Good morning, it's Tuesday, May 17. Here's what you need to get going today.
One thing to know right now: Coalition's $1 billion argument
The Coalition's final policy costings come out today, ahead of Saturday's federal election. Here's the lowdown:
- They're arguing that they show a $1 billion improvement to the forecast budget bottom line over the forward estimates
- How? The savings will be achieved through an efficiency dividend, capping public sector spending.
- The government's continuing to attack Labor for not yet releasing its full and detailed policy costings, including its budget forecasts
One thing you’ll be hearing about today: Heard v Depp is back on
And actor Amber Heard is back on the stand today. Here's what's happened in the last few hours:
- Heard told jurors that she filed for divorce from Johnny Depp in 2016 because she worried she would not survive physical abuse by him:
- Jurors were shown photos of Heard with redness and swelling on her face that she said was caused by being struck by a phone he threw
- And the basics: Depp is suing Heard for $50 million, saying she defamed him when she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse. Heard has countersued for $100 million, arguing that Depp smeared her by calling her a liar
- You can check out this story if you want to catch up on the earlier part of the trial
News while you snoozed
Let's get you up to speed.
- The stabbing of the Hawkesbury Mayor during a home invasion, has left fellow councillors and the community horrified, the Deputy Mayor says. Mayor Patrick Conolly was stabbed in the arm and threatened by at least five men who forced their way into his Bligh Park home early yesterday morning while his wife and four children were home. It is believed the incident was a case of mistaken identity
- The ABC has been told Australia will not send a new ambassador to Myanmar amid moves to downgrade diplomatic ties with the ruling military junta
- Ukrainian troops counter-attacking Russian forces in the country's north-east have pushed them back from the city of Kharkiv and advanced as far as the border
- And McDonald's will pull out of Russia permanently after earlier closing its stores in response to the war
The news Australia is searching for
- #abc730: That's trending on Twitter after Leigh Sales's interview with the PM on the show last night. Some of the key moments? Scott Morrison saying he's "not contemplating" quitting if he loses again and that the government was not blindsided by Solomon Islands deal. You can watch it here (or catch up with our blog from last night)
One more thing: Everything going mouldy? Here's how to fix it
Living on the east coast? You've probably had a fun time cleaning up mould (or maybe you just haven't checked behind *that* couch yet...).
Bond University medical professor Natasha Yates, who also works as a GP on the Gold Coast, says the persistent damp conditions for months on end have led to an influx in related health problems in Queensland's south-east.
But what can you do about it? Here's what you can do to fix it:
- When it's a sunny day, allow as much sunlight as possible into the area
- Don't pack your furniture too close to the wall — leave room for airflow
- Use absorbent beads to soak up extra moisture in wardrobes and other areas
- A mix of three parts vinegar to two parts water is helpful in removing mould — or try methylated spirits at a ratio of 70 per cent and 30 per cent water, or a tea tree oil solution
Gerard Murtagh, from cleaning company MouldMen, said for bigger areas of mould you might need to check if water or moisture is getting in.
That's it for now
We'll be back later on with more.
ABC/wires
