Hospital escapees spark review + Charges over threat to kill Treasurer episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 19, 2026 · 16 MIN

Hospital escapees spark review + Charges over threat to kill Treasurer

from The Briefing · host LiSTNR

The NSW Government has announced a review after two men escaped from a mental health facility at a major Sydney hospital, and then allegedly went on to cause three deaths in separate incidents. Premier Chris Minns has admitted something has gone “badly wrong”, with many saying the mental health system is broken after decades of neglect from both sides of government.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Dr Angelo Virgona, President-Elect of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, who explains why our mental health system is failing so many people and why we need targeted funding at both the community and federal levels.  Headlines: A Sydney man has faced court charged with threatening to kill Treasurer Jim Chalmers, there are numerous reports that the US is mobilising its military ahead of possible strikes on Iran, and the Moto GP is heading to Adelaide.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Hospital escapees spark review + Charges over threat to kill Treasurer

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This episode was published on February 19, 2026.

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The NSW Government has announced a review after two men escaped from a mental health facility at a major Sydney hospital, and then allegedly went on to cause three deaths in separate incidents. Premier Chris Minns has admitted something has gone...

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