Morning Mail: PM reveals green industry strategy; Biden ‘considering’ dropping Assange charges; Queensland conspiracy theories
Good morning. In a speech to the Queensland Press Club, Anthony Albanese will today outline his vision for a green interventionist industry policy that will use direct government support to drive innovation and investment – which he compares to Joe Biden’s $500m Inflation Reduction Act.
Meanwhile, we take a look at the My Place network that pushes conspiracy theories about topics such as 5G, chemtrails and fluoride – and has taken an interest in Queensland’s council elections.
And: the US president says he’s “considering” a request from Australia to drop the decade-long push to prosecute WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Australia
My Place | The network pushes “sovereign citizen” messaging and promotes a range of conspiracy theories about 5G and chemtrails – and has been backing candidates in Queensland’s council elections.
‘We need sharper elbows’ | The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is signalling a dramatic shift in directly supporting Australian green industries and innovation as it competes with the rest of the world.
Telehealth concerns | The health regulator is fielding complaints about the use of AI during telehealth prescribing, and patients being issued with prescriptions without ever speaking with a doctor.
Middle Arm inquiry | Charles Darwin University asked a federal inquiry not to publish submissions by academics who criticised its support for a gas and industrial development on Darwin harbour.
Cutting emissions | Australians are really getting on board with electric cars, but use of electric bikes has also exploded – and data suggests the smaller EVs are having a bigger impact on oil demand.
World
Gaza crisis | Hamas’s exiled political chief has repeated calls for a permanent ceasefire after the death of his sons and grandchildren in an Israeli airstrike; Gaza marks the end of Ramadan in the shadow of war; the US commitment to Israel is “ironclad”, vows Joe Biden.
‘We’re considering it’ | Joe Biden says he is considering a request from Australia to drop charges against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for publishing American classified documents.
History made? | After years of deadlock, sweeping changes to the EU’s migration and asylum laws have been passed in the European parliament – amid warnings they are a step back for human rights.
Abortion ban | Amid Republican backpedaling, Donald Trump says Arizona’s abortion ruling will be “straightened out”; the 160-year-old abortion ban is a nightmare for Republicans ahead of the US election.
End of the Line? | Saudi Arabia has been forced to drastically scale back its plans for a 170km mirror-clad desert metropolis, once billed as a city of the future that would be home to 9 million people.
Full Story
How Centrepay plunged vulnerable Australians into debt
A Guardian investigation has revealed that Centrepay – a debit scheme originally designed to help people on welfare pay bills and expenses – is exposing people to financial harm. Now advocates say urgent action is needed to protect the most vulnerable. Lorena Allam and Christopher Knaus tell Matilda Boseley about how the scheme crashed wildly off course – and why repeated calls for reform have gone unanswered.
In-depth
The Labor MP Julian Hill’s declaration of a 75-centimetre statue of himself, given by a constituent, has shone a light on the interesting – and sometimes weird – world of political disclosures and gifts. Ranging from bottles of wine to customised vinyl record turntables, free concert tickets and flight upgrades, gifts are accepted and dutifully recorded on the federal politicians’ publicly available register of interests.
Not the news
Horseback archery is having a moment, as a rise in popularity helps it draw new riders from across Australia. Enthusiasts say the sport is more inclusive and less snobby than other equestrian pursuits, making beginners feel more welcome. As well as the fast-paced canter events, riders can compete in more forgiving walk or trot classes – with other options for people with disabilities to take part.
The world of sport
AFL | Jeremy Finlayson’s AFL ban could herald new era for footy after years of inaction, writes Jonathan Horn.
Football | The A-League Women finals are poised to test post-World Cup growth, writes Jack Snape; the Matildas’ tactical tinkering paid off in tough 2-0 win over Mexico.
Champions League | Atlético Madrid face Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain tackle Barcelona in the first leg of their quarter-finals.
Golf | Storm clouds gather but a Masters thriller can help clear the air, writes Ewan Murray; what to watch out for at Augusta.
Media roundup
Northern Beaches hospital is cutting staff from its mental health and maternity units as the multibillion-dollar company running it restructures about $1.6bn in debt owed to overseas investors, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. A new study by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has found a blood protein that could predict which children struggle to recover from concussions, reports ABC News. An exodus of board members and staff from the Melbourne writers festival just weeks out from this year’s program has raised questions about its future viability, reports the Age.
What’s happening today
Anthony Albanese | The prime minister will make a speech to the Queensland Press Club outlining his plan for a green interventionist industry policy.
ACT | A public hearing is scheduled in the Senate select committee on supermarket prices.
Northern Territory | A public hearing is scheduled in the Senate inquiry into the Middle Arm industrial precinct.
ABS | The Australian Bureau of Statistics is set to release its latest building approvals and monthly business turnover data.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
