Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday ruled out calling a national election for April on Sunday or Monday, as had been expected, so his government can focus on an approaching cyclone in Queensland state.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman says the PM’s “focus” is entirely on Queensland to ensure “every ounce” of Commonwealth assistance is made available.

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.

The women hoping to win Opposition leader Peter Dutton's seat say his voters have been "neglected" for too long.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has thrown a bit of a wrench into Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plans to call a federal election, according to Sky News host Danica De Giorgio.

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed regret over his angry exchange with Donald Trump in the Oval Office and vowed to return to the negotiating table to sign a minerals deal and secure peace.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is about to cross the coast of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales after its almost two-week journey. Although the storm is now considered a tropical low, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned residents to not get complacent.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been pressed on the government’s climate targets as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches the Queensland-New South Wales coastline. Mr Albanese was briefed from Canberra’s National Situation Room on the current nature of the category two storm.

Anthony Albanese has put the insurance industry on notice, warning the government will “do what we need to do” to ensure flood victims across NSW and Queensland are paid their fair share.