“SO, at what point did you think you were such a big deal that you should write a book?”

That was my first question for Sam and Zara, TDA’s co-founders, when I interviewed them for this morning’s podcast about their new book, ‘No Silly Questions’.

I wanted to ask them all the questions we’ve been getting about the book – including, what is it actually about? – but also how they’ve managed to keep growing The Daily Aus as a successful business, while also keeping enough head space free to write creatively and accurately.

I told them I only wanted to interview them if they agreed to be honest about the process, and they did not disappoint!

You can listen here. And if you like what you hear, you can pre-order here!

The quote
"The ABS is aware that for some respondents, the absence of questions on their gender identity, variations of sex characteristics or sexual orientation meant that they felt invisible and excluded when completing the Census." – The Australian Bureau of Statistics has published a 'statement of regret' following complaints over the 2021 Census.

The stat
55%
The percentage of New Zealanders struggling financially, according to new research from the government’s Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission.

Today in history
1977: Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, died.

Some headlines from this morning:

The four Australians who were missing off the west coast of Indonesia were found alive yesterday.

Their names are Elliot Foote, Steph Weisse, Will Teagle and Jordan Short.

The Australians were in a wooden boat off the coast of Indonesia's Aceh province when they hit bad weather and went missing.

Media cameras were with the father of one of the missing Australians when he received the text from his son, Elliot, that he was alive.

“Hey Dad, Elliot here. I’m alive. Safe now. Love you. Chat later,” it read.

“He’s probably going out for a surf this afternoon,” Peter Foote said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of a "stunt" over his calls for a public holiday if the Matildas win the Women's World Cup.

Dutton has instead suggested funding upgrades for community sport facilities, with a focus on facilities for women and girls.

Dutton says this would be a "lasting legacy" for the recent success of Australian women in sport.

The public holiday:
Albanese first endorsed the idea of a public holiday back in June, in response to a question from TDA. He said the decision would be "up to each state and territory" but predicted there would be "a race" to declare one.

Last week, speaking on Melbourne's 101.9 The Fox, the PM said he'd encourage state and territory leaders to pursue the idea at this week's National Cabinet.

In the days since, Albanese has emphasised the decision lies with the state and territories.

Response:
So far, NSW Premier Chris Minns is the only state or territory leader to have publicly agreed to the idea.

Business groups have voiced concerns about the cost of a potential public holiday, including penalty rates.

On Sunday, Nationals leader David Littleproud said he didn't want to be called "Captain Killjoy" but he opposed the idea because of the cost.

Dutton alternative:
Yesterday morning, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton announced the Liberal Party was against the public holiday idea. He accused Albanese of trying "to make the Matildas' success all about him".

Instead, Dutton and Shadow Sports Minister Anne Ruston announced the Coalition would provide $250 million to upgrade community sports facilities, if it won the next election.

The funding would not be specific to women and girls, but Dutton and Ruston highlighted the lack of female toilets and change rooms at sports facilities across the country.

Dutton and Ruston said this would leave a "legacy" for the success of the Matildas, as well as the Netball World Cup-winning Diamonds, and the women's cricket team, who recently retained the Ashes.

The plan is not dependent on where the Matildas finish in the World Cup.

Previous controversy:
The Coalition funded a community sports upgrade program when it was last in government.

That program, which had an explicit focus on women’s facilities, was heavily criticised by the independent government auditor, which found funding was allocated politically.

As mentioned above, today's podcast is a little different. I interviewed TDA's co-founders Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski about their new book, 'No Silly Questions.' Listen here!

Over 100,000 free period product packs have been handed out to students at Queensland public schools.

The first period product vending machines were installed at schools last year. Each pack contains six tampons and two pads.

Are you looking for a GP, hospital, dentist, or any other health service?

We want to introduce you to the healthdirect Service Finder, the user-friendly online tool that efficiently connects you to nearby healthcare services. Filter by after-hours care, or bulk billing options - whatever it takes to find the right healthcare service option for you, hassle-free.

You didn’t think I’d forgotten the Wednesday riddle did you?

The intro was a little busy, so here we are instead.

Today’s riddle: Is it correct to say “the yolk of eggs is white” or “the yolk of eggs are white”?

Answer below!
* *
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Answer: Neither, the yolk of eggs is yellow.

If you want your friends to wake up with us too, forward this email to them or send them your unique link: {{rp_refer_url}}

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here (it’s free!)