Good morning. The WA senator Fatima Payman has given voice to many who condemn the Gaza crisis but it appears her career as a Labor politician is all but over after she vowed to cross the floor again. We take a look at her indefinite suspension from the caucus and what options remain as she eyes the future.
There are calls for the Albanese government to restart infrastructure funding for public schools as data reveals facilities are in rapid decline and “disgraceful” disrepair with problems such as black mould, holes in walls and broken air conditioning.
And early estimates have put the far-right National Rally in the lead in the first round of France’s high-stakes election.
Australia
‘Disgraceful’ | Research shows there has been a significant decline in the adequacy of public school facilities in the four years to 2024 – with sagging roofs, black mould and broken air conditioners among problems raised.
Fatima Payman | The WA senator left her party with little choice, writes Karen Middleton, as she was indefinitely suspended from Labor’s caucus after vowing to cross the floor again over the Gaza crisis.
Exclusive | A Melbourne surgeon is facing potential legal action from a former patient after an investigation by the medical regulator found he had failed to warn her that she may be left with nerve injuries.
Housing | Generous tax breaks given to investors with more than one property will cost the federal budget more than $165bn over the next decade, costings show.
‘Bad landlords’ | Amid a cost-of-living crisis, families are facing eviction and may be forced out as the Queensland government hits tenants of its Fig Tree Pocket properties with rent hikes.
World
French elections | Marine Le Pen says voters want to “turn the page” as early estimates suggest the far right is making big gains in the first round of the French election. Fears are growing at the prospect of a win for Le Pen’s National Rally.
Joe Biden under pressure | The US president has met with his family as he faces calls from pundits, media and voters to step aside after a halting performance in his debate against Donald Trump. A poll shows most voters say the president should be replaced.
UK elections | Rishi Sunak has launched a defence of the Tories’ 14 years in power as as a senior party figure, Jacob Rees-Mogg, tells young Tories the party has “lost its way”.
Matthew Flinders | The British explorer “who named Australia” – and whose remains were discovered during digging for a UK high-speed rail project – is to be reburied in the village where he was born.
Syntrichia caninervis | Scientists say a moss found in areas such as Antarctica and the Mojave desert is able to withstand Mars-like conditions including drought, high radiation and extreme cold.
Full Story
Can we reverse the rise of food allergies?
Food allergies, particularly in children, can be inconvenient and distressing. Global trends show that allergies differ country to country – with peanut allergies being more common in Australia, the UK and the US, and less common in Asia. Jane Lee speaks to Jennifer Koplin from the University of Queensland about how factors including genetics, migration and pets in the home affect food allergies in children.
In-depth
New laws are coming into effect today as Australia becomes the first country to ban the sale of vapes outside pharmacies. The domestic manufacture, supply, commercial possession and advertisement of disposable and non-therapeutic vapes are banned under the reforms, meaning vapes will only be available behind the counter at a pharmacy. E-cigarette packaging and flavours will also be tightly restricted – and until October adults will need to get a prescription from their GP to buy a therapeutic vape.
Not the news
If you own or rent one of the many homes across Australia built 30 years ago or more, the words “coldest start to winter” can be especially depressing. Older dwellings are leaky, rely heavily on heating and cooling, and emit more carbon than modern homes. This exacerbates health problems, spikes bills and notches up emissions. But retrofitting for better energy efficiency often doesn’t require dramatic change. We look at simple steps that can make the world of difference.
The world of sport
AFL | Port Adelaide have had a whiff of success but their coach, Ken Hinkley, knows which way the wind blows, writes Jonathan Horn.
Football | England left it late to overcome Slovakia and Spain have trounced Georgia in the last 16 of the Euro 2024 tournament.
Motorsport | The Australian driver Oscar Piastri has taken second at the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, with George Russell claiming victory in a crash-affected race.
Cricket | The T20 World Cup dodged storms to deliver and break a new frontier, writes Ali Martin.
Media roundup
An underground inferno is pumping out huge clouds of black smoke at the Grosvenor coalmine in Queensland, reports ABC News. The Minns government says it will deliver 250 social and affordable homes at the Carriageworks precinct, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. A failure to foresee the runaway pace of population growth in Melbourne’s outer west has left a local council hundreds of millions of dollars short, reports the Age.
What’s happening today
ACT | Samantha Mostyn is due to be sworn in as Australia’s next governor general at Parliament House in Canberra.
NSW | Coercive control laws are coming into effect, targeting people using abusive behaviours towards a current or former intimate partner.
ACT | The Carbon Market Institute is to host a safeguard symposium at Parliament House in Canberra.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
