That’s a wrap. Thanks for following the AFR’s live coverage this Wednesday, May 21, 2025. We will have more live coverage tomorrow.

Here are some of the stories we covered today:

• Trott dismisses Forrest’s Pilbara ‘wasteland’ claims: Rio Tinto iron ore chief Simon Trott has dismissed claims by mining billionaire Andrew Forrest that the Pilbara was at risk of becoming a “wasteland”, insisting the company was readying itself for the transition to green steel.

• Sydney train disruptions expected this afternoon: Premier Chris Minns is urging Sydneysiders to leave work early if they can, as there will still be disruptions to trains this afternoon.

• Forrest calls for diesel fuel excise changes: Billionaire Andrew Forrest has taken another swipe at the federal government’s diesel consumption rebate, arguing it should be replaced by an incentive to invest in renewable energy.

• O’Brien agrees that Coalition split is a ‘stupid move’: Deputy Opposition Leader Ted O’Brien says he agrees with former prime minister John Howard that the split is a “stupid move”.

• Nationals ‘not unanimous’ on decision to split: Newly elected Nationals Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan says the decision to end the Coalition agreement was not unanimous, but it was conclusive.

• Allan defends Victorian debt levels: Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says they are one of only three states, along with WA and SA, that have delivered an operating surplus this year.

• Policy ultimatum was reasonable in Liberal negotiation: Nationals Leader David Littleproud says giving the Liberal Party an ultimatum on four key policies was reasonable.