Good morning. Khaled Sabsabi, the artist dumped as Australia’s representative at the Venice Biennale, has savaged the decision to drop him, accusing Creative Australia of subjecting him to “torture” and of dismantling his career. We have an exclusive interview, plus another scoop on how election candidates are using influencers to bypass a “shadow ban” on campaigning on a Chinese social media app. Elsewhere, the world awaits Donald Trump’s tariff reveal and Moscow knocks back his Ukraine peace plan.
Australia
Exclusive | Chinese-language influencers who mostly post lifestyle content are interviewing Australian election candidates on the social media app Rednote, allowing politicians to bypass an apparent “shadow ban” on campaigning by the app and reach a disengaged but vital audience.
Exclusive | Lebanese Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi has blamed Creative Australia for the “dismantling” of his career and said the board’s decision to revoke his appointment as Australia’s Venice Biennale representative has given the green light for others to smear his reputation.
DV survivor ‘investigation’ | The Queensland police commissioner sought to access the confidential domestic and family violence records of a female officer – allegedly the victim of “significant” acts of violence by her husband – in order to investigate her.
‘More competitive’ | House prices are rising again after February’s rate cut – but that’s not good news for all homebuyers as some describe being priced out by the latest increases. And we examine Peter Dutton’s proposals to help first-time buyers and ask whether they’ll work.
Bail tale | The case of a young man accused of a violent crime and detained under Victoria’s new bail laws shows there is nothing simple about youth justice.
World
Death penalty call | The US attorney general, Pam Bondi, has directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering healthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel in December. Follow our live US coverage here.
‘Liberation Day’ | Countries around the world await Donald Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” of tariffs some time later today, but the European Union has said it has retaliatory measures ready to go.
Nyet, Donald | Moscow has described the latest US peace proposals in Ukraine as unacceptable to the Kremlin, in a setback for Donald Trump who had promised to end the war.
Aid plea | Myanmar’s military is facing criticism over continued airstrikes and claims it is blocking aid to earthquake survivors, as international agencies urge “unfettered access” to humanitarian aid in the conflict-riven nation.
Tomb find | Two almost lifesize sculptures of a man and woman, who was believed to have been a priestess, have been found during the excavations of a huge tomb in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
Full Story
Khaled Sabsabi speaks on the damage of being dumped from the Venice Biennale
Nearly two months after being dropped as Australia’s representative at the prestigious art exhibition, the Lebanese-born artist speaks to Nour Haydar about his work, how he found out about the decision, and how damaging it has been for his career.
In-depth
A central question in the federal election is the economy – and Peter Dutton is asking voters whether they feel better off now compared with three years ago. Our economics editor, Patrick Commins, says the numbers show we have less disposable income (see illustration above), but the bigger picture is that we’ve been flatlining for a decade – Covid era excepted – and neither party is talking about how that might change in the future. Zooming in more on individual battles, Nino Bucci hears from the sitting MPs in three regional electorates – Wannon, Calare and Cowper – and the candidates hoping to unseat them as the independent movement spreads.
Not the news
With comparisons between the present day and 1930s Europe becoming commonplace, the staging of Bernie Dieter’s Weimar-soaked Club Kabarett in Melbourne seems timely. The show’s star, Australian German performer Jen Byrne, talks about its “dirty, gritty, raw, social commentary energy” and her family connection to cabaret traditions.
Sport
Golf | As the main golf tours crank into gear, bikie turned pro Ryan Peake tells Jack Snape about putting his troubled past behind him and competing at the British Open in July.
Athletics | The father of the double Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen accused his sons of a “perfect character assassination” on a secret recording made after they fired him, a court has been told.
Football | The Premier League fires back into action with Nottingham Forest v Manchester United, Arsenal v Fulham, and Wolves v West Ham. Follow it live.
Media roundup
The Sydney Morning Herald reports how much funding each NSW school receives and gives the details. The Australian says the Coalition will abolish fines for car companies that exceed emissions. The Courier Mail worries that Tropical Cyclone Dianne is going to deluge south-east Queensland and ruin the upcoming Easter holidays. Tom de Koning has a path to becoming the AFL’s first $2m man, the Herald Sun reports.
What’s happening today
Environment | Discussion about action on climate crisis with Clover Moore, Christiana Figueres, Matt Kean and Jennifer Robinson at Sydney town hall at 6.30pm
Brisbane | Hearing on motion to quash/stay matter involving Australian company Getax charged with bribery over its conduct on Nauru a decade ago
Canberra | Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor speaks at the National Press Club.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
