Morning everyone. More than half the new vehicles sold in Australia last year were SUVs, utes and 4WDs, the latest figures show, in a trend that is leading to more pollution, more risks for drivers of smaller cars and more congestion. And while the government says it wants to reduce emissions, we look today at how the tax system is encouraging the nation’s SUV love affair.
We’re also expecting the final wording on the Indigenous voice referendum question today – the precise language that could change our nation’s constitution – and Australia are top of the world one-day cricket rankings after a breakthrough win in India.
Australia
‘Net zero greenwash’ | Etihad has been accused of misleading customers through advertising that spruiked its emissions reductions plans, with the consumer watchdog now considering action against the airline as part of its crackdown on greenwashing.
Taxing problem | The share of SUVs on the roads has more than doubled in the past decade thanks to two tax incentives that enabled people to splash out. The Toyota Hilux is by far the most popular car on the roads. Only two in the Top 10 are conventional cars.
Voice wording | The exact wording of the Indigenous voice referendum question and constitutional amendment could be released this morning following meetings in Canberra last night between the referendum working group and Anthony Albanese.
Nauru shame | Nearly nine in 10 children brought from offshore processing on Nauru were suffering physical health conditions, including malnutrition and dental disease, new research has revealed.
‘Defend family values’ | Videos were posted online urging people to use violence to disrupt a protest by LGBTQ+ activists at an event where One Nation’s Mark Latham was speaking on Tuesday evening.
World
Johnson grilled | Boris Johnson has attempted to draw his successor as UK prime minister, Rishi Sunak, into the partygate scandal by suggesting that if Covid rules had been broken in Downing Street, then it should have been “obvious” to the current prime minister too. Johnson was giving evidence to MPs investigating whether he had misled parliament over the scandal. But Martin Kettle writes the day was close to a disaster for Johnson.
‘War of attrition’ | Nato’s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, says the west must brace for a long war of attrition in Ukraine because Vladimir Putin has no immediate plans for peace.
Macron defiant | Emmanuel Macron has insisted he will not back down over raising the French pension age as he came out fighting in a live TV interview ahead of another day of national strikes and protests.
Trump delay | The hush money grand jury proceedings that could result in Donald Trump being indicted have been postponed abruptly.
Transgender ban | Arkansas has become the fourth US state to ban trans people in schools using the bathroom that matches their gender identity.
Full Story
Why were neo-Nazis at an anti-trans rally in Melbourne?
Victorian state correspondent Benita Kolovos talks about how rightwing extremists turned up at a protest in Melbourne, and Lydia Khalil, a senior research fellow at Deakin University, explains why the far right is targeting LGBTQ+ communities.
In-depth
More than 500 common species of fish, seaweed, coral and invertebrates that live on reefs around Australia have declined in the past decade, a study has found, as experts warn “not all is well in the ocean”. Environment reporter Graham Readfearn has been looking at the report published in Nature which says increasing ocean temperatures present an “existential threat” with knock-on effects for ecosystems and commercial fisheries.
Not the news
This time next year, Australian football will have a second national tier that could include teams such as South Melbourne and APIA Leichhardt. Many think it’s the solution to the game’s problems as the Women’s World Cup provides an opportunity to leverage popular interest. Others think it could just make things worse. Joey Lynch weighs the pros and cons.
The world of sport
Cricket | Australia beat India by 21 runs in the third and final ODI in Chennai to claim a 2-1 series win and top spot in the world rankings thanks partly to spinner Adam Zampa’s 4-45.
Athletics | New Zealand distance runner Zane Robertson has been given an eight-year ban for doping after his claim that he was mistakenly injected with EPO after seeing doctors for a Covid jab was exposed.
Rugby league | Wakefield Trinity chief, Michael Carter, has warned the sport risks reverting to part-time if there are not major changes to fix financial problems.
Media roundup
The Australian claims an exclusive that defence talks between Australia and China have eased fears that the Aukus pact would derail relations. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a man who posted a video calling for people to attack trans rights activists at a protest in south-west Sydney has been arrested. The issue is also polarising Liberals in Victoria where the Age says senior party figures are urging leader John Pesutto not to expel MP Moira Deeming for her role in an anti-trans rally in Melbourne that was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis. The Cairns Post says a hack of a primary health care provider has revealed a shocking level of stolen information.
What’s happening today
Courts | Bruce Lehrmann’s defamation case against media groups is due to start.
Sydney | The Lowy Institute will hold a panel discussion bout Australia, Aukus and the defence strategic review.
Melbourne | The jury is out in the trial of former Melbourne school principal Malka Leifer accused of abusing students.
Reader callout
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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.
