February 2022
NSW could face $11b budget hit over transport entity controversy
Auditor-General ‘quite alarmed’ by transport bureaucrat’s evidence to a parliamentary inquiry, which contradicts information that was used to approve the state finances.
Investigation into government agency that tried to pressure Tame
Investigation into Grace Tame’s claims she was pressured by government agency not to criticise PM; Brittany Higgins is worried momentum she sparked for a safer Australia for women is fading. Follow updates here.
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96pc of NSW grants program spent in Coalition seats
Labor and the Greens want the NSW government to overhaul rules for allocating grants as Auditor-General report makes a “scathing” finding on pork-barrelling.
‘Time for action’ to lift aged care wages: Baird
Former NSW premier Mike Baird’s comments come as data shows more than a third of total virus-related deaths in aged care have happened in the first month of 2022.
Omicron wave has peaked in Queensland: Palaszczuk
Restrictions are starting to be lifted in Queensland as the omicron wave has peaked, and the NSW government is considering scrapping its own rules later this month.
‘Bold’ women’s reform on agenda for next NSW state budget
Leading businesswoman Sam Mostyn hopes next NSW state budget will act as a ‘down payment’ to address issues on women’s participation in the economy.
NSW Liberals hesitate to hit campaign trail with PM in byelections
With just a week to go until four NSW state byelections, Scott Morrison has not hit the hustings with state-level counterparts or candidates.
Aged care deaths warning ahead of winter omicron wave
Residents of aged care facilities in their 70s, 80s and 90s are most at risk, as Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly predicts a new wave of omicron cases in winter.
NSW Labor wants to end Perrottet’s economic ‘adventurism’
NSW shadow treasurer Daniel Mookhey wants a ‘back to basics’ budget but says the aim is long-term reform to boost productivity, not austerity.
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NSW nurses next in line for pandemic bonuses
As the federal government offers up to $800 to aged care staff to retain them after the pandemic, NSW is looking at a similar payment for hard-hit nurses.
NSW to resume non-urgent elective surgery
Non-urgent elective surgeries requiring an overnight stay will resume in private and public country hospitals from next week.
January 2022
NSW $1b extra aid ‘won’t break the bank’ after big pandemic spending
Economists say extra $1 billion the NSW government will splash on omicron-impacted businesses is ‘small dollars’ and maintained hope for a forecast surplus.
NSW alarmed by aged care deaths as states stare down new omicron
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet sounded the alarm over the “significant” number of aged care residents dying of COVID-19 as his state recorded its deadliest day.
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NSW businesses and landlords targeted in $1b omicron aid package
Businesses that can prove they lost 40 per cent of their turnover during January will be able to claim up to 20 per cent of their payroll.
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‘Strap yourself in’: NSW Labor leader plays down byelection chances
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns says politics is a bigger part of people’s lives thanks to the pandemic as he faces his first big test as leader in a fortnight.
Australia could reopen borders in coming months: PM
PM says ‘no specific date’ on Australia reopening international borders to everyone; Russia’s ambassador to Australia speaks in Canberra; select NT workers - from nurses to telco workers - will be required to get a booster. Follow updates here.
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Australia ‘stands ready’ to boost Europe gas: Resources Minister
Australia ‘stands ready’ to prop up Europe gas supply as Russia threatens to cut if off; NSW Premier says state’s closing borders because ‘they can’t trust their health system’; national cabinet to meet today. Follow updates here.
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NSW extends restrictions, business support due within the week
Premier Dominic Perrottet says support for businesses hurting from omicron is on the way as the state prepares to welcome kids back to classrooms next week.
Experts are optimistic as omicron cases peak
State government and independent health experts are hopeful about how Australia will fare amid signs omicron cases have peaked across the country, except for WA.
Chance of dying from omicron ‘very close to zero’ for the boosted
Australians who have not received their booster shots are dying at far higher rates than those who have, an analysis of health department data shows.