The AFL may be celebrating its closes finishes this season but does parity mean mediocrity, asks Richard Hinds.

China has been working hard to refashion its image beyond economic might and military threat but its "soft power" offensive is stalling amid perceptions it is trying to stifle free speech in the West, writes China correspondent Matthew Carney.

For the majority of Australia's renters, housing will remain unaffordable, insecure, and out of reach following the 2017-18 federal budget, writes Emma Power from Western Sydney University.

PETER Barge has moved from his Bowral estate to Bali, where he has linked up with John Hardy to develop bamboo homes for expatriates.

Scentre CEO Peter Allen and Dexus COO Craig Mitchell have reopened Westfield Hurstville.