Good morning. We lead today with revelations that the fundraising giant Climate 200 will back independent candidates in nine more Coalition-held seats in Queensland, NSW and Victoria for the 2025 elections. It comes amid a surge of donations after Peter Dutton’s climate announcements.
Labia surgery is one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures among young people in Australia – and a new survey suggests that shame, stigma and anxiety driven by social media and pornography is behind the rise.
Meanwhile, key global powers have failed to sign up to a communique at the Ukraine peace summit – and the rules for a “civilised discussion” have been revealed before the first US presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Australia
‘A lot of misconceptions’ | A report has found that pornography and social media are driving a rise in people having or considering labia surgery, amid distorted perceptions of what genitalia look like.
Exclusive | Climate 200, the fundraising giant that bankrolled the teal independent wave at the last election, has thrown its support behind independent campaigns in nine more Coalition-held seats.
Housing crisis | The NSW housing minister, Rose Jackson, has hit out at the “dud deal” sale of Sydney’s Sirius building – and says losing public housing in expensive central suburbs leaves society worse off.
Foreign policy | Anthony Albanese has been urged to place China’s human rights record before economic and trade discussions in his meeting with China’s second most powerful leader today.
Victoria | Advocates and council members have responded with cautious optimism to a new 27-year housing strategy in Melbourne and Geelong that assigns development targets to local councils.
World
Full Story
The destructive consequences of financial abuse
For women in violent or abusive relationships money can be a key factor that determines whether they stay or leave. The Guardian Australia reporter Kate Lyons speaks to Nour Haydar about what she found after sitting in on financial abuse counselling sessions – and what needs to change to stop abuse.
In-depth
An affair, a hunting trip and two people dead at a high country camp: the former pilot Gregory Stuart Lynn, 57, has faced a four-week trial after pleading not guilty to murdering campers Russell Hill, 74, and Carol Clay, 73, in Victoria’s high country in 2020. As the jury considers a verdict, here’s everything you need to know about how the missing person investigation and trial unfolded.
Not the news
When Once Upon a Time in Shaolin by the rap legends Wu-Tang Clan was announced in 2015, it came with a unique stipulation: whoever bought it would not be able to release it for 88 years, or 2103. But now 500 people are getting to hear a 30-minute mix from world’s rarest album played at Mona in Tasmania. Sian Cain, who was among those to listen in, writes that as Wu-Tang Clan music goes, it’s enough to leave listeners buzzing – but as a work of art, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is truly great.
The world of sport
AFL | The prince of Punt Road: AFL fans have risen as one for Dustin Martin’s 300th match.
Euro 2024 | The Netherlands have survived an early scare for a 2-1 win against Poland; Serbia take on England after violent clashes among fans.
Cricket | Australia fumble their way to victory over Scotland at the T20 World Cup; Pakistan have beaten Ireland by three wickets.
Boxing | Queenslander Liam Paro has shocked the world to seize the super lightweight title.
Golf | The final round of the US Open is under way at Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Media roundup
As top intelligence officials raise fears about a state-sponsored hacking group, the Coalition home affairs spokesperson claims that Chinese cyber-attacks and meddling in Australian institutions has “never been more prolific”, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Employees at a major ground handling service have made at least one error a day on Qantas flights this month, including damaging planes and mishandling firearms, reports the Age. As schools increasingly step in to help those going hungry, some experts believe Australia should consider a “universal” approach to school lunches, reports ABC News.
What’s happening today
NSW | A judge-alone trial for those accused of murdering Amber Haigh is due to begin in Wagga Wagga.
Queensland | Bruce Lehrmann is expected to attend a Toowoomba court today for a committal hearing into allegations he raped a woman in 2021.
Victoria | The Senate legal and constitutional affairs references committee is holding a public hearing on rightwing extremist movements in Australia.
ACT | The official visit to Australia by Li Qiang, China’s second most powerful leader, continues with the annual leaders dialogue in Canberra.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
