Morning everyone. The racial slur Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is alleged to have used against a British police officer was “stupid white bastard”, sources have confirmed to the Guardian. We have the full story along with news that one of the world’s biggest tobacco companies has made a public donation to an Australian political party for the first time in a decade – to the Nationals. In America, Nikki Haley has pulled out of the race to become the Republican candidate in the US presidential election, and back home it’s a big night for NRL and AFL as the footy seasons get fully under way.
Australia
Asbestos finds | Mulch contaminated with asbestos has been found at 75 sites across greater Sydney, with the New South Wales environmental watchdog turning focus to its criminal investigation after the completion of contact tracing.
Kerr support | Sam Kerr’s manager at Chelsea says the Australian striker has the club’s “full support” after she appeared in court charged with racially aggravated harassment of a police officer. A source with knowledge of the case said Kerr was alleged to have called the officer a “stupid white bastard”. Kerr has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
‘Top tier’ access | British American Tobacco gave $55,000 in the last financial year to the body that collects membership fees for the National party, it has emerged, giving it “top tier” access to Nationals ministers and politicians at policy events and dinners. The last time BAT donated to the Nationals was when the government planned to introduce plain-packaging laws for cigarettes.
Super boost | Parents will receive 12% superannuation – or about $106 a week – on their publicly funded paid parental leave from July 2025, under a major initiative to be announced by the Albanese government.
Gambling fail | The Northern Territory government sought feedback on its contentious new gambling bill from all 28 online companies licensed in the territory – but only one harm reduction group.
World
‘No regrets’ | Nikki Haley has quit her long-shot Republican presidential primary bid after losing 14 Super Tuesday contests to Donald Trump in votes which also saw several extremists triumph on the GOP ticket. Addressing his own supporters at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Trump painted a gloomy, apocalyptic picture of America, with our correspondent likening him to a dinner party guest “who insists on talking about what dying animals sound like”.
‘We like the truth’ | Far-right Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene told a British interviewer to “fuck off” when asked about her repetition of conspiracy theories.
Aid looted | A 14-truck convoy destined for northern Gaza has been looted by “a large crowd of desperate people” after being held at an Israeli army checkpoint, aid workers said.
UK budget | The British chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has torn up the rule that means wealthy foreigners – “non-doms” – avoid paying UK tax on their overseas income and gains as he unveiled a budget seen as a last chance to keep the Tories in power.
Songs silenced | More than 400,000 songbirds were trapped and killed in Cyprus last year to be turned into a local delicacy as part of a recent increase in wildlife crime, according to wildlife activists.
Full Story
Ten years on: the disappearance of MH370
Ten years ago tomorrow Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Tory Shepherd tries to unravel why still so little is known about what happened that fateful day.
In-depth
Where now for the government’s fight against the overwhelming market power of Coles and Woolworths after the prime minister ruled out breaking up the companies? Our business reporter Jonathan Barrett talks to retail analysts about the hurdles for new entrants such as finding suppliers and inner-city and suburban sites, and what can be done to help. The head of the competition watchdog will highlight today how the ACCC could help consumers struggling with the cost of living crisis and will demand more powers to take on companies.
Not the news
Once it was known for shipbuilding and electronics. But from pop music to film, and from food to the language itself, South Korea has become one of the drivers of modern popular culture. Some say it’s thanks to a government-led push to turn the country’s distinctive culture into an exportable commodity, while others think it’s more down to the people’s own innovation. Our north Asia expert Justin McCurry examines the unstoppable rise of Hallyu (the Korean wave), and what might come next.
The world of sport
NRL | Penrith Panthers will once again be the team to beat as they seek a record fourth straight title when the post-Vegas season kicks off tonight.
AFL| It’s first bounce for the AFL tonight as well when the Swans host the Demons at the SCG and a chance to put off-field issues such as concussion and doping to one side.
Cricket | Steve Smith is 33 catches short of becoming the most prolific fielder in Test cricket history after more blinding efforts in New Zealand.
Media roundup
The new New South Wales school curriculum will mimic that of high-performing countries such as Japan and Singapore, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Victoria’s police chief has defended the delay in removing climate protesters from the West Gate bridge, the Herald Sun reports. Police expect a “long and protracted” investigation into the death of a four-month-old baby boy in regional Queensland, where neighbours have been left shocked by the death, the Courier Mail says. The Commonwealth Bank is closing down the 60 branches of Bankwest as it moves towards a fully digital future, the West Australian reports.
What’s happening today
Canberra | International Women’s Day event with the Australian Signals Directorate’s Rachel Noble.
National Press Club | Finance minister Katy Gallagher gives a speech on gender equality.
Brisbane | Lord mayor candidates’ debate ahead of next Saturday’s election.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
