Veteran Liberal MP and minister David Elliott will quit state politics rather than take part in a messy preselection battle to become a candidate in the upcoming March state election. 

Gender-neutral claiming will form part of a modernised government-paid parental leave scheme which will be expanded to families earning up to $350,000.

After a five year hiatus and a protracted court battle that saw him acquitted of sexual assault charges, Craig McLachlan will finally step back onto the stage. 

The Australian Defence Force will dramatically upscale its push for new recruits with a return to grassroots campaigns.

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