Good morning. It’s a big day for Jim Chalmers as he maps out the state of the economy. The big question is: can he find the money for cost-of-living relief from a fiscal “sweet spot” – and will he use it?
But there are more urgent concerns for people in far north Queensland as they prepare for Cyclone Jasper to hit today. Overseas, the Cop28 talks are going into extra time and Rishi Sunak has faced a crucial Commons vote to “stop the boats”.
Australia
Cyclone preppers | Queenslanders and holidaymakers in the sunshine state are preparing for the expected impact later today of Cyclone Jasper which could bring up to 500mm of rain and 140km/h winds as it makes landfall between Port Douglas and Cape Flattery. And it’s a big test for Steven Miles, the wisecracking political warrior who must now front the state government’s handling of the cyclone as he bids for the top job.
Fiscal ‘sweet spot’ | The government’s mid-year budget update is expected to show a fiscal “sweet spot” fuelled by strong commodity prices, population growth and a resilient labour market. But economists don’t think the treasurer will want to indulge in any generous giveaways for households and risk higher inflation.
Slow train | The Albanese government’s high-speed rail body is yet to appoint a chief executive or begin planning any train projects six months after it was set up, raising concerns about its mission.
Compensation win | Up to 220 Indonesians could receive compensation after they were wrongfully prosecuted and detained as adult people smugglers in Australia despite being children at the time.
Outdoor type? | Australians may not deserve their outdoorsy reputation, according to a new survey which shows only one in three know what to do if they get lost on a hike and many don’t know how to use a first aid kit.
World
Cop28 ‘hypocrisy’ | Negotiations over whether the final Cop28 summit agreement will include a commitment to phasing out fossil fuels have gone into extra time in Dubai. There was also anger that the UK minister left early, possibly so he could vote in a crucial Commons vote tonight.
Rwanda crunch | The UK government’s Rwanda deportation plan faced a crunch Commons vote this morning that Rishi Sunak could not afford to lose. Follow the drama live here.
Zelenskiy plea | Ukraine’s president, Volodomyr Zelenskiy, has told US senators that his country can win the war as he tries to convince Congress to release a further $60bn in arms funding. But Republicans want Joe Biden to fix border security with Mexico first. Follow developments in Washington live.
Harvard test | Harvard’s governing body has backed the university’s president, Claudine Gay, to remain in post after calls for her removal following controversial testimony about antisemitism.
Giuliani questioned | A federal judge questioned Rudy Giuliani’s state of mind after he told reporters he intended to prove that false claims he made about two Atlanta election workers were true.
Full Story
Five young people dead: inside the inquest into transgender deaths
An inquest into the deaths of five transgender and gender diverse people in Victoria – including Bridget Flack, pictured – has shone a light on the challenges many face in accessing stretched mental health services. Adeshola Ore explains what the inquest heard and why there are calls for system-wide reform.
In-depth
From online poetry forums to small gatherings and readings, thousands of dollars have been raised to help civilians in Gaza at events as far away as New York, London and Sydney. The Australian writer Omar Sakr is one of those who has contributed and, along with the Lebanese-Australian novelist Michael Mohammed Ahmad, he tells Rafqa Touma how he hopes “poems can help bring people together”.
Not the news
What’s the difference between a film set during the festive season and a film about Christmas, Luke Buckmaster asks as he surveys the relative merits of Australian Christmas movies. As he says, there’s a not a massive selection to be choose from but he reckons that the newly released Christmess, pictured, a bittersweet drama about an alcoholic actor trying to turn his life around, is actually the best drama. And he plumps for the bad-Santa vibes of A Sunburnt Christmas for best seasonal comedy.
The world of sport
Football | Arsenal are taking on PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League (pictured) while Manchester United entertain Bayern Munich in a game they have to win to advance.
NRL | Wests Tigers have overhauled their entire administration after an independent review, bringing in the former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell as interim chair.
Golf | Lawyers representing 21 golfers have written to the PGA Tour to demand “full disclosure” about ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the organisation’s future amid civil war over the Saudi LIV series.
Media roundup
Australia’s first female vascular surgeon is vying for the Liberal nomination in the federal seat of Kooyong to take on Monique Ryan, the Age says. A “beloved” children’s doctor has died after a “brutal home invasion” in Adelaide’s inner east suburb of Gilberton, the Advertiser reports. The Telegraph promises the inside story on the “most significant shake-up” in the history of the struggling Wests Tigers NRL club. The Northern Territory is in for a travel boom as two airlines announce new routes, the NT News says.
What’s happening today
NSW | There will be a directions hearing in a class action against police over music festival strip-searches.
Queensland | Bruce Lehrmann is back in court in Toowoomba for a pre-committal mention on sexual assault charge.
Economy | The ABS will release employment data.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
