| PM faces questions over Panama Papers and ALP disendorse candidate | Good afternoon,
The Prime Minister has addressed revelations he was named in the Panama Papers while Bill Shorten is still facing questions on party unity over refugee policy.
Here's what happened today:
1. MALCOLM TURNBULL IS NAMED IN THE PANAMA PAPERS
He's listed on a company register document for Star Technology Services Limited from the 1990s along with former NSW Premier Neville Wran.
They both resigned their directorship of that company in 1995 and there's no suggestion of any wrongdoing by either of them.
Star Technology Services was incorporated by Mossack Fonseca, the Panamanian law firm at the centre of the data leak scandal.
Asked about being named today, the PM said there was "no suggestion of any impropriety whatsoever" and there was nothing new in the reports.
Can't remember the Panama Papers? It's the name given to the world's largest data leak from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca.
It shed light on a global industry of shell company structures and trust accounts which allowed clients to hide their dealings behind a wall of financial secrecy.
Remember, much of Mossack Fonseca's work is perfectly legal and benign, and being named in the leak isn't proof of any improper dealings.
There are more than 1,000 Australian links to companies in the leak.
2. THE ALP FORMALLY DISENDORSED CANDIDATE CHRIS BROWN
Josh Wilson will be the new candidate for the Perth seat of Fremantle after the ALP national executive met to formally disendorse Mr Brown.
Mr Wilson said he was humbled to be chosen as the candidate for Fremantle after a "difficult day".
He also described Mr Brown as a "good guy".
Speaking this afternoon, Mr Brown said he had been honest and truthful with the Labor Party.
But it might not be over yet, the disendorsed candidate said he had received legal advice, but wouldn't be drawn on a possible legal challenge to the decision.
Mr Brown was in trouble after it was revealed last night he failed to declare two convictions on his preselection paperwork.
3. BILL SHORTEN COULDN'T SHAKE MORE QUESTIONS ON REFUGEE POLICY
He was campaigning with Labor's candidate for Capricornia Leisa Neaton, who has previously voiced her objections to the bi-partisan policy of boat turn backs.
The Opposition Leader was asked if he needed to introduce "more party discipline" around the topic.
Mr Shorten said members had the chance to express their opinions on the policy at the national conference.
"When it comes to the fight against people smugglers we are 100 per cent determined to stop them plying their evil trade," he said.
For a blow-by-blow of the day on the campaign trail, you can read over our politics blog.
4. DAWSON MP GEORGE CHRISTENSEN DOESN'T WANT REFUGEES IN HIS ELECTORATE
He made the claim in a Facebook post earlier this week.
Mr Turnbull had this to say when asked about the comments today:
"George is entitled to express an opinion about his own area but plainly the objective, when you bring in refugees into Australia, indeed any arrivals into Australia, is to put them in a position where they are given the skills and the opportunities to get into work," he said.
ELECTION SPOTLIGHT:FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN
Our journalists are following all the campaign action, and if you're on Twitter you can follow along for a look behind the scenes.
Check out some of the action they've captured today:
FROM THE DRUM: MICHAEL BRADLEY
We're being sold a trickle-down economics con, writes Michael Bradley.
A response to a question on Q&A from Kelly O'Dwyer about the rich v poor divide has exposed a fault line in this election.
COMING UP NEXT: - Tune into 7:30 to see what the major parties are doing about the 350,000 unenrolled young Australian voters
- And remember, tomorrow night will be the first time Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten meet head to head in a leaders debate
Want more? Check out our Australia Votes homepage for all the latest election news and analysis.
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