Good morning. The dust is only just beginning to settle after Saturday’s voice referendum defeat. Indigenous leaders have asked for a week of silence for Australians to reflect on the role of racism and prejudice in the no result. The Albanese government will consider new steps to close the gap and reboot reconciliation. One option is a new short-term policy advisory group to report directly to the prime minister. In the meantime, focus is likely to shift towards state-based voice and treaty arrangements.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening as Israel seeks out Hamas targets with ongoing airstrikes and its forces mass on the border ahead of an expected ground incursion. As displaced Palestinian civilians continue attempts to evacuate from northern Gaza, Egypt is now moving more troops to Gaza’s southern border.
And: Afghanistan have trounced a much-fancied English side by 69 runs at the Cricket World Cup to secure a historic victory.
Australia
Voice referendum | As Indigenous Australians grapple with grief after defeat, the government is considering new steps to address Indigenous disadvantage – including an interim listening mechanism. We have a lot more analysis and opinion on why Australia voted this way, what this tells us about misinformation and its ‘scam on democracy’, and what we need to do now in this divided country.
‘Unmitigated debacle’ | Following a series of bungled internal discipline cases, the Queensland Police union appears to be considering mounting fresh challenges to officer misconduct rulings.
‘Significant backward step’ | The New South Wales government has quietly axed dozens of environmental roles, including Indigenous officers, and delayed a plan to reward farmers to protect nature.
Child sexual abuse material | X has become the first online platform to be issued with a fine under Australia’s Online Safety Act for its failure to meet basic online safety expectations.
The office returns | Working remotely during the pandemic disrupted a centuries-old agreement between employers and employees, but are the days of Australians working from home now numbered?
World
Gaza siege | As Israeli airstrikes continue, Egypt is moving more troops to its border crossing with Gaza amid fears that Israel intends to push hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees into the Sinai desert; the Israeli military says it has confirmed 126 people being held as hostages by Hamas.
Arms aid | The White House is seeking a weapons package for Israel amid “real risk of escalation” of conflict in the region; a second US aircraft carrier group is also now heading to the Mediterranean.
Russian-Ukraine war | A top Ukrainian commander claims that Russia’s biggest offensive in months is failing.
Analysis | The New Zealand Labour party was left paying the price of a progressive policy bonfire as it took a mauling in this weekend’s election.
Casting their vote | Polish people are voting in parliamentary elections, with the populist Law and Justice (PiS) government trying to win a third term in office.
Full Story
Trump, an Australian billionaire and the nuclear submarines
Donald Trump allegedly discussed potentially sensitive information about US nuclear submarines with an Australian billionaire (middle) three months after leaving office, according to an American media report. These allegations – which Trump denies – have raised further questions about his alleged handling of classified information, already the subject of separate and unrelated criminal charges in the US. Daniel Hurst discusses why an Australian businessman and multiple former prime ministers are now facing questions and how these allegations could affect future Australia-US relations.
In-depth
Australia must now have a reckoning about how it can advance reconciliation and improve practical outcomes for Indigenous Australians without a voice. Paul Karp considers three options in front of Australia.
Not the news
From spearheading the #ItTakesOne campaign to end sexual harassment at gigs to calling out festivals for gender inequality in lineups, Camp Cope’s activism has been passionate and fearless. In their final ever show – at the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House – a band that challenged and changed the Australian music landscape gave a fitting reminder of what they achieved and what we’ll miss.
The world of sport
Cricket World Cup | England were profoundly outplayed as a brilliant Afghanistan beat them by 69 runs in a historic upset in Delhi.
Rugby World Cup | Tournament hosts France take on South Africa’s Springboks in their quarter-final in Paris; England have clinched a semi-final spot after a hard-fought 30-24 win ended Fiji’s run.
Football | Manchester United’s board is set to vote on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s bid to buy a 25% share in the club.
Formula One | The FIA is “revisiting” the investigation into Lewis Hamilton walking across the track after his crash at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Media roundup
The Metro Tunnel Project is prepared for up to 12 months of delays during a risky phase of testing and trial operations, which could push the opening of Melbourne’s new underground train line to late 2025, says the Age. Fugitive developer Jean Nassif has made a last-minute payment of $300,000 to keep alive a defamation case, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
What’s happening today
ACT | The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security is holding a public hearing examining the Australian Federal Police’s counter-terrorism powers.
Tasmania | A public hearing is scheduled in the parliamentary inquiry into over planning for a proposed $715m stadium in Hobart.
New South Wales | The SXSW Sydney event continues.
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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.
