Llew O’Brien calls McCormack's bluff

CHECK-RAISE

Queensland MP and Barnaby Joyce ally Llew O’Brien has officially quit the National Party, with The Courier-Mail ($) reporting that last week’s Natspill was much more than your run-of-the-mill Barnaby spat.

O’Brien reportedly advised Scott Morrison of his decision last night and, while the Wide Bay member has guaranteed the government supply, he is likely to cross the floor on key bills. These include Christian Porter’s proposed anti-corruption body, which O’Brien — much like Crikey — views as something of a toothless tiger.

FIRE OUT, FLOODS IN

Storms that helped put out NSW’s Currowan fire — which burnt for 74 days — have led to state-wide flooding, power outages for 137,000 homes, and evacuation orders Narrabeen, North Richmond, Moorebank and other regions, both the ABC and Sydney Morning Herald report.

And because neither side of the country can catch a break, Pilbara residents are recovering from Cyclone Damien, which brought gale-force winds over the weekend, the ABC reports.

For current NSW warnings, check out BoM’s summaries.

STEGGALL LAUNCHES CLIMATE BILL

Independent MP Zali Steggall has called for a conscience vote on a proposed climate change bill, urging self-styled “modern Liberals” to commit to climate risk assessment, a national adaptation program, a target of net zero emissions by 2050, and (another) independent climate change commission.

The Guardian reports that Steggall — who will officially launch the conscience vote campaign this morning with Centre Alliance’s Rebekha Sharkie — is finalising the legislation for introduction to parliament in March.

The news comes as Angus Taylor tells The Age the Coalition plans to settle its 2050 strategy ahead of the crucial Glasgow climate summit in November.