Good morning. NDIS participants, and their families, have been left reeling by major changes to the massive disability support scheme. We take a close look today at the impact.
There’s grumbling within Liberal ranks over the concessions made by Sussan Ley to reunite the Coalition – and it may make a leadership spill more likely.
The NSW government’s planned use of special powers during the visit of Israeli president – due to begin today – is due to face an urgent court challenge this morning. And sprinter Gout Gout has opted not to go to the Commonwealth Games.
Australia
Coalition unity? | Sussan Ley’s deal to reunite with the Nationals has potentially shifted some MPs into her leadership rival’s corner, according to Liberals who are bracing for a spill. But the Coalition has a much-needed chance to hold Labor to account – if they can stop talking about themselves, Josh Butler writes.
NDIS on the edge | Changes to the NDIS have been coming at breakneck speed as the government looks to cut costs. The upheaval has left some families living in fear – and there are more big changes to come.
Herzog visit | A court challenge to the NSW government’s use of special powers during the visit of Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, will be decided at an urgent hearing on Monday.
Creative crisis | Australia risks becoming an “artless country” if it does not address the decline in enrolments in creative courses, with more than 40 courses and degrees axed in less than a decade.
Reader call out | Economists predict that $5.4tn will be transferred between generations in the next couple of decades, and Guardian Australia is keen to hear from you about how this is impacting people’s lives.
World
Japan votes | Japan’s conservative governing coalition has dramatically strengthened its grip on power after a landslide election victory in an early public endorsement of the new PM, Sanae Takaichi.
Crisis at No 10 | The UK prime minister’s chief aide has resigned after the Peter Mandelson scandal. In other Epstein files fallout, Noam Chomsky’s wife, Valeria, issued an apology for their “grave mistake” in Epstein ties; and new Epstein files shed light on his sprawling Zorro ranch.
Thai elections | The party of the Thai prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul – a staunch royalist and shrewd political dealmaker – is on track to win the most seats in a blow to pro-democracy parties.
Moscow shooting | Authorities in Dubai have arrested and handed over to Russia a man suspected of shooting and wounding a senior officer in Russia’s intelligence services, Russian officials claim.
Crans-Montana blaze | A memorial for the victims of a deadly fire at a new year party at a bar in Switzerland has gone up in flames, probably sparked by candles left burning inside, police have said.
Full Story
Make or break for the NDIS
When Kate Lyons scratched beneath the surface of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, she says she found so many hugely complex issues that it was like “opening a spring-loaded box-lid”. She tells Reged Ahmad about how, after 18 months of changes as the government tries to limit a blow-out in spending, what comes next could be the biggest moment yet for the NDIS.
In-depth
Tens of thousands of artefacts have been unearthed in Brisbane – not by careful excavation, but by the surging waters of the 2011 floods. Now, archeology students are busy sifting through the “William Street assemblage”, a collection of fragments from the 1870s, 80s and 90s – from clay pipes and rum bottles to ceramic dolls and a bone toothbrush.
Not the news
Is Australia getting ruder? Amid reports of a surge in physical and verbal abuse against retail and fast-food staff, what can we, the public, do? Sometimes the most radical thing to do is remain passively polite: Brigid Delaney shares how to be kinder to others in everyday life – and break the contagion of rage.
Sport
Media roundup
As Australia’s $4.5tn super pool gets bigger the challenge of combatting scammers is intensifying further for super funds, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Victoria does not have more fires than other parts of Australia but there are reasons that the ones that do ignite are often severe, ABC News reports.
What’s happening today
NSW | The Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, is set to arrive today - with protest action expected in Sydney.
VIC | The inaugural Across Victoria Alliance conference is being held to discuss land access rights, mining, turbines and transmission lines.
ABS | The Australian Bureau of Statistics is set to release its latest monthly household spending indicator figures.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
