Month: May 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 51-year-old male has been arrested in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Borroloola yesterday afternoon.

Around 2pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a female had been struck by a vehicle while walking down a roadway in the community.

Police and clinic staff attended, and the victim was conveyed to the clinic suffering significant injuries to her ankle. She will be transported to Royal Darwin Hospital today for further treatment.

The alleged offender, who is known to the victim, fled the scene prior to police; however, he was arrested this morning at the Borroloola Police Station after handing himself in. He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500050231. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a man in relation to the serious assault that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday afternoon.

Around 12am, detectives attended a residence on Gap Road and arrested the 22-year-old man.

He currently remains in custody.

The victim remains in hospital receiving treatment and a crime scene remains open in on Gregory Terrace, between Todd Street and Hartley Street, with members of the public advised to avoid the area.

Initial enquiries indicate both the offender and victim were known to each other and not Alice Springs residents.

Investigations into the assault and the large altercation remain ongoing.

Source: New South Wales – News

Just before 5am, Friday 16 May, police and emergency services were called to Port Wakefield Highway, Two Wells (near the intersection with Port Gawler Road) after reports of a crash between a car and truck. On arrival, the driver of the car was trapped and fire crews quickly worked to remove them from their vehicle. The driver was subsequently airlifted to hospital with life threatening injuries.

The driver of the truck, a 30-year-old-man from Mallala, was uninjured and was taken to hospital for mandatory blood tests.

Major Crash investigators are making their way to the scene.

Port Wakefield Road is closed to all northbound traffic from Port Gawler Road and diversions are in place via Old Port Wakefield Road. Road users are asked to avoid the area.

Anyone who witnessed this crash or has dashcam is asked to contact police. You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

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New businesses sometimes make mistakes with their registration, reporting and recordkeeping responsibilities. It’s important new business owners understand their obligations to ensure they’re getting it right from the start.

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Source: Australian Green Party

​The delivery of the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding report follows almost 70 hearing days and an extensive consultation with health policy experts, patients, consumers, and NSW Health staff involved in the delivery of care at every level.​
The rep​or​t ​has made 41 recommendations across 12 key areas including workforce, education and training, funding and procurement processes. Over the coming months, the NSW Government will carefully consider and develop a response to these findings.
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM has today thanked every one of the people working in our healthcare system throughout NSW. Their dedication, skill, and commitment to providing the very best patient care have been recognised by the Inquiry throughout the pages of the report.
“The Honourable Justice Beasley acknowledges the strength of the NSW Health system, its openness in its contribution to the Inquiry, and the commitment of our people to improving the public health system for the benefit of the people of NSW,” Ms Pearce said.
While the focus will understandably be on recommendations made and areas for improvement, it is very important to note the comments of the Honourable Justice Beasley, who said:
“…the NSW public health system is a very good one. It comprises doctors, nurses, other clinicians, and workers who are well trained, highly skilled, and dedicated. It is well managed.
“It is not, and is unlikely to be in the near future, entirely mistake or incident free, but any person experiencing an illness or injury who attends a NSW public hospital, facility or service, is very likely to receive treatment and care comparable to the best that is provided in any other developed country.”
On the central issue of healthcare funding, the Honourable Justice Beasley said:
“The money allocated to the NSW public health system by a combination of the NSW and Commonwealth Governments is generally not wasted. Likewise, the local health districts and specialty health networks do not waste their budgetary allocation.”
Ms Pearce said this is not to say that there are not areas for improvement across the public health system.
“We work in a huge and complex public health system and there always has been and always will be room for improvement and innovation, as we strive continuously to enhance patient experiences and outcomes,” she said.
“A crucial part of this ongoing effort is providing the support and creating the conditions to allow our staff to do what they do best – care for patients. I agree with the Honourable Justice Beasley, who said: “The health workforce is NSW Health’s greatest asset. It is the key to a strong and sustainable system into the future.”
“We have longstanding recruitment issues, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas, which are challenging for staff and communities in these areas, as well as in some clinical areas and practice disciplines. This continues to be an area of focus.”
“So, while I am the first to acknowledge that we have significant challenges to address, it is also true that we are addressing all these challenges from a position of strength, with one of the best healthcare systems in the world, staffed by the best workforce in the world.”
“For those who may try to portray the Inquiry, or NSW Health, as something it is not, it should be noted the opening paragraph of the Inquiry Report says:
“This Special Commission of Inquiry should at least be welcomed as a refreshing change to other Commissions conducted in Australia and NSW in recent years. Rather than being an inquiry into the failure of government and its agencies, or into their poor conduct, misconduct or unlawful conduct, it has been an inquiry into how a government service might be improved.”
“More than that, I was heartened to see the Honourable Justice Beasley not only noted NSW Health’s cooperation with the Inquiry, but that this… “cooperation extended to facilitating evidence from witnesses, who on many occasions expressed a form of disagreement or criticism about how things were done, or offered a different viewpoint to that of the NSW Ministry of Health or management.”
“Disagreement and criticism of the way things are done are not unwelcome. Every day in NSW Health, as the Inquiry noted, a genuine exchange of ideas about the ways in which the delivery of healthcare can be improved is critical.”
“This includes supporting staff who raise concerns or make complaints to pursue these matters. I want everyone who works in NSW Health to know they can speak up if they feel they need to. I strongly encourage them to do so constructively. It is vital to ensuring we continue to provide the world class health service the Special Commission of Inquiry has recognised in its report,” Ms Pearce said.

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 15 May 2025

Innovative Queensland-based organisations with a bright idea to improve how First Nations artefacts are identified are being encouraged to apply for a new challenge.

The Queensland Government and Queensland Museum have partnered to deliver the Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Challenge – Charting provenance with First Nations artefacts.

The initiative aims to improve the digital storing, processing, analysis and digitisation of First Nations archival materials like hunting and gathering tools, traditional baskets, boomerangs and rock engravings.

Streamlining the process ensures the original creator has their work correctly attributed by the Queensland Museum.

Participants are encouraged to develop a user-friendly system which makes cataloguing, identifying, processing and managing First Nations artefacts easier for the Queensland Museum by reducing the lengthy and labour-intensive identification process.

The successful Queensland business will receive grant funding up to $100,000 to help them develop their proposed solution with the Museum.

Queensland Museum is custodian to more than 22,000 objects in the Queensland Aboriginal collection, as well as more than 28,000 items from outside of Queensland and more than 12,000 historic photographs.

Acting Deputy Director-General of Innovation Tony King said it’s important to recognise, honour and embrace the rich and ancient cultural history of First Nations peoples, as the first custodians of Australia.

“This challenge will help support the Museum’s archiving and streamline repatriation efforts with Indigenous communities, to uphold the integrity and respect of cultural artefacts,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing what ideas Queensland innovators come up with, to store and showcase First Nations material.”

Queensland Museum CEO Dr Jim Thompson said this is a great opportunity for Queensland innovators to help improve how the museum cares for and connects with First Nations cultural items.

“By making the identification process easier and more accurate, we can better support communities and ensure these important objects are properly recognised, and if possible, returned,” he said.

Queensland Museum First Nations Director Dr Bianca Beetson said this opportunity is groundbreaking and will assist with First Nations artefact collection and recordkeeping.

“It could really improve our processes and make them quicker, transforming how the Museum works to repatriate items back to Indigenous communities,” she said.

“We’re hoping this tool will be able to pull up records of specific markings on cultural items like styles, patterns or timbers – to more effectively and efficiently identify its origin.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of First Nations items coming in from general surrenders and international returns and if this tool is successful, there’s also potential for other museums and even institutions like universities to use it as well.”

Applications close: 2pm Thursday 19 June 2025

View more information about the Private Sector Pathways (PSP) Challenge – Charting provenance with First Nations artefacts.

Media contact:                 DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@des.qld.gov.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 27-year-old man is in a critical condition after a serious assault in Alice Springs this afternoon.

Around 5:10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an altercation between up to 20 people on Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs.

During the altercation, an unknown man has allegedly stabbed the 27-year-old multiple times to his chest before fleeing the scene.

Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene and provided initial first aid before the man was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital in a critical condition.

A crime scene was declared on Gregory Terrace between Todd Street and Hartley Street.

Acting Commissioner Martin Dole said “This was a senseless, violent attack, that has no place in our community. Detectives are canvassing the area, and the crime scene is expected to remain open into the night.

“Anyone with information is urged to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25132773. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is currently investigating a single vehicle fatal crash that occurred in Kulgera this morning.

Around 11:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a vehicle had rolled on its side along the Stuart Highway approximately 3 kilometres from Kulgera.

Emergency services deployed from Alice Springs and Marla and the two vehicle occupants, a male and a female, were located deceased at the scene.

The Stuart Highway is now closed in both directions and police urge road users to avoid the area where possible.

Major Crash Investigation Unit have carriage and investigations are ongoing. 

The number of lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 14.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Recreational fishers fined after being caught with excess fish

Thursday, 15 May 2025 – 4:35 pm.

Western Police are reminding recreational fishers to ensure they are abiding by catch limits after a number of people were caught taking excess fish and undersized/oversized fish in recent weeks.
Two men have been fined after they were caught at Ulverstone on Sunday 11 May with 43 Sand Flathead which had been cut into 85 fillets.
The possession limit for Sand Flathead on state waters in the Northern and Western Fishing Zones of Tasmania is 10 per person. 
The men were also found to have a gummy shark onboard which had the dorsal fin and tail removed – in Tasmania, the dorsal and pectoral fins of gummy sharks must remain attached until the shark is landed. 
For further information regarding size, bag and possession limits, you can download the Fishing Tas App which also has the reporting of Rock Lobster fishing activities on it. Remember, check your catch in all respects.
Anyone with information regarding illegal fishing is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Fishwatch on 0427 655 557. Information can be provided anonymously

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

New taskforce to focus on high visibility patrols in Glenorchy CBD

Thursday, 15 May 2025 – 4:21 pm.

Tasmania Police is stepping up its focus on reducing anti-social behaviour and retail crime in the Glenorchy municipality, launching Taskforce Respect, a new community campaign involving high visibility patrols in the CBD and shopping areas.
Inspector Jason Klug said the aim of Taskforce Respect was to enhance public safety and community confidence in the Glenorchy CBD, stretching also into Moonah and Claremont, with officers targeting recidivist offenders and anti-social behaviour.
“Tasmania Police’s high-visibility foot patrols will continue in retail precincts to disrupt and reduce incidents of crime, with a particular focus on known and repeat offenders,” Inspector Klug said.
“We’ll also be using drug detection dogs, CCTV footage and CBD exclusion orders to help achieve our goals of helping keep the community safe.”
Recidivist offenders and youth crime will be a key focus of Taskforce Respect, with Tasmania Police data showing just 57 people made up 50 per cent of youth crime charges across the state in 2024.
“Our message to these people is simple, if you are offending in the Glenorchy area, then we will be looking out for you,” Inspector Klug said.
“Our aim is to ensure a safer, more welcoming environment for businesses, residents and visitors.”
Inspector Klug said there was a deliberate use of the word ‘respect’ in naming the new taskforce, which began operation on Monday, May 12.
“Our message is about instilling a basic respect for one another in our community,” Inspector Klug said.
“It is a message, aimed particularly at our youth, in which we say acts of violence and abuse, and acts of retail crime and theft, like we have seen in the past, are unacceptable.
“We want to help people understand the importance of respect, that is, respect for each other, respect for your community and respect for those businesses and retailers that are operating in our city.”
Taskforce Respect will build upon successful policing initiatives Operation Swipe in Glenorchy (December 2024) and Operation Saturate (ongoing) across greater Hobart.
Tasmania Police continues to work in partnership with Glenorchy City Council, businesses and stakeholders such as Metro Tasmania to prevent, resolve and investigate issues of crime and anti-social behaviour that occur in public spaces.
Supporting police, Crime Stoppers Tasmania ambassador Mark Mewis said Crime Stoppers welcomed the initiative and sought to remind the public that community safety was the responsibility of all Tasmanians.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy our public spaces without fear or intimidation, and we can further support the police by reporting anti-social behaviour and those engaged in such behaviour anonymously through Crime Stoppers,” Mr Mewis said.
As part of the official launch of Taskforce Respect, Tasmania Police’s new Poli community outreach van was in attendance to help engage with the Glenorchy community.
Launched in April, Poli has been developed to increase police visibility and improve engagement in the community.
“Poli is staffed by members of the Community Engagement Services team, along with local officers, who can discuss local crime issues and provide crime prevention and general advice to residents and business owners. Poli staff can also provide information and resources about personal, residential and business safety, as well as child safety and safeguarding,” Inspector Klug said.
Information on crimes in the Glenorchy community can be provided to police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au – information can be provided anonymously. If you are in immediate need of police assistance, call Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency.