Here's what you need to know this morning.
Pork-barrelling review launched
A review into the way taxpayer-funded grants are assessed and allocated has been announced by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.
It will be jointly overseen by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Productivity Commissioner, who will make recommendations in April.
Former premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday wrapped up two days of questioning by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over the way grant money was allocated.
Although funding went into "low priority" projects in her then-secret boyfriend's electorate, Ms Berejiklian told the inquiry all governments engaged in pork barrelling "from time to time".
But her successor made it clear he doesn't agree with the practice, and said he expected the distribution of public funds to be "fair."
The announcement came as NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns criticised the government for what he called evidence of pork-barrelling "on a staggering scale."
Budget Estimates documents have revealed that 92 per cent of schools awarded grants as part of a renewable energy pilot program were in coalition-held seats.
"It's indicative of a government that's putting their own needs ahead of the best interests of the people of NSW", Mr Minns said.
Roadmap change could prompt more vaccinations
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) says the NSW government's decision to delay freedoms for unvaccinated residents might be the push some people need to get their first jab.
The Premier yesterday brought some freedoms forward for fully vaccinated people but anyone who still isn't vaccinated will need to wait until the state has hit 95 per cent vaccination or December 15, whichever occurs first, to exit stay-at-home orders.
Unvaccinated people had previously been promised they would be under the same restrictions as the rest of the population from the start of December.
The AMA's NSW President Danielle McMullen said it's the right move.
"[It] hopefully sends a signal to those who haven't been vaccinated yet that really now is the time to go get a vaccine," she said.
"Do your bit to keep yourselves and your loved ones protected and be able to get back to some sort of a normal life."
School students to get more freedoms
More restrictions will ease in NSW public schools from November 8 to allow students to return to activities like music and dancing.
Fully vaccinated extra-curricular providers will be allowed on school sites, as well as some music classes, band practice, dancing, excursions and assemblies.
Activities must maintain cohorts and be done in line with all COVID-safe settings in schools.
Community use of school facilities will also be able to go ahead, but outside of school hours only.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the changes allowed students more curricular and extra-curricular opportunities after a tough year.
“Students have experienced an incredibly disrupted school year; in line with the relaxation of community settings, we are aligning some school activities to provide them with as much normality as possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
Investigation into suspicious death
NSW Police have released CCTV footage as part of an investigation into the suspicious death of a man in Sydney's south last month.
Emergency services were called to an apartment block in Rosebery on October 8 after the body of a 33-year-old man was found in a fire exit.
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Police have released footage of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.
He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm to 180cm tall, and of large build.
He was seen wearing a black cap, black and white jacket, black track pants and white runners.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Career help service launched
A new free service is being launched today in NSW that offers career advice to those who are just starting out in the workforce or who have lost jobs due to COVID-19.
The state minister for skills and tertiary education Geoff Lee says the largely online service will help people get together a resume but will also offer one-to-one help from professional career advisors.
He says it's targeted at schools students who are leaving school but also at adults at any stage of their life.
"What we've seen during COVID-19 is many industries have been decimated," he said.
"People have really valuable skills and what we can do is find new jobs and new roles where they can utilise those skills and find new careers."
Charges over domestic violence incident
A man will front court today charged with attempted murder after yesterday's police operation in Sydney's north west.
Police were called to a Gladesville unit yesterday after reports of a domestic-violence incident.
When officers arrived, a 38-year-old man — armed with two knives — allegedly attacked a 26-year-old male probationary constable.
The injured officer suffered lacerations to the back of his head and a dislocated shoulder.
Police negotiators were called and the man was later arrested and charged with various offences including intent to murder and causing grievous bodily harm.
He has been held behind bars overnight and will front court this morning.
Wednesday's weather:
Partly cloudy.
CBD | 16 | 25 |
|---|---|---|
Parramatta | 13 | 26 |
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2021-11-02 19:49:13Z
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