Morning, everyone. It’s widely expected that the cabinet will announce a new governor of the Reserve Bank as early as today. But just in case Jim Chalmers thought he was going to have it all his own way, Peter Dutton has let it be known that he would oppose any move to appoint a senior civil servant to the key role lest they be too close to any political party. We also have the second part of our excellent investigation into the negative tactics being used by the no campaign in the voice referendum, and what can be done to stop the march of red fire ants?
Australia
Ants on fire | Red fire ants are expected to march out of containment areas and into New South Wales and western Queensland, according to invasive species experts who warn that the response of state agriculture ministers has been a “failure”.
Bank decision | With speculation mounting that cabinet could sign off on the appointment of a new Reserve Bank governor today, Peter Dutton has said senior public servants should not be considered for the job to avoid any connection with past governments.
Thrice no | The no campaign in the Indigenous voice referendum is running three different social media strategies, each targeting different groups of Australians with apparently contradictory messages, a Guardian Australia investigation can reveal.
‘No compensation’ | The Queensland LNP leader, David Crisafulli, has been accused of bowing to the “far right” of his party by ruling out support for what a veteran activist says are four critical elements of the state’s Indigenous treaty.
Chaplaincy fight | Australia’s largest supplier of school chaplains says the Albanese government’s decision not to extend its tax deduction is “disappointing” and warns that it will mean cuts to chaplaincy services.
World
Thailand standoff | The country is braced for street protests after the leader of the pro-reform party, which won the most seats in May’s election, was blocked from taking power by a parliamentary vote that includes military-appointed senators.
El Niño threat | Mild El Niño climatic conditions brewing in the Pacific could build into a record-breaking event that would turbocharge already sweltering temperatures around the globe, scientists have forecast.
Russia ‘truth’ | A general says he has been fired as a commander after telling Moscow’s military leadership “the truth” about the dire situation at the front in Ukraine, while a British volunteer fighting for Ukraine says the frontline is like “world war one”.
China ‘assault’ | The UK’s approach to a “whole-of-state” assault by the Chinese government on its economy, politics, civil infrastructure and academia is completely inadequate, an influential parliamentary committee has found, raising concerns about strategy.
‘Terminator future’ | Elon Musk has launched an artificial intelligence startup that will be “pro-humanity”, as he said the world needed to worry about the prospect of a “Terminator future” to avoid the most apocalyptic AI scenarios.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: the division driving the no campaign
As the voice to parliament no campaign cranks up its negative, polarising messaging, Gabrielle Jackson speaks to Guardian Australia’s editor, Lenore Taylor, and head of news, Mike Ticher, about if this politics of division will work, and what the yes campaign can do to combat it.
In-depth
After the death of two children from flu, people are asking why it’s happening and what can be done to stop young people dying. Our science writer Donna Lu hears that although the influenza A and B strains circulating appear to have a greater impact on children, the key to cutting infections is to make sure more people are vaccinated.
Not the news
Inspired by finding herself out of work thanks to the pandemic, Lucy Ridge realised she no longer wanted to be a chef so set out on a series of internships. It took her from chesse-making in Orange to pig farming in Victoria and now she’s written a book about how the jobs ignited her passion for “learning about food and making connections with the people who produce it”.
The world of sport
Wimbledon | Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur has fought back to beat Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, setting up a surprise final against the Czech Marketa Vondrousova, who blitzed the Ukrainian crowd favourite Elina Svitolina.
Tour de France | The Basque rider Ion Izagirre, riding for Cofidis, has won stage 12 from Roanne to Belleville-en-Beaujolais in the Rhone, after a solo attack in the final 30km. Jonas Vingegaard keeps the yellow jersey.
Golf | Rory McIlroy says he would “rather retire” than play LIV Golf as he dismissed reports he might be about to embrace the Saudi tour.
Media roundup
Labor has removed supportive references about coal ($) from its draft policy document before its annual conference, the Australian claims. The operator of the Cadia goldmine in NSW has admitted it breached clean air rules ($), the Central Western Daily says. And the actor Tasma Walton no longer wants to be the face of a native title dispute because she fears for her family and her livelihood after her role became public, the Age reports.
What’s happening today
Voice to parliament | Australian Electoral Commission officials will brief media on the referendum process, logistics, countering misinformation and electoral integrity.
Media | Judgment is due in Ten’s lawsuit against the former political reporter Peter van Onselen for breach of contract.
Tasmania | The environmentalist Colette Joan Harmsen is to be sentenced for protests.
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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.
