Major Daily News Summary Tuesday May 20

Daily News summary 1. Severe Weather Causes Disruptions Across New South Wales

A deep coastal trough has brought heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and hazardous surf to parts of New South Wales, particularly affecting the Mid North Coast, Central Coast, and Hunter regions. The NSW State Emergency Service issued evacuation orders for Bulahdelah due to rising floodwaters. Train services on the Hunter line between Scone, Dungog, and Newcastle have been suspended, and over 30 schools have closed. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of life-threatening flash flooding and hazardous surf conditions, with waves forecast to exceed five metres. Beachgoers are advised to avoid coastal areas due to erosion risks and dangerous surf. Major flood warnings are in place for several rivers, and damaging winds up to 90km/h are expected to continue. dailytelegraph+1dailytelegraph+1

2. Victoria's Interest Bill Projected to Reach $10 Billion

Victoria's Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has indicated that while the state's debt is projected to rise to $187 billion by 2028, it will not cross the $200 billion mark. However, concerns are mounting over a ballooning interest bill, which has grown from $2.2 billion in 2019–20 to $5.7 billion in 2023–24, and is forecast to potentially reach $10 billion due to increasing global interest rates and a $14 billion refinancing due in 2029. The opposition criticized the government's handling of finances, alleging underreporting of actual debt and pointing out budget discrepancies. The Treasurer defended the government's focus on reducing cost-of-living pressures, including a $318 million policy offering free public transport for children under 18 from January 2026. While a $600 million operating surplus is projected, it is $1 billion lower than December estimates. Future surpluses are expected to average $1.9 billion. The budget will introduce savings measures and plans to reduce public service jobs by 2,000 to 3,000, although specific details will not be released immediately. Symes reaffirmed a commitment to fiscal responsibility and no new taxes in the budget. The Australian

3. NDIS Provider Accused of Billing for Deceased and Incarcerated Clients

Horizon Solsolutions Australia, the parent company of Cocoon SDA Care, has been implicated in a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) scandal involving incorrect claims for deceased and incarcerated individuals. Company director Muhammad Latif defended the claims as compliant with NDIS rules, citing the Bereavement Addendum and Short Notice Cancellations clauses. However, he acknowledged over $100,000 in faulty claims due to delayed death notifications and offered a refund, which the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) declined. An affidavit filed by Latif denies additional allegations, including mismanagement, unrealistic investment promises, and misuse of investor funds. Despite 32 tip-offs over four years, he emphasized Horizon's compliance history, including successful audits and proactive internal investigations. The NDIA, citing these discrepancies and a damning independent audit, proposed banning Horizon and Latif from providing disability services. The case also involves a 2023 incident where three women with disabilities were locked out of their home, which Horizon attributes to a dispute rather than negligence. Horizon maintains it acted transparently, refunded overpayments proactively, and denies intentional wrongdoing. The Australian

4. First Palestinian-Australian MP Could Be Confirmed in Calwell

The Australian Electoral Commission is conducting a complex vote count in the federal seat of Calwell, Melbourne, following the 2025 election. Labor’s Basem Abdo, a Palestinian-Australian, currently leads with 30.5% of the primary vote. He is followed by Liberal’s Usman Ghani at 15.6%, and independents Carly Moore and Joseph Youhana with 12.1% and 11.3%, respectively. Due to the fragmented vote, the AEC has initiated a three-candidate preferred count. Preference flows could allow Moore or Youhana to surpass Ghani and challenge Abdo in the final tally. If elected, Abdo would be the first Palestinian-Australian in federal parliament. Despite not receiving support from Muslim advocacy groups, Abdo is currently favored to win based on ABC's estimates of preference distribution. The count is expected to continue through the week due to its complexity. The Australian

5. Sydney Man Fatally Shot in Suspected Underworld Hit

John Versace, 23, was fatally shot in an apparent execution-style murder outside his home in Condell Park, Sydney, on the night of 19 May 2025. Emergency services responded to Dalton Street around 10:30 pm following reports of gunfire, but Versace succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene despite paramedics' efforts. CCTV footage captured the attack, showing a silver Toyota Corolla blocking his driveway, with a hooded gunman emerging and firing up to 10 shots at close range with a suspected Glock-style handgun. Shortly after, a burnt-out vehicle matching the description was discovered in Fairfield East, containing a similar handgun. Police believe the attack was targeted and linked to underworld activity. A forensic investigation is ongoing, with the NSW State Crime Squad joining local detectives in the homicide case. The quiet residential area remains cordoned off, with officers gathering evidence and urging the public to come forward with information. dailytelegraph That concludes our Daily News Summary