No gas tax, search for missing NT girl + why Rebel Wilson is in court

The Australian government has officially scrapped plans for a new gas tax in the upcoming federal budget, a decision that has sparked fierce backlash from climate advocates and voters who see it as a betrayal of public sentiment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the move during a breakfast hosted by the mining industry in WA, citing the need to protect existing gas export contracts amid global energy instability. Despite 72% of Australians supporting a 25% export tax, critics including Senator David Pocock argue the door remains open for the tax to return later, especially as public trust in government erodes over perceived alignment with multinational corporations. Meanwhile, a desperate search continues for five-year-old Sharon Granitz, abducted from her home in Alice Springs, with police suspecting a recently released prisoner and urging the public to come forward. The case has united communities across the Northern Territory and beyond in a heart-wrenching effort to find the child alive. In a separate high-profile legal drama, Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson is on trial for defamation after accusing co-star Charlotte McInnes of fabricating a sexual harassment claim. Wilson denies lying, claiming she acted in good faith, but her credibility has been challenged over missing WhatsApp messages and allegations that the case is funded by Warner Music’s Len Blavatnik.