Good morning. Australian funds meant to be used for the welfare of exiled asylum seekers have “gone missing”, according to a whistleblower within Papua New Guinea’s immigration authority. The whistleblower also claims that police investigations into corruption within the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority have been abandoned due to political pressure. But PNG’s chief migration officer said the allegations were false.
Meanwhile, an Australian family trapped in Gaza have told us they are running out of bread, water and medications as they seek a way to escape the besieged territory. It comes as Hamas has released two Israeli hostages, with hopes rising that up to 50 more may soon have their freedom.
There are warnings that rapid ice melt in west Antarctica is now inevitable, with new research suggesting that coastal cities around the world will be at risk from some sea level rises no matter how many carbon emissions are cut. And, in sport, Afghanistan have pulled off another giant-killing act at the Cricket World Cup, beating Pakistan and sending England to the bottom of the table.
Australia
‘Petrified’ | An Australian family trapped in Gaza are pleading for help as they try to escape the continuing bombardment and an escalating humanitarian crisis inside the tiny Palestinian territory.
Exclusive | A whistleblower in Papua New Guinea’s immigration authority has claimed the Australian-sponsored program to care for refugees exiled there has been riven by corruption, fraud and nepotism.
Centrelink | Jobseekers had their payments suspended more than 450,000 times in the September quarter for not meeting their mutual obligations – conditions labelled by some as “punitive”.
Bowel cancer | The National Health and Medical Research Council is endorsing lowering the age at which screening starts from 50 to 45, as rates of bowel cancer in people under 50 rise.
Cybersecurity | Microsoft has committed to investing an additional $5bn in Australia over the next two years while collaborating with the Australian Signals Directorate to boost protection from cyber threats.
World
‘Dire’ | Research indicates accelerated ice melt in west Antarctica is inevitable for the rest of the century no matter how many carbon emissions are cut – meaning some coastal cities may have to be abandoned.
Israel-Hamas war | The blockaded Gaza Strip has been hit by one of the deadliest nights of Israeli bombing so far; hopes are rising as diplomatic efforts intensify to free more than 200 people held hostage in Gaza, with confirmation just in of two Israeli hostages being released.
‘Renewed hope’ | Latin American leftists are celebrating after Javier Milei – a far-right populist who calls climate change a “socialist lie” – failed to win in the first-round of Argentina’s presidential election.
‘Insult to healthcare workers’ | Italy’s employment laws are set to change after three doctors received fines totalling more than $60,000 for working too much and missing breaks during the Covid pandemic.
The moon | It has shone down upon the dinosaurs, inspired the greatest poets, and been explored by intrepid astronauts – and scientists believe it may be 40m years older than previously thought.
Full Story
Peter Dutton’s post-referendum plan to win back Australia
After spearheading a divisive campaign during the voice referendum, opposition leader Peter Dutton has now moved on to new battlegrounds. Laura Murphy-Oates and Katharine Murphy take a look at the next chapter in Dutton’s playbook, and what it might mean for the temperature of Australian political debate.
In-depth
Childcare is like a game of Tetris for Prue Barlow. The rural region where she lives in northern Victoria desperately needs workers, and Barlow says she could easily work close to full time doing relief teaching. But her career is being stymied by the lack of childcare on offer in the area. It is a “childcare desert” where there are dozens of young children for every available place – and the local daycare centre is only open two days a week. With huge variations in costs across Australia, we have mapped the average fee for an hour of childcare by statistical area, revealing many deserts like Prue’s.
Not the news
Catching the wind may seem a futile task. But as countries across the world scale up renewable energy projects, our relationship with wind is changing. Wind can make us fearful of its destructive power but we also see within it the opportunity for innovation and liberation. From outsized otherworldly kinetic sculptures to the “alien effects” of weather-responsive musical instruments, artists are uing novel methods as they also seek to harness the wind’s energy.
The world of sport
Cricket | Afghanistan have stunned Pakistan by beating their biggest rivals by eight wickets in another impressive Cricket World Cup win; Bishan Bedi, the former India captain and spinner, has died aged 77.
Football | Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham are taking on Fulham in the Premier League; Manchester United prepare for an emotional first game at Old Trafford since the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.
Rugby union | World Rugby is investigating the alleged use of a racist slur by South Africa’s Mbongeni Mbonambi in the World Cup semi-final.
Media roundup
There are plans to stage a historic clash between two NRL sides in Fiji as early as next year as the game prepares to expand into another international frontier, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Big-spending premiers are damaging efforts to curb inflation, with research revealing that the states for the first time are set to borrow more than the commonwealth ($) at nearly $100bn thisfinancial year, the Australian says.
What’s happening today
NSW | Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock is to speak at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia conference in Sydney.
ACT | National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson will address the National Press Club.
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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.
