| Power independent journalism |
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| | | | 21/05/2025 Liberals in turmoil after Coalition split, Sydney commuter chaos, UK condemns ‘monstrous’ Israel |
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| Martin Farrer |  |
| | | Morning everyone. They say you should never let a good crisis go to waste, and the Liberals are now coming to terms with the breakup of the Coalition: will it provide the clear air they need to change tack after a crushing election loss? We have plenty of insight and analysis for you this morning on yesterday’s shock political twist. Sydney commuters face challenges of their own this morning after yesterday’s network meltdown, while overseas, Britain has described Israeli plans to “purify Gaza” as “repellent” – and Elon Musk says he will reduce his political donations. |
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Australia | |
| Commuting chaos | Sydney commuters face widespread disruption this morning as the city’s train network recovers after a high-voltage wire fell on to the top of a train at Strathfield yesterday afternoon, trapping 300 passengers and paralysing much of the network. | Coalition split | Senior Liberals warn the Nationals’ decision to quit the Coalition could damage the Liberal party for years to come, while others welcome a chance to refocus on urban voters after a devastating election loss. We examine the policy issues that drove a wedge between the two parties and how Liberal leader Sussan Ley’s unenviable position has just got worse after only a week in the job. | Grindr robbery | Two Sydney men have been sentenced to more than six years for robbing five men they arranged to meet through the dating app Grindr. | Time please | Free-to-air broadcasters want classification rules changed to allow an additional 800 hours of alcohol ads every year despite one in three children already being exposed to liquor commercials on television. | ‘Humpback highway’ | Newborn humpback whales spotted in colder waters as far south as Tasmania have puzzled researchers, indicating that breeding and migration is more complex than thought. |
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World | |
| ‘Repellent, monstrous’ | Israel is still blocking food from reaching starving Palestinians, the UN has said, as the leader of the country’s centre-left Democrats party said his country was becoming a pariah nation that “kills babies as a hobby”. Britain has suspended negotiations over a new free trade deal, saying Israel’s plans to “purify Gaza” were repellent, monstrous and extremist. | Russia sanctions | The UK and Europe have announced major sanctions against Russia as it became clear that Monday’s call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had failed to deliver any meaningful concessions from Moscow. | Mexico hit | The personal secretary and an adviser to Mexico City’s mayor have been shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in a brazen attack in the city centre. | Big deals | Keir Starmer has heralded a “hat-trick” of trade deals with India, the US and the EU, telling MPs they will protect thousands of jobs and save businesses hundreds of millions of pounds. | Musk reset | Elon Musk, who donated $300m to Donald Trump’s election fight, says he plans to reduce the amount of money he spends on politics. |
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Full Story | |
| Is it really over? What does the Nationals’ split from the Coalition mean for Australian politics? Our chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, speaks to Reged Ahmad about why the Nationals have left the Coalition and what it means for the new parliament. | | |
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In-depth | |
| The gender pay gap at more than 100 commonwealth public sector employers including the ABC has been laid bare for the first time. Data from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency shows the national broadcaster pays men nearly 10% more than women, but the private sector gap (21.1% ) was more than triple the average public sector gap (6.4%). Pay gaps at some of the largest public sector employers included the Australian federal police (12.2%), the Reserve Bank of Australia (11.5%), the CSIRO (11.3%) and Australia Post (8.6%). |
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Not the news | |
| After premiering to standing ovations at the first Dark Mofo in 2013, a show bringing Lutruwita/Tasmania’s past to life with songs and storiesreturns this month for a small run in Victoria. The writers of Vandemonian Lags, Mick and Steve Thomas (pictured), talk to Sarah Aitken about their own family’s convict past and how the stain of that history has become more of a “badge of honour”. |
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Sport | |
| Premier League | Manchester City face Bournemouth (pictured) this morning as the race goes on for the top five. | Cricket | Brendon McCullum has called on England’s cricketers to reconnect with their fans after some poor performances and public comments that they are “out of touch with the general population”. | Cycling | Dutchman Daan Hoole won stage 10 of the Giro d’Italia as rain hampered the later starters in Tuesday’s time trial, with Mexico’s Isaac del Toro clinging to the overall lead. |
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Media roundup | Westpac is preparing for its biggest jobs cull in years, according to the Financial Review, with up to 1,500 roles at risk. South Australia’s toxic algae crisis is worsening, the Advertiser reports, and killing off popular fishing spots. Tim Wilson has won Goldstein by 128 votes after all the ballots were counted but Zoe Daniel isn’t giving up yet, the Age reports. After the latest Sydney commuting meltdown, the Herald says commuters are sick of delays no matter who is to blame. |
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What’s happening today | Health | The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare will release an update on current impact of endometriosis. | Melbourne | There’s a Budget lunch with the Victorian treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, at Melbourne Press Club at 12pm. |
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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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| Lenore Taylor
Editor, Guardian Australia |
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