Morning Mail: Candidates in uniform, election battle of the burbs, Trump’s plea to Putin
Veterans running for office asked not to use pictures of themselves in military dress; US president in rare rebuke to Putin
Morning everyone. As the Anzac Day commemorations get under way, the defence department has issued a plea for veterans running in the federal election not to use pictures of themselves in uniform in campaign material.
We’re also reporting on the tussle for votes in outer suburban electorates, how Donald Trump asked “Vladimir” to stop bombing Ukraine, and the Aboriginal first world war hero being honoured in France.
Australia
Battle of the burbs | The verdict of voters in the outer suburbs of capital cities will be crucial in next Saturday’s election and both parties are throwing a lot of resources at trying to win them. Henry Belot travels to Hawke on Melbourne’s north-western fringe where he hears that people feel short-changed on services which haven’t kept pace with population growth. Preferences could also be crucial and Ben Raue has taken a close look at five seats where they may decide the result.
Pulling rank | The defence department has issued a “respectful request” to veterans such as shadow defence minister Andrew Hastie who are standing as election candidates to stop using pictures of themselves in military uniform on their campaign material.
Immigration pledge | A Coalition government would abandon a longstanding Howard-era target for a two-thirds share for skilled migrants in an effort to slash permanent migration by 25%, or 45,000 people, next year.
Dental ‘blindspot’ | The rising cost of going to see a dentist and the “stubborn” refusal of the major parties to include dental care in Medicare mean that young Australians will remain victims of an oral health “blindspot”, experts fear.
Highland heritage | A developer wants to turn Berrima’s historic jail into a hospitality venue to meet growing demand in the NSW southern highlands. But some locals want it to stay in community hands and lead heritage tourism.
World
Asia alarm | India and Pakistan have moved closer to military confrontation as Islamabad warned that any effort by Delhi to interfere with the supply of water would be viewed as an act of war.
‘Vladimir, STOP!’ | Donald Trump has pleaded with Vladimir Putin to halt Russian missile attacks on Ukraine after dozens were killed in an assault on Kyiv, writing “Vladimir, STOP!” on social media. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine could not accept US recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Atlantic bridge | In another hectic day in Washington, Donald Trump claimed the US was holding trade talks with China even though a spokesman for Beijing denied any negotiations were taking place. The US president also said he was meeting “of all people” Jeffrey Goldberg, the Atlantic’s editor who exposed the Signal group chat fiasco. A federal judge blocked a White House move that could have disenfranchised millions, and Trump denied federal aid to Arkansas where dozens have died in storms. Follow developments live.
‘Class of victims’ | Mental health advocates have hit back at Nigel Farage after the UK Reform leader claimed the country is “massively overdiagnosing those with mental illness problems” and creating a “class of victims”.
Kremlin capture | Alleged former members of an international neo-Nazi terrorist organisation are claiming its Russia-based and American leader is a Kremlin spy, casting light on its sabotage operations inside Ukraine.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: why a hung parliament may be good for Australia
Bridie Jabour talks to editor Lenore Taylor and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about why the trend away from the major political parties may make the parliament more productive.
In-depth
After more than a century of his story being passed down through the generations, Private William Allan Irwin – a Gomeroi man from near Coonabarabran in NSW – has been honoured with citizenship of the Somme where he gave his life in heroic fashion fighting for a country that would not give him that same basic right. Eelemarni Close-Brown catches up with family members who travelled to northern France as they took part in a documentary to honour “a great man”.
Not the news
From chamber music in Townsville to Adelaide’s Tasting Australia food festival, and from the East Gippsland Winter festival (pictured) to the Ningaloo Sky festival in Western Australia, we suggest 20 winter gatherings across Australia between now and August.
Sport
Tennis | After celebrating gaining Australian citizenship, the Russian-born player Daria Kasatkina talks about opposing the war in Ukraine, coming out, and the chance of “living free”.
Athletics | The British distance runner Eilish McColgan has revealed she has been body-shamed by school teachers as she called for social media companies to use formal identification to prevent the abuse she faces every day.
Football | Cristiano Ronaldo is still banging in the goals for his Saudi club but he could be running out of games in his bid to reach 1,000 career strikes.
Media roundup
Writing in the Australian, China’s ambassador has demanded that Australia stands with Beijing against the “bullying” Trump administration. The grief-stricken parents of a teenage boy shot dead at Bar beach have described him as a “kind” and “beautiful man”, the Newcastle Herald reports. The Liberal candidate for Labor-held Eden-Monaro tells Bega News she supports having a nuclear plant in the seat but “hasn’t thought” about where it might be built.
What’s happening today
Anzac Day | Anthony Albanese was at the war memorial in Canberra for the dawn service while Peter Dutton was at a service in Brisbane as thousands attend Anzac Day events across the country.
Canberra | First Nations commemoration march at 9am.
Sport | Collingwood take on Essendon in the AFL and the Roosters face the Dragons in traditional Anzac Day fixtures.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.