Barnaby Joyce told a crowd of anti-abortion activists in Sydney last night to "keep the fires burning" as he addressed protesters supporting a private member's bill seeking to ban sex-selective abortions in New South Wales. The Nationals MP joined One Nation and pro-life campaigners to pile pressure on fellow Nationals MPs ahead of a tight vote in the state parliament.
NDIS Overhaul Sparks Alarm
The Albanese government's own NDIS advisory committee is raising the alarm over Labor's plans to scale back the National Disability Insurance Scheme. In a warning, the committee said the proposed overhaul would cause "material harm" to Australians with disabilities, undermine the scheme's original intentions, and hand unprecedented power to the health minister.
Worst Plastic Packaging Award
The inaugural Unpackit Award for Australia's worst plastic packaging has been given to a single-use plastic and metal drinking vessel, dubbed a "franken-can," which cannot be easily recycled. The award highlights the growing concern over hard-to-recycle materials in consumer products.
Unsafe Products Sold Online
A Choice investigation has found that cigarette lighters that look like toys, gel blasters, flick knives, and fake tongue studs are among the "frightening" number of unsafe and potentially banned products being sold to Australians on online marketplaces. The findings have prompted calls for tighter regulation of e-commerce platforms.
Santos Gets Approval for Beetaloo Drilling
Santos could begin new drilling for gas in the Northern Territory's Beetaloo basin within weeks after the Finocchiaro government granted approval for up to 12 wells. The decision has sparked debate over the environmental impact of expanding gas extraction in the region.
Queensland Surgeon Suspended
The Queensland health ombudsman has suspended the registration of prominent surgeon Vahid Reza Adib, the partner of former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was charged last month with rape. The suspension comes amid ongoing legal proceedings.
Trump Confronts Netanyahu
Donald Trump has angrily confronted Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's threats to resume airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. The US president reportedly shouted, "What the fuck are you doing?" However, Israel's attacks continued overnight, and Tehran announced it was halting peace talks and moving to fully close the Strait of Hormuz, despite US claims that Iran agreed to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program.
Weight-Loss Drugs Reduce Cancer Risk
Weight-loss drugs can cut the risk of developing or dying from some cancers by 30%, according to a series of studies presented at the world's largest oncology conference. The findings offer new hope for cancer prevention through medication.
Russia Exploits Air Defence Missile Shortage
Russia is exploiting a global shortage of air defence missiles as it ramps up airstrikes against Ukraine. Warnings indicate that a shortfall for the Patriot system in particular is creating a "window of vulnerability" for Ukrainian forces.
UK Home Secretary Warns of 'Dangerous Undercurrent'
The UK home secretary has warned of a "dangerous undercurrent" following the murder of Henry Nowak, who was falsely accused of racism by a Sikh man who fatally stabbed him. The case has been inflamed by remarks from reform leader Nigel Farage.
Mysterious Emergences from NYC Manholes
New York police are unsure why groups of people have emerged from the city's manholes in recent weeks. The unexplained phenomenon has puzzled authorities and sparked public curiosity.
One Nation and the Abortion Culture War
Support for the populist party One Nation has given fresh impetus to anti-abortion campaigners in Australia. The Full Story podcast explores whether this brewing movement will mirror the culture war in the United States, with tensions rising over proposed legislation to restrict abortion access.
Gas Industry Sovereign Wealth Fund Proposal
Amid rising scrutiny of One Nation's policy offering, attention has focused on Pauline Hanson's avowed support for a Norway-style sovereign wealth fund to pool profits from Australia's gas industry. However, questions remain about how "Norwegian" her plan is and how it aligns with her opposition to increasing taxes on the sector.
Op-Shop Fashion Show in Melbourne
Staff from five Vinnies stores in Melbourne staged a fashion show to showcase outfits sourced from donations, highlighting the wonder of op-shopping. The event celebrated sustainable fashion and community creativity.
Sport: Cricket, Tennis, and Football
In cricket, Nathan Ellis starred with the ball as Australia dismissed Pakistan for 190 to level the one-day international series in Lahore with a 41-run victory. In tennis, an emotional Marta Kostyuk reached the women's semi-final at Roland Garros after dispatching fellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina. She will play Mirra Andreeva, who dismantled Sorana Cirstea. In the men's draw, Alexander Zverev took another step towards winning his elusive grand slam title. Football legend Kenny Dalglish revealed he is receiving treatment for cancer, having mistakenly posted about his treatment.
Media Roundup
Gold Coast councillors have approved a $1 billion shopping centre revamp despite 554 of 565 public submissions opposing the plan, as reported by the Bulletin. The Age has the shock news that the Melbourne Stars will merge with the Renegades to create one Victorian Big Bash team.
What's Happening Today
In Canberra, Michael Wright and Alison Pennington will address the National Press Club, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale will visit federal parliament. The documentary Silenced will screen at the opening of the Sydney Film Festival.
