Morning everyone. As the Albanese government reboots its attempts to rid Australia of antisemitism, Jewish leaders have given a cautious welcome but there are concern the proposals could further divide society. It comes as seven men were detained by police in Sydney over a possible “violent act”, and as the race discrimination commissioner points the finger at “unchecked” hate on social media platforms.
We profile Meg O’Neill, the Woodside boss who is taking over at BP, and Donald Trump plans a multibillion merger of Truth Social with a fusion power company. And, in the cricket, England want to replace “Snicko”.
Australia
Hate speech crackdown | Australia’s peak Jewish body has labelled the Albanese government’s plan to combat antisemitism in response to the Bondi beach terror attack an essential “first step”, but some groups have warned the measures will be used as a political weapon to further divide communities. What is the government’s five-point plan and how will it work? The announcement coincided with the funeral of the youngest victim of the attack, Matilda.
Antisemitism ‘unchecked’ | Australia’s race discrimination commissioner says social media companies have allowed racist and antisemitic hate to flow “unchecked” – and warned of an imminent outbreak of racially motivated violence after the Bondi beach terror attack.
Sydney detentions | Police have detained seven men in Sydney’s south-west in connection with “information received that a violent act was possibly being planned”.
Housing ‘rethink’ | The federal government’s 5% home deposit scheme will make it harder for low-income Australians to buy their first home, according to new research.
Exclusive | The controversial former Townsville mayor Troy Thompson, who was found last week to have made unsubstantiated claims he had been diagnosed with epilepsy, referenced the condition when endorsing an electromagnetic pulse bracelet sold online by a business linked to his partner.
World
Ukraine war | EU leaders are racing to secure a funding deal for Ukraine that has been cast as a choice between “money today or blood tomorrow”, but Belgium continues to oppose a loan secured against Russia’s frozen assets. Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the summit in Brussels he might have to cut drone production next year due to lack of money.
Truth fusion | Donald Trump’s loss-making social media business has announced plans for a $US6bn merger with a fusion power company as the president’s family bets on the transformative power of AI. The AI boom has caused as much carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere in 2025 as emitted by the whole of New York City, it has been claimed. Meanwhile, Democrats have released new Epstein photos.
Social media | Facebook is testing a system that charges users for sharing web links, in a move that could prove to be a further blow to news outlets and other publishers.
‘Dr Death’ | A French anaesthetist described by prosecutors as “Dr Death” has been found guilty of intentionally poisoning 30 patients and killing 12 over almost a decade as a top medic.
Cunning plan | An 85-year-old Bavarian has managed – twice – to ensnare telephone fraudsters trying to shake him down for cash and valuables.
Full Story
The free birth influencers radicalising women around the world
Our UK investigations correspondent Sirin Kale speaks to Reged Ahmad about why so many women find the claims made by the Free Birth Society so appealing but why medical experts say they are dangerous.
In-depth
As a graduate of Exxon’s executive ranks and with four years as the Woodside boss green activists loved to rankle, Meg O’Neill is the kind of high-profile pick for BP chief executive that shareholders have been calling for. We profile the executive who is also known as one of the few openly gay women at the top of industry.
Not the news
For Saman Shad the long summer holiday will bring blessed relief from the treadmill of ferrying children to basketball, swimming, Scouts and a myriad of other extracurriculars. Sure, he argues, they’re good for the kids to do, but everyone also needs “the blessed, activity-free weeks where the calendar is empty and the car stays parked”.
Sport
The Ashes | England’s Bazball philosophy lies in ruins after they were systematically dismantled by Australia on the second day of the third Test in Adelaide, still 158 runs behind with only a Ben Stokes-shaped miracle standing between them and defeat. There was more trouble with Snicko, while Nathan Lyon exposed England’s flaws to become the second-highest wicket-taker in Australia’s history.
Exclusive | Saudi Arabia’s construction of stadiums for the 2034 World Cup is facing delays as the kingdom’s sovereign wealth looks to cut costs.
Football | We continue our rundown of the best 100 footballers in the world, this time No 40 to No 11.
Media roundup
A cleric from a controversial Islamic centre has defended anti-Jewish preaching, the Telegraph reports. The death toll of workers at Cleanaway in Melbourne in the past two years has reached five with another fatality, according to the Fin Review. Large parts of Queensland face the threat of flooding with the first monsoon set to hit before Christmas, the Courier Mail reports.
What’s happening today
Housing | Judgment in the appeal to prevent the demolition of public housing towers in Melbourne.
Victoria | Appeal decision for Jacob Hersant, found guilty of performing Nazi salute.
Western Australia | Kalgoorlie Goldfields and mining lands claim case at federal court.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
