Morning everyone. “My concern is water, the environment and our land. Once it’s been contaminated that’s going to be disaster for us.” So says Indigenous woman Elaine Sandy in our special report on a community fighting against fracking in the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Basin. Our reporter Lisa Cox has been talking to people who feel let down by the Northern Land Council and are now appealing for help from the “whole world”.
Overseas, there is a nailbiting hunt for a missing submarine that ferries tourists and researchers around the wreck of the Titanic in the North Atlantic. There were reportedly five people on board the Titan submersible, including one of the world’s leading experts on the wreck site. We also report on calls for the government to ensure more migrant workers are allowed to do key jobs. And the first Ashes Test is set for a thrilling climax tonight.
Australia
Seatbelt reforms | The parents of the groom whose Hunter Valley wedding ended in tragedy when 10 guests died in a bus crash when leaving the event have called for stronger seatbelt laws.
‘Tremendous injustice’ | Campaigners and lawyers have accused the authorities in Northern Territory of a “tremendous injustice” in allowing the major expansion of the gas industry in the Beetaloo Basin, a large area between Katherine and Tennant Creek that contains vast reserves of shale gas. A former council member, Janet Gregory, says she feels responsible for allowing the fracking agreements to go ahead but is now fully involved in the fight.
Migration call | The government must reform the immigration system to get more migrants into suitable jobs as 286 occupations face shortages, says a new report from migrant advocacy and service groups.
Rental help | The Victorian government will consider introducing rent caps and new taxes on Airbnbs to help ease pressure on renters, under a deal struck with the Greens in exchange for their support for the state budget.
‘Is that you Migaloo?’ | The second sighting of a white whale off Queensland’s coast within weeks has ocean watchers wondering if it could be Migaloo, the elusive albino humpback who has not been seen in three years.
World
Blinken visit | The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has wrapped up a rare trip to Beijing where he met China’s president, Xi Jinping, concluding a high-stakes visit aimed at stabilising spiralling relations.
Titanic search | A tourist submarine with five people on board has gone missing in the North Atlantic while on a dive to view the wreck of RMS Titanic. A search and rescue mission is under way, the Boston coastguard said.
Ukraine push | Heavy casualties are being endured by both Ukrainian and Russian forces, British military intelligence has said, as Kyiv celebrated the liberation of an eighth settlement in the south of the country, two weeks into its offensive.
Greece questions | Data suggests a fishing boat that sank off the Greek coast last week with the feared loss of hundreds of lives had not moved for several hours before it capsized, raising more questions about the reaction of authorities to the disaster.
‘Contaminated’ | Boris Johnson would have “contaminated” the UK government with lies had he not been investigated for his Partygate denials, MPs have been told, as they debated sanctioning him for committing contempt of parliament.
Full Story
Can the culture at Parliament House change?
After the uproar last week about women’s safety in Parliament House, political reporter Amy Remeikis talks about what needs to be done to improve the culture in Canberra.
In-depth
The six authors shortlisted for the 2023 Miles Franklin award today include five first-time nominees and a debut novelist. The six books up for the $60,000 prize are Jessica Au’s Cold Enough for Snow, Robbie Arnott’s Limberlost, Yumna Kassab’s The Lovers, Fiona Kelly McGregor’s Iris, Shankari Chandran’s Chai Time at the Cinnamon Gardens, and Kgshak Akec’s Hopeless Kingdom. Among the favourites are Au, pictured, whose book has already won two prizes.
Not the news
Months after the death of his fiancé, Anthony Nocera went to Hobart to take part in a “shared mourning experience’ at Dark Mofo festival (pictured) . Some parts of the performance were “exceptionally moving”, he writes, without finding any definitive closure. But it’s enough that it has helped him to appreciate being “happy and alive”.
The world of sport
Cricket | Australia need 174 to win the first Ashes Test with seven wickets remaining after the loss of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith marred what had been a mostly good performance in the field to dismiss England for 273.
Formula One | Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hailed his driver Max Verstappen as one of the greats of the sport after the Dutchman matched Ayrton Senna’s tally of wins with victory at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Football | Bournemouth have appointed the Spaniard Andoni Iraola as their manager on a two-year contract after sacking Gary O’Neil, while Celtic have confirmed the return of Brendan Rodgers as their manager to replace Ange Postecoglu.
Media roundup
The newlyweds whose wedding day ended in tragedy when 10 of their guest were killed in a bus crash have broken their silence, the Newcastle Herald says. The Northern Territory’s space company is planning a $100m upgrade but has criticised a lack of funding support from the federal government, according to the NT News.
What’s happening today
Economy | The RBA monetary policy meeting minutes will be released at 11.30am while the bank’s assistant governor gives a speech at 1.30pm.
New South Wales | The state’s gay hate inquiry continues, including examining the death of former AC/DC manager Crispin Dye.
Melbourne | The Energy Week conference begins with speakers including the bosses of AGL and Energy Networks Australia.
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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.
