A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability.
Welcome to SBS News in Easy English. I'm Greg Dyett.
The New South Wales government is reassuring residents as heavy rains continue to fall in the Northern Rivers region and parts of the Mid-North Coast.
Approximately 3,600 homes are without power after the wild weather toppled a number of powerlines across the region.
A total of ten evacuation orders are also in place, including for the central business district of Lismore.
Emergency Services Minister Steph Cooke says she understands volunteers and residents are exhausted from multiple disasters.
"I know that for many of you in the northern rivers region and the mid north coast it must feel as though this flooding emergency is never going to end. But I can assure you that there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has responded to criticism that he is 'unfit to be Prime Minister'.
The comments came from outgoing Liberal senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells in a late-night parliamentary speech.
She described Mr Morrison as a bully.
Mr Morrison has told SBS News that he invites Senator Fierravanti-Wells to raise her concerns through the government's independent inquiry process.
"I understand that Senator Fierravanti-Wells is disappointed that on the weekend 500 Liberal party members came to decide who would contest for the Liberal party in New South Wales. They rightly in my view backed strongly Senator Payne and Senator Molan, and Senator Fierravanti-Wells was unsuccessful on this occasion."
Disability groups have criticised this year's Federal Budget for failing to support vulnerable people and their carers.
People with Disability Australia says it's very disappointed with the budget, arguing there is an urgent need for advocacy funding.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says under the Coalition government, the National Disability Insurance Scheme will be fully funded.
Advocates are concerned there have been negative decisions against some people who use the scheme.
A Liberal politician has been ordered to pay back over $10,000 after the parliament's expenditure regulator discovered he had incorrectly claimed expenses for himself and his family.
Andrew Laming claimed expenses for travel to Tasmania.
He has to repay $10,360 which includes a 25 per cent penalty fee.
Another minister in the Victorian government has contracted COVID-19.
Industry, Tourism and Sport Minister Martin Pakula says he tested positive from a rapid antigen test and will now isolate at home for seven days.
Premier Daniel Andrews is in isolation until Monday after he also returned a positive result.
And Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is also isolating after his nine-year-old son caught the virus.
Eight peacekeepers have been killed after their helicopter was shot down in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Telstra's chief financial officer Vicki Brady will take over as the company's first female chief executive.
Ms Brady will take over on September 1st, following the retirement of the long-serving head, Andrew Penn.
A state funeral will be held for the late Shane Warne in Melbourne this evening.
More than 50,000 fans are expected to gather at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to honour the cricketing legend, who died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 52.
The service is expected to feature pre-recorded songs by Elton John and Ed Sheeran and speeches by Warne's children.
I'm Greg Dyett and this is SBS News in Easy English.
