Good morning. The federal government says it would cost as much as $387bn to replace Australia’s retiring coal-fired power stations with the form of nuclear power proposed by the Coalition. The figure, produced by the energy department, is the projected cost of replacing all of the output from closing coal-fired plants with small modular reactors. It’s expected to add fuel to the growing political dispute over the pace and form of Australia’s energy transition.
Meanwhile, the New South Wales treasurer promises cost of living relief in his budget, the BBC is “urgently” investigating allegations against Russell Brand and the Wallabies have recorded their first ever Rugby World Cup loss to Fiji, leaving their campaign on life support.
Australia
NSW budget | The NSW treasurer, Daniel Mookhey (pictured), says Labor’s first budget for the state in more than a decade will lay the groundwork for future reform, make cuts “in areas that don’t affect people” and provide support for a “once-in-a-generation” cost-of-living crisis.
Nuclear power | The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has suggested that Australia “could convert or repurpose coal-fired plants and use the transmission connections which already exist on those sites” – but new figures from the government put the cost of this at hundreds of billions of dollars.
Gambling reform | Anti-gambling advocates criticised News Corp’s dedicated sports betting coverage website as “a new low” after a parliamentary inquiry called for ads and commentary on odds to be banned. Meanwhile, Paul Karp writes that the federal government must take the lead on gambling reform.
Winemaking | Australian wine grape growers say the market for the fruit is the worst they’ve seen in decades, as a glut leaves them searching for new markets.
Energy | The Australian Energy Regulator says it will be up to governments to “set clear policy direction” for the gas sector as more households ditch the fossil fuel and bans on new connections spread from Victoria to other jurisdictions.
World
Russell Brand | The BBC says it is “urgently looking into the issues raised” by the publication of allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse against Russell Brand. Here’s the Guardian’s five-star review of the documentary that brought the accusations to light.
Giorgia Meloni | Italy’s far-right prime minister said European countries must work together “to stop departures [from Africa]” and swiftly deport those turned down for asylum, who she said “threaten the future of Europe”.
Climate march | Thousands of activists are rallying in New York as they urge the president, Joe Biden, to end the use of fossil fuels. The demonstration falls days before the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit, at which Biden is expected to be a no-show.
Exclusive | Russian customs records revealed that more than $7.1m (A$11m) worth of equipment manufactured by Halliburton, one of the world’s largest providers of products and services for oil and gas exploration, has been imported into the country since it announced the end of its Russian operations.
Donald Trump | In an interview with NBC, the former US president said Republicans “speak very inarticulately” about abortion and criticised those who push for abortion bans without exceptions.
Full Story
Could your clothes be making you sick?
Stain-resistant, wrinkle-proof, hard-wearing – modern clothing can cope with anything. But we know little about the chemicals that go into making it so impressive – or what they could be doing to our health. Journalist Alden Wicker talks to Nosheen Iqbal about how the problem in clothes manufacturing has developed, what needs to be done to shine a light on the issue and what consumers can do to reduce the dangers in their wardrobe.
In-depth
As Mark Kermode steps down as the Observer film critic after a decade, he shares his favourite movie from each of his ten years on the job – and one delicious turkey.
“Since the first Oscars ceremony back in 1929, the Academy has overwhelmingly celebrated and prioritised white male film-makers,” writes Kermode. “Yet in the past 10 years, things have at least begun to shift in encouraging ways.”
Not the news
Here is a video explaining why the pelican deserves to win the Guardian Bird of the Year 2023 contest, according to a pelican. Voting in our annual poll opens on 25 September. The pelican would like to remind you that it is a charming and graceful seabird despite its past popularity struggles. The poll is scientific and unbiased.
The world of sport
Rugby World Cup | Australia will likely need to beat Wales to make it through to the quarter-finals after going down 22-15 to Fiji, after Simione Kuruvoli inspired his side to a landmark World Cup win. Or as Daniel Gallan puts it: an “inept” Australia was outwitted, outfought and outclassed by “fantastic” Fiji. Meanwhile, here’s our live coverage of England v Japan.
Cricket | In the fifth one day international, South Africa, 9-315, beat Australia, 193, by 122 runs to complete a come-from-behind series victory as Marco Jansen shone with the bat and ball.
AFL | Jonathan Horn explains how the Giants found their groove to move from a bottom-four team to an AFL showdown with Collingwood.
NRL | The NRL is expected to be under immense pressure this week after a series of officiating bungles blighted Friday night’s semi-final between the Storm and Roosters.
Media roundup
Doctors are pleading for national intervention to stem rising type 2 diabetes diagnoses in children, the Australian reports. The Age says that courts will have to consider the effects of family and domestic violence when determining property settlements under draft legislation to be revealed today. A “miracle” machine that eases the burden for women undergoing chemotherapy has been mothballed by a Queensland hospital, according to the Courier Mail.
What’s happening today
Danushka Gunathilaka | A trial begins for the Sri Lankan international cricketer, who is charged with sexual intercourse without consent for the alleged assault of a 29-year-old woman. He was in Australia for the T20 World Cup at the time.
Cyber summit | The Australian Financial Review’s inaugural Cyber Summit will examine the practical interplay between management, the board, suppliers, customers and government. The minister for home affairs, Clare O’Neil, will speak at 8:25am.
Diabetes inquiry | Diabetes groups will appear at this public hearing in Campbelltown.
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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.
