Good morning. Today we look at the dangers facing women in the first 48 hours after they seek the justice system’s protection from family violence.
Plus pregnant women in Australia are being forced to rely on older drugs vulnerable to supply chain disruptions – in part because of their “systematic exclusion” from clinical trials for new medicines.
A new report is warning of a potential chaotic future for the tourism industry as some of Australia’s most iconic sites face the continued threat of the climate crisis. And the curtains have come down on the Paris Paralympics with a stunning closing ceremony.
Australia
Pregnancy drugs | Experts are calling for more research into “off-label” medications, amid warnings that a “perfect storm” has led to a shortage of several crucial medicines for pregnant Australians.
Julia Gillard | The former PM is urging Labor never to remove its 50% female quota for parliamentary candidates despite surpassing it federally, warning there are forces which can still drag women back.
Exclusive | Letters released under freedom of information reveal that a company linked to former federal energy minister Angus Taylor was offered “generous” offset calculation after illegal land clearing.
Climate crisis | Almost 68% of Australia’s tourism sites – including iconic spots such as Uluru, the Daintree and Bondi beach – are at major risk if the climate crisis continues, a new report says.
Analysis | The Queensland premier, Steven Miles, has worked hard to persuade voters that he is on their side, but the Star casino turmoil might force him to reveal his hand, writes Ben Smee.
World
US politics | Donald Trump has threatened to jail his adversaries for “unscrupulous behaviour” if he wins November’s presidential election; Liz Cheney called Trump a “catastrophe” and urged Republicans to vote for Kamala Harris.
Middle East crisis | Three Israeli security guards have been killed at a border crossing between the West Bank and Jordan when a Jordanian truck driver opened fire on them.
Russia-Ukraine war | Bill Burns, the head of the CIA, says western leaders should not be intimidated by Kremlin threats of nuclear escalation and Vladimir Putin’s “sabre-rattling”.
Edmundo González | The Venezuelan opposition leader has gone into exile in Spain, dealing a bitter blow to opponents of the country’s authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro.
Vaping risks | Vaping damages young people’s lungs as much as smoking, according to new research that has prompted fresh debate over the health risks of e-cigarettes.
Full Story
What will it take for the world to care about Sudan?
While recent global attention has been focused on wars in Gaza and Ukraine, a brutal war in Sudan has continued for more than 500 days with no ceasefire in sight. Nour Haydar speaks with Unicef spokesperson James Elder about what he has seen on the ground in Sudan, and to Melbourne-based student Mohamed Hadi about initiatives to support civilians and raise awareness about the devastating consequences of this war.
In-depth
One day before Tara Costigan (pictured) was murdered, she turned to the courts for help.
She wanted protection from her ex-partner, Marcus Rappel. Rappel responded by driving to Bunnings, buying an axe, and killing Tara while she held their newborn baby in her arms.
The case is not unique. One in four convicted femicide offenders were listed on an intervention order prior to their killings, according to Monash University analysis.
Frontline workers say the time immediately after an order is obtained is one of high risk. Despite this, almost every police force in the country does not hold data on what happens to women in that timeframe. Experts say the intervention order system needs urgent reform.
Not the news
During the Covid lockdown, Guy Montgomery began hosting silly spelling bee competitions on Zoom and YouTube. That idea evolved into a standup comedy show, then a TV show in his native New Zealand and, finally, an Australian version on the ABC. In the latest of our weekly Three Things interviews, he shares with us a holographic moon trophy with “sentimental value through the roof”, a zip-up travel essential, and why he is on to his sixth pair of Moscot sunglasses.
The world of sport
Paralympics | The Paris Paralympics have drawn to a close with a spectacular closing ceremony.
Cycling | Ben O’Connor finished second on the podium behind a record-equalling Primož Roglič as the Vuelta a España ended in Madrid.
Tennis | Jannik Sinner has beaten Taylor Fritz in straight sets to win the men’s final of the US Open; how women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka owned her weaknesses to emerge as the world’s best.
AFL | Brisbane was quick to land a knockout blow on Carlton but far tougher tests await, writes Jonathan Horn.
Media roundup
Forcing cafes to accept reusable cups, banning the release of helium balloons and phasing out plastic lollipop sticks are among ideas being considered in NSW’s plastics strategy, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. The US is pushing for the Aukus partnership to launch some world-leading new military technology projects before Joe Biden’s presidency ends, reports the Age. Taxpayers and telcos are spending almost $300m a year to guarantee access to payphones and landlines, even though fewer and fewer people are using them, reports ABC News.
What’s happening today
ACT | The final report of the royal commission into defence and veteran suicide will be handed down today.
NSW | A three-day sentencing hearing for Hunter bus crash driver Brett Button is set to begin.
Victoria | A public hearing in the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into family violence data collection is scheduled in Melbourne.
ABS | The latest monthly business turnover and building approvals figures will be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
