As it happened: Turnbull tells commission he never questioned legality of robo-debt; Dodson wants action on Indigenous deaths in custody

“A total of three cases of MVE virus infection and two deaths have been reported in Victoria this mosquito season. A number of suspected cases are under investigation,” the department said.

“The second case is a woman in her sixties who died in late February, and the third case is a man in his seventies who is receiving treatment in hospital. Both cases were likely exposed to mosquitoes in northern Victoria.”

Authorities have said the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis and West Nile (Kunjin) virus infections is high this summer, particularly in northern Victoria where viruses are being detected in mosquitoes.

The viruses can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the central nervous system and are spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

The health department has strongly advised residents and people visiting northern Victoria, particularly inland riverine regions and near the Murray River, to reduce their risk of mosquito bites.

“Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, although most infected people do not have symptoms. In serious cases, people can develop meningitis or encephalitis which can be fatal. Anyone with symptoms should seek urgent medical care,” the department said.

Clinicians have been advised to test for JE virus and MVE virus in patients with a compatible illness and to notify the Department of Health of suspected cases immediately by calling 1300 651 160.

“But I have asked some of the witnesses during public hearings that are suggesting there’s nothing wrong with the current regime, to perhaps go and read some of the submissions from the health and other experts and to listen to members of the community about their concerns, because it’s pretty hard to reconcile that evidence with the suggestion that there’s nothing wrong with the current regime, and nothing needs to change.

“We’re a little bit away from recommendations yet, but there’s certainly been some very powerful evidence to say that changes need to be made in a whole raft of areas.”

Murphy, who is MP for Dunkley in Victoria, said reforms could also include changes to consumer affairs legislation, or privacy laws concerning targeted advertising online and on social media.

She wouldn’t comment on specific recommendations until the inquiry delivered its report, which is expected to be by mid-year.

“The new offer provided by management this morning contains several improvements on what has been on the table until now,” Derrick said in a statement.

“Members are encouraged that the new offer hears their concerns on gender and race pay gaps and buyouts and comes some way to addressing claims on progression and a fair pay rise.”

Derrick said the offer did not satisfy all the employees’ demands, and there was still work to be done.

She said negotiations and discussions would continue over the coming days.

The ABC said in a statement last week that the broadcaster continued to negotiate in good faith.

Barilaro resigned from the posting before it commenced.

In a statement this afternoon, the ICAC said it had considered whether former trade minister Stuart Ayres, former department head Amy Brown or any other public official breached public trust, acted dishonestly or partially, or adversely affected the honest or impartial functions by any public official.

“The investigation did not identify any evidence of corrupt conduct. As a result, the commission has discontinued its investigation,” the statement said.

“The commission does not propose taking any further action with respect to the matter.”

ICAC did not say who it had called to give evidence in compulsory interviews.

Barilaro has been contacted for comment.

Earlier this month a Labor-led upper house inquiry found Barilaro benefited from a “jobs for the boys” appointment, in a recruitment process that lacked transparency, integrity and was not conducted at arm’s length from government.

Chalmers said when the scheme starts in mid-2025, less than 0.5 per cent of people or less than 80,000 would be affected.

By the start of the 2030s, this is expected to reach one percent of the population.

One in 10 will be affected in 30 years’ time, Chalmers said as he defended the change.

“What we are proposing, Mr Speaker, is a modest change but it is a simple choice,” he said.

“We inherited $1 trillion of Liberal Party debt and deficits as far as the eye can see, and unfunded ongoing commitments and intensifying pressures in the budget, (and) we say that the generous concessions in superannuation for half a percent of people can be a little bit less generous.

“As those opposite thrash around in the shallowest and mightiest bottles of political opportunism, on this side of the house, the adults will continue to make serious decisions about serious pressures on the budget that we inherited for those opposite.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also scoffed at throwing the discussion forward 30 years.

“I make this bold prediction: in 30 years’ time, some people will be earning more than they are today in dollar terms, and some people will be paying different income tax rates in 30 years than they are now,” he said.

“Our tax changes affect one half of 1 per cent.”

During question time today, Ryan was interrupted by Coalition hecklers, including Dutton, as she prepared to speak.

The opposition leader said words to the effect of “How is your campaign to be prime minister going?” according to people in the chamber, to which Ryan replied: “I’ll be there before you are.”

That earned several moments of laughter from the Labor benches while Ryan tried to suppress a smirk, before she asked Health Minister Mark Butler a question about the pharmaceutical benefits scheme.

Butler said the government was not ready to make announcements but was considering many options to improve healthcare and make it cheaper as part of the budget process, which was under way.