The day that was, Sunday 2 April
That’s where we will wrap up the live blog for Sunday.
Here’s what made the news today:
In the wake of Labor’s historic byelection win in the Victorian seat of Aston, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese praised incoming MP Mary Doyle for winning a seat from the opposition for the first time in 100 years.
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, said he accepts responsibility for the loss, but will remain the leader. He said the party will need to examine its policies as part of the rebuilding process before the next election.
The Victorian premier Daniel Andrews labelled the Liberal party a “nasty, bigoted outfit” focused on their own “insipid, nasty little version of bigotry” following the Aston loss. He said the party had been too focused on the persecution of trans people and not on the cost of living.
Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto said it is necessary for the party to become a “broad, welcoming and inclusive voice” and the rebuild starts today.
Andrews also held a lengthy press conference where he defended his visit to China last week without media accompanying him. He said it was a successful trip to a country that holds a significant relationship with Victoria.
Independent MP Zali Steggall, who supports an Indigenous voice to parliament, says she could benefit from the voice offering independent advice to parliamentarians on legislation affecting Indigenous communities.
Adelaide’s train and tram services will return to public hands after the South Australian government signed a deal to transition them back to state ownership.
Thanks for following along. We’ll be back on Monday with all the latest. Until then, I hope you have a good evening.
Updated
Sydney’s Kings Cross on notice after police blitz
Five businesses were audited and dozens of people handed infringement notices in a police blitz of Sydney’s King Cross area.
AAP reports the police operation targeted antisocial behaviour, bikie gangs and organised crime, with officers patrolling the area between 8pm on Saturday and 3.30am on Sunday.
Police said they inspected 24 businesses and audited five licensed venues, handing out eight court attendance notices for outstanding warrants and drug and offensive behaviour offences.
Twelve people were moved on while 25 infringement notices were issued for traffic and parking offences.
“The message is clear,” Superintendent Jonathon Beard said:
We want people to come to Kings Cross and enjoy all that the area has to offer without worrying about any violent or antisocial behaviour.
These high-visibility operations are our way of letting the community know that we will not tolerate violence or criminal behaviour.
Kings Cross police would continue to conduct similar high-visibility proactive patrols in the area, Beard said.
Updated
