NDIS infiltrated by organised crime gangs using intimidation and threats of violence against Australians 20. April 2026 (17:00) Review recommends better use of NDIS data to identify repeat rorters and a requirement for providers to register with the governmentGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOrganised crime gangs are using the national disability insurance scheme to launder money, earn income and hide assets, law enforcement officials have warned parliament, seriously undermining probity in the $50bn program.The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has told a review into NDIS integrity that criminals are paying cash kickbacks to participants and their families, and sometimes resorting to intimidation and threats of physical violence towards vulnerable people to rip off taxpayers. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Consumer watchdog zeroes in on Woolworths’ allegedly fake discounts as it meets supermarket giant in court 20. April 2026 (17:00) Vinegar, Tim Tams and baby rice are among the products to be scrutinised in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s caseGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe consumer watchdog is back in court and taking on Australia’s largest supermarket chain, alleging Woolworths deliberately misled shoppers with fake discounts.The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) case against Woolworths begins in the federal court in Sydney on Tuesday, almost two months after hearings wrapped up in its very similar case against Coles. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Water NSW criticised for ‘appalling’ decision after hundreds of turtles left to die in wetlands 20. April 2026 (17:00) River ecologist says ‘classic bureaucratic tangle’ led to government agency stopping flows to Gwydir wetlands region in March Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA leading scientist has criticised an “appalling” New South Wales government agency decision to stop water flowing to wetlands in the state’s north-west, saying it was “absolutely crazy” that researchers had to scramble to save animals buried in drying mud.Guardian Australia reported on Saturday that turtles, waterbirds, frogs and sheep had died after Water NSW abruptly stopped flows to the Gwydir wetlands region near Moree in March. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Gut microbiome can reveal risk of Parkinson’s, scientists say 20. April 2026 (17:00) Study shows signature changes more pronounced in people with genetic risk, raising hopes for new therapiesChanges to microbes that live in the gut can identify people at greater risk of Parkinson’s disease long before symptoms develop, according to work that also raises hopes for new therapies.Researchers discovered signature changes in the gut microbiome that are more pronounced in people with a genetic risk for Parkinson’s and even more stark in those diagnosed with the disease. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pakistan seeks to raise its global standing in push for Middle East peace 20. April 2026 (15:42) Islamabad has seized chance to act as mediator in Iran war and hopes to reap diplomatic and economic benefitsMiddle East crisis – live updatesAs Pakistan works frantically to narrow differences between Iran and the US in its newfound role as global peacemaker, it is also seeking to recast its diplomatic standing and attract business.Pakistani officials, mediating between an unpredictable US president and hardliners in Tehran, were on Monday trying to coax both sides to put the conditions in place for a second round of talks in Islamabad this week, including easing the standoff in the strait of Hormuz. Pakistan was optimistic that the meeting would happen, viewing objections voiced by the Iranian side and Donald Trump’s threats as posturing for domestic audiences. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump administration launches tariff refund system as first step in paying back billions – US politics live 20. April 2026 (14:45) Trump administration launches online portal on Monday after supreme court struck down tariff policy earlier this yearSign up for the Breaking News US emailOil prices have risen sharply and European stock markets have fallen after the US seizure of an Iranian vessel dented hopes for a peace deal.Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, rose by 4.8% on Monday to $94.69 a barrel. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Carney says Canada’s strong economic ties to US are ‘weakness’ to be corrected 20. April 2026 (14:35) Prime minister details efforts to attract investment and sign trade deals with other countries in 10-minute video addressCanada’s strong economic ties to the United States were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected, the country’s prime minister has warnedIn a 10-minute video address, Mark Carney spoke about his government’s efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy by attracting new investments and signing trade deals with other countries. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer to admit he inadvertently gave MPs misleading information on Mandelson 20. April 2026 (14:11) PM to tell Commons he was himself misled and would ‘never knowingly mislead parliament or the public’UK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer is expected to admit he inadvertently gave MPs misleading information about Peter Mandelson’s vetting when he addresses the Commons.But his spokesperson said the prime minister would “never knowingly mislead parliament or the public” and that he was himself misled. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US and Mexican officials assigned to cartel case killed in car accident 20. April 2026 (14:11) Director of state investigation agency among those killed in Chihuahua in operation to destroy clandestine drug labsTwo United States officials and another two Mexican officials assigned to combat drug cartel operations died in a car accident in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua on Sunday, a US embassy spokesperson said.The Mexican officials were the director of the state’s investigation agency and an officer, state authorities said, adding that they were on an operation to destroy clandestine laboratories in the municipality of Morelos.Guardian staff contributed Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Charlize Theron joins chorus of disapproval over Timothée Chalamet’s ballet comments 20. April 2026 (14:04) The former ballet dancer said Chalamet’s comments were ‘reckless’ in an interview with the New York Times in which she also discussed her violent childhoodActor and former ballet dancer Charlize Theron has joined the chorus of disapproval aimed at Timothée Chalamet over his remarks that appeared to disrespect performers of ballet and opera.In an interview with the New York Times, Theron said: “Oh, boy, I hope I run into him one day,” adding: “That was a very reckless comment on two art forms that we need to lift up constantly because, yes, they do have a hard time. But in 10 years, AI is going to be able to do Timothée’s job, but it will not be able to replace a person on a stage dancing live.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
