Beta-amyloid protein disrupting nerve cells in a brain with Alzheimer's disease.

23/02/2023

Dementia our new top health problem, super debate heats up, JK Rowling’s book fears

Martin Farrer

Morning everyone. One of the biggest shifts in Australian society is that the country is getting older. And as we get older, more people suffer from dementia, so much so that the disease has surpassed heart trouble as the most common cause of illness, according to an authoritative new report.

We also look in depth at the questions around reform of the superannuation system, with increasing signs the government wants to reduce tax concessions on very large balances. Investigative reporter Anne Davies digs into the property developers in NSW who (legally) become major patrons of important government projects. And JK Rowling reveals the terror of her first marriage.

Australia

ASC workers and Navy personnel looking at a model of the Hunter Class Frigate

Secure site | The Australian government has imposed strict new security rules at the Adelaide site where nuclear-powered submarines will be built, moving to reassure allies that sensitive military secrets will be protected.

Health shift | Dementia has now overtaken coronary heart disease as causing the greatest burden of illness, injury and premature death in older Australians, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Among people aged 65 years and older, dementia was up 62% since 2011.

Big money | The New South Wales government is indirectly benefiting from donations from property developers who are legally able to give huge sums to fund prestige projects in the state, despite there being a ban on financial contributions to political parties.

‘Just an opinion’ | A former government lawyer claims Stuart Robert told him an “opinion is just an opinion” when the minister was told about the legal “challenges” with the robodebt scheme, in the latest revelation at the royal commission into the doomed program.

Military warning | The armed forces areenlisting recruits with significant psychological issues, leading to “catastrophic” consequences, including substance abuse and attempted suicide, a retiring veteran psychiatrist has warned.

World

Moscow meeting | China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, has met Vladimir Putin in Moscow as China and Russia reaffirm their close bilateral relationship just days before the first anniversary of the start of the Ukraine war. We also hear how a year of war has affected Russian families, and why many believe the cause is still the right one.

Nablus deaths | Israeli troops have killed nine Palestinians in a raid on the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, while about 80 more sustained gunshot wounds, the Palestinian health ministry has said.

School stabbing | Police in France have arrested a 16-year-old pupil after a 52-year-old teacher was stabbed to death at a secondary school in the country’s south-west.

Rowling revelation | JK Rowling says she feared her former husband would burn the unpublished manuscript of her first Harry Potter novel to stop her leaving him.

Times difference | A dispute at the New York Times over its coverage of transgender issues has deepened after high-profile reporters wrote a letter criticising the union president for her own letter on the issue.

Full Story

Queensland’s push to lock up more children

Annastacia Palaszczuk’s (pictured) government has backflipped to implement laws that make breaches of bail a criminal offence for children, threatening an “explosion” of children in adult watch houses. Why did they change their minds?

In-depth

Cost of super concessions nearly as much as aged pension.

The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has signalled the government could cap superannuation balances at $3m as part of efforts to rein in generous tax concessions that benefit Australia’s wealthiest retirees. As Greg Jericho explains, the cost to the taxpayer has become enormous. And if you’re not sure how these handouts work, here’s a handy explainer.

Not the news

The members of Voyager: Simone Dow, Scott Kay, Danny Estrin, Ash Doodkorte, Alex Canion

Voyager, a Perth band describing themselves as “melodic metal”, will be carrying the flag for Australia at this year’s Eurovision contest in Liverpool. The band’s lead singer, Daniel Estrin, reveals how a group of rock-obsessed uni students made it to one of the world’s biggest stages.

The world of sport

Matildas players celebrate winning the Cup of Nations

Football | Goals from Caitlin Foord, Alex Chidiac and Katrina Gorry sealed a 3-0 win for the Matildas over Jamaica last night as they won the Cup of Nations tournament.

Women’s T20 World Cup | As Australia gear up to take on India in the semi-final at Newlands later today, their strength in depth augurs well for the knockout stage.

Cricket | David Warner’s injury means Australia’s selectors can try out Travis Head as opener and gain more balance.

Media roundup

The AFR reports a plea by companies for a faster shakeup of migration laws so Australia doesn’t lose the “race for talent”. Locals in central Victoria are praying firefighters can contain bushfires before the next heatwave kicks in, the Age reports. Canberra Milk will shut the last of its local processing plants and shift production to Penrith in Sydney with the loss of 19 jobs, the Canberra Times says.

What’s happening today

Pacific | Penny Wong will attend the Pacific Islands Forum special leaders retreat in Fiji.

Equality | Anational gender pay gap announcement is set to be announced.

Economy | The RBA’s deputy governor, Michele Bullock, will appear at a parliamentary joint committee hearing on corporations and financial service.

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Brain teaser

And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords and free Wordiply game to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.

Quick crossword

Cryptic crossword

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