Morning everyone. The treasurer will deliver his budget today with the message that although the debt burden has continued to grow and “there’s more to do”, Labor are on the right track with lower unemployment and interest rates buoying the country’s economic fortunes. We’ve got everything you need to know on this election curtain-raiser.
We’re also reporting on pleas by Liberal backbenchers that the Coalition should not cut foreign aid, as well as the protests mounting in Turkey – and there has been an extraordinary security blunder at the White House after a journalist was mistakenly added to a top-level group chat discussing war plans.
Australia
Hot air? | Chris Bowen announced $814m for green hydrogen last week, despite projects being in doubt across NSW, Queensland and South Australia. Petra Stock investigates why the government is still backing the technology.
Budget countdown | Australia’s debt burden will continue to grow in this financial year, Treasury has confirmed, even as Jim Chalmers claimed credit for the country’s much stronger fiscal position than was predicted leading into the last election. Ahead of the big reveal at 7.30 tonight, here’s what we know so far.
Environment pledge | Labor has vowed to establish a federal environment protection agency if it wins the election, just weeks after shelving its 2022 election promise amid a political and industry backlash in Western Australia.
Exclusive | Liberal backbenchers are urging the Coalition not to cut the overall foreign aid budget to pay for a potential $15bn increase in defence spending and other big-ticket budget items.
Abuse charge | A 33-year-old Sydney woman has been charged with producing child abuse material in relation to a novel, police said last night.
World
Turkey protests | Turkish authorities have arrested more than 1,100 people, including journalists, after tens of thousands took to the streets of Istanbul in the largest anti-government protests in years.
Wrong chat | Senior members of Donald Trump’s cabinet have been involved in a serious security breach while discussing secret military plans for recent US attacks on the Houthi armed group in Yemen, after a prominent journalist was added to a group on Signal. The incident has sparked outrage across the US political spectrum.
Gaza deaths | Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 65 people in Gaza in the past 24 hours, including women, children and two journalists, the Palestinian health authority said, nearly a week after Israel broke its ceasefire with Hamas.
Oscar winner attacked | Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian co-director of the documentary No Other Land, was attacked by armed settlers in the West Bank before being handed to the Israeli military, witnesses say.
‘Insecure baby’ | Donald Trump has been mocked as an “insecure baby” after criticising a portrait of him hanging in the Colorado state capitol. The president has also called George Clooney a “second-rate” movie star after the actor called for more protection of press freedoms. Tesla sales in Europe fell 45% last month in the latest indication of a potential buyer backlash over Elon Musk’s links with Trump.
Ukraine talks | US and Russian officials have begun talks in Saudi Arabia as Donald Trump pushes to broker a limited ceasefire that Washington hopes will mark the first step toward lasting peace in Ukraine.
Full Story
The political firestorm over Tasmania’s salmon farming
Our environment editor, Adam Morton, speaks to Reged Ahmad about how the controversial salmon farming industry has risen to the top of the federal election agenda.
In-depth
Queenslanders are becoming nervous about the planning for the 2032 Olympics Games – or rather the lack of it. As the government prepares to outline the state of play today, state correspondent Ben Smee worries that they might stuff things up.
Not the news
An adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s novel The Last Anniversary begins on Binge this week and, according to Luke Buckmaster’s four-star review, it sounds well worth catching the six episodes. It’s full of mystery and drama, he says, but is also nuanced and boasts excellent performances, especially Teresa Palmer’s “beautifully balanced portrayal” in the lead role as the outsider who upsets a family’s balance.
Sport
Football | Victory for the Socceroos in Hangzhou tonight will see them take a giant step towards the automatic qualification for USA 2026, where New Zealand have already booked their place.
Formula One | Lando Norris says his McLaren team will be “nervous” about the prospect of him going head-to-head with his teammate, Oscar Piastri, for the F1 title.
Football | A week after their first domestic cup win for 70 years, Newcastle supporters are upset that the club plans to celebrate their triumph with a party on the city’s Town Moor rather than the traditional open-top bus parade.
Media roundup
AMP has tried to reassure staff that camera surveillance of employees will not occur when they are working from home, the Australian reports. The Age says police are now involved after “sign wars” got out of control in an affluent, teal-held electorate. A major investigation is under way in Brisbane after a woman was found dead in her northside home, the Courier Mail reports.
What’s happening today
Politics | Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivers his budget speech in the House of Representatives at 7.30pm.
Queensland | The state government response and report into 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure will be released.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
