Stories from Sydney · Australia

Veteran AFL administrator Brian Cook will serve as interim chief executive following the sacking of the previous CEO after seven months in the role. The club is expected to hold a media conference to discuss the leadership change.

Northern Beaches Hospital has officially returned to public hands. All 490 beds at the hospital will be transitioned into public control, funded by New South Wales taxpayers. The facility has operated under a joint private and public partnership with Healthscope since its opening in 2018. Healthscope entered receivership in May 2025 with more than $1 billion in debt. More than 1,800 medical professionals at the hospital are now New South Wales health employees following the return to public ownership. The facility in Frenchs Forest previously operated via a partnership with Healthscope. Access to private services at the hospital will remain available until mid-2027. The transition follows public calls to end the private partnership led by the parents of Joe Massa, a two-year-old who died after receiving treatment there.

The City of Sydney has voted in favor of allowing the Greens to investigate a potential ban on air-beam bees throughout the local government. The decision follows discussions regarding local environmental or regulatory policies.

Markets are expecting March consumer pricing data to show a 1.1% monthly increase or 4.6% annually. Monthly figures for March are scheduled for release later this morning. The data release will also include quarterly figures.

A search of devices belonging to Desi Freeman uncovered a stash of child exploitation material. Freeman shot and killed two police officers last year. The search occurred following an investigation into historical sex offenses and sexual exposure. Officers attempted to execute a warrant at his Pawpunker home in August last year. The material was found inside Freeman's home, according to a report from ABC NewsRadio AU. Freeman previously opened fire on Victorian police officers in August last year while they were executing a warrant. The source stated that Freeman was being informed of the findings. The report was delivered by Stephen Jedj.

The state's natural resources minister announced the end of a decade-long freeze on gas exploration to address imminent supply gaps. The dry conditions arrive while farmers are already managing diesel supply shortages. Local dams and eastern seaboard rivers remain full due to recent rain and cyclones. This marks the first time in more than a decade that such exploration has been permitted. The move is intended to ensure a secure and reliable energy supply for the region, according to KPMG Chief Economist Brendan Rinn. The government is also slashing application fees for these areas. The decision follows forecasts predicting potential gas shortages in coming years, according to Minister Huss. Liberal leader Taylor claimed the move would result in increased taxpayer costs. The Prime Minister has called for calm following protests that disrupted a recent event.

The memorial event for victims of the Bondi Beach massacre has been renamed the Concert for Hope. The change follows a refusal by members of the Hellenic Choir of Australia to perform alongside Jewish participants. The original event title was cancelled.

A car and a motorbike crashed into the bound right-hand lane just before Waddle Street. The accident occurred near Richmond Road, Quakers Hill, and the M7 at Blacktown Hills joining the M2. Traffic delays of approximately 10 kilometers have been reported back to James Ruse Drive.

Childcare provider G8 Education is closing several centres following reports of inadequate care. The company cited an occupancy slump, falling birth rates, and a loss of confidence following a childcare abuse scandal last year as primary reasons. G8 Education, Australia's largest private childcare operator, will close nearly 10% of its centers. This represents nearly 10% of the company's total locations. The announcement was reported as a major development in the sector. The closures are a response to occupancy slumps, rising costs, and a recent child abuse scandal within the industry. The reduction in services is expected to cause stress for affected families. Teachers and students in Barcelona have protested against a new plan that includes two schools in the Llobregat area. Protesters described the measure as excessive during demonstrations this week.

A Royal Commission will investigate racism and social cohesion to ensure public safety and freedom. The commission is examining circumstances surrounding an attack that occurred on December 14. The proceedings aim to investigate anti-Semitism and social cohesion in Australia. The commission is investigating social cohesion and anti-Semitic incidents. The hearings will focus on the nature of anti-Semitism and its impacts on Jewish Australians. A dozen people, including individuals with lived experience of anti-Semitism, are scheduled to give evidence on the first day. Jewish leaders described the inquiry as the most national examination of anti-Semitism in Australia's history. The proceedings will also examine methods for monitoring and reporting anti-Semitism. A Royal Commission is set to hear evidence regarding rising hatred and potential terrorist threats within the community.