Morning everyone. The probability of a rape victim seeing her abuser convicted and punished is less than 1%, a prominent lawyer has said, meaning the crime is “effectively decriminalised” in Australia. As we launch our investigative series Broken Justice, a rape survivor describes her struggle in the justice system.
Officials say they are expecting no survivors from a collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington DC as Donald Trump tries to blame diversity programs.
And the Albanese government faces a fight to get some key legislation passed as parliament returns, while “Swinging Sixties” musician Marianne Faithfull has died aged 78.
Australia
‘Stay strong’ | The investigation into the Dural explosives find continues today as the Daily Telegraph rejected criticism that its reporting had compromised police efforts. The discovery of the possible antisemitic plot – added to a spate of attacks in recent weeks – has made parents in the Jewish community (above) fearful for children as the new school year begins.
Broken justice | Few alleged offenders are found guilty; many victims are retraumatised. Benita Kolovos looks into the obstacles to sexual assault survivors finding justice in Australian criminal courts. As part of the Broken justice series, a survivor writes: “We go to police as a sign of strength to ourselves. A desire to go back to the scene of the crime, and this time, to win. Unfortunately, however, few end up winning.”
Last chance | Labor is on track to pass the centrepiece of its Future Made in Australia plan, but other legislation is either up in the air – such as its plan to cap political donations – or faces very little chance, such as hiking tax on super balances over $3m.
Homeless spike | The number of Australians experiencing long-term homelessness has surged almost 25% in just five years, according to new figures described as “grim” by a peak advocacy group.
Upping the Antic | The Liberal party’s moderate wing is set to lose more influence in federal parliament with an Alex Antic-backed candidate tipped to take the Senate seat once held by Simon Birmingham.
World
Hostage release | Three Israelis (including Arbel Yehud, pictured) and five Thai citizens held in Gaza have been freed, although their release in Khan Younis was delayed by a chaotic crowd.
Trump low | Donald Trump has begun his term with an approval rating of 47% – making him the first president to have sub-50% reading at this stage of his presidency. Robert F Kennedy Jr’s hopes of becoming health secretary were strained by another day of bruising hearings on Capitol Hill in which he avoided saying the Covid vaccine was effective.
‘Foreign power’ | The Swedish government has pointed the finger at a “foreign power” after an Iraqi refugee on trial for Qur’an burnings was shot dead.
Holy mess | John Perumbalath, the bishop of Liverpool, has bowed to pressure and quit amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
Asteroid watch | A 100 metre-wide asteroid has triggered global planetary defence procedures for the first time after telescope observations revealed it has a 1.3% chance of colliding with Earth in 2032.
‘A wonderful life’ | Marianne Faithfull, whose six-decade career marked her out as one of Britain’s most characterful singer-songwriters, has died aged 78.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: from Musk’s Doge to Dutton’s Smoge, the Coalition eyes public service cuts
Bridie Jabour talks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor and deputy editor Patrick Keneally about the threats to the public service from Peter Dutton and finding facts during an election campaign.
In-depth
Donald Trump appeared to blame diversity policies for the Washington DC plane crash when he turned a media briefing on the disaster into a rant about the failures of the Biden administration. Follow the story live. Officials in Washington DC said they do not expect to find any survivors after a domestic passenger jet with 64 people on board collided over the Potomac River with a military helicopter carrying three soldiers. Passengers on the American Airlines flight included two world champion Russian figure skaters. Here’s a visual guide to what happened.
Not the news
In his new book You Must Remember This, Sean Wilson writes about dementia from the point of view of Grace, an elderly sufferer whom we see at different stages of her life – young girl, teenager, wife, widow. It is at times a “hauntingly beautiful” book, writes Joseph Cummins.
Sport
Women’s Ashes | Australian spinner Alana King produced a performance worthy of the big occasion at the MCG as her 4-45 helped dismiss England for 170 before her batters closed the gap to just 114. Geoff Lemon writes that Australia could play with three lucky-dip winners from the crowd and still come out on top.
Cricket | A century on debut by Josh Inglis and a first double ton from Usman Khawaja helped Australia tighten the screws on Sri Lanka, who were later reduced to 3-44 in the series opener.
Europa League | The junior European competition reaches its group-stage climax this morning. Follow the action live.
Media roundup
A rabbi tells the Sydney Morning Herald some of his community are too frightened to go outside and have considered leaving Australia. The Age reports “thousands” of extra police have been deployed in Melbourne after a spate of antisemitic attacks. A “monster tropical low” has dropped a metre of rain in north Queensland and is now menacing the south of the state, the Courier Mail warns. There’s excitement at the NT News after Peter Dutton said the territory would be a perfect place for Donald Trump to visit.
What’s happening today
New South Wales | State government response due to interim report of cannabis regulation inquiry after drug summit.
Canberra | Australian Electoral Commission media briefing on upcoming federal election at 11am.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
