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Sydney Morning Herald

Australia news LIVE: Architect of PNG NRL team bid stands down from board after corruption allegations; Trump diagnosed with medical condition

1.47pm Tasmanians look set to deliver hung parliament at the polls By Daniella White and Hannah Kennelly Tasmania is staring down the barrel of another hung parliament as polls show Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff's snap election gambit is unlikely to return a majority government. The future of Tasmania's AFL team and the state's fiscal health hang in the balance amid a deep political divide over the proposed Hobart stadium, which is backed by the major parties but fiercely opposed by the Greens and some of the crossbench. Voters will head to the polls tomorrow for the second time in 16 months – the fourth state election in seven years. But few are optimistic it will lead to a new period of political stability. The latest opinion survey suggests the Liberals will pick up more seats than Labor but neither will reach the 18-seat mark required for majority. More than 100,000 people have voted early – about a quarter of Tasmania's 412,000 enrolled voters, and an increase of 30,000 from the same point in the previous campaign. Labor leader Dean Winter held a barbecue with party faithful in Hobart this morning, while Rockliff will attempt to drum up support in the state's northwest. Both leaders have continued to blame each other for the snap poll, which has been dubbed the election no one really wanted. You can read more from Daniella White and Hannah Kennelly here. With AAP 1.25pm Today's headlines at a glance By Cassandra Morgan Good afternoon, and thanks for reading the national news blog. I'm Cassandra Morgan, taking over from Daniel Lo Surdo. If you're just joining us, here's a look at what we've been covering today. The Coalition has levelled more attacks against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's week-long China visit, as Liberal senator Jane Hume said the trip catered to 'the prime minister's Instagram more than the country's national interest'. Albanese had brushed aside the criticism. A statement from the prime minister's office today described his meeting with high-ranking Chinese officials in Beijing, including an expansive conversation with President Xi Jinping, as the 'centrepiece' of the visit. Papua New Guinea NRL franchise director Wapu Sonk has stood down from the board of the expansion team at the request of the country's leader, James Marape, following corruption concerns revealed by this masthead. A law firm has lodged a complaint with Australia's information commissioner on behalf of Qantas customers whose data was exposed in a June 30 data breach Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said that global economic leaders have been discussing US President Donald Trump's tariff regime in a 'blunt' and 'upfront' manner during discussions at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors summit in South Africa this week. Trump has been diagnosed with a chronic but non-serious health condition after swelling in his lower legs caused alarm during a recent appearance at a major sporting event. 12.35pm PNG NRL director stands down following corruption concerns By Chris Barrett PNG NRL franchise director Wapu Sonk has stood down from the board of the expansion team at the request of the country's leader, James Marape, following corruption concerns revealed by this masthead. 'I have spoken to Mr Sonk and, while he is currently overseas, I have requested that he step down from his role as a director on the PNG NRL franchise board effective immediately. He has agreed to do so,' Marape said. 'This reflects PNG's commitment to the highest standards of integrity, probity, and public trust. 'This is not a presumption of guilt. Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners.' Sonk led PNG's campaign for an NRL team, which is being backed by a $600 million investment from the Albanese government. Evidence which raises serious questions about whether Sonk sought to benefit personally from his power as chief of PNG's national oil company, and not in relation to the NRL bid, includes confidential documents and corporate records and links Sonk's company to suspect dealings with a massive Chinese government firm and a plot to funnel contracts to a company Sonk owns in Australia.