Good morning. Australia faces a “growing catastrophe” from poor understanding of the country’s constitutional foundation, the governor general, Sam Mostyn, has warned as attacks on institutions and threats against elected officials undermine democratic participation.
In other news, European football federations have agreed to boycott Fifa competitions over its selloff plans, George and Amal Clooney have evacuated their home in France, and a library book has been returned after 150 years.
Australia
-
Archibald winner | An artist’s portrayal of a Jewish leader produced just weeks after the Bondi massacre has won the Archibald people’s choice category.
-
‘Lack of understanding’ | The governor general, Sam Mostyn, has said that knowledge of how the country’s system of government operates is in steady decline and better civics education is needed.
-
Liberals at war | The NSW Icac hearings continue to paint the party in a poor light – and the evidence so far has made Angus Taylor’s colleagues anxious.
-
‘Kmart Keating’? | Ben Carroll’s rise to the premiership in Victoria means Labor’s right faction is in power for the first time since 2010. So where will he lead the state?
-
Borrowed time | An Australian public library has had a book returned an estimated 150 years late after being found behind a wall during a home renovation.
World
-
Europe fires | George and Amal Clooney have been forced to evacuate their home in south-eastern France as a wildfire burned nearby. Firefighters tackled a blaze on heath land in Suffolk as England headed for a record number of heat-related deaths after weeks of high temperatures. Check out our visual guide to Europe’s fires.
-
Fifa boycott | European countries have agreed to boycott all Fifa competitions if Gianni Infantino pushes forward with his proposals to sell chunks of the World Cup to US-based private investment. Our exclusive reveals Infantino’s financial prospectus for the game. Football Australia has pleaded for more time to consider the plan while the Asian Football Confederation has accused Fifa of undermining the foundations of football.
-
Middle East | Saudi Arabia is preparing for a major military offensive against the Houthis by sea and possibly by land in central Yemen as the Middle East conflict continues to spiral. Three-quarters of Americans believe Donald Trump is not paying enough attention to the country’s most important problems, according to a new poll.
-
Map mistake | A US government map of Africa mislabelled every country during a state department presentation at a global conference in Brazil this week, causing a stir among attenders who took screenshots and posted them online.
-
Brexit bungle | Two Polish citizens who have lived in the UK for nearly 80 years have spoken of their terrifying experience after being told by Ryanair staff at Krakow airport they did not have post-Brexit rights to return to the UK.
Full Story
Newsroom Edition: ‘shit sheets’ and political scandals
Josephine Tovey is joined by Mike Ticher, Patrick Keneally and Anne Davies to talk about a bad week for trust in politics.
In-depth
Kristen Kappel works as a voluntary assisted dying care navigator as part of a service set up when Victoria became the first state to legislate access in 2019. She tells Stephanie Convery that although it can be stressful and intense, the team sees “a lot of love. I think you carry a little bit of just about everyone with you.”
Not the news
Reflecting on a family holiday in Europe and a trip to London Zoo, the writer James Colley risks the wrath of zoo lovers by observing that the “simple fact of the matter is there is no point visiting a zoo in another city, or another country”.
Sport
-
Commonwealth Games | Australia’s team pursuiters have had mixed fortunes on day one of the track cycling with Australia’s men losing gold to England, while the women’s team beat New Zealand to the title. Organisers have dismissed claims by Idi Amin’s grandson of corruption and racism after he was disqualified for a head-butt in the super-heavyweight boxing.
-
Cricket | Former New Zealand Test captain Stephen Fleming has been confirmed as the new coach of the England men’s Test team, while Joe Root will return for a second spell as captain.
-
AFLW | Tomorrow’s sold-out AFLW All-Stars game offers a chance to celebrate how Irish players have shaped the game with 46 Irish players on current team lists.
Media roundup
Economists tell the Financial Review that Australia still faces rate hikes this year despite this week’s inflation report. Three state health ministers have publicly revolted against the plan to scrap higher private health insurance rebates for over-65s, according to the Australian. The Tasmanian government has backtracked on a plan for a “Bunnings-style” car park at the entrance to Freycinet national park, the Mercury reports. Golf superstar Rory McIlroy will play at Victoria’s Cathedral Invitational this summer in a major coup for the Australian circuit, the Age reports.
What’s happening today
-
Victoria | A remembrance ceremony will take place for 13-year-old Layla Jeffery in Donald.
-
Art | Hadley’s art prize winner will be announced.
Sign up
Sign up for the Breaking News Australia emailIf you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland.
Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
Contact us
If you have a story tip or technical issue viewing this newsletter, please reply to this email.
If you are a Guardian supporter and need assistance with regards to contributions and/or digital subscriptions, please email customer.help@guardian.co.uk
