Australia politics live: Lidia Thorpe to make statement on assault allegation; ABC job cuts expected

After withdrawing accusations made in parliament about Liberal senator David Van, the independent says she will make another statement today. Follow live

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Gun register is next step for Howard’s reforms, Albanese to say

Anthony Albanese will say today that a national firearms register is the “next step” for gun reform started by John Howard after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.

The opening sentence alone stands as a monument to the grace and bravery of a truly great Australian.

And I quote: “Dear Mr Howard, as the person who lost his wife and two beautiful daughters at Port Arthur, I am writing to you to give you the strength to ensure no person in Australia ever has to suffer such a loss.”