| | 02/09/2024 Greens spruik rental watchdog plan, far-right gains in Germany, the rise of sexual choking |
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 | | | Good morning. We lead today with the Greens party spruiking its idea for a national renters protection authority – an agency that could fine real estate agents and give tenants more power in resolving disputes with their landlords. Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to protest against the handling of the Gaza crisis amid outrage over the latest hostage deaths. Meanwhile, in Germany, the far-right Afd is poised for a German state election victory. Plus: choking during sex was once considered a fringe practice but has now become common among under-35s. Guardian Australia speaks to young people and experts about why and how we got here. |
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| Australia | | Domestic violence | As part of new reforms, the NSW government will modernise the definition of “stalking” to cover smart technology-facilitated tracking of partners by domestic abusers. | Politics | The Greens have announced plans for a new body to help tackle tenancy disputes – including enforcing national standards on issues such as ventilation, heating, cooling and insulation. | Marine protection | The NSW government is being urged to ban anti-shark nets, which kill large numbers of turtles and dolphins, after 51 nets were installed along the state’s coastline. | Commonwealth Games | Victoria’s taxpayers could end up footing the bill for Scotland to host a “revised” 2026 Games using compensation money from dumping the event. | Nearing the end | Closing arguments in a defamation case brought against Brittany Higgins by her former boss the Liberal senator Linda Reynolds are expected to be heard today. |
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| Full Story | | What you buy and what it says about the economy Whether it be our morning coffee or dining table or car loan, Australians are making changes to their daily routine in response to rising expenses. Businesses such as the coffee machine retailer Breville and the big two supermarkets are doing well, the premium furniture company Nick Scali is reporting falling profits and car repossessions are slowly rising. So are these warning signs of an imminent recession? Tamsin Rose and Jonathan Barrett track a day in the life of a cost-of living crisis. | |
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| In-depth | | Anthony and James choke their girlfriends during sex. Sarah enjoys choking and being choked. Alice is open to it but was terrified when a casual partner once began choking her “out of nowhere”. Experts warn that sexual choking carries with it significant risk, including death, but an Australian study has found more than half of young people had engaged in the practice. Young people sharing their experiences with Guardian Australia say they are drawn to its danger, euphoria and intimacy. Research suggests risks are usually little understood, consent is problematic and the consequences can be fatal. |
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| Not the news | | Each month Guardian Australia editors and critics pick the upcoming titles they have already devoured – or can’t wait to get their hands on. From Kylie Mirmohamadi’s debut and Rodney Hall’s 14th novel to John Kinsella’s new short story collection and Malcolm Knox’s exploration of the dark heart of gangster-totalitarianism, dive in to our list of the best Australian books coming out in September – including one title that is “destined to be a classic”. |
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| What’s happening today | Victoria | Melbourne airport security screeners are due to strike as part of industrial action this morning. | NSW | The Sydney Dialogue summit, exploring trends dominating international technology, national security and geopolitics, is due to begin. | ABS | The latest building approval, business indicators and mineral and petroleum exploration figures will be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. |
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| Brain teaser | And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. | |
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