Afternoon Update: Brethren church denies paying far-right activists to target election; Sydney Swans latest; and diamond-soled shoes

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Good afternoon.

The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/21/brethren-church-denies-paying-far-right-activists-to-stage-election-stunts-targeting-albanese-and-others-ntwnfb">has denied it secretly paid far-right influencers to stage stunts targeting Anthony Albanese and other politicians during an appearance at a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/21/sydney-swans-incident-coach-apologises-ntwnfb">Sydney Swans confirm no other club representatives were in Melbourne hotel room

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/21/liberal-mp-condemns-coalition-backing-labor-gambling-reforms">Former Liberal MP condemns Coalition for backing gambling reforms that ‘let down’ vulnerable Australians

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/21/catholic-schools-nsw-ceo-dallas-mcinerney-sacked-after-icac-ntwnfb">Catholic Schools NSW boss sacked after appearance at Icac inquiry into alleged Liberal party corruption

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/21/court-ends-case-queensland-police-officers-tasered-vulnerable-man-ntwnfb">Court ends case against police charged over use of Taser and pepper spray on ‘vulnerable’ First Nations man

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/21/alleged-rapist-arrested-after-returning-to-brisbane-scene-police-say-ntwnfb">Alleged rapist arrested after returning to Brisbane crime scene that night, police say