Good morning. The tax ombudsman has taken a dim view of ATO’s campaign to resurrect thousands of historical debts that has caused distress and confusion for thousands of Australians. Karen Payne, the country’s top tax bureaucrat, says the “on-hold” debt notices have caused a surge of complaints – and the government should consider legislative fixes to put time limits on debt collection and to ensure people are not put into hardship.
Flood warnings remain in place as northern Queensland wakes up to the continued impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, with further heavy rain forecast. Flights at Cairns airport remain grounded due to an “unprecedented flooding event” caused by spillover from nearby the Barron River.
And: as calls for a lasting ceasefire grow louder amid Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza, some Palestinians with connections to Australia have been granted visas to leave the conflict zone. We talk with members of the support network that has sprung up to help the new arrivals.
Plus: we take a look at Australia’s best books of the year – including from Robyn Davidson, Christos Tsiolkas and Anna Funder.
Australia
‘Serious weather emergency’ | Cairns airport remains closed amid fears of record flooding and thousands of homes are without power in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper – with more rain forecast.
‘On-hold’ debts | The tax ombudsman has criticised the ATO’s robotax initiative for not considering the financial vulnerability of recipients of historical debt notices that have left thousands distressed.
Exclusive | A promise to phase out expanded polystyrene from consumer packaging is more than a year behind schedule and industry groups say it was never going to work.
Road safety | This year was the deadliest on our roads in more than half a decade, and the AAA motoring body is demanding an end to secrecy around data it says could help bring the death toll down.
Overcoming barriers | Australians diagnosed with rare health conditions are now able to call a dedicated helpline, making it easier to access clear and reliable information, resources and services.
World
Israel-Hamas war | Israel’s leadership is facing increasing international diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire as airstrikes continue to pound Gaza; fears are growing that the Gaza conflict could soon lead to an all-out Israel-Hezbollah war on Israel’s northern border.
‘He’s dog-whistling’ | Donald Trump is being denounced for repeating a remark at a political rally where he said undocumented immigrants to the US are “poisoning the blood of our country”.
Russia-Ukraine war | Russian forces have claimed to have shot down at least 35 Ukrainian drones in south-western Russia, as both sides escalate drone attacks against each other’s territory.
‘Prison or bullet’ | Human rights activists in Argentina are alarmed at the new government’s security guidelines ahead of an anticipated wave of protests over the devaluation of the country’s currency.
German politics | The opposition is seeking to win back voters with a pledge to change Germany’s immigration and asylum policy – including sending asylum seekers to third countries such as Moldova.
Full Story
Has the referendum ‘information war’ changed political reporting? Your questions answered
A who’s who from Guardian Australia’s politics team sit down to answer your questions on topics including dream parliament procedural reforms, the waning moderate pool in the Coalition, how misinformation has affected political reporting, and fairness in reporting on the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
In-depth
Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on 7 October, an extensive support network has sprung up to support families arriving in Australia from Gaza. The Australian government has approved more than 800 visas for Palestinians with connections to Australia. In many cases, the new arrivals are being supported by people not formally part of any organisation or charity effort but eager to give a helping hand to people establishing themselves in a country far from the conflict zone.
Not the news
Just in time for your last-minute Christmas shopping, Guardian Australia’s critics and staff pick out the best of the best from what was a rich and diverse year for Australian books. They share their top 25 works published in Australia in 2023, including the latest works by Richard Flanagan, Alexis Wright, Amy Taylor and Robert Skinner.
The world of sport
Cricket | Nathan Lyon claimed his 500th Test wicket as Australia cruised to victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Perth; a fan’s banner repeating Usman Khawaja’s banned shoe slogans was removed at Optus Stadium.
Football | Sam Kerr scores as Chelsea demolish Bristol City in the WSL; Manchester United earn a point in a 0-0 draw against Liverpool; Luton’s captain “still undergoing tests” after suffering cardiac arrest on pitch.
Rugby union | Quade Cooper says a lack of expertise among Eddie Jones’s support staff meant Australia couldn’t compete at the Rugby World Cup.
Media roundup
Analysts are warning it will take years for Optus to repair its reputation, as the Senate announces a second public committee hearing into the mass outage that affected some 10 million customers and crippled rail networks, hospital communications and businesses, reports the Age. A “low-level radioactive waste management” facility is being planned for Western Australia as part of the Aukus defence pact plans, reports ABC News. The head of the NSW police watchdog has called for stronger powers to intervene in investigations launched when a person is injured or killed while dealing with officers, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
What’s happening today
New South Wales | A coronial inquest is scheduled into the death of Baby Q, an infant girl aged nine months who drowned at Tweed Heads.
Victoria | The jury is deliberating in the trial of a former Liberal party candidate charged under Australia’s foreign interference laws.
New South Wales | The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes report is due to be handed to the NSW governor.
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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.
