The leaders of the major parties are acutely aware that a misstep when responding to a natural disaster can have major political consequences.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese warned that there is “worse to come” as ex-cyclone Alfred fierce winds and heavy flooding strike Australia’s east coast. The formerly named Tropical Cyclone Alfred was expected to become the first cyclone to cross the Australian coast near the Queensland state capital of Brisbane since 1974.

After romping to a massive third-term victory, Premier Roger Cook says Labor has similar election-winning policies at a federal level as his party’s in Western Australia. Labor has won 40 seats, the Liberals five and the Nationals four after Saturday’s poll as counting continues, according to ABC News.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, a one-off payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children, will be available to individuals who have been significantly impacted by the disaster. This payment is part of a broader support package jointly funded by state and federal governments.

(Reuters) -Hundreds of thousands of people in Australia's Queensland state were without power on Sunday after Alfred, a downgraded tropical cyclone, brought damaging winds and heavy rains, sparking flood warnings.

Australians will head to the polls for the next federal election sometime in the next six months or so – although when exactly it will be held isn't set in stone.

Australia’s top military representative in Europe is preparing to head to Paris for high-powered talks on the future of Ukraine.

Anthony Albanese has slapped down a claim by Labor Party President Wayne Swan that Cyclone Alfred “may no longer be an immediate threat to Brisbane”, insisting people must prepare for the worst.

West Australian Premier Roger Cook will use his massive election victory, his booming personal popularity and the increasingly strong resources of WA Labor to help Anthony Albanese sandbag crucial federal seats in the state.

Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded to a tropical low, as it approaches Australia’s eastern coast. Although the speed at which Alfred is travelling has slowed, Brisbane locals have been sent a stark warning of what might be to come.

Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley has urged Anthony Albanese to confirm whether Labor will definitely hand down a budget, after-party members were issued invites to a $1200-a-head post-budget dinner.

At least 300,000 in blackout as Australian PM warns ‘worse to come’ - Flood warnings are still in place as heavy rainfall continued today