Month: June 2025

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A second of caution can safeguard your future

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Scammers take advantage of tax time by impersonating the ATO through fake emails and messages, hoping you’ll respond quickly without verifying if they are genuine. ATO email impersonation scams alone are up 300% from this time last year.

Scammers know you’re busy, often distracted, and want you to respond quickly without verifying who is contacting you. They are trying to trick you into handing over personal information so they can steal your identity and commit fraud in your name.

There are 3 simple steps you can take to protect yourself:

  1. Stop: Never share your myGov sign in details, and only share personal information such as your Tax File Number (TFN) or bank account details if you trust the person and they genuinely require them. If in doubt, don’t provide anything.
  2. Check: Take a sec to check. Ask yourself could it be fake? Is it really the ATO? If a link or QR code is directing you to provide information or to log into an online portal Don’t click on it!
  3. Protect: If something doesn’t feel right or you notice unusual activity, act quickly.

Remember:

  • We may send you an SMS or email asking you to contact us but we’ll never send an unsolicited message with a link asking you to return personal information or log into our online services.
  • We do have a Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn accounts, but we’ll never use these platforms to ask you to provide personal information, documentation or payments.

Recovering from identity theft can be a stressful and complicated process. If something feels off, don’t engage with it – visit verify or report a scam on our website or phone us on 1800 008 540 for confirmation.

To learn more visit how to stay scam safe and scam alerts.

Looking for the latest news for SMSFs? – You can stay up to date by visiting our SMSF newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly SMSF newsletter.

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Police funeral to be held for Constable Keith Anthony Smith in Devonport

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police funeral to be held for Constable Keith Anthony Smith in Devonport

Friday, 20 June 2025 – 3:00 pm.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams has announced a police funeral for Constable Keith Anthony Smith will take place in Devonport on Friday, 27 June.
The funeral will honour Constable Smith’s life and commemorate his 25 years of service with Tasmania Police.
Commissioner Adams said Keith’s death was a traumatic and tragic event that has shocked Tasmania Police, and the broader community.
“This week has been an incredibly difficult time for our Tasmania Police family, with the death of our respected and committed colleague, Constable Keith Smith,” she said.
“Keith served with unwavering dedication and integrity, and his legacy will not be forgotten.”
“For many Tasmania Police officers, Keith was more than a colleague – he was a friend, a mentor, and a true embodiment of what it means to serve.”
The funeral will be held at 1pm on Friday in Devonport.
At the request of Constable Smith’s family, the funeral is only open to family, friends, invited guests and police.
Members of the public are asked to respect the family’s wishes for privacy and are asked not to attend the service itself.
Immediately after the funeral, community members will be welcome to pay their respects by observing the guard of honour and funeral procession.
Details of times and locations will be provided at a later date.
Constable Smith was fatally shot on Monday, 16 June, while attending a rural property at North Motton in Tasmania’s north-west.
A man has been charged with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault over the devastating incident. He is due to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday, 7 July.
Members of the public are invited to leave a message of condolence or support for Constable Smith’s family and Tasmania Police colleagues on the Tasmania Police website. Public memorials have also been set up at Ulverstone and Launceston police stations.

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Works officially underway on new Serpentine Fire Station

Source:

Construction has officially commenced on a new fire station for Serpentine Fire Brigade, marked by a ceremonial sod turn today (Friday, 20 June).

CFA Deputy Chief Officer (North West) Bill Johnstone AFSM joined Serpentine Fire Brigade Captain Neville Cockerell along with brigade members on-site to launch the project, which represents a significant milestone for the local brigade and wider community. 

Neville, who has served with Serpentine Fire Brigade for more than 30 years, said the new station will be a major boost for both members and the town. 

“This new station will give us the space and facilities we need to modernise and grow,” Neville said. 

“We trained seven new members last year, and having a modern, fit-for-purpose base will help us attract even more people to join. 

“It’ll also give us a place to come together socially, this will help us build an even stronger, more connected brigade.” 

The new station will be located on Treloar Street, Serpentine, and will feature two appliance bays, a new brigade office, a multipurpose training room with an integrated kitchen and separate male and female turnout areas. 

Neville said he hopes the facility can also serve as a staging area for any large-scale incidents in the region. 

“We’re a practical brigade that’s always been here to serve our community, from fires and floods to road accidents,” Neville said.  

“These facilities will help us continue doing that.” 

Bill added that the facility will provide members with a modern, functional space to train and respond from. 

“Projects such as this one demonstrate CFA’s commitment has to our regional and remote communities,” Bill said. 

Serpentine Fire Brigade currently has 46 members (43 male and 3 female), including 22 operational volunteers and 24 non-operational members. 

The brigade played a key role in the response to two major flooding events — in 2011 and again in 2022 — which significantly impacted the Loddon Valley. Members continue to respond to a wide range of incidents including grassfires, road crashes, and vehicle fires, particularly along the Loddon Valley Highway. 

Submitted by CFA Media
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Simon Birmingham appointed as ABA CEO

Source: Premier of Victoria

Former Federal Finance Minister and Senate Leader, The Hon. Simon Birmingham, will join the Australian Banking Association as Chief Executive Officer.

ABA Chair and National Australia Bank CEO Andrew Irvine today announced Mr Birmingham’s appointment, replacing retiring CEO, The Hon. Anna Bligh AC.

“We are delighted to have Simon lead our industry and help ensure Australian banks continue making the right decisions for customers and the broader economy,” Mr Irvine said.

“He is a recognised leader who has had deep involvement in significant and long-lasting policy decisions and actions throughout his career that have helped to shape our country.

“Simon’s ability to navigate difficult and complex environments, bringing together varied interests and perspectives, makes him ideal for this role. He will be a sensible, consistent and respected voice on behalf of the industry.”

Mr Birmingham served in the Australian Parliament as a Liberal Senator for South Australia from 2007 to 2025. His roles included Minister for Finance, Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Minister for Education and Training and Manager of Government Business in the Senate. He was Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2022 until his retirement from the Senate.

Prior to politics, he worked with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and the Australian Hotels Association. He is currently ANZ’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman, South Australia. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Adelaide.

“I thank the ABA board for their vote of confidence in my ability to lead this industry. As the ABA CEO I will always put trust in Australia’s banking system first, pursue a competitive regulatory environment, and work to ensure innovation in banking strengthens Australia’s financial interests. I also want to acknowledge ANZ for their support and encouragement through this process,” Mr Birmingham said.

“Banks are central to our economy, essential to businesses of all sizes and entrusted by Australians with their personal financial wellbeing. From trade and capital flows from large and international banks, to the choice offered by smaller banks, regional banks and customer-owned organisations, a strong, healthy, customer-focused financial services sector is vital for all Australians.”

Mr Birmingham will start on 18 August. Ms Bligh, who announced in February that she would retire after eight years as ABA CEO, will finish on 22 August.

“Anna has had a remarkable and lasting impact on this industry and how we look after our customers,” Mr Irvine said. We are enormously grateful for her time advocating for customers, particularly the disadvantaged, across financial services.”

For more information, visit the ABA’s website here.

Contact:  Mark Alexander, National Australia Bank (as ABA Chair bank), 0412 171 447

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Media Enquiries

For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015

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SA Police spits the dummy on young driver offending

Source: New South Wales – News

A new campaign targeting young drivers launches today, highlighting the life-changing consequences of committing road safety offences.

The campaign message, ‘Lost your licence? Sucks to be you,’ highlights the lifestyle regression young drivers face if they lose their licence.

Last year 81 per cent of drivers who receive an Immediate Loss of Licence penalties were young drivers (16-24-year-olds).

SA Police State Operations Service Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said becoming a new driver should be a liberating time, but it comes with serious responsibilities.

“If a young driver loses their licence, the excitement of driving themselves to work, sport and social events will go back to relying on parents and public transport again – and that sucks,” he said.

“In addition to losing personal freedoms, young drivers should be aware of the risks of causing a loss of life or serious injuries from unsafe driving.

“Sadly, fatal and serious injury crashes resulting from at-fault young drivers is overrepresented in South Australia.”

In 2024, young drivers found to be at-fault in crashes, caused 11 deaths, making up 12 per cent of all lives lost on the roads and caused 100 serious injuries.

Minister for Police, Stephen Mullighan MP said this campaign will send a clear message to young male drivers.

“Young men are overrepresented in serious and fatal crashes which is why this campaign is deliberately targeting that cohort of drivers.

“Getting your driver’s licence is an exciting time that gives young people more freedom but it also comes with enormous responsibility.

“Losing a driver’s license can have big impacts on a young person’s professional and personal life so I strongly urge drivers to abide by the road rules and take care when driving.”

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Reminder of Dickson Library toilet upgrade – planned branch closure from next week

Source: Australian National Party

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 20/06/2025

Dickson Library will be temporarily closed for two weeks across June and July while the library’s public toilets are renovated to provide improved facilities for members and visitors.

To ensure the amenities are brought up to a modern standard, the toilet facilities at the front of the library branch will be given a major upgrade.

Three individual toilets, including one disability accessible toilet, will be upgraded. Works will include new toilets, sinks, tapware, tiling, door hardware, flooring, rails, repainting ceilings and new LED light fittings.

The library will be closed from Monday 23 June 2025 until Friday 4 July 2025 for the construction period.

Return chutes at the Dickson Library will also be closed for this duration.

The Dickson Library will re-open on Saturday 5 July 2025, however the new upgraded public toilet facilities will remain closed until Monday 7 July 2025 for final works and cleaning to be completed.

Should members of the public require toilet facilities, the nearest public toilets to the Dickson library are located behind the bus stop on Cowper Street.

Executive Branch Manager of Libraries ACT, Peta Harding, thanked the community for its patience and apologised for any inconvenience during construction.

“The two-week closure from Monday is required for the health and safety of staff and visitors due to the significant noise and dust anticipated.” Ms Harding said.

“Additionally, the community room at Dickson Library will also be unavailable during the closure. Libraries ACT will contact people who have room bookings, and alternative options will be offered where possible.

“It is anticipated that the renovations to the toilets at Dickson Library will be completed during this two-week period however may be subject to change,” Ms Harding said.

Library members who prefer to use an alternative library during the upgrade works can find information about library locations and opening hours on the Libraries ACT website.

The community can also stay up to date on these works and any changes to services by visiting the Libraries ACT website www.library.act.gov.au or by following Libraries ACT on Facebook @LibrariesACT.

– Statement ends –

ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases

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Call for information – Aggravated robbery – Gillen

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police are calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Gillen overnight.

Around 9pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a Taxi had been stolen while attending a job on Newland Street.

It is alleged that a male entered the Taxi on Newland Street, before exiting the vehicle and opening the driver’s side door and pulling the driver out of the vehicle. He subsequently assaulted the driver multiple times, before entering the vehicle and driving away.

A short time later, the alleged offender returned in the Taxi, parked and left the scene without further incident.

Police attended and seized the vehicle for forensic testing and the offender remains outstanding. The victim did not require medical treatment.

Strike Force Viper have carriage of the incident and investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25165073. Anonymous reports can be made through 1800 333 000.

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George Town man charged after police seized 16 illegal firearms

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

George Town man charged after police seized 16 illegal firearms

Friday, 20 June 2025 – 10:16 am.

A man has been charged with multiple firearms, drug and driving-related offences after police seized 16 illegal firearms during a search at a George Town residence. 
Police attended the residence on Wednesday 18 June while investigating an earlier driving offence in the George Town area.
Officers observed items of interest through a window of the property and subsequently executed a search warrant. 
During the search police located the following firearms –

A single-barrel shotgun
2 x imitation semiautomatic sniper rifles 
2 x imitation bolt action rifles 
2 x imitation AR pistols 
4 x imitation AR rifles 
An imitation P90 submachine gun 
An imitation colt pistol
An imitation revolver pistol
2 x imitation flintlock pistols 

A 40 year old George Town man was arrested and has since been charged with multiple offences including possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued.
He will appear in court at a later date.
Anyone with information about illegal firearm and drug activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

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Charges over Central Highlands ‘wood-hooking’

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Charges over Central Highlands ‘wood-hooking’

Friday, 20 June 2025 – 9:36 am.

Nine people from the Queenstown area are facing charges including stealing and trespassing as part of joint operation between Tasmania Police and Sustainable Timber Tasmania targeting the illegal harvesting of timber in the Central Highlands.
Authorities have used surveillance and targeted patrols as part of the crackdown on the illegal collection of timber, including the collection of timber for firewood, a practice commonly referred to as wood-hooking.
Police have seized more than 200 tonnes of firewood in the operation.
“To date, proceedings have commenced against nine individuals from Queenstown, with a combined total of 141 counts of trespass and stealing,” Tasmania Police Senior Constable Jessica Weston said.
“Police will be paying close attention to anyone suspected of being involved in illegal wood collection and will intervene where appropriate. Anyone caught engaging in illegal wood collection may be proceeded against for breaches of legislation including stealing, unlawful possession, trespass and relevant traffic offences.”
Police issued a reminder that to collect firewood, you must either do it on your own land, have permission from the landowner, or have a permit from Sustainable Timber Tasmania or the relevant owner of that property.
Permits must be always carried when collecting and carting firewood. In all other cases, it is classified as stealing and anyone detected may face charges of stealing, trespass or unlawful possession as well as forfeiture of the firewood and equipment.
If you are purchasing from a firewood supplier, check to make sure that the wood has not been illegally sourced.
Reputable firewood dealers should be able to provide you with assurances of where the wood has come from.
Purchasing wood from suppliers who are members of the Australian Firewood Association is an easy way to be confident that your wood has been sourced legally.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au

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Road safety works set to commence in Strathfieldsaye

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo with funding provided by the Victorian Government’s Transport Accident Commission Safe Local Roads and Street Program, is preparing to commence an important road safety project to install three Raised Safety Platforms on the roundabout at Blucher and Apsley Streets and Somerville Road Strathfieldsaye.

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Brian Westley said the works which will commence Monday June 23 are expected to take approximately six weeks to complete depending on weather conditions and the availability of contractors and supplies.

“Strathfieldsaye is a fast-growing suburb and this project is important as it will link the existing shared path to provide better safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the area,” Mr Westley said.

“The works will include installation of new stormwater drainage pipes, kerb & channel, traffic island alterations, three raised safety platforms with line-marking and footpath upgrades.

“Traffic management will be in place to close roads and divert traffic while road works are being undertaken. Foot traffic will be redirected during concrete footpath construction to ensure pedestrian safety.

“All steps will be taken to limit disruptions as much as possible, and access to the school and kindergarten will be maintained throughout the works.

“Considerable planning has gone into this project to make sure any inconvenience is kept to a minimum and traffic operates safely during the works.

“The City asks motorists and pedestrians to observe signage and detours around the works area and apologises for any inconvenience the work may cause.”

During construction, the following road closures will be in place throughout the project at various times:

  • A single lane closure will be implemented during construction of the works on eastern Apsley Street with access available to St Francis of the Fields primary school. This work will mostly take place during the school holiday period
  • Full road closures will be implemented on western Apsley Street and Somerville Road in the vicinity of the roundabout as required
  • All affected roads within the roundabout are expected to be reopened at the end of each workday and re-closed the following morning if necessary

Construction work and noise will be restricted between 7am and 5pm on weekdays and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays only.