Your afternoon Briefing

PM’s mansion receives superfast NBN connection, allegations against George Pell are tested and Bulldogs great Steve Folkes has died.

Good afternoon, readers. Malcolm Turnbull’s Point Piper mansion received a superfast NBN connection after his department intervened, allegations against Cardinal George Pell were tested in court and Bulldogs great Steve Folkes has died.

Pictured is Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at home in Point Piper today. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Turnbull’s superfast connection

Malcolm Turnbull has been grilled by Labor after it was revealed the PM’s Point Piper mansion received a superfast NBN connection after his department intervened, avoiding a nine month delay which affected other customers.

—

Cardinal George Pell is seen outside St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney, Friday, December 15, 2017. Rev. Anthony Fisher is set to make a statement following the release of the final report into the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

Pell allegations face early test

One of Cardinal Pell’s alleged victims is dead, was charged with trafficking heroin and denied being abused, a court has heard.

—

Refugee men and fence. Refugee concept

Malaysian ‘refugees’ top appeals cases

Malaysians claiming refugee status made up half of the cases heard by an appeals tribunal in the second half of 2017.

—

Davis Cup and major revamp

Davis Cup sells its soul

Tennis chiefs have agreed to a radical overhaul of the Davis Cup, auctioning off 118 years of tradition in a ‘bold’ $3bn deal, writes Courtney Walsh.

—

NRL - Bulldogs training session at Belmore Oval after Sonny Bill Williams left for France . Coach Steve Folkes and captain Andrew Ryan . Pic;Gregg Porteous

Steve Folkes dies, aged 59

Bulldogs great Steve Folkes has died of a heart attack, aged 59, while riding a bike.