National Political and Economic Updates

Coming up on your lunchtime update the largest cocaine seizure in Australia , auction data triggers fresh tax criticism and one nation leader granted security wish. I'm Madeline McNeil with the latest from Tapped News . Federal police have made the largest cocaine seizure in Australian history in Sydney's Northwest , Dusty Fitzpatrick has more. two point seven tons of the drug has been found hidden in shipping containers at London Derry. The discovery of the cocaine follows a month long investigation which began in Queen sland . AFP commander Stephen J. says the hall would have equated to about three million street level deals. That's more than eight hundred million dollars. That won't make it into the pockets of organized crime. Police will allege the drugs initially arrived on a cargo ship which stopped at sea off the Great Barrier Reef. It's understood two small tenders then brought the stash ashore before it was driven from Makaya to Sydney. Two men have been charged and are due to face court again in August ust, Dy Fitzpatrick , Sydney . Labour is being accused of doing a dirty deal with the Greens to pass its tax reforms in the next fortnight. Federal politics editor Michael Packy Auction Clearance rates have fallen below fifty percent for the first time since the COVID pandemic. The opposition argues the government's proposed changes to capital gains and negative gearing is creating uncertainty. Liberal leader Angus Taylor says labor has not been able to tackle inflation and that's a key factor in the housing crisis. The most important way you can make it more affordable to buy a home is get interest rates down. Green's leader Larissa Waters is negotiating with the government to pass its tax changes , but as part of the horse trading, the inquiry into the NDIS overhaul would have to be extended. So we are having those discussions, but we are using everything we've got. The opposition says it amounts to a dirty deal, claiming the CGT and negative gearing changes should be rejected outright Michael Paki Canberra . One nation leader Pauline Hansen has been provided additional security amid concerns for her safety as well as that of her staff and the public. Senator Hansen has been urging the Prime Minister to increase the federal police presence around her as the minor party grows in popularity . The tourism industry believes an extension of the fuel excess will provide certainty for regional operators during the winter school holidays. The federal government's introducing legislation this week to keep the temporary fuel relief measure until the second of August. The discount is being reduced to sixteen cents per later rather than thirty two. Tourism and Transport Foreign Chief Executive Margie Osmond says it means many families can still make their snow trip. The only way you can get to the snowfields really is to drive . Look, sixty eight percent of people said that if the fuel prices went up again they wouldn't be taking that drive Results are due back today to confirm whether a second bird found in W A has contracted the H five N one variant of bird flu. The sick bird was found on a remote beach in Aspirins, just kilometres away from another animal confirmed to have the highly contagious strain. An aspirant's poultry show scheduled for next month has been cancelled as locals tighten precautions. The daughter of an eighty seven year old man allegedly assaulted in a Southwest Sydney nursing home , anticipates his stay in hospital will be a very lengthy visit. John Caine suffered a brain bleed, a fractured eye socket, and a burst eardrum on Wednesday. sixty nine year old Jeffrey Innes, a fellow resident has faced court. John's daughter, Margaret has told two GB she's been told his alleged attacker had a history of violence. This is accurate. This definitely raises a series of serious questions that need to be answered by Hermancare . A major bank is opening its doors for Saturday trading at high demand locations. From this Saturday, ANZ customers will be able to access install banking at twenty seven locations nationwide. General Manager Andrew Delatour says it's about giving customers greater flexibility. We expect this to be very popular because it's going to particularly benefit customers like young professionals, families, and small businesses , often people who are time poor during the week, but still value in person support. And work is underway to remove a whale carcass which washed up on Victoria's Bells Beach, prompting a shark warning. Surfers and beach goers were forced out of the water after the Victorian Fisheries Authority issued an advice warning followed by an emergency beach closure. In finance, the Australian dollar is buying around seventy US cents. Sport Swan's midfielder Taylor Adams has announced his immediate retirement from the AFL. The thirty two year olds career spans fifteen seasons and two hundred twenty nine games in the top ranks of Ossie Rules. A string of injuries sparking the decision for him to call time. Honestly, I'm incredibly sad that the journey is over , but the overwhelming feeling I've had all week is gratitude for the opportunity that I've had from what is what this game's given me and what the people the people I've been able to meet along the way. In NRL Rabbit O star Latrill Mitchell's been seen leaving training early f,ueling rumours he won't be ready to play for the blues in Origin three due to a back injury. In World Cup action so far today, Spain's defeated Saudi Arabia at four Nil, Belgium and Iran played out a school astrawl, while Uruguay and Carbo Verde finish