What we learned this Friday 23 May
And that’s where we’ll leave you this evening.
The vote count in Bradfield continues to be on a knife edge and is expected to be completed very soon – keen an eye out for our upcoming story when the final result lands.
Here’s what else we learnt today:
Five people have died and more than 700 people have been rescued as heavy flooding continues to swamp areas of the Hunter Valley and mid-north coast of New South Wales.
Heavy rain is expected to gradually ease in NSW but the risk of flooding continues as water continues to make its way into the river system.
The reconciliation between the Liberals and the Nationals appears on track after opposition leader Sussan Ley held further party room talks on Friday.
Former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack has added pressure on Nationals leader David Littleproud, confirming he held talks with Ley on Thursday.
An Indigenous traditional owner has launched legal action to force the new environment minister, Murray Watt, to consider protecting ancient rock art before he makes a decision on a major gas development.
The chair of Creative Australia, Robert Morgan, is retiring from his position on the board, arts minister Tony Burke has announced.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has been put on notice by the Australian communications watchdog after complaints about its record keeping.
Transport authorities have urged festivalgoers in Sydney to avoid the opening of Vivid on Friday night, as heavy rainfall across the city causes widespread chaos
The former foster mother of missing toddler William Tyrrell has had a conviction over the intimidation and assault of another child overturned.
Thanks for your company today. Look after yourselves!
Updated
Man missing in floods since Wednesday found alive
A 49-year-old man missing in the flooding near Nymboida has been found after a two-day search.
Police began searching for the man on Wednesday night after they received a report that he had failed to return home after walking near a flooded roadway at Nymboida, about 40km south of Grafton, NSW police said in a statement.
A crew comprised of police officers, SES, RFS and Fire Rescue services searched the area that night but were unable to located him. They resumed searching in daylight hours yesterday and today.
The man was located shortly after 5pm at a property at Kangaroo Creek, about 12km from where he had been last seen, after reports members of the community had found him.
He is reported to be in good spirits.
Updated
