Morning everyone. Our top story today reports fears among NDIS scheme users, parents and carers over the government’s planned cuts. Some could be thousands of dollars out of pocket and worry for their future independence.
In the Middle East, Iran has seized two ships as the impasse continues amid more poor polling for Donald Trump. Plus: formerly grimy backpacker hostels have smartened up their act as travellers get more discerning.
Australia
Running dry | Two state governments have drastically underdelivered more than $160m in infrastructure measures to improve river health in the northern Murray-Darling basin eight years since they were promised, a review has found.
‘We’ll be on our own’ | Families fear they could be tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket under the NDIS cuts outlined by the health minister, Mark Butler, yesterday. We hear from a mother in Albury whose autistic son currently receives help from three different therapists, and a young woman in Queensland who says her chance at living independently could be jeopardised.
Milking it | Coles has increased home-brand milk prices by up to 20c a litre, with Woolworths set to follow as war in the Middle East starts to hit Australian grocery costs.
Podcast investigation | Corrective Services New South Wales is investigating how a journalist from The Australian was able to interview a man and a woman convicted of abusing their daughter for a podcast that raised questions about their guilt.
Gassed up | Gas companies are mounting a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to fight against a new export tax, prompting the Labor MP Ed Husic to accuse the industry of “defending the indefensible”.
World
Ships seized | Iranian forces have seized two ships in the strait of Hormuz, as the US and Iran doubled down on imposing separate blockades of the critical shipping waterway that have choked global energy markets. Tehran said it was “impossible” to reopen the strait amid “flagrant” ceasefire breaches. Both sides now appear to be in a trial of strength in which each believes they have time on their side. Follow it live.
Trump slump | A trio of political polls indicate public approval of Donald Trump’s management of the US economy, immigration and the Iran conflict is slipping, flashing warning lights for Republicans with six months to go until the US midterm elections.
Starmer warned | Cabinet ministers have warned Keir Starmer against alienating the civil service after the firing of Foreign Office chief Olly Robbins over the Peter Mandelson fiasco. The select committee appearance of Robbins failed to gloss over serious questions about the vetting.
Ukraine lifeline | EU member states have granted an urgently needed €90bn loan for Kyiv and a new package of sanctions against Moscow previously held up by Hungary.
Statue prank | A tourist has been charged after allegedly climbing a colossal marble statue in Florence to touch its genitals for a pre-wedding prank.
Full Story
How Victoria’s treaty heralds a new era of politics
Indigenous affairs reporter Douglas Smith speaks to Reged Ahmad about Victoria’s pivotal moment and if national truth-telling will now follow.
In-depth
There was a time when backpacker hostels were all about wild parties, mouldy bathrooms and crowded dorms. But the industry is changing, Tory Shepherd discovers, as YHA Australia takes the lead in providing more of an “experience” for travellers who seek greater privacy and a connection to local lifestyle.
Not the news
Super-foamy sneakers have gone from the gym to streetwear with commuters choosing them for their comfort and functionality. Emma Joyce walks us through how the trend has evolved.
Sport
Women’s football | As they bid for a historic treble of league, cup and Champions League, Melbourne City have cemented their place as one of the game’s key Matildas factories.
Football | Manchester City have the chance to supplant Arsenal at the top of the Premier League this morning when they visit lowly Burnley, who could be relegated. Chelsea have sacked Liam Rosenior as coach after their latest damaging defeat.
Athletics | London Marathon organisers have revealed more details about plans to stage a two-day event next year which they say would be an “incredible celebration” that would raise more than £130m for charity.
Media roundup
Victorian politicians have been paid tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds to help them keep a second home in Melbourne, the Herald Sun reports. Tourist operators in outback South Australia are stuck in a dilemma, the Advertiser reports, with tourists unable to take advantage of a rare greening of the outback – because of the flooding that caused the greening. Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is in the running for the Dragons job, according to the Telegraph.
What’s happening today
Canberra | Public hearing into productivity in Australia at Parliament House.
Technology | Anthony Albanese will speak at Microsoft AI tour launch in Sydney.
Business | Protest planned outside Woodside AGM in Perth.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
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