Good afternoon. Ben Roberts-Smith – the decorated SAS soldier who was found by the federal court on the balance of probabilities to have committed war crimes in Afghanistan – is appealing against the decision.
Roberts-Smith had his defamation trial against the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times dismissed last month by the federal court judge Anthony Besanko. The former soldier filed his appeal this afternoon, two days before the appeal deadline.
Top news
Clare Nowland’s family sues NSW government | The civil case against the state in Bega in south-east NSW comes on top of a criminal case against Sen Const Kristian White, 33, who is alleged to have Tasered the 95-year-old grandmother in an aged care home. The civil matter will return to court on 22 August, while the criminal case will be heard again on 6 September.
Robodebt lawsuits warning | Accountability for the robodebt scandal might come in the way of potential civil action against former Coalition ministers and public servants, a law firm warned today. Gordon Legal, which was behind the $1.8bn robodebt class action, says it is prepared to launch a fresh civil case alleging misfeasance in public office unless a settlement for further compensation is reached.
Abortion pill access made easier | The Therapeutic Goods Administration has made it easier for women in Australia to access the MS-2 Step mifepristone medication, also known as RU486, by allowing any health practitioner to prescribe the pill. Previously, only doctors with a specialist certification could prescribe the drug.
Gold Coast Suns sack Stuart Dew | Gold Coast has paved the way for Damien Hardwick’s arrival by sacking Dew because there was a “clear gap” between the expectations and results at the AFL club. Dew, in his sixth season, was dumped with 18 months remaining on his contract in a unanimous board decision on Monday night.
First week of July hottest on record | On the heels of the hottest June on record, the UN has declared the first week of July the world’s hottest ever, driven by climate change and the early stages of an El Niño weather pattern.
Snow falls on Johannesburg for first time in 11 years | Some residents of the South African city were delighted to see snow fall – some for the first time – as a result of surging humidity and cold temperatures.
Controversial Solomon Islands-China pact | The two countries have signed a deal on police cooperation as part of an upgrade of their relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership”. Last month, the prime minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, called for a review of a 2017 security treaty with Australia, which has historically provided policing support to Solomon Islands.
Plane plunges into hangar | A pilot escaped with only minor injuries after a single-engine plane nose dived into the roof of a hangar at Long Beach airport in southern California.
White Island eruption trial | A landmark trial has begun in New Zealand against the owners of Whakaari/White Island over a deadly volcano eruption in December 2019 that killed 22 people – mostly tourists – including 17 Australians. In a daylong opening address, prosecutor Kirsty McDonald accused the island’s owners of putting profits “before safety”.
In pictures
Cartoonist Fiona Katauskas responds to news that Australia has joined a “climate club”, which includes countries such as Canada, the UK, Japan and the US and aims to increase cooperation on climate action.
What they said …
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“I do not know why these Coalition ministers think that they’re out of the woods.” – Bill Shorten
Shorten warned former Coalition ministers could be sued for their alleged roles in the robodebt scheme.
In numbers
Why do we struggle at building community? Read the full results from the latest Guardian Essential poll.
Before bed read
How to find a men’s jeans that will last and look smart? A few menswear experts share their secrets.
“I think it’s safe to say if it’s Japanese you’re in good hands.”
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: VINE. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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