Morning everyone. A crucial 12 months for Anthony Albanese looks like starting with a big stoush. The prime minister is expected to reveal at a Labor caucus meeting later today how he plans to amend the Coalition’s stage-three tax cuts in an effort to ease the cost-of living-crisis for low and middle-income households.
Plus: we have the latest in our investigation into the collapsed Australian cryptocurrency scheme HyperVerse (plus a podcast); it’s been a bloody 24 hours in Gaza; Margot Robbie won’t be happy with the Oscar nominations; and it’s your last chance to vote for Australia’s greatest sporting moment.
Australia
Exclusive | Whistleblowers have revealed that more than a dozen children in the far north Queensland watch house are suffering sickness in the overcrowded cells, injuries and serious security incidents.
Tax stoush | The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is poised to amend the controversial stage-three tax cuts after a crucial caucus meeting in Canberra today in a move designed to offer “substantial” cost-of-living relief to low and middle-income earners.
Ulcer breakthrough | As Buruli ulcer cases rise in Victoria, researchers say they’ve cracked the enigma of how it is transmitted.
Crypto collapse | The collapsed Australian cryptocurrency scheme HyperVerse targeted investors in developing countries across Asia, Africa and the Pacific before its eventual collapse left many people unable to access funds. Our investigation is also the subject of today’s Full Story (below).
Consultants questioned | Consultancy firm EY Oceania was supporting the oil and gas industry’s lobbying efforts while being paid by the federal government for “independent” advice on climate policy and gas emissions.
World
Gaza casualties | Twenty-four Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza on Monday, by far the biggest single-day Israeli death toll in the three-month war against Hamas, increasing pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu over his leadership and handling of the war effort. Fierce fighting around Khan Younis (pictured) also saw six displaced people killed after one of city’s UN-run shelters was hit “during military operations”.
Primary date | Nikki Haley is chasing an upset win in the New Hampshire Republican primary in probably her last chance to stop Donald Trump from running away with the party’s nomination. Here’s what to expect and you can also follow the developments live.
Oscar contenders | Christopher Nolan could win his first Oscar at next month’s ceremony after Oppenheimer was shortlisted in 13 categories for an Academy Award, including best film, director and adapted screenplay. But Margot Robbie was snubbed for her role in Barbie.
China stimulus | Stocks could be boosted after Chinese markets lifted following a report suggesting that Beijing policymakers are scrambling to mobilise billions of yuan from state-owned enterprises to reverse a recent share rout and economic malaise.
‘The Lord told us’ | A Colorado pastor who is charged with stealing more than $1m from his Christian community in a cryptocurrency scheme has admitted to the fraud but argued that God instructed him to carry it out.
Full Story
The colossal collapse of an Australian crypto scheme
Our reporting has revealed how thousands of people have lost millions of dollars to the HyperVerse crypto scheme. Sarah Martin explains how a chance conversation at the hairdresser pulled her into the HyperVerse.
In-depth
Is it Cathy Freeman’s run for the ages? John Aloisi’s penalty to take Australia back into the world game? Or Warne’s “ball of the century”? Now’s your last chance to vote for Australia’s greatest sporting moment. Many of the shortlisted moments have gone by the wayside after the first round, but there’s 10 left to choose from. Click here and follow the links to cast your vote.
Not the news
Aseel Tayah (pictured) has been planning her immersive theatre work about life in Palestine – A’amar meaning “may it keep going” – long before the war in Gaza. Events have forced the script to evolve and change its focus for audiences at the Sydney festival to enjoy. “Since the war, instead of talking about bread, we are talking about the lack of bread,” Tayah says. “Instead of talking about life, we’re talking about staying alive.”
The world of sport
Australian Open | Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka (pictured) will rekindle their rivalry in the semi-finals – a rematch of last year’s US Open final won by Gauff – after the two champions advanced on a dramatic day at Melbourne Park. In the men’s draw, champion Novak Djokovic toiled in the afternoon heat but beat Taylor Fritz in four sets and will now play Jannik Sinner in the semis.
Asian Cup | Australia were held by Uzbekistan in Qatar but topped their group after Martin Boyle’s first-half penalty was cancelled out in the second half.
Swimming | A 99-year-old Canadian woman has broken the world record in the 400-metre freestyle in the 100- to 104-year-old age class, and in the 50m backstroke and 50m breaststroke.
Media roundup
Aboriginal leaders planning an Invasion Day march in Darwin face paying an $8,000 fee to hold their protest, the NT News reports. A “bad news” budget is in prospect for Victoria with cuts and promises on hold, according to the Age. The Liberal leader in New South Wales has ignored Peter Dutton’s call for people to boycott Woolworths of its Australia Day stance, the Telegraph reports. Adelaide had its hottest day for two years but was spared the worst of the heatwave with Oodnadatta in South Australia’s north hitting 46.5C, the Advertiser says.
What’s happening today
Education | University Admission Centre releases January round two offers.
Economy | ABS release on employee earnings and hours.
Perth | Linda Reynolds, David Sharaz defamation strategic conference.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
