Australia news live: more wild weather on the way for Queensland; Iran denounces terror designation

Storms to return after week of battering. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastCentre for Public Integrity says government’s $560m grant scheme ripe for ‘pork barrelling’The Centre for Public Integrity has raised concerns that a $560m invitation-only grant program established by the Albanese government is ripe for pork-barrellingWhen election promises are channelled through grants without open or transparent eligibility criteria, the distinction between policy delivery and political patronage becomes blurred.Both major parties have used such mechanisms in the past – including through the community development grants program and Building Better regions fund – to direct taxpayer money toward electorally advantageous projects. Continue reading...