PM

Today China's military brushed aside concerns about a Chinese naval intelligence ship near Queensland during recent American-led drills with Australia. China's military is rapidly expanding its global presence, with the nation's defence and military spending rising five-fold in the past 15 years.

There are concerns public confidence in the Murray-Darling Basin plan will be undermined, following reports environmental water is being used on cotton farms in New South Wales. An ABC's Four Corners investigation has revealed that some cotton irrigators are legally using the water intended for the environment. The South Australian Government says it was aware of the issue and had previously raised concerns. But would consider taking further action to ensure New South Wales' environmental commitments to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan are being met.

Despite the issue being public for two years, many Australian motorists are still behind the wheel of cars with faulty airbags. A range of car makes fitted with Takata airbags are subject to an international recall. Shockingly an investigation by consumer advocacy group Choice revealed today that some airbags have even been replaced with the same faulty ones. Now, motoring groups are upping the ante on their calls for car manufacturers to be held to account over not getting the message out more effectively.

Researchers have found 43 per cent of older Australians play video games. While they may not be playing the latest multiplayer shoot-'em-up, older people are using games to stay connected and keep their brain active.

Business PM catches you up on the most important news in business and finance.

Toowoomba, Launceston, Geelong, Cairns, Bendigo and Ballarat are the six places where 100 per cent of homes are within a 30-minute car ride of jobs, and essential services. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has released its National Cities Performance Framework interim report.

The battle to re-capture the Filipino city of Marawi from pro-Islamic State militants is still going, two months after it was overrun by the Islamists. A new report ago by the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict reveals deep links between the militants there and IS in the Middle East. It shows funding channelled through Malaysia's most wanted terrorists and jihadists in Indonesia. Militants are also being urged to go to the Philippines instead of Syria. The Institute's director, Sidney Jones, says it means the fight won't be over even when Marawi is retaken.

The three-year jail term handed to the man who caused the death of 14-year-old Elijah Doughty in Kalgoorlie-Boulder last year has sparked an outpouring of anger and grief. The trial was held in the Supreme Court in Perth, but proceedings were streamed into the small town.

The family of an Australian woman fatally shot by Minneapolis Police has hired a prominently trial attorney, in a signal they may be considering a lawsuit. 40-year-old Justine Damond was killed by an officer who responded to her 911 call, reporting a possible rape near her house on the weekend. Senior police are distancing themselves from the junior officer who fired the shot, as the investigation continues.

The Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has given a speech arguing inequality is on the rise in Australia and tax reform is the way to address it. He didn't unveil any new policies, saying the first step is acknowledging there's a problem.