UPDATE: Death – Pedestrian strike – Palmerston

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 65-year-old female has now died in hospital following a pedestrian strike in Palmerston on Thursday last week.

The 43-year-old male allegedly driving the vehicle is assisting police with enquiries and charges are expected to follow.

The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 16.

Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Bridgewater

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigate serious pedestrian crash near Bridgewater

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – 7:33 am.

Police are investigating a serious pedestrian crash near Bridgwater last night.
About 6:15pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025, a 12-year-old girl was struck by a motor vehicle on the East Derwent Highway, Bridgewater.
Initial reports suggest that the young girl, while crossing the road, ran into the path of the vehicle, travelling east on the highway. The vehicle, a grey Toyota Kluger, only contained the driver.
Police and Paramedics attended the scene immediately and the victim was quickly transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition, where she remains receiving treatment.
The driver of the vehicle was subjected to mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
Crash investigators and Forensic Services attended the scene and conducted a thorough examination.
Any witnesses who saw the incident or drove past the area and have dash-cam footage are asked to call Crimestoppers.
Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Fine for possessing hatchling crocodile

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 20 May 2025

Open larger image

The hatchling crocodile was found in a fish tank inside the home and has now been placed at a farm or zoo.

A juvenile estuarine crocodile has been seized, and a man has been fined following a joint investigation in Cairns between the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the Queensland Police Service.

After receiving information from a concerned member of the public, police and DETSI’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) searched a home in Manoora on 16 May 2025.

The hatchling crocodile was found in a fish tank, and a man in his twenties was issued with a $2,419 Penalty Infringement Notice for unlawfully keeping the crocodile.

Acting Manager Northern Wildlife Operations, Dinouk Perera, said it is unlawful to keep estuarine and freshwater crocodiles in Queensland without a permit, and the animal was confiscated by QPWS officers.

“We believe the crocodile was captured as a hatchling and is now several months old,” Mr Perera said.

“The man admitted that he had broken the law by taking the crocodile from the wild and although he was remorseful, we take a zero-tolerance approach to the unlawful possession of wildlife.

“We have examined the crocodile and although it appears healthy, it cannot be released back into the wild as it may have been exposed to disease. It is destined for a life at a farm or zoo, or at an educational facility.

“The maximum court-ordered penalty for unlawfully keeping an estuarine crocodile is $36,292.”

Anyone with information about the deliberate taking, harming or killing of crocodiles, or the illegal trade of wildlife is urged to call 1300 130 372.

Serious crash Lonsdale Road, Hallett Cove

Source: New South Wales – News

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash on Lonsdale Road, Hallett Cove.

The collision occurred about 2.20pm on Tuesday 20 May on Lonsdale Road, near The Cove Road.

There are serious injuries reported, and the road is expected to remain closed for several hours.

Northbound traffic on Lonsdale Road is being diverted onto The Cove Road.

Motorists should take an alternate route if possible.

Reserve Bank cuts interest rates again

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today the independent Reserve Bank of Australia Monetary Policy Board decided to lower the cash rate again for the second time in three months.

This quarter of a percentage point cut brings the cash rate to 3.85 per cent.

This is very welcome relief for millions of Australians.

We are really pleased to see more help for hard working families with a mortgage.

It reflects the substantial and sustained progress we’ve made together on inflation, and it recognises the uncertain global environment.

Headline and underlying inflation are now both in the RBA’s target band for the first time in almost four years.

This is the first time since records began that the unemployment rate has been in the low 4s and headline and underlying inflation are in the RBA’s target band at the same time.

In its statement today, the RBA Monetary Policy Board points to the very substantial progress we’ve made on inflation and says upside risks to inflation “appear to have diminished”.

Today’s cut doesn’t mean the job is finished, but it will help.

When we came to office three years ago this week inflation and interest rates were rising and now they’re falling.

For a household with a mortgage of $500,000, this rate cut will save them $79 a month, or $948 per year.

When combined with the cut in February, this household will save $159 a month, or $1,908 per year.

Under Labor, inflation is down substantially, real wages are up, unemployment is low, our economy is growing, and interest rates are falling.

Our economic strategy has been about getting on top of inflation without mass job losses or growth going backwards and that’s what we’re seeing in our economy.

All the progress we have made together engineering this soft landing means we are well‑placed and well‑prepared for what’s next.

We know we will be faced with more global economic volatility and unpredictability over the next three years, not less.

Get your deferral request right the first time

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

We are seeing an increasing number of lodgment deferral requests that fail to provide enough information or only provide generic information that doesn’t support the reason for your request.

To ensure we can consider your request, you need to include detailed information that supports the reason for your request. This must include:

  • What the exceptional or unforeseen circumstances are that you or your clients are experiencing
  • When the exceptional or unforeseen circumstances occurred, whether they are ongoing or when they were resolved
  • How those circumstances have affected your ability to lodge by the due date
  • Why you’re submitting the request after the lodgment due date (if applicable).

This will allow us to take those circumstances into consideration when assessing your request as per PS LA 2011/15.

If sufficient information is not provided, we will be unable to assess your request and your request may be declined.

Find out how lodgment deferrals work, which obligations are eligible and how we decide.

Enhanced Proactive Policing in Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Due to an increase in police demand, Katherine police have increased proactive measures in order to drive down crime and antisocial behaviour.

Alcohol remains a primary catalyst for crime and anti-social behaviour across the region, and in response, police have significantly increased Banned Drinkers Orders (BDO) for problem drinkers.

February to April saw a 354% increase in the number of BDO’s issued. For the month of April, 145 people were rejected from purchasing alcohol due to an active BDO.

In addition to these measures, since March 2025, 280 SupportLink referrals have been made by Katherine Police. Support Link delivers targeted referral and diversion services to people who require social services assistance. These referrals can be made to address issues such as domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol dependence, drug and alcohol diversions and homelessness.

Commander Terry Zhang said, “Our members have seen a noticeable increase in the demand for our services due to a sudden surge of people into the Katherine Region.

“In response to this, we have shifted to proactively tackling the drivers of crime and antisocial behaviour through support services and alcohol restrictions. In addition to these changes, we will also welcome a further 15 new constables who will start in Katherine from mid-June to further enhance our targeted operations.

“Police have also continued to work closely with other organisations in Katherine. This includes working with the local council on early morning patrols focused on rough sleepers, and a joint operation with Public Housing Officers targeting problem tenancies.

“Police would like to thank the Katherine Community for their ongoing support and re-iterate our commitment to keeping the Katherine community safe.”

Readiness strengthened through Wallington multiagency exercise

Source:

Credit: Mike Dugdale

Volunteers from across the Bellarine Peninsula and surrounding areas successfully came together over the weekend on Sunday 18 May, to participate in a large-scale multiagency operation – Exercise Mabon – in Wallington.

Coordinated by the VICSES Bellarine Unit, the exercise held on Sunday, 18 May, simulated a major traffic incident involving a collision between a 53-seat passenger bus and a delivery truck, resulting in multiple casualties and complex response challenges.

The scenario was based on a fictional food and wine festival setting and designed to rigorously test multi-agency emergency response capabilities in real time.

The event brought together representatives from VICSES, CFA, FRV, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, St John Ambulance, and other support agencies and businesses, including local council.

Participants practiced a coordinated emergency response, including casualty triage and extrication, hazardous material management, and the establishment of command-and-control structures.

The realistic scenario enabled participants to practise responding to a multi-vehicle, multi-casualty emergency involving simulated hazards such as entrapments, smoke effects, and debris. The exercise was conducted under strict safety supervision, with a dedicated Safety Officer on site throughout the day.

Exercise Mabon successfully achieved its core objectives, including:

  • Test command and control structures across agencies.
  • Enhance interoperability and effective communication during complex responses.
  • Practise casualty triage and management in a realistic environment.
  • Improve decision-making under pressure during evolving emergency scenarios.
  • Test the use of a multi-agency radio communication channel.

The bus used in the scenario was a decommissioned 53-seat coach kindly donated to the VICSES Bellarine Unit in 2015, by Christian’s Bus Company. The unit has since utilised the vehicle for training and was pleased to make it available for this significant inter-agency exercise before its final decommissioning.

This year’s exercise also marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of volunteers across the country. Exercise Mabon stands as a fitting demonstration of their dedication and capability.

VICSES extends its appreciation to all participating agencies, facilitators, volunteers, and the local community for their support in making the exercise a success.

Quotes attributable to Garry Cook AFSM, CFA Acting Chief Officer:

“It is vital we work as one, and any opportunity to work alongside our counterparts is positive. Not only does it further enhance our teamwork, communication, and leadership at a response, but it also allows the familiarisation of our respective tools and processes.”

“The exercise stems as a valuable learning experience for members in an environment that will only improve our ability to respond in the event of an emergency in the future and ultimately protect the community.”

Submitted by CFA media

Crime series – Northern Suburbs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Eleven youths and two adults have been arrested in relation to multiple separate stolen motor vehicle incidents early this morning. 

Between 12:30am and 12:45am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a white Toyota Landcruiser utility and grey Nissan Navara dual cab driving dangerously through Stuart Park. The offending utilities allegedly hit several parked cars while hooning through the area.

Police conducted patrols throughout the area; however, the vehicles were unable to be located.

Around 2:30am, in a separate incident, CCTV operators observed a white Toyota Landcruiser Station Wagon, that was stolen from an address in the city, travel to Wagaman and stop on Vanderlin Drive. Five occupants exited the Landcruiser and allegedly attempted to steal a second vehicle that was parked out the front of a residence.

Police attended and arrested three of the five offenders with two offenders fleeing the scene on foot.

Around 4am in separate incident, police received reports of a white Toyota Landcruiser utility driving through Zuccoli before stopping on Scobie Street. Six youths exited the vehicle and allegedly jumped the fence to multiple nearby properties.

Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations Unit coordinated a response during which they located and arrested the six youths from surrounding streets. The Landcruiser was confirmed to be stolen from an address in Johnston.

At just after 7am, Adelaide River Police responded to reports of a crashed silver Nissan Navara on the Stuart Highway just north of the township. This vehicle was confirmed to be stolen from Stuart Park with the two adults and two youths being arrested at the scene and conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries.

In a separate incident, a fourth group of alleged offenders travelled in a stolen Toyota Hiace from Wadeye to Darwin where they stole a white Landcruiser utility and a white Toyota Hilux in Cullen Bay. Strike Force Trident have since located the Toyota Hilux abandoned in Moulden and the Toyota Hiace abandoned in the Darwin CBD. The Toyota Landcrusier utility and the offenders remain outstanding.

Investigations into all the incidents remain ongoing and police do not believe the four incidents are linked.

Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said, “While we have made multiple arrests across each of these incidents, our work continues.

“The individuals involved in the crash are lucky that they did not kill themselves or others on the road.

“The complete disregard of their own safety and the safety of others is beyond disappointing.

“We will continue to investigate and bring those responsible before the courts.”

Science and Nature in Full Bloom at Floriade 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 20/05/2025

Australia’s biggest celebration of spring returns to Commonwealth Park from Saturday 13 September to Sunday 12 October 2025, with Floriade 2025 set to be an immersive and inspiring journey through the theme Science and Nature.

Now in its 38th year, Floriade continues to grow in scale and imagination, celebrating the powerful connections between scientific discovery and the natural world. Visitors will explore stunning garden bed displays inspired by disciplines including physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, and botany. Transforming Commonwealth Park into a vibrant, living classroom.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr highlighted the significance of the event, “Floriade is a major economic driver for our city and a celebration of spring and nature. This year’s theme, Science and Nature, highlights Canberra’s identity as a hub of innovation and discovery.”

“Floriade is a major drawcard in Canberra’s events calendar. In 2024, the festival attracted over 470,000 visitors and delivered a total expenditure impact of more than $62 million, highlighting its importance to our city’s visitor economy.”

“This year we welcome Allhomes as Floriade’s new Presenting Partner in 2025. This collaboration will help support a dynamic program that spans science, nature, and culture.

We look forward to working with them to enhance the Floriade experience for our community and for visitors from interstate and beyond.”

Allhomes, a trusted name in Canberra’s property market, joins as Presenting Partner in 2025, reflecting a shared commitment to community and growth.

With support from Inspiring Australia and the Horticultural Society of Canberra, Floriade 2025 will offer hands-on exhibits, expert speakers, and workshops that showcase the intersection of horticulture and science. The program also features live entertainment, music, food and wine, market stalls, and cultural events ensuring something for all ages.

Key program highlights include:

  • NightFest (2–5 October): Four dazzling nights of after-dark entertainment, illuminated garden displays, food stalls, and live performances from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Tickets on sale from 21 July 2025.
  • Windows to the World at Floriade (11 October): A cultural showcase with traditional dress, music, dance, global cuisine, and coffee ahead of the larger Windows to the World weekend (18–19 October).
  • Dogs’ Day Out (12 October): A crowd favourite returns on Floriade’s final day, where visitors can enjoy the blooms with their four-legged companions.
  • Great Big Bulb Dig (13 October): Take home a piece of Floriade and support local charities as the festival wraps up for the season.

The impact of Floriade goes far beyond Commonwealth Park. Floriade Community, supported by Icon Water, has again distributed more than 300,000 bulbs and annuals to over 100 schools, retirement villages, community centres, and local organisations across Canberra.

Meanwhile, Lanyon Homestead will feature as a satellite site with guided tours and a special garden installation.

Floriade About Town invites local businesses, cafes, and cultural institutions to join the celebration with themed promotions and citywide events.

Entry to Floriade is free, with gates open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

For more information, visit floriadeaustralia.com

– Statement ends –

Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases