Morning, everyone. Amid much national debate about inflation, a thinktank has dismissed as a “fairytale” the idea that workers’ wage demands are causing an upward spiral of prices. On the contrary, corporate profits are to blame, their analysis shows.
The voice debate is also running hot with the Liberals upping the ante today with an attack on what they describe as Anthony Albanese’s “vanity project”. And we look back on the war in Ukraine a year after the Russian tanks rolled in.
Australia
Voice ‘vanity’ | The deputy Liberal leader, Sussan Ley, will accuse Anthony Albanese of using the voice referendum as a “platform for an early election” and a “re-election vanity project” in a speech in Perth on Friday. It comes after hundreds packed a forum in the city last night to discuss the voice campaign.
‘Profit price spiral’ | The public narrative from the Reserve Bank and others that rising wage demands are causing inflation has been debunked in an analysis from the Australia Institute today. It found no evidence that wages were to blame, it says, instead blaming a “profit price spiral”, arguing that company profits account for 69% of the inflation.
Super angry | Labor’s Stephen Jones has warned those “gaming the system” by encouraging the use of superannuation for cosmetic surgery “risk ruining” early release of funds for those who genuinely in need as the debate over retirement funding heas up.
High-speed ahead | Labor should pursue its high-speed rail ambition by progressively upgrading sections of the existing train corridor, starting between Sydney and Canberra as the cheapest and quickest way to deliver fast trains by the end of the decade, transport planning veterans argue.
‘Land ‘double dip’ | The Perrottet government has been accused of “double dipping” on development by using land that has already been bought with public funds and put aside for conservation to offset yet more clearing of bushland for new housing in western Sydney.
World
Coalmine collapse | At least five people have died and 48 are missing after an open-pit coalmine collapsed in Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region in north China.
Gas warning | The “energy battle” between Europe and Russia is not over despite a sharp drop in wholesale gas prices, head of the International Energy Agency says, as he warned against complacency in the west.
UK shortages | Shortages of salad and other vegetables in UK supermarkets could last up to a month, the environment minister has said, as Spanish growers blamed Brexit and rising costs.
Trump lashes out | Donald Trump has attacked the Georgia election subversion case against him, calling it “ridiculous”. Experts say Mike Pence might succeed in his attempt to use an obscure constitutional provision to avoid being subpoenaed to the January 6 investigation.
The skulls of Inishbofin | Trinity College Dublin is to return skulls stolen a century ago from the Irish island of Inishbofin, setting a possible precedent for other controversial human remains and artefacts held by the university.
Full Story
Is super a tax dodge for the wealthy? – with Lenore Taylor
Guardian Australia’s editor-in-chief, Lenore Taylor, and live news editor, Patrick Keneally, discuss what your superannuation is really for: personal gain or national good?
In-depth
As the war in Ukraine enters its second year today, Australia will mark the anniversary by sending drones to Ukraine and widening sanctions on Russia as part of a pledge to stand with Kyiv “for as long as it takes”. Backing up the stance, pro-Ukraine supporters staged a vigil in Sydney last night. We also have all our usual extensive coverage of what is going on, plus special features such as an interactive on the battle for Mariupol and a documentary about a Ukrainian comedian who helped rebuild a stranger’s house.
Not the news
Sport has always featured prominently in the life and songs of Paul Kelly. So it’s no surprise that his new collection of songs, People, is a vehicle for some of his paeans to sporting heroes such as Adam Goodes, Eddie Betts and Shane Warne – although he tells Andrew Stafford that he fears the latter might not have liked his ode to a “bowler of mystery”.
The world of sport
Women’s T20 World Cup | Australia have reached their seventh straight final after a thrilling five-run win over India in Cape Town.
Tasmania | Anthony Albanese has not ruled out federal funding for a new $715m stadium in Tasmania as the head of the AFL visited the state to pledge $360m for a new team.
Football | John Motson, the legendary British television commentator, has died aged 77. He was famed not only for great phrase-making in big games for five decades but also for his sheepskin coats.
Media roundup
The Australian reports that two out of three care homes are in the red. The Age says a ‘“hive” of spies described by Asio this week was a Russian operation run out of locations including the Canberra embassy. And South Australia could be a “unicorn” state that pushed economic growth with advanced manufacturing, according to a Mitsubishi boss in the Adelaide Advertiser.
What’s happening today
Canberra | Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, will address the Press Club.
Tasmania | The inquiry into child sexual abuse in government institutions will deliver a safety report.
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Brain teaser
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