Australia govt postpones budget update amid security scare

Australia govt postpones budget update amid security scare

SYDNEY - Australia's conservative government said on Monday it had postponed the release of a mid-year budget update due to a security alert in Sydney, where hostages are being held in a cafe in the central business district.

Treasurer Joe Hockey had been due to announce updated deficit and spending plans in his mid-year economic and financial review at 0130 GMT.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott was due to appear at a news conference to discuss the hostage crisis.

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