Updated July 3, 2026 — 10:15am,first published July 3, 2026 — 9:32am10.15amPremier WA tourism destination ‘under threat of desecration’, court documents claimBy An application has been made to the federal court calling for the “long-term preservation and protection” of one of Western Australia’s top tourism destinations. The Rottnest Island Deaths Group Aboriginal Corporation filed their application on Thursday, claiming that the tourism hotspot was “under threat of injury or desecration”, pointing to the island’s history as a prison camp for Aboriginal inmates.The Basin beach on Rottnest Island.AlamyThat dark history was recently thrust into the spotlight with the discovery of more remains that were later determined to belong to an Aboriginal person. In particular, the application highlighted concerns surrounding the redevelopment of Lodge Wadjemup and the risks it posed to culturally significant areas and infrastructure. 9.31amEagles optimistic AFL career not over for key backBy Justin ChadwickWest Coast coach Andrew McQualter remains optimistic Harry Edwards still has a long AFL career ahead of him, despite the key defender being placed in a specialist concussion program.Edwards fronted the AFL’s concussion panel last week in Melbourne after suffering three concussions already this year.Maurice Rioli of the Tigers smothers the kick by Harry Edwards of the Eagles during the round 19 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers.Getty ImagesThe 25-year-old has now been ruled out for the rest of the season, but importantly, he has been given hope he can resume his 57-game career next year.Edwards will undergo a three-month concussion program before being reassessed.9.31amAcross the nation and around the worldBy Here’s what’s making headlines today:Australia’s biggest gas producers are poised to cash in on an expected $18 billion revenue surge over the next year due to the fallout from the Iran war, intensifying calls for the government to levy a 25 per cent tax on their exports.A gas platform off the coast of Western Australia.Privacy and free speech advocates fear Australians could be forced to verify their identities to use social media under the Albanese government’s proposed overhaul of online safety laws, which would require technology companies to identify and minimise harms across their services.Rescuers pulled a 43-year-old security guard alive from a collapsed basement early on Thursday, ending a gruelling, days-long operation that became a symbol of hope after the devastation of twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela eight days earlier.Police have arrested 57 suspects in an international operation to stop drug-facilitated sexual assault amid a landmark decision in a British court to name a dozen men who allegedly conspired to drug and abuse a woman in her home.TPG Capital decided to retain Joel Thickins as partner and co-head of Asia following his guilty plea stemming from an alcohol-related crash while driving in Sydney and an internal review into a series of allegations.Matildas captain Sam Kerr has criticised the uncertainty facing Central Coast’s women’s team and a lack of investment in the A-League Women just three years after Australia hosted the Women’s World Cup.9.31amToday’s weatherBy 9.31amGood morning WABy Good morning all, and welcome to the live blog for Friday, July 3. Making headlines, two of WA’s biggest property entrepreneurs have launched legal action against the accounting firm responsible for managing their wealth over allegations of professional negligence which led to major tax liabilities.Multiple writs filed to the WA Supreme Court on June 26 allege HLB Mann Judd and its corporate entities were responsible for the mismanagement of the family trusts of both Dale Alcock and Garry Brown-Neaves.Read more about the stoush here. Two big names in the WA property scene: Dale Alcock and Garry Brown-Neaves.AFR/ Brown-Neaves Investments1 of 1