| | 18/02/2025 Australians unaware of Labor policies, RBA tipped to cut cash rate, Europe’s leaders discuss Russian threat |
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| | | | Good morning. New polling data shows a close race between Labor and the Coalition in the yet-to-be announced election – but many voters say they are unfamiliar with the current government’s main economic achievements and policies. Later today, the Reserve Bank is expected to cut the official cash rate. Meanwhile in Europe, a major summit of political leaders has discussed boosting the region’s defence spending but appears to have been divided on sending troops to Ukraine. |
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| In-depth | | The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has been light on the details of his nuclear power plan. Adam Morton delves into the problems with the opposition’s silence on how winding back renewable energy and maintaining ageing coal plants will lead to lower bills and better grid reliability. The modelling doesn’t support it, and some within the Coalition have expressed their doubts that nuclear is a serious option for Australia. |
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| Not the news | | Renting out high quality garments can net you passive income while participating in the future of circular fashion. There’s high demand for clothing rentals for special events like weddings and cocktail parties, with circular business models potentially worth US$700bn by the end of the decade. Check out this guide on how to get involved. |
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| What’s happening today | Interest rates | The Reserve Bank will announce its decision on interest rates at around 2.30pm AEDT. | Results | Mining firmBHP will publish its half-year results. | Melbourne | Accused neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell will appear at Ringwood magistrates court. |
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| Brain teaser | And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. | |
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The course of world history has taken a sharp and disturbing turn in 2024. Liberalism is under threat from populist authoritarianism. Americans have voted to install a president with no respect for democratic norms, nor the facts that once formed the guardrails of public debate.
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| Lenore Taylor
Editor, Guardian Australia |
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