Childcare centre founder ‘heartbroken to learn of another senseless attack’
Jordyn Beazley
Play to Learn put out a statement after a second suspicious fire at one of their childcare centres in the space of just three days.
Police at the Play to Learn centre in Turramurra, Sydney on Friday. Photograph: Steven Markham/AAP
The founder and director, Jade Luci, said:
I am heartbroken to learn of another senseless attack on our new Castle Hill centre at 1:30am, but gravely relieved that no one was harmed.
Our fire systems activated even before emergency services arrived, doing exactly what they were designed to do and we’re deeply grateful to the Castle Hill fire brigade and police for their immediate response.
I want to reassure every family that there are no internal concerns, no staff issues, and no grievances at Play to Learn. Our team is strong, united, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of our children.
We will reopen soon, stronger, safer, and more determined than ever.
Key events
Jonathan Barrett
What exactly is ‘green iron’ and ‘green steel’?
There’s been discussion today during the prime minister’s visit to China about “green steel” and “green iron”, but what exactly are they?
The prime minister has been accompanied to China by representatives of Australia’s biggest iron ore miners, as part of a push to promote the sector’s decarbonisation plans.
The Fortescue executive chair, Andrew Forrest, said in Shanghai today that he would like to see a bilateral agreement that would “generate a serious jobs boom in both China for green steel, and particularly for Australia in green iron”.
Albanese has been accompanied to China by representatives of Australia’s biggest iron ore miners, as part of a push to promote the sector’s decarbonisation plans. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA
Green iron refers to iron produced using renewable energy, rather than relying on coal and coke – the latter is derived from coal – in the production process.
Fortescue’s Christmas Creek green metal project is designed to use renewable energy and green hydrogen technology, along with an electric smelting furnace, to produce it.
The ultimate goal is to achieve the production of carbon-neutral iron on an industrial scale.
The metal would be sent offshore, mainly to China, to feed industrial plants that would also utilise renewables to make and power the production of green steel.
That steel would underpin the construction sector.
Forrest has previously warned that Australia’s iron ore-rich Pilbara risks becoming a wasteland if it doesn’t transform, given China’s push to clean up its steel-making processes.
Queensland police appeal for information after drowning death of young child
Police in Queensland have asked the public for any information after a seven-month-old baby drowned in the rural area of Chatswood on Saturday.
Officials said emergency services were called to a park about 10.40am amid reports the young boy was found unresponsive. He was transported to hospital for treatment, but was pronounced dead later that night.
The mother and father of the child are assisting police with their inquiries. Officials have asked anyone who was at the park off Gympie Curra Road between 9-11am on 12 July to contact police.
Det Insp Craig Mansfield told the media this morning homicide investigators had been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, which he described as “unexplained”, but not suspicious.
No one has been charged in the matter.
Josh Butler
Israeli ambassador says it is ‘essential’ for Australia to adopt definition of antisemitism
Israel’s ambassador to Australia said it is “essential” for the federal government to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.
Amir Maimon posted on X that the IHRA definition of antisemitism was needed for “clearly identifying and combating hatred against Jews in modern society.” He wrote:
It provides a framework that recognises harmful stereotypes, double standards, and new forms of prejudice… No other definition so clearly ensures that contemporary antisemitism is named, understood and confronted wherever it arises.
‘No other definition so clearly ensures that contemporary antisemitism is named, understood and confronted wherever it arises,’ Amir Maimon wrote. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/EPA
That definition is contested in some quarters, with concerns it was increasingly being used to conflate antisemitism with criticism of Israel. However it was endorsed by Anthony Albanese when he was opposition leader, as well as Scott Morrison when he was prime minister.
Guardian Australia has reported Labor MPs and rank-and-file members are concerned about the wider adoption of this definition, after antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal’s plan last week outlined a recommendation to “require” its broader take-up by governments and public institutions.
A 2023 open letter from more than 100 Israeli and international civil society organisations – including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union – asked the United Nations to reject the IHRA definition because it is being “misused” to protect Israel from legitimate criticism.
Maimon’s post today on X continued:
In 2021, the Australian Labor Party joined key democratic allies including the US, UK, Canada, Germany and France in endorsing IHRA.
It uniquely affirms Jewish self-determination and closes loopholes exploited to reinvent antisemitism in modernity.
Aus shares flat as traders assess threat from Trump’s latest tariff pronouncements
The local share market has clawed back its morning losses to move slightly into the green despite more tariff threats from Donald Trump, AAP reports.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 2.7 points, or 0.03%, at 8,582.8 about midday on Monday, having been down as many as 21.8 points in the first few minutes of trading.
At the weekend, the US president posted on social media that he would impose 30% tariffs on the European Union and Mexico from 1 August – but leaders of the EU and Mexico said they would keep negotiating with Trump, so the threat might be a negotiating tactic.
Trump this weekend said he would impose 30% tariffs on the European Union and Mexico from 1 August. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images
Jonathan Barrett
City auction markets stay strong
The Reserve Bank decision to hold interest rates steady last week has not dampened enthusiasm for property auctions, with the market recording another strong weekend.
Clearance rates across the state capital cities held above 70% for the fifth consecutive week, with Sydney (76.2%), Adelaide (75.6%) and Melbourne (70.5%) recording very strong results, according to Cotality data.
Clearance rates refer to the percentage of properties sold at auction compared to the total number of properties listed to go under the hammer, with results above 70% viewed as an indicator of strong buying demand.
Auctioneer Jesse Davidson presides over a property auction in Homebush, in Sydney in May. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
The clearance rate across state capitals was 72.2%.
The auctions occurred just days after the RBA held rates steady at 3.85%, in a surprise decision that denied further mortgage relief for millions of households.
Most economists expect the RBA will still need to lower rates as early as next month as long as inflation continues to moderate.
Home prices in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin are at peak levels, while Melbourne and Hobart are also rising again.
Chalmers says ‘of course’ government interested in ways to simplify the tax system
At his presser earlier, the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said both he and the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, had made their stances on GST changes “pretty clear” but did not rule out hearing ideas on the matter at a productivity roundtable next month. Chalmers said:
Both the prime minister and I have made it pretty clear when it comes to the GST, we had a view about that historically and that view hasn’t changed. We have tried not to artificially limit the ideas of the states or others that [they] will bring to the roundtable. We’ve tried to have a relatively open mind, but you have all heard me talk about the GST before.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Chalmers also spoke about the complexity of the tax system, saying the government was “of course” interested in ideas about how it could be simplified.
When it comes to … [the] complexity and the tax system, of course we are interested in ways to simplify the tax system. When we speak with tax experts and people that have a view about tax reform, they’re interested in efficiency and equity and simplicity, and other design principles like that. …
The views we have expressed publicly, is if there are ways we can simplify and consolidate regulations in our economy, then that would be a good thing for productivity as well so long as we don’t trade away reasonable standards and protections for people.
Henry Belot
Authorities investigating video of a person claiming credit for vandalism of cars outside defence industry business linked to Israel
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team is investigating a video of a person claiming credit for the vandalism of three cars outside a defence industry business linked to Israel, while clad in a black balaclava and standing in front of a Palestinian flag.
The video, first reported by Guardian Australia last week, included a claim that an “anonymous cell” torched three cars at Lovitt Technologies. The company supplies parts to the global F-35 joint strike fighter program.
The anonymous group claims Lovitt Technologies was targeted due its support of the joint strike fighter program. The jets are used by Israeli military and their global supply chain has been subject to fierce political debate in Australia and a major legal challenge in the UK.
Police CCTV shows cars set on fire and graffitied in Melbourne – video
The anonymous group has also shared videos of the vandalism and that appear to have been filmed by one person wearing a GoPro camera. The videos match CCTV footage released by police earlier this week.
A police spokesperson said “at this time there have been no links established between this incident and several others which occurred on the same weekend including a fire at an East Melbourne synagogue and an affray at a CBD restaurant”.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team includes representatives from the national spy agency, Asio. The spokesperson said:
The matter is now being investigated by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes personnel from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Investigators are aware of a video which has been circulating where a group has claimed responsibility for the incident. This video is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Childcare centre founder ‘heartbroken to learn of another senseless attack’
Jordyn Beazley
Play to Learn put out a statement after a second suspicious fire at one of their childcare centres in the space of just three days.
Police at the Play to Learn centre in Turramurra, Sydney on Friday. Photograph: Steven Markham/AAP
The founder and director, Jade Luci, said:
I am heartbroken to learn of another senseless attack on our new Castle Hill centre at 1:30am, but gravely relieved that no one was harmed.
Our fire systems activated even before emergency services arrived, doing exactly what they were designed to do and we’re deeply grateful to the Castle Hill fire brigade and police for their immediate response.
I want to reassure every family that there are no internal concerns, no staff issues, and no grievances at Play to Learn. Our team is strong, united, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of our children.
We will reopen soon, stronger, safer, and more determined than ever.
Police allege more than one person responsible for second childcare centre fire
Jordyn Beazley
Police allege there was more than one person responsible for a fire at a Sydney childcare centre in the early hours of the morning after they forced entry into the building.
Det Supt Naomi Moore told reporters a short time ago that the alleged suspected offenders forced entry into the rear of the Play to Learn centre in Castle Hill and started a fire in a rear room.
“The sprinkler systems extinguish the fire fairly quickly,” she said.
Police allege there was more than one person responsible for a fire at a Sydney childcare centre in the early hours of the morning. Photograph: Steven Markham/AAP
It comes after there was another suspicious fire at a Play to Learn childcare centre in Turramurra – in Sydney’s upper north-shore – on Friday. Police are investigating if the two incidents are linked.
Moore said:
There are two locations that could have some potential links.
Moore said the childcare centre in Castle Hill would remain closed for a few hours while police conduct their investigations. She said:
That investigation we believe at some point in the coming days will be led by the arson squad.
It’s very concerning. There’s no doubt about that. Again, that’s a residential street, and it troubles us a lot. So as mentioned before, we will be putting plenty of resources into it today, and I’m really hopeful that the arson squad, assisted by my detectives and the region, will get an outcome for this shortly.
PM says he is focused on China but ‘will no doubt have meetings’ with Trump
Anthony Albanese was asked whether he was any closer to locking in a meeting time with Donald Trump.
Speaking in Shanghai just now, the PM replied that he was focused on China – and called for a “bit of perspective”.
“I will no doubt have meetings. I do note that in the Financial Review today, the comments saying I’ve been to the United States five times, I’ve been to China twice. Tony Abbott visited Beijing before Washington after his election, as did Malcolm Fraser, as did Kevin Rudd,” he said.
I think there needs to be a bit of perspective here, as much as I understand the fascination.
I look forward to a constructive engagement with President Trump. We have had three constructive phone conversations.
Albanese defends record on imprisoned Australians in China
Asked about the plight of Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun, the PM said he would “always raise issues of Australian citizens” – and that he had done a better job of doing so than former governments.
“If you look at my record, it is not too bad, certainly compared with any of my predecessors,” Anthony Albanese said.
I believe that it’s a responsibility, whether it be here in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, the United States and the United Kingdom, we have been successful at advocating for Australians. I will always do that.
Read more here:
Albanese says ‘nothing unusual’ in Chinese surveillance of Australian defence exercises
When asked whether the circumnavigation of ongoing Australian defence flotilla live drills by the Chinese were the act of a friend, Anthony Albanese said it was “nothing unusual” and “has happened in the past”.
Speaking in Shanghai just now, the PM said rather than seeing China as a stable alternative to the US, what he wants is “to see … a stable and secure region”.
The PM was asked whether there was an “ethical responsibility” for Australia to manufacture more iron ore before it leaves our shores.
He answered he was “not sure it’s about ethics, it’s economics”.
We have an interest in maximising the economic benefit. Part of that economic benefit will be about first mover advantage and about decarbonisation and making a positive difference. We see there are advantages that we can have. I have spoken about the opportunity of dealing with climate change, as well as the challenge.
Andrew Forrest asks for bilateral agreement with China on threats from AI
Andrew Forrest says he has asked Anthony Albanese to form a bilateral agreement with China in the face of threats from artificial intelligence.
Speaking in Shanghai, the Western Australian businessman said just now:
I asked our prime minister if he could work together with China to form a bilateral agreement where we escape the threats coming from AI to employment, both in China and Australia, and generate a serious jobs boom in both China for green steel, and particularly for Australia in green iron.
We forecast hundreds of thousands of new jobs, plus multiplier effects across this. Across China we have people. They want a peaceful long-term relationship with Australia. Across Australia, we have people who want a peaceful, long-term relationship with China. The prime minister has brought us into the realm of that peaceful long-term relationship.
Albanese speaking in Shanghai after meeting business leaders
Anthony Albanese is speaking live in Shanghai now.
The PM has just been part of a discussion between Chinese steelmakers and Australian iron ore producers, including the chief executives of Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Hancock and Dr Andrew Forrest.
“I think it says something about how significant the relationship is between the Australian businesses and Chinese businesses, and in particular the importance of Australian iron ore exports for steel production here in China, that there are four of the most senior business people in Australia represented here, and we have had a very successful discussion today with Chinese steelmakers about decarbonisation of the steelmaking process,” he said just now.
This is the first time that Australia’s iron ore leaders have met with China’s steel industry leaders, with an Australian prime minister here in China.
Anthony Albanese (2-R) takes part in a Steel Decarbonisation roundtable in Shanghai, China, 14 July 2025. Photograph: Lukas Coch/EPA
Chalmers says under current housing trajectories ‘we would fall short’
Chalmers said the government’s housing targets would be difficult, but said the advice given by the Treasury meant the government will need to “do better and do more” to meet its target. He said:
The point that the Treasury is making, the point that I understand and accept, is that the government will need to do better and do more to meet that target.
Under current trajectories we would fall short but that doesn’t mean that between now and over the course of the next four years we can’t consider ways and work with the states and territories and others, local government and others, on ways to build more homes.
Chalmers still believes government’s housing target will be met
The treasurer just responded to a question about the advice, which says a target for 1.2m homes in five years will not be met. A reporter asked if Chalmers still believed the target can be met.
‘Yes’, he replied.
Chalmers said he believes the government’s target to build 1.2 million new homes in its second term would still be met. Photograph: Darren England/AAP
He went on:
We have to be ambitious in housing and we are. And you know, I think it would be strange if a government like ours saw the obvious challenges in housing and decided anything other than to try to be ambitious about building many more homes for people …
It’s not the worst thing from time to time for it to be understood in the broader community that this will be a difficult target to meet but if we all do our bit, we all play our part, as the commonwealth has been willing to play, then we can build the homes that people desperately need.
Read more on that pledge here:
Chalmers on tax and housing advice from Treasury: ‘I don’t think it’s particularly surprising’
Chalmers went on to say the advice, provided to all incoming governments, was standard form from the Treasury:
I don’t think it’s particularly surprising that Treasury provides advice to in their incoming government brief.
I don’t think it’s particularly surprising that the Treasury has highlighted, as I have personally, that we need to do more to make the budget more sustainable.
