Afternoon Update: Australia to get a poet laureate; US police allegedly beat homeless man; and a smart immigration interactive

The Australian arts industry has welcomed $300m in funding and a range of overhauls by the Albanese Labor government. Photograph: Sam Tabone/Getty Images for NGV

Australia will have its own poet laureate – an honorary position the UK has had since the 17th century – under a major arts overhaul announced by the federal government.

“This is our soul. This is our identity,” the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, declared as he announced $300m in funding for the arts sector.