Good morning. You may have heard there was a little football game last night … yes, Sam Kerr returned to the pitch as the Matildas booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Fifa Women’s World Cup, sweeping past Denmark with goals from Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso in front of a raucous, record-equalling, 75,784-strong crowd in Sydney.
In non-sport news, a Guardian Essential poll suggests that more Australians plan to vote no in the Indigenous voice referendum than yes – a first for this poll. Opponents outnumbered supporters in all states except Victoria – a major hurdle for constitutional change which requires a majority of states in favour.
Meanwhile, recent high-profile cybersecurity breaches have left Australians more concerned than ever about the safety of their personal information, and Queensland is on track to meet its 2030 renewable energy targets.
Australia
Cybersecurity | Australians are more concerned than ever over the handling of their personal information and want tough laws to protect them after the high-profile Optus and Medibank breaches.
Guardian Essential poll | More Australians are planning to vote no in the Indigenous voice referendum than yes, as new poll results show the no vote overtaking yes in all states except Victoria.
Clean energy supply | A quarter of Queensland’s energy is now being generated by renewables and the state is on track to hit 50% within seven years, the state’s energy minister says.
‘There aren’t words for this’ | The Russell Island community is in shock and disbelief at the fire that killed a father and his five sons, as Queensland police keep “open mind” in investigation into fatal blaze.
A sore note | There are only an estimated 250 piano tuners and 20 expert technicians left in Australia, leading to concerns that their shrinking ranks may cause concert pianos and players to suffer.
World
Russia-Ukraine war | Ukraine’s security service claims to have foiled a plot to assassinate Volodymyr Zelenskiy, after the arrest of a woman suspected of gathering intelligence about his movements.
Donald Trump | Nancy Pelosi calls indictments against Trump “beautiful and intricate”, while Republican challenger Ron DeSantis says Trump “of course” lost the 2020 election when pressed in an interview.
William Friedkin | The Oscar-winning director of The Exorcist and The French Connection, seen as one of the most daring and influential talents of his generation, has died at the age of 87.
Bibby Stockholm | Legal challenges continue as the first asylum seekers due to be housed on a controversial barge in England have been taken onboard, despite claims the vessel is a “deathtrap”.
‘Extinction alert’ | The International Whaling Commission is warning of the danger facing the vaquita, the world’s tiniest and most critically endangered marine mammal, with only 10 individuals left.
Full Story
The voice AMA: Yolngu youth and MPs, Liberal and Labor, on the voice
This special episode of The voice ask me anything takes us to Garma festival on Gumatj country in north-east Arnhem land, Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering and celebration of Yolngu djambatj (excellence). Laura Murphy-Oates speaks to Labor and Liberal politicians campaigning yes to answer questions about the Indigenous voice to parliament. Also, a Yolngu 10-year-old on her question for the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and what she wants a voice to do for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
In-depth
The Sofronoff report was supposed to bring finality. Many hoped it would restore faith in the justice system, eroded badly by allegations and counter-allegations between the police and prosecutors responsible for handling Brittany Higgins’ allegations of rape. Christopher Knaus examines how the man chosen to lead this vital exercise may have breached the law and face further investigation – and where that leaves the public.
Not the news
Club costumes worn by performance artists decked out in otherworldly, high-camp glamour have to survive a “long and brutal run” on the dancefloor. It evokes thoughts of puddles of sparkles and hosiery on the floor at the end of an evening. Two artists explain how they maintain their looks, caring for the piles of sequins and the reams of shiny spandex when the lights go up and the fantasy of theatre is balanced by more practical concerns.
The world of sport
World Cup | The Matildas reach the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals and become the team to beat as Sam Kerr returns in a dominant 2-0 win over Denmark; England beat Nigeria in penalty shootout despite a red card.
Rugby union | Billy Vunipola has been backed to power up England’s World Cup campaign, despite being out with a knee injury since April.
Football | Tottenham reject latest bid for Harry Kane from Bayern Munich; Liverpool expected to make another push for Roméo Lavia.
Media roundup
The Melbourne Age reports on the findings of an inquiry into one of Australia’s worst research misconduct scandals, calling on the federal government to establish a watchdog to police scientists. The authors of a blueprint into fixing teacher salaries have accused the NSW government of a severe misstep in its wage negotiations, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Latest quarterly figures show there has been an almost 50% drop in the number of apprentices and trainees in Tasmania commencing their qualifications, reports the Mercury.
What’s happening today
Victoria | A hearing is scheduled for the inquiry into the rental and housing affordability crisis.
New South Wales | Public hearing scheduled into the government’s use and management of consulting services.
Victoria | Hearing scheduled for the inquiry into how road safety behaviours changed during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
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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.
