Morning everyone. The Climate Change Authority boss, Matt Kean, says he will not be “bullied” into silence after the Coalition accused the body of engaging in politics. A black Australian says he has been stopped 32 times at Sydney airport, and Donald Trump has been forced to defend “first buddy” Elon Musk.
Plus: could a cyclone ruin a months-long attempt to row across the Pacific, with success almost in sight?
Australia
Go-Jo working | TikTok star Go-Jo will represent Australia at Eurovision in May, the 10th musical act to represent his country since it was allowed to join the competition a decade ago.
‘I won’t be bullied’ | The chair of the Climate Change Authority, Matt Kean, has hit back over an opposition suggestion that his criticism of its nuclear energy proposal could lead to him being sacked if the Coalition wins government.
Creative differences | The boss of Creative Australia has conceded the Australian Pavilion at next year’s Venice Biennale may remain empty following its decision to rescind the contracts of the artist and curator it chose to represent the country. But Adrian Collette and the chair Robert Morgan told Senate estimates last night they would not resign over the fiasco.
‘It has to stop’ | An Australian citizen detained 32 times at Sydney airport – without allegation or charge – has told the federal circuit court he is stopped and searched almost every time he enters the country because he is black.
Reality Check | Peter Dutton has floated at least three different ways in which he would use the billions of dollars in savings from his plans to cut thousands of public service jobs. Josh Butler endeavours to unpack the details.
World
Musk backlash | Donald Trump has stepped in to defend Elon Musk from a mounting backlash in his own administration after some cabinet members told staff to ignore the Tesla tycoon’s demand that they write an email justifying their work. More than 20 employees in Musk’s new “Doge” department resigned after refusing to use their expertise to “dismantle critical public services”, and there’s disgust among Tesla drivers.
Kremlin doubt | The Kremlin has appeared to reject Donald Trump’s claim that Vladimir Putin is open to European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, as the UK announces a big increase in defence spending.
Peace threat | Israel is seeking to extend the first stage of the ceasefire agreement in the war with Hamas in Gaza and is prepared to resume fighting if there is no progress in crucial talks this week, according to reports.
Hunting party | The acting federal government official overseeing the vast majority of the US’s food supply is a Florida attorney who reportedly is a hunting friend of Donald Trump Jr, the president’s eldest child and namesake.
Papal intrigue | An Italian priest who has a close relationship with Pope Francis claims he has been a target of a sophisticated surveillance tool used by a government. Meanwhile, the pontiff remains in a critical condition in hospital despite a “slight improvement”.
Full Story
The religious sect members who killed Elizabeth Struhs
Fourteen sect members are due to be sentenced today for the killing of Elizabeth Struhs. Queensland state reporter Andrew Messenger tells Reged Ahmad about why insulin was withheld from the eight-year-old type 1 diabetic.
In-depth
Aurimas Mockus has battled solitude, a whirlpool and unfavourable winds on his epic journey in a rowing boat from San Diego to Australia. But now, as he nears Brisbane, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forming near the Coral Sea and poses the most serious threat to his mission so far.
Not the news
It was 23 years ago that David Wenham delighted cinema audiences with his portrayal of Johnny “Spit” Spitieri in the film Gettin‘ Square. The actor tells Jenny Valentish that while the first film was straight comedy, the sequel, Spit, is more layered. But still with laughs. “It will hopefully have you leaving the cinema with a big smile on your face and some faith in humanity.”
Sport
Cricket | Australia’s Champions Trophy game against South Africa in Rawalpindi was washed out overnight without a ball being bowled, leaving both sides and the other two Group B teams – Afghanistan and England – still in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals.
NRL | We have the second part of our predictions for the new season. Find out who Nick Tedeschi thinks will finish top.
Premier League | Another round of matches kicks off this morning. Follow the action live.
Media roundup
Anthony Albanese will pledge billions for western Melbourne today as he attempts to sandbag marginal seats in the area, the Australian Financial Review reports. Seven people have died on Tasmania’s roads so far this year compared with two in the same period last year, the Hobart Mercury reports. The long-running trains dispute and the chauffeur scandal has hit NSW Labor’s poll ratings, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The hospitality billionaire Justin Hemmes has bought a car park in the centre of Melbourne to develop it as a nightlife venue, the Age claims.
What’s happening today
Education | Luke Sheehy, boss of Universities Australia, will address the National Press Club.
Senate | Health, aged care and employment estimates 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.
