The latest Guardian Essential poll reveals a stark generational divide on climate change, with older Australians far more pessimistic about halting the crisis. Twice as many older adults as young people believe the world cannot prevent the worst effects of global heating, and barely half of all respondents accept that climate change is human-caused.
Meanwhile, the Australian Electoral Study shows Peter Dutton is the least popular major party leader since the survey began in 1987. His stance on tax cuts eroded 40 years of Coalition advantage on economic management, with voters backing Labor as the best party to handle the economy at the federal election.
In other news, a trial in New South Wales aims to reintroduce small marsupials nearly wiped out by feral cats. Scientists have released six species, including crest-tailed mulgaras and bilbies, into a fenced area with limited predators, and their numbers are growing.
At the Australian Taxation Office, a worker at an outsourced call centre is pursuing a 'same job, same pay' order that could unravel the agency's use of third-party contractors. Meanwhile, food delivery companies have struck a deal with unions to provide a world-first minimum wage and accident insurance for riders and drivers.
Internationally, protests have erupted in China's Guizhou province over a cremation directive, and Donald Trump says a deal on ending Russia's war in Ukraine is 'very close' after talks in Abu Dhabi. In Gaza, the UN warns reconstruction will cost over US$70 billion, and at least 127 civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since the ceasefire.
Finally, the health claims of methylene blue, a synthetic textile dye promoted by online influencers, are being fact-checked. While proponents tout energy boosts and anti-ageing effects, scientific evidence remains scant.
