What we learned today – Friday 9 May
That’s where we’ll leave the blog for today. Thanks for reading our coverage of a big week of news following the federal election. Have a great weekend. Here were today’s top stories:
The Liberal leadership race was firming as a contest between the deputy leader, Sussan Ley, and the shadow treasurer, Angus Taylor, after Dan Tehan ruled himself out. Nationals senator Matt Canavan launched his own leadership challenge against David Littleproud.
Speculation swirled over the re-elected Albanese government’s new ministry, with suggestions the communications minister, Michelle Rowland, could replace Mark Dreyfus as attorney general in Labor’s second-term cabinet and Mark Butler and Jason Clare face moves to new portfolios.
Flood water surged into Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in what could be the most significant top-up in a generation.
Erin Patterson’s triple murder trial continued, with the court hearing her children ate the leftovers of her beef wellington lunch after their mother and relatives fell ill eating the same meal the previous day.
A 26-year-old man was due to face court charged with domestic violence-related manslaughter over the death of a baby in regional New South Wales.
The independent MP Zoe Daniel was yet to concede defeat in the seat of Goldstein despite Liberal Tim Wilson claiming victory a few days earlier. On social media, Daniel asked people to “respect the process and the voters” in her electorate by waiting for a “definitive” result.
In other political news, former Liberal MP Gladys Liu demanded a “heartfelt apology” from Senator Jane Hume over her remarks claiming “Chinese spies” could be handing out pamphlets for Labor at voting booths
Updated
Tech Council says Husic a ‘champion of technology’ after cabinet removal
The chair of the Tech Council of Australia (TCA), Scott Farquhar, has released a statement following the government’s decision to dump the industry and science minister, Ed Husic, from the federal cabinet.
Faruqhar said Husic had been a “champion of technology” even before he took on the the portfolio, adding:
He recognises the importance of it to Australia, and he has been a solid and consistent advocate for innovation and development of the local industry.
The national reconstruction fund will stand as an important legacy for the industry.
We look forward to continuing momentum with the government in progressing flagship policies, including our shared goal of 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030, and on industry and government collaboration on research and development, digital infrastructure and tech adoption to support the productivity agenda.
Faruqar said the TCA expected the new cabinet and wider ministry would continue to “reflect the priorities of Australians and of industry”.
He said the council would support a minister dedicated to the digital economy, “given its importance to our economy and productivity” to “continue to momentum in this space” and “demonstrate Australia is serious about innovation”.
Updated
