The Coalition is facing pushback over its pledge to scrap construction rules aimed at improving energy efficiency for homes. Police are also investigating allegations that a car was deliberately driven towards an anti-racism protester, and Europe has enjoyed a full solar eclipse.
Coalition’s energy plan criticised
A Coalition plan to abolish compulsory energy standards for new homes that help reduce people’s exposure to heat and cold has been criticised by advocates as a “cost-of-living timebomb” that would deepen inequality. The Liberal senator Andrew Bragg outlined the plan in a wide-ranging speech yesterday.
Other Australian news
Barnaby Joyce has defended One Nation as “one of the gayest parties in Australia” after comments surfaced from one of its failed candidates describing same-sex attraction as a mental illness. The ABC managing director, Hugh Marks, has promised to change editorial guidelines on satire and violence after the broadcaster aired a program featuring offensive comments about Gina Rinehart, sparking concerns about overreach.
Anthony Albanese and the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, will announce a major bailout of Australia’s largest aluminium smelter in a deal worth $2.5bn. Victorian police are investigating allegations that a car was deliberately driven at speed towards a protester taking part in an anti-racism rally in Melbourne last month.
World news
Millions of people in western Europe have enjoyed the rare experience of a total or partial eclipse of the sun with the most complete blackout seen over Spain. Iceland went dark and there was a “magical eeriness” in Cornwall.
Military families and Congress members are sounding the alarm about an intensifying mental health crisis onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as its 5,000 sailors and marines endure a record-breaking deployment at sea tied to the war with Iran. Some reports say sailors have tried to jump overboard. Meanwhile, the White House press secretary has announced she’s leaving the job.
Some school friends of disgraced Cambridge professor Jason Arday have challenged the academic’s story that he was non-verbal as a child, saying he was “always cracking jokes”. However, some former pupils backed his story as Cambridge University’s leadership has bowed to internal pressure for an independent investigation into his appointment.
The mother of the celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is seeking temporary custody of his three children after he was hospitalised during a mental health crisis at his south Florida home last week. The UK government is considering a ban on disposable barbecues as wildfires continue to rage across the country amid another heatwave.
Sport and other news
The Socceroos’ good showing at the World Cup has launched Australia’s top footballers into Europe’s transfer vortex with Nestory Irankunda and Lucas Herrington expected to sign for major clubs. Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are buying the Los Angeles Lakers for more than US$12bn in a record-breaking deal, according to reports. Barcelona have made an improved bid to Manchester City of about £51m for Rodri as the Etihad club make a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, who is valued at about £120m.
Two leading bank bosses have told The Australian about their fears for productivity and interest rates in the coming years. A developer’s $4m mansion is facing partial demolition after a long feud with Strathfield council, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The Canberra Times hails the life of architect Roger Pegrum, who has died aged 87 but whose work has left a significant legacy in the capital’s suburbs.
Students protest against Pauline Hanson and One Nation in Sydney and Melbourne, and the trial of Alan Jones continues in Sydney.
