Sydney spared worst of rain but Newcastle still under threat – as it happened

Sydney spared worst of rain but Newcastle still under threat as new NSW flood warning issued; south-east Queensland on alert as thunderstorms loom; Labor and LNP clash over Services Australia flood assistance; nation records at least 47 Covid-related deaths with one fatality in WA as border reopens. This blog is now closed

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We are just standing by now to hear from the NSW premier who will have an update on the state's flood situation.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has told ABC radio that the cleanup bill for this week's flood will run into the billions".