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National
Elias Visontay, Tory Shepherd and Calla Wahlquist

Daniel Andrews catches Covid as nation records three deaths – as it happened

Victorian premier Daniel Andrews
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews Photograph: James Ross/AAP

What happened on Monday 28 March, 2022

With that, we will close our live blog for the day.

Here is a summary of the day’s main news:

  • Evacuation warnings have been issued for low-lying parts of Lismore amid the risk of flash flooding in coming hours and days. Dangerous weather and flood warnings are also in place for large swathes of the New South Wales northern rivers and mid-north coast, just four weeks after floods devastated the region.
  • In Queensland, a man and five dogs died near Toowoomba after a vehicle got trapped in flood waters.
  • The chief executive of the Star casino group, Matt Bekier, has resigned amid an inquiry into the casino.
  • The Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, has tested positive to Covid and will isolate for the next seven days.
  • Property developers in NSW are fighting against the introduction of a wide-ranging planning policy aimed at ensuring houses are more energy-efficient and climate-resilient.
  • The ABC should have a guaranteed five-year funding cycle and its budget and board should be at arm’s length from government influence, former competition tsar Rod Sims has said in a speech.
  • Australia’s Special Air Service regiment was riven by a “culture war” with one faction obsessed by a “pagan warrior ethos” where “killing was a sacrament in itself”, the assistant defence minister, Andrew Hastie, has told Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial.

Tomorrow is budget day, and the blog will be back from early morning and take you right through the day’s events. Be sure not to miss it.

Have a great evening, and stay safe.

Updated

Police have urged people not to enter flood waters in south-east Queensland, where one man and five dogs died, and another person was swept away.

During a day of heavy rain, a man and five dogs died before 5am on Monday after a vehicle and trailer belonging to a pet-moving business was caught in flood waters near Kingsthorpe, north-west of Toowoomba.

The woman driving was rescued from the vehicle but a male passenger died.

Police on Monday said an “extensive search and rescue” was also under way for a man swept away near North Branch in the southern downs.

Emergency services were called before 7am when two vehicles became stuck in flood waters at a crossing with Spring Creek.

Members of the public helped rescue one of the drivers, but a man in his 40s tried to get out of his vehicle and was swept away. Both the rescued woman and missing man were the sole occupants of their vehicles.

Read more:

Updated

The ABC should have a guaranteed five-year funding cycle and its budget and board should be at arm’s length from government influence, Rod Sims, the former competition tsar, has said in a speech.

Ahead of Tuesday’s budget, when the ABC will have its $84m indexation restored, Sims called for “strong and clear” ABC governance and stable funding for the public broadcaster.

“The ABC is a vital institution that should continue essentially as is, and that certainly should not be narrowed in its focus or, worse, privatised,” the former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chief said at the Melbourne book launch of Who needs the ABC? by Matthew Ricketson and Patrick Mullins.

“That would represent extremely poor economic and public policy,” Sims said.

“Damage the ABC and Australia is damaged.”

Read more:

Updated

Nominations have closed for two Labor Senate vacancies and two lower house seats – and the national executive has filled them without a ballot as there was only one nominee for each slot.

Former public servant Jana Stewart will replace Kimberley Kitching in the Senate while unionist Linda White will replace Kim Carr.

In the lower house:

Updated

Lismore residents are in “disbelief” amid warnings of major flooding in coming days, just four weeks after unprecedented floods devastated the town.

Evacuation warnings were issued for low-lying parts of north and south Lismore this afternoon, with residents urged to ready themselves to leave their homes if an evacuation order is issued.

State Emergency Services New South Wales has said a fleet of more than a dozen aircraft are standing by for rescue operations, as torrential rain is predicted to fall across the northern rivers region.

Meanwhile, flood-weary residents are exhausted.

Lismore councillor Adam Guise told AAP:

Everyone is a bit shell-shocked, they’re in disbelief, they’re exhausted ... and others are frantically trying to prepare the best they can.

It’s all a bit uncertain and people are pretty devastated and scared facing the prospects of another major flood.”

Updated

Liberal MP Andrew Laming has backflipped in a court action over social media posts published in the lead-up to the 2019 federal election after seeking legal advice, reports AAP.

The Australian Electoral Commission has taken Laming to the federal court accusing him of contravening commonwealth requirements by publishing material under a “Redland Hospital: Let’s fight for fair funding” Facebook page without adequately disclosing his political links.

The court earlier this month heard that Laming had agreed to a statement of facts while not legally represented.

But in a case management hearing on Monday, Laming’s barrister Douglas Wilson said the MP wanted to withdraw some admissions, while others were to remain as agreed.

Wilson said one witness – an expert in how Facebook operates – may be called to give evidence at a hearing or would produce an affidavit.

“There is no contest on the facts, it is simply a liability issue,” he said.

The hearing to decide on liability is set to be held on 16 June.

“In general form what the parties are proposing is that the respondent file a response to the concise statement and that there be an opportunity to file a reply to that and that the respondent intends to file some evidence,” the Australian government solicitor, Steven Forrest, said.

Justice Darryl Rangiah asked the lawyers to try to resolve any objections before the hearing. “Not knowing enough about the matter, it doesn’t seem from what the parties have said to be a particularly complex matter at least factually,” he said.

The federal court proceedings come after Guardian Australia revealed in April 2021 that the Queensland MP was operating 35 Facebook groups – with at least one for each suburb in his electorate.

Updated

As Elias mentioned below, Lismore and the NSW SES have started issuing evacuation orders ahead of a lot of rain that is expected overnight.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting Lismore will receive 70mm-150mm on Tuesday. Other big totals predicted include 80m-200m for Coffs Harbour and 50mm-120mm for Ballina.

The range indicates the differences in the models, including how close the developing low sticks near the coast and for how long before it heads off into the Tasman.

The SES is also planning for “potential significant consequences in Bellingen and downstream”, with the Bellinger River forecast by the bureau to reach major flood levels.

Other rivers that may rise to major flood levels are the Richmond, Orara and Wilsons Rivers, the bureau said.

Meanwhile, Sydney is now expected to receive 30-45mm of rain on Tuesday, nudging the Hawkesbury-Nepean River back to minor to moderate flooding.

Updated

Evacuation warnings issued for parts of Lismore amid risk of flash flooding

Evacuation warnings have been issued for low-lying parts of north and south Lismore, amid the risk of flash flooding.

Residents in the following parts of Lismore have been told they should now prepare to leave, in the event an evacuation order is issued.

The areas in south Lismore are:

  • The area bordered by Casino Street, Bruxner Highway, Caniaba Street and the Lismore Airport.
  • Norco Lane, River Road, Elliott Road, Foleys Road, Taylor Street, Wardell Street and Riverview Park.
  • The northern end of Caniaba Street, Meadow Drive, Charlton Avenue and Scott Place

In north Lismore, evacuation warnings have been issued for:

  • Winterton Parade
  • Pitt Lane
  • Pitt Street
  • Wotherspoon Street

Lismore city council, in a Facebook post, said:

Low lying properties may experience impacts due to flash flooding and/or riverine flooding. Storm and flood impacts may interrupt essential services such as electricity, phones, internet, water and sewerage.

People in these areas need to closely monitor weather and road closures and make informed decisions early based on individual circumstances. Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so.

A Flood Evacuation Order will be issued by the NSW SES if and when evacuations are required.”

Updated

Lance Franklin has been reunited with the ball he kicked for his historic 1,000 AFL goal on Friday night after the fan who caught it in the stands of the Sydney Cricket Ground was identified and invited to present the prized Sherrin to the Sydney Swans player.

At a press conference held with Franklin at the SCG on Monday morning, Swans fan Alex Wheeler said he had always planned to return the valuable piece of memorabilia – reported to have a six-figure value.

“I had a few stubbies that night and went to the pub after but got paranoid that someone would get it from my house so went home pretty early,” Wheeler said on Monday. “It was always my intention to get it back to the Swans and Buddy.

“It’s going to be no good to me, I don’t have a pool room to put it up in unfortunately. It was good to get in contact with the Swans and get it back to them

Read more:

A woman with cerebral palsy has told a royal commission she was raped, and treated “like a dog” by a paid personal carer who she says beat her after she returned a positive pregnancy test, AAP reports.

The woman, known by the pseudonym Chloe, said the man who began caring for her in 2016, threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the abuse. Chloe, who uses a wheelchair, said the man beat her from “head to foot” and kicked her in the belly “over and over again”, killing the unborn child and almost killing her.

“He had his bad face for me and his good face for everyone else,” she said in a statement read by Counsel Assisting the Disability Royal Commission, Kate Eastman SC, at hearings on Monday in Hobart.

Chloe’s statement said:

He treated me like a dog. There were so many rapes and physical assaults it was awful.

I tried to fight back by scratching him, so he would cut my nails.

I can’t trust anyone any more. It’s been about six years of hell. I’m scared to be in my own house.”

The commission was told the man was charged with multiple counts of rape, grievous bodily harm, torture and assault and was found not guilty at trial.

The royal commission, which will this week hear from survivors of abuse, has been told almost half of all women with a disability will experience physical violence during their lives. According to the figures, 48% will experience physical violence - higher than the rate for women without disability, at 27%.

Updated

Late last year, health minister Greg Hunt announced his intention to retire at the upcoming federal election.

It appears Hunt’s plans for his new life post-politics are taking shape. Hunt spoke to 2GB’s Ray Hadley this morning about some of his hopes.

Well, I’m going to be a dad. Look, I might do a little bit of Pilates and get a discrete tattoo still to be determined by the family.”

What tattoo will he get?

The State Emergency Services in Queensland have already performed nine rescues from flood waters in the south east of the state.

The SES has also received 80 calls for assistance in Queensland, with the bulk of calls for help centred on Toowoomba.

One man in Queensland has so far died from the flooding. Another man is missing.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology is warning of moderate to major flooding as the weather system moves south into New South Wales.

The Bom’s Dean Narramore said widespread flooding could occur across an area spanning the Northern Rivers down into the mid-north coast of NSW.

However Narramore said it is harder to pinpoint exactly where expected intense rainfalls will occur.

Authorities are warning that the situation in the northern rivers could escalate quickly, and are pleading with locals not to enter or drive through flood waters.

You can read more about the weather here:

Updated

New Zealand to send defence force staff to help on Ukraine intelligence

New Zealand will send nine defence force staff to the UK and Belgium to help with the heightened demand for intelligence on the Ukraine war.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern said seven intelligence analysts will head to the UK, where some will support intelligence work on the war in Ukraine, and others will join existing teams focused on other parts of the world.

Ardern said:

Two other officers will deploy to the UK and Belgium to enhance our engagement with, and understanding of, partner activities related to Ukraine. One will work with the existing defence attache and New Zealand military representative to NATO, and one will work within the UK’s permanent joint headquarters.”

Ardern said this is in keeping with previous deployments.

We’ve sent in the past defence intelligence personnel to active deployments overseas, such as in Afghanistan, where they were an integral part of our commitment.”

The additional support follows the government’s commitment of $5 million NZD, announced last week, for non-lethal military systems, including defence equipment such as body armour and helmets. Those will be dispatched to Australia tomorrow and on to Ukraine this week, Ardern said.

The government has also approved the use of the defence force’s open-source intelligence capabilities for three months, to allow the UK and other European partners to take advantage of the time difference in New Zealand.

A man who scaled a crane at Sydney’s Port of Botany as part of protest action to disrupt the port’s activity has been sentenced to four months in prison.

Max Curmi, a 26-year-old climate change protestor who scaled the 60m crane last Friday as part of Blockade Australia’s activities, said he plans to appeal the four month sentence handed down by a magistrate at Waverley local court on Monday.

Blockade Australia said that Curmi’s actions shut down one of the terminals in Port Botany and prevented the loading of the ship he was suspended above.

Last week, five Blockade Australia activists were arrested as the New South Wales government announced it would ramp up its response to the group’s activities. Two of the protesters who were arrested were German nationals, and they have since had their visas cancelled.

Jarrah Kershaw, Blockade Australia spokesperson, said:

The scale of repression used by the state is not a shock, the legal system is just another tool that the Australian system uses to maintain the status quo. That status quo being the destruction of eco and social systems in order to benefit the elite who have been making money off of this destruction for centuries.”

Coda has just won best picture award, and you can read more about it over on our Oscars live blog:

A new report commissioned by the Victorian government has found gender inequality is entrenched in the gig economy, with women earning up to 37% less than men.

The report, produced by a Queensland University of Technology research team and released on Monday, summarises Australian and global studies and found the gig economy can “both reproduce and exacerbate existing gender inequalities in work”.

According to the report, women in gig economy roles in Australia earn between 10% and 37% less than men.

For the same work, men earned on average $2.67 per hour more than women, though about 40% of gig economy workers do not know what their hourly rate is.

Women were also significantly more likely to earn less than $40,000 annually off-platform. They are more likely to be homemakers or unpaid carers – or, if employed, to be in work that is part-time, casual, or on a fixed-term contract.

Star Entertainment Group used “artifice” in a scheme enabling a controversial Chinese debit card to be used by high rollers in its Sydney casino, a royal commission-style inquiry into the gaming venue has been told, AAP reports.

The NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority inquiry is investigating whether The Star Sydney has been infiltrated by criminal activity, and if its casino licence should be stripped following highly critical media reports.

The inquiry has so far heard damning testimony about practices at The Star, prompting the resignation on Monday of the company’s chief executive, Matt Bekier.

At the inquiry, Star NSW regulatory manager David Aloi resumed giving evidence, admitting that he knew the use of debit cards issued by China Union Pay to purchase gambling chips at the casino was in breach of “scheme rules” prohibiting that use.

Around $900m was transacted on the so-called CUP cards until terminals inside Star Entertainment casinos were disabled in 2020.

The inquiry was told that after internal casino rules were altered it was Aloi’s job in 2013 to find a “suitable merchant code category” for EFTPOS terminals at the casino that were not prohibited by CUP, so its debit cards could be used.

Instead of merchant code 7995, which referred to the purchase of gaming chips, code 7011 was used as it referred to “hotels, motels and resorts”, it was told.

Updated

And on that note! I’ve got to get to the airport and to Canberra for budget shenanigans. I’ll leave you in the more-than-capable hands of Elias Visontay. That’s me out, until tomorrow ...

Updated

We interrupt this Australian news service to bring you the latest on the Oscars ...

If you haven’t heard, Will Smith apparently stormed the stage and hit host Chris Rock because Rock had said something about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

We’ve got a live blog on the go, check it out ... then come back here!

Updated

Anne Davies is here to talk you through the latest on the NSW preselection power struggle:

Western Australia records 7,288 new Covid-19 cases

Western Australia has recorded 7,288 Covid cases. There are 210 people in hospital and nine in intensive care.

Updated

Just in from AAP:

Priest Gerald Ridsdale has faced court over the alleged sexual abuse of two young boys in the early 1980s.

The 87-year-old was charged last month with 24 child sexual abuse offences.

He faced Warrnambool magistrates court by videolink from prison on Monday.

Court documents allege Ridsdale sexually abused two boys in Mortlake, in western Victoria, in the early 1980s.

He’s facing 10 charges of committing an indecent act with a child, three charges of committing acts of gross indecency and 11 charges of sexual penetration of a child between the ages of 10 and 16.

Police have prepared a brief of evidence against him.

Ridsdale is due to face court again on 17 June.

Updated

National Covid update

Here are the latest coronavirus numbers from around Australia today:

ACT

  • Deaths: 0
  • Cases: 701
  • In hospital: 46 (with 4 people in ICU)

NSW

  • Deaths: 3
  • Cases: 16,199
  • In hospital: 1,270 (with 55 people in ICU)

Queensland

  • Deaths: 0
  • Cases: 7,816
  • In hospital: 299 (with 14 people in ICU)

Tasmania

  • Deaths: 0
  • Cases: 1,726
  • In hospital: 27 (with 0 people in ICU)

Victoria

  • Deaths: 0
  • Cases: 8,739
  • In hospital: 252 (with 21 people in ICU)

Western Australia

  • Deaths: 0
  • Cases: 7,288
  • In hospital: 210 (with 9 people in ICU)

Updated

More flood watch warnings – New South Wales this time:

Updated

In Tasmania, 540 people who had Covid were mistakenly told they were close contacts.

AAP reports the state’s health department has apologised for sending out the wrong information.

Acting state health commander, Dale Webster, said in a statement the error occurred on Saturday and was “corrected immediately”. He said:

540 people incorrectly received messages notifying them they were close contacts for Covid-19, when they should have received messages advising them of their requirements to isolate as a case of Covid-19.

These people were already identified as cases having either registered a positive [rapid test] or receiving a notification from the laboratory of their positive result.

Webster said all processes are subject to internal review, and that follow-up messages advised the people of the mistake and of their isolation requirements:

On behalf of the department of health, I apologise for the error and for any inconvenience caused to the recipients of the incorrect messages.

AAP reports that last week, 19 Tasmanians who tested positive were incorrectly informed they had tested negative. The health department said the error was corrected within three hours.

Updated

ACT records 701 new Covid-19 cases, no deaths

The Australian Capital Territory has recorded 701 new Covid cases. Forty-six people are in hospital – four are in intensive care.

Updated

Some more from Mike Bowers and those condolences for Kimberley Kitching – she had fans and friends on all sides.

Foriegn minister minister, senator Marise Payne, wipes away tears after a condolence motion for the late senator Kimberley Kitching.
Foriegn minister, senator Marise Payne, wipes away tears after a condolence motion for the late senator Kimberley Kitching. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
Labor senator Deborah O’Neill wipes away tears after a condolence motion for the late senator Kimberley Kitching.
Labor senator Deborah O’Neill wipes away tears after the condolence motion for Kimberley Kitching. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Updated

Last week the Morrison government announced a $750m plan to upgrade the fixed wireless component of the NBN to 5G, and bring on around 120,000 homes in the satellite footprint.

Labor has announced it will keep the plans in place if elected, but will go further. The party’s NBN policy for the election would be $3.2bn of investment in the NBN, including:

  • Adding another 1.5m homes stuck on fibre-to-the-node to full fibre on top of the government’s existing upgrade plans.
  • Upgrading fixed wireless to give 100Mbps download speeds to all users and 85% able to get 250Mbps, and switching over the 120,000 satellite users to wireless.
  • Boosting data for those remaining on satellite to 90GB per month, and increasing the unmetering time on the satellite from six hours to sixteen (midnight to 4pm).

Labor also says it will look into reducing congestion on the satellite, which should allow increased data allowances up to 100GB at month.

It says this will mean 80% of people living in regional and remote Australia will be able to get 100Mbps by late 2025. It is now 33%.

Updated

I’ve just spoken to the Byron shire mayor, Michael Lyon, as the region again braces for heavy rains and the risk of flooding.

Lyon’s shire takes in areas that were hit hard by the floods in late February and early March, including Upper Main Arm, Upper Wilsons Creek and Mullumbimby.

He says residents in the region are “nervous”, given what they’ve just been through.

The shire’s fate over next day and a half, he says, will depend on whether the rain keeps moving or stays relatively still, drenching the waterways as it did last time:

We’re glad we dodged a bullet overnight, because there was a hell of a lot of rain out at sea that didn’t come over the northern rivers, but could have. So that’s at least something.

From what I can tell we’ve got a good 24-30 hours of more rain. So yes, we’re nervous. But we’re hopeful that as long as it keeps moving, we’ll only see isolated flash flooding. It really just depends on that rain as it passes over.

Lyon said residents in the shire, including in the more remote areas around Upper Main Arm and Upper Wilsons Creek, were now better prepared and more alert to the potential for a sudden change in flood risk. An evacuation centre opened this morning for those who needed it, he said:

It’s just a case where you’re in a situation where, if you can’t afford to be flooded in, especially now that the main road from Main Arm to Mullumbimby is still closed ... you’ve really got to get people who need to go, to go today.

Updated

An even more frightening update for Queensland:

Queensland reports 7,816 new Covid cases and no deaths

No deaths, 7,816 new Covid cases for Queensland:

Updated

Take it easy out there, Queenslanders:

Dune is worming its way to wins at the Oscars:

The traditional opposition budget reply will be on Thursday. Anthony Albanese:

Thursday night is a speech, it’s not an alternative budget.

Asked about an increase in foreign aid, Albanese said “our friends in the Pacific” care about climate change first, second and third. “We have to continue to be good neighbours,” he says, adding that Australia has “lost some paint” in the past decade.

(The context for this is Solomon Islands potentially signing a security agreement with China.)

Updated

Daniel Andrews tests positive for Covid

The Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, has tested positive to Covid and will isolate for the next seven days.

Deputy premier James Merlino will be acting premier until next Monday.

Andrews said he had a rapid antigen test this morning after developing “mild symptoms”, including a sore throat and slight temperature. He said:

So far, Cath and the kids have tested negative. As they are close contacts, they will also isolate for the next seven.

Updated

Another one ...

Updated

Albanese is asked if he’ll promise wage increases if Labor wins government. He says: “What we promise is that we will be doing our bit to assist real wage increases.” He says Labor will do that through changes to secure work, the gig economy, by making wage theft a crime, etc.

In short, he can’t promise.

Updated

Chalmers reminds us all about the rapid test shortages – in case you’d forgotten. Albanese says Labor will have more to say about healthcare and Medicare during the election campaign. He says:

Healthcare should be given on the basis of need, rather than the basis of whether you can afford it or not.

Updated

Government 'can't be trusted' on budget, says Anthony Albanese

Labor leader Anthony Albanese and opposition finance spokesman Jim Chalmers are holding a press conference.

Chalmers says Labor won’t stand in the way of government moves to ease cost of living pressures, but says they haven’t see a lot of detail on their plans so far.

Albanese says the government “can’t be trusted” when it comes to the budget because it doesn’t deliver on its promises. He also questions why there is more funding for car parks.

Updated

Labor MP Andrew Leigh has had to get a personal protection order after threats against him. He told the ABC that women cop worse vitriol (his colleague Kristina Keneally also had to get an order after threats). He also said it’s hitting both sides of politics, with a rise in extremism and the ability for groups to build support online.

Satyajit Das points out that politicians cannot actually control everything, no matter their promises:

Tasmania records 1,726 new Covid cases

Tasmania has recorded 1,726 new Covid cases. In hospital, 21 Covid-positive patients are being treated for unrelated conditions, and six are being treated specifically for Covid.

Updated

It’s getting real:

Mike Bowers has been watching those condolence motions:

A ray of sunshine falls on Labor Senate leader Penny Wong during a condolence motion for the late senator Kimberley Kitching in the senate chamber.
A ray of sunshine falls on Labor Senate leader Penny Wong during a condolence motion for the late senator Kimberley Kitching in the senate chamber. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
Flowers on the desk in front of Kimberley Kitchings seat during a condolence motion for her.
Flowers on the desk in front of Kimberley Kitching’s seat during a condolence motion for her. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
Labor Senate leader Penny Wong, senators Kristina Keneally and Katy Gallagher during a condolence motion for the late senator Kimberley Kitching.
Penny Wong, Kristina Keneally and Katy Gallagher during a condolence motion for the late senator. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Updated

Lance Franklin has been reunited with the ball he kicked for his historic 1,000th AFL goal on Friday night after the fan who caught it in the stands of the SCG was tracked down.

At a press conference held with Franklin at the SCG this morning, Swans fan Alex Wheeler said he had always planned to return the prized piece of memorabilia – reported to have a six-figure value. He said:

I had a few stubbies that night and went to the pub after, but got paranoid that someone would get it from my house, so went home pretty early. It was always my intention to get it back to the Swans and Buddy.

Franklin entered the annals of AFL history when he became just the sixth man to kick 1,000 career AFL/VFL career goals, sparking wild scenes of celebration at the SCG as the crowd invaded the pitch en masse and play was held up for more than half an hour.

Amid the pandemonium, Wheeler managed to hold onto the ball and get it back to his home. The Swans made a public appeal for it to be returned to the club and invited the fan to meet Franklin and present it to the player himself.

Wheeler posed with Franklin on Monday holding the cherished ball, and was compensated with another ball, a signed shirt and a pair of footy boots.

Updated

Those condolences are continuing, and once they’re done the Senate will adjourn for the day. They’ll be back tomorrow, while many of us are in budget lockup (I keep accidentally calling it lockdown). It’s the last day of the Senate sitting; the House has one more sitting day before the election.

Updated

“Like an unfinished poem”, Kitching’s life will always be somewhat open ended, Birmingham says.

“She had so much more to contribute and would have made a greater difference,” he says, remembering Kitching as “someone who cared deeply for our nation, its values, and the way those values are embodied and promoted throughout the world”.

Updated

Star Entertainment Group chief executive steps down

This just in – the chief executive of the Star casino group, Matt Bekier, has resigned amid an inquiry into the casino, according to a statement given to the ASX.

“Mr Bekier’s decision follows issues raised in the public hearings in connection with the review of The Star Sydney being undertaken by Mr Adam Bell SC,” the statement says.

“While the review remains ongoing, Mr Bekier informed the board that as managing director and CEO he is accountable for the effectiveness and adequacy of the company’s processes, people and culture.”

Bekier will step down from the board of Star Entertainment Group immediately and will work with the board to hand over his responsibilities as chief executive and managing director. His final departure date is yet to be announced.

Updated

Simon Birmingham, the government leader in the senate, is adding his condolences. He says Kitching made a “firm impression” in her relatively short time in parliament and was “a warrior for her beliefs, her party and Australia”. He says:

She did not shirk the decisions, she showed responsibility and she contributed to the exceptionalism of Australia.

He pays tribute to her sparkling wit and “ability to light up a room”.

Sodden parts of south-east Queensland and northern NSW are again being soaked, with some places already collecting 100mm in the past 24 hours north of the Tweed, with falls reaching 50mm in places to the south of the river in NSW.

The Bureau of Meteorology has severe weather warnings out for large areas of the coastal regions of both Queensland and NSW. Heavy rain is the issue, with six-hour totals of 180mm again possible.

“A coastal trough is expected to deepen over north-eastern NSW causing heavy rainfall with embedded thunderstorms,” the bureau says.

Helen Reid, a bureau meteorologist, said it remains unclear whether that trough will develop into an east coast low and remain near the coast, or instead form that low further off into the Tasman and keep going.

East coast lows typically come with strong winds along with the heavy rain, and that’s not what residents and emergency authorities want. NSW is still getting over two such lows in a week from earlier this month.

Still, as Reid says, “everything is wet”, and that even 20mm of rain in some places could be enough to cause flooding.

Here’s the present (best to avoid saying “current”) BoM rainfall forecasts for the next four days:


The NSW State Emergency Service, meanwhile, is preparing for “significant impacts across the North Coast from the Hunter to the Tweed”, an area that includes towns such as Lismore and Ballina that are still cleaning up from the record floods in their regions earlier this month.

Sydney is likely to remain on the fringe of the worst of the rain, Reid says.

Meanwhile, it’s worth noting the NSW government has done a lot of work on the future of homes, to make them more energy-efficient and even more climate-resilient. As detailed here, though, developers are working to scrap the plans, saying they are too expensive.

Updated

Wong talks about Kitching’s long history in Labor and the union movement, and says she was an extraordinary operator who “did not lack for courage”.

She says Kitching’s legacy will be her role on human rights, and her work on targeted sanctions on human rights abuses – commonly known as the Magnitsky legislation.

The Labor leader, Anthony Albanese, has honoured Kitching with the Kimberley Kitching Human Rights Award. It will be handed out at the Labor national conference each year.

Updated

Condolences for the late Labor senator Kimberley Kitching have begun. Penny Wong, Labor’s senate leader, is paying tribute to her now.

Updated

More sad news – this time from Western Australia. The ABC is reporting a six-year-old boy has died in a suspected back yard pool drowning. He was reported missing yesterday, and was later found in a pool in a nearby property. He has died in hospital.

Updated

Samantha Maiden is reporting a fuel excise cut will kick in at midnight tomorrow (but it’s not clear how much or how quickly bowser prices will fall):

A man has died in flood waters in south-east Queensland

A man and a number of dogs have died in a car trapped in floodwaters at Kingsthorpe, just outside Toowomba, this morning.

Queensland police said they were called to assist the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services swift water rescue crew at Brimblecombe Road, Kingsthorpe, just before 5am.

They found a ute with two occupants, a man and a woman, and several dogs, trapped in flood waters. In a statement, police said:

A woman was rescued and taken to hospital in a stable condition for treatment, however a man was located deceased in the ute. A number of dogs also died.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Updated

A reporter asked Morrison where in Sydney someone can buy a home for $750,000. He said:

We know that the hardest thing to do when you are buying your first home – and I remember this when Jenny and I were buying our first home, it was hard back then and it’s harder now – was bringing together your deposit. It was a 20% deposit. Now with the government underwriting that deposit, it’s a 5% deposit.

People will be able to save 5% much sooner than they could save 20%, Morrison says.

Which is true. But, let’s play a bit of a game. I don’t know how old the Morrisons were when they bought their first home, but let’s be conservative and assume that Morrison was 30 years old. That would be 1989.

The median house price in Sydney in 1989 was $170,850. A 20% deposit would be $34,170.

The median house price in Sydney now is $1,601,467, according to the Domain House Price Report released in January. A 5% deposit would be $80,073.

Even after adjusting for inflation, a 5% deposit on the average house today is a bigger sum of money than a 20% deposit on the average 1989 house.

See below from Calla! (Yes, journos doing maths is notoriously fraught).

NB: Apologies for forgetting that the decade of the 2010s exists. Morrison would have been 30 in 1999, when the median Sydney house price was $272,500. A 20% deposit would be $54,500. That’s about $95,000 in today’s dollars.

Updated

Morrison said many of the women who have joined the workforce are in “non-traditional industries”. He then warmed to the theme a bit and said construction and mining were no longer non-traditional industries for women, because women have been working in them for a while.

A new tradition has been established by the women of Australia.

I am not sure this is reaching women voters in the manner intended.

Updated

Scott Morrison gives press conference in western Sydney

The prime minister is talking in western Sydney right now.

He was asked if the budget can afford a fuel excise, and said he would not comment on “repeating speculation” about what such a measure might cost before the budget is handed down tomorrow night.

But then he went on a bit of a spiel about the importance of jobs, and how if Australians have jobs, the economy is working as intended.

Morrison said the government could not afford to keep running the health system “unless you run a strong economy. The investments we are making in this budget are about ensuring our economy remains strong.”

It’s that stronger economy which allows you to pay down the debt.

And then:

You want to know how to balance the budget? You get people into jobs ... I know our economic plan is working because Australians are working in record numbers, particularly women.

Updated

NSW records 16,199 new cases of Covid-19 and three lives lost

New South Wales has recorded 16,199 new cases of Covid-19 this morning and, sadly, three people have died.

There are currently 1,270 people in hospital with Covid in NSW, including 55 in ICU.

Victoria records 8,739 new cases of Covid-19 and no new deaths

Victoria has recorded 8,739 new cases of Covid-19 this morning, and, for the first time in a very long time, there are no recorded deaths.

There are 252 people in hospital, with 21 in ICU and six on ventilators.

Updated

The New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, has also criticised the potential security deal between China and Solomon Islands as “deeply concerning”.

Australian frontbencher Simon Birmingham and deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce, were also asked about the situation this morning. Both stressed Australia’s respect for the sovereignty of Solomon Islands while questioning why China would need a naval base there.

According to AAP, Ardern told Radio NZ this morning:

We see such acts as the potential militarisation of the region.

We see very little reason in terms of the Pacific security for such a need and such a presence.

We do see this as gravely concerning.

She then urged Solomon Islands leaders “not to look beyond our own Pacific family” when considering its security relationships.

We are members of the Pacific. I would like to think we have a good understanding of the challenges our region faces.

She added:

These are sovereign nations who are of course absolutely entitled to security arrangements.

But actually, as a region, the Pacific island nations in particular [should be] coming together and asking the question ‘well, what gaps are there, what needs are there and how can we support one another to fill those so that we’re not having to look beyond our own Pacific family?’

Updated

The Bureau of Meteorology says the storm system could bring rainfall totals of 100-200mm over south-east Queensland and the northern rivers region of NSW over the next few days.

The silver lining is it is expected to be a short-run system.

The forecast is for moderate flooding, particularly around the Wilsons River.

Updated

Between 2,000 to 4,000 people remain homeless in Lismore

Krieg says that there are 2,000-4,000 people still homeless in the Lismore region.

But he says that’s a broad, conservative estimate and may not include families who are staying with friends and have not registered as homeless.

His is one of those families.

It’s really hard to gauge [the total number of people left homeless];
families like my own, we’re living with friends at the moment and we have been for the last month, so we don’t classify ourselves as homeless – but we are without a home.

There were plans to begin setting up a temporary village this week to provide accommodation, but the rain event has delayed those plans.

Updated

Let’s go back up to Lismore now. Mayor Steve Krieg told ABC24 that the community had a briefing from the Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services yesterday about the severe storms forecast to hit the region today.

He said:

Preliminary plans are being put in place. It’s the last thing we need at the moment is these rain bombs that are coming down. Hopefully they’ll miss our catchment area and we’ll stay safe but it doesn’t’ look good at the moment.

The Wilsons River catchment is already saturated from floods in late February, which caused widespread damage and five deaths.

Any significant rainfall is going to raise our river height. It’s just a matter of keeping an eye on it and making sure that we’re prepared. If we do get that major flooding, we need to make sure that our businesses and residents are prepared.

The sad thing is we have businesses that have opened their doors this morning for the first time in four weeks after a long clean up, people who have just moved back into their homes ... The fear of packing it all up again is very real at the moment.

Updated

Shadow treasurer, Jim Chalmers, told the Today Show earlier that he would wait to see the detail of the promised fuel excise, but Labor would “most probably” support it.

He told host Karl Stefanovic:

We’ve said – pretty much across the board, Karl – that if there’s responsible cost of living relief for families then we’ll be up for that ... We want to see that responsible cost of living relief but we also want to see a plan for the future, not just a plan for an election campaign.

Chalmers was more effusive on the proposed support for first home buyers in regional areas – because, he says, it’s Labor’s idea.

Yeah, they copied our policy today for regional first time buyers. That’s a good thing as far as we’re concerned. It won’t solve the whole problem, we’ll have more to say about housing.

Updated

I love this series. It’s called Sorted and it’s a subjective, entirely arbitrary and fascinating ranking of things by Guardian Australia contributors. Check this out from Charmaine Manuel:

If you’re in Victoria, there are planned Extinction Rebellion blockades today. XR says “the times and locations are secret”, but this morning they are targeting the Exxon Mobil depot in Yarraville.

In a statement, XR said three people are “likely” to be arrested as they draw attention to the “climate and ecological emergency”:

We are aiming to cause sustained disruption.

Updated

Another big story from over the weekend – Hillsong is still suffering shockwaves after head pastor Brian Houston resigned. Here’s Elle Hardy’s take:

Karvelas asks if “the shine has come off” the Morrison government, and Birmingham (again, masterfully) turns to budget and election talking points.

“This is a budget for Australia’s future ... the choice will be a real choice,” he says.

Updated

Karvelas asks Birmingham if this budget is about winning the election (imagine a pre-election budget that wasn’t!). Birmingham says:

This budget is the next stage in our long-term economic plan ...

You and pretty much every other commentator is asking me what the government is going to do about cost of living pressures ... we’re getting the balance right.

He’s declining to discuss any discussions that the government “may or may not have had” with the Solomon Islands government. Here are some reasons their potential security agreement with China is important, and worrying:

Updated

On that big infrastructure cash splash (see the details in a post below), ABC’s Patricia Karvelas asks Birmingham if they’re targeting marginal electorates (ie pork barrelling).

Birmingham demurs quite skilfully, as is his wont.

“This is about building a nation’s productivity,” he says.

On car parks (yes, more car parks), he says they’re also about lifting productivity, giving people easy access to public transport, and that they’ll be built all over the country.

Updated

The finance minister, Simon Birmingham, says the budget will help with cost of living pressures and will be fiscally “responsible”, but he’s not confirming reports in the Australian this morning that the fuel excise will be cut by between 10 and 20 cents for six months.

He’s telling ABC’s Radio National that Australians are “always grateful” for any financial relief and that his government has given them tax cuts to help.

Updated

We’ll update you on the severe weather today. AAP says a “slow-moving and potentially dangerous system” is moving across Queensland, while in NSW the dams are full. Here’s some background:

Here are the details of that infrastructure spending – almost $18bn has been promised. Sarah Martin runs through what will be in tomorrow’s budget:

Good morning

It’s budget eve, and it’s a pre-election budget at that.

Today’s papers are full of promised spending, including billions in infrastructure, hints of an increase in defence funding, and there’s a promise from the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, that there will be a “material improvement” in the budget bottom line (a long way from “back in black”).

What people will be most interested in are pledges from the federal government that affect their hip pockets. A (temporary) cut in petrol excise is on the cards as bowser prices soar past $2 a litre.

More first homebuyers will get access to the scheme that helps them buy a home a deposit as low as 2%.

And many are waiting to see what the government will do about the low and middle tax offset – the so-called “lamington” – which is due to end this year.

Frydenberg has been pictured pounding the pavement (ever since former prime minister John Howard’s ubiquitous tracksuit-clad walks, the active pollie has been a thing) and he’s sure to be pacing through the media cycle today.

And (I am so sorry) Queensland is set for severe storms, with parts of the sodden east coast once again on flood alert. New South Wales also faces potential flash flooding.

As the politicians descend on Canberra today, there’ll be condolences for late Labor senator Kimberley Kitching, after her death from a heart attack at just 52.

It’s going to be a hectic week, the last sitting before the May election, and total manna for politics nerds. Here we go ...

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