The NSW police watchdog has received at least 800 complaints regarding alleged police brutality at the 9 February Sydney protest against Isaac Herzog's visit, marking what it calls the "greatest number of complaints on one topic in the commission's history." The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (Lecc) chief commissioner, Peter Johnson SC, told a NSW parliamentary committee that police have become "overly defensive" in responding to information requests, describing the relationship between the agencies as "difficult." Johnson noted that the technical and, in his view, erroneous approach taken by police adds to investigation times and serves no one's interests, including officers who may be subject to complaints. Greens MLC Sue Higginson expressed serious concern, stating that police leadership should ensure the Lecc has full access to evidence when officers are accused of crimes or excessive force. NSW police have been contacted for comment.
In other news, the Tasmanian man who fatally shot police officer Constable Keith Smith during a repossession attempt had his gun licence suspended in 2016 on mental health grounds. Leigh Geoffrey Sushames, 47, pleaded guilty to murder after shooting Smith from less than 2 metres away on 16 June 2025. The court heard Sushames had stopped paying his mortgage in 2016 due to a belief God would "sort it out" and had told a friend he would kill anyone trying to take his house. His lawyer cited an abusive childhood, intense religious beliefs, undiagnosed PTSD, and cannabis-induced psychotic episodes. The killing was the first fatal shooting of a Tasmanian officer in over a century.
Meanwhile, Victoria Police sergeant Matt Paton, 52, has been identified as the Australian who died on the Inca Trail in Peru while on holiday with his wife. Paton, a 16-year veteran known for his passion for training recruits, was found dead this morning. His family described themselves as "shattered" by the loss, noting his dedication to family, travel, and his career.
On the economic front, CBA analysis warns petrol prices could jump about 50 cents per litre if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed for another month. Vivek Dhar, head of commodities research, said a US-Iran deal could drop Brent oil to $US80 a barrel by year-end, but if the status quo persists, oil could hit $US150 a barrel by mid-June to mid-July, pushing Australian unleaded from $1.85 to $2.35. If the strait remains shut until September, prices could reach $US200 a barrel, adding another 50 cents at the pump.
Health authorities report 162 diphtheria cases in the Northern Territory since January, with 50 hospitalisations and four ICU admissions, marking the largest outbreak in decades. Most cases are in Indigenous adults. People are urged to get vaccinated and boosters every five years for at-risk groups.
Finally, a damning audit from the Australian National Audit Office found Defence is "not well-placed" to extend the life of the Collins-class submarines, potentially leaving a critical capability gap. The life-of-type extension plan, designed to keep the 1980s-era subs running until nuclear-powered replacements arrive in the early 2030s, has seen costs balloon to over five times the original value, with 53 contract changes adding $688m. As of May, the first submarine upgrades were not on track for June installation.