The Latest Breaking News from Bernard Keane

Good morning, early birds. China’s President Xi Jinping has given his defence force the power to protect its interests abroad in what could be the legal basis for the Chinese military going into other countries, and the use of restraints in Victorian hospitals reportedly increased by 56% in 2020-2021. It’s…

Good morning, early birds. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is in Australia, and the NSW government is planning to invest $1.2 billion into renewable energy infrastructure. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.

Good morning, early birds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will reportedly sign us up to US President Joe Biden’s economic alliance to help counter China’s Indo-Pacific trade dominance, and the new Labor government has added the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags to press conference backdrops. It’s the news you need…

Good morning, early birds. Education minister Alan Tudge would be returned to his job and to cabinet if Scott Morrison is reelected, and Western Australia has recorded 17,033 new COVID-19 cases overnight. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.

Good morning, early birds. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party is reportedly running at least a dozen ‘ghost’ candidates, and a report has found that mining towns are ready to adapt and plan for an energy transition. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.

Good morning, early birds. The Morrison government gave $1.1 billion in PPE contracts to Aspen Medical which is now part of an international criminal probe into corruption and money laundering, and Labor has announced a “shared-equity” scheme for homebuyers. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.

Good morning, early birds. Premier Dominic Perrottet’s comments about transgender children are putting the NSW Coalition minority government at risk, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison has “deeply apologised” for saying he was “blessed” to have children without disability. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.

Good morning, early birds. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will reportedly promise 1.3 million jobs over five years, and has backed a ban that would stop transwomen from competing in women’s sports. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.

The former Australian of the Year has questioned why the departing senator’s takedown of Morrison hasn’t been more widely reported.

What did the media have to say about the budget? A lot… and none of it was particularly flattering.

Crikey readers overwhelmingly agreed the Labor senator didn’t die because of bullying — and welcomed our honest coverage.