Morning everyone. The generational divide running through national life is highlighted again today by our latest Essential poll, which shows older Australians are much more pessimistic about the chances of stopping the climate crisis. And a poll of attitudes at the federal election reveals that Peter Dutton’s stance on tax cuts squandered 40 years of Coalition advantage on economic management.
We also have details on a trial to reintroduce small marsupials almost wiped out by feral cats, a pay equality fight at the ATO, and whether there are any health benefits to drinking a fabric dye boosted by online influencers.
Australia
Election fallout | Voters at the federal election backed Labor as the best party to manage the economy – but the latest instalment of the Australian Electoral Study also showed Peter Dutton was the least popular major party leader since the study began in 1987.
Exclusive | Twice as many older Australians as young adults believe the world cannot do anything to prevent the worst effects of our rapidly heating climate, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. And barely half of people surveyed think climate change is happening and is caused by human activity.
Pay fight | A worker at one of the Australian Taxation Office’s outsourced call centres is pursuing a “same job, same pay” order that threatens to unravel the agency’s extensive use of third-party contractors.
Biting back | An Egyptian restaurant in Sydney is counter-suing a pro-Israel activist over a News Corp stunt, alleging he trespassed on the popular eatery in a bid to get a “negative reaction” from staff.
Policy delivery | Food delivery companies have struck a deal with unions about giving a “world first” minimum wage and accident insurance for riders and drivers. Catie McLeod breaks down what it means.
World
China unrest | Protests have erupted in China’s southern Guizhou province over a directive from local authorities that people should be cremated rather than buried after their death, the latest in a string of rural demonstrations that have seen incidents of unrest increase by 70% compared with last year.
Ukraine hope | Donald Trump has said a deal on ending Russia’s war in Ukraine was getting “very close” after talks in Abu Dhabi between officials from Kyiv, Russia and the US. In Romania, Nato jets were scrambled to track two Russian drones that entered the country’s airspace. South African police are investigating allegations that a daughter of former president Jacob Zuma tricked men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine by telling them they were travelling to Russia for paramilitary training.
Gaza ‘abyss’ | Israel’s war in Gaza has created a “human-made abyss”, and reconstruction is likely to cost more than US$70bn over several decades. The United Nations also said at least 127 civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since a ceasefire was declared nearly a year ago.
Diva done | A would-be food influencer known online as the “dine-and-dash diva” has been jailed in Brooklyn after multiple previous arrests for allegedly doing a runner at high-end restaurants.
Five ages of the brain | Scientists have identified five major “epochs” of human brain development in one of the most comprehensive studies to date of how neural wiring changes from infancy to old age.
Full Story
Is Lebanon the new flashpoint for Israel?
Beirut-based journalist William Christou speaks to Nour Haydar about the Lebanese government and Hezbollah’s responses to Israel’s latest strikes in Beirut and the IDF’s ongoing presence in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement.
In-depth
In the tough, unforgiving desert scrub of north-western New South Wales, scientists are seeing a plan to save Australia’s small marsupial species from feral cats bear fruit. Creating a fenced area with a limited number of predators, the team have released six small marsupials – from crest-tailed mulgaras to bilbies and quolls – and watched their numbers grow.
“That is such a win. They are taking back the desert,” one scientist says.
Not the news
Taking methylene blue, a synthetic textile dye, for its alleged health benefits has gained popularity in wellness circles. But while influencers claim it increases energy levels, has anti-ageing effects, relieves stress and has antioxidant effects, what does the science say? Donna Lu investigates.
Sport
Cricket | England’s shattered batters head to Brisbane for the second Test knowing that Mitchell Starc has their number in a way not seen since Glenn McGrath had a hold over Mike Atherton. They’ve also been warned that wickets “fall in clumps” in Tests under the lights at the Gabba.
Football | Chelsea are at home to Barcelona in the pick of this morning’s Champions League ties, while Manchester City host Leverkusen, Newcastle travel to Marseille, and two former winners Ajax and Benfica meet in Amsterdam. Follow all the action in our live blog.
Rugby league | England will not play another match until almost the start of next year’s World Cup in Australia after it was confirmed there was no room in the domestic schedule to give the national team a mid-season international break.
Media roundup
Victoria’s new opposition leader, Jess Wilson, says the state’s debt levels pose an existential threat to its economy, the Age reports. Cyclone Fina has caused widespread damage in the Kimberley, according to the Broome Advertiser, while SBS reports NSW is facing its worst fire risk in years.
What’s happening today
Canberra | Ted O’Brien addresses the National Press Club at 11.30am.
Economy | Latest inflation figures from the ABS at 11.30am.
Society | The national gender pay gap report will be discussed at a press conference at 12pm ahead of its release tomorrow.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
