The Senate is likely to finally vote this afternoon to repeal the carbon tax. But it's come at a cost – the Senate has voted to keep tax concessions that will punch another two-billion haul on the government budget. 

 

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison has made a secret visit to a war-torn region of Sri Lanka. J. was the scene of some of the worst fighting during civil war and Tamil politicians are complaining Mr. Morrison ignored them during his trip there. The Minister is still refusing to say what he plans to do with the more than 150 Sri Lankan asylum seekers being held in a customs boat at sea. 

 

And the jury in the Gerard Baden-Clay murder trial is expected to retire to consider its verdict today. The Brisbane real estate agent is accused of killing his wife, the jury's been told, they must consider finding Mr. Baden-Clay guilty of manslaughter if they don't find him guilty of murder. 

 

And another attempt's been made this morning to free a hunchback whale stranded on the Gulf coast beach. Rescuers from Sea Well tried to whale out to sea using a specially made harness but unfortunately the rope snapped.