Morning everyone. Yesterday Guardian Australia exclusively revealed the chief prosecutor in the trial of Bruce Lehrmann had complained that police officers engaged in “a very clear campaign to pressure” him not to prosecute the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins. It has sparked a quick response from the police union, which has hit out at what it called “smears” against investigators, supporting calls for a judicial inquiry into the handling of the case.
In less weighty news, we pick apart that Harry & Meghan documentary – and another long-running saga has burst back into life this week with David Warner’s manager making the explosive allegation that Australia’s cricketers were told to tamper with the ball long before the scandal exploded in South Africa.
Australia
Exclusive | The police union has hit out at “smears” against investigators in the case of Bruce Lehrmann and called for a judicial inquiry into the handling of the case, saying it must also consider the conduct of the director of public prosecutions, among others. The Australian Federal Police Association also plans to complain to the information watchdog about the freedom of information process that resulted in the release of a letter penned by the DPP Shane Drumgold SC, which made stunning allegations about police conduct.
‘Great injustice’ | David Warner’s manager has claimed players were given permission by unnamed Cricket Australia officials to tamper with the ball some 16 months before the Cape Town scandal in 2018, calling it a “great injustice”.
Defence move | Kathryn Campbell, one of the senior public servants being questioned at the robodebt royal commission, has been appointed head of the Aukus joint project office at the Department of Defence.
Power problem | National cabinet meets today to discuss a deal to reduce gas and electricity prices but big industrial users such as Tomago Aluminum and chemical manufacturer Qenos aren’t holding their breath that a solution can be found.
Fuel switch | Farmers are having to rethink their use of fuel thanks to soaring diesel prices, using old petrol-driven vehicles and car-pooling to consolidate deliveries.
World
The Harry & Meghan show | Prince Harry has said the royal family failed to understand that his future wife needed protection against racist attacks, as the couple claimed the media was “destroying us” in their Netflix docuseries, released last night. UK media outlets outraged about the series ran wall-to-wall coverage while our reviewer was so sickened that “I almost brought up my breakfast”.
Griner freed | Russia has freed the jailed US basketball star Brittney Griner in a dramatic prisoner exchange for the notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, who had been held in a US prison for 12 years.
Exclusive | Iranian security forces are targeting women at anti-regime protests with shotgun fire to their faces, breasts and genitals, according to interviews with medics across the country, who said that male protesters presented with noticeably different wounds.
AOC ‘investigation’ | The US Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under investigation by the House of Representatives’ ethics committee, the leaders of the panel said, days after Republicans took control of the chamber.
Full Story
Robodebt: a devastating failure of policy
Lenore Taylor and Mike Ticher discuss the failure of public servants, politicians and the unimaginable human cost brought to light during the royal commission into the robodebt scheme.
In-depth
Although most people under the age of 30 will be blissfully unaware, a photo editing app called Lensa is soaring in popularity. It invites users to submit 10-20 selfies and, for a small sum, they in return receive digital portraits of themselves morphed into a range of kooky styles from “anime” to “fairy princess”. Caitlin Cassidy tries it out.
Not the news
The White Lotus is one of those shows that you hear about very quickly. Everyone who sees it immediately tells their friends it’s a must-watch. It’s a bit harder for Rebecca Shaw because she feels that she also has to tell people that she has loved one of the main actors, Meghann Fahy, pictured, for longer than everyone else. She explains why she’s begrudgingly getting on the White Lotus bandwagon.
The world of sport
Cricket | Australia dominated West Indies on the first day of the second Test at Adelaide Oval with unbeaten centuries for Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head.
World Cup | Portugal have denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to walk out on the country’s squad after being substituted in the team’s last group game against South Korea.
Brittney Griner | Sports stars such as Billie Jean King have welcomed the release of Brittney Griner saying it “feels like a holiday”.
Media roundup
The Australian follows our exclusive story about alleged interference in the Bruce Lehrmann trial, as does the Canberra Times. Wild weather caused commuter chaos in south-east Queensland, says the Courier Mail, with trains delayed and cancelled. The parents of children expelled from Waverley College in Sydney over alleged hazing of year 7 pupils have demanded an inquiry, the Daily Telegraph reports. In Melbourne the Herald Sun reports there has been a “raft of shocking claims” by parents against Sunshine special development school. The NT News says three “blockbuster” AFL games will be played in the territory next year with the Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne Demons hosting.
What’s happening today
Robodebt hearing | Key officials will front the robodebt royal commission.
Cassius Turvey | Jack Steven James Brearley will appear in court in Perth over the alleged murder of 15-year-old Cassius Turvey in October.
Rights awards | The Human Rights Awards recognising outstanding achievements in Australia take place in Sydney.
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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.
