Your noon Briefing: Aim for ‘united front’ of independents

Your 2-minute digest of the day’s top stories and a long read for lunchtime.

Hello readers.

Barrister and former world champion skier Zali Steggall speaks during a press conference in Balgowlah, Sydney, Sunday, January 27, 2019. Steggall announced she will contest Tony Abbott's Sydney seat of Warringah as an independent in the federal election. (AAP Image/Luke Costin) NO ARCHIVING

United front

Zali Steggall wants to form a “united front” with other independent candidates vying to knock off Tony Abbott in his seat.

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Eric Lobbecke OPED cartoon for 28-01-19Version: Ozoped Artwork (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.

Dark ages

Richard Di Natale’s call to Victorians to toughen up in the face of threats to household power shows he recognises the severity of the energy crisis, writes Nick Cater.

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26 January 2019 Townsville, Qld - Daniel Di Bella on Townsville's Castle Hill with partner Kaylene Bradd and children (from left) Chloe Bradd, 9, Ethan Bradd, 4 and Charlotte Di Bella, 7 - Photo: Cameron Laird (Ph: 0418 238811 - [e-mail])

Palmer falls flat

Clive Palmer’s record political advertising blitz has fallen flat, with Newspoll showing his party is running next to last in his seat.

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**NO BYLINE PLEASE**26/01/2019: Punters dancing at the Electric Garden festival in Centennial Park on Saturday. The Australian

The long read: Dancing with the Devil

Drugs such as ecstasy have become commonplace in Australia’s dance raves, and authorities are still seeking to find a solution. Jessica Cortis and Andrew Burrell have the story.