Good morning. Labor’s hate speech laws have passed the Senate in a late-night vote in response to the Bondi terror attack – despite the Nationals splitting from the Liberals to oppose what they called an “overreach”.
Meanwhile, experts warn that if more research is not done on an assessment tool set to be used as the basis for determining NDIS support plans – the I-CAN test –there could be “tragedies”.
And New South Wales surfers and swimmers are feeling vulnerable after a series of shark attacks in recent days left Sydney’s beaches and waves empty – and open water swimming events cancelled.
Australia
‘No one’s surfing’ | Swimming and surfing are part of Sydney’s lifeblood. But after a spate of shark attacks across NSW, even some of the city’s most seasoned surfers and beachgoers have been rattled.
Hate speech laws | Laws to ban hate groups and establish a national gun buyback scheme have passed the Senate after Labor struck separate deals with the Liberals and Greens.
Exclusive | Health experts are sounding the alarm that the NDIS’s new assessment tool hasn’t been tested on a variety of disability types – including diverse autistic needs.
Analysis | Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs last year triggered fears of a devastating global trade war. Trump trashed economic orthodoxy – but has he left Australia a winner or loser?
Explainer | The PM has announced Thursday as a national day of mourning for victims of the Bondi beach terror attack. Here’s how Australians will mark the sombre occasion.
Gut check | Spruiked by influencers as a way to “hack your health”, experts say at-home microbiome tests can cause unnecessary distress. So, how much can these tests really tell you?
World
Greenland threats | Europe is at a crossroads over Donald Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, leaders at Davos say. French president Emmanuel Macron has warned against a “new colonial approach” after Trump said there was “no going back”, and US and European markets fell as he stepped up his rhetoric.
‘Extremely urgent’ | All life depends on water, but the world has entered an era of “global water bankruptcy” that is harming billions of people amid overuse and pollution, a UN report has declared.
Middle East crisis | As Israeli crews started bulldozing the East Jerusalem headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, and fired teargas at a UN school in the West Bank, Julian Borger writes that Trump’s “board of peace” for Gaza is an imperial court completely unlike what was proposed.
Kurds retreat | Kurdish-led forces have announced a withdrawal from a detention camp in north-east Syria housing tens of thousands of Isis-linked detainees, as Syrian government forces advance.
Official scolding | The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has dismissed a vice-premier over troubles in a factory modernisation project – likening him to “a goat yoked to pull an ox cart”.
Beckham feud | David Beckham has said parents must let their children “make mistakes”, a day after his son Brooklyn aired his grievances with his family in a social post that drew global attention.
Full Story
Bridget Cama on Invasion Day and the political silence on First Nations rights
In the lead-up to 26 January, the Uluru Youth Dialogue co-chair Bridget Cama says the same divisive debate is playing out around the country, and the silence from political leaders has been demoralising. But, speaking with Nour Haydar, Cama says those who want to see constitutional recognition are regrouping after the voice to parliament defeat – and she hopes to see another referendum in a decade.
In-depth
As Jacinta Allan faces backlash over Victoria’s bushfires, One Nation has seized upon sentiment among some voters that her government doesn’t care about their plight. As Labor faces relentless criticism over its response to the infernos, One Nation is eyeing November’s election as their golden opportunity. But, Benita Kolovos asks, will the minor party be able to convert regional rage into electoral success?
Not the news
In the 25 years since the turn of the millennium, technology has changed how we live in profound ways – so much so that the time we spend with screens now dwarfs that spent interacting with others. And with the arrival of AI, our social connections with real people are even further endangered. From writing a card, sharing a poem, or taking fewer photos, Tom Gill shares some tips on how we might feel more human in 2026.
Sport
Tennis | Daria Kasatkina is frustrated after her Australian Open defeat on a day of mixed fortunes for Australian players, Jack Snape writes. Jannik Sinner powered into the second round while Gaël Monfils said goodbye, and Naomi Osaka’s jellyfish-inspired outfit stole the show.
Football | Manchester City are taking on Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League – follow all today’s Champions League action. Dominik Szoboszlai reveals “no decision” has been reached over a new Liverpool contract, and Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri is poised for a Marseille loan, in a blow to English suitors.
Motorsport | Mercedes lead designer will leave the team during the upcoming F1 season.
Media roundup
Maggots have fallen from ceiling vents on to patients at a NSW hospital “infested with mould”, forcing wards to close and surgeries to be cancelled, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Overall school expulsions may have fallen across Victoria but they are rising among primary school aged children, the Age reports. Hundreds of volunteer firefighters in Tasmania remain suspended for failing to complete mandatory child safety training, according to the Mercury. From small cuttings to large pots, household plants are being stolen in great numbers, ABC News reports.
What’s happening today
Queensland | A postmortem is expected for a Canadian woman found dead on K’Gari.
Sport | The men’s Tour Down Under cycling event is set to start in South Australia.
Sport | The action in the Australian Open tennis grand slam tournament continues in Melbourne.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
