Editors Picks
03 August 2024
82 NEW PARAMEDICS START
NSW Ambulance inducted 82 new paramedic interns in Sydney, with 54 from interstate and two from New Zealand. After a six-week induction, they'll begin the on-road portion of their 12-month internships across the state, mainly in regional areas. This addition supports NSW Ambulance's efforts to provide top emergency healthcare. The State Government is investing in additional paramedics and salary increases to support this workforce.
03 August 2024
GPs URGE REBATE INCREASE
.THE Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) released the 10th edition of its preventive guidelines, "the Red Book," emphasising mental health. New entries address anxiety, eating disorders, perinatal mental health, gambling, and more. RACGP President Dr. Nicole Higgins urged government support for GPs, particularly in rural areas, advocating for a 20% increase in patient rebates for longer mental health consultations. Professor Danielle Mazza highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment of mental health issues, especially perinatal anxiety and depression, encouraging patients to seek GP help.
03 August 2024
ACTU CRITCISES EELS HARDIE DEAL
THE ACTU and Asbestos Support Group Network has criticized the Parramatta Eels' sponsorship deal with James Hardie Industries, citing the company's history with asbestos and its impact on victims and communities. In a letter to the Eels' CEO, they argued that the sponsorship disregards the suffering of asbestos victims and endorses James Hardie's controversial past. Parramatta, with 50 contaminated sites, highlights the ongoing asbestos risk, with over 4,000 Australians dying annually from asbestos exposure
03 August 2024
INCREASES IN PRO BONO SERVICES
THE latest report on NSW solicitors shows an increase in pro bono legal services. Law Society President Brett McGrath praised the profession's commitment to justice, noting 42% of solicitors provided an average of 69 pro bono hours, totaling nearly $117M worth of work. The report also highlights progress in gender pay equality and career opportunities for women. New data on LGBQ+ solicitors and those with disabilities aims to drive greater inclusion. Fewer full-time solicitors are working over 50 hours a week, improving wellbeing
03 August 2024
PET OWNERS FORGO INSURANCE
OVER 60% of Australian pet owners are forgoing pet insurance due to rising living costs, despite the risk of high vet expenses. Since 2020, pet acquisition costs have increased by 196%, leading owners to cut back on insurance. Budget Direct's survey revealed that nearly a quarter of respondents spent up to $5,000 on vet bills out-of-pocket. Chief Growth Officer Jonathan Kerr emphasized the tough financial decisions faced by pet owners and highlighted pet insurance as a way to manage unexpected medical costs.
Featured
14 July 2024
MACARTHUR'S OLYMPIC ATHLETES
Shane Rose's comeback after shocking accident
ELIZABETH FRIAS
WOLLONDILLY'S three-time Olympic medalist Shane Rose and Nations Cup world record jumper Hilary Scott are representing Australia’s equestrian squad while Joshua Azzopardi debuts in 100 metres relay in the 2024 Paris Olympics..
13 July 2024
MAN FINED $200K FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING
A MAN has been fined $200,000 by Liverpool Local Court, after a covert surveillance operation conducted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) captured trucks illegally dumping building waste at a Rossmore property.
Mr Maher El Masri is the second person to be convicted and fined in relation to illegal dumping at the property after the occupier, Mr Fouad Arja, was fined $180,000 in 2021 following an EPA investigation into illegal dumping.
Mr El Masri told EPA officers he organised trucks to transport topsoil to the property from a construction site in Campsie.
Mr El Masri was also convicted and fined $30,000 for lying to the EPA in 2022 while they were carrying out their investigation.
EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Jason Gordon said the EPA’s extensive investigation, launched in 2019, has been a success with two individuals now held to account for illegal activities at the property.
“Following reports from Liverpool City Council and the community we started a covert operation in 2019 and our drones caught the trucks dumping construction waste at the site which was then spread across the property with an excavator.
"Officers carried out a search of the property and collected samples from the waste, which was found to contain asbestos, which is completely unacceptable."
“Mr El Masri was convicted for transporting waste to a place not permitted to be used as a waste facility and the unlawful disposal of asbestos waste.
“The complete disregard for the environment and the community displayed here cannot be tolerated and it is pleasing to see that all parties involved in this investigation have now been before the Court.
“We would like to thank everyone who assisted with the investigation and the EPA will continue to use the best technology to ensure human and environmental health is protected from those who attempt to dump contaminated waste or interfere with our investigations.”
The Court also ordered Mr El Masri to pay the EPA’s legal costs of $60,000 and investigation costs of $600.
If you suspect illegal dumping activity in your community, please contact the 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
