| Big promises for the reef and a PM's pat for a little Sydney rat | Good afternoon,
The star of today's show has been the Great Barrier Reef. The Opposition went north to announce $500 million to help protect it as new surveys revealed the extent of coral bleaching.
Let's take a look at today on the campaign trail.
1. REEF POLITICS
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has been in Cairns today announcing a $500-million fund to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
It's not all new money - $123 million had already been allocated by the Coalition - but it is a significant cash splash.
Of the total $500 million Labor has promised, it says $100 million is for research, $300 million is for programs to reduce nitrogen and sediment run-off and up to $100 million is set down for reef management. Environment Minister Greg Hunt has an issue with that.
"How they can justify $100 million on more bureaucracy without even outlining or explaining where that will be spent is an extraordinary diversion of funds for the reef," he said.
We've taken a look at the latest news on the reef - including coral bleaching, UNESCO reports and its management - and put it all in one place.
2. THE PM HAS ANSWERED QUESTIONS ON A SAME-SEX MARRIAGE PLEBISCITE
He edged closer to giving us some details saying: "It will be a very straightforward question and we will be asking the Australian people whether they support the definition of marriage being extended to include couples of the same sex."
Timing? No new information there. As always the answer from Mr Turnbull was "as soon as possible".
Reminder: the Coalition's policy on same-sex marriage is to hold a plebiscite on the issue after the election. Labor's policy is to introduce a bill on the issue within 100 days of taking office. The Greens have pledged to legislate immediately.
3. POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING RACIST POSTS AGAINST NOVA PERIS
A Central Coast chiropractor has been charged for allegedly posting racist comments to the Facebook page of outgoing Labor NT senator Nova Peris.
The senator shared the post allegedly from the Woy Woy-based chiropractor across her social media platforms saying: "I'll leave it there to continue to show the ugly side of this country as I have always done."
Also today, Malarndirri McCarthy was announced as Ms Peris' replacement in top spot on Labor's NT Senate ticket.
Follow our live blog for updates.
4. JUST SO WE'RE CLEAR, IT'S 'INCONCEIVABLE' THE GREENS WILL HELP THE COALITION
Richard Di Natale has answered the "what if" question over a hung parliament.
He said: "This has been a terrible government of the country and in my view it's inconceivable that we could support them to have another term."
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop left the negotiation door open. The PM has since clarified saying Ms Bishop was talking about possible Senate negotiations.
ELECTION SPOTLIGHT:
There was a rat in the ranks in Sydney. An actual rat.
This little guy and his owner met the PM during a campaign mall stroll in Sydney. There's video of the encounter.
FROM THE DRUM: WHO WOULD WANT TO INHERIT THIS BUDGET MESS?
This election isn't one that anyone would want to win. The global economy is uncertain, our debt is rising, and it seems we'll be relying on luck rather than management to avoid a recession, writes Ian Verrender.
DIDN'T WATCH THE DEBATE LAST NIGHT? THAT'S FINE, JUST TAKE THIS QUIZ
Bill or Mal? Who said what ...
COMING UP NEXT: - Labor's environment spokesman Mark Butler will be on RN Drive just after 6:00pm AEST
- That interview will be followed by a chat with Senator David Leyonhjelm, who Mr Shorten called a stone age man for shouting down the promise to broadcast more women's sport on the ABC
- Mr Di Natale, independent senators Nick Xenophon and Jacqui Lambie, Trade Minister Steve Ciobo and Labor MP Terri Butler will be on Q&A at 9:35pm AEST
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