Morning everyone. Our top story suggests the Coalition’s internal tensions will not end any time soon, with one MP warning the opposition will lose even more voters if it continues to backslide on policies for net zero by 2050. We have another exclusive story about the dengue outbreak on Nauru and the Productivity Commission is calling for massive tax cuts – for companies.
Elsewhere, a very powerful dispatch from our chief Middle East correspondent shows how Israel has calibrated the famine in Gaza; and in swimming, Mollie O’Callaghan has equalled Ian Thorpe’s gold haul.
Australia
Exclusive | At least nine asylum seekers on Nauru have contracted dengue fever amid an outbreak on the island, including one man who was medically evacuated to Australia for treatment and then returned this week, according to a legal aid group and an asylum seeker there.
Exclusive | One of the Liberal party’s two surviving inner-metropolitan MPs has warned voters see the Coalition as not being serious about tackling climate change, prompted by former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce’s private member’s bill to overturn net zero.
Tax call | In an “ambitious” Productivity Commission proposal aimed at boosting investment and revitalising the country’s flagging productivity, the company tax rate would be slashed to 20% for all but the very biggest businesses.
Spying game | Public servants and private contractors with access to sensitive national security information such as the Aukus submarine project are making it easy for spies to target their work, including by posting on sites such as LinkedIn, Australia’s spy chief has warned.
Ban explainer | The Albanese government is leading the world with its attempts to ban under-16s from social media sites but it still remains unclear how the ban will be enforced and which platforms will be exempt.
World
‘Mathematics of starvation’ | At least 91 people have been killed and 600 wounded while waiting for aid in Gaza over the last 24 hours, as the US envoy, Steve Witkoff, visits Israel for ceasefire discussions. In a special report, our correspondent Emma Graham Harrison examines the “mathematics of starvation” and how Israel has caused the famine ravaging the territory.
Canada’s trade deal | Donald Trump has threatened Canada after it moved to recognise a Palestinian state, reacting to Mark Carney’s announcement by saying that signing a US trade deal would now be “very hard”. Follow the news live from Washington.
‘Transnational repression’ | A former Hong Kong politician and prominent democracy campaigner has accused British police of asking her to “self-censor” after she was targeted by suspected “transnational repression” from China. The case mirrors the targeting of a Melbourne-based activist in the same way.
$4tn mark | Microsoft soared past US$4tn in market valuation overnight, becoming the second publicly traded company after Nvidia to surpass the milestone.
‘Oldest baby’ | The world’s “oldest baby” has been born in the US from an embryo that was frozen in 1994, it has been reported.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: when will Australia recognise Palestine?
Reged Ahmad talks to deputy editor Patrick Keneally and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about the pressure pushing Australia towards Palestinian recognition.
In-depth
Traders in a pocket of suburban Melbourne long known as Little India say their livelihoods and heritage are under threat from plans to redevelop the precinct for apartments, shops and offices. The council promises that shopkeepers will be given the chance to stay in the colourful corner of Dandenong, but business owners tell Adeshola Ore they fear being priced out.
“They’re selling it as a Little India,” one says. “But they want to make it like Bourke Street.”
Not the news
Georgia Maq, the singer who fronted the all-female band Camp Cope until they split two years ago, is back with a new EP after moving to Los Angeles to find a “different life for myself”. She talks to Brodie Lancaster about making the new record, her intense times in the band and the possibility of being cast in a “chaotic and insane” film role.
Sport
Swimming | Mollie O’Callaghan (above, farthest right) has equalled Ian Thorpe’s Australian record for world championship golds after anchoring the women’s team to victory in the 4x200m freestyle relay in Singapore.
Rugby union | Lions coach Andy Farrell has described suggestions the Wallabies are not worthy opponents for future tours as “insulting” as he hopes to inspire his players to a series clean sweep in Sydney tomorrow night.
Cricket | England had the better of a rain-interrupted first day in the fifth Test against India, with the visitors reaching 204 for six from 64 overs at the close.
Media roundup
Queensland is not ruling out a total ban on e-bikes and e-scooters, the ABC reports. According to the Australian, the Coalition is also facing internal pressure over its messaging on Israel.
What’s happening today
North-east Arnhem land | The Garma festival’s 25th anniversary kicks off today, running until Monday.
Sydney | Palestine Action Group will challenge the police decision to block Harbour Bridge protest in supreme court.
Queensland | A parliament estimates hearings will be held.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
