Injured dirt bike rider flown to hospital

A DIRT bike rider who was seriously injured after crashing on a fire trail northwest of Sydney has been airlifted to hospital.

Ambulance and police officers staged a two-hour rescue effort for the 46-year-old man who was knocked unconscious after crashing off his bike at Colo Heights at about 10am on Saturday.

After friends of the Kurrajong man raised the alarm, ambulance paramedics hiked in and carried him out to a nearby property where they met a Careflight medical team who flew him to Westmead Hospital.

The CareFlight doctor said the man suffered leg and wrist fractures along with head and other injuries.

He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

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Swag maker among guests at royal reception

A GRAZIER, a swag maker and an Olympian are among the 224 Queenslanders invited to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Barry Hughes, from the farmers' advocacy group Northhead, wants to tell Prince William about the plight of drought-stricken Queensland producers.

"I know he's well and truly aware of the issue otherwise I wouldn't have been invited," he told AAP.

"I know he'll give some kind words of compassion."

The last time William was in Queensland, it was to console victims of the 2011 floods that devastated parts of Brisbane and Ipswich.

Olympian Sally Pearson says she's met the Queen and it will be "an absolute honour" to meet the Duke and Duchess.

Pearson, who is dressed in a stylish knee-length orange dress, doesn't have anything in particular to say and says she'll only speak to them if they seek her out.

"I know the protocol," the gold medallist laughed, as guests waited for the royal couple to arrive at Brisbane's South Bank precinct.

"This is the future King and Queen, it's so exciting."

Jean Madden, who runs Street Swags, will give the Duchess a swag on behalf of her charity, and a dress designed by Sasha Drake "on behalf of all the women in Queensland".

"I've met the Duke before and spoken about my charity, hopefully he'll remember me and I'll have a few minutes with Duchess this time."

The royal entourage arrived at the reception venue at 2.13pm.

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Action against lobbyists needed: NSW Labor

NSW's new premier Mike Baird has pledged to clamp down on lobbyists and donations. Source: AAP

JUST hours into his new job as NSW premier, Mike Baird has been asked by his opposite to detail a plan to "tackle the toxic culture" of backroom players and their proximity to politics.

Mr Baird has also been hit with questions about his appointment of Liberal lobbyist and fundraiser Nick Di Girolamo to the board of Sydney Water in mid 2012, a lucrative taxpayer-funded gig.

Mr Di Girolamo has featured significantly in the most recent Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry.

His gift of a $3000 bottle of 1959 Grange led to Barry O'Farrell resigning as premier this week after misleading the corruption watchdog about whether he had received it.

Responding to Opposition Leader John Robertson's call on Friday to "come clean and explain" Mr Di Girolamo's appointment to the Sydney Water board, Mr Baird sought to distance himself.

"There was an independent panel that put together some recommendations, spoke about the suitability of candidates, that candidate has gone to cabinet and that cabinet has made the full decision," he said on the Manly foreshore during his first day as premier.

He says he understands why the questions are being asked.

"Was that decision right? In hindsight, clearly not. Did people know what was transpiring? No, they didn't," he said.

Mr Baird said he would "certainly" undertake reforms relating to donations and lobbyists while in office, before taking a swipe at Mr Robertson and his party.

"If you want to be serious about reforms, take a look at your own side," he said.

But when asked what action his government would take, Mr Baird had only a vague answer.

The electorate, he said, "had spoken on donations and lobbyists" and it was critical to retain their trust.

"I believe the community has strong trust in the government and the actions it has taken over its three years but we need enhance it," he said.

"We will be responding."

Mr Baird will spend Easter compiling a cabinet he says won't be structured to placate factions.

The new premier, who as treasurer supported the sale of the state's $30 billion "poles and wires" electricity infrastructure, said decisions to liquidate government assets would be "done with a mandate".

But Mr Robertson said selling poles and wires would be bad for consumers.

"If Mike Baird proceeds to sell poles and wires it will be a disaster for NSW, a disaster for those families who've already seen power prices rise on average by $650 a year in just three years under this Liberal government."

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Show stoppers for William and Kate

THE Duke of Cambridge picked up a tip for Halloween, the duchess shared one of Prince George's favourite meals, and they met a sheep with a special royal connection.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got a taste of regional Australia on Friday in more ways than one when they visited Sydney's Royal Easter Show on Good Friday.

At the popular district exhibits display, the couple checked out the winning display, from the northern region, which might have been proud of its soft Alpaca wool.

But Kate commented on the fleece for other reasons.

"The princess said (the Duke) should put some on his head," said Lyn Cregan, 67, from Glen Innes.

"She pointed at him and said 'You need it more than me.' He laughed."

When Ms Cregan revealed she used hair lacquer on the pumpkins to give them extra shine, the Duke said he would try the trick next Halloween.

While admiring piles of root vegetables in the South East Queensland display, Kate told preserve maker Diana Lisle that George is particularly fond of sweet potatoes.

Hundreds watched the couple move through through the hall, viewing exhibits from producers from across NSW. The displays are the largest of their kind in the world, with more than 10,000 fresh pieces of produce on display.

The couple tasted wild berry and macadamia nougat and chocolates, and scores of presents were pressed into their minders' arms, including half a dozen Easter eggs, baby clothes, fudge and tea.

A trolley was brought to cope with the flow as the crowds passed books, Possum Magic and Peppa Pig toys, and bouquets.

The couple unveiled a plaque in the new Southee and Badgery Pavilion, home to the Show's arts and crafts, fashion and style and flower and garden displays.

Kate, a keen photographer, paid special attention to the pavilion's photography display.

She told Alison Renwick, former chair of the arts and crafts pavilion, that she enjoyed taking photos, and painting and drawing.

"She said she doesn't get much time for it anymore," Ms Renwick said.

But it was Cox Pavilion that seemed to hold special interest for William, who in March completed a University of Cambridge 10-week course in agricultural management.

There they met Fred the six-year-old ram, who had been taught to bow for the occasion, and watched shearers in action.

Wool from Fred's Merino fleece went into a suit that was presented to the Duke on the occasion of his wedding.

At the Wool for School exhibit, Kate met last year's winner, Sophie Aylward, from Kinross Wollaroi School in Orange, whose winning design was a blue woollen dress for the Duchess.

The couple were due to sign the Show's visitors book on leaving, but made time to receive posies on their way out.

They didn't, however, have time to pick up a Bertie Beetle showbag.

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Serious concerns for missing man

A MAN who went missing on his way to work in NSW's central west may have travelled north, police say.

Wayne Logan, 33, left his home on Mengarvie Road, Parkes around 3am (AEST) on Monday.

His family reported him missing when he did not arrive at work or return home and police have serious concerns for his welfare.

It is believed Mr Logan has ties in Queensland and may have headed towards the border, a police spokeswoman told AAP.

But he also may frequent Forster on the mid-north coast.

Mr Logan has a fair complexion with black hair, brown eyes and a goatee beard.

He is 170-180cm tall and has a solid build and was last seen wearing a fluorescent orange shirt and blue pants.

He was driving an orange 2007 Toyota Camry Sportivo with NSW registration WL666.

Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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Cambridges touch down in Australia

THE plane carrying the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George has arrived in Sydney for the start of their 10-day Australian visit.

They flew in from Wellington after charming New Zealanders on the first part of their tour.

Kate, who was carrying eight-month-old George, and Prince William stepped out the RAAF jet on schedule just after 2.35pm.

The Duchess was wearing a form-fitting, slimline bright yellow dress.

The yellow and white dress is by Serbian-born, London-based designer Roksanda Ilincic. The yellow was to reflect the gold of Australia's national colours - green and gold.

Prince George, in a white romper suit, "shook" the hand of Governor-General Peter Cosgrove's wife, Lynne.

Kate later handed George over to Prince William to accept a posy of Australian native flowers.

Also on hand to meet the royal family were NSW Governor Marie Bashir and her husband Nicholas Shehadie and Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his wife Margie.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and his wife Rosemary withdrew from the official party following the premier's decision to stand down earlier on Wednesday.

The informal welcome was over fairly quickly. So far Sydney is putting on a sunny, slightly windy day, which is in stark contrast to the royal family's 10 days in New Zealand, where it rained most of the time.

The duke and duchess will now head to the Opera House for a civic reception to be hosted by Governor Bashir, while George is taken to Admiralty House.

A large crowd is ready to meet Kate and William as they undertake their first official function of the 10-day Australian visit.

It's expected about 400 guests will attend the reception inside the Opera House, including former Australian cricket fast bowler Glenn McGrath and Australian Women's Cricket team member Ellyse Perry, along with children dressed to represent all the nations competing in the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

The royals are expected to mingle with members of the public before being taken by police boat to Admiralty House where they will be hosted by Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove.

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Man coaxed down from Melbourne crane

A MAN who climbed a crane high above a Melbourne street has been removed by police.

The man scaled the crane, on top of a 55-storey building in Elizabeth Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning, police spokeswoman Sergeant Creina O'Grady said.

"We brought him down about 6am (AEST). We negotiated with him and he came down," she said.

"At this stage we are not sure why he was there."

The man is in custody and has been taken away for assessment.

He was safe and well despite a chilly night above the city, where temperatures dipped as low as 10 degrees.

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Qld public servants 'linked to crime gang'

AT least one Queensland government employee is allegedly part of a drug syndicate accused of smuggling $18 million worth of cannabis across the state in recent months.

Police allege the criminal network sourced cannabis from Victoria and distributed it to the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville.

Detective Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said at least 1.5 tonnes of cannabis had been transported in the last 12 months, with most of it flown to Brisbane's airport.

He said the alleged offenders made more than 40 trips to Queensland from Victoria, packing up to 25 kilograms of drugs into suitcases.

"Given the security of the airport, it's an interesting turn of events that they can bring this amount through," he said.

"They secreted it quite well to avoid drug detection dogs."

One or more Queensland government employees were involved but Supt Knowles declined to say which department they worked for.

"We did identify a link between this organisation and a person or persons in a government department," he said.

"We have certainly closed down the Queensland chapter of this syndicate."

The matter has been referred to Queensland's Crime and Misconduct Commission, which investigates criminal activity in the state's public service.

The 12-month police operation - known as Kilo Zurich - seized cannabis and amphetamines, valued at more than $1 million and $222,500 in cash, and included investigations in NSW and Victoria.

It's also alleged the syndicate had a $6 million portfolio of expensive real estate, heavy machinery, cars, boats and caravans, which have been confiscated.

A stash of stolen property came from a Guanaba home, on the Gold Coast hinterland, last month.

Twenty-one people from Queensland, NSW and Victoria have been arrested.

More than 40 charges have been laid, including trafficking dangerous drugs, supply of dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and drug utensils.

Police say more arrests are expected.

Extradition orders are being made for interstate offenders to face a Queensland court under the Newman government's anti-bikie law, known as the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment legislation.

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Tech start-ups call for government support

ADVOCATES of Australia's tech start-up sector have called on governments to do more to support the fledging industry.

A report from industry group StartupAUS warns Australia significantly lags behind other developed economies in investment in the sector.

Australia invested just $4.50 per capita in venture capital for start-ups in 2013, compared to $120 in Israel, $85 in the US, $20 in South Korea and $15 in the UK.

"Over the last two decades many countries have recognised that high-growth, technology-based businesses are important drivers of economic growth and a growing number of governments have responded by launching programs to systematically invest in the creation and support of high-growth companies," the report says.

"Australia has not kept pace and has under-invested in catalysing and supporting its high-tech industries."

StartupAUS' report points to research commissioned by Google Australia which found the tech start-up sector could be worth more than $100 billion to the Australian economy, and make up four per cent of gross domestic product within 20 years.

StartupAUS is calling on governments to help create a suitable economic climate to foster growth in the sector, by increasing subsidies and reducing regulatory barriers.

It argues that while Australia has produced a string of highly successful tech start-up companies, including Freelancer and Atlassian in recent years, many entrepreneurs and businesses had to leave the country in search of success.

"We have witnessed a concerning trend for fast-growing Australian technology companies to leave Australia in search of talent, capital and more favourable regulatory environments."

The report also argues a stronger tech sector would help diversify the Australia economy, relieving some of its reliance on the mining sector.

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Woolworths in breach of ACCC agreement

SUPERMARKET giant Woolworths breached an agreement it had with the competition watchdog over its fuel discount scheme, the Federal Court has found.

Woolworths and its rival Coles agreed to limit their fuel discounts for shoppers to four cents per litre in a deal struck with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in December last year.

But only months after the undertaking was forged, the ACCC took the retailers to court alleging they were in breach of this agreement by offering larger discounts to shoppers who also spend money on groceries in their service stations.

In the case of Woolworths, the ACCC argued this breach occurred over two periods.

The first was from January 1 to March 9 this year, while the second dated from March 10.

On Monday, the Federal Court found that Woolworths was in breach of the agreement in the first time instance but not in the second.

The court also dismissed the ACCC's claim against Coles.

In the instance where Woolworths was found to be in breach, the ACCC had argued that customers were able to obtain an eight cent per litre discount on fuel if they spent at least $30 in a Woolworths supermarket as well as $5 or more at a petrol station.

The ACCC said this fell squarely within the terms of the undertaking as "neither component of the total discount could be obtained unless the customer had spent the requisite sum in a supermarket".

Woolworths, though, made a number of arguments as to why it did not breach the agreement, including that the discount offers should be regarded as "separate".

But on Monday, Justice Alan Robertson disagreed with the supermarket giant, saying it was in breach.

This was because the total discount was not only double the four cents agreed to with the ACCC but that it was also contingent on customers spending money on non-fuel goods.

Likewise, in relation to the Coles case, Justice Robertson said although the total discount that customers were potentially able to get at the fuel pump was well above the four cents - at 14 cents per litre - the full offer was not linked to supermarket purchases.

"In my opinion, four cents per litre of the offer only was contingent on supermarket purchases and 10 cents per litre of the offer only was contingent on an acquisition of goods or services from Coles Express."

Therefore, he found they were not in breach.

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