Stories from Sydney · Australia

The AFL is reviewing circumstances surrounding a mental health episode involving player Hollands during a round six game against Collingwood. Executive General Manager of Football Performance Greg Swan stated the matter is being worked through and described it as a delicate situation. The Blues have submitted a full account to the league regarding the incident. No immediate timeline for resolution has been provided. The AFL is investigating Carlton's handling of player Elijah Hollands' reported mental health episode during a recent game.

Firefighters successfully rescued a pet named Elby from a 13th-floor apartment on Howard Avenue in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney. The pet became wedged between a window and metal bars while the owners were out for Anzac Day. Emergency responders accessed the unit by abseiling from the roof of the approximately 15-story building. No injuries to the pet or responders were reported. A pet named Little Elby has been successfully rescued from a high-rise building in Sydney. The animal was safe and well following a 24-hour period of uncertainty. Local reports indicate the rescue involved accessing the animal through a window. No specific injuries or further details regarding the animal's condition were provided.

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Pallitus has purchased a Yang Wang U9 Extreme Hypercar. Pallitus is described as one of Australia's most successful businessmen and a long-time car dealer. The purchase follows reports regarding his business dealings in the vicinity of one million dollars. The transaction was discussed in relation to his history as a leading car dealer. The vehicle is described as having an insane performance envelope and being incredibly capable. The purchase was discussed in relation to high-performance supercars like the Lamborghini Quantav and Ferrari F40. The commentator noted that Chinese automotive brands often use unconventional naming conventions.

Four individuals are being treated for smoke inhalation following a fire at a residence in western Sydney. The victims include a man in his 30s and three children aged between 3 and 16 years. Police confirmed the mother of the family was not present at the home during the incident. The victims are currently being treated at Nepean Hospital in a stable condition. Fifty firefighters responded to a house fire in Sydney where flames were seen tearing through the roof. The cause of the blaze is currently unknown. The event was featured on the front page of The Telegraph newspaper.

The Australian government has reiterated it will not repatriate a group of 13 women and children suspected of having links to ISIS. These individuals are part of a larger group of 34 women and children held in Syria's al-Rajid detention camp for seven years. Reports indicate some members of the group are planning to fly back to Australia. The government maintains its stance against repatriation despite the group's movement. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Miles stated this morning that the Australian government has not and will not assist in the repatriation of the ISIS-linked group. Taylor expressed support for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) during a press conference. This follows attempts by members of the cohort to return home from a Syrian refugee camp. Taylor declined to comment on specific confidence levels regarding the agency's role in this specific case.

Foreign energy companies are booking approximately $3 billion in gross profit every month from liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. The companies identified include Chevron, Exxon, Impax, and Woodside. These high profits are occurring against the backdrop of Trump's actions regarding Iran. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the federal government are currently involved in related matters.

Gas prices in eastern Australia have trended downward over the last month. This follows previous concerns regarding companies inflating prices despite their social license to operate. Shell Australia Chair Cecile Wake testified before a Greensled Senate inquiry regarding potential gas taxes. Wake stated that implementing such a tax would be an ill-advised move. The testimony highlighted concerns that new taxes risk future investment in the gas sector. There is broad political agreement that Australia will require increased gas supplies in the future. Opposition leader Angus Taylor argues that a new gas tax would discourage investment during the current energy crisis. Taylor claims the tax's motive is to stop investment rather than generate revenue. Western Australian Premier Roger Cook stated he does not support a proposed 25% flat tax on gas.

Economist Bruce Mountain and energy executive Ted Woodley have described the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project as one of the biggest disasters in Australian infrastructure. The project is reportedly exceeding both its original budget and its timeline. Calls for a Royal Commission have emerged following reports of the project's mismanagement. The project was originally announced by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Demands for an independent inquiry into Snowy Hydro 2.0 continue as successive governments are accused of failing to address the project. Concerns remain regarding the exclusion of interest during the 14-year construction period and the financial expenditure involved. Analysis suggests a continuing blowout in the cost of the Snowy Hydro scheme. There is discussion about potentially initiating a Royal Commission due to secrecy surrounding the project and some of the contracts made.

Marcia Langton has called for increased police presence to protect observers during ANZAC ceremonies in Australia. She stated that right-wing forces have perverted the meaning of 'Welcome to Country' ceremonies. Langton suggested that individuals who boo during these events should be barred from future ceremonies. The comments follow recent incidents of booing during Anzac Day speeches.

The Athletics Integrity Unit received $50,000 in contributions this year to manage doping offences and matters for World Athletics. Last year, the unit received $70,000 in funding leading up to the Berlin Marathon. This funding supported an testing volume, including 25 tests conducted specifically for the Berlin Marathon. The funds are directed toward maintaining integrity within global athletics competitions.