Morning Mail: Swans players sanctioned, Meta on trial, why Australian free-to-air drama is dying

Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Morning Mail here, and finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletterMorning everyone. After a board meeting last night, the Sydney Swans AFL club says it will penalise players for a “serious breach” of standards over an incident early on Monday morning.The government is expected to complete the passage of its controversial NDIS bill through the lower house today after making a deal in the Senate, and Erin Patterson begins her appeal against her mushroom murder convictions.Patterson appeal | Three judges will sit in Victoria’s highest court today to begin hearing an appeal by Erin Patterson over her conviction in the mushroom murders case.Swans dive | The Sydney Swans will sanction players for a “serious breach” of standards over an incident in Melbourne at the weekend linked to a report of sexual assault. The AFL’s chief executive, Andrew Dillon, said the allegations were “deeply concerning”. No arrests have been made and no charges have been laid.Bill victory | The government’s controversial NDIS bill will pass into law today after “substantial” amendments were agreed to in a deal between Labor and the Coalition, but some of the changes drew heavy criticism from the Greens, the ACT senator David Pocock and the disability community.Treatment fear | The federal government should fund treatment for thousands of women with breast cancer or endometriosis, and children with gender dysphoria, according to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme’s advisory committee.Early draws | Pauline Hanson says people struggling to make ends meet should be allowed early access to their super savings. Our economics editor explores whether that would be a good idea. Continue reading...