Neil Prakash says he's sorry for becoming an Islamic State recruiter

It's easier to find a job, but don't expect a pay rise anytime soon. Plus John Howard is yet again sticking his oar into the marriage equality debate. It's the news you need to know, by Max Chalmers.

EASIER TO FIND WORK, BETTER TO BUY A HOME

It’s easier to find a job than it has been at any time since 2012, according to new data from the ABS, which reveals there were 3.4 unemployed Australians for every job vacancy in August. The situation is best for those living in Canberra and worst for Tasmanians, where the number rises to 6.4.

Despite the improved situation, wage growth remains slow, with Treasury analysis scooped by The Australian revealing that over the past five years nine out of every 10 workers have experienced wage growth of 4% or less. And in case it wasn’t already apparent, there is further evidence that housing is becoming an increasingly important influencer of wealth, with CoreLogic research revealing nearly half of Sydney and Melbourne homeowners have seen their homes double in value since they were purchased.

As noted in various papers today, there are concerns that Donald Trump‘s plan to cut the US’s corporate tax from 35% to 20% could have a negative knock-on effect on Australia. Given Trump’s record on shepherding legislation through the US Congress to date, however, it’s probably a little premature.

HERE’S JOHNNY

Former Prime Minister John Howard will feature in a series of newspaper advertisements warning that a Yes vote on marriage equality will harm religious liberty. Howard’s growing intervention marks the first time since leaving public office he has joined a public campaign, and it comes at a bizarre moment in the debate.

Yesterday, current captain of Team Australia Malcolm Turnbull defended US rapper Macklemore‘s right to play at the NRL Grand Final, after Tony Abbott appeared to back an effort to censor the pro-marriage equality performer. “I believe in free speech … let him play the song,” Turnbull said last night, backing Attorney-General George Brandis, who had earlier derided Abbott’s opposition to the gig.

The Yes campaign is more concerned about the ABS than the fate of the US rapper. The bureau has announced it will give a weekly update on the projected turnout for the marriage survey, leading Yes supporters like Liberal MP Dean Smith to warn the move could backfire and suppress turnout.

PRAKASH IS SORRY

In a confusing court appearance covered in News Corp papers today, 26-year-old Melbourne man Neil Prakash has apologised for causing trouble by becoming a major recruiter for the Islamic State terror group. Prakash faces trial in Turkey and has admitted to calling for attacks in Australia but tried to abrogate responsibility, saying he was a new Muslim who was misled.

The case has already been marked by miscommunications and translation errors, and the Australian government is reportedly resigned to the fact Prakash will have to serve his time in Turkey before being extradited.

“While I was [in Syria and Iraq], I learned to learn knowledge for myself and when I learned the truth I tried to leave,” he told the Turkish court via video link. “It is something I think about all the time.”

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WHAT’S ON TODAY

London: Earlier this morning, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton told an international conference that tough border policies had boosted support for migration in Australia. Just hours earlier he attacked the people being transferred from Australia’s offshore detention centres to the United States as “economic refugees”.

Perth: Former Australian Workers Union offical Ralph Blewitt is expected to enter plea on charges of embezzling $400,000.

Adelaide: Staff and students at Craigburn Primary will wear dresses to school to raise money for women’s education charities. The event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars after being criticised by Senator Cory Bernardi.

Sydney: The son of jailed former NSW Labor minister Eddie Obeid will appear in court. Moses Obeid is alleged to have given false evidence to the state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Sydney: Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen will make a major address at the Asia Society.

Brisbane: Former PM Paul Keating will deliver the Hayden Oration.

THE COMMENTARIAT

Facts torpedoed in ‘analysis’ of the Future Submarines program — Christopher Pyne (The Australian $): “The so called “analysis” of our Future Submarine Program released this week is nothing more than a hatchet job on an important national endeavour, instigated by armchair critics living in Sydney with no understanding of the tender process involved.”

Tony Abbott Duracell bunny hoppy to take a stand — Sharri Markson (The Daily Telegraph $): “Since a group of Liberal MPs moved during the winter parliamentary break to force gay marriage onto the top of the political agenda, the Right have been determined to challenge them in preselection battles.”

CRIKEY QUICKIE: THE BEST OF YESTERDAY

Abbott reckons Yes voters are the real bigots and thugs. The evidence suggests otherwise. — Charlie Lewis: “September 26: Brisbane woman Olivia Williams reports that her house — currently adorned in rainbow flags — has been pelted with rocks, breaking a window, and that a man had yelled homophobic slurs from her garden.”

I’m not taking the bait on marriage equality anymore — Derryn Hinch: “I know this sounds like a politician being a politician, but this brand new world of mine has proven to be a lot more work than I thought. In addition to sitting weeks, there are marathon weeks (9am-11pm) of estimates committee hearings where ministers and public servants get grilled about money matters — and anything else that gets under the bonnet of people like Senator Doug Cameron.”

Indonesia on notice: West Papuans still want independence — Damien Kingsbury: “Despite the reforms that have been seen elsewhere in Indonesia, West Papua remains marked by the impunity from justice that characterised Indonesia’s often brutal Suharto era. Last year alone, more than 5300 West Papuans were arrested on charges related to peaceful political protest.”