Australia news live: Labor commits $95m to prepare for deadly bird flu; republicans to welcome king’s visit with ‘farewell tour’ T-shirts

Australia is the only continent still free of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza. Follow today’s news live

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Environment ministers to meet and discuss preparedness for H5N1 strain

Work by Wildlife Health Australia more than a year ago warned the consequences of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in native birds could be catastrophic. Environment organisations have been calling for additional funding for preparedness for the disease in wildlife for many months.

This is incredible news. The Albanese government is finally investing a serious amount into preparation for what could be the worst environmental disaster in Australia’s history.

This level of funding will allow departments to get on with the job of properly preparing to save wildlife and stop extinctions if the deadly bird flu hits our shores.

I am particularly concerned about the potential impact on species already at risk of extinction and not well placed to cope with significant mortalities. This includes marine mammals such as the endangered Australian sea lion, and sea birds like the Christmas Island frigatebird which has only one breeding site.