The Anzac Memorial celebrates the 90th anniversary of its opening on 24 November.To mark this milestone, the Treasures of the Anzac Memorial Exhibition has opened featuring a selection of significant artefacts from the Memorial’s collection that have been donated since its opening in 1934. Minister for Veterans David Harris launched the exhibition at a special event last night attended by historical societies, Memorial donors and supporters, veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force, Trustees, staff and volunteers.For 90 years veterans and their families have donated objects to the Anzac Memorial, all significant to the military history of our country and regarded as treasures. The collection includes objects from Australia’s involvement in the 1899-1902 South African War, the First and Second World Wars through to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.The items also feature in the accompanying Ninety Treasures – 90 Years publication.The 144-page book contains 90 stories demonstrating the diversity of NSW military experience and the courage, endurance and sacrifice of generations of Australians profoundly affected by war.The book’s cover features a cricket ball trophy made as a memorial to Albert ‘Tibby’ Cotter by his family.Cotter, a pioneering fast bowler who played for New South Wales and Australia, was killed at the Light Horse charge at Beersheba on 31st October 1917. The ball was bowled by Cotter when he took 6 wickets for 40 runs in a Test match for Australia against England in the 1903-04 season.Or readers might delve into the kit bag of Flying Officer Brian Willis from Chatswood, a World War 2 pilot of No. 108 Squadron in the Royal Australian Air Force.Willis was stationed in Egypt when the Wellington bomber he was piloting was shot down by enemy aircraft during a night raid over Northern Africa on 23 February 1942. His kit bag was donated to the Anzac Memorial in 2017, returning to Australian soil after a near 80-year absence.Many of the items in the exhibition can now be viewed digitally following the launch of the Memorial’s online collection.For the first time in the Anzac Memorial’s 90-year history, a searchable database been created to enable access to the remarkable objects, treasures, mementoes and keepsakes that have been donated by veterans and their families since its opening.View the online database here: https://collection.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/explore. On 24 November 1934, more than 100,000 people assembled in Hyde Park to witness the official opening of the Memorial. Prior to the ceremony, a procession of over 20,000 returned servicemen marched from the Domain to Hyde Park with many wearing their war medals with pride.Special events, exhibitions, and lectures will be held throughout 2024 to celebrate the 90th anniversary.Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “2024 is a significant year for the Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park as we begin celebrations of its 90th anniversary.“Not only is this NSW’s principal memorial, honouring the service and sacrifice of veterans from all over the state, it also houses a remarkable collection of items that have been generously donated over many decades.“I encourage our community to visit the Memorial and explore the Treasures Exhibition, and witness some of the remarkable items that have been donated to the Memorial over the last 90 years.“For those who are not able to come in person, the online collection enables anyone to visit the Memorial virtually and experience the thousands of donated items.”

A man has died following a vehicle fire at Sandy Flat, near Tenterfield. About 4.45am this morning (Friday ,1 November 2024), emergency services were called to Bruxner Highway, about 3km east of Snake Creek Road, Sandy Flat, following reports of a vehicle fire.NSW Rural Fire Service crews arrived at the scene to find the vehicle destroyed by fire.Officers attached to New England Police District attended and found a man deceased close by the vehicle.The man is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged in his 70s.A crime scene was established and an investigation has commenced into the circumstance surrounding the incident.As investigations continue, police urge anyone who may have witnessed the car fire – or has any available dashcam or mobile phone footage - to contact New England Police District or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.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.

The family of a driver involved in a fatal crash that claimed the life of an 11-year-old Melbourne schoolboy are all "in shock, wishing this was just a bad dream".Grade five student Jack Davey died in Tuesday's crash while two 11-year-old girls, a 10-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy were seriously injured and taken to hospital.The driver, a 40-year-old Hawthorn East mother, was arrested and released following a police interview, with no charges laid.She had just collected her child from the Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne's east and attempted a U-turn when her car crashed through a fence.In a statement released by Victorian Police, the woman's family said they remain deeply affected by the tragic incident.(The car involved in the incident crashed through a fence at the Auburn South Primary School. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)"We are all in shock, wishing this was just a bad dream, but sadly this is our reality," they said."To Jack's family, we can only offer our heartfelt condolences; our hearts go out to you and to every family affected by this loss. "To those injured, may you heal quickly – God bless you all."The driver's family said they felt the Davey family's grief."It's not about the words we say but the genuine sorrow held within our hearts," the statement said. "May God watch over everyone and provide strength and comfort to those who are suffering."They thanked the school staff and emergency workers who responded to the incident."We have assisted with the investigation and please ask for privacy while we come to terms with such an overwhelming tragedy," the family said.A fundraiser for the Davey family had grown to more than $241,000 late on Friday.By Aaron Bunch in Perth

The NSW Police Force has concluded its review of policies and procedures surrounding general issue firearms and announced the implementation of a number of recommendations made by the review working group.In February 2024, Commissioner Karen Webb directed an immediate review of the issue, storage and movement of general-issue firearms.The NSW Police Force subsequently established the Firearms Policies and Practices Review Working Group comprising of both internal and external stakeholders, including representatives from Victoria Police, the NSW Police Association, and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, and led by Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM.The working group reviewed the legislative framework and NSW Police Force policies, practices and guidelines and considered the risks associated with the movement of firearms from a designated station to another location.The review identified areas of improvement, including interim measures and long-term solutions, such as technological advancements to monitor and track the movement of firearms.The key recommendations of the report are:Creation of the Arms and Appointments Manual. This document consolidates information currently held in various policies and notices and provides clear instruction on the governance, process and procedure for the approval and movement of a firearm away from its usual Command. The Manual has been created and will now serve as a guideline by which all police officers handling arms and appointments must comply.Digitisation of the internal application form required to store arms and appointments away from an officer’s host Command. It is anticipated this will be in place by December 2024.Digitisation of the Firearms Movement Register. A business case for funding will be prepared and submitted for review. The digitisation of the register will provide the NSW Police Force with the ability to better track and report on the location of firearms in real time, monitor storage location approvals and monitor inspection compliance.Commissioner Karen Webb APM said while the review has been completed, the work to implement the recommendations is ongoing.“I would like to thank all those involved in the review for their commitment to ensuring better oversight of police arms and appointments,” Commissioner Webb said.“It was particularly important to gain the insight and expertise of Victoria Police and other external partners to ensure we implement best practice going forward.“While the work is not yet complete, I am confident the review and its recommendations represent a clear path for improvement in this area.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Tenterfield Volunteer Support Group has presented the Service with an incredible contribution of $150,000, taking the total amount of monies raised since 2015 to nearly $700,000.  The funds were raised in 2024 through an annual gala dinner, an annual golf day, and various other events and raffles held regularly during the year.  Tenterfield has a population of just over 6,500 people, which further highlights the significance of this incredible contribution.  Outgoing support group President, John Landers, thanked the community for their support, including Michael Townes and the Tenterfield Golf Club for their support of the groups golf day, and the Tenterfield Bowling Club who assist the group year-round, especially with their gala dinner.  Whilst John has stepped away from the President’s role at the group’s recent Annual General Meeting, he will continue his active support for the Service as a volunteer with the group. This latest contribution by the group will ‘stay local’ and go towards the Service’s Lismore base operations and its response in the New England region.  Today, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service operates in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, to deliver the highest standard of aeromedical and rescue services to those in need across a state-wide network. A NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and NSW Health doctor are on board each AW139 aircraft to provide the highest quality critical care where it is needed most. About the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service:  The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service was established in 1975 and operates five (AW139) helicopters from three forward operating bases in Belmont, Tamworth, and Lismore. The service supports NSW Ambulance and NSW Health to deliver aeromedical pre-hospital support, search and rescue and inter-hospital transfers in our community from north of the Hawkesbury River through to the Queensland border and throughout the New England North West. Along with the pilot and aircrew officer, every pre-hospital mission launches with a dedicated NSW Health critical care doctor and a NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic. For inter-hospital transfers the team may also be complemented by dedicated NSW Health specialist nursing professionals, depending on the needs of the patient.  The NSW Government, through the NSW Ministry of Health and NSW Ambulance, Westpac Bank, sponsors, business partners and the community, collectively provide the funds to ensure that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service can deliver world-class aeromedical emergency support services to the communities of Northern NSW. 

An investigation is underway after two NSW Police dogs died in Sydney’s south.Today (Thursday 31 October 2024), Police Dog Xtra and Development Dog Soldier and their handler attended a command development day at a Lucas Heights facility.All handlers attended with their dogs in the air-conditioned pods of their purpose-built police vehicles.About 12.30pm, the handler conducted a routine check, finding PD Xtra and DD Soldier deceased in the police vehicle. They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived.An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will be overseen by detectives attached to Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services.PD Xtra, a German Shepherd, was accredited as a general-purpose dog in July 2018 and was attached to the Newcastle/Central Coast Dog Unit. DD Soldier, a German Shepherd, commenced service with the Dog Unit in February 2024 for training and development.Commissioner Karen Webb APM said PD Xtra and DD Soldier were highly trained and played a vital role in assisting officers in serving the community.“Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit, and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Commissioner Webb said.“We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.”Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, Commander of the Police Transport and Public Safety Command said this loss will be felt deeply by the command.“Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them,” Assistant Commissioner Hegarty said.

The NSW Government welcomes the Australian Government’s action to unlock further targeted financial support for workers and sole traders impacted by the severe storm event and subsequent power outages in Far West NSW.Earlier today, the Australian Government announced that from 2pm AEDT, applications opened for the Disaster Recovery Allowance.The allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders who have experienced loss of income as a result of recent severe storms in the Broken Hill and Central Darling Local Government Areas, as well as the Far West Unincorporated Area.The announcement bolsters existing support, which includes the activation of joint Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and a range of NSW Government-led actions, including the announcement of a $4 million financial support package for households and small to medium-sized local businesses, which will open for applications soon.A Recovery Assistance Point managed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority has been open in Broken Hill since Tuesday.People who are experiencing hardship, need food relief, legal and insurance advice, support replacing pharmaceuticals are encouraged to visit the Recovery Assistance Point where staff will be on hand to assist them.Members of the community are encouraged to seek information regarding eligibility for the Commonwealth Government allowance and information on how to claim on the Services Australia website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster. Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:“We extend our gratitude to the Australian Government for unlocking this additional support package for workers impacted by the energy emergency in our Far West.“We’re focused on restoring permanent power supply, which is likely within the next 24 hours. At the same time, we’re doing everything we can to help households and businesses keep the shelves stocked and doors open."Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said, “I want to thank our federal counterparts for their shared focus on backing in our Far West communities who have had lives and businesses turned upside down for the last fortnight.“We all know that our regions are resilient and self-reliant, but it’s critical that we give them the support they need at the moment – and that’s exactly what all levels of government are doing.“I urge residents and businesses to put your hands up to access the support that you’re eligible for.”Member for Barwon Roy Butler said, “Any assistance the Federal or State government can give to Broken Hill and surrounding communities is welcome and I thank the Federal Government for this support.“People continue to face terrible circumstances due to the power outage.“I will continue fighting for small businesses and individuals as the recovery continues.”

A man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the state’s south.About 8.35am today, emergency services were called to a creek on Four Corners Road, Rand, about 62 km southwest of Henty, to reports of a car in the water.Officers attached to Murray River Police District responded, with assistance from the State Emergency Service, to find a car had gone through a guard rail and into a creek.Officers located a man inside the vehicle, who had died at the scene. A crime scene was established, and an investigation continues surrounding the circumstances.The man is yet to be formally identified.A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Crime Stoppers NSW has marked 35 years of helping to keep the community safe through the prevention, awareness and reporting of crimes in conjunction with the NSW Police Force.When Crime Stoppers began, there was an average of 500 calls a month. Today, there is an average of 10,000 contacts (via phone and online) per month with information leading to an arrest on average four times a day.Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said Crime Stoppers is a crucial link between the community and police.“The impact that Crime Stoppers has had on policing over the past 35 years cannot be overstated,” Minister Catley said.“It allows the community to provide critical information that has assisted in thousands of police investigations and brought perpetrators to account.“The community are the eyes and ears of police, and the information provided to Crime Stoppers plays an invaluable role in keeping us safe.”Crime Stoppers NSW is part of a global network that helps solve a crime every 14 minutes around the world.NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said without the help of Crime Stoppers, many crimes would have been much more challenging to solve.“The partnership between the NSW Police Force and Crime Stoppers is one of our most important tools in solving crime and keeping the community safe. It is hard to quantify the difference it has made over the years, but there is no doubt it has been profound.“Of course, in every single case, we also wouldn’t have been able to achieve results without the assistance of the community, and I want to thank everyone who has come forward with information to make this partnership a success.”Over the years, many significant crimes have been solved thanks to information provided by the community to Crime Stoppers. These include:Najma Carroll: In 2020, the body of Najma Carroll was located in bushland, and at the time, her identity, as well as the date and cause of her death, were unknown. Thanks to two reports to Crime Stoppers and subsequent witness statements, Robert Sloan was arrested and charged with Najma’s murder. He is currently serving a 25-year jail sentence.Charlise Mutten: In January 2022, Justin Stein was charged after the discovery of nine-year-old Charlise Mutten’s body in a barrel on the banks of the Colo River. Following a media appeal, information about the crime and the location of evidence was reported to Crime Stoppers, which led to Stein being convicted of her murder and being sentenced to life in jail.None of this would have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the NSW Police Force and the community.Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, Commander of Homicide Squad, said information from the public is vital when it comes to solving murders and other serious crimes.“Our victims don’t have the ability to tell their story, share evidence or reach out to detectives. That is why the information that’s comes from the public is so important. It allows the public to give voices to victims who don’t have one. ““Thanks to Crime Stoppers over the past 35 years, the public has had the ability to give information that can solve serious crimes like murders, sexual assaults, robberies and kidnappings as well as reach out to police to keep their communities safe,” Det Supt Doherty said.“For the Homicide Squad, the information we have received from Crime Stoppers has been instrumental in arresting those responsible for murders and bringing justice to their victim’s families.”NSW Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price AM said Crime Stoppers NSW has a long and rich history of helping to solve crime.“We are very proud of what has been achieved,” Mr Price said.“Reporting to Crime Stoppers is crucial to solving crime, but Crime Stoppers does so much more. We have a strong education and awareness program using community engagement, and social media campaigns which provide safety advice to help prevent a crime from occurring.“In recent years, we have focussed on crimes relating to drugs, firearms, online child safety and rural crime.”Crime Stoppers NSW has also introduced new and innovative ways to help engage with the community to encourage more reporting including: The first in the world to have a 24/7 operational call centreThe first in Australia to take information and reports on domestic violenceThe first to establish a Cyber Crime Advisory Council and first to establish a Rural Crime Advisory CouncilIn conjunction with the 35 year anniversary, Crime Stoppers NSW are acknowledging the 25 year anniversary of Crime Stoppers NSW CEO, Mr Peter Price AM, who is the longest serving CEO across the history of all Crime Stoppers jurisdictions in Australia.Crime Stoppers continues to call on the community to report crime. Every piece of information counts.If you see or hear of anything you believe to be suspicious you can contact Crime Stoppers 24/7 and report information in confidence by calling 1800 333 000 or online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.You can also report crime to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or your local Police station. Save Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.NSW Crime Stoppers is looking forward to another 35 years of partnering with the NSW Police Force and local communities to continue making NSW a safer place to live.Detailed Case StudiesStrike Force Dalcassia (murder of Najma Carroll)On the 29/07/2020, the body of Najma CARROLL was located deceased in bushland at Sandy Point. At that time, her identity as well as the date and cause of her death were unknown. On 05/08/2020, two crime stoppers reports were received detailing that Robert Sloan killed Najma Carroll with a baseball bat in bushland at Sandy Point Quarry. The reports provided background information about why the incident occurred and as well as details of the murder itself. The information provided was from a close associate of Sloan, who at that time was unknown to the investigation. He reported the incident information to Crime Stoppers as he had fears of reporting it directly to police. The information provided significant lines of enquiry for the investigation. The witness later provided statements detailing firsthand admission by Sloan. On 19/01/2024, Sloan pled guilty to the murder of Najma Carroll. On 2/08/2024, he was sentenced to 25 years and 2 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 17 years and 6 months.Strike Force BUENA (murder of nine-year-old Charlise Mutten)The offender, Justin Stein, was charged in January 2022 after the discovery of Charlise’s body in a barrel on the banks of the Colo River after she had disappeared from the Mt Wilson area several days earlier.A subsequent media appeal was conducted, not only in relation to information pertaining to CCTV of the routes taken by the vehicle used by Stein but also for information as it was revealed that Charlise had died as a result of being shot, most likely in the Mt Wilson area.A person walking in the bushland area of Mt Wilson later found a suspicious area in the bush, which appeared to be covering something as if to hide it.The witness contacted Crime Stoppers, and investigators attended the location through coordinates provided and discovered a number of relevant items, including a firearm with a scope which police later linked to Justin Stein. This was crucial evidence in the case again Stein, who was later convicted of murder and sentenced to life.

Two ocean trawlers in the Northern Rivers and a river trawler on the Hawkesbury River have become the first in Australia to trial a low-carbon renewable fuel solution as part of a NSW Government research project on sustainable energy usage in the commercial fishing sector. The $920,000 Beyond Fossil Diesel Program is a collaboration between the NSW Government and the Decarbonisation Innovation Hub initiative, which supports collaboration between researchers and industry to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising NSW.  Renewable diesel is used as a drop-in replacement and offers industry a 70% - 90% reduction in their normal fuel-related emissions, and as part of the project, more than 6,000 litres of renewable diesel will be blended with fossil diesel at 30% of the mix.   Research Officer Michael Cashen said after 18 months of research, the Beyond Fossil Diesel Program has hosted a series of renewable fuel demonstrations in both the Clarence and Hawkesbury regions.   “The aim of the Beyond Fossil Diesel at Sea project is to provide practical examples that will inspire confidence and drive adoption of practical decarbonisation solutions within the marine sector,” Mr Cashen said.   “We appreciate Yamba commercial fisher Steve Everson and Paul Aquilina from Spencer for participating in this landmark demonstration.   “Their involvement will show other fishermen what is possible with these evolving low-carbon liquid fuels and how they work in their vessels.”  Mr Cashen continued by saying renewable diesel can be made from biological feedstocks, including tallow, oilseed crops and sugar cane and has been used extensively in both the US and Europe in hard-to-abate sectors that have limited practical options to decarbonise.  “Currently, the price of renewable diesel is too high for widespread adoption; however, with the development of an Australian Low Carbon Liquid Fuel industry, we expect prices to decrease over time, making it easier for the industry to adopt renewable diesel as stakeholders become more familiar with the product,” Mr Cashen said.  “Raising awareness of low carbon liquid fuels as a replacement for fossil fuels was initially done in the agriculture sector as part of the Beyond Fossil Diesel project. “With potential demand for low carbon liquid fuels growing worldwide, NSW has a significant opportunity to help build feedstock supply and potentially production capacity that can create regional employment and reduce reliance on imported fuel.  Low Carbon Liquid Fuels such as renewable diesel is a practical way for industry to reduce carbon emissions without having to make changes to existing machinery or supply chains.   “By using renewable diesel, we can directly cut emissions and contribute to NSW target to net zero emissions by 2050.”  NSW Northern Rivers commercial fisherman Steve Everson said, “I’m excited to be part of this Australian-first demonstration.   “Using renewable diesel in my trawlers not only supports our local industry but also showcases the potential for reducing emissions without making changes to our equipment.”  NSW Hawkesbury River fisherman Paul Aquilina said, "By showcasing the effectiveness of renewable diesel, we hope to inspire other fishermen to adopt these innovative fuels when they become more affordable in Australia.

A man will face court today charged following the 2022 investigation into the death of a baby at a home in Coffs Harbour.About 8am on Monday 23 May 2022, emergency services were called to a home in Coffs Harbour following reports a two-year-old boy was unresponsive inside.The infant was taken to Coffs Harbour Health Campus in a critical condition, before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.Detectives from Coffs/Clarence Police District attended and established a crime scene.On Tuesday 25 May 2022, the boy died in hospital.Strike Force Kielwarra was established by detectives from Coffs/Clarence Police District who investigated the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.About 10.15am yesterday (Tuesday 29 October 2024), a 38-year-old man was arrested by detectives from Coffs/Clarence Police District at Bankstown Police Station.He was charged with murder and refused police bail to appear before Bankstown Local Court today (Wednesday, 30 October 2024), where he was formally refused bail to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.

A statement by the Federal Government today said Australia was one of the most successful nations in its pandemic response, but an investigation by the independent COVID-19 Response Inquiry finds the country was not adequately prepared for a pandemic. The statement went on to say;The Inquiry is a reminder of the incredible service and sacrifice of so many people, not just frontline workers but every single person in Australia. It was a time of great uncertainty and adversity. Thousands of Australians lost their lives. Borders were closed. Australians were asked to stay in their homes. The Albanese Government believes we need to be transparent about how the response to COVID-19 was managed and learn the lessons to inform the management of future public health emergcies. The independent Inquiry says Australia went into the pandemic with stretched health and aged care systems, no clear national management plan, and deficiencies in the National Medical Stockpile. The Inquiry finds the economic response to the pandemic was critical in achieving the desired public health outcomes. But mistakes were made, and those mistakes were costly, and inflationary. Modelling cited in the report says peak inflation could have been reduced by at least 2 per cent if the economic policy settings during the pandemic had better matched the public health restrictions. Global supply shocks contributed to substantial inflationary pressures in the Australian economy, but the impact was clearly compounded by some poor policy choices during the pandemic and its immediate aftermath. The Inquiry found that trust in governments and in science has waned as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the responses of Australian Governments. The report says that rebuilding community trust and maintaining it needs to be an immediate and ongoing priority, because a key partner in any pandemic response is the Australian public. The Inquiry was established in September 2023 to consider Commonwealth responses to the pandemic, including vaccines and financial support. The Inquiry also considered the role of National Cabinet. It was led by an independent panel with significant experience in public health and economic policy – Ms Robyn Kruk AO (Chair), Professor Catherine Bennett and Dr Angela Jackson. The Inquiry has 9 guiding recommendations and 26 actions for both short term and longer-term work to improve Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics. The Inquiry received 2201 submissions from organisations and individuals, conducted interviews and roundtables, and commissioned research to understand the experiences of those most heavily affected. Stakeholder interviews included the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Health Minister Greg Hunt, and Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt, as well as a majority of the former State Premiers and Chief Ministers. The Government will release a response after careful consideration of the Inquiry’s findings and recommendations. In the interim, the Albanese Government will deliver a new Australian Centre for Disease Control, which is one of the central recommendations of the independent Inquiry.The report is available at: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/covid-19-response-inquiry-report  Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “The pandemic was an extremely difficult period for many Australians, with its impact still being felt. Given the magnitude of this crisis, I determined that it was in the national interest to review what worked and what we can do to be better prepared in the future.  “I thank the panel members for their dedicated work. I also thank the many individuals and organisations who shared their experiences of the pandemic. “The Australian Government is committed to doing all that we can to ensure Australia is fully equipped and prepared to face future pandemics. We will release a response after careful consideration of the Inquiry report.” Minister for Health Mark Butler said, “This inquiry will be the blueprint to ensure Australia is better prepared for the next pandemic – and there will be a next pandemic. “As the Inquiry makes clear, Australia lacked sufficient planning and preparation for a pandemic. There are a lot of lessons. “The establishment of the Australian CDC will help ensure we are prepared next time. “Within the next 24 hours, I’ll be discussing the Inquiry with my health minister colleagues. Those discussions will continue over coming months.” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, "The pandemic showed us the best of Australians’ resilience, but it had a profound and lasting impact on our nation’s economy that we are still repairing today. "The Inquiry has told us that big decisions were taken, and big mistakes were made. These mistakes were costly and added fuel to the inflationary fire. "The report, and the progress we’ve made since, are proof of why our responsible economic management is so important. It’s why we’re so focused on fighting inflation, delivering responsible cost of living relief, and repairing the budget mess we inherited."

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing more than $60 million over five years to establish the Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence at TAFE NSW’s Tighes Hill campus in Newcastle.Both the Albanese Government and Minns Labor Governments are investing $28.1 million, with a further $5.27 million in federal funding to support the centre.This will accelerate the development of a Higher Apprenticeship model focused on the advanced skills required for net zero manufacturing.The upgraded Centre will play a pivotal role in building up new skills for workers across the Hunter, investing in their future.This will enable access to jobs in the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, and delivering the skilled workforce required to support the renewable energy sector.The Centre of Excellence will:Grow the workforce to support the renewable energy industry through technology-integrated learning, increasing access to training in regional and remote areas of northern NSW via mobile training unitsEstablish a National Renewable Energy Microskills Marketplace, enabling TAFEs across Australia to share and access renewable industry-related digital non-accredited coursesImplement a higher apprenticeship model, integrating vocational education and training (VET) and higher education by combining critical trade skills like electrotechnology, welding, and fabrication, with higher-level units in emerging areas such as digital technologies.The Centre will also build on partnerships between TAFE NSW, universities and local industry to pilot qualification models that deliver a parity of status between VET and higher education. This follows the September announcement of the Western Sydney Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence and is the second of three TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence, boosting skills training in advanced manufacturing and rebuilding onshore manufacturing capabilities. Increasing the number of apprentices – particularly in trades such as electrotechnology, engineering, manufacturing and mechatronics – is vital to ensure NSW and Australia have the skills to transition mining, energy and manufacturing industries to a clean energy economy.This will help it meet the demand for net zero training to support decarbonising mining and manufacturing sectors as Australia transitions to net zero by 2050.The Centre will also support both Government’s commitment to rebuilding our local manufacturing capacity, including delivering the skilled workforce required to build and maintain the NSW Tangara fleet locally.The Albanese Government is investing $325 million under the five-year National Skills Agreement, which began on 1 January, to establish a network of up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence in areas of high skills needs.These centres will help deliver a skilled workforce for strategically important industries to meet national challenges.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Investing in a Future Made in Australia means investing in the skills and training industry will need in the years to come.“The Hunter has a proud history of industry and manufacturing – which is why this is the perfect place for this Centre of Excellence.“This builds on the skills that are already a part of this region’s DNA.”Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said, “We are getting on with the job of delivering three TAFE Centres of Excellence in NSW, a key part of our commitment to provide fully subsidised training to an additional 1,000 apprenticeships a year in advanced manufacturing and related industries. “The Hunter region is a powerhouse for energy and manufacturing and we are proud to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver this training centre so the local community and industry have the skills needed to benefit from the energy transition. “This is part of our plan to deliver affordable reliable energy and drive down emissions.”Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles said, “The Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is a great example of the Australian Government partnering with states to place TAFE at the heart of the VET sector.“This Centre of Excellence in Net Zero Manufacturing will strengthen the VET system by providing high-quality and responsive skills training in the clean manufacturing economy.“This will strengthen collaboration between universities and the VET sector. It will deliver the skills and knowledge our manufacturing labour market requires, as we accelerate our ambitions of Net Zero and a Future Made in Australia.“I look forward to working with the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, as together we build a high-performing, more equitable and more dynamic VET sector, to skill Australians for the future.”NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said, “Skilled workers are critical to support NSW’s transition to net zero and clean energy and to boost our onshore manufacturing capabilities in resources, aviation, defence and transport.  “The second of three TAFE NSW Manufacturing Centres of Excellence, the TAFE NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Newcastle / Hunter will provide opportunities to upskill our workforce so they are able to take full advantage of the opportunities that renewable manufacturing provides. “The Minns Government, like the Albanese Government – has a core focus on building more in Australia, from our energy transition right through to making sure we have the skills to build our next trains here in NSW. That’s what it’s all about.”

Rolling out nuclear power plants in Australia could add $1000 a year to household electricity bills, according to energy experts, and regulators should focus on lower cost, renewable power.The warning has been issued at a Smart Energy Council event on Monday, which heard from Australian and Canadian experts about energy technology.However, the advice was contradicted by testimony at the separate Nuclear Power Generation inquiry in Canberra, where a former nuclear executive called Australia's plan to rely on wind, solar and hydro energy "a work of fiction".The energy debate comes five months after federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton announced plans to establish nuclear power plants in seven Australian locations if his party won government at the next election.The Smart Energy Council event heard Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis modelling found that a switch to nuclear energy would increase the median power bill for households with two people by $665 per year.A family of four would see their electricity bill rise by almost $1000 a year after the move, independent economist and Climate Council spokeswoman Nicki Hutley said."That's a very significant increase in what is a relatively large part of a family's bills," she said."It's not just household energy bills that we're worried about – businesses have to pay for energy as well and when they pay higher energy costs that gets passed on."Developing nuclear power plants in Australia would also be costly due to the nation's lack of experience with the technology, Canada-based York University sustainable energy initiative co-chair Professor Mark Winfield said.Those costs would include underwriting potential nuclear disasters and expenses that continued to rise over time."The single biggest thing we would recommend... is a least-cost approach, which is to look at what are the options with the lowest cost and then optimise those," Prof Winfield told AAP."New-build nuclear, which is what you'd be looking at, just can't compete with the (renewable) options that are available."(A federal inquiry has been told renewable energy would not be reliable enough for consumers. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)But the advice was contradicted by Adrian Paterson, former chief executive of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, at the parliamentary nuclear energy inquiry.Renewable energy sources including solar power and wind turbines would not be reliable enough for consumers, would raise the price of electricity, and could endanger birdlife, he said.The federal government should remove its ban on nuclear projects, Dr Paterson said, and reverse its renewable energy policies."The systems that we are trying to put together is nothing other than a work of fiction dressed up in engineering clothes," he said."The price of electricity, once we get to this mythical 40 to 50 per cent (renewable energy), will continue to rise."By Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson in Brisbane

The Liberal National Party's victory at the Queensland election has laid the groundwork for the coalition to replicate the feat at the next federal poll, the opposition leader says.After nine years of Labor rule, the LNP recorded a narrow victory in the Sunshine State, with leader David Crisafulli set be sworn in as the state's next premier.With counting still under way, the LNP is on track to win at least 48 seats in the state's parliament, with 47 needed for a majority.(David Crisafulli will be sworn in as Queensland premier on Monday. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the result represented a repudiation of the federal government ahead of the next election, which is due to be held by May."The lessons are that if you treat people with contempt, if you run up huge debt, you mismanage the economy, you create a cost-of-living crisis, you can expect the electorate to punish you," he told reporters in Melbourne on Monday."That's exactly what happened in Queensland, I think it's what's going to happen in a federal level as well, because the prime minister has promised a lot for Australians and he's delivered nothing."While the LNP was forecast to record a landslide victory, Labor regained ground as the formal campaign went on.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Labor would heed the results from the party's defeat ahead of the federal election."The outcome on Saturday night was decisive, but it wasn't unexpected, and there are lessons for us," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday.(Jim Chalmers said Labor would take stock of the Queensland election result. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)"Queenslanders are pragmatic and practical people, and the Albanese government is a pragmatic and practical government, but we will go through the lessons from Saturday night."Federal Labor is looking to regain ground in Queensland at the next federal election, with the government only holding just five of the state's 30 electorates.Dr Chalmers said it was not surprising there had been a change of government, with Labor being in power in the Sunshine State for nine years and cost-of-living dominating discussion."We understand that people are doing it tough, and they express that at the ballot box, which is their right," he said."We've tried to take a series of well-informed economic decisions, take the right economic decisions for the right reasons, because I believe if you do that, the politics will take care of themselves."Queensland senator and Workplace Minister Murray Watt said the factor of time was against Labor"What (former premier Steven Miles) and Labor were seeking was a fourth term in office, and obviously, every election you win, the next one becomes that much harder," he told ABC Radio.The Greens went backwards at the election, claiming just a single seat in the state's parliament.Greens leader Adam Bandt said the federal government needed to take responsibility for Queensland Labor's loss.(Greens leader Adam Bandt said the prime minister should take some responsibility for Labor's defeat. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)"If it was all about what's happening federally, then clearly (Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) has got some responsibility for the fact that Labor has now just lost government," he told ABC Radio."If Labor takes the Greens policies and implements them, they're popular, but if Labor spends their time and money fighting the Greens, then the LNP wins."Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the Greens going backwards at the state election came from perceptions about the party federally."They were shocked by (Greens MP) Max Chandler-Mather standing up, defending the criminal elements off the CFMEU on the back of the truck with a megaphone instead of voting for housing," she told Seven's Sunrise program."People look at that and go 'these people aren't serious about making progress. They are only about opposition. They're only about making a point'."By Andrew Brown in Canberra

Queensland's premier-elect has vowed to start work right away to implement the policies he promised during the election campaign.The Labor government has confirmed Premier Steven Miles called Opposition Leader David Crisafulli on Sunday morning to concede defeat. There will be no rest for Mr Crisafulli despite an exhausting campaign - he starts work first thing on Sunday after forming a majority in the Queensland election."We get to work and we do what we say we were going to do," he told the party faithful."We have a contract with Queenslanders and we intend to honour it."The grandson of Italian immigrants to northern Queensland cane farmers led a campaign focused on crime, health, housing and cost of living.He has vowed to legislate his controversial "adult time for adult crime" policy that would see youth offenders jailed on lengthy sentences for committing serious crimes.Mr Crisafulli also plans to introduce a 100-day review of 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure, deliver real-time health data and scrap a payroll tax on general practitioners.He praised now former premier Steven Miles for his rise in the halls of parliament and acknowledged the the impact of Labor's loss on MPs and their families."To think the son of a factory work could be the 40th premier of this state tells you everything you need to know about how great Queensland is," Mr Crisafulli said.(Outgoing premier Steven Miles says his opponents ran a small target campaign. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)But Mr Miles' speech on Saturday evening did not include a concession nor did he congratulate the premier-elect despite counting indicating a Liberal National Party majority with 49 seats to Labor's 30."Queenslanders know what I believe and what I stand for, while David Crisafulli ducked and weaved and tied himself into the tiniest, small target Queensland has ever seen," he said to a room of cheering supporters at a tavern."This election finishes with many more questions about the LNP's plans than answers."Mr Miles became a little shaky as he thanked his wife Kim, sons Aidan and Sam and daughter Bridie for their support."Your support lets me do this job, thanks for joining me on the campaign trail and thanks to Bridie for being in my strange sandwich videos," he said.Mr Miles finally conceded defeat in his call to Mr Crisafulli on Sunday morning.Mr Crisafulli was close to tears as he thanked his wife Tegan for her support and noted how proud he was of his daughters, who he keeps out of the limelight.He will become just the second Queensland Liberal leader this millennium after Campbell Newman held power from 2012 to 2015.The parliament's makeup is yet to be cemented as votes continue to be counted but it appears to hold the LNP majority, with three Katter's Australian Party members and one independent.The Greens, who held two seats in the last parliament, appear to be wiped from the crossbench with Michael Berkman's seat of Maiwar still too close to call.By Savannah Meacham and Fraser Barton in Brisbane

Two light planes have been involved in a fatal midair collision in Sydney's southwest.Emergency crews responded to reports the planes collided about 11.50am on Saturday near Belimbla Park in Oakdale.Police have confirmed fatalities but have not said how many.They have set up two crime scenes, and a number of ambulance and fire crews have responded to the crash.Authorities are urging the public to stay away.The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the crash.

Queenslanders are deciding who will become premier after a rollercoaster four-week campaign.Premier Steven Miles and Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli cast their votes on Saturday morning and face a nervous wait after the race to govern tightened in the final days of campaigning.Mr Crisafulli was tipped to end the Labor government's nine-year reign after dominating polling early.(David Crisafulli and wife Tegan cast their votes, as do Steven Miles and wife Kim. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)But Mr Miles has made ground after a final campaign blitz, indicating the election race might have a photo finish.In Brisbane on Saturday, Mr Miles and his wife Kim cast their votes at Kallangur State School while Mr Crisafulli and his wife Tegan voted at Springwood State High School.Mr Crisafulli told reporters he was getting around the booths to thank his party's volunteers and to spread the message that Queenslanders "deserve better than what you're getting". Mr Miles said he wanted to win a term in his own right after taking over from Annastacia Palaszczuk after she resigned in late 2023.He wanted a chance to deliver on the promises he had made to Queenslanders, the premier told reporters on Saturday. (Opposition Leader David Crisafulli made a last-minute pitch to voters on Saturday morning. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)Nearly half of Queensland's voters have already made up their minds, casting their ballot early.The remainder will enjoy a democracy sausage on Saturday, with Labor hoping to secure a fourth-straight term.The LNP is aiming to form its first government since Campbell Newman's 2012-2015 stint.Labor has governed Queensland for 30 of the past 35 years."Being the state's premier these last 10 months is the greatest honour of my life," Mr Miles has said."I have endeavoured to ... make sure every single one of those minutes count."He made the most of his last days on the campaign trail, visiting 36 seats in 36 hours.(Premier Steven Miles cast his vote after a blitz on dozens of seats in the campaign's final days. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)Both leaders have campaigned hard on key election issues youth crime, housing, health and cost-of-living pressures.But abortion emerged as a major talking point in the past fortnight after a crossbencher vowed to repeal the legislation if elected.Abortion was decriminalised in Queensland in 2018.Mr Crisafulli has been under enormous pressure in the past two weeks, repeatedly refusing to explain how he would guarantee abortion laws would not change.It has coincided with LNP's dip in the polls.The latest Newspoll conducted for The Australian newspaper showed Mr Miles rated as a better premier at 45 per cent compared to 42 per cent for Mr Crisafulli.But the LNP remained ahead on a two-party preferred basis at 52 to Labor's 47 per cent.The LNP did not reveal its costings until Thursday, including changes that would save almost $7 billion on consultancies and contractors.(A voter and a non-voter make their way through a corridor of election posters in Brisbane. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)Labor claimed it meant the LNP would cut public service jobs to keep the budget in the black.Mr Crisafulli said Labor's nine years in power had led to a lack of government accountability or transparency."It's getting worse and for the sake of this great state, Queenslanders have to vote for change," he said.Robbie Katter, the leader of Katter's Australian Party, which has four MPs and is fielding 11 candidates, told the Nine Network he was open to doing a deal with the LNP and his party could become a powerbroker."It's a really good opportunity for the LNP to grab hold and partner with a party that can really turn the tide on things," he said on Saturday.On the abortion issue, Mr Katter said that would be tested in parliament."It wasn't our priority, but we've pushed on it and we'll stand up for what we believe in."Labor has 51 seats and the LNP 35.A party needs 47 seats for majority government.By Savannah Meacham and Fraser Barton in Brisbane

When Austrian researcher Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt travelled to Australia in the 1970s, he was given rare access to the Warlpiri people of the Northern Territory. Senior Warlpiri lore men Jimmy Jungarrayi Spencer and Banjo Jungarrayi Tex, supported Professor Eibl-Eibesfeldt's research at their community of Yuendumu, almost 300 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs.During his time with Warlpiri people, Prof Eibl-Eibesfeldt gathered about 800 hours of film, documenting community life and ceremony and collecting a number of culturally significant objects(Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt recorded the community's ancient cultural life and ceremonies. (Bernolf Eibl-Eibesfeldt-Hefa/AAP PHOTOS)Prof Eibl-Eibesfeldt's son Bernolf Eibl-Eibesfeldt, who had travelled with his father to Yuendumu when he was a teenager, handed back the cultural objects to Warlpiri men on Thursday.Among the collection of 24 objects are karli (boomerangs) Wurlampi (knives), Pikirri (spear thrower), Kurdiji (shields).(A shield that was taken to Germany in the 1970s has been returned to Walpiri people. (SVEN TRÄNKNER/AAP PHOTOS)Nelson Tex is the son of Banjo Jungarrayi Tex, who helped Prof Eibl-Eibesfeldt at Yuendumu 50 years ago.He couldn't travel to Germany for the return ceremony but said he was eager to see the objects once they return to Australia. "I think about these objects and am in shock. The fact that my father's objects are there in Germany and coming home," he said."I want to follow in his footsteps and make sure my children do too. When these objects are brought back home, I want to be part of that and be able to share that with my children."I'm not going to stop teaching them."(A knife that has been returned to Walpiri community will be temporarily stored at the SA Museum. (SVEN TRÄNKNER/AAP PHOTOS)The repatriation was co-ordinated by the Warlpiri Project, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies' through its Return of Cultural Heritage program. Senior Warlpiri lore man and elder Ned Jampitjinpa Hargraves thanked those involved in the repatriation."This day will be remembered, not just as a handover of objects but as a meaningful step in building understanding and respect between cultures," he said.Warlpiri Project repatriation officer Jamie Jungarrayi Hampton said he was honoured to support his elders by travelling to Germany for the return of the important objects."The really unique thing about this collection is we know the men who made these artefacts," he told AAP."There's a strong family connection to these objects and obviously the cultural importance."We still practise our culture, we still speak our language and do our ceremony so these artefacts are really important in preserving and continuing that."(A nosebone has been returned as well as copies of the films taken of the community in the 1970s. (Supplied/AAP PHOTOS)Mr Hampton said the Warlpiri delegation would also bring copies of the films Prof Eibl-Eibesfeldt had taken back to Australia.Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies chief executive Leonard Hill said being able to facilitate community access to the film material is significant. "For some communities, some of that material document practices, cultural practises, ceremony, things like that, that have not been undertaken for some time," he said.The material will be temporarily stored at the South Australian Museum, under the care of the Warlpiri Project.The objects will return to Yuendumu permanently once the construction of a cultural centre in the community is completed. The objects and the digitised film collection will be used to pass down cultural knowledge to younger generations of Warlpiri people.