Welcome, readers, to Afternoon Update.
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, says inflation and unemployment are set to rise because of Donald Trump’s war in Iran, warning ahead of next month’s federal budget that the economic fallout from the conflict could still become “severe”.
Playing down expectations of major revenue increases off the back of soaring commodity prices, Chalmers said some forecasters had not adequately assessed the negative effects on Australia from slower growth and rising joblessness.
“The consequences of this war in the Middle East are already serious, and there is still a risk that they become severe,” Chalmers said. Chalmers confirmed planned cuts to the NDIS would be “easily the most important part of the savings package that we will present on budget night”.
Inflation is expected to rise to above 5% in Australia as global supply chains are buffeted by the war, including disruption to about 20% of global fuel supplies.
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In pictures
Winning and shortlisted works from the 2026 LensCulture portrait awards move seamlessly between documentary and invention. Across these images, tender couples hold each other close, people reclaim their identities from the burden of colonial memories and the harsh realities of the war in Ukraine come sharply into focus.
What they said …
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“We hope many more people will feel welcomed in our donor centres from today, and sign up to become blood donors as a result of this change.” – Lifeblood’s CEO, Stephen Cornelissen
Up to 20,000 additional blood donations are expected to be made each year across Australia, with new rules in effect from Monday allowing many gay and bisexual men and transgender people to donate for the first time.
So what has changed, and why? Guardian Australia’s medical editor, Melissa Davey explains.
Full Story
The vulnerable children charged with possessing extremist material
Nour Haydar speaks with investigations reporter Ariel Bogle about how a “bad” law means children charged with possessing extremist material may not always understand they have committed a crime.
Before bed read
From passionate romantasy novels to premium television dramas, culture is bringing the agency, desires and interior lives of women to the fore. It’s proving good for business, but is this a permanent revolution?
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: RAI. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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