![\"Penry](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787281214_672_Penry_Buckley.png\")
Penry Buckley<\/p>\nCatholic Schools NSW chief executive sacked after Icac appearancePenry Buckley<\/p>\n
The chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, Dallas McInerney, has been sacked from his position following his appearance at the NSW Icac\u2019s inquiry into allegations of corruption in the state\u2019s Liberal party.<\/p>\n
In a statement shared today, the schools governing body said its board had \u201cunanimously determined that there is a loss of confidence in Dallas McInerney\u2019s ability to lead the organisation into the future\u201d.<\/p>\n
double quotation markAs such, the Board has now terminated Mr McInerney\u2019s employment agreement with Catholic Schools NSW.<\/p>\n
Interim CEO, Peter Yates, will remain in the role while a search process is conducted. The schools governing body has said it will not make any statement \u201cregarding the inquiry or key witnesses\u201d until Icac\u2019s initial examination has been conducted, but says it will support an independent review of Catholic Schools NSW\u2019s operations. It said:<\/p>\n
double quotation markIn the opening statement, counsel assisting the commission stated that there was no suggestion that CSNSW is responsible for the alleged conduct being investigated by the commission, nor that any CSNSW Board or executive were aware of the alleged actions of Mr McInerney. The matters that are the subject of the Inquiry are, though, of deep concern to CSNSW and to its key stakeholders.<\/p>\n
The Board will work constructively with them to ensure there is an externally conducted review of CSNSW\u2019s operations.<\/p>\n
Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a021.24 EDT<\/p>\n Key events<\/p>\n Miscommunication \u2018not born of ill will\u2019, NSW police commissioner says<\/p>\n The police commissioner Mal Lanyon reiterated his apology and said police, emergency services and other authorities would work together to ensure protocols are foolproof in the future.<\/p>\n double quotation markFrom time to time, particularly when we are searching in remote locations, communication can be challenging.<\/p>\n Every officer that was at the scene, every officer who had devoted their time to the search was doing so in good faith.<\/p>\n Yesterday\u2019s miscommunication, as tragic as it was, was not born out of ill will.<\/p>\n Asked who had contact his office with the incorrect information, the premier said he would not point fingers:<\/p>\n double quotation markI\u2019m not going to single out an individual or a person. Ultimately, this is my responsibility and Mal\u2019s responsibility and we\u2019re going to fix this.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> Miscommunication over discovery of missing hiker shouldn\u2019t detract from Lily Hooper\u2019s memory, premier says<\/p>\n The NSW premier, Chris Minns, and the state\u2019s police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, vowed to take responsibility after it was wrongly communicated that missing bushwalker Lily Hooper had been found alive.<\/p>\n On Thursday, Minns issued an apology and relayed news her body had been discovered after mistakenly announcing Hooper had been found alive.<\/p>\n Speaking from Goulburn on Friday, hours after Hooper\u2019s body was recovered from the NSW southern highlands, he paid tribute to the teenager:<\/p>\n double quotation markLily was a fantastic person, she was doing what you\u2019d want of every young person and that is getting out in the community, getting out in nature, seeing the beauty and the best parts of the Australian outback.<\/p>\n We want to encourage more of it not less of it. This has ended in a terrible tragedy but I don\u2019t want it lost that Lily was a fantastic person with a close family and this would be devastating for them.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> Victorian premier criticises shadow attorney general for calling royal commission a \u2018cover up\u2019<\/p>\n The Victorian premier, Ben Carroll, held a press conference in Geelong this morning, where he was asked about comments made by the shadow attorney general, James Newbury, after the release of the terms of reference for the royal commission into the construction industry.<\/p>\n Newbury described the inquiry as a \u201ccover up commission\u201d and falsely claimed that former premiers Daniel Andrews or Jacinta Allan wouldn\u2019t be required to attend because their names weren\u2019t explicitly included in the terms of reference. Carroll, however, told reporters on Thursday that while it was up to the commissioner who he called, it could include the former Labor leaders.<\/p>\n He repeated this on Friday:<\/p>\n double quotation markEveryone and anyone can be called. These are the most comprehensive, broadest terms [of reference] possible. This is my first action as premier to call the royal commission, and within three weeks, I\u2019ve got it established, and the most eminent person available in Australia appointed as the royal commissioner. We\u2019re going to make sure that we leave no stone unturned, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re going to get on with.<\/p>\n Asked about Newbury\u2019s claim it was a \u201ccoverup\u201d, Carroll said \u201cnothing could be more further from the truth, adding:<\/p>\n double quotation markThe more Mr Newbury \u2013 as the alternative attorney general \u2013 is in the media, the better for us.<\/p>\n He said Newbury\u2019s commentary \u201cerodes public faith in the alternative government\u201d. Carroll said:<\/p>\n double quotation markIt shows you a level of inexperience, it shows you a level of unsophistication, and it shows you that they\u2019re not ready to govern. This is a serious matter for Victorians. This isn\u2019t about politics. This is about giving Victorians the answers they deserve [to] the so many questions they have. This is above politics. I think this demonstrates more of the opposition\u2019s lack of experience and lack of knowledge \u2026 I\u2019ll let them play politics. I\u2019ll get on doing what I need to do as premier that\u2019s in the interests of everyday Victorians.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a022.40 EDT<\/p>\n AFP to address media after dual Russian-Australian citizen charged with foreign interference offences<\/p>\n The Australian federal police will hold a press conference in Canberra today after the arrest of a dual Russian-Australian citizen who has been charged with attempting to intentionally engage in foreign interference.<\/p>\n The 27-year-old Victorian man was arrested by the Counter Foreign Interference Task Force in Sumner, Queensland, on Thursday.<\/p>\n He is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.<\/p>\n More to come.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> \u2018Not one single cent\u2019: Brethren church did not pay for its members to volunteer in election, inquiry hears<\/p>\n Plymouth Brethren church\u2019s director, Luke Grimshaw, has told a parliamentary inquiry his organisation did not pay for members to volunteer or help them travel across the country.<\/p>\n At the parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election campaign, Grimshaw has so far claimed there was no coordinated campaign for hundreds of members to volunteer at polling booths for Liberal candidates. He told the inquiry:<\/p>\n double quotation markI can confirm that the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church did not participate in the 2025 election campaign in any way, shape, or form, and that includes paying for any political activity, chartering planes moving people around doing any of that activity that you described. There was not one single cent paid from the church to fund that type of activity.<\/p>\n And whether members got involved in that in their voluntary capacity and activities in coordination with whatever parties they were supporting, I\u2019ve got no knowledge of how that happened. Volunteers have got to get around somehow, but church certainly did not facilitate that.<\/p>\n Grimshaw also told the committee multiple church members had contacted him about how they were treated at polling booths, saying claiming some faced \u201caggressive questioning\u201d and \u201cverbal abuse\u201d over their involvement.<\/p>\n double quotation markA young person from our church was brought to tears with the type of abuse she was suffering down there, verbal abuse. And we\u2019ve certainly had other feedback that members were made to feel pretty uncomfortable, to be honest, out on a polling booth, just to have other people bowled up to them and essentially shove a camera in their face and start quite aggressively questioning about what religion they were and questioning their right to be there.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a022.20 EDT<\/p>\n Former NSW Liberal minister David Elliott appears before Icac<\/p>\n A former NSW Liberal minister and MP, David Elliott, is appearing before the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) this morning.<\/p>\n The inquiry is investigating the allegation that members of conservative factional group the Reformers took donations from Jean Nassif, a fugitive property developer, in exchange for the pursuit of outcomes including damage to Elliott\u2019s career.<\/p>\n The inquiry has previously heard the Reformers created a \u201cshit sheet\u201d on Elliott, which included an alleged affair. Elliott has put out a statement strongly rejecting any affair had taken place, while witness Jeremy Greenwood, who commissioned the document, admitted to knowing the allegation of an affair to be untrue.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a021.52 EDT<\/p>\n \u2018Flies in the face of evidence\u2019: Brethren spokesperson rejects coordinated campaign by church, inquiry hears<\/p>\n Plymouth Brethren Church spokesperson, Lloyd Grimshaw, has also denied there was coordination by the church for its members to campaign for Liberal candidates during the 2025 election.<\/p>\n He tells the parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election that the volunteers would have \u201ccoordinated amongst themselves\u201d.<\/p>\n Volunteers of the Brethren church were seen at polling booths across the country including across Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.<\/p>\n Grimshaw says:<\/p>\n double quotation markIf members of a religious group decide to do something in their private capacity as private citizens, that they don\u2019t speak on behalf of the church when they do that \u2026 I\u2019m not saying that members didn\u2019t participate, and clearly they did, and they must have been some coordination, but they would have coordinated amongst themselves, self-coordinated, and whoever they were.<\/p>\n But Labor MP Corinne Mulholland says Grimshaw\u2019s claim \u201cflies in the face of evidence\u201d the committee has heard during previous hearings.<\/p>\n double quotation markSpontaneous 3000 kilometres away from each other just [coordinating] amongst themselves? \u2026 I think it is a difficult pill for us to swallow on that one, unfortunately, Mr Grimshaw, and it flies in the face of evidence the committee has heard from ex members of the church who have said to us in extreme detail in their evidence before us about the level of control and direction from the church.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> More on Dallas McInerney<\/p>\n Icac is investigating the allegation that McInerney, who gave evidence to the inquiry this week and last week, arranged and approved illegal political donations to lobbying companies controlled by conservative factional group the Reformers, under the guise of consultancy services. McInerney has insisted payments totalling $265,900 over four years were for genuine consulting work.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, McInerney denied he performed<\/a> a factory reset on a work phone and iPad over the weekend to wipe critical evidence. He said he performed the wipe on his phone after his bank contacted him last Friday to tell him his account had been \u201ccompromised by an unknown merchant\u201d. He said he performed a factory reset on an iPad ahead of it being surrendered to Catholic Schools NSW, \u201cin the realisation I\u2019m not likely returning to the company\u201d.<\/p>\n He previously stood aside from his role as CEO of the governing body for 600 schools in NSW before the Icac hearings began \u201cto allow the work of Catholic Schools NSW to continue its important mission\u201d, he said in a statement.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a021.28 EDT<\/p>\n Catholic Schools NSW chief executive sacked after Icac appearance The chief executive of Catholic Schools NSW, Dallas McInerney, has been sacked from his position following his appearance at the NSW Icac\u2019s inquiry into allegations of corruption in the state\u2019s Liberal party.<\/p>\n In a statement shared today, the schools governing body said its board had \u201cunanimously determined that there is a loss of confidence in Dallas McInerney\u2019s ability to lead the organisation into the future\u201d.<\/p>\n double quotation markAs such, the Board has now terminated Mr McInerney\u2019s employment agreement with Catholic Schools NSW.<\/p>\n Interim CEO, Peter Yates, will remain in the role while a search process is conducted. The schools governing body has said it will not make any statement \u201cregarding the inquiry or key witnesses\u201d until Icac\u2019s initial examination has been conducted, but says it will support an independent review of Catholic Schools NSW\u2019s operations. It said:<\/p>\n double quotation markIn the opening statement, counsel assisting the commission stated that there was no suggestion that CSNSW is responsible for the alleged conduct being investigated by the commission, nor that any CSNSW Board or executive were aware of the alleged actions of Mr McInerney. The matters that are the subject of the Inquiry are, though, of deep concern to CSNSW and to its key stakeholders.<\/p>\n The Board will work constructively with them to ensure there is an externally conducted review of CSNSW\u2019s operations.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a021.24 EDT<\/p>\n Brethren church denies paying far-right activists The Plymouth Brethren church claims it was subject to \u201cextraordinary attacks by the media and even by members of parliament\u201d during and after the 2025 federal election, rejecting newspaper reports today that it had engaged with far-right influencers to stage stunts targeting Anthony Albanese and other politicians.<\/p>\n The parliament\u2019s inquiry into the 2025 election continues today, with the Brethren church and rightwing lobby group Advance appearing at a committee hearing. Lloyd Grimshaw, a director at the Plymouth Brethren Christian church, was the first witness, conceding members of the church volunteered for various parties at the election but denying the church participated itself or coordinated the actions of members.<\/p>\n Some media reporting has alleged there was a systematic and coordinated effort from Plymouth Brethren members to support the Liberal party at the election, including on polling booths.<\/p>\n Grimshaw told the inquiry the church had been targeted with \u201cunsubstantiated\u201d allegations about its activities, claiming some members did volunteer at the election but for \u201cpretty normal reasons\u201d like backing their local candidate or being worried about the economy.<\/p>\n The Nine newspapers reported allegations on Friday that members of the church had paid far-right activists to disrupt Labor\u2019s election events. Grimshaw strongly denied this reporting, calling it a \u201ccomplete lie\u201d and saying the church did not make any donations or give any support to political parties or \u201cthird parties\u201d.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a021.10 EDT<\/p>\n Swans captain Callum Mills says he is \u2018deeply shocked and disappointed\u2019<\/p>\n Callum Mills, the captain of the Sydney Swans, also issued an apology and said he was \u201cdeeply shocked and disappointed to be here\u201d.<\/p>\n double quotation markAs a playing group, we fully support the club\u2019s decisions on the sanctions handed down. We take full responsibility and we are deeply sorry.<\/p>\n Mills said the five players suspended for the rest of the season had \u201clet us down\u201d.<\/p>\n double quotation markThis isn\u2019t about football. The sanctions that were handed down were not about football.<\/p>\n Sydney Swans senior coach Dean Cox (left) and captain Callum Mills speak to media today. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi\/AAPShare<\/a>Sydney Swans coach says organisation\u2019s culture \u2018has taken a hit\u2019<\/p>\n Dean Cox, the coach of the Sydney Swans, is speaking in Sydney.<\/p>\n He acknowledged the culture of the Swans \u201chas taken a hit\u201d. He went on:<\/p>\n double quotation markWe all have women in our lives we deeply love. I would like to express the respect for women is of the highest priority for both myself personally and for our football club.<\/p>\n We have some fantastic women working in our football club \u2026 and our thoughts are with them and I apologise to them, along with the women in the community, for the actions of the players. We are extremely disappointed at the actions of the players. And the sanctions imposed by the board show how serious we take these matters. \u2026<\/p>\n We\u2019re going to work \u2026 as hard as we possibly can to get the trust back from the community, to get the culture where we desire to be, where we once had been.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a020.47 EDT<\/p>\n Wong calls Israeli foreign minister over Zomi Frankcom Foreign minister Penny Wong phoned her Israeli counterpart overnight to discuss the decision not to pursue a criminal investigation into Gaza strikes that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six of her colleagues.<\/p>\n \u201cMinister Wong spoke with Israel\u2019s foreign minister Gideon Sa\u2019ar last night,\u201d a spokesperson for Wong said this morning.<\/p>\n double quotation markThe minister conveyed Australia\u2019s view and expectations as she did with the Israeli ambassador.<\/p>\n Australian government ministers have been scathing of Israel\u2019s decision not to open a criminal case. Anthony Albanese told the ABC last night \u201cit clearly is an outrage and there\u2019s a need for a far more transparent and clear explanation from the Israeli government other than what we\u2019ve received\u201d.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t rule out Australia pursuing some form of independent investigation. Albanese said Australia would \u201cpress the Israeli government\u201d and \u201cthen make an announcement in coming days\u201d about what his government would do in response.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a020.24 EDT<\/p>\n Israel can \u2018check\u2019 reparations for aid worker\u2019s death, ambassador says<\/p>\n Israel is open to reparations for the family of killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, as the federal government backs an independent investigation into her death, AAP reports.<\/p>\n The Israeli military on Thursday announced it had found there was no suspicion of criminal misconduct surrounding the Australian\u2019s death, despite a previous finding there had been failures in how it was carried out.<\/p>\n Israeli ambassador Hillel Newman was summoned to Parliament House on Thursday morning to explain the outcome of the two-year investigation.<\/p>\n \u201cIsrael is open to discussions of a legal aspect, we can share information with legal teams of Australia,\u201d he told ABC\u2019s RN on Friday.<\/p>\n double quotation markAnd the aspect of reparations can be checked definitely.<\/p>\n Newman said a request needed to be made before Israel could investigate potential reparations.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a020.04 EDT<\/p>\n Sydney air traffic controllers have \u2018grave concerns\u2019 about collision risk after airspace redesign<\/p>\n Air traffic controllers at Sydney airport have warned federal safety regulators they have \u201cgrave concerns\u201d about changes to airspace rules introduced last month, likening the situation to the months leading up to a crash in Washington DC in which 67 people died.<\/p>\n Guardian Australia can reveal the federal government was notified on Thursday of a confidential complaint considered by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), in which an experienced air traffic controller warned in June that changes related to the new Western Sydney International airport had been rushed, with \u201cinadequate training for controllers, of all experience levels\u201d.<\/p>\n The complainant told the regulator a large group of controllers in Sydney \u201chold grave concerns about the project\u201d, referring to the air traffic redesign to accommodate the new airport.<\/p>\n Read more: <\/p>\n![\"Kat](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Kat_Wong.png\")
Kat Wong<\/p>\nKat Wong<\/p>\n![\"Benita](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787281215_52_Benita_Kolovos.png\")
Benita Kolovos<\/p>\n![\"Achol](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787281215_25_Achol_Arok,_L.png\")
Achol Arok<\/p>\n![\"Krishani](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787281216_753_Krishani_Dhanji.png\")
Krishani Dhanji<\/p>\n![\"Jack](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Jack_Larkin.png\")
Jack Larkin<\/p>\nKrishani Dhanji<\/p>\nPenry Buckley<\/p>\nPenry Buckley<\/p>\n![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787281217_962_Josh_Butler.png\")
Josh Butler<\/p>\nJosh Butler<\/p>\n![\"Tom](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787281218_788_Tom_McIlroy.png\")
Tom McIlroy<\/p>\n