Did you know the first week of this month was the hottest week on record? That’s according to the World Meteorological Organisation.

And some scientists are saying July is on track to be the hottest month ever recorded. Over the past few weeks, there have been deadly heatwaves across the northern hemisphere.

On today’s podcast, we interview climate scientist Associate Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick about what’s led to these conditions and whether Australia will experience similar heatwaves next summer.

The quote
"Police will now have the powers to stop people, search them and destroy weapons they may be carrying. And if someone uses that weapon in a violent crime, it’s going to be even harder to get bail." – Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, announcing the government's plan to introduce new laws that will allow NT police to use handheld scanners to detect knives and other weapons.

The stat
$900,000
The salary of Kathryn Campbell, who resigned from her role with the Department of Defence yesterday. Campbell was associated with the illegal Robodebt scheme and was suspended without pay last week.

Today in history
1978: The first baby to be conceived via IVF was born. The birth of Louise Joy Brown in Manchester, England, marked a major milestone for fertility and science.

Some headlines from this morning:

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‘Barbie' has made box office history after earning $US155 million in its opening weekend, making it the biggest-ever film release by a female filmmaker in the North American market.

It also broke the same record in Australia, making $21.5 million in its opening weekend here.

U.S. actor and filmmaker Greta Gerwig directed the film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

It has surpassed the number of tickets sold for Christopher Nolan's historical drama 'Oppenheimer', released to audiences on the same day.

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Casual employees who work consistent hours could have the option to become permanent employees under a new Government proposal.

The changes would give eligible workers access to paid leave and other entitlements typically reserved for permanent employees.

Employment Minister Tony Burke says the change would provide "security" for casuals who want it.

Background:
Just over a fifth of all workers in Australia (roughly 2.5 million people) are casual employees. Casuals are most common in retail, hospitality, agriculture and the arts industries.

Most are young, and many balance part-time work with study. However, a third of casuals work full-time hours.

Casuals often get an extra pay 'loading' (e.g. 25%) to compensate for their lack of job security and entitlements.

However, casuals overall are still paid $3-$4 less per hour than permanent employees with similar skills.

Definition debate:
Until recently, Australia did not have a legal definition of casual employment. However, in two recent court cases, judges ruled that two employees who had consistent work arrangements could not be considered casual and were entitled to paid leave.

This prompted the Morrison Government to create a legal definition in 2021. It effectively defined casual work as anything the employer and employee agreed to call casual.

At the same time, the Morrison Government required employers to offer permanent status to a casual after 12 months if they met certain criteria (such as consistent work).

However, employers could avoid this requirement if they had "reasonable grounds", which has meant few people have transitioned to permanent employment in practice.

The changes:
Employment Minister Tony Burke has announced the Government will legislate a new definition of casual employment, which will focus on the nature of the work (e.g. whether it is consistent).

Casuals who meet the definition could then apply to become permanent.

"No casual will be forced to become a permanent employee. But for those who desperately want security – and are being rostered as though they were permanent – for the first time job security will be in sight," Burke said.

Reactions:
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has welcomed the Government's plans, which it says will ensure greater security for casuals. Earlier this year ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said "too many casuals are casual in name only... denying workers both pay and rights”.

However, the Australian Industry Group, which represents employers, says employers will be "alarmed" at what it called a "radical" proposal and said "the real risk is that employees will be laid off".

Opposition:
The Opposition has accused the Government of "deliberately creating significant uncertainty for both businesses and casual workers”.

Shadow Employment Minister Michaelia Cash claimed the Government's proposal would encourage businesses to give casuals fewer hours.

"Labor primarily opposes casual work because they find it more difficult to unionise this workforce," Cash told TDA.

Get all the news you need to know today in your ears on The Daily Aus podcast!

Two 13-year-old skateboarders from the Gold Coast have won gold medals at the X Games.

Chloe Covell (pictured) won the women’s street competition, and Arisa Trew claimed the women’s vert title.

Feeling the winter social slump? You're not alone. In a recent survey of young adults (18-25), 72% struggle to socially connect in winter. However, it's important to remember that staying socially active is just as crucial as being physically active for a healthy life.

With VicHealth's Reality Check initiative, we're here to remind you (and ourselves at TDA) to prioritise face-to-face moments. Joining a local sports team or scheduling regular dinners with your friends can break up the day-to-day routine and make a real difference. It may sound simple, but you might be surprised by the impact it can have on your overall well-being!

In news you really can’t script, New Zealand’s Justice Minister has had to resign for… refusing to accompany a police officer after a car crash.

Kiri Allan was charged with reckless driving and refusing to accompany a police officer after she was in a car crash on Sunday in Wellington, New Zealand, according to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. She was detained at the local police station but released four hours later.

Allan will remain a member of Parliament.