Thanks for reading today’s live national news blog. This is where we’ll end today’s coverage.
To conclude, here’s a look back at the major stories today:
- Julian Assange is flying back to Australia after formalising his plea deal in an American court this morning, pleading guilty to one charge under the US Espionage Act and being sentenced tor time already served in a UK prison, securing his freedom. The WikiLeaks founder will arrive and speak in Canberra tonight in what will be a historic moment to end a long-running saga. You can follow our live coverage here.
- Fears of another interest rate rise are growing after data released this morning showed annual inflation has lifted to 4 per cent – its highest level since November. In April, the annual figure was 3.6 per cent.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Canberra today. The Pacific nation’s growing relationship with China was a key focus when the pair fronted the media, as Manele’s predecessor struck an unprecedented security deal with Beijing in 2022 that alarmed Australian officials.
- Labor senator Fatima Payman has been suspended from next week’s Labor caucus meeting for crossing the floor to recognise Palestinian statehood, the prime minister revealed in question time.
- A new parliamentary report released this afternoon has sharply criticised the handling of multimillion-dollar NDIA contract, finding an American tech giant held three meetings with then cabinet minister Stuart Robert before securing a $27 million deal that snowballed into a $135 million project.
- In NSW, this masthead revealed Sydney’s Luna Park is on the hunt for new owners for the first time in two decades.
- In Victoria, the widow of Robert Hill has spoken after a jury found Gregory Lynn not guilty of murdering her husband in the high-profile missing campers case yesterday. However, the jury did find Lynn guilty of murdering Carol Clay, who Hill was having an affair with.
- In Queensland, the family of Tia Cameron have emotionally erupted at a brief court hearing for the Brisbane City Council bus driver charged over her death.
- In Western Australia, a fresh trial date has been set in the blockbuster defamation trial between ex-Coalition minister Linda Reynolds and Brittany Higgins.
In sport news, the second State of Origin match between New South Wales and Queensland will be played at Melbourne’s iconic MCG tonight. Follow our live coverage here.
Thanks again for your company. Have a lovely night.