Morning everyone. This morning we review the 48 hours of political manoeuvres where a show of strength by rightwing MPs persuaded the Liberal party to turn its back on a vital target in battling climate change.
We’re also reporting from South Australia on a “trivialising” bingo-style stunt by an anti-abortion campaigner, and why at least 30,000 people have lost their qualifications. In the US, Donald Trump faces a potentially damaging vote on Jeffrey Epstein and one of our regular columnists celebrates Elon Musk being unfunny.
Australia
‘Fun’ game | A “fun little game” launched by the anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe to raise funds during an emotive debate over late-pregnancy abortion in South Australia has been referred for investigation after critics said the bingo-style stunt “trivialised” the issue.
Countdown to zero | The ability of the Liberal party’s competing rightwing factions to unite around opposition to net zero was the key to how Sussan Ley was forced into dropping the policy after a tumultuous 48 hours charted by our chief political correspondent, Dan Jervis-Bardy. By allowing MPs to dictate climate policy, writes Tom McIlroy, Sussan Ley has opted to keep the Coalition together at the cost of keeping her post-election pledge to meet voters “where they are”. The move is justified by the claim that renewables push up power bills, but evidence points the other way.
Disqualifying round | At least 30,000 people have lost their qualifications in the past year as the regulator cracks down on vocational education and training providers.
Tough talk | The Victorian government has responded to months of criticism by “getting tough” on youth crime. But although it might work politically, will it help to prevent the violent offending at the heart of public concerns?
Off colour | A range of colourful children’s sand products imported from China and sold at leading Australian retailers have been recalled due to concerns they may contain asbestos.
World
Trump jeopardy | Donald Trump is facing the prospect of a politically damaging congressional vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files after attempts to press two female members of Congress to withdraw their backing for it appeared to have failed. Follow developments in Washington live.
Cop row | A row over the definition of the term “gender” threatens to bog down pivotal talks at the Cop30 climate summit. Follow developments live.
Briefing blunder | The former Labour leader and current cabinet minister Ed Miliband has said he is certain Keir Starmer will sack whoever was responsible for briefings alleging that the health secretary, Wes Streeting, was plotting against the prime minister.
Oil ‘glut’ | The world is producing more oil than it can use and by next year there could be a glut of 4m excess barrels of oil a day entering the market, according to the global energy watchdog.
Cancer clue | Women under 50 who have a diet high in ultra-processed foods stand a greater risk of having abnormal growths in their bowel that can lead to cancer, research suggests.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: is Labor doing enough to solve the housing crisis?
Bridie Jabour talks to the head of newsroom, Mike Ticher, deputy editor Patrick Kennelly and the national news editor, Josephine Tovey, about whether the government has found the right solutions to fix the housing crisis.
In-depth
The rise of the populist rightwing Reform UK in the polls has shaken the British political establishment. With Nigel Farage on track to be prime minister if there was an election today, we have conducted in-depth polling to try to identify the voters backing his anti-immigrant message.
Not the news
Even though Elon Musk can buy the world, he will never be funny – as shown by his failure to tell a joke properly on Joe Rogan’s podcast. “That’s the silver lining for me,” writes Rebecca Shaw. “He can’t deliver the punchline because he is the joke.”
Sport
Ashes | Cameron Green staked his claim to a place in the Ashes starting XI with a strong all-round performance for Western Australia against Queensland at the Waca. England have an injury scare with Mark Wood needing a scan on a hamstring problem. It’s hotting up in the countdown of the 100 greatest Ashes players of all time. Greats such as Richie Benaud, Ricky Ponting and Bill O’Reilly are included in today’s run from No 40 to No 11.
Tennis | Alex de Minaur bounced back from a miserable streak of matches for a gutsy win at the ATP Finals – and if Carlos Alcaraz can win his match today, he goes into the top four. Follow it live.
Football | France and Portugal can wrap up qualification for the World Cup if they win their respective games against Ukraine and Ireland this morning. Follow the games live.
Basketball | Nikola Jokić equalled the highest-scoring performance in the NBA this season with 55 points as his Nuggets team beat the Los Angeles Clippers.
Media roundup
The Telegraph reports on a “radical” plan by the Greens to lower suburban Sydney speed limits to 30km/h. Environmental activists have staged a mock feast outside Tasmania’s parliament of species endangered by logging, the Mercury reports. As more teenagers go overseas for schoolies, the Bulletin asks whether the Gold Coast is still cool.
What’s happening today
Sydney | Pleas for alleged high-profile Chinese woman charged over the collision between her Rolls-Royce and another car.
Health | ABS media briefing on the causes of death in Australia in 2024.
Tasmania | Engineering firm boss expected to be sentenced at Hobart magistrates court for interfering with an Aboriginal relic.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
