Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Sydney news: NSW Labor calls for toll signs to be installed on roads

NSW Labor wants signs installed on toll roads telling motorists how much they will pay.  (ABC News: Brendan Esposito)

Here's what you need to know this morning.

NSW Labor calls for toll signs

The NSW Opposition is calling for signs to be installed at specific toll roads that inform drivers how much they will pay and how much time they will save using the road. 

The announcement comes ahead of a parliamentary hearing into the NSW government's current tolling regime, and is one of the first major policy proposals put forward by NSW Labor.

Opposition transport spokesman John Graham said the Sydney toll road initiative would be an extended version of the electronic decision point signs recently trialled in Victoria.

"The Melbourne trial included the travel time savings but not yet the prices. We'd like to see both those things displayed," he said.

"That allows drivers to really make the choice about what works for them as they move around Sydney."

However, Premier Dominic Perrottet this morning said that signs would "create more distractions for drivers" and that motorists could use apps to check toll routes.

Sydney hearings into veteran suicide 

Nick Kaldas says the Commission has a responsibility to create real change. (Facebook: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide)

The week-long public hearings for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide start in Sydney today.

Family members of those who have taken their lives as well as people who have experienced suicidal ideation and experts are among those who will give evidence. 

Commission Chair, Nick Kaldas said he was mindful serving and ex-serving Defence Force personnel had been waiting a long time for change.

"The Commission has a grave responsibility to create real and lasting change for Defence and ex-service members, their families and supporters," he said.

The hearings will be streamed live but anyone wanting to attend is required to register on the Commission's website

To date the Commission, established in July 2021, has received 1,100 written submissions from individuals and organisations. 

An interim report focusing on issues that require immediate action will be delivered by August 11.

Premier confident can reclaim Bega

Mr Perrottet has accepted responsibility for the by-election loss in Bega. (ABC News)

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is confident he can win back the seat of Bega at next year's state election after it was snatched by Labor in one of four Super Saturday by-elections.

Labor also held onto the seat of Strathfield, while the government retained the seats of Willoughby and Monaro — although it suffered swings against it in both.

As the Liberal candidate in Bega continues to concede defeat, the Premier yesterday assumed responsibility for the "disappointing" loss, vowing to do better.

"I believe we'll win it back, I think we have to communicate very clearly, listen to the community," he said.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns described the Premier's ambitions as "a big hill to climb".

Palmer's defamation case in Sydney court

Mr Palmer's defamation case against the WA Premier is due to open today. (Facebook: Clive Palmer, Mark McGowan)

A defamation case involving mining magnate Clive Palmer and West Australian Premier, Mark McGowan, is due to open in Sydney today.

United Australia party leader Mr Palmer alleges Mr McGowan defamed him by telling the media he was "an enemy of the state" and "an enemy of Australia".

Mr Palmer says the comments have caused hatred, ridicule and contempt.

Mr McGowan has lodged a counter claim, alleging Mr Palmer defamed him on eight occasions and has falsely suggested he abused parliament and lied to the public.

The Federal Court trial is before Justice Michael Lee. 

Teens in court over attack on magistrate

Police say a 10-year-old boy was involved in the attempted robbery of a magistrate. (ABC Western Plains: James O'Brien)

Two teenagers and a 10-year-old boy will face court after an attack on a magistrate at Bourke, in far-west New South Wales.  

Police have told the ABC the 66-year-old visiting magistrate was asleep in her motel room when a 10-year-old boy and two 15-year-olds broke in earlier this month.

They allegedly demanded cash and car keys.

Officers say one boy wrestled the magistrate to the ground, trying to steal her handbag.

They left empty-handed before returning a short time later and failing a second time.

The 15-year-olds are charged with offences that include aggravated break and enter.

The 10-year-old has been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Man dies in head-on crash

A man has died following a crash in Sydney's south-west last night. 

Emergency services were called to Springfield Road, Catherine Field about 8pm, following reports of a head-on crash between two vehicles.

The driver of one of the vehicles, a 55-year-old man, was declared dead at the scene. 

The driver of a white Mercedes sedan, a 37-year-old man, was arrested by police and taken to hospital for mandatory drug testing.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.