Australia news live: Coles profits up amid watchdog scrutiny; fungus deaths at RPA hospital ‘shocking’, minister says

Australia’s second-biggest supermarket chain reports 12.5% jump in underlying profit to $676m for the six-month period. Follow updates live Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Sarah Mitchell, the NSW shadow minister for health, said revelations two people had died after an outbreak of fungal infections at a major Sydney hospital were “shocking”, calling for more transparency from the Minns government. As reported yesterday, the Sydney local health district said the two deaths and four other infections resulted in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital closing its transplant unit temporarily. The infections occurred between October and December, and the SLHD is investigating the source. A spokesperson said on Thursday that fungal spores of the common mould aspergillus could be stirred up by construction works. RPA has been undergoing a major redevelopment since 2023. The revelations that multiple patients died due to a fungal outbreak at Royal Prince Alfred hospital are shocking. Patients go to hospital to be cared for, not to be exposed to life-threatening infections. The staff, patients and families of those who lost their lives deserve transparency. We must recognise that violence has an immediate and long-term cost for all – therefore reforming the systems that currently harm or inadequately protect women and children must be a priority – and simply money makes a difference. Continue reading...