News in brief

Curti death cops could face charges

The Police Integrity Commission (PIC) has recommended “consideration” be given to prosecuting up to five police officers over the death of Brazilian student Roberto Laudisio Curti. Mr Curti, 21, died on March 18 last year after he was chased by up to 11 police officers through Sydney’s CBD for stealing two packets of biscuits from a convenience store while affected by LSD. Once captured, he was tasered at least nine times and three cans of capsicum spray were used before his pulse and breathing stopped. The PIC did not reveal the nature of the possible charges or the officers’ identities.

Back to the future for Mardi Gras

The annual Sydney Mardi Gras Parade will once again be known as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, after Mardi Gras members voted on Saturday to reinstate the event’s previous name. The event, which had its name changed to the ‘Sydney Mardi Gras Parade’ in 2011 in a bid to become “more inclusive” will be known as the ‘Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade’ from 2014. The overall festival will become the ‘Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival’, also having the words ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’ reinstated.

Smarter, greener, richer businesses

A Sydney Water grant with matching funding from the City of Sydney Council will target 200 businesses – including hotels, restaurants and retailers – to implement water, waste and energy strategies offering collective annual savings of $2 million. The Smart Green Business program builds on the City of Sydney’s previous work with businesses to reduce costs and environmental impacts. “As Australia’s largest city we are in a unique position to demonstrate how simple, practical changes can add together to make large environmental and financial savings,” said Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. The project aims to save 600 megalitres of water per year and reduce carbon pollution by 7,000 tonnes per annum.