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First fuel shipments secured under new Strategic Reserve Powers

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

?The Albanese Labor Government has secured approximately 100 million litres of additional diesel for Australians, with two shipments coming from Brunei and South Korea.

This is the first of the expected shipments of fuel secured under the Government’s new Strategic Reserve powers.

Under these new powers, Export Finance Australia (EFA) has partnered with Viva Energy to make this purchase of more than 570,000 barrels of additional diesel possible.  

EFA has also agreed to commercial terms with Ampol, Park Fuels, and IOR. These agreements are supporting them to purchase the additional fuel needed to address regional shortages and critical supply gaps. 

Additional fuel can be directed to where it is needed most, including to our farmers, to our regional communities, and to the services that all Australians rely on.

The Government is only helping to acquire additional supply valuable for Australia’s fuel security, where it would be cost prohibitive for private suppliers to source on commercial terms without government support.

The Albanese Government is protecting Australians from the worst of this global challenge by securing the fuel needed to keep our nation and our people moving. 

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister

“This agreement strengthens Australia’s fuel security by ensuring additional cargoes are delivered to the domestic market when and where they are needed most.

“We’re taking every practical measure required to shield our nation and household budgets from the worst of this global uncertainty.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Farrell

“We know that the impacts of this conflict will be with us for some time, and we are taking every possible step to secure what Australians need to keep our country moving.”

“Our Strategic Reserve powers go further than fuel, they will secure the supply of strategic materials that are vital to our economy, including fertiliser and other goods impacted by the current conflict in the Middle East.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Bowen

“We are working with industry to shield Australians from global uncertainty and keep our nation moving.”

“These cargoes are additional to existing contracted supply, are required to remain in Australia and will be directed to the industries and regions which need them the most.”

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Homes can be rebuilt, lives can’t – leave early

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Long-time Gellibrand Fire Brigade member John Cochrane knows the risks of bushfires better than most, but when fire conditions escalated rapidly near his home he knew leaving early was the safest option.

The Carlisle River and Kennedy Creek fires began on 9 January in the Great Otway National Park and threatened and devastated nearby communities, including Gellibrand.   

After evacuating for several days during that time, John and his wife Jean returned to their home in Gellibrand, believing fire conditions across the area had eased.  

However, the situation quickly changed as nearby fires intensified and started spreading towards the Cochrane’s home, and their son’s next door. 

“The conditions changed so quickly. We looked up and could see smoke coming over the hill from Mount Murray, right near us,” John said.  

“Then my wife got the phone alert telling us to immediately get out. 

“We knew we just had to get out of there, so that’s what we did.” 

Despite years of experience and thorough property preparation, including clearing leaves and maintaining gutters, John said the intensity of the fire front made defending his property unsafe.  

“The wind changed right into us and went through the valley,” John said.  

“It was so hot, you just wouldn’t have been able to survive it. 

“It was clear it wasn’t something we could safely stay and defend against.” 

John said while it is incredibly devasting and emotional to have lost their property and personal belongings to the fires, leaving early was the right decision.  

“The loss of bricks and mortar, you’ll get over it,” John said.  

“You can rebuild a house and replace things, but you can’t compensate for a life. 

“Nothing is worth staying behind for.” 

John’s key message to people also living in bushfire prone areas is to have a bushfire plan in place and to leave early if you can, especially when conditions can be unpredictable. 

“We had a plan in place, which was to get out and that’s what we did,” John said.    

“Even when you think you’re ready, things can escalate very quickly. 

“Even with experience and preparation, fire conditions can change faster than you expect. 

“It’s not worth your life to try and defend.”  

As John and his wife focus on recovery and rebuilding, determined to move forward, he said he is incredibly grateful for the strong support they have received from their local brigade and the wider community. 

For tips on how to plan and prepare before and during a fire, head to the CFA website

Submitted by CFA Media
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Arrests – Aggravated Robbery and Assault Police – Darwin CBD

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three offenders following an aggravated robbery in the Darwin CBD overnight.

Around 1:45am this morning, an adult male was about to enter a vehicle outside a park on Mitchell Street when he was allegedly attacked by two females and one male.

Police CCTV captured the incident, which showed the victim being knocked down to the ground by the offenders before they continued  to assault him.

One offender allegedly stole a gold chain from the victim and also attempted to remove his wallet while he was on the ground. A physical struggle between the victim and the offenders continued before Darwin General Duties police arrived and deescalated the situation.

During the arrest, one of the female offenders attempted to flee and whilst being restrained, the other female offender assaulted an officer by striking him to the face.

Additional police attended shortly after and arrested the two females aged 29 and 24, and the male aged 29. Police also recovered the stolen property.

Strike Force Trident are continuing investigations, with charges likely to be laid later today.

Police urge anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you witness crime or anti-social behaviour.

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Police test response capabilities in major training exercise

Source: Tasmania Police

Police test response capabilities in major training exercise

Thursday, 16 April 2026 – 9:59 am.

Tasmania Police conducted a high-intensity exercise at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium last night, giving police, stadium staff and other emergency services a chance to test their response capabilities to an Active Armed Offender event.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the practical exercise, held after hours to minimise disruption to the public, simulated a fast-moving incident involving an armed attacker in a crowded stadium environment.
“The scenario enabled frontline police, specialist units and UTAS Stadium to test their plans and practise how they would act in the critical first moments of an incident,” he said.
“While Tasmania is a safe place to live, exercises like this are essential to ensuring we are well prepared for situations that can unfold with little to no warning.”
“Operators of public spaces such as stadiums are often the first people confronted in the early moments of an incident like this.
“Giving them the opportunity to practise their own emergency procedures alongside police is vital, as their ability to respond quickly, safely and calmly can make an enormous difference in protecting themselves, their staff and the public.”
The exercise forms part of a series funded by the Australia–New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee, supporting specialist counter terrorism capability development across all jurisdictions.
Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said the event was also a timely reminder for the community to know how to respond if they ever find themselves in a situation involving an armed attacker.
“We want all Tasmanians to remember three simple words: Escape. Hide. Tell.”
“Being prepared and knowing what to do can save your life and the lives of others,” he said.

ESCAPE – Move away from danger quickly and quietly if it is safe to do so.
HIDE – If you cannot escape, hide from view and silence your phone.
TELL – When safe, call Triple Zero (000) and provide as much information as possible.

Tasmania Police continues to work closely with government agencies, emergency services and the retail sector to maintain strong, nationally aligned counter terrorism preparedness.
“We thank Stadiums Tasmania and all participants for their support and participation in this exercise. Their involvement is critical in helping us protect crowded places and keep our community safe,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or to Tasmania Police on 131 444. Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

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Charging e-scooter sparks house fire in Nagambie

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Nagambie house fire started by a charging e-scooter has prompted a fresh warning from CFA about the risks of lithium-ion battery-powered devices in and around the home.

Nine CFA fire trucks from local brigades responded to the incident at around 5.32pm on Monday 13 April. 

When crews arrived, they found fire established in the roof space and immediately began suppression efforts. 

Nagambie Fire Brigade Captain Allen Treble said the fire appears to have started after an e-scooter was placed on charge on the back veranda. 

“When we arrived, the house was already engulfed in flames and there was fire and smoke coming from just about every part of the roof,” Allen said. 

“It appears the battery went into thermal runaway, with the fire running up the side of the house, into the eaves and then through the roof space.” 

Crews worked quickly to contain the blaze, which was promptly brought under control by 6.05pm and declared safe at 6.13pm, with all occupants safely accounted for. 

“We went in with breathing apparatus and began an internal attack, while crews outside worked to keep the fire contained to the roof space as much as possible,” Allen said. 

“In about 45 minutes we had the fire contained, but there was still a lot of work to do as we went room by room to pull down the ceiling and extinguish hot spots.” 

The residence sustained significant damage. 

Allen said the incident was a timely reminder for people to take care when charging lithium-ion battery-powered devices. 

“Keep these devices and batteries well away from any structure when charging,” Allen said. 

“If a battery goes into thermal runaway, the safest place for it is away from your house, shed, awnings or eaves.” 

Victorians can find out more about charging their devices correctly at ww.cfa.vic.gov.au/batterysafety.

Submitted by CFA Media
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Press conference – Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I’m very pleased to be here in Brunei on my first official visit, and there’s no more important time to engage with our neighbours than the current time. The conflict in the Middle East is a long way away, but it’s having an impact particularly in Asia, in our own region, because of the relationship of suppliers that come through the Strait of Hormuz and that disruption that has occurred and the uncertainty that is there with regard to a resolution to this conflict. Australia wants to see a de-escalation. We want to see talks between the United States and Iran resume, and we want to see a resumption of normal economic activity that is so important for the global economy. Australia and Brunei have a very positive relationship. We are Brunei’s largest trading partner, and that is the context of the welcome that we had here from His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei. Who welcomed us here and who I’ve just had my seventh meeting with as Prime Minister, including twice hosting His Majesty in Australia since I’ve been elected as Prime Minister.

We are both feeling, of course, the consequences, as are countries right around the world, about changes to supply. And Australia has a lot to benefit from engaging with our neighbours in this region. Brunei supplies nine per cent of Australia’s diesel imports, and more than that, 11 per cent of our fertiliser-grade urea imports. Today, at the Brunei Fertilizer Industries, we had the opportunity to talk firsthand about the potential that’s there as well for an increase in Australia receiving fertiliser in particular from Brunei and we had very positive discussions and that will continue. It will continue in the context as well of the agreed Joint Statement on Energy and Food Security that was signed by myself and His Majesty. This underscores our commitment to ensuring that essential goods continue to flow between our countries. And that guarantee which is there will make a difference as well to provide that certainty by building regional cooperation on energy, security and economic resilience. We strengthen our fuel security, and we strengthen the economies in our region as well.

There’s just one further thing before I turn to the Foreign Minister, which is to reaffirm the announcement that’s been made by Minister Bowen, which follows last week’s announcement that we made in Brisbane about using Export Finance Australia, EFA, to underwrite the purchase of additional fuel loads from around the world. From spot markets that are available, but that require additional government support in order to give businesses, the private sector the confidence to be able to go out there and participate in this market. Last week, we announced Viva and Ampol had come to agreements with EFA. And today we’re partnered with IOR and Park Fuels to enable them to be able to secure additional fuel into the Australian market. Now, this is particularly important because these smaller companies are particularly focused on regional Australia. And one of the things that we know is that some of the shortages which we have seen have particularly been in regional Australia, so giving them that security as well. This isn’t business as usual. This is in addition to the normal flow that would come into Australia. Literally shiploads of additional fuel are getting here to Australia, targeted to regional communities where it is most needed. I’ll turn to the Foreign Minister, then happy to take a couple questions.

< SENATOR PENNY WONG, FOREIGN MINISTER: 

So, the Prime Minister’s engagement here in Brunei and in Singapore and in Malaysia is about making sure we have strong, reliable and trusted partnerships for us to navigate what may be a longer economic tail of this conflict. The statement that was signed today reflects that willingness to work with each other on our shared security, on energy security, on food security, the recognition that the urea and diesel that we seek, we import from Brunei and that we continue to seek comes back to the region as food. That is very well understood here. And what this demonstrates is the willingness of Australia and Brunei on the back of the announcement the Prime Minister made in Singapore to have regional partners work together at these challenging times. Thank you.

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We continue to monitor on a regular basis, and we are doing what we can right across the board to shield Australia as best as we can from the impact of this global action, but we’re not immune from it. As I said in my statement to the nation, that we cannot make, ourselves, like every other nation, is being impacted by this. What we can do though is to not retreat from action, is step forward with further action. That’s what we’ve done with the changes that we made to supply by changing the fuel requirements to allow more diesel and petrol to be able to be distributed that would normally only be available for export. That’s what we’ve done with the agreements that we’ve struck through EFA. And now we are hearing positive signs about the work that those companies are doing to secure those additional shiploads as well, and we hope to have further announcements about that once they are secured. But we have been as well making sure that we engage in our region with our partners, with our suppliers, to make sure that as far as is possible, we restrict any impact on Australia.

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Joint statement on energy and food security

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

runei Darussalam and Australia are longstanding friends and Comprehensive Partners, and share a commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of our region.

Our close relationship is grounded in strategic trust, open markets, and rules-based trade, which underpin the prosperity and security of our peoples and region. We reaffirm these shared principles, which are essential at this time.

Brunei Darussalam and Australia share deep concern over the situation in the Middle East and its consequences for our region, such as the impact on energy and food supply chains and prices.

We are committed to working together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience, including by deepening regional cooperation, accelerating alternative energy resources including renewable energy, and maintaining open trade flows.

We also underscore the importance of food security through stable and efficient supply chains to promote economic growth and stability in our region. Acknowledging our complementary efforts in the agriculture and agri-food sector, we are committed to maintaining open, secure and resilient supply chains to ensure long-term food production.

In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen energy and food security, to support the flow of essential goods between our two countries, including petroleum oils, such as diesel and crude oil, as well as agriculture and agri-food essentials and key agricultural inputs such as urea, to avoid unjustified import and export restrictions and to notify and consult each other on any disruptions with ramifications on the trade of energy and food related supplies.

We call on other trading partners to join us in ensuring global energy supply chains are kept open, for the benefit of the security and prosperity of our people.

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Protecting our most vulnerable

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Natimuk Fire Brigade Captain David Sudholz

When Natimuk Fire Brigade Captain David Sudholz looked out his window at lunchtime on 9 January 2026, he saw what he’d hoped was a cloud of dust in the distance – unfortunately, it wasn’t.

It was 12.43pm when the call came through for a fire on Mitre-Grass Flat Road, approximately 14 kilometres west of Natimuk. In under an hour, it would be at the doorstep of Natimuk Residential Aged Care Facility, home to the town’s most vulnerable. 

David was working from home that day. 

“It was an uneasy day from the get go. We’d already had wind gusts topping 100 kilometres/hour and property damage before sunrise, and it just kept going from there,” David said. 

“I was sitting at my desk when my pager sounded, and my first thought was, ‘oh no.’” 

David and his brigade responded immediately, but it didn’t take long to realise this was not a fire they could stop at the point of ignition. 

“Within minutes of getting out there we could see fires starting and the smoke building,” he said. 

“I was in the field command vehicle with my 2nd lieutenant. Our job was to observe and report back on what the fire was doing. 

“We quickly realised just how fast this fire was moving, so we made the call to pull back towards Natimuk so we could get a better picture of the path it was taking. 

With early containment no longer realistic, the priority began to shift. 

“We were flanking the fire and it became clear the town itself was going to be impacted. I got straight on the radio and reported that the township was under threat and that an evacuation order needed to be issued.” 

Attention then turned to the aged care facility. 

“The creek on the western edge of town was already on fire, and straight away we knew the nursing home was going to be under threat,” David said.  

They headed straight for the facility, and once there they found 59 people, including 37 residents, sheltering in place. There was no time to get them out. 

“When we got there and saw some of the garden beds already on fire, we called for more resources immediately,” he said. 

Natimuk Residential Aged Care Facility Manager David Schultz said the speed of the fire was hard to comprehend. 

“It was about 15 minutes from first hearing about the fire before it was at the facility, and to evacuate all our residents would take around four hours. We simply didn’t have that time,” Mr Schultz said. 

“Thankfully our building is equipped with fire resistant doors, sprinkler systems and two large tanks of dedicated firefighting water, so our residents and staff were able to confidently shelter in place, and knowing that the firefighters were out there protecting them gave them all confidence.” 

Outside, the arriving crews focused on one job – holding the line around the facility. 

“The first truck we saw was sent straight to the nursing home,” David Sudholz said. 

“From that point on, we were pulling in any fire truck or crew we could, just to get numbers and appliances around the facility as quickly as possible. Crews were coming from every direction. 

“It would’ve been a lot worse if they hadn’t turned up when they did. It was all about holding that line around the facility, keeping spot fires under control and making sure it didn’t impact the building.” 

The fire ultimately burned around 8,000 hectares, destroying 17 homes in Natimuk and Quantong and impacting farms and livestock in the surrounding area. But the aged care facility held. 

Three months on, the impact remains visible around the site. 

“There are still scars of the fire surrounding the premises. It’s hard to put into words what those firefighters did for our residents and staff,” David Schultz said. 

“They’re amazing people. There’s nothing in the world that’s enough to say thank you.” 

David Sudholz said he was proud of the efforts of his brigade and grateful to all who assisted them.  

“The nursing home means a lot to this town. Most of us have had family living there or know someone who’s been through there, so protecting it was always going to be a priority.” 

  • David Schultz
Submitted by CFA Media
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Aggravated assault – Coconut Grove

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred in Coconut Grove this morning.

At 3:25am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 30-year-old male had allegedly been assaulted with an edged weapon in Litchfield Court.

Police attended and located the male with injuries to his neck. An additional two adult males were also located with minor injuries.

The 35-year-old was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A crime scene was established and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage from Litchfield Court or nearby service station on Progress Drive, is urged to contact police via 131 444. Please quote reference P26109694. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

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Planned police exercise in Launceston

Source: Tasmania Police

Planned police exercise in Launceston

Wednesday, 15 April 2026 – 10:00 am.

Tasmania Police is conducting a planned exercise at UTAS Stadium tonight (Wednesday 15 April 2026).
The exercise will take place from 5pm until 9pm, and the stadium will be closed to the public.
Planned activities like this allow us to exercise our specialist response capabilities.
Tasmania is a safe place to live, but we continue to be proactive to ensure our staff, emergency services partners and the community are well-trained and prepared for any situation.
Members of the public should expect to see an increased presence of emergency services in the area during the exercise timeframe, however there is no cause for concern.