzy has turned to fear as the AFL finals straight-sets exit draws nearer.

Cricket | England has batted Pakistan out of third Test with Ollie Robinson taking two wickets in the first over.

Football | Benjamin Sesko has soared as Manchester United surged past Sabah Baku in a Champions League return.