Afternoon Update: Labor plans migration cuts; extent of bird flu disaster revealed; and the secret of immortality

Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Afternoon Update here, and start your day with our Morning Mail newsletter.Good afternoon. Tony Burke was all set to speak at the National Press Club tomorrow – until he wasn’t.The home affairs minister’s address, which would have touched on “managing the migration program”, has now been delayed, reportedly amid political considerations inside the Albanese government. Despite this, the Guardian understands Labor will push ahead with new rules to cut net overseas migration and push temporary residents to leave Australia (figures last month showed net overseas migration numbers were at their lowest since 2022). It is believed the rescheduling of the address will allow Anthony Albanese to help sell any changes as the government seeks to push back on criticism of its record on migration by One Nation and the Coalition.Penguins and dolphins among nearly 400 Australian species under threat from bird flu as ‘true extent of disaster’ revealedIcac: NSW Liberal leader defers decision on frontbencher Damien Tudehope following leak revelations‘Won’t happen’: One Nation Victoria leader’s comments raise questions about Hanson’s mass deportations policyDaniel Andrews defends actions as opposition labels Labor ‘a gangster government’ after Ibac report releasedHigh court blocks plan to extract two Sydney Harbours’ worth of groundwater from the desertNew Zealand capital delights in rare snowfall as southern city residents ski down world’s steepest street Continue reading...