What we learned: Monday 17 March
We will wrap up the live blog here for the night. Here’s what made the news today:
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said Donald Trump would “like” the Aukus defence pact because it’s “so bad” for Australia.
The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said the budget deficit announced in next week’s federal budget will be smaller than that inherited from the Coalition when Labor came into government.
Chalmers also said the government is committed to Aukus.
The Coalition will seek to introduce legislation next week to deregister the CFMEU, while the government has said the independent administrator of the union needs the resources to do his work, following new allegations about the CFMEU airing on Sunday.
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin will enter the inner circle of NSW premier Chris Minns’ government as part of a reshuffle sparked by a minister’s resignation over her use of a taxpayer-funded car.
The Coalition said Australians are paying more tax, due to bracket creep, and vowed to return more money to Australians through tax cuts if elected.
More than $11m in luxury assets – including a yacht, Rolex watches, Cartier jewellery and Brett Whiteley art – has been forfeited to the commonwealth as suspected proceeds of crime after an Australian federal police (AFP) investigation.
Members of the public are being urged to help track the extent of a fish kill in a region hit hard by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The new $5 note will celebrate First Nations’ connection to country, replacing the note with the late Queen Elizabeth II on it.
We’ll be back tomorrow with all the latest. Until then, enjoy your evening.
Man charged after pursuit in Sydney’s north-west
A 44-year-old man has been charged after a pursuit and crash into a police station in Sydney’s north-west.
Police allege the pursuit started after 12.10am this morning after officers attempted to stop a sedan being driven dangerously on the Great Western Highway near Colyton.
The sedan allegedly failed to stop, and continued to Railyway Parade, Rooty Hill, where road spikes were deployed. The pursuit allegedly continued through to Luxford Rd, Mount Druitt, where the vehicle allegedly crashed into a carpark gate at Mount Druitt police station.
The driver was arrested after being Tasered by police. Police will allege the sedan was stolen from St Mary’s. After being released from hospital, the man was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly, not comply with direction given by police officer, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (motor vehicle), and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.
He was refused bail to appear before Mt Druitt local court today.
Updated
