Morning, everyone. On the last day of campaigning our lead story looks at a rightwing consultancy and its secretive ties to the no camapign. We’re also hearing from leading yes campaigners on why it’s crucial the voice does get up, the rights advocates who think the response to pro-Palestinian rallies has been “disproportionate” and a tale of woe from India as Australia go down by 134 runs in the World Cup.
Australia
Rally protest | Human rights advocates have condemned the NSW government’s “escalating”, “unnuanced” and “disproportionate” response to pro-Palestinian protesters.
‘Campaign clout’ | Whitestone Strategic boasts “up-to-the-minute technology and campaign clout” under a website tagline “Fighting the good fight”. Today we reveal the consultancy firm’s ties with prime movers against the Indigenous voice and how it keeps its work behind the scenes.
Exclusive | A fledgling “green coal” company owned by two Queensland Liberal National party figures has had its bank account frozen and become mired in legal action, 18 months after being awarded a $5.5m commonwealth grant in the dying days of the Morrison government.
‘Somewhat of a panic’ | Wait times for farmers seeking to offload livestock to feedlots and abattoirs are increasing from weeks to months in some areas as they rush to market before the expected dry summer places further strain on producers.
Walkley nominees | Guardian Australia has picked up seven nominations in the 68th annual Walkley awards for excellence in journalism, including for political editor Katharine Murphy, Indigenous affair editor Lorena Allam and reporter Christopher Knaus.
World
Gaza siege | Israel says there will be no humanitarian break to its siege of the Gaza Strip until all its hostages are freed, amid growing concern about dwindling water, food and fuel supplies after a fifth night of bombardment that has left hundreds of thousands of people displaced. The White House has criticised Donald Trump for “dangerous” remarks about the conflict, as the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, met Israeli leaders in Tel Aviv and said the US would always be on their side.
Wembley ruling | England’s Football Association has rejected calls to light the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag before England play Australia overnight but will hold a period of silence for all victims of the conflict.
Exclusive | Philip Morris International, the tobacco and vaping company behind Marlboro cigarettes, is waging a big lobbying campaign to prevent countries from cracking down on vapes and similar products as part of a global treaty, a leaked email reveals.
Climate compliant? | A climate researcher who refused to comply with his employer’s demand to fly at short notice back to Germany from the Solomon Islands says he has been fired from his job.
Trump losses | Donald Trump has “demanded” an apology from Forbes magazine after it dropped him from its list of the 400 wealthiest people in the US, noting that his wealth had fallen by $600m.
Full Story
Human catastrophe unfolds in Israel and Gaza
A deadly assault by Hamas militants across southern Israel has been followed by devastating airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and threats of a full-scale invasion by the Israeli military. Bethan McKernan reports.
In-depth
It’s do or die for the yes campaign tomorrow and we have pleas from leading figures on why an affirmative is so important. Thomas Mayo says problems facing Indigenous Australians cannot be fixed without a mechanism like the voice to parliament and has pleaded with voters to back the referendum rather than delaying the vital reform for future generations. And Linda Burney writes that voters can make a difference this week by listening to Indigenous Australians who are asking for a voice and voting yes.
Not the news
The debate around making fashion more sustainable is framed by shocking statistics such as the estimate that the equivalent of a truck full of discarded clothing ends up in landfill every second. But sustainability-focused Australian designers are not only trying to save waste but are also increasingly aiming for “emotional durability”, meaning people want to hold on to things for longer. Divya Venkataraman speaks to young guns including Alix Higgins (pictured) and Isabelle Hellyer to find out more.
The world of sport
Cricket World Cup | South Africa have thrashed Australia by 134 runs in Lucknow thanks to a combination of a brilliant Quinton de Kock century, terrible Australian fielding and dubious umpiring.
Matilda factor | Matildas players past and present are set to light up the A-League Women season when it kicks off tomorrow, including World Cup stars Cortnee Vine and Tameka Yallop, and veteran Lydia Williams.
Netball | The Diamonds have shrugged off a week dominated by the Super Netball pay dispute to beat New Zealand by 10 points and take a 1-0 lead in the Constellation Cup.
Media roundup
The Sydney Morning Herald speaks to young Australian-Israelis who face being called up as reservists as the country mobilises against Hamas, while the Herald Sun has spoken to an Australian family trapped in Gaza by the Israeli siege. Traffic congestion in south-east Queensland will become as bad as Los Angeles if action is not taken, the RACQ has warned, according to the Courier-Mail. An “astonishing” poll shows South Australia is set to reject the voice referendum proposal, the Advertiser reports.
What’s happening today
Protests | Pro-Palestinian rallies are planned in Canberra, Perth and Brisbane.
Brisbane | A high-profile man accused of rape is expected to seek a suppression order after an interim supreme court order and new legislation taking effect in Queensland allowing media to name him.
Melbourne | Victoria’s parliamentary inquiry into the Commonwealth Games decision will hold a hearing.
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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.
