Morning everyone. In the latest horrifying allegation about misconduct in the childcare sector, a mother has exclusively alleged to Guardian Australia that her two-year-old daughter was sexually abused while at a family daycare – by the partner of the woman running the service. Despite investigations by NSW police and government, no action was taken against the man or the childcare service, which is still operating.
In breaking news, Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will recognise Palestine as a state, saying there is “no alternative” if peace is to be possible. Plus: The trade minister Don Farrell will warn today that Australia “will suffer” if Donald Trump’s trade wars persist, research calls for a big hike in jobseeker, Trump officials meet Ghislaine Maxwell and Hulk Hogan has died aged 71.
Australia
‘Sense of wonder’ | Henri Szeps (above), the actor best known for his role in the much-loved ABC sitcom Mother and Son, has died aged 81.
Exclusive | A NSW mother alleges that her two-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted while at a family daycare by a man living on the premises, despite her parents having no idea he would be present at the home.
Trade pain | Australia “will suffer” for generations if Donald Trump’s global trade wars persist, Don Farrell warns, as the Albanese government stares down an increasingly challenging economic environment in its second term.
Rights ‘safeguard’ | The boss of Australia’s human rights commission has questioned Labor’s moves to make Asio’s powers for compulsory questioning permanent, warning a planned expansion of the 9/11-era laws must include more safeguards.
Exclusive | Raising jobseeker to 90% of the age pension would lift 590,000 Australians out of poverty, new research suggests, with the $11bn price tag paid for by curbing super tax concessions.
World
‘Solemn decision’ | French president Emmanuel Macron says France will recognise Palestine as a state. Meanwhile a group of far-right Israeli politicians and settlers has met to discuss a plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza and turn it into a luxury resort. The head of the UN agency for Palestinians said its staff are fainting from hunger amid an Israeli blockade.
Maxwell meeting | Officials from Donald Trump’s justice department met Ghislaine Maxwell, the late sex offender’s longtime associate, in Florida where she is serving 20 years for sex trafficking. Back in Washington, the same department has formed a “strike force” to investigate claims that the Obama administration carried out a “treasonous conspiracy” to smear Trump’s 2016 election win. Follow developments in the US live.
Border clashes | Thailand and Cambodia fought in their most deadly border clashes in more than a decade on Thursday as Thai officials said 11 civilians and a Thai soldier were killed in rocket and artillery attacks.
Hulk mourned | Hulk Hogan, the wrestling star turned vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71 after a heart attack at his home in Florida.
Trump skewered | South Park has kicked off its 27th season with a blistering episode taking aim at Donald Trump and its newly minted parent company, Paramount.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: the real net zero questions do not involve the Coalition
Reged Ahmad speaks to editor Lenore Taylor, head of newsroom Mike Ticher and climate and environment editor Adam Morton on what’s distracting Australia from acting on the climate emergency.
In-depth
After the collapse of retirement funds such as First Guardian saw thousands of Australians out of pocket, Luca Ittimani looks at what went wrong and what you can do to avoid falling victim to risky schemes.
Not the news
The famous 1930s Cairo flats development in Fitzroy and the 122-year-old Younghusband Woolstore in Kensington are among the architectural treasures that will be open to the public this weekend as part of Open House Melbourne. Stephanie Convery and Adeshola Ore get a sneak preview.
Sport
Cycling | Australia’s Ben O’Connor (above) of the Jayco AlUla team won the 18th stage of the Tour de France, a 171.5km mountain trek between Vif and the Col de la Loze but Tadej Pogačar’s second place helped him retain the yellow jersey. David Rozman, a long-term member of Ineos Grenadiers staff, has left the Tour de France after an investigation was launched by anti-doping authorities.
Swimming | The push by Australia’s swimmers to match their excellent performance in the Paris Olympics begins on Sunday at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore.
Cricket | Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley combined for an opening stand of 166 on the second day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford as England reached 225-2 at the close after dismissing India for 358.
Media roundup
Men working in childcare in Victoria are being turned away from jobs in what they say is a “shadow ban” in the wake of abuse allegations, the Age reports. BP has walked away from a $55bn hydrogen energy project in the Pilbara due to lack of potential customers, the Australian says. Tasmania Labor’s leader, Dean Winter, refuses to concede defeat in the state election, the Mercury reports, and is in talks with independents about trying to form a government. The NSW government is considering banning e-bikes and e-scooters from the train network amid concerns about lithium batteries sparking fires, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What’s happening today
Security | Australian and British ministers meet in Sydney.
Queensland | Bruce Lehrmann’s pretrial hearing and application to have rape charges dismissed is taking place at Toowoomba magistrates court.
Economy | The federal trade minister, Don Farrell, will address the Lowy Institute in Canberra.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
