Morning, everyone. Anthony Albanese will use a speech today to explain why he will break an election promise, changing legislated tax cuts to put more money into the pockets of modest earners – and give high earners smaller cuts than they had been expecting. In more good news for many of those struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, a huge fall in electricity prices, powered by our growing renewables sector, may allow household bills to start coming down this year. We’ve got news and analysis on these two stories, plus Russia is accusing Ukraine of shooting down a plane full of PoWs, and we look at why a council has been told not to mention its Harry Potter-themed event.
Australia
Invasion Day | Rallies, smoking ceremonies and concerts are among dozens of events planned across the country tomorrow calling for Australia Day to be abolished or celebrated on a different date. Find out what’s on near you.
Bill relief? | Households may soon receive smaller electricity bills after wholesale power prices across Australia’s main electricity market almost halved at the end of last year compared with a year earlier. Carbon emissions also fell to record lows.
Tax pledge | Anthony Albanese will defend his decision to more than double tax relief for average earners by trimming benefits to high income earners when speaks at the National Press Club at lunchtime today, arguing it will deliver “a tax cut for every taxpayer”.
Phillip Island tragedy | Two women in their 20s and a 40-year-old man have died while another woman is fighting for her life after they were pulled from the water at a beach on Phillip Island on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Chamber of secrets | The entertainment giant Warner Bros stifled democratic debate when it requested politicians stay silent about a Harry Potter-themed event it was planning in Victoria, transparency advocates have claimed.
World
Russia crash | A Russian military plane has crashed in the border region of Belgorod, according to Russia’s defence ministry, killing all 74 people on board. Russia said the aircraft was carrying 65 Ukrainian PoWs who were to be swapped but Kyiv cautioned against Kremlin “propaganda”.
Amazon drought | The climate crisis has turned the drought that struck the Amazon rainforest last year into a devastating event, a study has found, hitting the maximum “exceptional” level on the scientific scale.
Haley fights on | Nikki Haley has vowed to fight on in her attempt to win the Republican presidential nomination but it’s looking increasingly likely that Donald Trump will face off again against Joe Biden after his comfortable win in the New Hampshire primary. After winning he delivered a victory speech full of sinister threats.
Plugged in | Tesla has told suppliers it wants to make a new mass market electric vehicle codenamed “Redwood” in mid-2025.
Madonna’s defence | Madonna’s management team and the concert promoter Live Nation have said they will “vigorously” defend a lawsuit stating that the star harmed fans with a late start to her New York City concerts.
Full Story
Why Peter Dutton wants you to be angry at Woolworths
Josh Butler explains why it was opportune for Peter Dutton to take aim at Woolies over the Australia Day controversy amid a cost-of-living crisis, and how the voice referendum is shaping the conservative political playbook.
In-depth
When the Coalition proposed the stage-three tax cuts back in 2018 our economics columnist called them “garbage”. Nearly six years on Greg Jericho outlines why the uncosted plans were so egregious and why Labor has made the right decision. “You can pretty confidently say that 85% of income earners are better off under this new stage-three arrangement,” he writes. “That’s a pretty potent political weapon.” Also, check out our video explainer on the stage-three tax cuts and how they have been tweaked.
Not the news
Caitlin Welsh casts a critical eye over the contenders for tomorrow’s Triple J Hottest 100 with Troye Sivan, G Flip, Boygenius and Billie Eilish all being tipped to place high in a year dominated by solo pop artists. It’s surprising to say but Taylor Swift might not be one of those prominent artists in a year that could celebrate the queerest lineup yet.
The world of sport
Australian Open | Alexander Zverev produced one of his best grand slam performances to beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-4 last night and reach the semi-final. In the women’s draw, Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska continued her breakout run by overpowering Linda Noskova and will now play Zheng Qinwen for a place in the final.
Big Bash | Brisbane have claimed their first Big Bash League title in 11 years after their band of late bloomers lifted the Heat to a 54-run win over the Sydney Sixers in the final.
Cricket | Pace sensation Shamar Joseph looks likely to continue his dream-like journey from a remote Guyana village to the top of the game when the West Indies start the second Test in Brisbane today.
Media roundup
Labor’s tax changes could encourage lower earners to work more hours but push higher earners towards tax planning, the Financial Review thinks, while the Age reckons Anthony Albanese is calculating that there’ll be 12 winners from the reforms for every loser. The Herald Sun describes a scene of shock and grief after three people drowned in surf on a beach on Phillip Island.
What’s happening today
Brisbane | A public servant who posed as Uber driver and sexually assaulted teen girls is to be sentenced.
Canberra | The Australian of the year will be announced this evening.
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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.
