Anthony Albanese has dismissed a push for a 25% gas export tax, but a new Guardian Essential poll reveals that a majority of Australians support taxing profits from gas exports and extending the fuel excise cut. Despite the prime minister ruling out a new tax on existing gas export contracts and remaining supportive of the fossil fuel industry, voters appear to back the measure.
Drug Use at Record Levels
Monitoring of wastewater shows that the use of illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine, has almost doubled in the past decade, with stimulants being taken at record levels across Australia.
Sperm Whale Disposal Challenge
An idyllic Sydney beach has been blighted by blobs of flesh and a smell like rotting garbage as authorities grapple with disposing of a massive sperm whale carcass washed up on the rocks.
Energy Demand Hits Record High
Electricity demand reached record highs in the first three months of the year due to more data centres and warmer conditions, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator. However, growth in batteries kept average wholesale prices down.
World News
Hegseth Denies Iran War Quagmire
Pete Hegseth has denied that the US-Israel war on Iran is a quagmire, claiming critics pose a greater threat than Iran itself, as the cost of war rose to US$25 billion. Separately, his wife faced backlash for wearing a bargain dress to the White House correspondents' dinner.
London Stabbing
Counter-terrorism detectives are investigating after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, in a suspected antisemitic attack, leaving community members considering moving away.
US Supreme Court Ruling
The US Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana must redraw its congressional map, effectively gutting a major section of the Voting Rights Act. Black politicians condemned the decision.
Mugabe Son Deported
A South African court has fined and ordered the deportation of Robert Mugabe's youngest son back to Zimbabwe after an employee was shot at the Mugabe family home.
In-Depth: North Sydney Pool Renovation
One of Australia's most famous pools is almost ready for swimmers after a significant rebuild that preserved original features such as stucco seashell reliefs and frog motifs, though it is years late and millions over budget.
Sport
Queensland's women's rugby league team has a new coach and new halves pairing for the State of Origin shield. Socceroos midfielder Jackson Irvine criticised FIFA and the US over awarding a peace prize to Donald Trump. Atlético Madrid host Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
What's Happening Today
- Antisemitism royal commission interim report due
- Packing room prize and Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prize finalists announced
- Charles Sturt University hosts final Farrer byelection candidates' debate
