Morning everyone. As the Anzac Day commemorationsget 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.
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 Hawkeon 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 andBen Raue has taken a close lookat 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 migrantsin an effort to slash permanent migrationby 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 localswant it to stay in community handsand lead heritage tourism.
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 waterwould 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 Ukrainecould not acceptUS recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Atlantic bridge |In another hectic day in Washington, Donald Trump claimed the US washolding trade talks with Chinaeven 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 havedisenfranchised millions, and Trumpdenied federal aidto Arkansas where dozens have died in storms.Follow developments live.
‘Class of victims’ |Mental health advocates havehit back at Nigel Farageafter 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 leaderis a Kremlin spy, casting light on its sabotage operations inside Ukraine.
Newsroom edition: why a hung parliament may be good for Australia
Bridie Jabourtalks toeditor Lenore Taylor and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about why the trend away from the major political parties may make the parliament more productive.
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 withfamily members who travelled to northern France as they took part in a documentary to honour “a great man”.
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 suggest20 winter gatherings across Australia between now and August.
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Tennis |After celebrating gaining Australian citizenship, the Russian-born player Daria Kasatkinatalks aboutopposing 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 companiesto use formal identificationto prevent the abuse she faces every day.
Football |Cristiano Ronaldo is still banging in the goals for his Saudi club but hecould be running out of gamesin his bid to reach 1,000 career strikes.
Writing in theAustralian, China’s ambassador has demanded that Australiastands with Beijingagainst 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”, theNewcastle Heraldreports. The Liberal candidate for Labor-held Eden-Monaro tellsBega Newsshe supports having a nuclear plant in the seat but“hasn’t thought”about where it might be built.
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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And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
Quick crossword
Cryptic crossword