Good morning. We lead today with new figures showing that one in four cases heard by New South Wales courts last year were related to domestic violence. The rising numbers coincide with a lack of funding to help victim-survivors seek justice.
France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, has dissolved the French parliament and called a snap election – as far-right parties make significant gains in early European election results.
Meanwhile, Benny Gantz has quit from Israel’s war cabinet in protest over Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza crisis, the body of British TV doctor Michael Mosley has been found in Greece, and Carlos Alcaraz has won the French Open in a five-set thriller.
Australia
Exclusive | Queensland Labor may water down a proposed ban on faith-based schools discriminating against gay teachers, as it looks to avoid “a fight with the churches” before the state election.
Domestic violence | New data shows a quarter of all matters before local courts in NSW last year were related to domestic violence, amid warnings of a critical lack in funding to help victims seek justice.
Exports to Israel | The Albanese government says it has been forced to release more details about Australia’s defence exports to Israel after “social division and damage” over Gaza.
Victoria | The department responsible for child protection is preparing for a “likely transfer” of powers to First Nations groups as a result of treaties that will soon be negotiated with the government.
King’s birthday honours | Two former state premiers, a veteran refugee advocate, a legendary fast bowler, and one of Australia’s richest women are among hundreds of Australians to receive awards.
World
European elections | Emmanuel Macron has dissolved the French national assembly and called a snap election, after early results in the European elections showed significant gains for far-right parties.
Gaza crisis | Benny Gantz has resigned from Israel’s war cabinet, accusing Benjamin Netanyahu of allowing political considerations to impede strategic decisions in Gaza; a top EU diplomat says the “bloodbath must end” amid growing outrage over the scale of Palestinian deaths during Israel’s operation to free four hostages in Gaza.
Michael Mosley | The British TV presenter’s family confirms he has been found dead after disappearing in Greece; tributes have been flowing for the “human guinea pig” who made health a TV and radio hit.
Indian politics | Narendra Modi has been sworn in as prime minister of India for a historic third term – ushering in a new era of coalition politics for the strongman leader.
‘Cheaters don’t like getting caught’ | Donald Trump thinking he “is above the law” should be disqualifying for the Republican would-be president, says US vice-president Kamala Harris.
Full Story
Why is Rishi Sunak predicted to lose the UK election?
Ever since a rain-soaked UK prime minister Rishi Sunak unexpectedly announced an early general election, the prevailing consensus has been that he will lead the Tories to a loss on 4 July. Jane Lee speaks to Jonathan Freedland about how 14 years of Conservative rule have shaped the country – and what’s at stake for Britons in this campaign.
In-depth
When Catherine Holmes’ scathing robodebt royal commission report was released, the names of six individuals referred for further investigation was kept sealed so as not to prejudice those processes. However, the National Anti-Corruption Commission has decided not to launch an investigation into the “robodebt six”. It’s a great disappointment to the victims of robodebt, and Paul Karp asks whether there’s been enough transparency about how the referrals have been handled.
Not the news
The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work. This week, trauma specialist and psychotherapist Diane Young explores how the brain protects itself from pain by shutting down emotional responses – something that can help us cope with trauma in the short term, but can be problematic when it persists.
The world of sport
Tennis | Carlos Alcaraz stormed back to beat Alexander Zverev in a five-set French Open men’s singles final thriller; and just how many French Opens can Iga Swiatek win?
Cricket | India pull off a six-run win against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup; and Australia’s weapons of mass deception are sounding a T20 World Cup warning, writes Geoff Lemon.
Olympics | Why Dutch athlete Femke Bol could be the sublime star of the Paris Olympics; and Oceana Mackenzie, the “introvert” climber scaling Olympic heights for Australia.
Media roundup
A whistleblower alleges that dozens of expectant mothers who attended Queensland’s Redcliffe hospital received substandard maternity care, reports the ABC. The NSW Labor government has ordered Hornsby Shire Council to repay $36m from a controversial grants fund that overwhelmingly favoured Coalition electorates when the Liberals and Nationals were in power, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Insiders have claimed that the Australian Border Force’s Cape-class boats are plagued with dangerous issues including multiple known – but unresolved – defects, reports the Age.
What’s happening today
King’s birthday | Public holiday in the ACT, NSW, Victoria, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania – but not Queensland or Western Australia.
Media | The Women in Media Industry Insight Report 2024 is being released today.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
