Here’s what you need to know this morning.
Water restrictions to be relaxed
Level two water restrictions across Sydney are to be relaxed after recent downpours boosted dam levels.
The downgrade from level two to level one is expected to come into force on March 1.
Warragamba Dam is currently at 80 per cent capacity, up from 44 per cent a month ago.
NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey said there was a two-week delay due to the extra pressure the downpour had put on the system in quality and quantity.
“A number of initiatives are in place to ensure the water is safe for use, including extensive testing, filtration and nets to catch debris, but we are allowing an extra two weeks purely as a precautionary measure,” she said.
Brothel filming charges
A man was arrested at a Surry Hills brothel yesterday following reports a 23-year-old woman was filmed without consent.
A 49-year-old man was taken to Surry Hills police station and charged with 38 counts of filming a person without consent.
Police allege they found on the man’s phone a large number of videos of women at various adult entertainment venues.
The man was refused bail and will appear before Central Local Court today.
Coronavirus quarantined return to Sydney
There were emotional scenes at airports around the country as the first group of Australians quarantined on Christmas Island over coronavirus fears returned home.
The 240 people were evacuated from China a fortnight ago and put into quarantine at the immigration detention centre.
None tested positive to coronavirus and were cleared to leave after two weeks in isolation.
Heidi Sun flew into Sydney last night and was overcome with gratitude.
“Thanks for [the] Government,” she said. “Everybody [has treated] us very nice. [When] we first arrived in the island they said, ‘Welcome home’ — one word you know makes your heart very warm.”
Obeid trial continues
The trial of former New South Wales Labor minister Eddie Obeid, his son Moses and former minister Ian Macdonald will continue today.
Eddie Obeid, his son Moses and Mr Macdonald are accused of conspiring over a coal mining licence granted to the Obeid family farm in the Bylong Valley when Mr Macdonald was mining minister.
Obeid’s barrister said there were complex commercial arrangements surrounding the coal licence.
Moses Obeid’s barrister is expected to make his opening address today.
Disability royal commission begins
The disability royal commission will turn its attention to the healthcare system, with a two-week hearing starting in Western Sydney today.
The inquiry will look at the treatment of people with acquired brain injuries, autism and intellectual disabilities in the healthcare system and the barriers they face.
People who have a lived experience of disability will give evidence to the hearing, along with parents and advocacy groups like the Council for Intellectual Disability.
Yesterday the royal commission held a familiarisation day for witnesses with disabilities so they felt comfortable with the hearing room and the process of giving evidence.
‘Naked’ man charged over unit fire
A man will appear in court today, charged over a fire which caused extensive damage to a unit in Chippendale.
Officers who attended the scene were told a naked man was seen running from the unit, before allegedly approaching a woman and demanding she give him her coat and shoes.
She handed them over and ran from the man before he allegedly grabbed her from behind and punched her.
The Chinese national is also alleged to have attempted to stop a nearby car by opening the car door and punched the driver, before running away.
He was charged with damage to property by fire and robbery.