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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Charlotte Graham-McLay

Morning Mail: Student loan ‘scam’ targeted ‘poor kids’, Sudan fighting spreads, coronation oath row

Students sit on the lawn near at the University of Sydney
Graduates say they’re still struggling to pay off debts racked up under a controversial 1990s student loan scheme. Photograph: Paul Miller/AAP

Good morning. Graduates say they’re still struggling to pay off debts racked up under Australia’s controversial 1990s student loan scheme. It was a “scam” by the government that targeted “poor kids”, one tells Guardian Australia. Now in their 40s and 50s, they’re being chased for money they borrowed under an initiative that urged low-income students to take out loans for their living costs – even though the federal government ditched the scheme two decades ago.

Meanwhile, fighting in Sudan spreads to the fragile Darfur region and Australians scramble to cover the basics as food prices rise again.

Australia

A box of fruit and vegetables
The rising price of essentials is a major contributing factor to the cost-of-living crisis. Photograph: MB Photography/Getty Images

World

The market of El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, as fighting continues in Sudan between the forces of two rival generals
The market of El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, as fighting continues in Sudan between the forces of two rival generals. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

Full Story

Michael Freelander at question time
Michael Freelander at question time. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

A Labor MP on breaking ranks over jobseeker

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, a growing chorus of Labor MPs are calling for the government to raise the rate of jobseeker – now sitting at $50 a day. The south-west Sydney MP Michael Freelander tells Laura Murphy-Oates about the groundswell of support within Labor for raising the rate and why he believes change will occur within the year.

In-depth

A staff member works at a CSIRO vaccine lab in Melbourne
A staff member works at a CSIRO vaccine lab in Melbourne. Photograph: Joel Carrett/EPA

Only 86% of Australia’s science graduates in 2022 reported having found employment within four months of graduating – compared with pharmacy grads at 97%. Despite exhortations for young people to study natural and physical sciences, science and technology graduates fare only slightly better than “starving artists” when it comes to getting a job.

Not the news

A painting of a woman taking a nap
‘If you’re getting anywhere from seven to nine hours a night, you’re probably fine.’ Photograph: Pictures from History/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The feeling that you’re not getting enough shut-eye is one that many … well, lose sleep over. Joel Snape has a few tips for good-quality Zs – including deep breathing and keeping a consistent routine, even at weekends.

The world of sport

Sydney FC players celebrate
Sydney FC players celebrate after winning the women’s A-League grand final football match against Western United FC at CommBank Stadium in Sydney last night. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Media roundup

Military experts are urging the government to let foreigners fight for Australia to combat the ADF recruitment crisis, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Year 12 students who fail exams and assignments are still passing maths and English subjects, as state curriculum bodies push down pass marks to below 50%, according to the Australian. The Daily Telegraph says more than 80 underworld players have left Sydney as police turn up the heat on gang conflict.

What’s happening today

  • Voice to parliament | A select committee will begin its final round of public hearings in the parliamentary inquiry into the Indigenous voice referendum.

  • Tesla collision | A woman who says her Tesla was driving on autopilot when she hit a Melbourne nurse boarding a tram will appear in court today.

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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.

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