Welcome, readers, to Afternoon Update.
Anthony Albanese continues to hold court, following his national address on Wednesday evening.
Speaking at the National Press Club today, the prime minister announced new restrictions on gambling advertising, including legislation against subscription traps, a ban on cross-promotional content that mixes commentary with odds, and advertising on jerseys, jumpers and in stadiums.
Albanese also used his speech to announce a further cut in the fuel tax, confirming a combined savings of 32 cents on every litre, following an agreement with state and territory leaders. “The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has already signed that change into law,” he said.
Top news
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Death of Rohingya refugee left in parking lot by US border agents ruled a homicide
Bob’s Burgers actor Eugene Mirman rescued from fiery car crash by New Hampshire governor’s detail
Unsuspecting windsurfer collides with gray whale in San Francisco Bay
In pictures
Nasa’s moon rocket Artemis II launched on Wednesday evening, US time, carrying astronauts to the moon for the first time in almost 54 years. The launch also marks the first time since the Apollo 17 mission of December 1972 that humans will have left lower Earth orbit.
The rocket is orbiting Earth and will continue to do so until Thursday, when the translunar injection burn will take place and send it on the rest of its 386,242km journey to orbit the moon.
What they said …
***
“We’re going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong.”
Donald Trump used a primetime address to the nation to declare the month-long war in Iran a success “nearing completion”, despite a spiralling conflict that has caused economic turmoil across the globe, fractured transatlantic alliances and eroded the president’s approval ratings.
Follow our live updates on the Middle East crisis.
Podcast
Energy minister Chris Bowen on the impact of the fuel crisis – Australian Politics podcast
The minister for energy and climate change, Chris Bowen, tells Guardian Australia’s political editor, Tom McIlroy, that despite shortages at petrol stations around Australia, there have so far been no disruptions to the country’s fuel supply.
Bowen responds to criticisms about the Albanese government’s communication to the public, as the second month of the US-Israel war on Iran continues to send shockwaves around the world. The minister also argues that rationing fuel is not necessary for now – and that having a staged plan with the states is good government at work.
Before bed read
Australia’s obsequiousness to Trump’s America has gone way beyond the national interest. Donald Trump, man-baby leader of the free world, is having an epic tantrum. Anthony Albanese must call it out, writes Paul Daley.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: DAY. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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