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Sydney news: Industrial action hits city and regional rail causing delays across network

NSW train commuters may face further disruption on Tuesday. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

Here's what you need to know this morning.

Delays across rail network 

There are delays on most of Sydney's rail network, along with some regional areas due to ongoing industrial action.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union said train crews are not operating trains that do not meet minimum maintenance standards.

A train strike is expected across parts of the state tomorrow.

Jamie Wallace from the Transport Management Centre said there are major delays this morning.

"There are delays on the T1 north shore and western line, as well as the T2 inner west and Leppington line. T3 Bankstown, T8 Airport and south line," he said.

"There are no trains running on the T7 Olympic park line, [and] we also have a couple of service cancellations on the Blue Mountains line."

Union calls for Joyce to resign

The union wants the Qantas boss to resign after Mr Joyce apologised to customers. (AAP: Mick Tsikas)

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is calling on Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to resign following an apology sent to customers.

Mr Joyce sent a video message to all frequent flyers apologising for the recent delays and travel chaos.

"Over the past few months, too many of you have had flights delayed, flights cancelled and bags misplaced," he said.

Frequent flyers are also being offered a $50 voucher for some return flights as well as other incentives.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said the apology was a stunt that would not resolve the underlying issues.

"This is Alan Joyce at his absolute worst, 50 bucks he says will fix this crisis," Mr Kaine said.

"No, what's needed is Alan Joyce to resign and for the federal government to put in place a safe and secure skies commission and an independent body that can make decisions in aviation in the publics interest."

Business confidence drops to lockdown levels

Businesses cannot get staff to optimise revenue, a recent survey shows. (ABC News: Lexy Hamilton-Smith)

A new survey shows business confidence in New South Wales has dropped to levels last seen during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Business NSW said its latest quarterly business conditions survey shows businesses have been badly affected by rising costs, skills shortages and supply chain issues.

The survey was taken last month during the height of the latest COVID wave.

Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said access to staff was the number one problem.

"[It's] a really, really tight labour market and [there's] a skills shortage so people cannot get staff and they cannot optimise their revenue," he said.

Mr Hunter said it had also been a quiet winter with people staying home.

Over 1,100 businesses took part in the survey across the state.

Ministers under scrutiny at budget estimates

The Treasurer will be asked about John Barilaro's appointment to the US trade role. (Facebook: Matt Kean MP)

The state government is set to be put under increased scrutiny as budget estimates committee hearings begin today.

Over the next two-and-half weeks, ministers and senior public servants will be questioned under oath over a wide range of issues such as expenditure and performance.

Treasurer Matt Kean will appear first and is expected to be questioned over what he knew about John Barilaro's appointment to a lucrative New York trade job.

Attorney General Mark Speakman will also front the hearings today and is expected to be grilled over the government's delayed response to the ice inquiry.

Police probationary constable charged 

A police officer employed in Sydney's south-west has been charged following an investigation into alleged domestic violence offences.

The 34-year-old probationary constable was arrested last Wednesday and charged with stalking and intimidation intending to cause fear of physical or mental harm.

The officer has been granted conditional bail at Hornsby Local Court on September 6 and suspended with pay.

His arrest comes after an extensive investigation by officers from Sydney's North West Metropolitan Region.

Experts focus on biosecurity 

Millions of bees have been killed in a bid to contain the spread of the varroa mite. (Facebook: AgriFutures Australia)

Experts across the livestock sector are meeting to discuss how New South Wales can combat the growing number of threats to the industry.

Biosecurity measures have been ramped up to prevent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy-skin disease from entering the country.

Millions of bees have been euthanised as the government tries to contain the current varroa mite outbreak.

It is hoped the convention in Dubbo will lead to the implementation of better biosecurity measures to protect the agriculture industry.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the conference was timely.

"Previously Australia relied on its island status and the fact that we were a long way away from anywhere," he said.

"But we are a global country now and there are things moving in and out including tourism, but also meat products and other products that do put our way of life at risk."

Spike in working from home injuries 

A survey found 33 per cent of respondents had been working from their dining room table. (ABC News)

New research has found many Australians are yet to adopt safe working from home habits established since the pandemic began. 

A survey conducted by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) found 33 per cent of the 1,003 respondents had been working from their dining room table, 16 per cent from bed, and 15 per cent from their couch. 

ACA President Dr David Cahill said these habits can cause spinal issues.

"Eighty-six per cent [of ACA chiropractors] reported that many more of their patients are coming in with significant spinal issues … and we've identified that this has something to do with their workspace," he said.

"If that goes on for any length of time, the stress on the spine on the discs, particularly in the low back, can lead to more severe problems."

While offices are re-opening, many people are still opting to work remotely.

Sydney chiropractor Dr Kim Lie Jom said there are steps to follow to avoid injury while working from home. 

"The main thing is having a very good ergonomic chair with supportive back, one that's adjustable," he said. 

"You need also have your knees slightly lower than your hips when sitting at the chair."

Keeping laptops at eye level and moving around every 30 to 40 minutes is also important. 

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