Immigration detention security failures revealed; alarm over ‘prediction market’ bets; Spurs secure survival

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Good morning. This morning we reveal how a series of catastrophic security failures involving the US private prison company running Australia’s immigration detention centres has allowed the escape of high-risk detainees, caused ill-equipped staff to be injured and triggered multiple investigations, one of which warned its “minimalist staffing model” was putting workers and detainees at risk.

Elsewhere, the US and Iran appear to be edging towards ending their war – but Donald Trump is facing backlash from hawks within Republican ranks.

‘Clock is ticking’ | A key architect of the National Anti-Corruption Commission is urging Labor to use a deputy commissioner’s vacancy as a means to restore public confidence in the watchdog.

Exclusive | Critics say a “minimalist staffing model” used by MTC, the US private prison company running Australia’s immigration detention centres, is putting detainees and staff in serious danger.

‘We’re concerned’ | US-based “prediction market” websites are taking tens of thousands of dollars in bets on Australian elections, sparking alarm from gambling harm advocates.

Shark attack | A 39-year-old man has died after a shark attack on the Great Barrier Reef, south of Cairns, reportedly while on a fishing trip at Kennedy Shoal.

Flocking to Vietnam | The number of Australians taking short trips to Vietnam has more than doubled since 2016, as holidaymakers seek “premium experiences at mid-range prices” close to home.