Two charged following alleged pursuit and crash – Lake Macquarie

A man and woman have been charged following a pursuit and crash at Lake Macquarie this morning.

About 9.45am (Tuesday 30 June 2026), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attempted to stop a sedan on Glebe Road, Hamilton South.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through several suburbs of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, before it was terminated on Macquarie Road near Munibung Road at Cardiff due to safety concerns.

A short time later, police were called to Macquarie Road, Warners Bay, following reports of a two-vehicle crash.

On arrival, police located a crash between the sedan and a motorcycle.

The motorcycle rider – a 28-year-old man – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries before being taken to Belmont Hospital for further assessment.

The occupants of the sedan allegedly left the scene after the crash.

Police located the sedan abandoned on Gradburn Parade, Jewells, and were told that the pair had been picked up with a white utility a short time earlier.

Following inquiries, a 22-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were arrested in the utility on the Inner-City Bypass at Gateshead a short time later. They were both taken to Belmont Police Station.

During a search of the woman, police allegedly located and seized 3g methamphetamine. During a search of the sedan, police allegedly located and seized mobile phones and a laptop suspected of being stolen.

The man was charged with seven offences,

– Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period

– Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed

– Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly

– Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous

– Fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury

– Intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, and

– Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

The woman was charged with break and enter house etc steal value less than or equal to $60,000 and possess prohibited drug.

Both were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Wednesday 1 July 2027).

Multi-agency crews reunite with fisherman rescued off Port Stephens

Emergency services personnel involved in the rescue of John ‘Stinker’ Clarke last week have reunited with the 77-year-old fisherman following his remarkable survival at sea.

About 6pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026, emergency services were alerted after Mr Clarke failed to return home from a fishing trip. A coordinated marine search and rescue operation was launched involving Marine Rescue NSW volunteers, Port Stephens Water Police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

About 8.30pm, the helicopter crew located Mr Clarke’s overturned vessel smashed against rocks approximately 400 metres southwest of Fingal Lighthouse. A short time later, Mr Clarke – wearing a lifejacket – was found in the water nearby.

Officers attached to Port Stephens Water Police, Sergeant Brown and Senior Constable Grice, were directed to the location where they pulled Mr Clarke from the water and began first aid.

Responders faced challenging conditions, including 15-knot southerly winds and a 2.5-metre swell.

Mr Clarke was taken to Nelson Bay Public Wharf, escorted by Marine Rescue NSW volunteers who helped shield the vessel from heavy seas. At the wharf, he was treated by a Westpac Rescue Helicopter doctor and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Tomaree Hospital and later transferred to John Hunter Hospital for the treatment of severe hypothermia and abrasions.

This morning (Tuesday 30 June 2026), crews from NSW Police Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance, Marine Rescue NSW, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter reunited with Mr Clarke to share stories of his rescue.

Speaking after the reunion, Sergeant Brown said Mr Clarke’s survival was a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation on the water.

“Lifejackets save lives – and this rescue is a perfect example of why you should always wear the appropriate lifejacket for the activity you’re undertaking,” Sgt Brown said.

“Lifejackets fitted with reflectors can make all the difference when crews are searching at night.

“Every time you head out on the water, you should wear a lifejacket, log on and off with Marine Rescue NSW using the free app or VHF Channel 16, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back,” Sgt Brown said.

“It’s also critical to carry the required safety equipment for your vessel and the conditions.”

Mr Clarke recounted his ordeal, describing how a routine fishing trip quickly turned into a fight for survival.

“I went to my normal fishing spot and there was so much activity. I caught two really nice snapper,” he said.

“The sea got a bit too big, so I decided to leave. As I was pulling the anchor up, a wave came straight over the top and filled the boat with water.

“The boat overturned, and I clung to it for a while before pushing away from the rocks into deeper water. I always have a plan B, but this time I didn’t. I was at the mercy of the sea.

“As it got dark, I thought I was coming to the end of the line,” Mr Clarke said.

“I didn’t panic. I just thought, if I’m going to survive, a helicopter will have to come.

“And if a helicopter comes, they’ll contact Water Police, and Sergeant Clint Brown – who I’ve known since he was 12 – will come and pick me up.

“And that’s exactly what happened.”

Vanuatu and Australia sign Nakamal Agreement

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, signed a new treaty, the Vanuatu–Australia Nakamal Agreement, in Canberra today.

In Vanuatu, the Nakamal is the traditional meeting place where the community and its leaders consult and make decisions with mutual respect, trust and understanding.

The Nakamal Agreement elevates the partnership between Australia and Vanuatu, deepens integration between our people, strengthens the collective security of our region, and supports Vanuatu’s development aspirations and economic transformation.

Australia and Vanuatu share history and close cultural connections between our Melanesian, South Sea Islander and First Nations communities. Honouring and strengthening these ties is at the heart of the Agreement and will be among our earliest actions.

As Vanuatu’s longstanding primary policing partner, Australia will provide additional training and equipment to the Vanuatu Police Force, as well as greater maritime security, infrastructure, intelligence cooperation and cyber support.

Reaffirming regional leaders’ commitment that Pacific security is the shared responsibility of Pacific Islands Forum members, Vanuatu has committed to prioritise policing cooperation with Pacific Islands Forum members. Vanuatu will not allow any foreign military base or infrastructure in its territory, and will keep its critical infrastructure free from militarisation, foreign interference or unauthorised access. Vanuatu will consult Australia when it considers third party engagement in its critical infrastructure.

The Nakamal Agreement formalises Australia’s longstanding support to Vanuatu in response to major natural disasters. Vanuatu has committed to come to Australia, New Zealand and France first for humanitarian assistance.

Recognising the existential threat posed by climate change, Australia and Vanuatu will work together to transition to renewable energy sources, including by supporting on-grid and off-grid renewable energy solutions for Vanuatu’s communities.

We will work to make it easier for our people to move between our two countries through enhanced mobility arrangements and border systems, and will establish a new traineeships program to boost Vanuatu’s domestic workforce and skills.

The Nakamal Agreement will enter into force as soon as possible, following domestic processes in both countries.

The Nakamal Agreement is available at: Vanuatu – Australia Nakamal Agreement

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Nakamal Agreement is an important step in our long-standing partnership with Vanuatu.

“Initiated at Vanuatu’s request, this agreement elevates and strengthens the relationship between our countries – we are committing to walking forwards together.

“Prime Minister Napat’s visit to Australia to sign the Nakamal Agreement is a demonstration of our shared commitment to shaping our countries and our region for the better.”

Greens introduce bill for LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner

The Australian Greens will today introduce legislation to create a dedicated LGBTIQA+ Human Rights Commissioner within the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Despite sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status being protected under Commonwealth anti-discrimination law since 2013, they remain the only protected attributes without a dedicated Commissioner.

“LGBTIQA+ Australians deserve the same level of protection and representation under federal law as other communities,” Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“This is about equality before the law in practice, not just on paper.

“Discrimination against LGBTIQA+ people should be treated with the same seriousness as discrimination against other protected groups.

“Anything less is a double standard.

“The Greens’ legislation would establish a dedicated Commissioner and require a merit-based appointment process with meaningful involvement from LGBTIQA+ civil society organisations.

“For more than a decade, community organisations, legal experts and advocates have called for this reform. The Greens are turning that consensus into action.

“This reform is ready to go. It should not be buried in another inquiry.

“LGBTIQA+ Australians deserve the same institutional protection, visibility and respect that Parliament already affords to others.”

Labor’s dodgy lotto deal a “total rip off” that puts gambling corporation profits ahead of Victorians

The Victorian Greens say fresh analysis of Labor’s 40-year lottery licence deal shows the Allan Government has prioritised a short-term budget fix and the profits of gambling corporations over the long-term interests of Victorians.

Analysis published today estimates the deal could hand billions of dollars in future profits to the Lottery Corporation over the life of the licence, after the Allan Government granted a 40-year extension without putting the licence to an open competitive tender.

The Lottery Corporation has donated $132,000 to the Australian Labor party since 2022.

The Greens said the deal is a total rip off and another example of Labor putting the interests of their big corporate donors ahead of the public interest while refusing to properly tax big corporations and gambling companies.

The Victorian Auditor-General is currently investigating whether the process delivered value for taxpayers.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“Labor has treated Victoria like it’s having a garage sale.

“The Lottery Corporation has donated $132,000 to Labor – and Labor gives them special treatment while selling out Victorians’ futures.

“Labor has sold off decades of future revenue to paper over their short-term problems, in an election year, to give special treatment to their donors. Victorians deserve better than this

“Instead of funding our public schools, public housing and cost of living relief, Labor is boosting the profits of their corporate mates.”

‘Social cohesion’ is a fantasy when the Government imposes hierarchies of racism

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Anti-Racism, has responded to the Albanese Government’s launch of the Social Cohesion Education Hub.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Anti-Racism:

“This so-called Social Cohesion Education Hub includes 24 resources on antisemitism but just two on Islamophobia and one on First Nations hate. That isn’t social cohesion. That is creating a hierarchy of racism where some victims are seen as worthy and others are seen as an afterthought.

“We’ve seen this pattern over and over again. The budget included more than $600 million in antisemitism measures, but did not mention Islamophobia once. The Government has failed to respond to the National Anti-Racism Framework, and has simply ignored the recommendations of the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

“Muslim Australians, First Nations people, and every other community of colour are facing rising and escalating racism, fuelled further by One Nation, which cannot be tackled by this selective treatment. When some Australians are wrapped in the protection of the Government, while others are left to weather the storm alone, and when some voices are amplified, while others are ignored, it is not going to lead to anti-racism or social cohesion. 

“For the past two and a half years, the Albanese Government has weaponised “social cohesion” to silence dissent and punish voices it finds inconvenient. Education resources should help children challenge all racism equally and to speak out against injustice.”

ACT Greens Announce New Leader, Deputy Leader and Renewed Focus on Delivering for Canberrans

The ACT Greens today announced that Jo Clay has been elected as their new Leader and Andrew Braddock as Deputy Leader, following a ballot of the party’s membership.

Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens Leader:

“I’m honoured and grateful to have been elected by our members as the new Leader of the ACT Greens. I don’t take that trust lightly,” said Ms Clay.

“I’d like to acknowledge Rebecca Vassarotti, whom I’m delighted to have back alongside us as our Member for Kurrajong. Rebecca cares deeply about community and democratic collaboration. I look forward to working together with her to deliver progressive outcomes for Canberrans.

“My focus now is firmly on what comes next – because Canberrans deserve better than the status quo.

“As seen in the latest Budget, the Greens fought to scrap the $250 health levy, reinstate the rent relief fund, take climate action, protect our precious wildlife and bushland, and secure stable funding for the community organisations that hold our city together – and we won.

“But there is more to do. Canberrans want a government that will ensure housing is affordable, no one sleeps rough, the climate is protected, and the cost of living doesn’t keep them up at night. And the Greens will keep fighting with everything we have.”

Andrew Braddock MLA, ACT Greens Deputy Leader:

“The ACT Greens are unique in Australia in that our members choose who leads us. I’m incredibly proud that this vote was conducted in an overwhelmingly positive and supportive way. Our members had a choice between two strong, experienced women to lead our party. That speaks volumes about who we are and where we’re headed,” said Mr Braddock.

“I’m excited to stand alongside Jo Clay as Deputy Leader and feel really confident about our party’s future. While the formalities are being announced today, our party room is continuing to work together on bold solutions and make sure no Canberran is left behind.”

The ACT Greens have also confirmed their portfolios for the 11th Assembly:

Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens Leader and Member for Ginninderra

  • Environment
  • Planning
  • Treasury & Economic Equality
  • Circular Economy
  • Arts
  • Animal Welfare
  • Birth

Andrew Braddock MLA, ACT Greens Deputy Leader and Member for Yerrabi

  • Transport
  • Climate Change
  • Democracy
  • Integrity and Public Service Transformation
  • Municipal Services
  • Anti-Racism and Multicultural Affairs
  • Emergency Services

Rebecca Vassarotti MLA, Member for Kurrajong

  • Housing
  • Health and Mental Health
  • Justice, Law, Corrections, Policing, Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
  • Gaming Reform
  • Ageing and Carers
  • Veterans

Laura Nuttall MLA, Member for Brindabella

  • Education, Skills and Training
  • Young People
  • Air and Water
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Women
  • Community Sector
  • Disability
  • Sport and Recreation
  • LGBTIQA+ Affairs
  • Whip

Albanese votes to keep widows tax, breaks another promise

“Today the Albanese government voted to keep the widow’s tax breaking yet another promise to the Australian people”, Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said.

Mr Wilson’s comments come in the wake of Labor and the Greens voting against Coalition amendments in the Senate to repeal the widow’s tax that the Government legislated last week.

“The Treasurer claimed on Insiders on Sunday that the government would “fix” their flaw in the tax legislation, but couldn’t say how, or when, and now they’ve voted in the opposite direction”, Mr Wilson said.

“The Treasurer was deliberately evasive because he never intended to fix his tax hit on grieving Australians”.

“To pass their Budget the Albanese government promised the Parliament and the Australian people they’d fix the widow tax, and today they voted against fixing a problem they caused”.

“Jim Chalmers’ budget has changed so many times, he’s lost track of what he supports and what he doesn’t”.

“Labor and the Greens hatched a dirty deal to push their Budget through and haven’t revealed the details, which raises the question: who is on their tax hit list after widows”?

theft and vandalism of community infrastructure

City of Newcastle is extremely disappointed by recent incidents of theft and vandalism affecting community infrastructure across the city.

Incidents include the theft of charging cables from two City of Newcastle fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and damage caused to valued community sporting facilities at Smith Park in Hamilton North and Kentish Oval at Lambton.

The thefts have temporarily taken EV chargers out of service at Cleary Street, Hamilton and No. 2 Sportsground car park in Newcastle West. Replacement cables have been ordered, and City of Newcastle is working to restore the chargers as soon as possible. 

The loss of income from the EV chargers will place further pressure on our budget at a time when staff are already undertaking a review of expenditure to enable Council’s decision to reduce pool entry to $2. 

At Smith Park, recent vandalism caused disruption to local sporting clubs and dedicated volunteers who work hard to support community sport. These individuals play a vital role in activating the facility, contributing to the wellbeing and connection of our community. Repair work is underway and is expected to be completed Tuesday afternoon with no ongoing impact to user groups.

Kentish Oval was also vandalised earlier this month, and our team worked quickly to inspect and repair the damage resulting in no impact to scheduled sporting fixtures or training. 

City of Newcastle acknowledges the inconvenience and frustration these incidents cause for residents, volunteers and facility users.

City of Newcastle continues to investigate options to reduce the risk of future incidents across its network of community facilities. However, with more than 150 sports fields, 250 parks and a large network of public infrastructure across the local government area, it is not realistic to prevent every act of theft or vandalism.

Instead, as a community we need to do all we can to discourage acts of vandalism and to ensure people respect public infrastructure such as parks and sporting fields. 

The incidents involving the EV chargers have been reported to NSW Police. Several other privately-owned and council-owned EV sites have also been targeted by thieves in surrounding local government areas.

City of Newcastle encourages anyone with information about these or other incidents involving community infrastructure to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Governments commit further $3 million to progress Northern Rivers flood resilience

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have committed $3 million in combined funding to progress flood resilience planning across the Richmond River catchment in NSW following the release of a major CSIRO report.

The final report under the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative (NRRI) was released today. The Initiative was established following the unprecedented, devastating floods that struck the Northern Rivers region in early 2022.

Funded by the Albanese Government through the $11.4 million NRRI, the report identifies options to help reduce flood impacts across the Richmond River catchment and support future resilience planning in the region.

Prepared by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the report combines community consultation with high-resolution hydrodynamic modelling and historical data to test how various flood mitigation measures could perform across the catchment.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are providing $3 million to deliver a feasibility study and detailed enabling studies.

The Minns Government is contributing $2 million to progress this important work, with the Albanese Government contributing an additional $1 million.

The study will assess the technical, environmental, economic and social feasibility of potential interventions and help inform future investment decisions. Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Ballina and Lismore councils will play a key role through formal governance arrangements overseeing the study, helping ensure local knowledge and community priorities are reflected throughout the process.

The feasibility study will directly inform the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP), led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

It will ensure flood mitigation options are considered alongside a broader suite of measures to reduce disaster risk and build long-term community resilience across the region.

NEMA and CSIRO will hold community drop-in sessions in July to discuss the findings and answer questions.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
“The 2022 floods were devastating for many communities across the Northern Rivers and highlighted the need for greater understanding of how to reduce flood impacts in the Richmond River catchment in the future.

“The release of this report is a significant milestone for Northern Rivers communities.

“It gives us a scientific basis for understanding which flood mitigation measures could make the biggest difference.

“This will help inform future resilience planning and decision-making by providing a stronger evidence base for governments to consider future flood resilience investments.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Minns Government on the next steps, ensuring this important work continues to progress.”

Federal Minister for Science, Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres:
“The CSIRO’s Australian science is central to delivering future flood resilience for the Northern Rivers.

“Better planning and engaging with local communities, states and experts to prepare for the challenges ahead are essential to protecting the community and their livelihoods.

“This report is a great example of investing in science to deliver real benefits for regional communities.”

Senator for NSW, Jenny McAllister:
“People in the Northern Rivers have long called for a clear picture about the way the catchment works, so they can consider options together to best protect their communities.

“I thank all those who took the time to give their input into this important work.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“My reading of this report gives us real hope because it shows technically that flood levels can be lowered across all four local government areas in the Richmond River catchment – Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Ballina.

“The NSW Government always had funding available, and this $2 million investment, along with the $1 million commitment from the Australian Government, is the official start of the detailed scoping work and technical analysis required before any onground implementation can begin.

“There is still a way to go, but we are moving forward. I look forward to working closely with the Australian Government, the four councils and our community as these scoping works shape up.”