Australia news live update: Anthony Albanese to unveil frontbench; at least 39 Covid deaths recorded

It’s a high day for fatalities in Victoria, where 20 people have lost their lives in the latest reporting period. Condolences to their loved ones.

There have been 9,595 new cases recorded. There are 527 people being treated in hospital with the virus, including 31 people in ICU.

NSW Health has released today’s Covid update.

Sadly, it has been a high day for fatalities – 19 people have lost their lives.

There have been 7,342 new cases detected in the past 24 hours. There are 1,185 people being treated in hospital including 36 people in ICU.

Two-thirds of Australians think expanded crossbench is a positive, Guardian Essential poll finds

Katharine Murphy

The latest Guardian Essential poll suggests Australians are comfortable with the substantial increase in the number of independents in the new parliament where Labor has now secured a majority.

The first voter survey since the federal election also suggests support for a constitutionally enshrined voice to parliament and a treaty with First Nations peoples is on the rise.

The poll of 1,089 voters shows 64% of respondents say an expanded crossbench would be positive because it would ensure a wider range of views were represented in the 47th parliament. Only 36% of respondents expressed concern about the potential for instability or delay in decision-making.

Independent candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson has contacted Liberal party MP Dan Tehan to congratulate him on retaining the seat after a close contest between the pair.

There was a 6.1% swing against the Liberals in Wannon, with Dyson receiving 19.7% of primary votes, in front of Labor and other minor parties. Dyson said:

After a spirited campaign it was the right thing to do to make the call. Ideally the official results would have been known much sooner but, as the votes are still being counted due to the tightness of the race, I decided it was in Wannon’s best interest to bow out and allow the member to get to work on addressing the many issues that were brought up with me throughout the campaign.

Dan was very gracious, as always, we complimented each other on the spirit in which the campaign was run, and I wished him well for the next three years. In the meantime, I also want to call on the Labor government to support his efforts over the next term to support Wannon on a needs basis, and not allow partisan politics to allow our home to be left behind for a moment longer.

With a strong campaign, gaining Wannon could be “probable” in 2025, Dyson said.

Parts of Queensland are being battered by wild winds hitting much of the east coast.

Here’s the latest from the Bureau of Meteorology:

A strong trough and cold front swept across southern Queensland overnight, with strong west to southwesterly winds developing in the wake of the trough system.

Damaging winds with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/hr are possible over the southeastern interior … including Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast during this morning, although primarily on and east of elevated terrain.

Saturated soils in southeastern Queensland are bringing an increased risk of gusty winds toppling trees and powerlines.

Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Stanthorpe and Ipswich.

Brisbane airport is also experiencing delays:

Interesting. Speaking on the Today show earlier, Peter Dutton, who was introduced with, “Buckle up, because there’s a new sheriff in town,” floated the idea Scott Morrison may not hang around for a full term.