Much of today’s blog has been dedicated to the federal budget, foreign affairs and parliamentary tributes to the late senator Kimberley Kitching.
Here’s what’s making news around some of the states and territories.
NSW
The NSW government will pursue Star casino for any unpaid tax it is found to be owing, the state’s Treasurer has warned.
A public inquiry into The Star has entered its third week, according to Tom Rabe and Patrick Hatch.
Earlier today, Star Entertainment Group CEO Matt Bekier announced his resignation.
In other news, parts of northern NSW are bracing for significant rainfall. Lismore mayor Steve Krieg says it’s unfortunate because some businesses have only just reopened after four weeks of deep cleaning following last month’s floods.
Victoria
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan says the federal government could end up wasting millions of dollars if it funds a new freight terminal in the state’s north.
As David Crowe has reported, the federal government will commit $1.2 billion towards a freight terminal at Beveridge (about 40 kilometres north of Melbourne), $280 million into road connections around that terminal, and $740 million toward a freight terminal at Truganina in the city’s west.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Ms Allan said the industry would not use the site in the north, so there was no point to the government investing in it there.
“The west is where the bulk of the freight industry is currently located … it’s where the industry itself wants to see the development of this intermodal freight terminal,” she said. “It’s the site that will have the most impact in terms of delivering the aim of the inland rail project, which is getting trucks off roads.”
Ms Allan said it was “frustrating for Victorians” who could see the money being put to more productive use.
And as mentioned earlier, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has tested positive to COVID-19.
Queensland
A man has died after the vehicle he was travelling in became trapped in floodwaters in Toowoomba.
A woman was rescued from the vehicle and has been taken to hospital in a stable condition, Jocelyn Garcia reports.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across south-east Queensland for the next two days.
Western Australia
And in the country’s west, police have confirmed that the six-year-old boy who went missing in Perth yesterday has tragically died.
Sarah Brookes has the full story.
