Month: March 2025

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Source: New South Wales Department of Education and Communities

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 24-year-old male after an unlawful entry in Kilgariff this morning.

About 6:20am, police received reports of an unlawful entry where it is alleged the 24-year-old male assaulted a disabled man upon entry. He then indecently assaulted a woman whilst she was asleep, waking her in the process. The victim then screamed and the offender fled the scene on foot.

A short time later, police arrested the male along Len Kittle Drive and he is expected to charged.

Police are continuing with investigations.

Source: New South Wales Bureau of Health Information

Public invited to view multimillion dollar Mile End development at open day.

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

BILAL EL-HAYEK: Well, good morning everyone. I want to welcome you here to the City of Canterbury Bankstown to this important announcement. Well, Bankstown is booming. We have 14,000 new homes coming to Bankstown, brand new metro, a state of the art hospital. So this fantastic announcement comes in at a perfect timing when we are planning for our open space. I actually want to welcome all the ministers as well of course, the Federal Minister, Catherine King, Paul Scully, Rose Jackson, and the candidate for Banks, Zhi Soon.

I’ll now hand over to the Minister, Catherine King. Minister.

CATHERINE KING: Thank you. Thanks, Mayor. And it’s fantastic to be here today alongside my state counterparts, Paul Scully and Rose Jackson. Both planning and housing are pretty critical to the announcement we’re making today. And of course, Zhi Soon, our fantastic candidate for the federal seat of Banks in the upcoming federal election, whenever that may be.

Well, today we’re announcing alongside the New South Wales Government that as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Housing Support Program, we’re providing over $300 million to New South Wales to bring on stream over 60,000 homes, including very quickly, over 100 social homes that are incredibly important across the whole of New South Wales. What this money goes towards is the enabling infrastructure to bring those developments to fruition, so things like the road infrastructure, water, sewerage, other utilities. But also more importantly, we’re also funding community infrastructure. As you can see from the development behind me, it isn’t just about building houses. It’s actually about building green space, good places for people to be able to walk through on their way to work, get that really sense of place, but also be able to bring their kids and make sure that they are cooler places for people to be able to engage in recreation and social activities. So part of that $300 million we’re announcing today is, here in Bankstown, a further community space. Again, it’s not just about having well-located homes around train stations, around Metro. It’s really about also making sure these are great and liveable places.

The money is being stretched right across the state, so Parramatta, Kellyville, Bella Vista, community spaces there, and as I said also, social housing in Albury. This program is part of over almost $2 billion that the Federal Government is investing in that infrastructure. We’re doing that now. The money is flowing. That infrastructure is being built to bring those 60,000 additional homes on stream here in New South Wales. It forms part of our $32 billion commitment to really build over 1.2 million homes across the whole of the country, and my part of it is building the infrastructure.

I might hand over to Minister Scully to say a few words and then Minister Jackson.

PAUL SCULLY: Thank you, Minister King. And thank you, Mayor Bilal, for inviting us here today to Bankstown.

As you can see, there’s a lot of activity going on in Bankstown. As the Mayor just said, Bankstown is booming. As part of the New South Wales Government’s work to build more housing, our focus is building better communities. When we did the master planning and rezoned areas around the Transport Oriented Development’s accelerated precincts, we made it very, very clear that we were not just building housing, we were building communities. That means vibrant communities with access to jobs, access to transport, and access to good public spaces. This financial support, the $228.2 million from the Commonwealth Government to go towards accelerating the delivery of those new public spaces, will be an important contribution to that work that the New South Wales Government is undertaking.

Together, in the first tranche, Bankstown’s accelerated precinct, along with the accelerated precincts in Kellyville and Bella Vista, have been identified for those priority public spaces. We’ll continue to work with the council here in Canterbury Bankstown, through the Parks for People program, to deliver those public spaces to make sure that alongside the homes, alongside the jobs, alongside the transport activity that’s going here, is going to be the public spaces that people need, green spaces for people to meet, to recreate, to engage with other parts of the community. It’s really vital that we look at those areas not just from an environmental perspective, but the social benefit they bring.

I’ll leave some further comments on the social housing part to Minister Jackson, but I’d just like to acknowledge the hard work of the Mayor and the council here at Canterbury Bankstown. They have been in lockstep with the New South Wales Government right the way through this process, identifying and recognising that Bankstown and Canterbury are great places to live and will continue to be, but there are even better places, courtesy of this contribution from the Albanese Government, to make sure that we can get those green spaces underway, get those recreational spaces underway as we deliver new homes and as we complete the work on the metro here. Minister Jackson.

ROSE JACKSON: We know that New South Wales is in a housing crisis. The number one issue that’s raised with us when we’re talking to the community is cost of living. That is the thing that the community is absolutely determined that governments understand is hitting them hard, and we know that part of addressing cost of living is to delivering more affordable housing. It’s simply too expensive to find a place to buy and rent. What the State Government and the Federal Government are determined to do is put our money where our mouth is when it comes to addressing that crisis. So the State’s put $5.1 billion into building more social housing, and we are incredibly thrilled to have a federal partner that is willing to come to the table and contribute as well. This announcement alone is another $70 million to build social housing. We know that we need growth. We know we need more homes. But it’s not just any old growth, it’s good growth. It’s growth that delivers better, more diverse communities. And yes, that’s infrastructure, that’s green space, that’s community amenity, that’s transport. But it’s also diverse types of homes, and social and affordable housing is part of that mix.

With this $70 million, we’re going to be able to bring hundreds of new social housing properties online. We’ve already started that work from east to west, from Randwick to Campbelltown. We’re looking at acquiring homes in places like Lismore and Tweed as well – areas recently hit by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. So this is exactly the kind of working together between state and federal governments that are going to be necessary to confront the housing crisis.

It’s also really important to call out our local government partners, local councils, we’ve always been up front, have been a little bit of a mixed bag when it’s come to supporting housing. Not Canterbury-Bankstown – this is a council that is deeply invested in building a great community here, and it’s fantastic to have Mayor Bilal El-Hayek here alongside us to demonstrate all three levels of government working together. This is yet more money to build the homes that people need, that security of a roof over your head. We need a federal government that is willing to stick to the course when it comes to supporting housing, and the State Government is ready to stand right alongside it, using the funding to deliver homes that we know are desperately needed in this state.

CATHERINE KING: Happy to take any questions.

JOURNALIST: Well, may I ask about the allegations yesterday [indistinct] …

CATHERINE KING: [Interrupts] Sure – have you’ve got any questions on this- the announcement today yet? Nope, okay. Happy to take further- other questions, sure.

JOURNALIST: … allegations last night on 60 Minutes and Nine papers about more corrupt and [indistinct], specifically in Victoria. I note one area of Victoria on the North East Link Road where federal taxpayers have already committed $3 billion to this project. How can federal taxpayers know that there won’t be any sort of- or, you know, if that money’s being overinflated, or if there’s any sort of corruption or wrongdoing in that process?

CATHERINE KING: Yeah, so we have zero tolerance for criminal activities on any work site, and especially on our building work sites. We have already taken strong action against the CFMEU by placing it in administration, and the administrator continues to do his work. When this broke some time ago, in terms of the CFMEU, I was in the process of negotiating new federated funding agreements with every state and territory. In those agreements, we have inserted new clauses that require states and territories to ensure they are- that we are receiving value for money on every single project where the Commonwealth is investing, that we are prioritising businesses that engage in ethical business practices. And I also wrote to every state and territory minister asking their assurance that proper checks are being put in place to ensure that- again, that value for Australian taxpayer dollars, and if there is any criminal activity seen on any of the sites where the Commonwealth is investing that that immediately be reported both to the administrator, to the police and also to my department. And we’ll continue to work with every state and territory in relation to that.

But I want to make it very clear: this is hard fought money. Taxpayers don’t want to see their money going to criminals, and that is incredibly important that every state and territory ensures that it’s got the assurance processes in place to make sure that we are getting value for money for every taxpayer dollar.

JOURNALIST: Did the Federal Government conduct its own audit of the $3 billion in this project?

CATHERINE KING: Well, again, what we have asked quite specifically is that every state and territory give us those assurances. I saw the program on 60 Minutes last night. If there is more that needs to be done, I’ll have a look at that. But what we have asked is every state and territory to assure us that they have the processes in place to make sure that this activity is not being undertaken. Thanks everyone.

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

Australian artists can expect more money in their pockets when their works are resold overseas, with international reciprocity being extended to a further nine countries under the Albanese Labor Government’s Resale Royalty Scheme.

The nine countries are: Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Uruguay. This takes the list of total participating countries to 26.

Under the Scheme, visual artists are entitled to a five per cent share on eligible resales of their original works valued at $1,000 or more in Australia, and the ability to access local schemes in participating countries when their works are resold there.

The extension delivers on the Government’s commitment outlined in the National Cultural Policy, Revive, to enhance the scheme to provide royalty payments to artists, including First Nations artists, under international arrangements.

The changes come into effect on 31 March 2025. 

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the expanded list would give artists the remuneration they deserve. 

“We’re ensuring Australian artists are properly compensated for their work when they first sell it and on future sales. Just like when you purchase a book or an album, the artist gets a cut each time.

“So far more than $16 million in royalties have been generated, which artists would have otherwise missed out on.

“Our Government is committed to creating a fairer playing field and supporting our home-grown talent both locally and abroad.”

The Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artist Act 2009 provides visual artists with royalty rights similar to other creators such as songwriters or authors.

Under the act, auction houses and galleries are required to report resales to Copyright Agency, which determines eligibility, collects royalties and pays them to artists. 

To learn more about the resale royalty scheme including additional countries visit | Resale Royalty Scheme | Office for the Arts 

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There’s currently an Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa, including in Tanzania. You’ll need to pass through Mpox screening, including body temperature checks, at all points of entry into Tanzania (see ‘Health’). To travel to Zanzibar, you’ll need inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. This insurance coverage is limited, so make sure you have other insurance coverage for your travel. Violent crime and terrorism are risks in Tanzania. Be alert to your surroundings and pay close attention to your personal security.

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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released a new set of updated financial benchmarks to help small business owners take the pulse of their business.

Updated annually, the ATO’s benchmarks act as a health check, allowing small business owners to compare their performance including average expenses against other businesses in the same industry.

Quotes attributable to ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding:

‘The benchmarks are a valuable tool for small businesses wanting to stay in good financial health.’

‘Think of our benchmarks like a routine test you take with your GP each year. These can help small businesses diagnose their strengths or spot the early warning signs.’

‘Whether you’re running a pizza shop, pet store or a plumbing business, the benchmarks can help you see how your business stacks up.’

‘If your numbers are outside of the benchmark range compared to others in your industry it may be time for a closer look at your business plan.’

‘Businesses that remain within industry benchmarks are generally less likely to attract the ATO’s attention.’

‘While we never use the benchmarks in isolation, small businesses who fall outside the ATO’s benchmarks are more likely to trigger a closer examination from us to identify if they are making mistakes or deliberately doing the wrong thing.’

The ATO takes non-compliance with tax seriously. Small businesses avoiding their tax obligations are participating in the shadow economy which puts pressure on Australians who are doing the right thing.

Deliberate shadow economy behaviours contribute nearly 60% of the gross small business income tax gap or around $11.2 billion per annum in missing tax. Approximately $8.9 billion of this is associated with under reporting of income and over claiming of deductions.

‘The benchmarks are just one of the tools we use to tackle the shadow economy, along with community tip-offs and data matching.’

‘It’s all about levelling the playing field for honest businesses who are being undercut by their dishonest competitors that aren’t paying the tax they’re supposed to,’ Mr Goding added.

The benchmarks cover 100 industries and over 2 million small businesses around the country. The industries include:

• Accommodation and food
• Building and construction trade services
• Education, training, recreation and support services
• Health care and personal services
• Manufacturing
• Other services
• Professional, scientific and technical services
• Retail trade
• Transport, postal and warehousing.

Small business owners who need help understanding how to improve their business performance can consult a business adviser or registered tax professional. The ATO’s online learning platform Essentials to strengthen your small businessExternal Link can support small business owners to prepare for these conversations, as well as further understand their tax and super obligations.

The benchmarks are accessible on the ATO website and via the ATO app business performance check tool. The key benchmark ratios can also be downloaded from data.gov.au.

Example

The below example shows a small business using the ATO benchmarks to compare its performance to similar businesses in the same industry.

Anna’s pizza shop

Anna operates a pizza shop as a sole trader. Anna wants to know how her business compares to her competitors and how she can improve her business.

Anna searches online for ‘pizza shop benchmarks’ and finds the ATO small business benchmarks. She follows the instructions to download the ATO app. Then, she goes to the business performance check tool.

Anna enters her details into the business performance check tool. She learns the key ratio of cost of sales to turnover for her shop is 44%.

While this is within the range for businesses in her industry with a turnover of $550,300, Anna sees that the range for cost of sales starts at 37%. She realises some of her competitors have lower cost of sales.

Anna looked at other suppliers in the market and got a better deal to reduce her business’s expenses and improve profits.

Notes to journalists

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Click to enlargeAustralia’s four largest airports, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, each reported their highest ever aeronautical revenues in 2023-24, the ACCC’s latest Airport Monitoring Report shows.

The 24.3 per cent increase in revenues to $2.6 billion occurred despite the four major airports collectively handling fewer passengers than before the pandemic. While domestic and international passengers grew by 13.7 per cent to 114.6 million since 2022-23, passenger numbers remained 4.7 per cent below 2018-19 levels.

“The increase in aeronautical revenues in 2023-24 was driven in large part by the continued recovery in international passenger numbers, which rose by 32.1 per cent at the four airports monitored in our report,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Domestic passenger numbers also grew by 6.7 per cent.”

Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne airports also substantially increased their operating profits from aeronautical activities in 2023-24.

“Sydney Airport was once again clearly the most profitable of the four major airports for aeronautical services in 2023-24, both in aggregate and on a per-passenger basis,” Ms Brakey said.

In 2023-24 Sydney Airport recorded an aeronautical operating profit of $570.5 million, which represented a 20.2 per cent return on its aeronautical assets. Sydney Airport advised that both its aeronautical revenues and operating profits in the year were inflated by back-payments received during the 2023-24 financial year from its contractual agreements with airlines. The agreements started on 1 July 2022, but the terms were not agreed to until the 2023-24 financial year.

Brisbane and Melbourne airports reported aeronautical operating profits of $194.7 million and $198.9 million respectively, despite Brisbane Airport catering to far fewer passengers than Melbourne Airport. Both airports reported a 64.1 per cent increase in aeronautical operating profit in 2023-24.

Perth Airport was the only monitored airport to report a fall in aeronautical profits, down by 29.1 per cent to $70.7 million after a significant increase in security and depreciation expenses.

Car parking profits and ‘landside access’ revenues up

Operating profits from car parking grew for all four airports in 2023-24. Brisbane Airport made the largest profits, increasing by 21.1 per cent to $113.4 million. Melbourne Airport made an operating profit of $108.1 million from car parking, followed by Sydney Airport with $95.6 million and Perth Airport with $70.7 million.

All four monitored airports reported operating profit margins above 60 per cent for the second year in a row for their car parking operations.

“Car parking remains a very profitable business for the monitored airports as they report strong demand for parking,” Ms Brakey said.

“Brisbane Airport made an operating profit of 76.6 cents for every dollar of revenue it collected from car parking.”

Sydney Airport was the most expensive for 30 to 60 minute parking and parking for up to 24 hours at the terminal, while Melbourne Airport was the cheapest in both categories.

Long-term parking at a distance from the terminal booked online was most expensive at Perth and Sydney airports and cheapest at Melbourne Airport.

“To save money, motorists are encouraged to book online, if possible, instead of paying the drive-up rates, and should consider using free waiting zones at the airports,” Ms Brakey said.

Revenues from landside transport access services, such as rideshare operators, taxis and buses, grew by 18 per cent to $69.6 million, as vehicle numbers rebounded. All four airports continued to report a growth in rideshare services.

Airports maintain their ‘good’ quality of service rating, despite falling satisfaction from airlines

All four airports maintained an average overall rating of ‘good’ for the quality of service and facilities in 2023-24.

These results were mainly due to high ratings by passengers, continuing consistent trends over the last 10 years.

Ratings by airlines generally fell, and all four airports received only a ‘satisfactory’ result. The most common airline concerns related to aircraft parking facilities, baggage facilities, common user check-in facilities, aerobridges and public amenities.

“The airports all maintained their ‘good’ rating for quality of service, which is based on surveys of passengers and airlines, as well as objective measures such as the number of check-in kiosks per passenger,” Ms Brakey said.

“However, the falling satisfaction from airlines indicates the airports have some work to do.”

Airports have recommenced investment after Covid

After years of relatively little investment due to the pandemic, the airports have invested $985.1 million in aeronautical facilities in 2023-24, a figure set to increase in coming years.

Melbourne airport’s $502.3 million investment accounted for more than half the total investment in aeronautical assets in 2023-24. This included work on runway overlays, taxiways and terminals, such as the replacement of passenger screening equipment as well as works to resurface the north-south runway and replace the lighting system.

Other major projects underway, or recently announced, include new runways for Melbourne and Perth, new terminals for Perth and Brisbane, upgrades to terminals in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

A new airport will also open at Western Sydney in 2026.

“While the four major airports held back on investment during the pandemic period, this is starting to change now there is more certainty around demand for travel,” Ms Brakey said.

“These significant capital works should help increase capacity at our major airports, leading to more flight options for travellers.”

Background

Under direction from the Australian Government, the ACCC monitors the prices, costs and profits of aeronautical and car parking services at Australia’s four largest airports. The ACCC also monitors the quality of these services under the Airports Act.

The possible ratings for airport quality of services are ‘very poor’, ‘poor’, ‘satisfactory’, ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

The ACCC measures operating profit by earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation (EBITA). Operating profit margin is EBITA as a percentage of revenue.

Aeronautical operations are those that directly relate to providing aviation services, including runways, aprons, aerobridges, departure lounges and baggage handling equipment.

Source: Airservices Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is today announcing the theme for the updated $5 banknote, which will honour the enduring emotional, spiritual, and physical connection of First Nations peoples to Country.

Assistant Governor (Business Services) Michelle McPhee says, ‘The theme encompasses the deep connection First Nations peoples have to the land, the waters and the sky.’

‘This inspiring theme will guide the creation of an artwork that will feature on the redesigned banknote.’

‘The selection of a theme follows an Australia-wide campaign, which led to more than 2,100 theme nominations from the public.’

‘We extend our gratitude to everyone who made a submission.’

Theme for the $5 Banknote

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Country is more than just the land. Country is the land, the waters, and the sky. All are connected. The imagery on the $5 banknote should recognise the enduring connection that First Nations peoples have to Country – as an emotional and spiritual connection, as much as a physical one.

An important context for this connection is the overturning of the concept of terra nullius. This action recognised the existence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s relationship to Country for thousands of years. The artist is invited to reflect how this decision has shaped a positive future for First Nations peoples.

Key to this theme is the recognition of First Nations communities’ contribution to the restoration and conservation of our environment. Using traditional ecological knowledge First Nations peoples continue to act as custodians to sustain and conserve Country. There is an opportunity for all Australians to learn from Australia’s original stewards on how to nurture and protect our fragile world.

The theme should be represented in a way that recognises the diversity of First Nations peoples, across Australia and the Torres Strait. In acknowledging connection and caring for Country the theme should be inclusive, recognising the nature of Country varies, but it is all connected – the land, waters and sky. The artwork should avoid being tokenistic or stereotypical. The tone for the banknote is of a hopeful future, where First Nation peoples’ connection to Country is celebrated and respected.

Background

Before selecting the theme, the RBA engaged with First Nations organisations across the country to build awareness and encourage the submission of ideas.

The $5 Redesign Imagery Selection Panel, which includes First Nations representatives and representatives from the RBA and Note Printing Australia, selected the theme.

The new design will replace the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse side will continue to feature the Australian Parliament. The new design will reflect the chosen theme and incorporate artwork from a First Nations artist.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police detect 43 speeding drivers during targeted operation in North

Monday, 17 March 2025 – 10:47 am.

Police detected 43 speeding drivers during a three-hour highway operation in the North on Friday afternoon.
Members of Northern Road Policing Services targeted speeding during the operation, with one driver caught overtaking an unmarked police vehicle while travelling at 138km/h. 
The driver – who was intercepted by police – was already disqualified from driving.  
He will appear in court at a later date.
Police also intercepted a P1 licence holder – with a 100km/h restriction on their licence -who was travelling at 125km/h. 
The P-plater was fined $353.50 and received three demerit points.
In addition to the 43 speeding drivers, police also intercepted  a driver whose vehicle registration had been expired for nine months.
Acting Sergeant Daniel Midson said the results were disappointing. 
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we are urging all road users to make safer choices,” he said.
“Tasmania Police is committed to reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our roads, which is why we conduct a range of enforcement activities to make our roads safer for everyone.”
To report dangerous driving, call police on 131 44 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Footage can also be uploaded to the Tasmania Police evidence portal at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/report/