Morning Mail: Gas export controls, Trump's 'biggest tax cuts in history', Isis faces exodus of foreign fighters

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Guardian Australia's Morning Mail Thursday 27 April 2017 g Australian Olympic Committee bullying investigation Good morning, and welcome to the Morning Mail. Among the stories leading our website this morning: Mike Tancred, the Australian Olympic Committee's long-time media director, has stepped down from his position while an independent committee looks into claims of bullying within the organisation. On Tuesday, AOC president John Coates said he was the victim of a vindictive campaign to oust him as president, and denied claims of bullying in the AOC. A crisis executive meeting was called for Wednesday night to discuss the accusations, but before the executive sat, the AOC announced Tancred had temporarily relinquished his post. Keep reading for the rest of the top stories this morning, with more news from around Australia and the world.

Headlines Australia to impose gas export controls if domestic shortage hits The prime minister says gas producers failed to give him concrete guarantees on domestic supply and he is acting on the advice of the energy regulator Isis faces exodus of foreign fighters as its 'caliphate' crumbles Exclusive: Two Britons and one US citizen are among dozens who have surrendered or been caught at Turkish border Rental affordability at crisis point for low-income families Ahead of the budget, Anglicare report highlights inadequacy of Newstart and desperation of those on welfare and minimum wage Trump's 'huge tax cut for the rich' would slash taxes for businesses and wealthy Administration officials were short on details of the plan that, if passed, would be the largest overhaul of the US tax system since the Reagan era WestConnex design flaws breach planning standards, surveyor says Expert whose property lies in project's path says pedestrian safety has been overlooked in road widening, but NSW government says checks are being made Australian news and politics Rent virtually unaffordable for those on low incomes or welfare, survey finds Anglicare Australia wants budget to relieve 'poverty trap' created by low support payments and soaring rents Former NT corrections chief says he didn't know if using restraint chair was lawful Ken Middlebrook defends not knowing key details about detainees held for up to 17 days in isolation at royal commission Scott Morrison says Coalition's policies 'already having an impact' on housing market Treasurer tempers expectations of housing reform package and announces overhaul on reporting of government debt Tony Abbott says Australia should make greater commitment to fighting 'evil caliphate' Former PM pre-empts Malcolm Turnbull's first meeting with Donald Trump by suggesting more help for US in Middle East Gold Coast police urging victims to drop complaints to improve crime statistics Queensland government report finds an unhealthy focus on achieving performance targets over quality data Deborah Thomas steps down as Ardent Leisure CEO months after Dreamworld deaths Thomas to become Ardent's chief customer officer and chief operating officer for Australasia, overseeing the recovery of the troubled theme park Paul Keating says Australia's sycophancy to US damaging its own interests Former Labor prime minister says there should be greater independence within alliance and South China Sea 'is not our fight' Around the world Marine Le Pen springs surprise visit on Macron during picket line campaign trip Presidential frontrunner was meeting with striking factory workers but far-right candidate rushed to her heartlands to try to show up rival DNA-based test can spot cancer recurrence a year before conventional scans 'Liquid biopsy' diagnosed cancer recurrence up to a year before conventional scans in major lung cancer trial, and could buy crucial time for doctors US commander not confident North Korea will refrain from nuclear assault Adm Harry Harris testifies before House, indicating a preference for a US show of military force in order to deter North Korea from launching a devastating assault Assad forces carried out sarin attack, says French intelligence French foreign minister says method of 4 April chemical attack bore 'signature of the regime' and points to Syrian responsibility Orbán on offensive after EU takes legal action over Soros university PM in truculent mood as he rejects claims Hungary's education laws designed to close institution founded by US billionaire

One last thing Flat-pack fashion: Ikea takes swipe at Balenciaga's $2,150 shopping bagSwedish furniture giant issues a guide to identifying a genuine Frakta bag after influential fashion house launches uncannily similar tote. Have an excellent day and if you spot something I've missed, let me know on Twitter at @earleyedition.

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