Here’s what you need to know this morning.
‘Proactive policing’ in place after double homicide
Detectives say “proactive policing” is underway to prevent retaliation attacks after a double murder in Sydney’s south-west.
Two women, aged 48 and 39, were killed when their car was sprayed with bullets in Revesby on Saturday night.
Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the case had been allocated with significant resources, including officers from gangs squad, Strike Force Raptor.
“And it’s always concerning: What’s the repercussions of all this? But we’re going to be doing our best to try [to] suppress that,” he said.
Police say the older woman was known to them and believe she was targeted because of her “past relationships with other known identities.”
A 16-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man, who were also in the car during the attack, were uninjured and are cooperating with police.
Detectives are working to determine if several burnt-out cars found nearby are linked and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
NSW Labor leader did not investigate bullying allegations
Opposition Leader Chris Minns did not investigate allegations of workplace bullying by his frontbencher, Walt Secord, saying that’s in line with the Labor Party’s complaints-handling policy.
On Friday, Mr Secord “unreservedly apologized” for his conduct and stated that he could be “too blunt and too direct”, after an ABC investigation revealed several of his current and former colleagues alleged he had engaged in bullying behaviour.
The Opposition Leader says the Labor Party has an independent complaints-handling system.
“It is critical that the process remains independent and, therefore, above the review of any parliamentary or party official,” Mr Minns said.
“Any grievances pursued outside this risks supplanting the independent process and the objectives for which it was designed: to protect complainants and to handle their complaints with care, respect and without prejudice.”
The allegations leveled at Mr Secord coincided with the release of the Broderick Review, which found bullying is systemic in the New South Wales parliament.
Barilaro internal review into appointment due today
An internal review into John Barilaro’s controversial appointment to a lucrative trade role in New York is expected to be released today.
That review — by New South Wales Public Service Commissioner Graeme Head — was announced by the Premier, Dominic Perrottet, in late June and is separate to the parliamentary inquiry into the appointment.
The Head review has already led to the resignation of Stuart Ayres from cabinet and as leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party after it “raised concerns” about his conduct around Mr Barilaro’s appointment.
Calls for more visas for Afghans
A Sydney human rights lawyer is calling on the federal government to provide 20,000 emergency humanitarian visas for people trapped in Afghanistan.
Today marks one year since the capital, Kabul, fell to the Taliban.
In that time, scores of civilians have been killed or injured, women’s rights have been scaled back and food insecurity has risen, according to a recent Amnesty International report.
Refugee Advice and Casework Service’s Arif Hussein said that increased protections needed to be prioritized.
“Allowing people, refugees from Afghanistan currently in Australia living on temporary visas, to remain here permanently, and allowing for family reunification visas to be processed quicker,” he said.
City2Surf a boost for businesses
The greater Waverley in Sydney’s east is hopeful this year’s City2Surf has given the local economy a boost.
About 60,000 people took part in the 14-kilometre fun run, which has been held virtually for the past two years.
People traveled from around Australia to take part in the event.
Mayor Paula Masselos said Bondi businesses were bouncing back.
“The cafes, the shops were absolutely packed. It really was fabulous to see the vibe that was there,” she said.
“It was happy. It was positive. COVID has had a significant impact. The City2Surf and other events like this are really important in helping the local economy.”
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