Month: May 2025

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 12 May 2025

A young male cassowary has been rehabilitated and released into Wooroonooran National Park after being rescued from cane fields near Mourilyan in far north Queensland.

The successful release of the cassowary demonstrates the importance of public reporting of cassowary sightings, particularly if the birds are sick, injured or in places well away from of their normal habitat.

In March this year, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) received multiple sighting reports a young cassowary wandering along roads among cane fields, several kilometres from the nearest forested area.

DETSI wildlife rangers found the bird to be in poor condition and an analysis of its fresh scat showed it had been eating solely non-native fruit.

Due to the location, condition and the risk of vehicle strike, the bird was captured and placed in DETSI’s Cassowary Rehabilitation Centre at Garners Beach.

Senior Wildlife Ranger Alex Diczbalis said the juvenile male cassowary had received daily care and feeding at the centre by volunteers from the Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation (C4), and its condition had improved rapidly.

“We’d like to thank the members of the public who took the time to report the cassowary to us and to the C4 volunteers for their dedication,” Mr Diczbalis said.

“After several weeks of care, which included feeding the bird native fruit collected from the roadside, the cassowary was assessed by local vet Dr Graham Lauridsen as being suitable

for release back into the wild.

“We chose a release location in Wooroonooran National Park that has dense rainforest, abundant native food, and access to fresh water which will give the cassowary a great opportunity to establish a home range.

“On 10 April 2025, the cassowary was released into the rainforest and calmly explored its new surroundings.

“Recent site visits have confirmed that the cassowary is foraging well and fulfilling its vital role in seed dispersal and rainforest regeneration. We hope the cassowary will thrive and in time father its own chicks.”

To report a cassowary sighting or incident, call 1300 130 372 in a timely manner.

Be Cass-o-wary!!

Southern cassowary behaviour is unpredictable. Cassowaries can inflict serious injuries to people and pets by lashing out with their large, clawed feet.

• Don’t approach cassowaries, it’s best to appreciate them from a distance
• Never approach chicks – male cassowaries will defend them.
• Don’t feed cassowaries – it is illegal, dangerous and has caused cassowary deaths.
• Discard food scraps in closed bins and ensure compost bins have secure lids.
• Slow down and keep an eye out when driving on roads in cassowary habitat.
• Don’t park your vehicle near cassowaries, they may think you’ve stopped to feed them.
• Keep dogs behind fences or on a leash.

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 9 May 2025

A 2.8-metre estuarine crocodile has been captured in a floating trap on the Ross River near Aplins Weir on 8 May 2025.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation targeted the animal for removal after receiving multiple sighting reports recently from concerned members of the public.

Wildlife rangers conducted a land-based spotlight assessment to locate the crocodile and due to its size and location – in a high recreational use area – it was targeted for removal.

Principal Wildlife Ranger Dinouk Perera said that when wildlife rangers were removing the trapped animal, they observed a second crocodile about two metres in length, nearby.

“We have re-installed the trap to target the second crocodile for removal,” Mr Perera said.

“The department would like to thank those community members who reported the crocodile.

“Crocodile sighting reports give us important information about a crocodile’s location and behaviour that allows us to assess whether it needs to be removed from the wild.

“The captured crocodile is currently in a holding pond at our facility and will be rehomed to a farm or zoo.

“People in Townsville are reminded that the area is crocodile habitat, and they need to make sensible choices when they are around the water.

“Crocodiles could be present in any waterway in areas of crocodile habitat. They can swim long distances and may turn up in places they haven’t been seen before, particularly after flooding.

“That’s why it is important to report all crocodile sightings to the department as soon as possible, for investigation by wildlife rangers.”

Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

Further information is available at: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/animals/living-with/crocodiles/becrocwise

Source: South Australia Police

Eglinton’s Heath Park is officially complete and set to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members alike.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

I’m grateful to the Prime Minister for the opportunity to continue to serve as Australia’s Treasurer.

I’m especially pleased to lead a really high‑calibre economic team alongside the re‑appointed Finance Minister Katy Gallagher.

I’m looking forward to working closely with Daniel Mulino as the new Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services.

Anne Aly will be an outstanding new Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs.

Andrew Leigh will continue to do a terrific job in an expanded role as Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury.

We’ve got a big agenda on housing and I’m very keen to work with Clare O’Neil as Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities to deliver it.

These are outstanding colleagues with an abundance of talent, energy and intellectual horsepower.

This will be a very strong and effective economic team.

We’ve made welcome progress on the economy in our first term but there’s more work to do because people are under pressure and the global environment is uncertain.

I look forward to working alongside Katy, Anne, Andrew, Clare and Daniel to roll out our tax cuts for every taxpayer, build more homes, make our economy more productive and provide the responsible economic leadership that’s been a defining feature of our Labor Government.

Source: New South Wales – News

The single car rollover occurred on Wilkins Highway, Caltowie, near the Caltowie-Hornsdale Road, just before 10.30am on Monday 12 May.

Source: Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority

I am honoured to be reappointed Federal Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia as part of a re-elected Albanese Labor Government.

I am looking forward to implementing the Government’s election policies and to delivering for the people of Australia.

Strengthening our resources industry is a key priority of this Government as a part of its Future Made in Australia agenda.

The implementation of the Future Gas Strategy and the Critical Minerals Strategy is vital for the nation’s productivity agenda.

The development of our critical minerals and rare earths sector is central to Australia’s national economic, trade and security interests.

The creation of a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, combined with Production Tax Credits and the expansion of the Critical Minerals Facility will support Australia’s economy and boost our resilience in a time of global uncertainty. 

A strong north means a strong Australia, and the Albanese Labor Government is working to make Northern Australia even stronger.

The Government’s plan for Northern Australia through work such as its continued support for the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility will create jobs, build infrastructure and support communities. 

I look forward to working with Special Envoy Luke Gosling to ensure the north grows and prospers.

I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with Senator Anthony Chisholm as Assistant Minister for Resources and Senator Nita Green as Assistant Minister for Northern Australia.  

Our resources industry is the engine room of the economy, but it is also increasingly important for our sovereignty and our national security.

Critical minerals and rare earths are essential for our defence industry and will be needed by our security partners, particularly as part of AUKUS.

The Albanese Labor Government will work to ensure that all Australians benefit from the resources that are essential to our national interest.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Detectives from the Drug and Organised Crime Division have seized multiple stolen weapons from a location in Virginia.

Early on the morning of Sunday 11 May 2025, investigators attended an unoccupied address in Virginia and seized a large cache of firearms.

A large steel toolbox was located on the property, which contained:

• 1 x .22 calibre pistol
• 1 x Sawn off 12-gauge Remington shotgun
• 1 x .458 Interarms Mark X rifle
• 1 x AR15 Colt rifle
• 1 x 30.30 Winchester rifle
• 1 x .338 Tikka rifle
• 1 x 17 HMR CZ 455 rifle
• 1 x Replica grenade containing a quantity of ammunition

The Colt AR15 is inoperable and is believed to have been stolen from the Darwin Military Museum in May 2024.

Forensics is currently being conducted on the weapons and investigations remain ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Lee Morgan said “ The seizure of these these illicit firearms will have a significant impact on community safety.  Illegal firearms have no place in our communities. Every weapon removed from circulation reduces the risk of serious harm or death.  We will continue to work towards removing illicit firearms from the community.

“We urge the public that if they have any information in relation to unregistered or stolen firearms to make contact on 131 444. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via Crime Stoppers NT.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are currently investigating an alleged sexual assault against a young person in Palmerston early Saturday morning.

It is alleged the female youth was sexually assaulted by an unknown male around 1:50am on a path between Temple Terrace and Hannibal Crescent, Palmerston.

Investigations are ongoing and at this stage no further information can be provided.

Detectives urge anyone with information in relation to the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25128249. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

On Thursday 8 May 2025, the Northern Territory Police Force in partnership with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service, conducted a large-scale training exercise at the Darwin Convention Centre.

The purpose of the exercise was to test the response to a large-scale critical incident from the operational to executive level, as part of the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee obligations. The exercise focused on a HAZMAT and mass casualty incident and involved more than 120 role players, with 100 emergency services personal responding. Simulated chemical incidents and gunfire were used throughout the venue and role players had special effects make-up applied to simulate realistic injuries, significantly enhancing training outcomes. Both General Duties Police and Specialist Police were deployed to the Convention Centre to safely resolve the situation.

The NT Police Force and NT Fire and Rescue Service would like to thank the following key stakeholder’s assistance was invaluable to the execution of this training exercise:

• The Darwin Convention Centre and staff
• The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre and staff
• The United States of America Marines from the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin
• The Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet staff
• Soldiers from The 5th/7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
• Soldiers from The 8th/12th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery
• Soldiers from The North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE)
• Northern Territory Government Department of Health
• St John Ambulance Northern Territory
• Northern Territory Junior Police Rangers and families

Exercise Directing Staff, Acting Commander Jakson Evans said, “The exercise was an outstanding success. This rare training opportunity tested current practices and provided significant lessons for both agencies.

“This ensures the agencies are appropriately prepared to serve and protect the people of the Northern Territory and effectively respond to this type of incident.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Darwin Traffic Operations has arrested a 38-year-old male for allegedly ramming a vehicle into a residence in Gray on Saturday afternoon.

Around 2:40pm, police received reports of a vehicle allegedly driving through the closed gate of a residence on Essington Avenue and into the front of the house. Two occupants, known to the offender, were within the front yard and were struck by the vehicle. The collision resulted in significant damage to the residence and the gate. The offender subsequently fled the scene in the offending vehicle prior to police arrival.

Police and St John Ambulance attended and assessed the two adult victims, both of which sustained non-life-threatening injuries requiring medical treatment. The second victim also experienced a medical episode following the incident.

Additional resources were deployed to locate the alleged offender and the offending vehicle. Around 5:35pm, police observed the offender walking along Jenkins Road before attempting to apprehend him.  As he was being apprehended, he violently resisted arrest and a taser was deployed.

The 38-year-old was subsequently arrested and found to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.

The Search and Rescue Section later located the vehicle in nearby bushland. It is alleged that the vehicle was also stolen from a person known to the offender.

He has since been charged with the following:

• Recklessly endangering life x 3
• Breach DVO x 1
• Drive unregistered / uninsured motor vehicle and other traffic related offences
• Possess Schedule 1 Drug (Traffickable quantity)
• Resist police in execution of duty
• Damage to property  x 2
• Driving, using motor vehicle without consent

He has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 12 May 2025.

Domestic Violence Investigation Unit have carriage of the investigation and urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25128147. 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.