Australia news live: Victoria scraps secret public transport levy; former Treasury chief says WA GST deal might ‘break’ federal system

Ben Carroll announces he will ‘abolish the rail improvement charge’. Follow today’s news liveNepal flash flood disaster – live updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe prime minister, Anthony Albanese, says Dfat officials are ready to provide consular assistance to Australians in Nepal, after the devastating flooding in the country.A local tourism official said they believed 34 Australians were missing in the area, among hundreds of foreign nationals. Australian officials were not confirming numbers at this stage, and were working to check on the welfare of people they know were in the affected region.Australians in the affected area should follow the advice of local authorities. We are aware of a number of Australians in the area and Australian officials are urgently working to confirm their welfare. We are liaising with local authorities as well as tour operators.We stand ready to provide consular assistance.The images are very disturbing indeed. We do know that there are Australians in the area. We don’t know exactly how many. Continue reading...