Noon Briefing

Ousted ABC MD Michelle Guthrie has launched legal action and Nationals MP Andrew Broad has alleged he was blackmailed.

Good afternoon readers, here’s what’s making headlines today.

Former Managing Director Michelle Guthrie, at the inquiry in Parliament House in Canberra.Inquiry on matters related to allegations of political interference in the ABC including the termination of the Managing Director Michelle Guthrie, conduct of the Chair and Board, and governance of the ABC at the Environment and Communications References Committee, Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Gary Ramage

Guthrie names Milne in lawsuit

Ousted ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie has launched legal action in which she claims she was wrongfully dismissed.

Andrew Broad in Question Time in the House of Representatives Chamber at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

‘I was told to pay Sugar Baby’

Nationals MP Andrew Broad was allegedly given a 24-hour ultimatum by a Hong Kong woman to pay her to remain silent.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison addresses the media in Sydney, Sunday, December 23, 2018. Thousands of Australians with multiple sclerosis will save more than $50,000 a year with the listing of a new medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

PM struggles to regain grey vote

Older Australians have delivered an early blow to Scott Morrison’s pitch to win back their support before the election.

Sunbrise at Altona beach.Victoria is set for hot weather today as a heat wave moves across the state. Wednesday, October 13. 2017. Picture: David Crosling

Ferocious heat to ravage nation

Heatwave conditions are set to sweep the country, with poor air quality forecast for Sydney, while Victoria is expected to top 44C.