Political candidates may soon have caps on donations they receive and money spent on federal election campaigns.Donors will only be able to give up to $20,000 in a calender year, indexed, and candidates will be limited to spending $800,000 in an electorate under proposed legislation to come before parliament on Monday. Senators will only be able to spend $200,000 per seat in the state, equating to a $9.2 million cap for NSW and $600,000 for the ACT.The reforms won't come into effect before the next federal election, due by late May, but would be in place from July 1, 2025.Clive Palmer spent more than $120 million in 2022 to get one United Australia Party senator elected. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)Unions and special interest groups such as Climate 200 will be subject to the laws, which have in-principle support from the coalition.There will be an $11 million spending cap for a federal campaign for organisations not running at the election, such as unions and lobby groups.The federal cap for registered parties will be $90 million.Under the legislation, there will be more transparency about donations, with the disclosure threshold lowered to $1000 - indexed every three years - on top of real-time monthly reporting requirements.This would increase to every week during an election campaign and every day in the week before and after polling day.The amount the Australian Electoral Commission pays candidates per vote would increase from $3.50 to $5.Senator Murray Watt believes all Australians want to keep big money out of politics. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)Employment Minister Murray Watt said Australia shouldn't "go down the American path where we can see rich individuals effectively buy elections"."We are seeing an increasing arms race when it gets to political donations and the amount of money that's been spent on election campaigns," he told ABC TV on Friday."I think all Australians have an interest in trying to keep big money out of politics."It would mean everyone's vote counted "rather than just the richest people in our communities", Senator Watt said.He denied it was a deal between the two major parties to kneecap independents."People should be able to win elections on the basis of their policies, their campaigning, rather than the fact that they prepared to spend inordinate amounts of money and take massive donations," Senator Watt said.Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Kate Chaney criticised the legislation for shutting out competition and giving more public funding to major parties.The major parties struck the deal because they were worried about the prospect of a larger cross bench, Ms Chaney said after a record number of independents were elected in 2022.Independent senator David Pocock agreed big money shouldn't buy elections, but said changes needed to provide a level playing field and the balance to protect independents hadn't been struck.He chastised the government for reportedly seeking to rush through the legislation without a parliamentary inquiry, saying it was "damaging to our democracy" and the cross bench hadn't been consulted in months.Billionaire Clive Palmer spent tens of millions of dollars in 2019 to keep then-opposition leader Bill Shorten out of office, before splashing more than $120 million in 2022 to get a single United Australia Party senator elected.By Dominic Giannini in Canberra

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has appointed a new Commissioner, Michael Wassing, to lead the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).The SES is the lead emergency service agency in NSW for floods, storms and tsunami, providing support for communities through more than 11,000 volunteers operating from a network of over 260 sites across NSW. The SES works closely with other emergency service agencies and also provides road accident, search and rescue support when needed.Mike Wassing has extensive experience in senior leadership roles in the emergency services in Queensland and Victoria. He joins the NSW SES from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority where he served as Deputy Commissioner.Prior to this, Mr Wassing was Deputy Commissioner at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) where he led the Readiness and Response Service and Fire Rescue Service from May 2022 to November 2023, and the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service from September 2015 to May 2022.At QFES, Mr Wassing played a pivotal role in the response to severe weather events including Tropical Cyclone Debbie (2017) and the 2022 East Coast floods which severely impacted South-East Queensland and NSW, as well as the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires as acting Commissioner. The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Wassing will take up his role as Commissioner from 2 December 2024. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “I am pleased to announce Mike Wassing will be the new Commissioner of the NSW SES.”“Mr Wassing has extensive experience as an emergency services leader, with a proven track record directing disaster response and recovery efforts through significant weather events that severely impacted communities. He has also shown an ability to work across different emergency services and jurisdictions, experience that will be invaluable in this new role.”“We are immensely proud of the volunteers who are the backbone of the SES and we look forward to the expertise that Mr Wassing brings to an organisation at the frontline of flood and weather response in NSW.”  “I thank Deputy SES Commissioners Debbie Platz and Damien Johnston for acting as Commissioner while we finalised the appointment.”“I look forward to working with the new Commissioner closely to deliver on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to support communities when they need it most.”Incoming Commissioner for NSW SES Mike Wassing said, “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed to lead the NSW SES which plays such a critical role in the community.”“I am incredibly impressed by the commitment and hard work we see time and again from the volunteers and staff at the SES, working with communities in the most challenging situations.”“I know the people of NSW rely on their dedication before, during and after disasters and emergencies – I am looking forward to supporting this work and ensuring the SES continues to focus on the safety of our communities and our people and is ready for the emerging challenges of the future.”

Closing regional lines will delay getting food from paddock to plate, NSW Farmers has warned the state government.Under draft NSW Freight Policy reforms, a number of key country rail lines across the state could be closed for good, forcing millions of metric tonnes of grain to be transported by road each year.NSW Farmers Business Economics and Trade Chair John Lowe said with the state’s agricultural production only set to increase, the need for better rail freight had never been more pressing.“Efficient, connected freight rail networks are what farmers need to get their world-class food off farm and into market, and we should be upgrading our rail lines, not shutting them down,” Mr Lowe said. “Switching just 1 per cent of our nation’s freight to rail would slash costs in accidents and emissions by over $70 million dollars a year. “Using more trucks for freight will only mean more traffic, more hazards, and more wear and tear on our roads – and don’t forget trucks emit 16 times the GHG emissions that trains do.”Mr Lowe said upgrades to regional rail lines and improved planning for connections into the Inland Rail would deliver far greater benefits to the agricultural supply chain than the proposed rail closures.“Increasing the weight carrying capacity of all regional rail lines and properly planning the smaller lines we need to connect farms to ports is essential, so we can have the infrastructure we need to continue to grow production,” Mr Lowe said. “While more trucks aren’t the solution to our transport woes, a better funding model for roads and bridges would certainly also go a long way to repairing past damage and ensuring freight that does travel via road can do so safely.“Safe, smart and sustainable infrastructure is what our supply chains need, if we want to get on the fast track to success here in NSW.”

Last night, the 2025 Australians of the Year for NSW were announced at a ceremony at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art.Kath Koschel is the 2025 NSW Australian of the Year, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM is the NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Maddison O’Gradey-Lee the NSW Young Australian of the Year and Martha Jabour OAM the NSW Local Hero.The 18 nominees have made remarkable and diverse contributions to NSW.These inspirational members of our NSW community have overcome unimaginable challenges, demonstrated resilience, and have made a positive difference to our state and nation.The NSW recipients will join those from other states and territories for the national awards ceremony in Canberra on Saturday, 25 January 2025.For more information on the Australian of the Year Awards, visit: https://australianoftheyear.org.au/NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “To all NSW finalists and recipients: thank you for your extraordinary contribution to our state and nation.“While the ultimate reward for these exceptional Australians isn’t any formal honour or award, this recognition is completely deserved.“These remarkable people have changed NSW and the nation for the better.“To our NSW Australian of the Year, Kath Koschel: NSW will be cheering you every step of the way between now and the national awards.“Kath’s resilience is inspiring, while her campaign for kindness is a message of positivity we need in our world.“These are people that help others, overcome challenges, aim for excellence, and represent the very best of what it means to be Australian.”The 2025 NSW Australians of the YearThe NSW Australian of the Year is Kath Koschel, a former professional cricketer and Ironman competitor, who has faced unimaginable hurdles. In her twenties, she broke her back and was told she may never walk again. Shortly afterwards, she lost her partner to suicide. Then, piecing her life back together, she was hit by a 4WD and learned to walk again a second time. Kath’s resilience helped her to not only overcome these challenges, but to see the good in the world. In 2015, Kath founded Kindness Factory. The not-for-profit, now based across three countries, has inspired more than seven and-a-half million acts of kindness. Its curriculum teaches the power of kindness to children at more than 3,500 schools across Australia and had been downloaded over 60,000 times globally. Kath’s incredible story of courage and hope in adversity has become a global kindness movement, touching people from all walks of life. She consults to organisations globally, teaching the same principles of kindness.The NSW Senior Australian of the Year is Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM. Dr Karl brings science to life with wit and charm. In 1981, he walked into ABC Radio station Triple J and offered to talk about the Space Shuttle launch. Great Moments in Science ran while Karl pursued his medical career. Karl may have continued in paediatric medicine had it not been for the death of a baby from whooping cough. At the time, disinformation was circulating that vaccines didn’t work. Appalled by the harm caused, Karl decided to quit medicine and make science communication his full-time career. Karl presented on Quantum, co-hosted Sleek Geeks and appears regularly on radio and TV. His national weekly, one-hour science talkback shows on Triple J, Science with Dr Karl, attracts more than 750,000 listeners, while the podcast downloads are over six million. He’s authored 48 popular science books and even built a machine to pick up electrical signals from the human retina for Fred Hollows. At 76-year-old, Dr Karl continues his mission to spread the good news about science and its benefits.Maddison O’Gradey-Lee is the NSW Young Australian of the Year. Maddison aims to improve the measurement of mental ill-health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through her PhD research. In 2020, Maddison co-founded the Orygen Global Youth Mental Health Fellowship, a six-month program providing youth advocates with support, mentorship and education modules to increase the impact of their advocacy projects in their communities and globally. Together with Orygen Global, Maddison facilitated one of the largest global youth consultations on mental health. She heard that advocates felt unsupported and lacked training. Within four years, the Orygen Global youth fellowship has trained 76 youth advocates in mental health education, lived experience advocacy and peer support across 42 countries. More than 21,000 young people have been reached through the direct and indirect impact of the program. At 27, Maddison has created a global community that’s combating taboos around mental health and was the first person from Oceania to win the Dalai Lama Peace Fellowship.Martha Jabour OAM is the NSW Local Hero. Martha Jabour OAM helped establish the Homicide Victims Support Group in 1993 to care for families and friends of homicide victims throughout New South Wales. It provides life-changing counselling, support and referrals to more than 4,200 members. Using her experience across grief, trauma, policy development, strategic planning and crisis management, in 2013, Martha developed a vision for a world-first trauma recovery facility for those impacted by homicide. She inspired politicians, public servants, community organisations and others to raise funds, while land for the facility was donated by Blacktown City Council and the Western Sydney Parklands Trust. Grace’s Place opened in 2023. In April 2024, Grace’s Place provided care for the overseas families of the victims of a Sydney shopping centre attack, including accommodation, counselling and funeral assistance. Martha is also a community member representative on the NSW State Parole Authority, representing the families of homicide victims once an inmate becomes eligible for parole.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation has completed the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade just in time for what’s anticipated to be one of the largest grain harvests for farmers in north-west New South Wales.Fully funded by a $44.7 million investment from the Albanese Government, the rail upgrade between the Hunter Valley and Narrabri North significantly improves freight efficiency and connectivity in the region.It also aligns seamlessly with the future interface of the Inland Rail at Narrabri North, positioning the region as a key hub for freight movement across NSW and beyond. The upgrade supports heavier train loads, allowing each train to carry more freight – up to 25 tonnes per axle, increasing the total weight-bearing load for each train while enabling trains to travel at up to 80 kilometres per hour along the corridor.The 35-kilometre project involved the replacement of outdated steel and timber sleepers with heavy-duty concrete sleepers, upgrading existing rail and associated civil works. Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said, “The Albanese Government is proud to have fully funded this critical upgrade, which will be an important link between Northern NSW, Inland Rail and the port of Newcastle. “These improvements not only strengthen the rail network but also boost economic growth by facilitating the transport of grain and other freight.“This means more grain and goods can be transported in a single trip, providing a smoother connection and reducing transportation costs.” NSW Senator for NSW Deb O’Neill said, “This project represents an important investment in NSW north-west communities that will boost economic growth in the region.“The project is part of the Albanese Government's plan to connect all regions of Australia in commerce, access and outcomes.“It is another example of the Albanese Government delivering meaningful investments in rural and regional NSW.”Australian Rail Track Corporation CEO and Managing Director, Wayne Johnson said, "The completion of the Narrabri to Turrawan Line Upgrade is a significant boost for the NSW north-west communities and the broader economy.“This improves efficiency of logistics for agricultural producers and freight movers, helping them and the communities where they operate to be more sustainable.“We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this project, including our customers and the Australian Government, for their collaboration and support in delivering this essential upgrade.“We would also like to extend our thanks to our Australian supply chain and project delivery partners – most notably, Daracon Contractors, Rhomberg Sersa Australia, and THEE Group – as well as the dedicated survey, geotechnical, environmental, design and major material suppliers who played an integral role in delivering this project.”

Global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024, but total emissions from fossil fuel and land use changes over the last decade have stabilised, according to the Global Carbon Budget released today. One of the key findings found that Australia had a decrease in CO₂ fossil fuel emissions in 2023 of 0.4 per cent. The downward trend is expected to continue.The report is produced by leading research international organisations, including CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as part of the Global Carbon Project. It provides an overview of the global carbon cycle, including both natural and human-induced emissions. Global growth of CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels continues to increase, reaching a record high in 2024.CO₂ is a long-lived greenhouse gas, and along with methane and nitrous oxide, it leads to human-driven climate change. It can persist for hundreds of years in the atmosphere. CSIRO’s Dr Pep Canadell, Global Carbon Project Executive Director, said the report shows global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels continue to rise despite significant increases in the adoption of renewable energy. “We have seen a 0.8 per cent increase in global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels in 2024, compared to 2023,” Dr Canadell said. “This equates to a total of 37.4 billion tonnes of CO₂ projected to be emitted in the atmosphere from fossil fuel use this year alone."Key findings: The growth in 2024 fossil emissions comes on top of a 1.4% growth in 2023 emissions.CO₂ emissions from land-use changes such as deforestation have on average declined over the past decade. This means total emissions from both fossil fuels and natural sources have stabilised over the last decade. Globally, fossil fuel CO₂ emissions come from coal (41 per cent), oil (32 per cent) and gas (21 per cent).  China contributed 32 per cent of total global CO₂ emissions, followed by the United States (13 per cent), India (8 per cent) and the European Union (7 per cent). By the end of 2024, CO₂ concentrations are projected to reach 422.5 parts per million, which is 52 per cent above pre-industrial levels (1750).  Australia had a 0.4 per cent decrease in CO₂ fossil fuel emissions in 2023, with this downward trend expected to continue. Looking at 2024, CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and land-use changes are projected to increase. “Globally, emissions from land-use change have decreased by 20 per cent in the past decade but are rising this year, along with fossil fuel emissions,” Dr Canadell said. “We have observed over the past two years how the capacity of natural CO₂ sinks on land which absorb carbon from the atmosphere, mainly forests, have declined due to drought in the Amazon and fires in Canada.  “The CO₂ sinks have begun to recover but the data underscores how vulnerable they are to droughts and extreme heat, which are increasing with global warming.” There has been a decline or slowing of global CO₂ emissions across 22 countries. However, the Global Carbon Budget shows there is a 50 per cent chance of exceeding the Paris Agreement’s target of 1.5°C warming in six years.  A downward trend in global CO₂ emissions is required to meet net zero targets and minimise the impacts of climate change. The Global Carbon Budget 2024 was launched today at COP29, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is the 19th edition of the annual update that started in 2006.  This project is supported with funding from the Australian Government under the National Environmental Science Program's Climate Systems Hub.  

Victorians who trade in black market tobacco and vapes will face jail time and potential fines of $1.7 million under planned new laws.Premier Jacinta Allan on Tuesday announced her Labor government would introduce long-awaited legislation to parliament to establish a tobacco licensing scheme amid Victoria's tobacco turf war."The toughest laws anywhere in the nation to crack down on the illegal tobacco trade and to support a regime in this state that is focused on keeping Victorians safe," she told reporters."This new, strict licensing regime includes more boots on the ground, more resources on the ground, more powers particularly powers to Victoria police to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade."Individuals face fines of more than $355,000 or up to 15 years in jail, while businesses will face fines of more than $1.7 million.More than 100 arsons have been linked to Middle Eastern organised crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs fighting for control of the lucrative tobacco and vape black market.Victoria Police's illicit tobacco task force has conducted at least 200 raids, made 80 arrests and seized more than $37 million worth of illicit tobacco, vapes and cash over the past 12 months.Victoria became the last Australian state or territory without a tobacco licensing scheme in September, when Queensland's regime started.The NSW Labor government recently introduced a bill to the state's parliament to double the maximum penalties for illicit tobacco sales to $220,000 for corporations and $44,000 for individuals.In March, Ms Allan committed to setting up a licensing scheme for retailers and wholesale tobacco suppliers after a Better Regulation Victoria review recommended one in May 2022.A state parliamentary inquiry later found the price differential between legal and illicit cigarettes had fuelled the black market.By Callum Godde in Melbourne

The Albanese Government continues to support critical regional aviation services, today announcing it will provide financing of up to $80 million to keep Rex’s regional routes running during an extension of the voluntary administration process, as well as granting early access to entitlements for former employees of the business.Rex’s administration process is progressing, with the recent sale of Pel-Air Aviation Pty Limited to Helicorp Pty Ltd, part of Toll Aviation, with proceeds from the sale being used to repay secured creditors.The financing will support the business to continue offering critical services for regional communities, with Rex’s administrators intending to apply to the Federal Court of Australia to extend the Voluntary Administration to 30 June 2025.The Government has agreed to grant early access to former employees of Rex Airlines Pty Ltd (RAL), which operated the intercity jet services, to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) while RAL is in voluntary administration. This will ensure that extending the Voluntary Administration period does not delay the ability of these employees to access their entitlements.In addition, Rex’s administrators and main secured creditor PAG have advised they will pay the entitlements of former employees of the regional business who have been made redundant during the Voluntary Administration period. The Government will also continue to guarantee ticket sales made throughout the Voluntary Administration to 30 June 2025, should the Federal Court agree to the extension application. The guarantee has been effective so far, and has yet to be used with flight bookings holding up well.Today’s announcement is another demonstration of our commitment to maintaining regional aviation access, recognising the important role that Rex plays in regional communities right across Australia.My department continues to meet regularly with the administrators as they work to implement a strategy for the regional aviation business.I encourage passengers to continue to support Rex’s regional operations.

Life expectancy in Australia has fallen slightly for the second straight year, according to the data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography, said: “A boy born today is expected to live to 81.1 years and a girl to 85.1 years.”“The years 2021-2023 saw the highest number of COVID-19 deaths with 15,982 in Australia, which was up by 4,100 from 2020-2022.”“As a result, life expectancy has fallen by 0.1 years for men and 0.2 years for women over this period.”“Despite this decrease, Australians still have a higher life expectancy than many comparable countries, like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada."Today, a 60-year-old Australian man can expect to live another 24.2 years and a woman another 27.1 years.This is longer than life expectancy at birth, as 60-year-olds have already survived the first several decades of life.The Australian Capital Territory had the highest male life expectancy of 81.7 years, followed by Western Australia (81.6 years) and Victoria (81.5 years).The Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia had the highest female life expectancy (85.7 years), followed by Victoria (85.4 years) and New South Wales (85.2 years).The Northern Territory had the lowest life expectancy for both men (76.4 years) and women (80.4 years). It, however, saw the largest rise in male and female life expectancies from 2013-2023, with 1.5 years and 1.2 years respectively.

More voices have joined the chorus wanting to protect the Great Australian Bight, amid a push to add South Australia's coastal jewel to the World Heritage List.Senior whale song man and Mirning Elder, Marbanu Bunna Lawrie told AAP the area needs to stop being polluted and start being protected."Our mob have been looking after this country and coastline for a long time," he said."We want to teach other people how to look after them.""We call the sea our father, our grandfather," he said, adding that his tribe has more marine totems than any other tribe in Australia, including the whales, penguins, sea lions, dolphins, sea horse and sea birds.His comments follow the announcement on Sunday the Greens will introduce federal and state legislation to secure protection status and safeguard the unique marine environment from pollution."The Great Australian Bight is a precious part of South Australia, and it should be protected from oil drilling and pollution forever," Greens spokesperson for the environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, said."Both the federal and state governments have been too slow in protecting the area."Most South Australians want the Great Australian Bight added to the World Heritage List. (Kelly Barnes/AAP PHOTOS)An SA Government spokesperson told AAP it supports World Heritage recognition for the Great Australian Bight but the decision is a matter for the Commonwealth."While oil and gas exploration is not occurring in the Bight due largely to a lack of economic viability, World Heritage status would elevate international recognition for this jewel in our natural environment.""Environment Minister Susan Close has written to the Commonwealth and has made in-person representations, urging them to consider the listing," they said.Research in November 2019 suggested most South Australians want the Great Australian Bight on the World Heritage List.The Australia Institute poll of more than 500 people found 84 per cent support world heritage protection, up from 77 per cent in March.The survey also showed that 66 per cent believe the bight would be a more productive asset for SA as a marine park than as an oil field.The decision to lobby for World Heritage protection has been announced a week before a by-election in Black, caused by the resignation of disgraced former Liberal Leader David Speirs.13YARN 13 92 76Lifeline 13 11 14By Caitlin Powell in Melbourne

Emergency service personnel from across the country are testing their flood rescue skills in a mass-casualty exercise as part of the National Flood Rescue Symposium this weekend.More than 200 personnel from 17 agencies are attending the symposium at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, led by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), which will also showcase innovative flood rescue assets currently being trialled. From drones to amphibious vehicles, the assets are designed to improve response times to remote locations while enhancing the safety of personnel.The SES is also testing e-bikes and trail bikes for fast deployment to searches and access to remote areas, enhanced flood barriers as a potential replacement to single-use sandbags to block or divert flood waters, and unmanned surface vessels to reduce risks around flood rescues for both casualties and operators.Held over three days, the Flood Symposium hosts representatives from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, VRA Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and Marine Rescue NSW, as well as interstate and even international attendees.The event is an opportunity for flood rescue experts to share, learn and take best-practice flood rescue skills back to their broader teams, with flow-on benefits for their respective communities. Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “The National Flood Symposium is a great example of how our emergency service agencies are working together, as weather-driven disasters become more frequent, and multi-agency cooperation becomes increasingly important in keeping communities safe.  “Multi-agency training and emergency simulation is making our state’s flood response capabilities even stronger, and I am proud that we’re a leader when it comes to finding innovative ways to improve our preparedness and response. “The SES is embracing opportunities to refine flood rescue capability, which not only includes training and interoperability but also trialling new tools and assets that can make flood rescues even quicker and safer.”Assistant Commissioner of the NSW SES Dean Storey said:“The Flood Symposium brings together experts to hone skills and share lessons and insights. As the lead agency for flood rescue, it’s part of our commitment to the people of New South Wales to maximise our preparedness for future flood events.“That’s also why we’re innovating the tools we use to respond to future emergencies by introducing new assets as part of a trial to see what is efficient and effective in completing operational tasks and improving the safety of our volunteers and the public.“The trial will thoroughly evaluate the feasibility of new technologies, assets and processes to improve operations and support local and interstate response.“Equipment such as drones and unmanned surface vessels could result in flood rescues and intelligence gathering without the need for personnel to enter dangerous flood waters, which could enhance volunteer safety and improve response times and access to remote locations.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 23 new paramedic interns and 21 trainee emergency medical call takers after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.They join 495 paramedics and 117 emergency medical call-takers who have begun roles with NSW Ambulance this year so far.These new recruits will further boost frontline health services across the state, when they start their roles from Saturday.The new recruits joining the service come with a range of backgrounds and experience, including Paramedic Intern Rebecca Olds was inspired to join NSW Ambulance following a horse-riding accident involving her mother which NSW Ambulance paramedics responded to.The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.The emergency medical call takers will be posted to the Sydney, Northern and Western Triple Zero (000) control centres.The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our paramedic workforce, investing in a record pay increase for paramedics in December making them among the highest paid in the country and rolling out of 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities.Minister for Health, Ryan Park said, "These graduates will be joining a cohort of paramedics and emergency call-takers who serve as a lifeline for many in their moments of need."They will bring dedication and skill to their work, providing vital support and care to the people of NSW when they need it most."NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said, "Congratulations to our newest graduates. Today, you join a proud tradition of service in NSW Ambulance, ready to make a real difference in the lives of those you will care for. Your journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see the impact you will have on our communities."I want to acknowledge the tremendous effort each of our graduates has put into their training. Thank you for your commitment, and welcome to NSW Ambulance."Paramedic Intern, Rebecca Olds said, “NSW Ambulance is the service that helped me and my family - I want to help the community that helped me when I needed it most.”

National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss the Australian Government’s proposed social media legislation.First Ministers agreed to the Commonwealth legislating a minimum age of 16 to access social media.Setting the minimum age at 16 will protect young Australians from the harms that come with social media, and will support mums, dads and carers to keep their kids safe.This move builds on National Cabinet’s work at its 1 May and 6 September 2024 meetings where an investment of $6.5 million was agreed to trial an age assurance pilot to protect children from harmful online content.It will also assist in accelerating action to end gender-based violence in a generation, and implement the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.The Commonwealth intends to introduce legislation to Federal Parliament before the end of the year. The legislation will come into force no earlier than 12 months after Royal Assent.This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Today the NSW Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the NSW Police Commissioner against grassroots climate action group Rising Tide in the Police attempt to prohibit “The People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port”. Following two full days of hearings, Justice Fagan has ruled both prohibition orders sought by the NSW Police will be granted. It is understood that the NSW Police refused to negotiate throughout the proceedings even after Rising Tide significantly reduced their protest event applications from eight to four days, and from 50 hours on the Port’s waters to 30, in line with last year's successful event, which received international attention. Greens MP and spokesperson for Climate Change and Justice Sue Higginson says, “This is a chilling day for our democracy. It is the second time in the past few weeks that Police have sought to use the Court to prohibit a public protest event with the full support of the Premier of this State, and it should serve as a wake up call to the people of NSW. Our rights of political communication in their many forms are being steadily eroded by the very people put in place to protect them,”“While this outcome is extremely disappointing, it must be made absolutely clear, this case was never about whether or not this event could go ahead. The people do not need permission from the police to protest on public land and water in this State. This court case was always about the police insisting they should hold on to their full suite of criminal and policing powers during this event. "In other words, for the last week they have dragged a family-friendly event through the courts at the public’s cost, so that they may be emboldened to arrest anyone who is protesting against the Government’s support for the continuation of coal exports through the Newcastle coal port in the face of the climate crisis,”“As I understand it, The People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port will go ahead. It is also the case that Rising Tide does have appeal rights if they are of the opinion that the Judge made an error of law in the case and of course they can lodge a new Form 1 should they choose. The Police case rested heavily on safety and Rising Tide responded by modifying their application but the Police would not budge. "The case took a perverse turn when the argument to refuse the application for the on land event, which is full of community and performance family friendly activities, focussed on the need for police to be able to arrest people on land to prevent them from accessing the water,”“Today, as the state of democracy is in peril across the world, NSW has slipped further into authoritarianism, spurred on by Premier Chris Minns’ intolerance of the freedom of political communication and the right to assemble and protest,”“Under the laws of NSW it is not the job of the Premier or the Police to say where, when and how people can protest. It is the job of the Police and the Premier to serve the people and work with organisers to facilitate a safe and effective event. Today, the Premier and the Police have thrown this obligation back in our faces. What we have seen are the tactics of authoritarian politics attempting to silence the people,” “It is telling that the NSW Government would rather seek to silence the community and protect their profits from exporting the climate crisis straight through the Port of Newcastle rather than support our grassroots communities, embrace the right to protest, take firm action to end coal exports and transition our economy. "The climate crisis is here and people need to exercise their hope that their governments will hear them. It is only a matter of time before we see another catastrophe in this State like the Black Summer fires of 2019 2020 or the devastation of the floods in the North in 2022. As the experts in the CSIRO and the BOM told us loud and clear in their recent and terrifying State of the Climate 2024 report, we must stop our addiction to fossil fuels,” Ms Higginson said.Greens MP and spokesperson for Democracy Kobi Shetty says, “Today’s outcome is a shocking attack on the right to protest. It’s appalling that the police and the NSW Labor Government have sought so hard to deny people the fundamental right to protest,”“The Rising Tide event was held last year with no significant safety concerns or incidents. It is a peaceful, family friendly protest – and it has been an important way for people concerned about climate change to express their frustration and hold our government to account,”“Protest is a key part of our democratic process, and as people become more concerned about our government’s inaction on climate change, it’s vital that people are able to speak out and demand more from decision makers. The Greens will continue to stand in solidarity with climate protestors like the Rising Tide organisers and the Knitting Nannas. We cannot allow these attacks on our democracy to continue,” Ms Shetty said. 

Two men will face a Sydney court today following an investigation into a public place shooting in Sydney’s southwest last year.About 9.20pm on Tuesday 12 September 2023, police were called to a carpark on Canterbury Road in Campsie, following reports of a shooting.Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command attended and found a 27-year-old man suffering two gunshot wounds to his head and chest.Police were told the man was in his vehicle in the carpark when he was approached by an unknown man, who allegedly produced two firearms and shot the man, before fleeing the scene in a white Mercedes.The injured man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital in a serious condition. He has since made a full recovery.A short time later, emergency services were called to Kilkee Avenue in Kingsgrove, following reports of a car fire.Officers attached to Campsie Police Area Command arrived to find a white Mercedes sedan had crashed into a house before catching alight. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW officers.Shortly after locating the Mercedes, police then located a black Mazda CX-5 alight on Larien Crescent in Birrong and a blue BMW sedan alight on Leonie Crescent in Berala.Local police commenced inquiries before the matter was transferred to State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad under Strike Force Faux.On Wednesday, 13 September 2023, emergency services were called to a car fire on Wilshire Road in Agnes Banks, where police located what they believe was another vehicle involved in the incident – a black Kia.About 10.10pm on Wednesday 20 September 2023 – eight days after the incident – a final burnt-out vehicle, a silver Nissan Pulsar, was located on Bellamy Farm Road in West Pennant Hills.Investigations under Strike Force Faux established all five burnt-out cars were allegedly used as getaway cars in the shooting and subsequent burning out of the vehicles by up to seven people.Following extensive inquiries, two firearms were recovered and forensically examined.In February and March 2024, strike force detectives, with assistance from Raptor Squad officers, arrested six men across southwest Sydney for their alleged roles in the incident. All six men were charged and remain before the courts. Following further investigations, about 10am yesterday (Wednesday, 6 November 2024), two men – aged 25 and 28 – were arrested at correctional facilities before being taken to Burwood Police Station.The 25-year-old man was charged with shoot at person with intent to murder, participate in criminal group, deal with property proceeds of crime more than $5,000 and possess dedicated encrypted criminal communication device (DECCD) to commit serious criminal activity.The 28-year-old was charged with shoot at person with intent to murder and knowingly/recklessly direct criminal group assist crime.Both men were refused bail and will appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday, 7 November 2024).Investigations under Strike Force Faux continue.Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Australian election watchers have been glued to their screens as Donald Trump claimed a remarkable return to the US presidency.Just after 6pm AEDT on Wednesday, the outspoken Republican took to the stage to declare victory over Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.Expats and political junkies had earlier watched on from the other side of the world as Americans cast their votes.As the first polls closed on the US east coast, the crowd started to swell inside one Sydney watering hole in the late morning.Maggie Donahue was an earlier arrival and scored a prime spot near a screen tuned to CNN.Ms Donahue, who worked for the US government over six years spanning the Trump and Biden administrations, was cautiously hopeful of a Harris win."I was in a federal government building the day of January 6, 2021," she said, referring to the date a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol.Democrat supporter Amy Saha said she was hopeful Kamala Harris would be elected. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)Amy Saha, a committee member of Democrats Abroad Australia, said she was also quietly "but absolutely optimistic".Ms Saha wore a star-spangled top hat and attendees could take photos with a cardboard cut-out of Ms Harris at the Sydney event.The pub served American-brand beers and food including bagels and Buffalo wings, while the steak carried a side of "Freedom fries".Sharing a bucket of Coors in the back of the Sydney pub, Ben, who declined to give his last name, said the beers were "alright" but not the main point of attending."We're coming here to support our president ... it's a Trump victory, unless they rig it of course," he said.Sitting across the table, Dean Thorby said the Republican candidate's vacillation on abortion might cost him votes from women, but he still expected a Trump victory."Just because he's way more populist, she's way more of a drone," he said.Political junkies attended US election watch parties as the votes rolled in. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)In Melbourne, more than 50 people attended an American Chamber of Commerce watch party.The room at the Hawthorn Hotel was abuzz at 3pm as the election picture started to become clearer.Melbourne resident Gavin, who has US business interests and did not wish to have his surname published, said results in the swing states were breaking Trump's way."I haven't seen Harris flip a state," the septuagenarian said with beer in hand.Brisbane-based management consultant Emilia Gallo, who has worked for American companies in Asia and was firmly in the Harris camp, remarked on the ramifications of either outcome."It's either going to make us go 'oh my God, what the hell is going on' or 'thank God, they've came to their senses'," she said.By Jack Gramenz and Callum Godde in Sydney

In a major milestone for one of regional Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects, the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete.The Coffs Harbour bypass tunnelling team working on either side of the 410-metre-long Gatelys Road Tunnel broke through the northbound tube on Monday, 28 October.Today, they have broken through the southbound tube, completing the first major phase of the three tunnels to be built as part of the bypass.Each of the three tunnels will have two tubes, with each tube capable of carrying two lanes of traffic. There will also be room to accommodate cyclists.The Australian Government is investing $1.76 billion towards the project, with the remaining $440 million investment provided by the New South Wales Government.In a sign of how quickly things are moving for the tunnelling teams, a breakthrough at the 320-metre-long Shephards Lane tunnel is expected in mid-April next year.The work comes despite a traditional tunnel boring machine not being feasible for use on the short tunnels due to the mobilisation time and cost.Workers will now start excavating the tunnel floor, carry out the permanent tunnel lining works, install drainage, build the pavement, and complete the fit-out of the mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and intelligent transport systems.All the equipment will then be tested and commissioned before the bypass is opened to the public.The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said, “This is a major milestone for this nation-shaping project.“During consultation ahead of the project in 2016, the people of Coffs Harbour were very clear they wanted tunnels instead of cuttings and it is great to see progress in bringing that to fruition.“Being able to pass through from one side of this large hill to the other is a major achievement, and I look forward to the work over the next two years as the tunnels start to take their final shape.”(The Coffs Harbour Bypass Tunnel Team. Photo: supplied)NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, “It’s great to see a major tunnel project in the regions that has created 600 jobs and will remove 12,000 vehicles from the CBD. This will reduce travel times and deliver vital safety improvements. “We see and hear regularly about tunnel projects around Sydney where tunnellers bore largely through sandstone or similar softer materials, but here in Coffs it’s been more challenging due to the material and location.“I want to thank the project team for their hard work and commitment to delivering this critical piece of enabling transport infrastructure for the Coffs region and the entire country.” NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy said, “The bypass, when it opens to traffic at the end of 2026, will make Coffs Harbour an even better place to live, work and visit.“The tunnels are a major component of this project, and it is wonderful to see them progressing so well.”

A search is due to resume for a child swept into the ocean off The Entrance yesterday.Emergency services were alerted after bystanders reported a child had been swept into the ocean while attempting to cross The Entrance Channel about 5.15pm (Sunday 3 November 2024).Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District have been told a 43-year-old man was crossing channel, from the North Entrance side, with his four boys – aged 11, nine, seven and three – when the eldest child was swept into the ocean by the current.While two bystanders looked after the other three children, the man tried to reach the boy but was unsuccessful.Emergency services were then called to assist, and local police, with the assistance of Marine Area Command, Surf Life Saving, and the Toll and Westpac Rescue Helicopters, immediately initiated an extensive land, air and sea search but were unable to find the child.The search continued until darkness, when it was suspended.It was resumed at about 8am today (Monday, 4 November 2024), with all agencies again assisting.As inquiries continue, anyone with information into the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Sydney is taking its place among the iconic marathon cities of the world, becoming just the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major alongside New York, London, Tokyo, Boston, Chicago and Berlin.With the support of the NSW Government over a three-year candidacy and review period, the Sydney Marathon now joins the elite club of Abbott World Marathon Majors after international organisers announced their decision at the New York Marathon overnight.Sydney’s new status is expected to drive a wave of international and interstate runners, along with families, friends and event support crew to visit NSW.The Sydney Marathon will become an instant bucket list event for thousands of runners across the globe who have already achieved the “six-star medal” for completing all six major marathons – and thousands more who have been aiming for the same goal but will now want to add Sydney to their to-do list.Major status positions Sydney as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific and brings global spotlight, with other marathons being watched by an average global broadcast audience of 20 million viewers.Currently, all six Abbott World Marathon Majors are oversubscribed. For example, more than 840,000 people have applied to run in the London Marathon next year, with only about 55,000 places on offer.Destination NSW estimates an extra $73 million in visitor expenditure will be added to the NSW economy over the next three years as a result of Sydney Marathon’s elevation. Over a decade, an extra $300 million will be added to the economy, with many visitors to Sydney taking the opportunity to visit regional NSW while in Australia.The elevation of the Sydney Marathon to major status has been made possible through a funding and strategic partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Government support was a requirement of the Abbott World Marathon Majors criteria and involves cross agency collaboration with Transport for NSW, Destination NSW, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance.The TCS Sydney Marathon cleared its final hurdle in September after three years of being judged against the assessment criteria of Abbott World Marathon Majors.There were 25,000 registered runners for the marathon that winds its way through the harbour city and finishes at the Sydney Opera House.Participation in the Sydney Marathon has increased by 400% since 2022, from 5,000 entries to 25,000 in 2024. It is expected that 33,300 will greet the starter’s gun in August 2025, rising to 37,800 in 2027. Ongoing support for the Sydney Marathon is part of the broader Minns Government plan to grow the NSW Visitor Economy to $91 billion in expenditure by 2035.New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said, "We’re thrilled Australia's only global city, Sydney is now a member of the world majors club, following the great marathon cities of Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, Tokyo and London."Achieving major marathon status is a huge honour and we are proud to be a funding and strategic partner of the Sydney Marathon.“These runners, their supporters and fans who come to watch will bring a huge boost to the local economy.“We have ambitious plans to boost the number of visitors in NSW and this event is another feather in our cap.“NSW is an unbeatable hotspot for tourists across the globe and we look forward to welcoming them next year, providing a multi million dollar boost to the economy and an unforgettable experience for the runners on one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world.”Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said, “They are the bucket list events that runners from across the world want to tick off. Now Sydney Marathon joins them at the starting line.“Sydneysiders get behind a sporting event like no other city and we know more and more people will embrace the marathon whether that is aspiring to complete it or getting out to support those who do.“Sydney Marathon 2025 will draw more visitors, but the NSW Government is just as excited by the economic boost this will provide over the long run as the status of the event grows.“I congratulate Sydney Marathon organisers and those who worked on its candidacy, backed by Destination NSW. This is a remarkable achievement.”Wayne Larden, race director of the TCS Sydney Marathon said, “Becoming the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major is just incredible for the event, as well as for Sydney and NSW.“This amazing milestone is going to have a profound impact on running in Australia, inspiring the community to become a marathoner and do something special for themselves, their families and friends. Community health will benefit alongside a huge increase in fundraising.“We are so excited to deliver the 2025 event as the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major and join the greatest marathon series and events on the planet!”“We could not have achieved such incredible growth in competitors and uplift in delivery to make it into the World Majors if it wasn’t for the support of the NSW Government through Destination NSW, and our partners TCS and ASICS. Our Pont3 team are first rate and have put in so much work to make this happen.