Welcome, readers, to Afternoon Update.
The Coalition is pursuing a “2026 version of the White Australia” policy with its hardline stance on immigration, according to the Greens.
The immigration spokesperson, David Shoebridge, joined a chorus of condemnation of the Coalition’s immigration plan, which is centred on the notion that Australia is “changing for the worse” due to “migrants of subversive intent”.
Jana Favero of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre said: “Angus Taylor has launched a hateful attack on migrant communities this morning, with no basis or evidence. He’s made it clear the Coalition intends to copy Donald Trump, by blaming migrants for problems created by politicians, instead of fixing them.”
The Coalition was adamant that its hardline policies were not Trumpian in nature, with the shadow immigration minister, Jonathon Duniam, telling reporters: “We’re not talking about copying America in any way. That is not where we’re going.”
Top news
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In pictures
A prehistoric fossil, hiding in plain sight in museum storage for more than a century, has revealed that giant echidnas once roamed Victoria. The Owen’s giant echidna, Megalibgwilia owenii, lived during the Pleistocene, a geological epoch that began 2.5m years ago. It grew to about 1 metre long and weighed up to 15kg – about twice the size of Australia’s modern echidnas.
What they said …
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“I still need to continue to throw water on the fire and I have a bigger bucket right now … and strong arms.” – Francesca Albanese
When the UN special rapporteur published her report Anatomy of a Genocide in March 2024, she was lionised by some and demonised by the Trump government. Speaking with the Guardian, she describes the death threats, danger and dread after accusing Israel of genocide – and the desire to continue.
Full Story
Who should pay for the health impacts of the climate crisis?
Over recent years, the warnings about the threat posed by rising sea levels have been getting louder and more urgent.
Now, a new international commission has been set up, with experts saying rising seas are already damaging bodies, minds, livelihoods and cultures.
Guardian Australia’s medical editor, Melissa Davey, has exclusive details on their findings about who will be most affected if sea levels continue to rise and who should pick up the bill when climate change affects our health and wellbeing. She talks to host Nour Haydar.
Before bed read
From the ages of 16 to 22, Kate Leaver was a children’s entertainer. Most often a fairy, sometimes a witch, ballerina, princess or mermaid. One time, hilariously, a ladybug. Her special skills included driving a small car filled with helium balloons, memorising children’s names – and tolerating parents’ behaviour. Leaver takes us inside the world of a professional fairy.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: OWER. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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