Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
NT Police are calling for information after a male offender allegedly performed an indecent act while chasing a female in Alice Springs yesterday.
Around 5:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had been chased by a male unknown to her while she was running on a path along the western side of the Todd River, heading north from Schwarz Crescent. It is alleged the offender performed an indecent act while chasing the victim, who was able to run away from him.
Police responded and conducted patrols of the area. Investigations to identify and locate the offender are underway.
He is described as being of Aboriginal in appearance, about 40-years-old, approximately 175cm tall with a slim build, grey hair and a light-grey coloured beard. He was reported as wearing a long dark jacket with a hood that had a fluffy trim, open-toe fluffy slippers, and was not wearing pants or underwear.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25201256. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.
Over one-in-four Australians have a better understanding of their finances
Almost one-in-two feel more confident shopping for better deals
NAB’s $0 monthly account fee transaction account has saved customers more than $500m
With cost-of-living pressures continuing to squeeze household budgets, new NAB research reveals more than one-in-four Australians say they now have a better understanding of their personal finances compared to a year ago.
The same research also shows nearly one-in-two feel more confident shopping around for better value products and services.
So, what does this shift look like in practice?
These are the four most common money moves Australians are making right now, according to NAB’s latest Consumer Sentiment report, and a banking hack that’s saved Aussies over half a billion dollars in account fees since 2010.
Cutting back on eating out
58% of Australians are eating out less, making it the most common lifestyle change in response to higher prices. And it’s working. Those cutting back are saving an average of $123 per month.
NAB’s $0 monthly account fee transaction account has saved customers more than $500m
2. Scaling back on entertainment
51% of Australians are spending less on entertainment like movies, concerts and events. A clear sign that discretionary spending is still under pressure. Those who’ve cut back are saving an average of $61 per month.
3. Ditching fees on transaction banking accounts
More than seven million Australians have signed up to NAB’s $0 monthly account fee transaction account, saving customers a combined $500 million in account fees since 2010. It remains the only $0 account fee transaction account offered by a major bank in Australia.
4. Saying no to micro-treats
48% have reduced spending on everyday extras like takeaway coffee and snacks. While small individually, these add up fast, saving the average person around $61 per month.
5. The great “subscription audit”
More than one-in-three Australians say they’ve cut back on food delivery, saving an average of $92 per month, while a similar number have reduced paid streaming services, saving about $31 per month. Together they form part of a growing “subscription audit” trend as people reassess recurring, convenience-based spending.
NAB customer Isabella Carlini-Rath said she’s trying to rein in those ‘treat me’ moments, spending less when she eats out and thinking twice before tapping.
“I’ve definitely been feeling the pinch lately,” Isabella said.
“I used to buy takeaway coffee every day, but now I’m cutting back.
“And I’ve been using the NAB app to go through my upcoming recurring payments and check what’s actually coming out each month. There were a few subscriptions I thought I had cancelled – music, food delivery, video streaming – but they were still charging me. It really adds up.”
NAB Executive Kylie Young
“It’s so helpful not being stung with account fees, that’s one of the reasons I opened a transaction account with NAB. It’s money I’d rather spend on myself.”
NAB Executive Kylie Young said Australians are continuing to take small, deliberate steps to stay on top of their finances, with many rethinking how they spend, save, and bank.
“Australians have proven they’re great budgeters, having kept their budgeting muscle in great shape throughout the past few years of higher prices. It’s not about extreme cutbacks but rather taking control in smaller ways that genuinely add up to meaningful savings,” said Ms Young.
And we want to support them with tools and products – like our $0 monthly account fee transaction account – that make those decisions easier.”
Ms Young also notes that consumer stress has dropped to its lowest point in two years, thanks to easing cost-of-living pressures and growing hope around more interest rate cuts.
“There’s still stress out there, but this is the first time we’re seeing evidence that there is light at the end of the tunnel with Aussies feeling cautiously optimistic and a little more in control of their finances.”
We’ve published a new taxpayer alert – TA 2025/2: Arrangements designed to improperly obtain goods and services tax refunds. This alert strongly warns businesses against using arrangements where a business colludes with another related business to create fraudulent invoices, so they can attempt to claim large GST refunds.
Tax professionals should be aware that these arrangements are increasing. The fraud is currently predominantly within the property and construction industry. We’ve also identified early signs of it proliferating in other industries, particularly by privately owned and wealthy groups. The arrangements vary, but have some, or all, of the following features:
false invoicing between related parties (for example, inflated invoices or issuing invoices where no goods or services are provided)
deliberately misaligning GST accounting methods across a group to contrive a GST refund
duplicating GST credit claims in related entities for a single high-value transaction
claiming GST credits for alleged purchases, development, and construction (by related entities) that never occurred
the use of straw directors to try and hide the true relationship between related parties.
This is not related to Operation Protego, where individuals created fake businesses and lodged fake BAS statements to gain GST refunds.
We regularly intercept and stop suspicious claims before a refund is issued. Those involved are exploiting the system and gaining an unfair advantage over honest businesses. You can help us put a stop to these arrangements by coming forward if you see them.
How to help
Be on the lookout – if you discover a client is involved, strongly encourage them to make a voluntary disclosure. Early cooperation and making a voluntary disclosure may reduce the penalties imposed.
If you suspect another agent or adviser is involved in GST refund fraud, you can confidentially report it to us by making a tip-off online or by calling 1800 060 062. Promoter penalty laws may apply to agents and advisers promoting these arrangements.
Police are seeking the assistance of the public to help identify a man breaking into cars in the Somerton Park area.
Around midnight on Sunday 20 July, a male suspect was caught on CCTV interfering with numerous vehicles in the Somerton Park area. Access was gained to several vehicles and property stolen from the cars.
The suspect is described as aged in his late 20s, of Caucasian appearance, wearing glasses, a long chain or necklace, a light-coloured hooded jacket and an “Ellesse” shirt and white sneakers.
Anyone who recognises the man or has information that may lead to his identity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Author – Denton Pugh, NAB Executive for Home Lending.
You’d be forgiven for feeling a little deflated after the Reserve Bank left rates on hold earlier this month. The market, and most economists, were expecting a cut. In RBA meeting minutes recently released the decision to keep rates steady was about timing rather than direction, with Governor Michele Bullock noting that, “we are on a path to easing further”.
Many house hunters would have been hoping for a midwinter cut, but despite this disappointment, we’re seeing momentum continue through the winter months, which are traditionally a little quieter.
NAB Executive for Home Lending Denton Pugh
Twelve months ago, many buyers were holding back due to higher rates. Fast-forward to today: two rate cuts behind us, and NAB expecting another two this year, many home buyers, especially first-home buyers, see this as a window of opportunity before the market heats up further. We’re not seeing a buying frenzy, but things are definitely busier this year. In fact, the average number of bidders at auctions nationwide has reached its highest level in 18 months. Momentum is building well ahead of the traditional spring peak.
Government support is also playing a key role. The Home Guarantee Scheme continues to help thousands of Australians get into their first home with lower deposits – the scheme is expected to be expanded in 2026. And in recent months, both Queensland and Western Australia have made changes to their assistance offered.
In Queensland, eligible first-home buyers purchasing or building a new home no longer pay stamp duty, regardless of the property price. The state’s 2025 budget also announced a “Boost to Buy” shared equity scheme to help buyers with lower deposits into the market.
WA has made changes to its stamp duty concessions too, significantly reducing the upfront costs for first-home buyers. I’m always hearing stories where after talking to a home lending expert, a customer realises they can break into the property market sooner than expected. If you’re in that camp, thinking about buying but not sure where to start, it’s worth having that conversation.
Where are Australians buying? Looking at NAB home lending data from metro suburbs specifically, Truganina in Melbourne’s west is the most popular metro suburb for home buyers so far in 2025. Five of the top 10 spots also go to the city’s outer ring.
Top 10 metro suburbs*
Truganina, Melbourne
Roxburgh Park, Melbourne
Yarramundi – Londonderry, Sydney
Point Cook, Melbourne
Cranbourne East, Melbourne
Tarneit, Melbourne
Schofields, Sydney
Wentworthville, Sydney
Piara Waters – Forrestdale, Perth
Prestons, Sydney
Affordability is the obvious driver, especially for first-home buyers. Many are looking further out where their money buys more, and they don’t have to compromise on space and lifestyle. Many of these suburbs are now better connected thanks to major infrastructure investments, with just a short commute to the CBD.
* NAB proprietary home lending data between January – May 2025
Melbourne-based business Shannakian Fine Jewellery and an employee are facing criminal charges for allegedly accepting more than $40,000 for high-priced items they failed to deliver to customers within a reasonable time, or at all.
The jewellery maker and retailer sells items on its website, Instagram and in its Melbourne showroom.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has received more than 70 complaints about Shannakian Fine Jewellery from customers across Australia and overseas. It published a Public Warning Notice about the company in May this year.
Customers alleged that they paid the business for jewellery items such as bracelets, necklaces and rings but failed to receive their purchases or refunds within a reasonable time or at all.
Employee Arpee Mardiran, 41, from Rowville, has also been charged. She is also known as Arpee Shannakian and we allege some payments for jewellery were made to a bank account in that name.
The offences are alleged to have occurred between July 2022 and January 2025.
The matter is listed for a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2025.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Hepatitis ACT promoted services in City Walk on World Hepatitis Day.
In Brief:
A new Hepatitis C pilot program is now available for Community Corrections clients.
The program aims to remove barriers for those in the justice system from accessing life-saving healthcare.
The program was announced ahead of World Hepatitis Day in support of action to help eliminate viral hepatitis.
A new pilot program has been launched ahead of World Hepatitis Day to help people in the justice system receive life-saving healthcare.
ACT Corrective Services clients on community-based or parole orders are now able to receive free, confidential testing and treatment for hepatitis C.
Testing includes a quick, finger-prick test, with results ready within minutes.
Access to free treatment is available for those who test positive. This includes access to antivirals, which cure the virus in 99 per cent of cases.
The program offers ongoing care for detainees transitioning back into the community.
After 12 months, an evaluation will assess its impact and explore opportunities to expand the model.
Hepatitis ACT chief executive officer Sarah Ahmed said the pilot would remove barriers that prevent people in the justice system from accessing healthcare.
“Hepatitis C is now curable, yet too many people, particularly those with complex or marginalised lives, remain undiagnosed or untreated,” she said.
“This pilot program demonstrates what’s possible when not-for-profit, health and justice systems collaborate to remove barriers to care. By offering free, fast, and confidential testing and treatment in a community-based corrections setting, we are not only delivering on public health goals, but we are also ensuring that all Canberrans, regardless of their circumstances, can access the care they need.”
Hepatitis C is a significant public health concern in Australia. Individuals in correctional facilities are more affected due to factors such as:
drug use
mental health issues
homelessness
financial
social disadvantage.
The aim for World Hepatitis Day 2025 in Australia is to mobilise action on the elimination of viral hepatitis in Australia.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 19-year-old male after a traffic apprehension in Berrimah on Friday evening.
Around 11:30pm, members from Darwin Traffic Operations observed a white Holden Commodore utility travelling at 149km on Tiger Brennan Drive. It is alleged that during the vehicle apprehension, the driver and passenger swapped seats. The original driver was spoken to and arrested after returning a positive roadside breath test.
During the apprehension, a further 20-year-old male was found lying in the tray of the utility.
The 19-year-old has been issued a Notice to Appear at Darwin Local Court on 2 September 2025 for:
Driving at a speed and in a manner dangerous
Medium range blood alcohol content
Driving with an adult passenger in the tray
The vehicle was seized under the Anti-Hooning Legislation.
Acting Superintendent Xavier Mcmahon said, “This type of reckless behaviour is deeply concerning.
“It risked not only their own lives, but the lives of other Territorians travelling on the road.
“It is unacceptable, and we remind all road users that we can be Anywhere. Anytime.”
We encourage you to be proactive and secure your ATO online services access (through myGov) to protect against fraud. Read the following steps to check you have the strongest security possible for your circumstances.
Step 1: make your myID as strong as possible
We recommend using myID, the Australian Government’s Digital ID app, as your sign in option to access ATO online services (through myGov).
myID requires you to verify your ID in the app making it harder for fraudsters to impersonate you.
Step 2: use your myID to access or link to ATO online services
Using your myID to link to or access ATO online services through myGov:
helps protect you from fraudsters trying to impersonate you or access your account
gives you a flexible sign in option – your myID isn’t locked to a specific mobile number or device, and can be set up again using only an internet connection if you get a new phone
sets your ‘online access strength’ – this means you must always use your myID to access ATO online services through myGov because it’s the most secure access method.
If you don’t have a myGov account or aren’t linked to ATO online services, find out how to get started. To secure your access, use your myID to create or sign in to your myGov account and then link to the ATO.
Step 3: get the ATO app and allow push notifications
The ATO app is a simple and easy way you can access and manage your tax and super on the go. The ATO app is free to download and use.
real time security messages alerting you when key changes are made to your ATO account
the ability to lock your account to help keep you safe.
Even if you don’t use the app to manage your tax, it provides an additional level of security.
Download the ATO app from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, make sure to enable push notifications so you’re instantly alerted to changes in your account.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The Federal Court has today ordered online travel agency Webjet to pay $9 million in penalties for making false or misleading statements about the price of flights and booking confirmations, after a case run by the ACCC.
Webjet admitted that between 2018 and 2023 it made false or misleading statements when it advertised airfares that excluded compulsory fees. The statements were made on its website, and in promotional emails and social media posts.
Webjet also admitted that between 2019 and 2024 it provided false or misleading booking confirmations to 118 consumers for flight bookings which had not actually been confirmed. Webjet later asked for additional payments, of up to $2,120, from consumers to complete the booking. Webjet has refunded these consumers.
The ACCC commenced its investigation after a consumer complained about an airfare advertised as “from $18”, which cost almost three times that price after Webjet added its compulsory fees.
“We took this case because we considered that Webjet used misleading pricing by excluding or not adequately disclosing compulsory fees in its ads,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
“Seeking to lure in customers with prices that don’t tell the whole story is a serious breach of the Australian Consumer Law.”
The Webjet fees comprised the “Webjet servicing fee” and “booking price guarantee” fee which ranged from $34.90 to $54.90 per booking, depending on whether the flights were domestic, to New Zealand and the Pacific, or other international destinations.
While Webjet’s website, app and most emails contained information about the additional fees, some users had to scroll to the fine print near the bottom of the screen to see them. In its social media posts, Webjet didn’t disclose the additional fees at all.
“Retailers must ensure their advertised prices are accurate. They should clearly disclose additional fees and charges,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
The Webjet fees represented 36 per cent of Webjet’s total revenue in the period from 1 November 2018 to 13 November 2023.
Webjet co-operated with the ACCC, admitted liability and agreed to make joint submissions to the Court about orders, including the penalty. The Court also made declarations and other orders proposed, including that Webjet review its compliance program and pay a contribution to the ACCC’s costs.
Example of social media post showing flights advertised as “from $xx”
Example of website showing promoted prices for airfares advertised as “from $xx”
Background
Webjet is a wholly owned subsidiary of Webjet Group Limited (a publicly listed company on the ASX) and operates the online travel agent arm of the company, manages the Webjet brand, and carries out marketing operations.
Webjet’s app and website offers travel-related products and services to consumers, including from different airlines. Consumers can compare and book flights, hotels, car rental and travel insurance through the Webjet website and app.
Misleading surcharging practices and other add-on costs, and consumer and fair trading concerns in the supermarket and retail sectors, with a focus on misleading pricing practices, are current ACCC priorities.