Morning, everyone. Interest rates may still have further to rise and the cost-of-living crisis may be still biting, but house prices appear to be defying the laws of economic gravity and are expected to keep rising into next year. That, at least, is the verdict of forecasters at Domain, who say several capital cities will be seeing new record highs by this time next year. We also have the second part of our special reports on people pushing back against the gas industry in the Top End, and a full report on the State of Origin annihilation in Brisbane last night (NSW Blues fans might want to skip that bit). And time is running out in the search for the Titan submersible, as rescuers concentrate on the area where mysterious noises have been heard in the water.
Australia
‘We will win’ | Tiwi Islanders on Melville Island are hoping that a federal court ruling forcing Santos to consult with them about its huge Barossa offshore gas project will draw a line in the sand in their battle with industry expansion.
On the rise | The recovery of real estate prices will extend across Australia and well into 2024 as a huge influx of migrants in the next year outweighs the headwinds of higher interest rates and tighter household budgets. Domain says Sydney will lead the rebound, lifting the median price to a record of just over $1.6m.
PwC ‘cover-up’ | PwC engaged in a “calculated” breach of trust by using confidential information to help its clients avoid tax and engaged in a “deliberate cover-up” over many years, a Senate committee has found.
Expenses glitch | A botched system upgrade has created a vast backlog of MP expense claims that will not be cleared until at least mid-2024, leaving details of travel expenses and office and employee costs unscrutinised.
‘Not our best’ | Qantas has plummeted in the annual ranking of the world’s best airlines after a tumultuous year of poor performance, as Singapore Airlines was crowned the world’s best carrier.
World
‘Underwater noises’ | Search teams in the Atlantic have heard more underwater “noises” as they continue their hunt for the missing Titanic sub. With only have a few hours of oxygen left, fears are growing that the crew may not be found alive and, even if the sub were located, any rescue would be “very difficult”.
Alito gift | The US supreme court justice Samuel Alito accepted a free fishing jaunt to Alaska from the conservative billionaire Paul Singer then did not declare such gifts or recuse himself when Singer had business before the court, a report claims.
Boat sinking | At least 35 people are feared to have drowned after an inflatable boat carrying up to 60 migrants and refugees sank en route to the Canary Islands.
Prime suspects | The US consumer watchdog has sued Amazon for what it called a years-long effort to enrol consumers without consent into its paid subscription program, Amazon Prime, and making it hard for them to cancel.
‘Dutch Stonehenge’ | Archaeologists have unearthed an approximately 4,000-year-old religious site – nicknamed the “Stonehenge of the Netherlands” – that includes a burial mound that served as a solar calendar.
Full Story
Is Australia in its Taylor Swift era?
Taylor Swift is to perform in Australia once again in February – and fans are frantically trying to secure tickets. Bridie Jabour discusses the rise of a pop culture phenomenon and what her tour will mean for the country.
In-depth
The Labor senator Jana Stewart stole the show at the Midwinter Ball in Canberra with an Indigenous voice-themed dress printed with the words from the Uluru statement from the heart and also emblazoned with “yes”. There were also honourable mentions for the teal MPs, although only one was wearing their colour, while the prime minister and Peter Dutton played it safe in black. Check out all the styles at our picture gallery by Mike Bowers.
Not the news
The humble oven may not be as talked about as the latest air fryer or dehydrator, but if you’ve been tempted to invest in a new gadget, save yourself the trouble, writes Ann Ding. She suggests some everyday cooking hacks such as batch-cooking bacon and sausages, making dehydrated fruit and kickstarting homemade yoghurt – all among the lesser-known things you can do with your oven and grill.
The world of sport
State of Origin | Queensland thrashed a sorry NSW side 32-6 at the Suncorp Stadium last night to retain the State of Origin shield thanks to tries in each half by Valentine Holmes, on either side of Murray Taulagi’s first Origin try.
The Ashes | Pat Cummins answered his critics with one of the great captain’s performances in the first Test, while we look at the flukes, fumbles and fingers that helped Australia win.
Women’s Ashes | England and Australia face off later today at Trent Bridge, with the home captain, Heather Knight, hoping an aggressive attack can take 20 wickets to secure a first result in a women’s Test since 2015.
Media roundup
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, hopes big tech firms will help him stop environmental activists from disrupting coal ports, claims the Daily Telegraph. Nicola Gobbo was prepared to plead guilty and testify against police but Victoria’s director of prosecutions repeatedly failed to file charges, the Age reports, signalling a possible end to the Lawyer X saga. And the WA Liberal senator Michaelia Cash has blasted the new Aboriginal heritage laws as an “unprecedented attack on private property rights”, the West Australian reports.
What’s happening today
NSW | The anti-slavery commissioner is to announce measures to address modern slavery.
Tasmania | Nicolaas Bester will appear in a Hobart court accused of harassing Grace Tame online.
Victoria | There will be a directions hearing for Greg Lynn, who is charged with murders of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay.
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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.
