Morning everyone. Documents reveal government departments feared being overwhelmed by a deluge of online freedom of information inquiries from “automated generators”, prompting Labor’s controversial effort to restrict FoI requests.
Two new species of frog and one new gecko have been discovered by scientists in Queensland, we weigh the odds of extreme weather over the summer, and Donald Trump says he will meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest to discuss ending the Ukraine war.
Australia
New frogs drop | Three new animal species – two frogs and a gecko – have been discovered by scientists on a rocky and remote island in Australia’s north. One of the new frogs is said to be “very small, about the size of my fingernail, but super loud”.
Safety switch | The eSafety commissioner’s freedom of information staff worried one email every five minutes might “jam something”, according to documents which reveal the under-siege feeling that sparked controversial new proposals to clamp down on FoI in Australia.
Nature rethink | The environment minister wants to pass a major rewrite of federal nature laws this year, encouraging miners to lobby the Coalition to work with Labor to help rush it through parliament in the final three sitting weeks.
Write direction | The NSW government has committed $3.2m to the state’s first-ever writing and literature strategy.
Recycling referral | Ten allegations against Queensland’s container recycling scheme have been referred to the state’s corruption watchdog after a parliamentary inquiry revealed allegations of bullying and conflicts of interest.
World
Giuffre warning | Virginia Giuffre’s (above) latest posthumous revelations are a “mirror held up to a system” that still enables powerful men to groom, abuse and exploit women with impunity, women’s rights campaigners have said. Our columnist says the latest allegations about Prince Andrew are a “new low” for the royals.
‘Productive’ call | Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest to discuss ending the Ukraine war after saying that he had “good and productive” call with the Russian president. It comes as a massive Russian drone and missile attack hit gas facilities in eastern Ukraine as the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, flew to Washington for a meeting with Trump.
Ice abuse | Queer and trans immigrants at an Ice detention facility in the US have alleged that they faced sexual harassment and abuse, medical neglect and coerced labor by staff at the facility.
Senate crunch | A federal grand jury is expected to indict John Bolton, the former national security adviser in Donald Trump’s first term, according to reports. A raid on Bolton’s home this year over has pointed at charges related to mishandling classified information.
Vanishing Picasso | Police in Spain are investigating the disappearance of a tiny Picasso painting, worth €600,000, that vanished en route from Madrid to an exhibition in the southern city of Granada.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: Albanese prepares to meet Trump, SXSW Live
Live from the South by Southwest festival in Sydney, Bridie Jabour talks to the editor, Lenore Taylor, head of newsroom Mike Ticher, and senior audio producer Miles Herbert about how Anthony Albanese will navigate meeting Donald Trump as Australians watch America’s authoritarian turn.
In-depth
October traditionally kicks off Australia’s peak time for severe weather – with increased risk of heatwaves and bushfires, and thunderstorms, floods and cyclones – continuing for months. Petra Stock talks to BoM experts to find out what’s in store over the summer and finds that extreme temperatures are more than likely, while it’s not clear about rainfall levels or the bushfire threat just yet.
Not the news
Heather Rose’s new novel, A Great Act of Love, blends historical fiction with high adventure and romance in an another genre shift for the Stella winner. Based on a real-life family discovery, the book is a compelling, complex tale set in the 1830s Van Diemen’s Land, says our reviewer Fiona Wright.
Sport
Cricket | Alyssa Healy (above) smashed 100 from 73 balls as Australia cruised to a 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Women’s World Cup and sealed a semi-final place in the process.
A-League | The A-League Men’s season kicks off tonight with the game set for a huge World Cup year despite backroom fighting over money, writes Jack Snape.
Formula One | Mohammed Ben Sulayem will stand unopposed for another term as the FIA president after the Emirati’s last remaining potential opponent was ruled out due an arcane election rule.
Media roundup
Linda Reynolds tells the Australian she wants a parliamentary inquiry into her treatment by MPs who she claims “fed her to the lions”. Victoria’s Liberal leader, Brad Battin, is planning to bring arch-enemies Moira Deeming and John Pesutto back into the frontbench team, according to the Age. Brisbane’s dilapidated Broadway hotel is going to be renovated, the Courier Mail reports.
What’s happening today
Victoria | An inquiry into cults and organised fringe groups is being held.
Queensland | The Future Brisbane 2025 event, which includes David Crisafulli, Gout Gout and Lachlan Kennedy, is being held.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
