Lifewise boss Haehaetu Barrett spoke at National Māori Housing Conference.

A trainee pilot who crashed a helicopter into a Melbourne home last year did not immediately identify an engine power loss, a report has found.

The pilot from Mt Martha was on his second solo flight returning to Moorabbin Airport when his approach became unstable, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau report.

The three-seat light helicopter collided with the roofs of two houses in Mentone on November 30, the pilot receiving serious injuries.

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"As the helicopter climbed to about 650 ft above ground level, the engine lost power," ATSB Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod said.

"While the pilot identified a reduction in performance at this time, they did not immediately recognise the engine had lost power."

The report found the pilot passed two suitable sites for a forced landing when they were troubleshooting the reduction in engine performance.

"When the pilot recognised a forced landing was required, they then did not identify a nearby football oval as the closest suitable area, possibly due to it being obscured by the airframe or instrument panel," Macleod said.

"Instead, they identified a school ground, and attempted a landing there, but collided with rooftops short of this intended location as the helicopter had insufficient height."

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Macleod acknowledged the challenges pilots face when confronted with a loss of engine power at low level, and with few suitable landing areas available.

"Pilots can best mitigate the effects of a power loss by forward planning, which reduces your mental workload under stress," he said.

"The engine power loss occurred at low height over a densely populated area presenting a challenging scenario for the inexperienced student pilot.

"While in this case, the selected landing location was unable to be reached, importantly, the pilot maintained control of the helicopter to maximise survivability."

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Australians have been warned the pandemic is "not over" as the government announced new measures to combat COVID-19. 

Health Minister Mark Butler said to expect another wave of coronavirus infections this year as he revealed about 160,000 more Australians would be eligible to take the antiviral drug Paxlovid to treat the virus from Saturday.

"This is not over," Butler said in Canberra today.

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"There will be future waves of Covid across the course of this year."

Australians aged 60 to 69 with just one risk factor will be eligible under the changes.

Previously, patients required two risk factors to access the drug.

"We know how effective Paxlovid and Molnupiravir – two oral antivirals – are in preventing severe disease and hospitalisation and death," Butler said.

"This will make a real difference to the experience of many tens of thousands of people aged in their 60s and take real pressure off the hospital system as well."

The government has also extended entitlements for aged care workers without leave who catch COVID-19.

They will still be able to access up to $750 per week through their employer.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it was difficult to tell if a "ripple" of rising coronavirus infections currently hitting Australia could turn into a "wave" but that he wouldn't be surprised if it did.

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"I don't have a crystal ball," he said.

"But in terms of future COVID waves, as (Butler) mentioned, I think we've got a ripple at the moment whether that will turn into a wave for the reasons I mentioned, and mentioned in my report, it's difficult to predict to the stage.

"But certainly, there has been an increase in numbers over the last few weeks as mentioned, but off a very low base."

Infections are not rising at the rate seen in the most recent summer and winter COVID-19 waves, Kelly said.

However, the top doctor said it is still crucial for Australians to remain up to date with their vaccinations. 

"The evidence that we've seen from the Australian experience is the same, as led to ATAGI's advice in relation to a dose of vaccine: if you have not had a vaccine or an infection in the last six months – that time since the last immunising event is really crucial," he said.

"So, very strong message particularly to people over the age of 65 and others with risk factors, is to get that vaccine now, don't wait."

The federal government will begin rolling out a new advertising campaign on Sunday to reinforce the importance of vaccinations.

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Another councillor will act as an intermediary between them.

If you're waiting to get your hand on your brand new car it may have become clear it is moving at a snail's pace – but there's a reason. 

With global supply chain issues and the pandemic causing extensive delays, waiting customers may have to hold on a little longer for their brand-new car as a new issue rears its head.

There are 1900 cars stuck at the Port of Brisbane for biosecurity concerns because they're contaminated with exotic snails, invasive weeds, and stink bugs.

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A total of seven cargo ships loaded with cars are also stuck off Queensland's coast as of Thursday.

The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry said there's been an 88 per cent increase in the number of new vehicles arriving in Australia with biosecurity risks.

The department also claims the cleaning capacity of commercial companies is responsible for the slow going.

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It's believed the cars have been left sitting in ports and paddocks in other countries while global supply chain issues wreak havoc which has caused the infiltration of insects and seeds.

The average wait time for a new car in Queensland is 134 days, radio station 4BC reported.

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An aged care worker has faced court after being charged with sexually assaulting an elderly resident.

Yoon Heok Choe was charged with three counts of rape on March 3.

The 47-year-old allegedly sexually assaulted a 79-year-old woman on three separate occasions while he worked at Southern Suburbs aged care facility between January and February this year.

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9News understands he has been stood down during the trial. 

The 47-year-old faced Christies Beach Magistrates Court this morning for less than a minute.

Choe is on bail and made no comment today.

He is yet to enter any pleas and will face court again in June.

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It didn't take long for Sami Abdul's home to flood after a flexi pipe burst in his Melbourne home.

Five months on and the 79-year-old has had to replace light fittings and flooring in his upstairs bathroom.

It's not an unique occurrence, with a peak insurance body telling 9News that burst flexi-hoses are a very "common issue".

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Flexi-hoses are often in bathrooms, and under sinks in the kitchen and laundry.

They are a common style of plumbing fitting which are used to connect water to taps and fixtures.

Bursting happens when they have rusted up, and are at the end of their working life.

According to insurance company Suncorp, burst flexi pipes account for one in 10 of their water claims.

"Burst flexi-hoses are unfortunately common, but they don't have to be," Suncorp Insurance Head of Home Claims Steven Hussey said.

"In most cases, a burst flexi-hose and damage caused by them is completely avoidable.

"Most flexi-hoses burst due to the breakdown of the external braiding material due to rust and corrosion or the effects of twisting, kinking or stretching – things that can all be monitored and prevented with ongoing care and maintenance."

Hussey warned that 24 hours is all it takes for a burst pipe to flood a home.

He said most claims also occur when people are on holidays, like at Easter time.

"As part of most insurance policies home owners have to keep home in working order, and make sure fittings aren't showing signs of wear and tear," he said.

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Two of the offending trio were sentenced in the Te Awamutu District Court today.

Revelations about the release of official information up the ante.

Soldier facing 17 charges of espionage and attempting to commit espionage.