Good morning. Over in the US, the nation is glued to the spectacle of the former president Donald Trump leaving his Florida base and arriving in New York, where late tonight (our time) he’s due to face court. And, here, it’s RBA day. With the May budget just weeks away, cost-of-living pressures are front of mind – the Guardian Essential Poll shows a majority of voters favour capping power prices, lifting wages and cheaper childcare. If that’s had you thinking (/worrying) about your super, we’ve launched a series unpacking the main things to know, plus tips for boosting your balance – more on that below.
First, let’s get into today’s headlines.
Australia
No campaign | Gomeroi traditional owners in northern NSW have criticised Friday’s regional launch of the leading campaign against the voice, accusing it of featuring racist talking points and “really dehumanising” language.
Companies call for emissions cut | BHP, Bluescope, Rio Tinto and Woodside are among those who have signed a joint statement saying urgent action is needed from government, investors and business for Australia to support its goal of limiting global heating to 1.5C.
Schools phone ban | Parents have come out in support of a sweeping ban in NSW public high schools but an expert says the ban will not improve academic results.
A national firearms registry | Mark Dreyfus yesterday declared the Australian first “one step closer to reality”, with public consultation due before a decision by national cabinet in mid-2023.
Age verification | The federal government is considering a “roadmap” on how to restrict online porn access to over-18s – an idea that raises significant privacy concerns.
World
Donald Trump | The former US president has made his way to New York City for a hotly anticipated court appearance, where he’ll respond to the first criminal indictment filed against someone to have held his role.
Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill | President Yoweri Museveni has called on African leaders to reject “the promotion of homosexuality”, suggesting he will sign a controversial bill – passed by parliament last month – into law.
Chinese spy balloon | New reports suggest the device gathered intelligence as it flew over sensitive military sites in the US, despite efforts by the White House to thwart its espionage mission. (Joe Biden, meanwhile, is unlikely to attend King Charles’s coronation, if you were wondering.)
Russia | Police have arrested a woman over a bomb that killed a prominent pro-war Russian military blogger in a St Petersburg cafe on Sunday, as authorities blamed Ukraine for the attack.
The moon | Nasa has named the first woman and the first African American assigned as astronauts to a lunar mission, part of the four-member team for the first crewed voyage around the moon in more than 50 years.
Full Story
‘Chicken feed’: why the Greens are blocking Labor’s $10bn social housing plan
The government’s social housing bill has stalled in the Senate, due to deadlock with the Greens and other crossbenchers. Today on Full Story, our political reporter Amy Remeikis breaks down the opposition to the bill and whether the tough negotiations ahead could result in a more ambitious housing plan.
In-depth
The compounding nature of superannuation means small losses early in your career can lead to big losses later on – but it also means voluntary contributions can make a big difference. Here, we show how that works – with lattes!
And reporter Matilda Boseley is here with five things you can do to supercharge your super right now.
Not the news
After eventful stints in China, Germany and the UK, Ai Wei Wei is finding peace in Portugal. Steve Rose finds the artist easing into farmhouse life as he talks about Chinese might, western jealousy – and his urge to spend. Next up: a design show featuring 200,000 spouts from broken teapots and jugs.
The world of sport
A new generation in surfing | Meet Molly Picklum and Sophie McCulloch, two of the six Australian women in the world’s top 18 this year.
Toto Wolff | The Mercedes team principal has called for clarity from Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, to sort out the chaos that marred the Australian Grand Prix.
Chelsea | The club has several favourites in their sights as they search for a manager, but are prepared to wait until the summer before appointing a full-time replacement for Graham Potter.
Premier League | Follow the Everton v Tottenham match as it happens over at our live blog.
Media roundup
As reported last night in the Australian, Anthony Albanese has signed off on banning TikTok in government devices after a “top security review”. According to the Fin, the US got a “heads-up” about Opec’s surprise decision to slash oil production. And the West Australian says, Australia and the UK are poised to sign a major critical minerals deal “to power a net zero future”.
What’s happening today
Hold or hike? | Economists are divided on whether the RBA will today raise interest rates for an 11th consecutive time. We’ll be bringing you that news as it happens this afternoon, probably about 2.30pm AEST – stay tuned to the day’s live blog, and for our analysis afterwards.
NSW | The state’s landmark inquiry into gay hate crimes returns.
Georgie Stone | The activist and actor – who changed trans rights for children in Australia – will speak at the National Press Club.
Sydney Dialogue | The Australian Strategic Policy Institute will host its second forum on emerging, critical, cyber and space technologies.
Online gambling | There’s a public hearing over the harmful impact of the practice – stay tuned for our coverage there, too.
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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.
