The Latest Breaking News from Emily Sakzewski

Anthony Albanese uses his National Press Club address to announce a Labor government would strip hundreds of millions of dollars from two government grant programs and put the money to better use, in an effort to improve the budget bottom line.

Labor frontbencher Jason Clare says the government needs to explain why the Commonwealth is set to pay former staffer Rachelle Miller more than $500,000, as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg spruiks the state of the economy after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Patricia Karvelas, Antony Green and Andrew Probyn joined the blog to answer your questions, as the wage debate heats up on the campaign trail.

Early voters cast their ballots on the first day of pre-polling as Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese continue their campaigns following a fiery debate.