Morning everyone. As thousands of Australians eye the opportunity to sample the European summer, they will know that air fares have increased up to 50% since before the pandemic. We crunch the numbers to find out why air travel has become so much more expensive, and we’re also looking at data about how renting a unit will cost you almost the same as a house. Plus, Marnus Labuschagne on the thrill of the Ashes battle.
Australia
Winter warmer | The BoM has forecast higher-than-average daytime temperatures over the winter for eastern states to follow the colder-than-usual spring, although the sunnier days will mean colder nights and less rain.
Exclusive | Complaints to the national medical practitioner regulator arising from telehealth appointments have increased by 413% in three years, a significant number of these relating to prescriptions.
Sky high fares | The cost of flying overseas has surged by more than 50% above pre-pandemic levels, new data shows, even as the cost of jet fuel plunges, creating a tailwind for airline profits and source of frustration for travellers. The average return economy international fare from Australia is now $1,827, compared with $1,213 in 2019, while domestic fares have risen only 10% in the same period, suggesting profiteering by airlines.
Rental gap | The cost of renting a house is only $39 more a week than renting a unit, new figures show, as demand for apartments pushes rents higher. The difference was $64 a year ago.
Western swing | Roger Cook will replace Mark McGowan as Western Australia’s premier after key figures swung behind the deputy leader and health minister Amber-Jade Sanderson dropped out “in the interests of unity and stability”.
World
Moscow raid | Moscow has been targeted with a large-scale drone attack for the first time in its 15-month-old war in Ukraine, marking a new inflection point in the conflict as ordinary Russians woke up to their houses shaking. South Africa has issued blanket diplomatic immunity which will enable Russian president Vladimir Putin to attend a summit of leaders of the so-called Brics nations in the country in August despite an international criminal court warrant for his arrest.
Lab leak | The former director of China’s centre for disease control says the lab leak theory for the origins of Covid-19 should not be discounted, before adding that a government agency had investigated the idea but did not find any “wrongdoing”.
‘Heart of Serbia’ | The Kosova Tennis Federation has accused Novak Djokovic of contributing to the rising tensions between Serbia and Kosovo following his statements at the French Open.
AI ‘extinction’ risk | A group of leading technology experts from across the world have warned that artificial intelligence technology should be considered a societal risk and prioritised in the same class as pandemics and nuclear wars.
Mountain toll | Mount Everest has claimed 12 lives in this year’s climbing season, with another five missing, presumed dead, in one of the deadliest years ever that local officials are blaming on climate change.
Full Story
Mark McGowan: Western Australia’s rock-star politician or Crood?
Laura Murphy-Oates speaks to Western Australian reporter Narelle Towie about outgoing premier Mark McGowan’s rise to national prominence and what led to his resignation.
In-depth
Five years ago, Ben Roberts-Smith sued the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, and the Canberra Times for defamation over a series of stories, leading a trial that lasted a year. Now, with the judgment due to be delivered tomorrow, Ben Doherty looks at the explosive allegations at the heart of the case.
Not the news
In case you hadn’t noticed, the celebrated television drama Succession has reached its long-awaited climax. One of the writers, Georgia Pritchett, reveals why she and her co-writers didn’t think anyone would watch a New York drama scripted by a few “scruffy Brits”. Meanwhile, we salute Matthew Macfadyen for his brilliant portrayal of Tom, and rank the best and worst episodes (were there really any bad ones?).
The world of sport
Cricket | Marnus Labuschagne, the world’s No 1 Test batsman, tells us how he and his Australian teammates are looking to negate England’s aggressive play in the Ashes.
Rugby league | The stage is set for another nail-biting State of Origin series with the two teams well matched ahead of tonight’s opener in Adelaide.
Hawthorn inquiry | The AFL has announced “no adverse findings” against Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan or Jason Burt over the Hawthorn racism allegations that have gripped the game.
Media roundup
The Sydney Morning Herald says a fall in home building approvals will worsen the housing crisis, while the Canberra Times reports that ATO commissioner Chris Jordan has revealed the PwC confidentiality breach was shared with the AFP in 2018. The lead in the Herald Sun is the end of the Hawthorn racism inquiry with “no adverse findings”. Roger Cook’s successful push to be Western Australia’s new premier line is the lead in the West Australian as it looks at the last-minute wrangling that made it possible.
What’s happening today
Canberra | Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe will take questions at a Senate estimates hearing, with the June interest rate decision likely to dominate discussions.
Melbourne | The Doherty Institute to reveal research showing Australian-grown garlic varieties demonstrate antiviral activity of up to 99.9% efficacy against coronaviruses.
Courts| First mention for man arrested after reportedly threatening Brittany Higgins, her fiance David Sharaz and dog online.
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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.
