Top World News

‘Entirely inappropriate’ for politicians to ask anti-corruption commission to look into Brittany Higgins payout, PM says

Anthony Albanese says integrity body will be independent of MPs as opposition calls for scrutiny of settlement with former stafferFollow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastAnthony Albanese said it would be “entirely inappropriate” for politicians to direct the national integrity commission to investigate a matter, after the Coalition opposition called for further scrutiny on Brittany Higgins’ compensation payout.The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, questioned whether ministers had misled parliament about their knowledge of Higgins’ allegations of rape before they were made public, and if the commonwealth’s settlement had followed an “appropriate process”.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...

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Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka to stand trial accused of raping woman in Sydney

The 32-year-old has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent, a court has heardGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastThe Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka will stand trial accused of raping a woman while in Sydney for the T20 World Cup.The 32-year-old faces one count of sexual intercourse without consent after the crown withdrew three additional charges last month.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup Continue reading...

UK To Host World's First Summit On Artificial Intelligence

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday announced a world-first summit on artificial intelligence, seeking a leading role for the UK in limiting potential doomsday risks as he visited Washington.

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Influenza vaccinations recommended as cases of respiratory illness rise across Australia

Of the nearly 58,000 cases recorded across the country, 30% occurred over the last fortnightly reporting period Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastA range of respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Australia as the colder weather hits, with the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza in particular steeply increasing.The latest Australian influenza surveillance report shows that in the fortnight to 28 May almost all jurisdictions saw a rise in respiratory illnesses. Of the 57,816 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza reported to the government this year, 30% were recorded in the latest fortnightly reporting period. The proportion of people taking time off work also increased, the report said. Continue reading...

Dry run: Australia’s ski season kicks off without snow and El Niño may be to blame

Despite several cold snaps in May that brought early dustings of snow, a warmer start to winter has meant most of that has now meltedBureau of Meteorology puts Australia on ‘El Niño alert’Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s ski season will start with no skiing, no snowboarding, no snow – and a drying El Niño may be to blame.Due to a “lack of snow,” Thredbo Resort has closed its mountain to skiing and snowboarding this long weekend, a spokesperson said – just as it kicks off its official winter season. Continue reading...