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Linda Silmalis has been covering politics for more than two decades, breaking both state and federal stories and investigating issues that impact NSW voters. As author of The Sauce political gossip column, she goes behind the scenes to expose what really goes on in the corridors of power.

@LindaSilmalis

Linda Silmalis

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ExclusiveNSW

Sunday Telegraph. 13, March, 2025.**Embargoed see Sunday Tele Pic desk before use****IMPORTANT - FACES AND IDENTIFYING MARKS OF INMATES MUST BE PIXELATED** New prison boss Gary McCahon, who is the new NSW Corrective Services Commissioner, at Long Bay Prison, today.Picture: Justin Lloyd.

New jail boss’ take no prisoners approach to jailhouse romances

The new boss of the State’s prisons has declared jail romances “will no be tolerated” in an exclusive first interview.

ExclusiveNSW

Sydney Water has joined forces with Australian Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox to launch a new campaign, 'Water is Our Life', to show the value of water and emphasise the vital role it plays in everyone’s life. Picture: Supplied

Cash splash: Sydney Water spends $8m on ads … but plans to hike bills

Sydney Water wants to increase bills by 18 per cent next year and 7 per cent each year after — but has managed to find $8m for advertising and sponsorships.

UpdatedNSW

LISMORE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - MARCH 9, 2025: Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales briefs the media after TC Alfred was downgraded to a tropical low with rain and floodwater receeding.Picture: NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

Revealed: Who Minns will promote after Haylen scandal

As Premier Chris Minns prepares to reshuffle his cabinet, a new face is set to be promoted in his frontbench refresh.

Education

NAPLAN tests affected by technical issues

Students taking part in the NAPLAN tests today have been grappling with technical issues, with some systems going offline for about 30 minutes.

ExclusiveNSW

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos - MARCH 8 2025: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley and National Emergency Management Agency Deputy Coordinator-General, Joe Buffone hold a media briefing in the National Situation Room (NEMA) in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Pay up: Albanese puts insurers on notice over Cyclone Alfred

Anthony Albanese has put insurers on notice as NSW and Queensland brace for potential flooding in the aftermath of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred.

UPDATEDNSW

13 Defence personnel injured as army trucks crash in disaster zone

Thirteen Australian Defence Force soldiers have been injured in a crash between two army vehicles in northern NSW. The Defence personnel were helping to respond to ex-Cyclone Alfred.

NSW

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos FEBRUARY 21, 2025: Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton delivers a speech at the Building a Bigger, Better SA Forum. Picture: NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Libs raise $500k at swanky event as dollars roll in for Dutton

An event with fewer than 20 invited guests has raised $500,000 for the Liberal Party, with sources saying leader Peter Dutton has the Midas touch when it comes to fundraising. Read details in The Sauce.

NSW

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA : NewsWire Photos - FEBRUARY 04 2025; Minister for Transport Jo Haylen addresses the media in a press conference in Sydney. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Ministerial driver logs reveal Haylen’s 20+ trips to holiday home

More than 4300 pages of documents released under freedom of information laws have revealed ministers’ trips in taxpayer-funded chauffeur-driven vehicles.

NSW

Inquiry at NSW State Parliament into the education of students with a disability or special needs in NSW schools. Pictured is Steve Kinmond the Community and Disability Services Commissioner and Deputy Ombudsman, NSW Ombudsman.

Staff to be quizzed over vulgar ’sperm’ game

Staff at the Office of the Children’s Guardian will be quizzed about a “vulgar” game of “pin the sperm on the uterus” featuring staff baby photos on the “sperm”.

ExclusiveNSW

Artist impressions of the proposed upgrades at Randwick Racecourse. Picture: ATC

Sneak peek at upgrades planned for racecourses if Rosehill is sold

Images of the ‘world class’ upgrades of Randwick and Warwick Farm racecourses that would be funded by the proposed sale of Rosehill have been released by the ATC. See the pictures here.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/linda-silmalis/page/5