Morning Mail: Taxpayers fund Albanese libel costs, five bodies found in yacht wreck, rise of ‘sook’ as political slur | News Australia

Good morning everyone. Our main news this morning is that the Attorney-General has approved legal aid for Anthony Albanese and Bill Shorten in relation to defamation threats made by a business associate of former Liberal cabinet minister Stuart Robert. We have the full story, as well as how “sook” became the political insult of the moment, a federal Labor Party stalwart announces he is resigning as an MP, divers have recovered the bodies of five of the six people missing in the sinking of the yacht Sicily, and it’s Tim Walz’s turn to address the Democratic Party convention.

Australia

• Exclusive | The Victorian government spent $3.3 million to upgrade the Myki public transport ticketing system, shortly before the new system went live, data obtained by Guardian Australia reveals.

• Legal aid | The attorney-general has approved legal assistance “in relation to a defamation claim” against Anthony Albanese and for defamation claims against Bill Shorten, according to documents tabled in parliament.

• Exclusive | After almost two decades as a federal Labor MP, Graham Perrett has decided to retire, launching a battle in his marginal Queensland seat.

• Company suspended | The federal government has suspended research consultancy McNair yellowSquares from all work until an investigation is conducted into allegations it fabricated data on Indigenous communities during last year’s failed referendum process.

• “Very bad” | Peter Dutton’s comments about people fleeing bloodshed in Gaza are hurtful and “very bad for cohesion and harmony”, according to Palestine’s de facto ambassador to Australia.

World

Full story

The debate on daylight saving time

Tamsin Rose speaks with rural and regional editor Calla Wahlquist and columnist Gabrielle Chan about the ongoing debate over whether daylight saving time should be scrapped.

Full story

The debate on daylight saving time

In depth

The term “sook” has been used increasingly during the current tumultuous fortnight of sittings. From its Scottish origins meaning “to suck”, the Conservative shepherd examines how the word has been used recently and its place in the lexicon alongside “snowflake”, “bedwetting” and “old jellyfish”. But retired MP Graham Perrett says no one thinks too much about specific words in the feverish atmosphere of question period. “When you’re in that jungle, you go right back to Grade 5 instinct. It’s tooth and claw on that ground.”

Not the news

In the latest instalment of our reviews, Jack Tregoning sings the praises of Brisbane’s energetic DJ duo X Club. The duo, Ben Clarke and Jesse Morath, found their groove during the pandemic and built a loyal following of clubbers from around the world after relocating to London when the borders reopened. They’re currently touring Europe before returning to these shores for a set on the Gold Coast in December.

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The world of sport

• Rugby League | Ron Coote, the legendary Souths and Roosters linesman who won six championships in the 1960s and 70s, was named the 14th Rugby League Immortal at a ceremony in Sydney last night.

• Women’s football | The inaugural Asian Women’s Champions League kicks off this weekend with Melbourne City among the serious contenders for the crown.

• Cricket | A fighting 72 from Sri Lanka’s number nine Milan Rathnayake helped his team recover from a disastrous start to the first Test against England at Old Trafford. The tourists were all out for 236 with England winning 0-22 in the end.

Victoria’s elite private schools moving away from competitive sport, says The Herald of the Sunamid “growing reluctance towards (non-academic) competition in Atar’s factories.” Sydney’s new metro line is drawing passengers away from traditional train stations just days after opening, the The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper Members of one of Adelaide’s most exclusive gyms have told Advertiser that they revolt against poor facilities, including out-of-order showers, broken equipment and a “frozen” swimming pool.

What’s happening today

• Melbourne | Interim judgment in defamation case against Victoria Liberal Leader John Pesutto brought by MP Moira Deeming.

• Domestic violence | The federal government will receive a rapid and comprehensive independent review into domestic violence.

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Puzzle

And finally, here’s the Guardian crossword to keep you entertained throughout the day. See you tomorrow.