The Latest Breaking News from Scott Morrison

This is the second March in a row where heavy rains have brought flooding to coastal portions of Queensland and New South Wales.

Good morning, early birds. Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching has died aged 52, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to announce Queensland is now part of the state of emergency declaration despite Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s earlier refusal of the offer. It’s the news you need to know, with Emma Elsworthy.

However senator says whether the relationship ultimately becomes more productive is “a question for China”

Years ago, Kevin Rudd sold himself as a version of Howard-lite, as he sought to reassure voters he wouldn’t be scary. This week, Anthony Albanese invoked a Labor icon to soothe fears of change.

The government plans to oversee the largest expansion of the Defence Force since the Vietnam War, increasing personnel from 60,000 to almost 80,000.

Federal leader Anthony Albanese says ‘the Labor family is in shock tonight at the tragic news’ that Kitching had died of a suspected heart attack

Catastrophic floods have devastated large areas of NSW and Queensland. More than 20 people have lost their lives and Scott Morrison moved for the declaration of a national state of emergency in response to this disaster.

Australia will spend about A$38 billion ($28 billion) out to 2040 to expand its active defence personnel by a third to keep the country safe "in an increasingly uncertain global environment", Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.

After a year and a half of lockdowns, border closures, mask-wearing and social distancing, and the vaccine rollout, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shifted to what is essentially a “let it rip” pandemic approach.