Labor’s streak of two full-year budget surpluses is over, with the midyear update forecasting a shortfall of $26.9bn this financial year and deficits until 2034-35. The Coalition’s Angus Taylor argued the update showed “no pathway … to a restoration of Australians’ standard of living”.
But Guardian Australia’s economics corespondent, Peter Hannam, writes that the Myefo suggests more commonwealth rebates seem to be pencilled in for the coming year. And there were some surprise measures buried deep in the 363-page document.
Top news
Rescuers in Vanuatu race to retrieve trapped quake victims as survivors tell of escape
Rob Stefanic finishes up as head of parliamentary services after scrutiny over retirement of deputy
‘Dark day for New Zealand’: outcry as bill to fast-track controversial mining projects is approved
Researchers warn of flesh-eating bacteria in NSW’s south coast that can cause disfigurement
UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect charged with first-degree murder
And Australia and India draw in the third Test as rain ends play early at the Gabba
In pictures
A Palestinian girl shares her portion of food with another girl at a distribution centre south of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, as captured in our picture editors’ selection of photographs from around the world.
What they said …
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“These allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth.”
Alan Jones spoke to reporters after his first court appearance since he was arrested. The former shock jock’s lawyer has confirmed Jones will plead not guilty to 34 historical sexual assault charges.
In numbers
The MCA, which reported a $2.6m operating loss last year, will be charging visitors on entry for the first time in more than two decades. Concession tickets will be $16 and $28 respectively, but visitors under 18 and students will remain free.
Before bed read
The Duke of York has proven to be a scandal magnet. He is a problem, a royal problem: it’s time they owned it, writes Marina Hyde.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: OWT. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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