
Soft toys, memes and a movie villain: Labor tries to simplify the message but selling a budget isn’t child’s play
Labor faces challenges in explaining its federal budget amid public skepticism.

Madonna made a surprise appearance at Coachella during Sabrina Carpenter's set, performing hits like Vogue and Like A Prayer. This follows Madonna's announcement of her new album, Confessions II.
Mentioned in this story
Madonna surprised fans at Coachella making a guest appearance during Sabrina Carpenter's Friday night headline set.
The Queen of Pop joined Carpenter on stage for a duet of Vogue, Like A Prayer and a song from Madonna's new album.
The performance followed days of speculation that Madonna would appear at the festival in the Colorado desert in California.
On Wednesday, Madonna officially confirmed the release of Confessions II - a sequel to her 2005 Confessions On A Dance Floor.
After Carpenter finished a rendition of Juno, Madonna emerged while the intro of Vogue played out and dancers struck a pose.
With matching blonde hair and lace corsets, the pair sang the 1990 house hit, before strutting across the stage to perform I Feel So Free from Madonna's new album.
Speaking to the crowd, Madonna said: "Twenty years ago today, I performed at Coachella - I was in the dance tent and it was the first time I performed Confessions On A Dance Floor: Part I in America and that was such a thrill for me."
"So you can imagine what a thrill it is for me to be back 20 years later... so it's a like a full circle moment you know - very meaningful for me," she added, before discussing the astrology of the New Moon in Taurus with Carpenter.
The 5ft 4in star then pointed out it was the first time she has performed with someone shorter than her. "Thank you for giving me that experience," Madonna joked.
The pair then joined forces for a duet of Like A Prayer.
Madonna first appeared at Coachella in 2006, popping up at the Sahara Tent instead of the main stage to perform Confessions On A Dance Floor. She later returned to desert, making a guest appearance during Drake's 2015 set and had a viral moment when she kissed the rapper.
The collaboration came in Carpenter's second week headlining the festival.
Saturday will see Justin Bieber headline for a second time, with Colombian pop star Karol G on Sunday.
The festival, which takes place over two weekends, draws more than 100,000 people daily, according to police from the city of Indio, and has been running at Indio's Empire Polo Club since 2002.
Madonna performed Vogue, Like A Prayer, and a song from her new album during her surprise appearance.
Madonna officially confirmed the release of Confessions II on Wednesday, just before her Coachella performance.
The audience was thrilled by Madonna's surprise appearance, which followed days of speculation about her attendance at the festival.

Labor faces challenges in explaining its federal budget amid public skepticism.

New NDIS rules will cut 240,000 participants in four years, documents reveal.

Experience the rich sounds of samba, jazz, and morna in Cape Verde!

Republicans rally behind Ken Paxton following his Texas primary victory over John Cornyn.

Senior Labour party figures criticize Tony Blair's recent advice, stating it overlooks issues of inequality and austerity. Andy Burnham plans to respond, emphasizing that understanding inequality is crucial for addressing Britain's political challenges.

WHO chief urges ceasefire in DRC to combat Ebola outbreak
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.