Despite ex-tropical cyclone Alfred not bringing with it the anticipated level of damage initially predicted, flood levels in parts of Queensland have surpassed the 2022 disaster, after the weather system continued to bring heavy rainfall to the region.

Grantham, in the Lockyer Valley saw waters rise 66cm in just 20 minutes on Monday, triggering emergency sirens.

The town of Laidley saw its CBD become inundated, submerging at least 10 businesses, while parts of Forest Hill remained cut off for over 12 hours.

Ipswich narrowly avoided a major flood, though 30 properties were affected.

Recovery efforts are underway, with 118,000 properties still without power and over 400 schools closed.

Brisbane recorded its highest daily rainfall in 50 years, reaching 280mm.

In NSW, evacuation orders have lifted for some northern towns, with calls for increased housing support in the aftermath of the weather event.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast easing conditions, but has warned of possible thunderstorms in the Western Downs.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has declared victory after Labor secured a third consecutive term in government, following last weekend’s state election.

As of late Saturday night, Labor was on track to win 41 seats, with the Liberals securing five and the Nationals four.

Premier Cook, who replaced Mark McGowan in 2023, said the result reflected voter trust in Labor’s stable governance and commitment to job creation and infrastructure.

Liberal leader Libby Mettam acknowledged the party’s disappointing performance, but vowed to continue rebuilding the party.

The Liberal swing of about 11 per cent fell short of reclaiming key seats previously considered Liberal strongholds.

Meanwhile, former Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas edged closer to securing the seat of Churchlands, fuelling speculation about a potential change of Liberal leadership.

Cook said his team would return to work immediately to build on their achievements.

A new Human Rights Commission report found that Australians’ human rights were often overlooked in the government’s COVID-19 response, with domestic violence victims, renters, casual workers, and at-risk groups bearing the brunt.

Based on 5000 accounts, the report highlighted traumatic experiences, such as families unable to say goodbye to dying loved ones, women trapped with abusers, and public housing residents facing severe lockdowns.

Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay emphasised the need to balance health measures with individual freedoms, urging governments to adopt an Emergency Response Framework that prioritised compassion and inclusivity.

Infectious disease experts stated that Australia is “grossly unprepared” for future health crises, calling for a permanent, well-resourced Centre for Disease Control.

Monash University’s Professor Allen Cheng emphasised the urgency of acting immediately, as another health emergency is not a matter of if, but when.