What we learned: Sunday, 2 March
And, that’s a wrap of our live news blog, this first Sunday of Autumn. Here’s what’s been keeping us busy today:
The SES has warned the New South Wales Northern Rivers region and mid-north coast should be on alert for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, while the Queensland premier says it could hit a “broad area” of that state. The Bureau of Meteorology warned of flooding and coastal inundation.
The Coalition has pledged $3bn for fighter jets to combat ADF “readiness crisis” – a move that was criticised by some.
Fatima Payman has announced an ex-Greens candidate as her party’s first election hopeful.
There were high spirits after Sydney’s Mardi Gras, which called for greater protection of trans kids.
A navy ship is bound for the Coral Sea after a Lithuanian man rowing from San Diego to Brisbane got into trouble.
Mark Butler said the Labor government’s urgent care clinics program – of which an expansion was announced overnight – was on the Coalition’s “chopping block”.
The PM called Zelenskyy a “hero” and vowed to give Ukraine Australia’s “unconditional” support.
As ever, thank you for your company – we’ll be back bright and early tomorrow morning.
Updated
SES warns NSW Northern Rivers region and mid-north coast should be on alert for Tropical Cyclone Alfred
The SES has also warned the NSW Northern Rivers region and mid-north coast to be on alert for updates on Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The region has been told there could be damaging winds, large surf, heavy rainfall and flash flooding.
The SES said in a statement that major riverine flooding and flash flooding were possible along the Northern Rivers and mid-north coast from Wednesday through at least the weekend.
NSW SES assistant commissioner Dean Storey said now was the time for residents to prepare.
The impacts of the cyclone may be felt from Tuesday with damaging winds, large powerful surf, coastal erosion, followed by intense and heavy rainfall from Wednesday onwards.
The SES said:
If major flooding occurs, people may be asked to evacuate their homes. We are asking the community to take steps now to ensure that if you are asked to evacuate, you have a plan for yourselves, your families and your pets and know where you will go.
Updated
