Your noon Briefing: US shows off power in South China Sea

Welcome to your noon digest of what’s been making news and what to watch for.

Hello readers. Here is your noon digest of today’s top stories and a long read for lunchtime.

This US Navy photo obtained July 27, 2016 shows the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63)as it conducts a firing exercise of the MK 45/5-inch lightweight gun at a surface target during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore on July 26, 2016 in the South China Sea. CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises between the US Navy, US Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. / AFP PHOTO / Navy Media Content Operations (N / MC1 John PEARL / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / US NAVY/MC1 JOHN PEARL" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Show of power

US warships and aircraft are preparing for a series of missions in the South China Sea as Washington raises the stakes in its stand-off with Beijing over Chinese attempts to dominate one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. The missions could be launched over a few days next month, CNN reported, citing a classified proposal drawn up by the US navy’s Pacific Fleet. US ships frequently carry out patrols and exercises in this region.

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Atlassian's head of diversity Aubrey Blanche. Source: Supplied.

Atlassian dumps diversity

Software giant Atlassian has dumped diversity from its corporate lingo, saying it intends to move towards a workforce defined by more than gender and race. The company yesterday said it was moving “beyond diversity” to build balanced teams where all workers felt a sense of belonging.

“It’s not about how many people of a specific demographic are represented … it’s about balancing perspectives across teams.”

Atlassian statement

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Young sensual businesswoman, or famous fashion model, leaving private jet airplane upon arrival at travel destination. She is wearing a skirt, high heels, black top without sleeves, sunglasses and holding a purse.

Time lords

The very rich do not fly like you and me. You might think of private jets as the sleek, chic and salaciously expensive playthings of the über-mega-rich, but they’re actually much more than that. According to Mick Doohan — living legend of motorcycle racing, five-time world champion and these days the man you need to talk to in Australia if you want to buy, borrow or sell a personal aircraft — they are also something Dr Who would appreciate.

“It’s a time machine, basically ... it’s the freedom to fly on your schedule and to save time with things like check-in, and the simple fact that you’re not waiting for the aircraft, the aircraft is waiting for you.”

Mick Doohan

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left) and Steve Irons, MP for Swan are seen during a visit to Clontarf Aboriginal College in Perth on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright) NO ARCHIVING

The long read: One taxing dilemma

The proposed new GST system is not robbing Peter to pay Paul but some states see it that way. Andrew Burrell investigates.