Bird flu spreads; pilot dies in crash; prison proposal

Lithium fire time bomb; China cyber attack warning; asbestos found at school

A Maddington lithium recycling facility remains hazardous nearly three months after a major fire. Former Defence Minister Linda Reynolds claims Australian cities face threats from potential Chinese cyber attacks that could disable power and communications infrastructure. Hyden Primary School parents demand action after asbestos continues to surface in the playground, allegedly buried during a 1970s toilet block demolition. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Perth man charged with murder in Thailand

A 45-year-old Perth man, Simon Peter Carman, has been charged with murder in Pattaya, Thailand, accused of killing a teenage girl and concealing her body in a suitcase. Carman, who lived in Rockingham until eight months ago, had his firearm licence suspended by police a year before relocating to Thailand, allegedly for medical surgery. He was arrested at Bangkok airport attempting to board a flight back to Perth and now faces potential death penalty if convicted. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Asbestos found in WA primary school playground

Asbestos has been discovered in the playground sandpit at Hyden Primary School in Western Australia, where a 1970s toilet block was demolished and buried on site. Parents say they have been complaining about the toxic material for three years, with 60 students potentially exposed, but claim the Department of Education has been slow to respond. The department says it became aware during site works last month and will conduct further assessment during July school holidays. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Maddington lithium fire site remains a ticking time bomb

A lithium recycling facility in Maddington remains hazardous nearly three months after a major fire destroyed the site, with approximately 80 tonnes of batteries originally fuelling a five-hour inferno that sent toxic smoke across southern suburbs. Owner Justin Manton has ceased clean-up operations due to financial constraints and is calling for government intervention, warning that the remaining batteries pose a severe risk of self-combustion. The site experienced a second fire three weeks ago, and authorities are working to develop a long-term disposal plan for the hazardous material. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Pedestrian killed in Chelsea car park collision

A female pedestrian has been struck and killed by a car in a Chelsea shopping centre car park just after 11am. Emergency services treated the victim at the scene, but she died from her injuries. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with police. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.