Good morning. New polling data shows a close race between Labor and the Coalition in the yet-to-be announced election – but many voters say they are unfamiliar with the current government’s main economic achievements and policies. Later today, the Reserve Bank is expected to cut the official cash rate.
Meanwhile in Europe, a major summit of political leaders has discussed boosting the region’s defence spending but appears to have been divided on sending troops to Ukraine.
Australia
Economy | The Reserve Bank is expected to provide “breathing capacity” to households with mortgages by cutting the official cash rate for the first time since the early days of the Covid pandemic.
Federal election | Many Australians say they are not aware of the Labor government’s key economic achievements and policies, with the latest Essential poll showing Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are neck-and-neck with a looming federal election expected to be closely fought on the cost of living.
Crime | Children are increasingly being held in youth detention after being refused bail in New South Wales, according to new data, as experts warn locking up more young people will not curb crime.
Heart health | A weight loss drug has been approved to treat heart disease in overweight and obese patients by Australia’s medicines regulator, in what experts say is a “new frontier” for the drugs.
Private school boom | The number of students enrolling in private schools in Australia has soared over the past five years, raising fears of “full-blown flight” from public schools.
World
Literature review | Julianne Moore has said it is a “great shock” to learn that one of her books had been “banned by the Trump administration” from schools serving the children of US military personnel and civilian defence employees. Meanwhile, the US federal tax agency is reportedly preparing to give Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” access to personal taxpayer data.
Middle East | Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that he is “committed” to Donald Trump’s plan to take over and develop the Gaza Strip, amid uncertainty over whether Israel will send a delegation to Qatar to discuss the second stage of the fragile ceasefire in the war with Hamas.
Russia-Ukraine war | The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, says the US must be a “backstop” to deter Russia from further aggression against Ukraine, as leaders from major European powers met in Paris for emergency talks on the war.
Catholic church | Pope Francis will remain in hospital for as long as required after tests undertaken in recent days showed a “complex clinical picture”, the Vatican has said.
Live and kicking | One of the world’s comedy institutions, Saturday Night Live, has celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-packed special.
Full Story
Lorena Allam on why we still haven’t closed the gap
Since the failure of the voice referendum, the government has been very quiet when it comes to Indigenous affairs. Indigenous affairs editor Lorena Allam explains to Reged Ahmad why there’s a leadership vacuum when it comes to First Nations policy.
In-depth
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has been light on the details of his nuclear power plan. Adam Morton delves into the problems with the opposition’s silence on how winding back renewable energy and maintaining ageing coal plants will lead to lower bills and better grid reliability. The modelling doesn’t support it, and some within the Coalition have expressed their doubts that nuclear is a serious option for Australia.
Not the news
Renting out high quality garments can net you passive income while participating in the future of circular fashion. There’s high demand for clothing rentals for special events like weddings and cocktail parties, with circular business models potentially worth US$700bn by the end of the decade. Check out this guide on how to get involved.
Sport
NRL | Donald Trump has been invited to attend rugby league’s season-launching showcase in Las Vegas next month during a blitz on American television by NRL supremo Peter V’landys and retired player Aaron Woods.
Manchester United | The optimism that greeted Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival as owner has given way to even more disappointment, with Sunday’s defeat at Tottenham the latest example.
A-League | Macarthur’s bid for an A-League Men finals berth has been dealt a hammer blow, with its captain, Valère Germain, citing Australian refereeing standards as reason to terminate his contract.
Media roundup
Private drones in Western Australia forced the temporary grounding of water bombers during Sunday’s bushfire emergency, reports ABC News. The Queensland Police Union president has linked an increase in domestic and family violence to high attrition rates in the state’s police workforce, reports Brisbane Times. According to the Age, unverified video footage appears to show Australian soldier Oscar Jenkins, who was taken by Russian forces, alive. The number of blue gropers in Sydney has halved since 2008, making the case for a temporary line-fishing ban to become permanent, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
What’s happening today
Interest rates | The Reserve Bank will announce its decision on interest rates at around 2.30pm AEDT.
Results | Mining firm BHP will publish its half-year results.
Melbourne | Accused neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell will appear at Ringwood magistrates court.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
