Morning, everyone. Lidia Thorpe is back in the debate over the Indigenous voice to parliament today. She has criticised the no campaign for using her picture in its advertising without her consent, and accused the group of disrespecting Indigenous culture.
We also look at the link between the Black Summer bushfires and depletion of the ozone layer but there’s good news on the environment too: Australia invested $4.29bn in renewable energy in the December quarter, 10 times the previous three months.
Plus, in the UK, there’s a furore over the country’s rather familiar-looking (to Australians) new “stop the boats” policy.
Australia
Ozone threat | Particles in bushfire smoke can activate molecules that destroy the ozone layer, according to research that suggests future ozone recovery may be delayed by increasingly intense and frequent fires. A study published in the journal Nature found that smoke from the 2019-20 Australian bushfires temporarily depleted the ozone layer by 3% to 5%.
Exclusive | Lidia Thorpe, the independent senator who quit the Greens to campaign for a sovereignty treaty, says she is shocked that Warren Mundine’s Conservative Political Action Conference Australia used her image in its advertising against the voice to parliament.
Medicare muddle | Patients are missing out on subsidised medical appointments for chronic diseases due to incorrect Medicare billing by GPs, prompting the Australian health department to issue hundreds of warnings.
Renewables race | Investment in large-scale renewable energy and storage accelerated in the final three months of last year – the best quarter for four years. But the pace of the rollout is not enough to meet the 82% renewables target by 2030.
Gambling freebies | The gambling industry has given federal politicians about 150 free tickets to sporting events, shows and hospitality since the 2019 election, raising concerns about the potential for perceived conflicts of interest.
World
Pipeline probe | German investigators have searched a boat that may have been used in last year’s Nord Stream gas pipeline bombings as ministers urged caution over reports that a pro-Ukrainian group was responsible. In Switzerland, four bankers have appeared in court charged with helping to hide tens of millions of francs on behalf of Vladimir Putin.
Fox hunted | The Fox News host Tucker Carlson has continued to broadcast January 6 security footage in his attempt to cast the deadly attack on Congress as “peaceful chaos” – while new court filings show that he told an associate he “hated” Donald Trump “passionately”.
Seeing red | The European drug regulator has said it strongly opposes the creation of a multi-storey “erotic centre” near its headquarters in Amsterdam as part of city plans to relocate sex workers away from the historic red-light district.
Mice two dads | Scientists have created mice with two biological fathers by generating eggs from male cells, a development that opens up radical new possibilities for reproduction.
Brueghel break | A rare painting by the 17th-century artist Pieter Brueghel the Younger – discovered hanging behind a door at a home in France – will be sold by auction in Paris this month.
Full Story
The battle over Labor’s key climate policy
Negotiations over Labor’s major climate policy are in deadlock. Our climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, explains the main details of Labor’s safeguard mechanism and who will be crucial to its success.
In-depth
A battle royale is developing in Britain over the Tory government’s plans to crack down on small boats ferrying illegal immigrants across the Channel. In language familiar to Australians, the prime minister, Rishi Sunak, launched his policy with the slogan: “Stop the boats.” The home secretary, Suella Braverman, denied the policy was illegal while the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, said it would “drive a coach and horses” through women’s rights. Gary Lineker, the footballer turned TV presenter, sparked controversy by comparing the policy to Nazi Germany.
Not the news
Honor Wolff and Patrick Durnan Silva, AKA Hot Department, Australia’s weird aunty and uncle, share what makes them laugh online. “A wonderful, disgusting, horrific place that shaped our childhood and personalities,” they say of the internet, picking out an awkward rap battle, Patti Harrison and 30 Rock, to name but three.
The world of sport
Golf | Greg Norman has been accused of robbing Cameron Smith of the chance to forge one of golf’s great careers after luring the British Open champion to his Saudi-backed rebel league.
Women’s World Cup | There is a growing risk that many stars will be absent when the tournament kicks off in Australia and New Zealand in July because of disagreements between players and management in top European teams, most notably France.
Football | Erik ten Hag has said Manchester United must reset from the “mess” of their 7-0 humiliation at Liverpool, with the manager praising the stand-in captain, Bruno Fernandes, despite criticism of his display.
Media roundup
The Sydney Morning Herald reports on the communications breakdown on Sydney’s trains that stranded thousands of commuters, piling pressure on the Coalition government’s stewardship of the system in the lead-up to this month’s state election. The Courier-Mail says motorists will be stuck on crowded northside roads because of the collapse of a plan to build a new tunnel. .
What’s happening today
Ahmedabad | Anthony Albanese is meeting the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, for talks and will also attend the first day of the fourth Test.
Sydney | Natalie Baini, former lover of one-time Liberal minister Craig Laundy, is suing the party for overlooking her as a candidate for the seat of Reid.
Canberra | The women’s economic equality taskforce chief, Sam Mostyn, will speak at the Press Club.
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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.
