Australia had its hottest August on record and now a barely-there winter has crashed into a too-warm spring. And while Tasmania is experiencing floods, and Victoria severe winds, the abnormal heat in many parts of the country has prompted authorities to urge people to get ready for the pending bushfire season. Climate and environment reporter Graham Readfearn tells Reged Ahmad about the forces behind the unseasonable weather and the outlook for bushfires You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

At the Pacific Islands forum in Tonga, Australia’s prime minister was ‘caught on camera’ joking with a senior US official about the cost of a newly announced Pacific policing plan. At the same forum, there were diplomatic fireworks from China, which was upset about references to Taiwan in the communique, while the UN chief issued an ‘SOS’ on rising sea levels. Foreign affairs and defence correspondent Daniel Hurst speaks to Reged Ahmad about the drama of the Pacific Islands Forum

LGBTQ+ advocates were hopeful the 2026 census would include new questions on gender identity after the Labor party committed to do so. But last week news broke that the government ditched that plan. Then it backtracked days later to include one question after all. But many say the move doesn’t go far enough. Political reporter Amy Remeikis tells Nour Haydar why Labor is jumping at culture war shadows You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Whether it be our morning coffee or dining table or car loan, Australians are all making changes to their daily routine in response to rising expenses. Businesses such as coffee machine retailer Breville and the big two supermarkets are, consequently, doing very well. Premium furniture company Nick Scali, however, is reporting falling profits and car repossessions are slowly rising. So are these changes in spending a warning sign of an imminent recession? Tamsin Rose and senior business reporter Jonathan Barrett track a day in the life of a cost-of-living crisis

At the end of July, the TV news anchor turned rightwing politician Kari Lake won the Republican Senate primary in Arizona. She will face Democrat Ruben Gallego in November. So how will the Trump-inspired election denier do? Where does Kari Lake fit in with today’s Republican party? And will her presence help or hinder Trump in that all-important border swing state? Jonathan Freedland speaks to Elaine Godfrey of the Atlantic to find out more about the Senate hopeful. You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The Albanese government has seemingly walked back a promise to include questions on sexuality and gender diversity in the next census. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, justified Labor’s decision by saying they wanted to prevent a divisive debate in the community, but the decision was met with criticism from LGBTQ+ rights groups. So why is Labor shying away from this conversation? Bridie Jabour speaks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor, national news editor Josephine Tovey and head of news Mike Ticher about whether Labor risks losing voters if they don’t deliver on their promises

Australia’s birthrate is now below the level we need to replace the existing population. And across the developed world, governments have tried unsuccessfully to encourage people to have more children. Senior reporter Tory Shepherd talks to Nour Haydar about why the concern about a falling birthrate means we should rethink the pursuit of continued growth, and reduce the barriers to choices for women You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The Northern Territory election delivered an unmitigated disaster for Labor over the weekend, with the Country Liberal party sweeping to power on a promise to be tough on crime. Tamsin Rose speaks to Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton and Queensland state correspondent Ben Smee on how politicians from all sides are reading the results

Labor is resisting calls from a Senate inquiry and health experts for a total ban on gambling advertisements. Tamsin Rose speaks to Sydney mother Bronwyn, whose son started problem gambling at 17, and Guardian Australia’s medical editor Melissa Davey about why there is an urgent need for reform You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

A heated sitting fortnight has prompted fresh debate about the tone of parliamentary conduct, and why independents and women seem to cop it the worst. Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Dr Sophie Scamps call time on poor question time behaviour