Good afternoon.
Matt Canavan has declared “we need more Australian everything” – including babies, farming and fossil fuel-powered barbecues – after being elected as leader of the National party.
The Queensland rightwinger defeated Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzie in a three-cornered contest to replace David Littleproud, who stepped down on Tuesday.
Victorian Darren Chester was elected deputy leader, replacing Hogan, and McKenzie will remain the party’s Senate leader.
Top news
Australians hit by soaring petrol prices now face expected blow of interest rate rise
Two robodebt officials engaged in serious corrupt conduct, Nacc finds, but Scott Morrison cleared
Naplan resumes after tech issues pause testing on first day for 1.4 million students
Bundaberg floods: hundreds of homes and businesses inundated after river bursts banks
Katie Perry v Katy Perry: Sydney fashion designer wins 16-year trademark dispute with US pop star
In video
On an island in New Zealand’s remote southern fjords, Rakiura the kākāpō – the world’s fattest breed of parrot – is caring for her tiny chick. More than 100,000 people have tuned in to watch a live stream that captures Rakiura sleeping, tidying her nest and fighting off intruders.
What they said …
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“In Australia, people are able to change their mind, people are able to travel. So, we respect the context in which she has made that decision.” – Tony Burke
One of the Iranian football squad members who had sought asylum in Australia has changed her mind, the home affairs minister confirmed during question time.
Full Story
Australia is sending weapons to the Gulf. Does that mean we are at war?
Australia is sending aircraft, missiles and personnel to the Gulf as war rages in the region. But Anthony Albanese says it doesn’t mean we’re involved, or officially at war.
Reged Ahmad speaks to Josh Butler about whether Australia is being entangled in Trump’s “war of choice”.
Before bed read
From Peter Sellers dressing like a Nazi, to having to manage her mother Judy Garland’s addiction, Liza Minnelli’s memoir is dripping with colourful anecdotes. One of the highlights from this small teaser: Minelli says her love affair with Martin Scorsese in 1977 “had more layers than a lasagna”.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: DITE. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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