Your afternoon Briefing

Good afternoon, readers. The WA government is forecasting a surplus in two years and the ABC steps up the fight against budget cuts.

Good afternoon, readers. The WA government is forecasting a surplus in two years and the ABC’s news boss takes up the fight against budget cuts.

WA Premier Mark McGowan speaks to the media at the Badlands Bar in Northbridge, Monday, April 30, 2018. The WA government has announced a $3 million fund to support homegrown musicians and challenge Melbourne as the nation's home of live music. (AAP Image/Sophie Moore) NO ARCHIVING

WA eyes surplus within two years

The McGowan government is banking on Western Australia’s strengthening economy and the lowest rate of spending growth in two decades to return the state’s battered finances to surplus within two years.

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Director of News Gaven Morris is seen speaking during the ABC Annual Public Meeting in Ultimo, Sydney, Friday, February 9, 2018. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

‘No more fat to cut at ABC’

ABC news director Gaven Morris says any more funding cuts to the national broadcaster would ‘cut into the muscle of the organisation’.

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Former PM Kevin Rudd attending a breakfast to mark the 10th Anniversary of the National Apology to AustraliaÕs Indigenous Peoples at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

Rudd subpoenaed over batts

A subpoena for former prime minister Kevin Rudd has been issued in relation to his government’s home insulation scheme, a court has heard.

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10-05-18 - Snow falls at Mount Baw Baw in Victoria. Kids Indi (pink jacket) and Ryder (blue jacket) Bechaz with alpine dingoes Rowdy(orange) and Warragul (white.) Supplied : Mt Baw Baw

Warning as snowflakes descend

Parts of Australia are bracing for a severe cold snap with weather warnings issued for Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

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DO NOT USE BEFORE CONTACTING THE HERALD SUN PIC DESK------Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton at the Police Headquarters in Melbourne. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Zero tolerance? Zero ticker

Victoria Police is facing its biggest crisis in public confidence since the outbreak of the Kelly Gang, writes the Mocker.