Morning Mail: London terror attacker named, $1.6bn childcare reforms passed, 'Obamacare' repeal vote delayed

View in browser

Guardian Australia's Morning Mail Friday 24 March 2017 g Two quit Climate Change Authority over government 'extremists' Good morning, and welcome to the Morning Mail. Among the stories leading our website this morning: Two members of the Climate Change Authority – John Quiggin and Danny Price – have resigned. Quiggin told Guardian Australia he didn't believe there was anything to be gained "by giving objective advice based on science and economic analysis to a government dominated by elements hostile to both science and economics". "The government's refusal to accept the advice of its own authority, despite wide support for that advice from business, environmental groups and the community as a whole, reflects the comprehensive failure of its policies on energy and the environment. These failures can be traced, in large measure, to the fact that the government is beholden to rightwing anti-science activists in its own ranks and in the media." Keep reading for the rest of the top stories this morning, with more news from around Australia and the world.

Headlines London terror attack: Khalid Masood named as man responsible, vigil held in Trafalgar Square Police officer named as one of four dead – with two members of public and assailant – in Wednesday's terrorist attack on London Westminster attack: friends and relatives remember the victims Kurt Cochran was an American celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary and Aysha Frade worked at a sixth form college in London Republicans delay House vote to repeal Affordable Care Act Last-minute negotiations proved insufficient to secure GOP votes to replace Obama's signature healthcare law, denying Trump first major legislative victory Government passes $1.6bn childcare reforms The government agreed to crossbench compromises including banning childcare subsidies for families earning more than $350,000 Osher Günsberg hits back after Daily Mail's 'Bali belly' flop The Bachelor host's complaint about article ridiculing his weight forces a Press Council ruling. Plus new ABC chairman Justin Milne makes all the right noises Australian news and politics Negative gearing debate to be revived at meeting of state and federal treasurers Housing affordability to dominate meeting with Scott Morrison, with innovation in the financial services sector also to be discussed Tony Abbott backs calls to keep Hazelwood power plant open Former prime minister joins debate as Australian Industry Group says it is not confident the risks to the country's energy grid are being managed Advocates to set out case against 18C changes in snap Senate inquiry Senate committee will report back on Tuesday on proposed changes to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act Coalition to push company tax changes without splitting off small business cuts Treasurer says he will not divide package to ensure small business cuts, which are supported by crossbenchers, get through Second appeal rejected in battle over Arnhem Land bauxite royalties Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation fight against the Northern Land Council can continue with new case, court rules Government cuts mean 36,000 people will be denied pro bono legal advice Law Council of Australia says cuts are drastic and impact would be disastrous on domestic violence victims and other vulnerable people One Nation scrambles to provide bank records for electoral commission investigation Party convinced Heritage Bank to hand over account statements despite nominated officer refusing to authorise it Around the world Denis Voronenkov: ex-Russian MP who fled to Ukraine killed in Kiev Vladimir Putin's spokesman dismisses claims that Moscow is linked to the killing of Kremlin critic who left Russia last year and renounced citizenship US immigrants make sub-zero trek for slim chance at asylum in Canada More than 1,000 asylum seekers have journeyed on foot through snow and icy river to cross border in remote areas unregulated by pact that bars refugee claims Eurovision wants barred Russian singer to compete via satellite in Ukraine Yulia Samoilova handed lifeline after host nation Ukraine barred her from country for illegally entering Crimea Israeli teenager arrested over bomb threats to US Jewish targets Israeli Jewish man, 19, is suspected of being behind dozens of anonymous calls and communications Revealed: the terror and torment of Turkey's jailed journalists Prisoners tell of solitary confinement and maltreatment after being caught up in the Kafkaesque media purge

One last thing   Purging the body of 'retired' cells could reverse ageing, study shows Findings raise possibility that a future therapy that rids the body of senescent cells might protect against the ravages of old age. Have an excellent day and if you spot something I've missed, let me know on Twitter at @earleyedition.

Guardian News & Media Limited - a member of Guardian Media Group PLC. Registered Office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU. Registered in England No. 908396