Your morning Briefing:

Your 2-minute digest of today’s top stories and must-reads.

Hello readers. Border patrol has intercepted a third boat full of asylum-seekers trying to get to Australia, and in parliament, the bird is the word for Albo.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton reacts during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, 22 July, 2019. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Boat intercepted

An Australian offshore border ­patrol has intercepted a group of asylum-seekers trying to reach the mainland by boat.

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WA Senator Linda Reynolds will be sworn in as Australia's next defence minister this week, becoming only the second woman to hold the portfolio. Picture Gary Ramage

Pacific force

Australia is forming a new expeditionary training force to work with key Pacific neighbours.

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Swimmer Mack Horton (left) is seen celebrating with team mates after being named in the Australian Team to compete at the World Swimming Championships in South Korea after the finish of the World Swimming Trials at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in Brisbane, Friday, June 14, 2019. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Horton warned

The International Swimming Federation has issued a formal warning letter to Australian Mack Horton in the wake of his protest at the 400m freestyle medal ceremony, which Wayne Smith suggests made a hell of a splash out of the pool.

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Super is for unions

Despite waves of reforms, efficiency is stalled and the gravy train gets longer, writes Adam Creighton.

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***** warning *** Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese adjusts his glasses during Question Time in the House of Representatives Chamber, at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Bird noises

Labor has ditched the zingers in a new Question Time tactic, as Albo decides to take the pith. Alice Workman takes you inside parliament in The Sketch. And keep up with the latest in our live blog, PoliticsNow.

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Kudelka’s view

Jon Kudelka Letters Cartoon for 23-07-2019. Version: Letters Cartoon (1280x720 - Aspect ratio preserved, Canvas added)COPYRIGHT: The Australian's artists each have different copyright agreements in place regarding re-use of their work in other publications.Please seek advice from the artists themselves or the Managing Editor of The Australian regarding re-use.