Australia news live: Jonathon Duniam to retire from politics; father and daughter found dead in Sydney river

The Tasmanian Liberal senator has announced he will leave parliament before the end of the year. Follow the day’s news live

Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The federal government’s national lung cancer screening program has concluded its first 12 months, with data showing almost 100,000 high-risk Australians accessed the free service and more than 230 primary lung cancers detected.

Lung cancer remains Australia’s leading cause of cancer death, claiming about 9,000 lives annually, and late diagnosis remains the biggest hurdle in treating the disease.

Representing Tasmania, the best state in the Commonwealth, has been a blessing and the honour of a lifetime – one that will be hard to match. While I know there will be some who will be disappointed that I am leaving, I am very grateful to the Liberal Party membership in Tasmania for granting me the privilege of being a Senator and for all the support that they have provided to me.

Now is the right time for my party to choose new Senate team members who will carry forward the fight for Tasmania and for the values in which the Liberal Party believes.
Continue reading...