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Albanese calls May 3 election, with cost of living the central battleground

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Australians will go to the polls on May 3 for an election squarely centred on the cost of living. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Yarralumla first thing on Friday morning. Later he told an 8am news conference at parliament house the election choice was “between Labor’s plan to keep building or Peter Dutton’s plan to cut. "Only Labor has the plan to make you better off over the next three years,” he said. “Now is not the time for cutting and wrecking, punching down.” Less than a week after the federal budget and following an earlier delay caused by Cyclone Alfred, the formal campaign starts with government and opposition neck and neck and minority government considered a real possibility. But in recent days, the government has gained more momentum and Labor enters the campaign more confident than at the start of the year. The aggregated January-March quarterly Newspoll had the Coalition leading Labor 51-49%, but Albanese leading Peter Dutton as preferred PM 45% to 40%. A YouGov poll published March 21 had Labor and Coalition on 50-50. Polling only shows a snapshot of the present, and the campaign itself could be crucial to the election result. This is the fourth consecutive election launched off the back of a budget, with both sides this week bidding for voters’ support with big handouts. Labor pushed through legislation for its $17 billion tax cut, the first stage of which comes in mid next year. Opposition leader Peter Dutton in his budget reply promised a 12-month halving of excise on petrol and diesel and a gas reservation scheme. Labor goes <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/federal/2025/guide/pendulum">into the election</a> with 78 seats in the lower house, and the Coalition with 57 (counting the seats of two recent Liberal defectors). The large crossbench includes four Greens and half a dozen “teals”. With a majority being 76 seats in the new 150-seat parliament, the Coalition needs to win 19 seats for an outright majority. This would require a uniform swing of 5.3% (although swings are not uniform). A swing of less than 1% could take Labor into minority. The Coalition would need a swing of about 3.6% to end with more seats than the government. While all states are important if the result is close, Victoria and NSW are regarded as the crucial battlegrounds. If the Coalition won, it would be the first time that a first-term government had been defeated since 1931, during the great depression. Since the end of the second world war, while all first term governments have been reelected, each saw a two-party swing against them. One challenge for Albanese is that he has only a tiny majority, providing little buffer against a swing. The combined vote of the major parties will be something to watch, with the vote steadily declining from 85.47% of the vote just 19 years ago at the 2007 election, to only 68.28% at the 2022 election. Labor won the last election with a two-party vote of 52.13% to the Coalition’s 47.87%. As of December 31 2024, 17,939,818 Australians were enrolled to vote. The start of the formal campaign follows a long “faux” campaign in which both leaders have been travelling the length and breadth of the country non-stop, with the government making a series of major spending announcement but the opposition holding back on policy.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/250774/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <h2>Marginal seats based on the redistribution</h2> <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/03/Antony-Greens-ABC-Electoral-Pendulum.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="1535" /> * Seat with a sitting ALP member ** Seat with a sitting Liberal member *** Warringah MP Zali Steggall was elected before the 2022 ‘teals’, but is regarded as one of them. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/dat/news/elections/federal/2025/guide/FED2025_PostRedistPendulum.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antony Green's ABC Electoral Pendulum</a> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-grattan-20316">Michelle Grattan</a>, Professorial Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canberra-865">University of Canberra</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/albanese-calls-may-3-election-with-cost-of-living-the-central-battleground-250774">original article</a>. Images: <em style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box;">Image credits: LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial <div class="footer-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> </div> </div>

Legal

New details emerge after Gold Coast Hilton Hotel catches fire

New details have emerged after a massive fire erupted at the Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel on the Gold Coast overnight, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of guests and staff. The blaze originated on the roof of the hotel's western tower at around 2am, with debris falling onto the second-floor restaurant area, notably affecting establishments like Steampunk Surfers Paradise. Emergency services responded promptly, with multiple fire crews arriving to combat the flames. The Queensland Fire Department reported that the fire on the pool deck was extinguished by around 2:20am, and the roof fire was under control by 2:40am. Guests were then permitted to return to their rooms at around 3am. Surfers Paradise resident Joevy Lyn captured dramatic footage of debris tumbling 120m from the roof to the streets below. Legendary Australian jockey Shane Dye, who was staying on the 34th floor of a neighbouring tower, witnessed the fire firsthand and told the Courier Mail: "Everything was on fire and in flames, I couldn't believe it. It was right outside my window." Dye evacuated his building amid initial confusion, saying that hotel staff were initially unaware of the severity of the situation. Another guest, Leah Nicholson, who was staying at the Hilton with her wife and three-year-old daughter, reported not hearing any alarms but, upon contacting the front desk, was told of the fire. The family then descended 14 flights of stairs to evacuate, only hearing evacuation alarms upon reaching the ground level. Queensland police assisted in the evacuation, and while the cause of the fire remains under investigation, a woman staying at an apartment across the road reportedly said she believed the Hilton sign had exploded. “The H on top of the Hilton building just started to catch on fire and then it all started to explode,” the woman told 7NEWS. “Parts of it started to fall which caught … other parts of the building on fire. It was quite intense.” Images: 7NEWS

Travel Trouble

NSW Health worker charged over anti-semitic remarks

A NSW Health worker who went viral over his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/nsw-health-workers-stood-down-over-anti-semitic-remarks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-semitic remarks</a> during a video call at Bankstown-Lidcombe hospital in Sydney's west has been charged. Ahmed Rashid Nadir, 27, and female co-worker Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, were recorded in a video call with Israeli influencer Max Veifer, where they said they would refuse to treat Israeli patients and allegedly threatened to kill them. The video has since gone viral and both nurses were stood down from their positions. After being stood down from the hospital, Nadir issued an apology through his lawyer, and told reporters the incident was a misunderstanding and a mistake. Nadir was arrested on Tuesday evening, and charged with threatening to menace, harass, or offend, as well as possessing a prohibited drug. He has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Lebdeh, was charged last Tuesday, and faces charges of threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend, according to NSW Police. She is also scheduled to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on March 19. At the time of her arrest, Nadir was taken to hospital for assessment after paramedics were called to his home. He has reportedly been receiving ongoing medical treatment since then. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency previously confirmed the pair’s credentials were no longer valid and they “cannot practise in Australia”. Image: TikTok

Legal

icare safeguards NSW workers with new Lung Health Mobile Clinic

icare has launched a new, state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic, which has embarked on its inaugural road trip to deliver lung health checks to individuals across NSW. The new mobile clinic continues the legacy of a bus that has served the community for nearly 16 years, travelling more than 700,000km (almost to the moon and back), screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW. Each year, the program provides lung health checks to more than 5,000 people, ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma. Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis MP, said the new Mobile Clinic underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health. “Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Mobile Clinic demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.” icare’s new Mobile Clinic is equipped with advanced technology and features including: • Digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging. • Enhanced spirometry (lung function) testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance. • Digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care. • A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations. • Greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients. • An external design, created to help engage and welcome workers, and an interior mural by Mumbulla Creative - an Indigenous agency whose artwork reflects connection to Country, icare’s values and the people of NSW. icare urges anyone with past or present occupational exposure to hazardous dust - such as through mining, tunnelling, construction, or manufacturing - to prioritise their lung health. “A lung health check could save your life,” said icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe. “Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.” Lung health checks are painless, and take less than 30 minutes. The process includes: 1. Chest X-ray to detect abnormalities or damage. 2. Lung function testing to assess respiratory performance. 3. Consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice. 4. Referral for CT scan, as required to get a better image of the chest and lungs. Individuals are encouraged to contact icare directly, and the Dust Diseases Care team can help facilitate and fund lung health checks through local services, at icare’s Sydney CBD Kent Street clinic, icare’s lung bus, or organise transport should that be a barrier to screening in more remote locations. icare’s lung screening program adheres to the national guidance for doctors assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust set by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, ensuring the highest standards of care for detecting and managing respiratory diseases. A clinical governance committee continually reviews emerging evidence on best-practice and makes recommendations to ensure icare delivers screening aligned with national standards. icare’s new Mobile Clinic underscores its commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health. For more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit the <a href="https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/employers/employer-obligations/lung-screening-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lung Screening Service website</a> or call 1800 550 027. Image credits: Supplied

Caring

Driver reveals "surprising" way he got out of $410 seatbelt fine

An Aussie driver who copped a $410 fine and three demerit points after their passenger made a common seatbelt move has revealed how they argued his way out of the ticket. Numerous motorists have been fined in recent weeks over the little-known road rule, where the driver could be penalised if a passenger reclines their seat too far back. Aussie lawyer Hayder Shkara argued that the rule is "step too far" as well-rested passengers can help curb the growing rate of fatalities by taking over from fatigued drivers on long car trips. Shkara shared the story of how one of his followers had successfully overturned the seatbelt fine and demerit points on social media. "He applied for a review with the police, and he actually got approved," Shkara said. "In his review he focused on the fact that car manufacturers were allowed to import these vehicles with the ability to recline in the first place, and that if there was an actual issue with the vehicle in terms of its design, it should have been stopped at the importation basis. "[He] said to the police that they were practicing safe driving protocols by changing drivers and making sure that one driver was rested and at police actually withdrew the fine. He didn't have to pay anything, and he didn't get any demerit points." Shkara told Yahoo that "normally applications for review in traffic offences are extremely difficult to be successful in and there is a low margin of success." "What is the purpose of seat belts? It is for driver and passenger safety. But we all know that fatigue is a big problem for drivers, so if drivers are switching in and out, I believe that the safer thing to do is for one driver to have proper rest so they can continue to drive safely." He said he would also encourage others who receive a fine for the same offence to try and appeal their case, as the "review doesn't require you to pay any legal fees and it is worth a shot." Image: NSW Centre for Road Safety/ TikTok

Legal

NSW Health workers stood down over anti-semitic remarks

Two NSW Health workers have been stood down from Bankstown Hospital amid allegations of the pair making anti-semitic remarks online. Footage has emerged of the duo talking to Jewish influencer Max Veifer during a livestream, and making anti-semitic remarks after learning that Veifer was from Israel. One of the nurses, a woman, allegedly said that if patients from Israel came to the hospital, she would not treat them. "I won't treat them, I'll kill them," she said. The other nurse, a man, claimed that he had killed Israeli patients. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said two nurses had been "stood down immediately". "Obviously, the investigative process now takes place, I do not want to leave a sliver of light to allow any of them to be able to think they will ever work for NSW Health again." "Everyone is entitled to access NSW health and hospital services without fearing for their life, and without having that hate-filled attitude come through some of our health workers," he said. "This video is disgusting. It is shocking. It is appalling." Park also confirmed that the pair have been identified, with investigations currently underway. The NSW Health Minister also issued an apology to the Jewish community. "To the Jewish community today, I say not only am I sorry, but I can assure you this - the care that you get in our hospitals will continue to be first class, we will investigate this uphill and down dale," Park said. "We won't just be looking at this incident per se, and going through previous cases to make sure that that hospital has been working in a way that reflects those values around safety and care." NSW Police confirmed it was investigating the video, with Strike Force Pearl, the police task force targeting anti-semitic violence and vandalism, taking carriage of the investigation. "NSW Health believe they have identified the individuals involved and are currently assisting detectives with their investigation," they said. Image: Nine

Legal

"Unfair" Australia Day ban sparks outrage

A camping area in Bundeena has been slammed for making the "unfair" decision to ban boats and jet skis from Australia Day celebrations, with locals claiming they were left in the dark about the decision. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will ban people from releasing their boats and jet skis from the access point at Bonnie Vale over the long weekend - the most popular time of the year to use the facility. The access point will be shut from 9pm on Friday, January 24 to 7am on Tuesday, January 28. Local Andrew Petty said he paid more than $300 for a camping holiday with his family and intended to take his kids fishing, but their plans have been derailed because of the ban. "We have one of the most beautiful waterways for all to use," he said. "We pay our boating licence, registration, fishing licence, national park entry fee, camping fee, and are denied access to the only ramp on that side of the Port Hacking." Petty added that he would have to drive more than an hour away to find another ramp to launch his boat, and believed he was paying the price for irresponsible jet ski users. "Maritime don't have the resources to prevent jet ski hooning so their alternative is to just force close the ramp and hire in traffic cops to police ramp access," he said. He believed that the ban was "unfair" because a lot of the traffic comes from jet ski users coming from the other side of Port Hacking. Another local called the move "another example of a government agency creating a problem instead of looking for more practical solutions." Locals also argued that the boat ramp offered a safe access point for leaving the isolated area in an emergency. The Port Hacking River is known for jet ski infringements in NSW and authorities claim they cause significant traffic congestion on nearby roads when the Royal National Park is full. They also said they hoped the closure would also improve safety for swimmers. "Public safety is always our number one priority and this temporary closure ensures Bonnie Vale remains a safer and more enjoyable space for all visitors over the long weekend," NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Royal area manager Brendon Neilly said. NSW Maritime officer Jay Ruming added that the state had recorded 1,700 jet-ski infringements in the past 12 months. "Our data tells us that jet skis are heavily over-represented in serious injury incidents. People involved in an accident on a jet ski have a 50 per cent likelihood they'll suffer a serious injury," he said. Image: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Man dies and several others injured after severe storms lash NSW

A man has tragically died after severe thunderstorms pummelled New South Wales on Wednesday night. The extreme storm system swept through the eastern part of the state on Wednesday evening, leaving several people injured and thousands without power. In the central west town of Cowra, 300km west of Sydney, a man in his 80s was killed when a tree fell on his car as the region experienced wind gust speeds of 107km/h at the time, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Police were in attendance at the scene and had launched an investigation into the incident, while the man has yet to be formally identified. Four campers have also been injured when their shelters were destroyed in high winds at Wagga Wagga in the Riverina region in the state’s southwest. The storm also triggered major power outages with Endeavour Energy reporting more than 47,000 impacted customers across the Blue Mountains, Western Sydney, Illawarra and the South Coast at 10pm, and Ausgrid reporting more than 62,000. On Thursday morning, the SES said they had received 2250 calls and responded to more than 1800 incidents in the last 24 hours, with the majority of the incidents were for fallen trees, powerlines and damaged properties. Scattered showers and severe storms are expected to continue on Thursday, particularly in the east and north east of the state. Image credits: 9News

News

"It doesn't go away": Former NSW premier reflects on Lindt siege

Former NSW premier Mike Baird has reflected on the Lindt cafe siege that left two hostages dead in December 2014, revealing his struggle with post-traumatic stress. Baird, who was the state premier at the time of the attack, said it was his mother - who is a psychologist - who first noticed his signs of PTSD after he was tasked with coordinating a response to the siege. "I ignored it and there was other things to get on with and be busy about. But I should have listened," Baird told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/mike-baird-former-nsw-premier-mental-health-struggle-10-years-after-lindt-cafe-siege/e5376455-411a-4b25-b71d-526eb86f7995" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 Minutes</a>. Reflecting on the terrifying day, he said, "Everyone just wanted them out. And you know, for it not to happen, there's a deep grief in that. And I think the impact is felt by everyone." "To have that loss of Tori and Katrina, I'll never lose that," Baird said, referring to the two hostages who were tragically killed during the siege. "It's just impossible not to feel guilt." Baird admitted he struggled to validate his own mental struggles, saying it feels like a very small part of the impact the siege had on Australians, including the enormous pain felt by the families of cafe manager Tori Johnson and barrister Katrina Dawson who lost their lives. "In my mind there's a sense of, 'I shouldn't be impacted that way'," Baird said. "I was just there as an observer and trying to coordinate a response." Several hostages who survived the terrifying ordeal, including Louisa Hope, told 60 Minutes that the memories will never leave them. "For me personally it does not go away, but it is the thing that pushes me to continue to find the good or to find a good out of that awful situation," she said. Image credits: 60 Minutes

Caring

Disgraced former cop launches legal action against NSW Police

The disgraced former cop who was found guilty of manslaughter over the fatal tasering of a 95-year-old has launched an appeal to get his job back with the NSW Police. Former constable Kristian White faced an eight-day trial in November over the death of Clare Nowland, who White tasered in a nursing home last May. The deliberations lasted four days before the jury found Mr White guilty of unlawfully killing Mrs Nowland either by way of criminal negligence or a dangerous or criminal act. Just days after the guilty verdict, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb dismissed White from the police force. “Today I have determined that I do not have confidence in the officer’s suitability to continue as a police officer,” Commissioner Webb said in a statement at the time. “Accordingly, I have removed him from the NSW Police Force and he has been advised via his legal counsel.” On Monday, it was revealed Mr White had launched legal action against Commissioner Webb with the state’s Industrial Relations Commission, with the intention of having his job with the NSW Police reinstated. “NSW Police have been advised a former officer who was attached to Monaro PD, has filed in the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales an application for review under s 181E of the Police Act 1990,” NSW police said in a statement on Monday. “Given the matter is before the IRC no further comment can be made.” Mr White’s hearing, with the case name Kristian James Samuel White v Commissioner of Police, is listed for December 19th. Image credits: ABC News South East NSW: Floss Adams/ news.com.au

Legal

"Two strikes and you're out": Crackdown on dodgy taxi drivers

The NSW government is introducing tougher penalties for taxi drivers caught ripping off passengers, as they crackdown on dodgy practices. Taxi drivers caught committing two fare-related offences will be disqualified from driving a taxi, rideshare or any other type of transport from December 6. The offences include not using their meter, overcharging, refusing a passenger travelling a short distance, demanding a fare not displayed on the meter, adding a surcharge and charging a maxi-taxi surcharge for less than five passengers. Transport Minister Jo Haylen emphasised that the "two strikes and you're out" system would be used to crack down on a “minority of rogue drivers” in the industry, ahead of the holiday season. "We're sending a strong message to the minority of rogue drivers that if they continue overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares they now risk being kicked out of the industry," Haylen said. "From 6 December, drivers convicted twice for fare-related offences will not only be disqualified from the taxi industry but also rideshare companies like Uber and DiDi. "With these better regulations in place, passengers can have a safe and fair ride, while supporting the taxi industry. “This is a really busy time for the taxi and rideshare industries. Christmas parties are starting to kick off, people will be starting to come home through the airport, and then there are people rushing around for those last-minute gifts,” she added. "The majority of our state's 15,000 taxi drivers are doing the right thing, but these new measures will ensure that those who aren't, are out." The laws will also apply to Taxi drivers with existing breaches on record, who will now be at risk of being banned from the industry by the Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing. More than 900 fines have been issued to taxi drivers by commissioner inspectors in the last two years. "Let me reinforce, most drivers are consistently doing the right thing, but we want all passengers to know that there will be harsh consequences for drivers who continue to break the rules - they now face being kicked out of the industry," Wing said. "We take all fare-related offences seriously which is why my Inspectors are frequently out conducting plain clothes operations along with highly visible compliance activities." He added that "small time first offenders" would not necessarily be prosecuted but issued a fine instead of a strike. Image: Shutterstock

Legal

NSW Government refunds millions of Covid fines

Millions of dollars in fines dished out for breaches of Covid restrictions in NSW are set to be refunded, while close to 24,000 penalty notices will be officially erased. The announcement of the statewide refund by the NSW Fines Administration Commissioner on Tuesday came after legal advice cast doubt on the legal validity of the penalties handed out during Covid lockdowns. In total, more than $5.5 million will be handed back to those who have made either a full or partial payment towards paying off a Covid fine. Those in line for money, or with outstanding penalties, will be contacted by Revenue NSW within days. “Following representations made to the Commissioner of Police and myself concerning the validity of COVID-19 penalty notices, I have decided to exercise my statutory authority and withdraw these notices,” Fine Administration Commissioner Scott Johnston said. “Revenue NSW will be reaching out to all affected customers to support them through the finalisation of their matters.” At the height of the pandemic, the state government claimed they introduced the public health orders to "protect the community". Some fines have already been withdrawn, as in 2022 the Commissioner withdrew about 36,000 penalty notices tied to Covid-related offences because the information on them “made it difficult” for recipients to understand their offence. The remaining 23,539 penalty notices were believed to have provided a clearer explanation and were not withdrawn, but after further legal advice and consideration, it was considered “appropriate” to withdraw them too. Image credits: Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Proposal to put bars on Gold Coast beaches sparks debate

Plans to introduce permanent beach bars on the Gold Coast have sparked debate among locals. "Selling off public beach for commercial enterprise that then excludes people that can't go afford to go in there and have a drink," one resident told Nine News. The proposal came as Queensland seeks to boost its tourism industry in anticipation of the Olympic Games in 2032. "We have to keep reinventing ourselves as a tourism destination and we have 55 kilometres of oceanfront," acting Mayor Donna Gates said. A trial was conducted for at Kurrawa beach in 2022 and it drew mixed reactions. "Really disliked it," one resident said. "I would walk past each day and see all of this area that's shaded and beautiful for people to sit, to enjoy the beach, to watch the volleyball – all of it was blocked off." Gates has confirmed the bars could return to beaches as early as summer next year under another three-year trial, with a view to locking in a long-term lease agreement for six months each year. "There will be people who don't like beach bars but they can go to a different beach," the acting Mayor said. "There would only be one or two initially and I think we can cope with that." Images: Nine News

Travel Trouble

Sad end in search for young boy swept out to sea

A body has been recovered in the search for a young boy swept out to sea in front of his family while on a fishing trip at The Entrance, NSW over the weekend. Laith Alaid, 11, was crossing a channel about 5pm on Sunday when he was caught in the outgoing tide. His father managed to save his other three sons aged, three, seven and nine, but he could not reach Laith in time. Bystanders looked after the three children while Laith's father tried to reach him. “(The father) came here by himself and with his four beautiful boys ... and he tried to save them all, he saved three and by the time he turned around (Laith) was gone ... in a split second,” family member Zeid Alhirz said. The family were visiting the Central Coast from Sydney and had been fishing when it is understood they took a shortcut across the channel between an estuary and the ocean. Relatives said they had visited and fished at the popular tourist spot for years and had crossed the channel at least three times before tragedy struck. An extensive multi-agency search was conducted and on Wednesday police were called back to The Entrance after a body was found in the water. “While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the missing boy,” NSW Police said. Inspector David Piddington said “lots of people try to move across that channel” but he advised against it. A report will be prepared for the coroner. Images: 7News

Caring

Investigation launched into deaths of two police dogs

Detectives are investigating the deaths of two police dogs after they were found dead in a police vehicle in Sydney's south. Police dog Xtra and development dog Soldier had attended a development day with their handler in Lucas Heights. Authorities said the two German shepherds had been kept in air-conditioned pods in the police vehicle purpose-built for them. Their handler made the tragic discovery when they went to check on the dogs about 12.30pm on Thursday. “They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived,” NSW Police said in a statement. An investigation overseen by detectives from the Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services is now underway. Authorities did not reveal any information about how they died or whether there were problems with the vehicle. Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to the highly trained German shepherds, who were vital for officers serving the community. “Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Webb said. “We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss would be felt deeply by the police officers. "Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them," he said. Xtra gained accreditation as a general-purpose dog in 2018 while Soldier only began service with the Dog Unit in February this year for training and development. Image: NSW Police Force

Family & Pets

New $1m reward for cold case murder of three children

A new $1 million reward is being offered for information about each of the murders of three First Nations children around 34 years ago. Four-year-old Evelyn Greenup, Clinton Speedy-Duroux, 16, and Colleen Walker-Craig, 16, disappeared from Bowraville, a town in northern NSW over a five-month period from September 1990. Evelyn and Clinton's remains were found in nearby bushland, but Colleen's have never been found. The murders were initially investigated separately before being linked by the homicide squad. Now, after various appeals over the decades, NSW Police have issued a re-appeal for information into the murders, with a particular focus on locating the remains of Colleen. “A $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each of the children’s murder remains in place, as well as for information leading to the location and recovery of Colleen’s remains,” NSW Police said on Monday. Detectives are also going to be spending the week in Bowraville to speak to locals who may have information about the children's deaths. A man, who can't be named for legal reasons, was acquitted of Clinton's murder in 1994, and Evelyn's murder in 2006. The case was the subject of two police investigations, multiple trials, a coronial inquest, and a parliamentary inquiry. In 2018, the government tried to convince the NSW court of criminal appeal that there was fresh and compelling evidence – related to the disappearance of Colleen – in attempt to overturn the two acquittals and instead have a new single trial on three murder charges. However, the court refused to grant special leave to the NSW government to appeal against the decision. In 2019, hundreds protested in front of the gates of the Court of Appeal when a retrial was denied. Images: 7pm TV News NSW/ ABC News

Legal

Warning for travellers after Gold Coast man cops $13k fine

A man has copped a whopping fine after allegedly hurling abuse at airline staff at the Gold Coast airport. The 61-year-old man from Tasmania has been accused of verbally abusing an airport staff member before failing to co-operate with intervening police, and has subsequently been charged with allegedly obstructing police and being a public nuisance. The man faced Coolangatta Magistrates Court on Monday, with the Federal Police warning other travellers that such behaviour would warrant a fine. “The maximum penalty for each offence is six months’ imprisonment or a $6452 fine,” the AFP said. The AFP warned travellers aggression would not be tolerated in airports, as Superintendent Mark Yarrow said, “Our airports are a shared space and airport staff should not be subjected to verbal abuse or any other bad behaviour.” “Our airports are a shared space and airport staff should not be subjected to verbal abuse or any other bad behaviour." “The AFP works closely with our partners in the airline industry to intervene if anyone’s behaviour in or around an airport becomes aggressive.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Private island off Queensland coast up for sale

A private island in northern Queensland is up for sale for $15million. Timana Island, also known as Thorpe Island, boasts 15 hectares of rainforest, a private beach and a beach shack. The island located off Mission Beach between Cairns and Townsville is one of the few private freehold islands in Australia, that is in "pristine" condition. "It's sort of beyond words, but you're sitting there listening to the waves, lapping up the orchestra of birds and the smells of the blossoming rainforest," Steve Wiltshire from Mission Beach Real Estate told Today. He added that fruit trees were growing wild on the island and could be "gardened" up. "And then it rises steeply up to a hillock, and it's covered in dense rainforest," he said. While the beach shack is currently uninhabitable, he added that is has a strong foundation for those interested in renovating it and turning it into something special. "There's an old shack there that is in need of a lot of attention - but strong bones, as we say in the industry." Images: Today

Domestic Travel

Millions warned over huge change to speed cameras

For years, drivers in New South Wales have relied on the point-to-point speed camera rule, which only captures the speed of heavy vehicles, but that rule is set to change as part of a new trial as the state attempts to lower their death toll. The point-to-point, also known as average speed cameras are set to be turned on for all vehicles in two regional locations during the trial. The first location will be 15-kilometre stretch on the Pacific highway between Kew and Lake Innes in Port Macquarie, and the second location will be on the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai, with 16km between the two cameras. “NSW is the only jurisdiction in the world to use average speed cameras but restrict their use to heavy vehicles only,” Roads Minister John Graham said. “In the context of a rising road toll, now is the time to trial these cameras for light vehicles and understand if we can keep more people safe on the road more of the time.” He added that all other states in Australia, as well as the UK and Norway have found the average speed cameras to be effective. “All other mainland Australian states and countries like the UK, Norway, Italy and the Netherlands have found average speed cameras to be effective and we aim to be as rigorous as possible to be sure they will also reduce road trauma in NSW.” “Rather than test your speed at a particular point in time, like a mobile speed camera, these test the speed you’re driving over 15 or 16 kilometres,” he said. “That means it’s a truer reflection of how quickly people are driving.” He added that the trial is focused on regional NSW as it has suffered a disproportionate amount of road fatalities, with six road deaths and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022. “Although only a third of people live in regional New South Wales, that’s where two thirds of the deaths from road crashes happen," he said. Speeding contributed to 44 per cent of NSW road fatalities last year, three-quarters of which were in the regional parts of the state. The trial will run for six months, and for those caught speeding, they will be given a 60-day warning letter period, before financial and licence penalties kick in. Images: news.com.au

Legal

Grandmother's body found 800km from home

Police have revealed the body of a Queensland grandmother has been found 800km from home in bushland near a main tourist area. Wendy Hansen, 63, was last seen at an ATM in her hometown Monto - about 170km west of Bundaberg, Queensland - on February 29 this year. She was reported missing when she didn't return home, with police finding CCTV footage of her driving 400km south on Queensland's main highway on February 29. Queensland Police continued their public push for information in the months that followed, but on Thursday, NSW police revealed that they found her body half buried in bushland near Jordan Esplanade in Coffs Harbour on June 18. NSW homicide detectives are now looking for her vehicle, a silver 2007 two-door Mitsubishi Pajero with Queensland registration plates 645TCZ. In a statement on Thursday, NSW detectives appealed to the public for help with finding her car. "As investigations continue detectives are appealing to the public for any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," they said. "Detectives are specifically interested in the location of Wendy’s car which has not yet been located and are urging anyone with dashcam vision of the car to contact police immediately." Images: NSW Police

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Private island off Queensland coast up for sale

Millions warned over huge change to speed cameras

Grandmother's body found 800km from home

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