Big changes to Coalition public service policy, but it still says APS too large

The public service and waste and working from the office have been a big focus of the Coalition's early election pitch, but Connor Pearce brings news that it's having a bit of a change of tack. Jane Hume and Peter Dutton still think there are 41,000 too many APS positions, but say their new public service policy announced today shows "we listened".

Connor also reports on what Defence has told prospective tenderers for the multibillion-dollar base services transformation program now that ACCC is taking court action against two potential suppliers.

Independent ACT senator David Pocock has taken aim at a department for accepting more than $98,000 worth of complimentary conference tickets from the Mineral Council of Australia, Miriam Webber reports.

Meanwhile, Petlee Peter brings us the "rare and highly unusual situation" of how Tom's Theo became Tommy, then Theo again. It was quite the adventure for this back-and-white cat.

The bureau is forecasting another sunny autumn day today, with an expected top of 22 after a cool night.