Sydney news

Conflicting details have emerged about a fight between prison guards and about 16 teenage boys jailed at Victoria's maximum-security Barwon Prison. The Human Rights Law Centre says its clients were punched kicked and doused in capsicum spray, but the guards say the inmates instigated the violence. Youth advocates have been warning that conditions at Barwon are heading in the direction of the Northern Territory's notorious Don Dale Youth Detention Centre. The national children's commissioner, Meg

Sugar cane growers in George Christensen's electorate say that if their local MP doesn't stand up to the Government, he will be punished at the ballot box. The outspoken Government MP is furious about a deal for sugar cane growers which limits their ability to market and sell their produce. Mr Christensen is considering what action he'll take if there isn't a resolution in the growers' favour. While he hasn't directly threatened to resign, his actions are making the Government nervous, forcing t

One hundred and one fires are burning around New South Wales this weekend, 37 of them still uncontained. The worst, at Carwoola near Canberra, is still a problem for firefighters, with 190 firefighters engaged overnight. Although conditions eased overnight, today's weather will again pose a high fire danger. Two firefighters were injured in the blaze yesterday and at least 15 properties have been lost. Meanwhile, a bushfire in Limekilns north of Bathurst continues to be a danger a week after it