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Health

Sydney news: NSW paramedics strike for 24 hours over staffing and wages

NSW Ambulance says today's industrial action by paramedics could lead to delays in services. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

Here's what you need to know this morning.

Paramedics take industrial action

NSW paramedics are staging a 24-hour ban on staff leaving their allocated station to fill gaps in the roster elsewhere. 

Staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of the action, which came into effect at midnight, in support of their call for better resourcing and a wage increase beyond the 2.5 per cent annual cap. 

The paramedics' union wants the Perrottet government to commit to hiring another 1,500 on-the-road staff.

"For two years we've been doing the impossible and we've been doing it with grit and fortitude to show up for our communities, but something has to give," said President of the Australian Paramedics Association (NSW), Chris Kastelan.

NSW Ambulance said the industrial action could cause disruptions and delays to services.

"Patient safety is always our priority and NSW Ambulance has operational plans to minimise disruption to the community during any such actions," a spokesperson said.

Seat of Willoughby remains too close to call

Independent candidate Larissa Penn said voters have sent a message to the Perrottet government.

The Independent candidate in the electorate of Willoughby, Larissa Penn, says she's relieved the voice of the community is "finally" being heard through a major swing in the seat against the government.

There's currently a 19 per cent swing towards Ms Penn, as counting continues.

A victory for the Liberal candidate Tim James is now in doubt.

The government has attempted to write off the swing as reflective of what happens to government's historically in by-elections, but Ms Penn disagrees.

"They are not just votes lost due to the exiting former premier and not necessarily a reaction to what is happening at a federal level," Ms Penn said.

"The people of Willoughby are sending a clear message to the NSW Premier that they want true representation, they will not be overlooked and they want to see change."

The Independent also campaigned on community concerns around the proposed Western Harbour and Beaches link tunnel.

Beaches closed after fatal shark attack

Randwick Council has closed its beaches for 24 hours following a fatal shark attack at Little Bay. (ABC News: Jake Lapham)

Randwick Council has closed all beaches from Clovelly south to La Perouse for 24 hours following a fatal shark attack at Little Bay.

Witnesses watched in horror as a swimmer was attacked by a large shark just after 4pm on Wednesday.

Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said it was the first fatal shark attack in the area in recent memory.

"To lose someone to a shark like this is chilling," he said.

"We are all in shock."

The Department of Primary Industries will today consider whether to install drumlines off the  beach to capture any sharks, which would then be released further offshore. 

New Chief Justice appointed

Justice Andrew Bell has been named as the new Chief Justice of NSW.  (Supplied. )

Justice Andrew Bell has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of New South Wales.

He will replace outgoing Chief Justice Tom Bathurst, who retires next month after more than a decade in the role.

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said Justice Bell would bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

"Justice Bell is incredibly hard-working and passionate not only about the law but about ensuring that it is applied impartially and fairly," he said.

Justice Julie Ward will replace Justice Bell as the President of the Court of Appeal.

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