Politics
NSW
Pandemic hangover overwhelms already-stressed NSW health system
NSW emergency departments are clogged with seriously ill patients as doctors warn the after-effects of COVID-19 “are exacerbating a broken system” that needs urgent reform.
- by Lucy Carroll
Latest
NSW to spend $250 million building and upgrading Aboriginal housing
The NSW budget will provide for 250 new homes and renovate a further 7000 for Indigenous families.
- by Linda Morris
Exclusive
ICAC
‘Simply unacceptable’: Whistleblower protection laws on their 27th draft after seven years
Under existing laws, people who are legally obliged to front the Independent Commission Against Corruption are protected from any criminal or civil liability, but the same protections do not apply to those who voluntarily give evidence.
- by Lucy Cormack
NSW budget boost to help children and women escape violence
Services helping women and children experiencing domestic and sexual violence will be given a funding boost in the state budget.
- by Alexandra Smith
NSW to offer $25,000 grant for first home buyers in stamp duty overhaul
The move comes as Sydney house prices skyrocket and younger generations struggle to get a foothold in the market.
- by Alexandra Smith
Exclusive
Plastic
NSW to ban plastic cutlery as end also looms for single-use cups, plates and bags
The writing is also on the wall for plastic cups, plates and heavyweight plastic shopping bags, with Environment Minister Matt Kean saying the government plans to phase out all single-use plastics by 2025 to stop 2.7 billion items from becoming litter.
- by Fergus Hunter
Exclusive
University
Treasurer’s message to unis: Get local students back on campus
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet wants university bosses to explain how they will get more local students back into the classroom as the sector prepares for the long-awaited return of international students.
- by Lucy Cormack and Jordan Baker
Exclusive
Heritage
May Gibbs’ former studio to claim first heritage blue plaque
Heritage homes and buildings in NSW will soon sport commemorative plaques modelled on the famous blue plaques of London.
- by Lucy Cormack
‘Real generational change’: Chris Minns reveals new Labor frontbench
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has revealed his opposition frontbench, elevating five new members to a shadow cabinet in a reshuffle some MPs have described as a genuine attempt to heal the party.
- by Lucy Cormack and Tom Rabe
‘Real and present danger’: Great frustration as locals rush for tests in ice-cold conditions
Locals in northern NSW were left waiting for hours in bitterly cold conditions on Thursday as COVID-19 testing queues blew out and nurses were stretched to their limit after a couple that that tested positive for coronavirus travelled through the state on their way to Queensland while potentially infectious.
- by Lucy Carroll, Mary Ward and Josh Dye
Medical, post grad international students the first to return to NSW
International students studying health and medical degrees will be the first to return to NSW universities.
- by Alexandra Smith