Calls for datacentre moratorium in Australia after PM's AI speech
Calls for datacentre moratorium after PM's AI speech

Environmental and community groups have called for a moratorium on datacentre development in Australia until new regulations are in place, following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's promise of "greater clarity and speed" over their approval. The issue is global, with Donald Trump lashing out at New York's governor for imposing a similar pause.

Datacentre push sparks backlash

Albanese's rallying call for datacentres during an AI speech in Sydney has drawn criticism from green groups. They argue that without proper oversight, rapid expansion could harm the environment and strain energy grids. The prime minister's plan aims to boost Australia's tech infrastructure, but our political editor notes it faces headwinds from big tech.

Meanwhile, Trump has attacked New York Governor Kathy Hochul for halting large new datacentres in the state, highlighting the contentious nature of such projects globally.

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NDIS reforms to cut autism support

Internal government estimates show that almost 145,000 Australians receiving support for autism on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are expected to be removed by the end of the decade. The reforms aim to streamline the scheme but have sparked concern among disability advocates.

Greater glider's glide distance questioned

A new study reveals that the celebrated greater glider cannot actually glide as far as previously thought. Despite this, scientists say the marsupial remains a marvel of the natural world. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about the species' capabilities.

Data breach hits healthcare provider

Thousands of medical records and patient information stored with one of Australia's biggest healthcare providers have been breached in a cyber-attack. The incident raises concerns about data security in the health sector.

Church-turned-arts venue faces closure

A former Sydney church turned arts venue at the centre of a culture war is exploring legal action after receiving a notice from its landlord that forced organisers to close the space and cancel planned events. The venue had become a flashpoint for community tensions.

World Cup semi-final thriller

England beat Argentina in a hot-tempered World Cup semi-final with a late twist. Spain also advanced, sticking ruthlessly to a shrewd tactical plan in their 2-0 win over France. The inquest has begun into the favourites' exit, with the French press blaming a "collective failure".

Off the pitch, Fifa has been hit with an injunction by a German court ordering it to stop "manipulative processes" in the sale of World Cup tickets. Columnist Nesrine Malik considers the tournament from the African diaspora perspective, calculating the "identity maths".

Death of 'Trump whisperer' Lindsey Graham

The death of South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham marks a potential shift in US politics. Our Washington bureau chief, David Smith, discusses whether the loss of the so-called 'Trump whisperer' will change the future of the Republican party.

In-depth: People's bank proposal

One Nation's economic policies do not often align with Greg Jericho, but he agrees with the party's idea of creating a people's bank. Such an institution could offer borrowers long-term fixed-rate mortgages and challenge the big four oligopoly in Australia.

Sport: O'Callaghan cleared for Commonwealth Games

Australian Olympic champion Mollie O'Callaghan has been cleared to race at next week's Commonwealth Games despite suffering spinal stress fractures. Meanwhile, Shayna Jack says she will retire after the Glasgow games.

In cricket, the men's Cricket World Cup will undergo another revamp next year in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia with a convoluted 14-team format. In golf, leading English players seek to be the first home winner of The Open at Royal Birkdale since Tony Jacklin in 1969.

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