Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has dismissed Pauline Hanson’s decision to bar the Guardian, the Age, and the ABC from a One Nation press conference, branding the move a display of political cowardice. “Pauline Hanson is showing herself to be a political coward by hiding from certain media because she doesn’t like questions from journalists, and this is a very very bad start to any political campaign,” Hanson-Young told a press conference at Parliament House. The excluded reporters were never given the time or location of the event, where One Nation announced its Victorian state election candidates. Hanson defended the ban, saying, “I’m not putting up with the spin, gotcha moments, wanting to have a go at me … [and] treat us totally different to what you do the other major political parties. Enough is enough.” The Guardian responded with a statement: “Holding public figures to account is the role of a free press and an essential part of the democratic process. It is disappointing that One Nation continues to prevent the Guardian and other news outlets from reporting on its press conferences.”

Meanwhile, News Corp’s Australian chair, Michael Miller, expressed displeasure over government changes to the News Bargaining Incentive, claiming they “gut the incentive for tech platforms to strike fair deals with Australian media.” The Coalition echoed the sentiment, with shadow communications minister Sarah Henderson and shadow assistant treasurer Kevin Hogan warning the changes would “short-change” Australian media and let big tech “off the hook.” They noted the increased charge rate of 2.5% but estimated billions in tech revenues would escape the scheme. The Coalition welcomed the inclusion of LinkedIn, previously exempted.

In other political news, the NSW Icac heard testimony from Reformers witness Robert Assaf, who admitted to meetings with Jeremy Greenwood after receiving a summons, during which they left phones and laptops behind to avoid detection. Assaf acknowledged discussing potential evidence vulnerabilities, a possible breach of section 114 of the Icac Act, which carries up to 12 months imprisonment.

On the environmental front, Victoria confirmed seven H5 bird flu cases in crested terns - five in Portland and two in Nelson - following a cluster of dead and sick birds near the Glenelg River estuary. Chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke noted the event is consistent with preparations for H5 bird flu becoming established in wildlife. Environment minister Murray Watt warned, “This is the beginning of what is likely to be a long, difficult journey in terms of the impacts on wildlife.” CSIRO tests confirmed Australia’s first mass mortality event from the disease, with 49 dead and 35 unwell terns in South Australia.

In lighter news, two major David Hockney exhibitions will open in Australia later this year, months after the artist’s death at 88. The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra will host David Hockney: Portraits in Print from September to February, featuring over 60 works. Carriageworks in Sydney will stage David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) from October to January, an immersive exhibition with narration recorded by Hockney himself.

Finally, Australian shares dipped slightly, with the S&P/ASX200 falling 17.1 points (0.19%) to 8,959.7, as oil prices eased after US President Donald Trump backed away from a major attack on Iran. Brent crude dropped to US$83.81 a barrel, and the Australian dollar held at 70.34 US cents.