Morning everyone. Our top story today is another twist in the immigration detention saga with our reporter discovering that at least two released detainees have had some visa conditions lifted – which could thwart their legal action against the government.
Four people have been arrested in Europe over what police suspect is a Hamas plot to target Jewish institutions, and Ukraine has taken a big step towards potential EU membership.
And in sport Australia’s cricketers – who have made an excellent start to the first Test in Perth – are joined as world champions by an actuary from Sydney, who has literally Exceled.
Australia
Photograph: Andrew Ngai
‘You Exceled!’ | By day, Andrew Ngai is an actuary from Sydney. By night he is known as the “Annihilator” and this week he became the Microsoft Excel world champion after beating competition from all over the world in Las Vegas.
Pic-pockets? | A criminal syndicate was tipped off to a covert operation after federal law enforcement staff shared photos of an intercepted shipping container with more than 400 public servants across multiple agencies.
Rules eased | The immigration minister, Andrew Giles, has quietly lifted the ankle bracelet and curfew conditions from at least two of the three people released from detention who are challenging tough new visa rules in the high court.
Aukus passed | The US congress has passed legislation allowing the country to sell Virginia-class submarines to Australia under the Aukus security pact.
Miles better | The incoming Queensland premier, Steven Miles, is expected to announce today that the state will lift its lagging emissions reductions targets, among a number of “day one” initiatives to be unveiled by the new leadership. It comes as Australia’s energy market operator warns of the urgent need for solar and windfarms to replace ageing coal generators.
World
Hamas plot | Four people have been arrested in Germany and the Netherlands on suspicion of being part of a cross-border Hamas terrorism plot that German federal prosecutors said aimed to target Jewish institutions in Europe. In Israel the war cabinet has blocked an effort by Mossad to kickstart negotiations over a new hostage release deal.
Putin warning | Vladimir Putin has said “there will only be peace in Ukraine when we achieve our aims” as he appeared on television for his annual press conference. In Brussels EU leaders have made a historic decision to open negotiations for Ukraine (and Moldova) to join the bloc, despite bitter opposition from Hungary’s Victor Orbán.
Rate hopes | Wall Street’s main indexes rose overnight on the hope of rate cuts next year with the ASX expected to leap 2.3% on the back of optimism when it open this morning.
‘Authoritarian narcissist’ | Donald Trump is “not a conservative”, the former Republican House speaker Paul Ryan said, but “a populist, authoritarian narcissist”.
Debever dies | Emmanuelle Debever, a French actor who was among the first to accuse Gérard Depardieu of sexual assault, has reportedly taken her own life.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: the political stories that shaped 2023
Misinformation, racist abuse and ugly campaigning on the voice referendum left the nation bitter and exhausted, as more Australians are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Lenore Taylor and Mike Ticher discuss the political stories that defined the year.
In-depth
Some of Australia’s biggest employers such as the Commonwealth Bank are starting to demand that staff spend at least 50% of their working time in the office. But nearly two-fifths of people still regularly work from home, and offices may never be the same again. Henry Belot zooms in to finds out why.
Not the news
From the sun-baked outback noir of Ivan Sen’s Limbo to the tense and gripping The Royal Hotel, and from the the potential for a brighter tomorrow in Christmess to David Easteal’s three-hour drama The Plains shot – almost entirely from the back seat of a car – Luke Buckmaster picks his 10 best Australian films of the year.
The world of sport
Cricket | David Warner has silenced the critics and all but guaranteed his Test farewell will stretch to Sydney after scoring 164 against Pakistan in Perth to leave Australia in command after the first day of the first Test.
Rugby union | Eddie Jones admitted he “felt terrible” about Australia’s World Cup failure but insisted he had no guilt about the process that saw him return as Japan boss after stepping down from his post with the Wallabies.
Football | Liverpool and Brighton are playing in the Europa League tonight . Follow the action here.
Media roundup
Record immigration has prompted warnings that the nation’s rental market will remain under pressure for years amid signs inflation is driving more people to regional areas, the Age reports. Labor is planning to roll out local “voices” as it tries to rebuild after the failed referendum, according to the Australian. North Sydney Boys high school has topped the HSC rankings for the first time, dethroning James Ruse high’s 27-year reign, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Residents of Mossman have told the Cairns Post of their helplessness as flood waters inundated their homes in the wake of Cyclone Jasper.
What’s happening today
Energy | The regulator Aemo releases its blueprint for the national electricity market.
Environment | Tiwi traditional owners are in Sydney to lobby NAB at its annual meeting to end funding for Santos.
NSW| The final report into LGBTIQ hate crimes will be released.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
