AUSTRALIAN AIRCRAFT PERFORMS EMERGENCY LANDING FOLLOWING ENGINE MALFUNCTION THAT IGNITES RUNWAY FIRE

AUSTRALIA NEWS

9th NOVEMBER 2024

By Oyenike.

AUSTRALIAN AIRCRAFT PERFORMS EMERGENCY LANDING FOLLOWING ENGINE MALFUNCTION THAT IGNITES RUNWAY FIRE

A commercial flight departing Sydney encountered engine issues on Friday, causing the aircraft to circle before executing a safe emergency landing, according to Qantas on X. Concurrently, a grass fire erupted beside the runway, according to a report from Sydney Airport. The connection between the two events remains uncertain. The fire has been contained, although some flight delays are anticipated.

Qantas has not disclosed the number of passengers aboard the twin-engine Boeing 737-800, which was en route to Brisbane when the engine reportedly failed with a loud noise. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

“We recognise this must have been a troubling situation for travellers, and we will reach out to all customers this afternoon to offer assistance,” remarked Qantas Chief Pilot, Captain Richard Tobiano. “An inquiry into the cause of the engine malfunction will also be initiated.”

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NSW POLICE HAVE SUSPECTED WILLIAM TYRRELL’S FOSTER MOTHER FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS WITH LITTLE EVIDENCE

A woman verbally confronted William Tyrrell’s foster mother in front of the media and the public outside the NSW Coroners Court this week. The woman, who had no connection to the case, reportedly violated a court order by loudly calling out the foster mother’s name and demanding, “Why would you harm a child?” This incident reflects the ongoing hostility directed at the foster mother, who is legally prohibited from being named, over several years.

Nearly three years after NSW Police publicly expressed their suspicions regarding her involvement in her foster son’s disappearance, the coroner’s court reconvened this week to review the evidence gathered against her. Counsel assisting the coroner, Gerard Craddock SC, opened the hearings by explaining the reasons for resuming the inquest, which began over five years ago. He emphasised that “a police officer’s belief may be right or wrong… the coroner cannot act solely on the opinion of a police investigator.”

Mr Craddock further stated that there remains “no forensic evidence” and “no eyewitnesses” regarding what transpired with William on September 12, 2014. The court was informed that homicide detectives from Strike Force Rosann suspect the three-year-old may have fallen from a balcony at his foster grandmother’s residence in Kendall, NSW, before his foster mother discovered his body and panicked.

Police claim that in her state of distress, the foster mother realised that if the accidental death were revealed, she could lose custody of another child in her care. Mr Craddock told the court that she then allegedly placed William in her mother’s vehicle, alerted a neighbour about his disappearance, and drove the car to Batar Creek Road, where she disposed of William’s body.

William Tyrrell

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VIETNAM VETERAN AWARDED MILITARY MEDALS AFTER YEARS OF HOMELESSNESS IN NEWCASTLE

A Vietnam veteran, Alwyn Craig, who faced homelessness for three decades, received his military medals during a ceremony in New South Wales. Known as “Old Pete” or “Shorty,” the 76-year-old has a compelling story. Until this year, he had not seen his family since 1994, but a charity worker and a local article helped reunite them.

Upon learning of his discovery, Mr Craig’s former army comrades eagerly invited him to their reunion this week. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs located his unclaimed medals, which were presented by members of the 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment.

Mr Craig was honoured with nine service medals, including the Vietnam Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation. This prestigious award is given to military units that excel in combat.

Barry Francis, a former platoon medic who met Mr Craig in 1968, described him as a quiet and handsome young man who had endured significant hardships. After his military service, Mr Craig dedicated time to reconnecting with fellow members of the 6RAR.

A Vietnam veteran, Alwyn Craig, who faced homelessness for three decades, received his military medals during a ceremony in New South Wales

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PAYROLL EXPENSES FOR PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES EXCEED $230 BILLION AFTER 3.6 PERCENT RISE IN GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE

The public sector wage bill in Australia has surpassed $230 billion, with a notable increase in government employment. As of June, there were 2,517,900 public sector workers, reflecting a 3.6% rise from the previous year. The total wages for these employees in the 2023-24 financial year reached $232 billion, marking an annual growth of 8%, or approximately $17 billion. The increase in wages is attributed to wage growth, higher employment numbers, and changes in work hours.

The majority of public sector employees, about 77%, are employed by state governments, followed by the federal government at 15% and local governments at 8%. State government employment rose to 1.939 million, with a combined wages bill of $178.4 billion, an increase of 7.6%.

New South Wales leads with the highest number of government workers, followed by Victoria and Queensland. Federal government employees, including defence personnel, number 365,400, while local government staff total 213,500.

In summary, the public sector in Australia has seen significant growth in both employment and wages, reflecting broader economic trends. The data indicates a robust demand for public administration, education, and health services across various levels of government.

The public sector wage bill in Australia has surpassed $230 billion, with a notable increase in government employment

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NEW ALARMING COST OF LIVING DATA FOR AUSTRALIAN WORKERS RAISES DOUBTS ABOUT THEIR WELL-BEING UNDER ALBANESE GOVERNMENT

The Albanese administration faces criticism as new cost of living statistics raise doubts about whether Australians are truly “better off” under Labor. The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its quarterly Selected Living Cost Indexes, highlighting a 17.5% rise in living costs since Labor took office. In the September quarter, workers experienced only a 0.6% increase, the lowest since 2022.

The most significant inflation impact was felt by workers post-pandemic, peaking at 3.2% in December 2022. This situation mirrors the rise of US president-elect Donald Trump, who gained support by addressing voters’ concerns about their economic well-being. Shadow assistant treasurer Luke Howarth indicated that many Australians feel worse off compared to the previous Morrison government.

Howarth emphasised the drastic changes in interest rates, with 12 hikes occurring under Albanese in one year, compared to just one in nine years under the Coalition. He noted that this has led to soaring rents and mortgages, affecting constituents nationwide. Additionally, gas prices surged by 33%, and energy bills rose by 15%, contrary to Albanese’s promises of lower costs.

The Albanese administration faces criticism as new cost of living statistics raise doubts

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