Your noon Briefing

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

Hello readers. Here is your noon round-up of today’s top stories so far and a long read for lunchtime.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland speaks during a Cricket Australia announcement at the Victorian Cricket and Community Centre on June 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Cricket chief to go

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has given notice of his intention to step down. The cricket boss appeared at a press conference this morning saying it was time to move on and that he had given 12 months notice.

“After nearly 20 years at Cricket Australia, the time is right. I feel very comfortable that this is the right time for me and a good time for the game.”

James Sutherland

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Tony Windsor, Not too disapointed with post election defeat at The Longyard Hotel Tamworth. Pic: Marlon Dalton

‘More to come’

Barnaby Joyce’s long-time rival Tony Windsor says the “whole story” about the embattled former deputy prime minister “hasn’t come out yet”, refusing to rule out running against Mr Joyce in his seat of New England.

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Clive Palmer being interviewed by Leigh Sales

Make nickel great again

Clive Palmer wants his critics to “forget about politics” and allow him to reopen his north Queensland nickel refinery under a new company, despite liquidators suing the businessman to claw back millions following the facility’s 2016 shutdown.

“It is time for all sides to forget about politics and to support the Queensland company that owns the refinery and is debt free to open and operate for the benefit of Townsville and the nation.”

Clive Palmer

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Senator Lucy Gichuhi (right) with (clockwise from top left) Cory Bernardi, Brian Burston, Tim Storer and Fraser Anning.

Banana Republic

You don’t have to think Italy to find a failure of the system. In the 117 years of the Australian parliament there is no precedent for the chaos in our Senate, writes Paul Kelly.

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Surgical team performing operation in hospital operating room. Medical team with patient on operating table with surgical lights above. Istock

The long read: Health policy in intensive care

To look at it, Australia’s health system is, for the most part, healthy, writes Sean Parnell. Our practitioners are among the most talented and well-regarded; our hospitals are kept to a high standard; public and universal ­access has served us well; and Medicare remains a trusted brand. But partisan politicking, ruthless lobbying and a deadly combination of ignorance and misinformation are making things a whole lot worse for everyone.

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Comment of the day

“Vexatious litigants leading to the end of free speech?”

Suzanne, in response to ‘Fears for free speech as Kruger vilification case listed’.