Morning Mail: Trump demands investigation of his Obama 'wire tap' claims, big banks' fossil fuel investments, Malcolm v Pauline, who "respects" Putin

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Guardian Australia's Morning Mail Monday 6 March 2017 g Trump demands investigation of his Obama 'wire tap' claims Good morning, and welcome to the Morning Mail. Among the stories leading our website this morning: Donald Trump's tweeted allegations, without evidence, that Barack Obama ordered Watergate-style illegal "wire tapping" of Trump's New York offices during the 2016 presidential election. Critics have dismissed the move as an attempt to deflect attention from investigations of his ties to Russia. A spokesman for Obama has dismissed Trump's claims as "simply false", while Obama's former deputy national security adviser replied: "No president can order a wiretap. Those restrictions were put in place to protect citizens from people like you." The White House has now demanded a Congressional investigation, while still presenting no evidence for the president's claims. Keep reading for the rest of the top stories this morning, with more news from around Australia and the world.

Headlines Big Australian banks invest $7bn more in fossil fuels than renewables, says report ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac provided three times more for non-renewable than clean energy projects in 2016, says Market Forces Australian drugs cost 3.7 times more than global benchmark, says report Grattan Institute finds prices remain almost twice those in the UK and 3.1 times higher than New Zealand's Trump 'wiretap': White House wants investigation but Clapper denies order Sean Spicer asks 'whether executive powers were abused in 2016', as former national intelligence director say he 'can deny' existence of Trump Tower surveillance order Sexual harassment 'at epidemic levels' in UK universities Almost 300 claims against staff have been made in six years, but victims and lawyers say those are just tip of iceberg Patients pay five times more to see some specialists, study finds Analysis of Medicare claims finds out-of-pocket costs varies widely depending on need and location Australian news and politics Penalty rates: Labor says it makes 'no apology' for Bill Shorten's decision to oppose cut Party says it had no choice but to oppose Fair Work Commission's decision as unions plan Work Choices-style campaign Malcolm Turnbull attacks Pauline Hanson's views on vaccination Prime minister says parents who choose not to have their children vaccinated are creating health risk 'Did he push the button?': Hanson defends Putin over MH17 – video Appearing on ABC's Insiders program, Pauline Hanson reasserts her respect for Vladimir Putin and asks for proof of the Russian leader's involvement in the downing of flight MH17 Cyclone Blanche builds off coast of Darwin as residents told to take shelter Category one cyclone expected to strengthen to category two before crossing Kimberley coast on Monday Nick Xenophon launches SA Best party to contest next South Australian election Senator, who runs Nick Xenophon Team at federal level, says party will offer a 'strong alternative choice' Gentrification or marginalisation? Indigenous residents split over Redfern plan A proposed Pemulwuy Project extension would give the Block a 16-storey student complex leaving just 62 homes for the community it was meant to serve Sydney Mardi Gras parade celebrates LGBTI pride – video A glittering explosion of gay pride lit up central Sydney on Saturday night as thousands joined the 2017 Mardi Gras parade Around the world François Fillon offers modicum of contrition in defiant rally address French presidential candidate tries to paint himself as victim in 'fake jobs' scandal as he accuses those abandoning him of treason Seoul quadruples reward for North Korea defectors offering secrets Defectors from North Korea now being offered $860,000 cash reward for sensitive information about Kim Jong-un regime Iran's Ahmadinejad joins Twitter despite ban Former president sets up personal account on social media site that is blocked for ordinary Iranian citizens Russian MP calls for ban on Beauty and the Beast over 'gay propaganda' Vitaly Milonov says film's release in Russia should be cancelled on basis that it promotes 'perverted sexual relations' Watchdog to launch inquiry into misuse of data in politics Investigation follows revelations of digital firm's involvement in Brexit

One last thing Women have better orgasms and other things I learnt at the All About Women festival The Opera House festival tackled everything from the importance of solidarity to why the digestive system is highly underrated. Have an excellent day and if you spot something I've missed, let me know on Twitter at @earleyedition.

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