Month: May 2025

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The Albanese Labor Government is announcing a further $114 million investment to improve safety and efficiency for users of key roads around the New Richmond Bridge.

The new investment will upgrade key connecting road infrastructure around Richmond and North Richmond and construct a bypass to Londonderry via a new road parallel to Southee Road.

The project will help reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, connectivity and safety for road users and communities in and transiting through North Richmond, Richmond, Hobartville and Londonderry.

The days of Richmond and North Richmond being connected by a century old bridge with one lane in and out are numbered. Today’s announcement builds on the existing $515 million New Richmond Bridge and Traffic Improvements project, which has a commitment of $400 million from the Australian Government.

The New Richmond Bridge will be built about 10 metres higher than the existing bridge, with elevated approach roads. This will allow the bridge to remain open during one-in-20-year flood events, improving safety and assisting in times of flood evacuation.

The historic 120-year-old Richmond Bridge will be retained and will enter its next era. Once carrying a train line, then an ever-increasing number of cars, it will be transformed into a walking and cycling path.

Today’s announcement follows $580 million already invested through the 2025-2026 Federal Budget to support flood resilience and housing growth in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and surrounds.

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This project will make a big difference for the Richmond community, as well as the broader Hawkesbury.

“With fast-moving flooding occurring frequently in this region, we are building not just a new bridge but the connections to ensure people have that extra time to get in and out of the watch zones.
 
“This work isn’t all about flood resilience, and I know the community will welcome the new walking and cycling route repurposed from the old Richmond Bridge.
 
“This is a really good outcome for this community, and it wouldn’t have happened without the strong advocacy of their local member Susan Templeman, who’s been across every detail of this plan and has brought, State Government, Federal Government and the community together to deliver good outcomes.”
 
Quotes attributable to Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:

“This funding provides the certainty the community has been seeking since the Review of Environmental Factors was released in December. It means there is funding for the approach roads, the new taller bridge and the bypass of Richmond to be built all together.

“I’ve been fighting to reduce congestion and travel times for people across the river since 2010 and am proud to work with both the Federal and State Ministers to deliver this funding.

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The Albanese Government is seeking views on a pathway to increase minimum legislated broadband speeds available across Australia through reforms to the Statutory Infrastructure Provider (SIP) regime.

The SIP regime is set out in the Telecommunications Act 1997 and aims to ensure that all people in Australia can access broadband services at a minimum speed – currently set at a peak minimum download speed of at least 25 Mbps.

NBN Co Limited is the default SIP for Australia, however alternative providers can also become SIPs for the geographic areas in which they deploy telecommunications infrastructure.

Over time, Australia’s broadband network capability has increased, with most SIP networks now or soon expected to support peak minimum download speeds of at least 100 Mbps. However, legislative arrangements have not kept pace with these developments.

Increasing Australia’s regulated broadband speeds will bring Australia in line with international best practice, help to power the economy, and ensure fair and equitable access to services that better meet the needs of users in our increasingly digitally-driven society. 

To achieve this, the Government is interested to hear feedback from SIPs on the current capability of their networks, status of upgrades underway or planned and sensible timing to increase legislated safeguards to 100 Mbps download speeds.

The Government would also like to hear from consumers as to whether they support an increase to minimum speed requirements and what benefits this could deliver.

Submissions can be made until 11:59pm Sunday 18 March 2025 at https://infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/broadband-speeds. 

The proposed reforms respond to public feedback, including through the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review, on the importance of broadband to regional communities and the need for future universal service arrangements to ensure minimum legislated broadband speed requirements remain relevant to changing needs. 

It is part of the Government’s ongoing work to ensure all Australians have access to reliable and high quality connectivity, no matter where they live. An increase to the legislated minimum speeds is made possible through the Government’s continued investments in faster and more reliable broadband by the NBN.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The benefits of high-speed broadband for productivity and connectivity are undeniable, and we want to ensure all Australians have the opportunity to reap these rewards, no matter their postcode.

“The Statutory Infrastructure Provider regime plays an important role in this, but reform is needed to ensure legislation keeps pace with rapidly evolving technology and changing consumer needs.

“We want to hear from industry and consumers on the best pathway to ensuring higher broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps are available to all Australians.

“This is another way the Albanese Government is building a more connected Australia.”

Source: Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority

The toll-free M12 Motorway has passed a major construction milestone with 14 kilometres of the road now complete, on time and on budget and ready to provide direct access to Western Sydney Airport once open in 2026.

The road is now being landscaped, sign posted and having safety infrastructure installed. Once opened, it will link the new Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek to the wider Sydney motorway network, Elizabeth Drive and The Northern Road.

This last section connecting into the M7 Motorway and still in construction will add around 2 kilometres to the project.

Significantly, this marks the first time the public could technically drive the full length between The Northern Road and works near the Elizabeth Drive off ramp at Cecil Park. This will leave just connecting and finishing works to complete before the entire 16-kilometre road is opened to the public in 2026.

The $2.1 billion project, one of the largest transport projects in NSW, has seen:

• around 117,000 cubic metres mainline road concrete used
• 8,223 people employed from which 5,472 local people were employed
• 2,320 bridge lineal metres
• 3,085,587 cubic metres of completed earthworks
• 461 bridge piles installed
• 637 bridge girders installed
• 867,509 trees, shrubs and grasses planted.

The central and western sections of the M12 Motorway have been completed by Transport for NSW construction partners Seymour Whyte and CPB Georgiou Group JV.

Meanwhile work to link the M12 to the M7 is progressing rapidly, with a new alignment of Wallgrove Road at Cecil Hills recently opening to motorists. This is necessary work to create room for the interchange ramps, with bridgework continuing as the M7 upgrade progresses.

The M12 forms part of a wider Western Sydney roads upgrade as the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments get on with the job of delivering Western Sydney road upgrades.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said:

“We’re building Australia’s future by delivering the road and rail connections this new Airport needs to connect it to Western Sydney and beyond.

“With freight services due to start at the airport next year, this new road will ensure trucks can move quickly and easily from the Airport to sites like the new Moorebank intermodal terminal and the rest of the Sydney road network.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The M12 Motorway will be a game-changer for Western Sydney residents – a vital, toll-free link that will ease congestion, improve travel times, and connect our local community without adding to household costs. 

“After years of the former government locking Western Sydney motorists into costly toll roads, this project proves that the Minns Labor Government is committed to building better roads and delivering world-class infrastructure for local families.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“We are a Government serious about targeted investment which will help drive employment and provide improved infrastructure for motorists.

“Just three years ago, around us were just fields. In that time a new airport has emerged from the cow paddocks, a new motorway nearing completion, works on The Northern Road have been undertaken, a new city of Bradfield is beginning to rise, a Metro is connecting the region and other important upgrades are all underway.

“Driving the M12 today gives the sense of scale as to the works being undertaken.”

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“Once opened next year, this road is expected to carry up to 30,000 vehicles a day.

“These are vehicles we are taking off local roads by providing a quality free alternative.

“And while this is happening, we are getting on with the job of strengthening local roads around the precinct. That includes Mamre Road, Mulgoa Road and for the first time $800 million towards fixing Elizabeth Drive and $1 billion on Fifteenth Avenue.”

Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley said:

“This is one of a number of new vital new road connections that the State and Federal Governments are delivering to ensure Western Sydney’s new airport is easily accessible.

“The M12 will provide a toll-free east to west connection from the M7 to the new Airport, and our investments in Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue will ensure people from other parts of Western Sydney can easily access their new airport as well.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I welcome this major milestone in connecting all of us to the new Western Sydney Airport, along with upgrades to Fifteenth Avenue, Elizabeth Drive and other key roads.

“This is all part of ensuring communities like Leppington have easier access to the jobs and opportunities the new airport will bring. These investments ensure everyday travel is easier and we’re building a stronger, more connected Western Sydney.” 

Source: Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority

The new Thornlie-Cockburn Link will open on Monday, June 9, marking the latest major milestone in METRONET’s transformation of Perth.

Perth’s first east-west cross line connection includes two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, with upgrades to Thornlie, Cockburn Central, as well as Perth Stadium stations – providing a direct route from the Mandurah Line to Optus Stadium for the first time.

The opening of the line will connect tens of thousands of people to Perth’s world-class rail network for the first time and adds significant resilience to the broader network.

Commuters will have a 27-minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Road Station and a 31-minute journey from Ranford Road Station.

New and amended bus routes will support connections from surrounding suburbs to the new stations. The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is currently considering community feedback on the proposed routes, with final routes to be published in the lead up to the opening.

A total of 85,000 sleepers and 180,000 tonnes of gravel were used in the construction of the 35 km of new passenger rail and 22 km of new freight rail as part of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.

The inner-section of the Armadale Line will reopen in conjunction with the Thornlie-Cockburn Link on June 9.

This will include the five new elevated stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington and Beckenham.

Six level crossings have been removed from the Victoria Park and Canning sections of the Armadale Line, while the elevated rail will significantly improve pedestrian safety, reduce traffic congestion and create Perth’s first 7 km long linear park, which will be named “Long Park”.

The remainder of the line will reopen when the new elevated Armadale Station and Byford Station reach completion in the next few months. This will include the reopening of stations at Sherwood, Challis, Kelmscott, Seaforth, Gosnells, Maddington and Kenwick.

The formal reopening date for the outer section of the Armadale Line will be announced soon.

The staged reopening has been necessitated by revised construction timelines on the METRONET Byford Rail Extension.

Progress on the Byford Rail Extension reached an important milestone in recent weeks, with the entire elevated rail structure completed, while the majority of rail and overhead line equipment has been installed.

Rail replacement bus services will continue until the entire Armadale Line has reopened, but these services will be amended from June 9. Under the changes, the majority of rail replacement bus services will conclude their journeys at Cannington Station, where commuters will be able to connect to the train line.

The amended rail replacement bus services will be published in the lead up to the June 9 reopening.

Any passengers receiving free public transport due to the Armadale Line closure will continue to receive the concession until their regular train station reopens. 

The $1.3 billion METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the $1.6 billion Victoria Park -Canning Level Crossing Removal Projects are jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments.

A community event to celebrate the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be held on Sunday June 8. Further details about the community event will be provided closer to opening.

A community event to celebrate the full reopening of the Armadale Line will be held later this year.

Quotes attributable to Western Australian Premier Roger Cook:

“We’ve seen in the past few years how METRONET has transformed our suburbs and the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be one of the most important milestones to date.

“This is what METRONET is all about – affordable travel, better connecting communities and creating jobs for thousands of Western Australians.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, delivering the infrastructure that makes our communities even better places to live.

“The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will transform Perth’s southern suburbs by connecting the Mandurah Line to the Armadale line for the first time.”

Quotes attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

“The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be a complete game changer for our public transport network.

“We’re going to connect tens of thousands of people to our world class rail network for the first time and deliver a major boost to the capacity and resilience of our network by connecting the Armadale and Mandurah Lines for the first time.

“METRONET is transforming the face of Perth and making our city more connected than ever before. The opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be one of the biggest changes yet.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh:

“The METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link is nearly here, thanks to joint funding from the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments.

“Thousands of people in Perth’s south will now, for the first time in decades, be able to travel east via rail, connecting them directly from Carousel in Cannington, Carlisle TAFE campus and Optus Stadium.

“People in Canning Vale,Harrisdale and Southern River will finally be close to a train station because of the partnership of the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments.

“It’s only Labor that’s building Western Australia’s future delivering on better public transport for our southern suburbs.”

Source: NGARKAT HIGHWAY, NGARKAT (Grass Fire)

Source: NGARKAT HIGHWAY, NGARKAT (Grass Fire)

Australians will now be better protected while dating online with the enforcements starting under an Australian first online dating code. 

The online dating industry code puts safeguards in place to protect users from online harm and abuse, and was developed by industry in consultation with law enforcement and those with lived experience following a request from the Australian Government.

The voluntary code has been operational for six months, giving service providers time to implement changes ahead of strict enforcement commencing today.

Under the code, participating platforms are required to have: 

• Systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm

• Actions taken against users who have violated a company’s online safety policies, including terminating their accounts across all services operated by that company

• Prominent and transparent complaint and reporting mechanisms

• Regular transparency reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated and content moderation processes

• More support resources on safe dating practices and mitigating online enabled harms

• Proactive engagement with Australian law enforcement, including escalation of complaints where there is imminent threat to safety

Industry transparency about the nature and extent of harms will empower users to make informed choices about the services they use. Platforms will also be required to engage in more reporting with a new rating system on how well they are meeting their obligations.

Failure to comply with the code exposes platforms to enforcement by the independent Code Compliance Committee. Enforcement could include issuing formal warnings, ordering platforms to develop a plan to meet its obligations under the code and, suspending or removing them from the code.

The committee is made up of three members of the public – one person with experience in online safety, sexual or gender-based violence or public policy, one person admitted to practice as a solicitor, and one with experience in social networking technology platforms.

The eSafety Commissioner will start assessing the Code’s effectiveness this year. If it has not been effective, the Government will have the option to pursue regulatory options to keep Australians safe online.

Participating platforms include Match Group (Tinder, OKCupid), ParshipMeet (eHarmony), Bumble, Grindr, and Spark Networks (Zoosk).

For more information, head to: https://www.australianonlinedatingcode.com.au/

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Australians deserve to feel safe when using online dating apps. Reducing online harms is a major focus of ours which is why I am pleased to see industry’s work to develop this code, which is now ready to be strictly enforced. 

“Online safety is a shared responsibility so I am pleased to see some of the largest online dating services across the country commit to doing their part towards the goal of ending violence in our community. 

“If this voluntary code doesn’t stack up and keep users safe we will not hesitate to regulate.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP

“Millions of Australians use online dating platforms, with research suggesting more than 70 per cent of users in Australia have experienced at least one incident of dating app facilitated sexual violence.

“This is unacceptable, and that’s why protecting vulnerable Australians from online abuse, including dating app violence, is our ongoing priority. 

“It’s important we ensure the rules and regulations we have in place are as effective as possible in reducing online harm for all Australians and the enforcement of this new, Australian-first code for dating services is a very positive step towards creating a safe, online space.” 

Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Kevin Russell as Chair of the NBN Co Limited Board (the Board), commencing from 1 April 2025.

Mr Russell has been serving as interim Chair of the Board since 1 January 2025, following the conclusion of Ms Kate McKenzie’s term. He was previously appointed as Non-Executive Director to the Board on 22 April 2024 for a 3-year term. 

Mr Russell brings to the role over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications sector in international and Australian markets, including as Managing Director of Vocus Group, Group Executive Retail for Telstra, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Consumer for Optus. He has previously held CEO roles with Collinear Networks, Hutchinson Three UK and Hutchinson Telecom Australia. 

Mr Russell also has significant experience in leading substantial change management initiatives and major technology transformations in telecommunications businesses.

We congratulate Mr Russell on his appointment and we are confident his extensive experience in leadership, management and telecommunications will continue to be highly valuable for the Board.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“The appointment of Mr Russell will ensure the addition and retention of essential skills and experience, enabling the company to continue to upgrade and improve the National Broadband Network.

“The appointment will continue to provide strong leadership whilst maintaining stability and continuity for the Board.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Board plays a key role in overseeing NBN Co, ensuring it continues to deliver for all Australians as a publicly-owned company.

“Mr Russell’s expertise in leadership, telecommunications, business transformation and stakeholder engagement will continue to be highly valuable for the Board as he assumes the Chair position.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Mr Russell as Chair of NBN Co to deliver on its mission to provide affordable and accessible broadband services for the benefit of all Australians.”

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Fifteen local groups have shared a total of $116,656 in funding from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Community Grants Program Medium Grants category to undertake a diverse range of projects.

City of Greater Bendigo Healthy Communities and Environment Acting Director Andie West said the City’s Community Grants Program is very important for many local groups to undertake important activities that benefit many people in the community.

“The City’s Medium Grants category provides up to $10,000 to support activities that align with the aims of the Greater Bendigo’s Council Plan 2021-2025 Mir wimbul or a local community plan,” Ms West said.

“The Community Grants Program is an important program that has benefited many diverse groups over a long period of time.”  

In the latest round the following grants were provided:

• $10,000 to Eaglehawk Bendigo Badminton and Table Tennis Stadium for construction of a bus drop-off zone to cater for para-athletes and facility users
• $10,000 to Bendigo Basketball Association for the purchase of a trailer to transport sports wheelchairs
• $10,000 to Junortoun Community Action Group to develop and prepare a landscape plan for Honeyeater Bushland Reserve
• $10,000 to Bendigo Winter Night Shelter towards operation of the 2025 Night Shelter
• $9,774 to Bendigo Foodshare Inc towards the purchase of a ride on mower to maintain the grounds of Foodshare’s new premises
• $9,000 to Bendigo Region Women’s Shed Inc. towards developing the operation of the shed
• $8,730 to Discovery Science and Technology Museum Inc to provide the Beyond Curious – innovation STEM and literacy program
• $8,341 to Huntly Men’s Shed Inc. towards the purchase of occupational healthy safety requirements
• $7,838 to Eaglehawk North Primary School towards the implementation of a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
• $7,100 to Ex-Fortuna Survey Association Inc.to digitise and preserve historical film negatives and slides from the Royal Australian Survey Corps and Women’s Australian Army Corps
• $6,500 to Lifeline Loddon Mallee Ltd to support recruitment and training of volunteers
• $6,247 Wellsford Forest Friends and Landcare Group to fund an ecological study of vegetation in Wellsford Forest
• $6,156 to Bendigo Agricultural Show Society to develop a free of charge Kids Zone for children to explore and learn at the 2025 Bendigo Show
• $5,320 to Star Cinema Community Association Pty Ltd to support he Eaglehawk Film Festival
• $1,650 to Ostomates – Bendigo Stoma Support Group to support participant education and operation of the group

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Men Charged After Evade Incident

Saturday, 3 May 2025 – 2:47 pm.

Two men have been charged with numerous offences following a protracted incident yesterday. Both men had been actively avoiding police and were arrested following the incident where they utilised two vehicles in an attempt to evade police. Today, they have been charged with a total of 60 offences.

A 22 year old man with no fixed address has been charged with 35 separate charges including:
1x Dangerous Driving
2x Evade Police (aggravated circumstances)
1x Aggravated assault
1x Attempted Carjacking
4x Drive whilst not the holder of a driver’s licence
1x Computer related Fraud
7x Motor Vehicle stealing
1x Possess a controlled drug
1x Unlawful possession of property
1x Breach of interim Family Violence Order
9x Breaches of bail
2x Burglary
1x Stealing
1x Attempted stealing
1x Destroy property
1x Dangerous article in public place
2x FTA Warrant
1x Warrant First instance

A 19 year old man from Herdsman Cove has been charged with 25 charges including:
1x Motor vehicle stealing
17x Breach of family violence order
1x Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued.
1x Possess ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence.
1x Breach of restraint order
1x Breach of bail conditions
1x Unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.
1x Possess a controlled drug
1x Dangerous article in public place

Tasmania Police would like to thank the members of the public who have provided information to support the investigation.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Serious crash at Stoodley

Saturday, 3 May 2025 – 10:29 am.

A 44 year old man is in a serious condition following a crash on Bridle Track Road at Stoodley yesterday.
The single vehicle crash involving the green BMW sedan with a single occupant occurred around 4:30pm. Witnesses reported that the vehicle lost control and rolled into the Dasher River.
A short time prior to the crash, police travelling in the opposite direction detected the same vehicle travelling above the posted speed limit and were in the process of safely turning around to make an attempt to intercept it. The police vehicle’s emergency warning devices were activated whilst trying to find the vehicle.  Police did not locate the vehicle and shortly thereafter were notified it had crashed.
As is normal practice in these circumstances, a Professional Standards investigation will be conducted into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police are on the scene this morning conducting investigations and Bridle Track Road will be closed to all traffic while the investigation is underway.
Police are calling for witnesses to the crash or any person who observed the vehicle’s manner or driving to come forward.
Anyone with dash cam footage or information should contact Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.