Australia’s costly SUV obsession, NewsCorp shakeup, election fever in Britain

Succession planning? | Lachlan Murdoch has been joined in Sydney by the News Corp UK boss, Rebekah Brooks (pictured), and global chief, Robert Thomson, ahead of the announcement of a major restructure of the empire’s Australian newspapers next week.

Electric shock | The transport sector “is projected to be Australia’s highest-emitting sector by 2030” according to a new government roadmap on emissions, partly because drivers “increasingly prefer heavy passenger vehicles”. SUVs accounted for more than 50% of new vehicles sold in Australia in 2022 in a trend that could offset any reduction in emissions from “the increased adoption of electric vehicles”. Our Temperature Check column says the claim of a $600bn carbon capture windfall is based on heroic assumptions and selective analysis.

‘Recipe for chaos’ | The Albanese government’s proposed cap on international students is a “recipe for chaos” and the largest-ever government overreach in Australia’s higher education system, leading policy experts have warned.

Battery pack | The country’s first national battery strategy has been unveiled aimed at turning Australia from a “dig-and-ship” economy into a powerhouse manufacturer of better – and safer – renewable energy storage.

‘Insidious’ | Victims of the debt collection industry say they have been bombarded with phone calls, seen the harassment of friends and family – and even faced misleading and false threats.

‘I’m confident’ | Standing in the pouring rain outside No 10, Rishi Sunak called a general election for 4 July and said he felt “confident” despite trailing Labour by 20 points. He believes that improving economic news makes this the best time to go to the polls although Labour leader Keir Starmer is expected to win despite his low personal popularity. Here’s all you need to know, and you can also follow developments live.

Middle East crisis | The US is worried that Israel may be willing to torpedo a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia if it entails ending the war in Gaza and committing to working towards a two-state solution.

Raisi funeral | Tens of thousands of Iranians have attended the funeral in Tehran of the Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, whose death in a helicopter crash on Sunday has opened up a potentially volatile moment in Iranian politics.

Exclusive | At least 1,000 paintings that the artist Damien Hirst said were “made in 2016” were created several years later, the Guardian can reveal.

‘Bionic MP’ | A UK Conservative MP who had his hands and feet amputated last year due to sepsis returned to the Commons for the first time since his illness, receiving a standing ovation from fellow MPs.

Football | Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou (pictured) received an adoring welcome home to Melbourne last night but Newcastle United rained on his parade by beating the Londoners on penalties in a friendly at the MCG. And it’s the Europa League final this morning with Bayer Leverkusen facing Atalanta in Dublin.

A-League Men | The Central Coast is buzzing ahead of the Mariners’ first-ever home grand final this weekend when the team are hoping to turn Gosford yellow with a win against Melbourne Victory.

Cycling | Tadej Pogacar pulled further ahead of the field after stage 17 of the Giro overnight, but the day belongs to Georg Steinhauser of Germany who halted the Slovenian’s run of stage wins.

Sydney | A hearing is expected on an injunction by a Star casino group partner against the Sydney Morning Herald to prevent publication of a inquiry into Chinese crime links.

Environment | A public hearing on proposed aerial shooting of brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park is set to be held.

Canberra | The deputy commander of the US/Indo-Pacific command will speak at the National Press Club.

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