Evelyn Leckie
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@abcnews reporter | Formerly digital @InsidersABC / @OffsidersABC | Usual caveats | Got a story? Leckie.Evelyn@abc.net.au
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Articles by Evelyn Leckie
Police investigate reports of fights at Henley Beach, Glenelg
Videos have emerged online of people fighting at Glenelg and Henley Beach, with hundreds of teens spectating. Police say a small number of individuals were involved in the fights as others watched on but most of the crowd had dispersed when officers arrived. Acting Assistant Commissioner David O’Donovan says police are examining various social media platforms to identify the level of organisation behind the brawls.
National bird flu campaign released as pressure mounts to import trial sea lion vaccine
The Federal Government has launched a national education campaign on the H5N1 bird flu to provide "practical advice" to Australians on what to do if they come across sick or dead birds. It comes as 652 bird flu events have been recorded across the country, with 319 in SA, 67 in NSW, two in QLD, 45 in Tasmania, 208 in Victoria and 10 in WA.
Gus Lamont's parents 'desperate for answers' almost a year on since son's disappearance
In the days and months Gus Lamont has been gone from their lives, his parents say the boy has missed out on his fifth birthday and his baby brother's milestones. Jess and Josh have spoken out on camera for the first time in an emotional plea for answers as the first anniversary of Gus's disappearance approaches on Sunday. In a video shared by SA Police on Wednesday, the pair sat stoically together, sharing their heartbreak over their son's absence.
Midwives to help examine sexual assault victim-survivors in SA move to reduce wait times
Skilled midwives can now conduct forensic examinations in sexual assault cases to reduce lengthy waits for victim-survivors after SA Health figures showed there were only 12 trained staff in the state. Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the new regulations are now in effect in response to a recommendation in the SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, which was handed down in August last year.
Court documents show Integrity Care director had drug problem
Exclusive by Evelyn Leckie A former co-director of a company that oversaw Ann Marie Smith's care was captured on a listening device admitting she has a drug problem after she was asked to leave her workplace to seek help, court documents show. Former Integrity Care SA (ICSA) director Amy June Collins is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to a category one charge of reckless conduct, "the most serious" breach under the Work Health and Safety Act.
Crows fans commiserate loss while celebrating Tex Walker's career
Crows fans were flying high before their grand final dreams were smashed by the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba with a 53-point feat on Saturday night. Fans who could not make it to the game in Brisbane gathered at venues around Adelaide to watch the match. At half-time the Crows trailed by 38 points but some fans remained optimistic. "It's going to be a grind to get back in it, we were nearly there, weren't we," Lee Mason said during the break in play. Others though were not so sure.
SA records first bird flu case in sea lion, DPI says
South Australia has recorded its first confirmed detection of H5 bird flu in an Australian sea lion. The Department of Primary Industries says the sea lion was found at Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island. The entire sea lion population is estimated to be fewer than 10,000, with 85 per cent in South Australia and the remaining 15 per cent in Western Australia. Last month, the virus was detected in a long-nosed fur seal in SA's south-east, marking Australia's first positive case in a mammal. Loading
Greyhound trainer handed lifetime ban for failing to disclose dog's leg fracture to new owner
A greyhound trainer has been found "entirely unfit" to participate in the industry, with the governing body in South Australia issuing a lifetime ban and a $5,000 fine for dishonestly negotiating the transfer of an injured dog to another trainer. Jack Clayton Trengove, who is from a prominent Broken Hill racing family, was already suspended for previous animal welfare-related matters.
Jury played secret recording, police interview of accused parent killer Raelene Polymiadis
A Supreme Court jury has heard a covert police recording of an Adelaide woman accused of murdering her parents allegedly praying to God for help to stay calm but "show emotion" as she drove to a police interview. The woman can also be heard making sounds in between praying, prosecutors have previously explained the accused was recorded "speaking in tongues".
Former support worker gives evidence during inquest into death of boy sleeping rough in Port Lincoln skip bin
An inquest is examining the circumstances around the death of a 13-year-old boy, who was sleeping rough in an industrial skip bin at Port Lincoln in 2021. A woman who worked at an Aboriginal support service tells the inquest that police and government staff did not understand her organisation's approach of managing children. The inquest is expected to hear from agencies including the Department for Child Protection.
Court hears boy who died sleeping rough in Port Lincoln skip bin was missing for days
A coronial inquest into the death of a 13-year-old First Nations boy who died after sleeping rough in an industrial skip bin has heard he was missing for five days before his death. WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died, used with the permission of their family.
Mother of school librarian misdiagnosed with migraine before fatal stroke urges clinicians to listen
An Adelaide woman incorrectly diagnosed with a migraine was twice failed by the health system in the lead-up to her death from a stroke, according to a deputy coroner who recommended that families be given more opportunity to raise red flags when their "concerns are not being taken seriously".
'Unusual' flu trend with South Australian cases to spike later than expected, health chief says
An "unusual" flu trend will likely see more people sneezing and reaching for their tissues after the peak winter season, South Australia's health experts say. SA's Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier said the number of flu cases have only just started picking up in the last few weeks in the state. "We've had an unusual year, because we've only just started to see the flu numbers tick up — and look at us, we're in August," Professor Spurrier said.
Fears shared on Australia reaching bleak milestone in the spread of H5 bird flu
Citizen scientists Johanna Williams and Susan Belperio have been witnessing dead birds wash up on their beloved Glenelg Beach since South Australia's harmful algal bloom began last year. But both bird enthusiasts said finding sick birds since the H5 bird flu arrived in Australia has been even more disturbing. "Seeing dying and suffering birds has been quite distressing, so is the idea of the anticipation of what might happen," Ms Williams said.
First H5 bird flu case confirmed on SA metro beach
The CSIRO says two native birds found dead on separate beaches in South Australia have tested positive for the H5 strain of bird flu. It is the first time a case has been confirmed on a SA metropolitan beach. The two additional cases were flagged yesterday as suspected cases. A greater crested tern was found near Robe on South Australia's Limestone Coast, while another greater crested tern was found at a beach ramp near the Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club, north-west of Adelaide.
Victim of antisemitic attack wants graffiti to remain to show family was targeted
An Adelaide property has been vandalised with antisemitic messages and symbols on the home's fence and door. Property owner Rosti Sverdlov said he does not want to clean up the graffiti because he wants the public to see his family was targeted. Police want to speak to two people caught on CCTV arriving at the property in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Pensioner criticises SA government’s promotion of Origin’s concession scheme after prices change
By Evelyn Leckie The South Australian government is facing increasing criticism over an Origin Energy electricity offer that was promoted to pensioners in the lead-up to the state election, after the company introduced a new pricing structure for the 2026/2027 financial year. Pensioner Pauline Fowles said she received a letter from the state government before the March election, promoting potential energy savings with Origin Energy.
Pensioner criticises SA government's promotion of Origin's concession scheme after prices change
Pauline Fowles is joining other pensioners criticising the SA government's promotion of Origin Energy's concessions scheme ahead of the March election. The government sent letters to concessions holders early this year promoting Origin's 20 per cent discount on electricity usage, but in the new financial year Origin introduced an increase of 53 cents a day on the daily supply charge. The government says it does not set the energy prices for companies.
Rescue organisations say they need clear guidelines as vets turn away wild birds
A wildlife rescue organisation is calling for support to set up a facility that can treat and quarantine sick birds after South Australia detected its first case of H5N1 bird flu on Wednesday. It comes as several metropolitan and regional vets have posted on social media that their clinics will not be accepting wild birds. Do not touch it. Take note of the location and, if possible, take photos. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.
Man who saw first sick H5N1 bird in SA says giant petrel appeared fatigued
A surfer who spotted the first bird in South Australia to test positive for H5N1 avian influenza says the giant petrel looked fatigued and distressed before it was retrieved by wildlife rescuers. Ben Wood told 891 ABC Adelaide a southern giant petrel landed where the waves were breaking during a bodyboarding competition at Knights Beach, in the Fleurieu Peninsula, on June 14. "[It] got hit by a couple of waves and was washed up to the beach," Mr Wood said.
Third Australian H5N1 bird flu case confirmed as virus found in South Australia Original
By Cason Ho and Evelyn Leckie, ABC A third confirmed case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu has been found in a migratory bird on Australia's southern coast. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the state recorded the avian influenza in a giant petrel found at Knights Beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula. He said two sick birds came into the care of a local wildlife rescue group on June 14.
Sarah Game won't rule out introducing further bill to restrict late term abortion
Family First upper house MLC Sarah Game has not ruled out introducing another bill restricting late-term abortion access, after her proposed legislation to restrict abortions after 25 weeks failed in the lower house last night. Ms Game's bill passed the upper house yesterday afternoon 10 votes to 9 with the support of three newly-elected One Nation MPs, but was voted down in the lower house 36 votes to 9, following less than two hours of debate.
Socceroos boast heavy Adelaide connection — here's how SA turned out to support them
Thousands of South Australian soccer fans gathered in the city to support the Socceroos' momentous defeat over Türkiye on Sunday. The game was made even better with Adelaide's own Nestory Irankunda scoring the first half-opener, leading to Australia's 2-0 victory. Gathered at The Drive, the 6,000 person venue was mostly packed with green and gold fans, with outnumbered Turkish supporters just as eager to chant support behind their team.
Homelessness service sees 'concerning' changing demographic in SA clients
A South Australian homelessness service says it is seeing a changing client demographic as cost of living and housing pressures intensify. It comes after a week of severe winds, torrential rain and frosty nights across much of the state this week, which also led to an acute spike in demand for support. Hutt St Centre CEO Chris Burns said the centre had experienced 42 per cent growth in demand over the past four years as a consequence of the cost of living and the housing crisis.
Government doing 'everything in our power' to keep SA safe from paedophile Peter Liddy
The South Australian Attorney-General says the government is doing everything in its power to protect the community ahead of notorious paedophile Peter Liddy being released from jail next month. The 83-year-old former magistrate was jailed in 2001 for the sexual abuse of four children between 1983 and 1986, but his prison term is due to expire on June 4.
Long-service leave win for SA teacher after she takes up fight following parenting break
After 11 years of teaching in New South Wales, Rachel Toyer decided to move to Adelaide before embarking on a solo IVF journey. "I thought that doing it here in SA, which felt like such a progressive place, I thought this was where I'd want to be as a solo mum by choice — in a new family type — and it's actually just been a constant disappointment," Ms Toyer said. Ms Toyer worked contract to contract at public schools from 2017, while hoping her dream of raising a child would become a reality.
Greyhound Racing SA employees fired after investigation into alleged wagering activity
Greyhound Racing SA has confirmed two of its employees have been sacked over alleged wagering activity. Five members of the integrity team were stood down in March, pending an investigation, two have been reinstated and one resigned. Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce says the recent investigation was proof that the industry is trying to improve.
Interstate fans say keep Gather Round in Adelaide as AFL boss probed on why AFLW not part of the program
Crows AFLW player Ebony Marinoff has questioned AFL CEO Andrew Dillon on why the women's program hasn't been part of the successful Gather Round in Adelaide, labelling it a missed opportunity on ABC's Offsider's program. "[It's] almost ridiculous that we're not playing in it, I'm not sure why not?" Marinoff asked Dillon.
Shane Wanganeen sentenced for neglect of 7yo son Makai
A father who "prolonged his child's suffering" by failing to get him medical attention for 16 hours before his death, has been sentenced to 19 months in prison. WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name of a person who has died. Readers are also advised this story contains details that some may find distressing.
SA Liberal candidate ejected from the state election race after podcast comments
SA Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn has disendorsed one of her candidates for the upcoming state election, after commentary on Islam, feminism, same-sex marriage and "the trans agenda" came to light on an American podcast. Carston Woodhouse also made comments opposing a 2024 ban on the Nazi salute and swastika in South Australia, which aired at a Labor press conference this morning. Ms Hurn said she did not agree with his comments.
More views of SA Liberal candidate emerge saying Islam 'poisonous, wrong', trans agenda 'insanity'
More views by Liberal Party candidate and evangelical Christian Carston Woodhouse have emerged with the Adelaide man saying Islam is "poisonous and wrong" and saying the trans agenda is"insanity." Warning: This story contains content some readers might find distressing. Mr Woodhouse is running for the northern suburbs seat of Wright in the upcoming state election.
SA Liberal Party candidate says 'homosexuality is not real' and 'feminism is demonic'
A Liberal candidate for the upcoming state election says "same sex marriage is not real", "feminism is demonic," and has questioned what "demonic realms" might be opened up to the world when "you accept homosexuality". Carston Woodhouse, candidate for the seat of Wright in Adelaide's northern suburbs, has participated in several evangelical religious American podcasts on the 'ElijahFire' podcast. His candidate introduction on the Liberal Party website makes no mention of his views.
Labor promises to wipe public school fees from 2027 while Liberals set target for zero litter in oceans within a decade
Labor has vowed to abolish public school fees for primary and high school students from 2027, if it's returned to Government at the March 21 election. The cost for annual materials and services charge for primary students was $382 and $723 for secondary students per year. Making an announcement at Grange in the safe Labor seat of Lee, Labor leader Peter Malinauskas said the move would save about 90,000 families an average of more than $8,000 per child across their schooling.
Labor releases audio of Liberal MP backtracking on $495 million cost of living policy at private event
South Australia's Treasurer claims the Liberal Party has quietly dumped one of its major $495 million policies less than six weeks out from the state election. Tom Koutsantonis said on Wednesday, Shadow Water Minister Nicola Centofanti spoke to a private industry event hosted by the Australian Water Association of SA, announcing the Liberals would dump its commitment to reverse a 3.5 per cent hike in water bills, needed to fund essential infrastructure for housing.
Woman accused of 'repeatedly encouraging' partner to suicide granted bail
An Adelaide woman accused of repeatedly encouraging her partner to take his own life has been granted home detention bail. WARNING: This story contains details that some readers may find distressing. Jacinta Ann Drust has been charged with the manslaughter of her partner, who died in March 2023.
Increased police powers begin at Adelaide Oval Ashes Test following Bondi attacks
South Australian Police will be carrying rifles and exercising additional weapon and drug search powers at the Adelaide Oval during the Third Ashes Test, following the Bondi terror attack on Sunday. As the first day of the Test kicked off this morning, SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said every bag would be searched and asked for the crowd's patience as they entered the oval each day.
'Best signs we've seen': SA algal testing shows positive signs ahead of peak summer period
South Australian government officials say they have seen the "best signs" in a "long time" in the latest round of algal bloom monitoring. Marine scientist Mike Steer confirmed on Thursday that the latest results were "fantastic timing" ahead of peak summer temperatures. "Looks like positive signs — the best signs we've seen for a long time," Mr Steer said. "If you go back to mid-October when we were experiencing cell counts in the millions and high levels of chlorophyll A.
SA courts close amid escalating dispute over correctional services pay
Strike action involving prison officers and other public sector workers has again escalated, forcing the closure of South Australia's major courts and causing disruptions to case hearings, which will now be rescheduled. The Public Service Association's SA general secretary Charlotte Watson said sheriff's officers had today voted to join a 24-hour work stoppage, amid a protracted pay dispute with the state government.
SA opposition pledges $21m fishing licence buyback amid toxic algal bloom
Commercial fishers affected by the algal bloom could exit the industry under a licence buyback plan if the Liberals win the next South Australian election. A Yorke Peninsula fisher says a vast number of commercial fishers would welcome the opportunity. Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven says the policy lacks details.
SA Education Minister calls for urgent national inquiry as asbestos sand sites climb to more than 450
South Australia's education chief has called for a national inquiry into how coloured play sand contaminated with asbestos was imported into the country. The number of sites that have reported stocking the product has climbed to more than 450 in South Australia, according to an updated post on the SA Education Department's website.
South Australian woman wins four-year court battle over $104 parking fine
A woman has won a four-year legal battle over a $104 parking fine issued by an Adelaide council. The City of Playford has been ordered to pay 20 per cent of the woman's $52,896 appeal costs. The council says it was defending a "fundamental point of law with far-reaching implications for South Australia’s entire expiation system". A South Australian woman has won a four-year legal battle against an Adelaide council after challenging a $104 parking fine.
An accused serial killer was arrested 21 years after allegedly murdering his first victim. This is how his trial has unfolded
Accused serial killer Steven Leslie Hainsworth has sat silently in the South Australian Supreme Court dock for two months, intently listening to the details of three cold case murders that he denies were his doing. Throughout the trial, he has often leant slightly forward, at times narrowing his eyes as he focuses on every word. On the prosecution case, Mr Hainsworth's crimes date back 26 years and span from Adelaide's north to the far south of the state.
South Australian upper house narrowly votes down late-term abortion law amendments
South Australia's upper house has narrowly voted down a proposal to amend abortion laws that would have required people wanting to terminate their pregnancy after 28 weeks to deliver their baby alive. The amendments, proposed by Liberal MP Ben Hood, would have required women seeking to terminate a pregnancy from 28 weeks to instead undergo an induced birth, with babies to then be adopted.
Foodbank Hunger Report reveals troubling meal-skipping trend among low-income earners as millions experience 'severe' food insecurity
Disability pensioner Toni Ottens and her husband Rodney have made thousands of home cooked meals for people in need over the years. But Ms Ottens said she had noticed a lot more families were running out of food. "There's a lot of times I will go to places and the shelves are just empty — there's nothing there," she said. The Adelaide woman said she had also recently struggled to cook the same amount of food for others as she had in the past.
Tomato virus outbreak leaves migrant farm workers facing battle to ‘make ends meet’
With three SA tomato businesses, including a major supplier, forced into quarantine because of the outbreak of a crop virus, workers like Sharon Tarisesei have lost their jobs, and are apprehensive about securing future employment. Powered by the Echo RSS Plugin by CodeRevolution.
Tomato virus outbreak leaves hundreds of migrant farm workers facing battle to 'make ends meet'
Among the dozens who have lost their jobs at one of Australia's largest tomato production companies is migrant worker Sharon Tarisesei, who says many of her colleagues are feeling apprehensive. Ms Tarisesei picked tomatoes in the glasshouse at Perfection Fresh, but the detection of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) at three farms in the Adelaide Plains last month has left hundreds of her colleagues in limbo.
Women to be induced from 28 weeks instead of getting abortions under proposed SA law changes
People who want to terminate their pregnancy after 28 weeks could be required to instead deliver their baby alive under proposed changes to laws in South Australia that decriminalised abortion three years ago. Liberal MP Ben Hood will introduce a bill in the SA upper house on Wednesday so that people pregnant for more than 27 weeks and six days would be induced instead of getting an abortion.
Allegedly fraudulent independent MP Troy Bell says allegations are 'misguided' and 'misleading'
The lawyer for an independent South Australian MP accused of stealing more than $400,000 from not-for-profit educational organisations has told a jury the prosecution's case has "more holes than a Balfours crumpet". Troy Stephen Bell, 50, is standing trial in the District Court after pleading not guilty to 20 counts of theft and six counts of dishonest dealing with documents, allegedly committed between 2009 and 2013.
Teenage hammer-throwing victim 'fighting for his life' after 'tragic' accident at suburban sports ground
A young teenager critically injured in a hammer-throwing accident in Adelaide's inner-north is "fighting for his life" in hospital, with police describing the situation as "tragic" and saying enquiries would be made regarding the circumstances surrounding it. The 13-year-old ChristianBrothers College student was rushed to hospital on Thursday evening after the incident at St Albans Reserve at Clearview.
Expert says 'honour-based' violence on the rise after Adelaide family jailed over car park stabbing
On a Tuesday morning in broad daylight, a young woman is bundled into the back seat of a car outside an Adelaide shopping centre. WARNING: The details in this story might be distressing to some readers. She hadn't expected to see her father that morning, but her screams filled the car park as he ran towards her with a large kitchen knife, stabbing the 21-year-old multiple times. Moments before the attack, she was resisting her mother and sister's attempts to force her into their family car.
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