Month: August 2025

Source: FairTrading New South Wales

What is the issue?

There has been an increase in mpox cases notified in Victoria, with 8 cases reported from mid July 2025, including 5 cases locally acquired in metropolitan Melbourne.

This follows a period of reduced mpox activity with only 3 cases, and no local transmission reported between May and July 2025.

In addition, there is an ongoing risk of mpox being imported into Victoria by travellers returning from overseas or interstate.

In Victoria, mpox mostly affects gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), however, it can affect anyone.

To help prevent further transmission in Victoria, clinicians are requested to increase testing for mpox and promote vaccination in at-risk groups.

For further information on mpox, see the Department of Health page on mpox.

Who is at risk?

In Victoria at present, GBMSM (including those who identify as heterosexual) and their sexual partners are most at risk. Venues or events where close intimate or sexual contact occurs carry a higher risk of mpox transmission, particularly where casual or group sex occurs.

However, anyone can become infected, and anyone who has been in close and usually prolonged intimate contact with someone with mpox is at risk. While vaccination decreases the risk of mpox, those who are vaccinated, particularly if not fully vaccinated, may still become infected.

Symptoms and transmission

Symptoms may include lesions or rashes anywhere on the body, including the anogenital area. Other symptoms may include pain on urination (urethritis) or rectal pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea (proctitis). General symptoms include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Most people experience mild illness and recover within a few weeks, but severe illness can occur.

Mpox can spread from person-to-person through close (skin-to-skin) or prolonged contact, for example during sexual contact, as well as contact with contaminated items or surfaces, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms can occur up to 21 days after being exposed to mpox.

Recommendations

For GPs and other clinicians

Who to test:

• Test all sexually active people with compatible symptoms, regardless of sexual orientation, vaccination status or travel history. If testing for herpes simplex virus, test for mpox.
• Remain aware of the possibility of mpox infection in any patient.
• Be alert to the possibility of atypical and attenuated presentations in people who are fully and partially vaccinated. Some patients have had multiple presentations to healthcare prior to diagnosis.

How to test:

• Most testing occurs in primary care settings and can be easily and safely done. The risk to healthcare workers is very low and can be further reduced with use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes gloves, eye protection, gown and surgical mask. See the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) guidance for further advice on PPE.
• Request mpox PCR on suitable swabs (e.g. rash/lesion, anorectal, pharyngeal) and send to VIDRL via your routine pathology provider. See the PHLN guidance for further advice on testing.

Advice and notification:

• Advise patients to cover lesions and abstain from sexual activity while awaiting the result. Advise to wear a mask if oral, throat or respiratory symptoms.
• See Better Health Channel for recommendations to patients who are tested for mpox. If positive, the Local Public Health Unit will provide further advice.
• Any suspected or confirmed mpox cases should be urgently notified to the Local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 651 160.
• If mpox is suspected in a returned traveller or someone who has had contact with a returned traveller from affected countries in Africa, contact your Local Public Health Unit for advice.

Vaccinate:

For more information, see:

For people at increased risk of mpox

• Take measures to protect yourself and others. Avoid sexual activity if you have any symptoms of mpox, consider limiting sexual partners, and keep contact details of new partners.
• Mpox vaccine is free for eligible groups. Two doses of mpox are required for optimal protection. If you haven’t had your second dose, get it now. See Mpox immunisation providers list to find a provider of mpox vaccine.
• If you develop symptoms, restrict contact with others and get tested at your GP or sexual health clinic. Make sure to wear a mask, cover any exposed lesions and call ahead.
• For more information on measures to prevent the spread of mpox, see:

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

In our cultural psyche – ‘a fair go’ is the opportunity for everyone to succeed, regardless of their background. But operating in the shadow economy strikes at the very heart of this value Australians hold so close.

Shadow economy activities operate outside of the tax and regulatory systems and include underreporting income, cash in hand transactions, deferring business payments to personal accounts, and other illegal activities such as illicit tobacco, sham contracting, and ABN fraud.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Last November, the ATO joined forces with the Fair Work Ombudsman, and the Department of Home Affairs for Operation Topaz. Our officers visited farms and labour hire providers in and around Gatton, Southeast Queensland, to ensure they were complying with the relevant tax, super, workplace, and immigration laws.

This operation investigated suspected worker exploitation and showed the public that we have zero tolerance for those that are deliberately doing the wrong thing. Employers that do not meet their obligations face firmer and faster action.

Building on the success of Operation Topaz, the ATO will be undertaking several joint agency operations over the coming months. These coordinated actions will continue to demonstrate to the community our commitment, as regulators, to stamping out deliberate shadow economy behaviours.

Third-party reporting – a perfect match

Initiatives such as the Taxable Payment Reporting System (TPRS) and the Sharing Economy Reporting Regime (SERR) provide valuable data and insights that help us engage with small businesses, encourage compliance, and ensure a level playing field.

TPRS is a key tool in this effort, which helps to limit shadow economy behaviour by tracking contractor payments from certain industry service providers and businesses – including building and construction, cleaning, IT, and road freight and courier. The data collected from TPRS helps protect tax revenue and ensures a fair go for businesses who do the right thing with reporting their income.

Help and support

To help you with your tax obligations, we publish help and support resources on our website, such as Good business habits and Supporting your small business. You can also take free, self-paced courses on our online learning platform, Essentials to strengthen your small businessExternal Link. You can also reach out to a registered tax agent.

Keep up to date

We have tailored communication channels just for small businesses – so you’ll always be up to date with the latest information and changes relevant to you.

Explore more articles in our Small business newsroom.

Subscribe to our free:

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 19-year-old male has been arrested in relation to a disturbance that occurred in Alice Springs overnight.

At 8:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of fighting involving up to ten people on Gap Road in The Gap.

Members from General Duties, the Social Order Team, Strike Force Viper and the Dog Operations Unit responded, and arrested a 19-year-old male who had allegedly assaulted multiple people with a blunt weapon.

Two female victims were conveyed to hospital for assessment with non-life-threatening injuries.

An additional three offenders were taken into custody and later issued infringement notices for Fighting in a public place.

The 19-year-old remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Investigations remain ongoing and police urge anyone with information, including CCTV or dash cam footage, to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25210392. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: New South Wales – News

‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ to tie, and for the first time at South Australia Police (SAPOL) headquarters members from the Indian Hindu community were welcomed to honour the tradition.

This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday 9 August, and in India the annual festival celebrates the bond of protection between siblings when sisters tie rakhis on the wrists of their brothers.

In recent years, symbolism of this sibling bond has been extended to honour those who protect and serve the community including soldiers, police, and other emergency service workers.

During SAPOL’s Raksha Bandhan ceremony Indian Hindu community members tied a rakhi on the right wrist of police officers present to represent the bond of protection, care and obligation.

Delicately beaded, the rakhis featured the word ‘samp’, meaning ‘unity’.

Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens thanked all involved in the heartwarming event.

“While brothers promise to protect their sisters, our police strive to protect all in society without asking for anything in return,” he said.

“South Australia embraces many cultures and traditions, and we welcome any opportunity to celebrate diversity and collaboration.

“I know police and our colleagues across other emergency services feel appreciated by this gesture.”

Representing the community, Sangna Joshi explained the tradition to those present, which is deeply rooted in Indian mythology, and thanked all in uniform for their service.

“As police officers you serve on the frontline each and every day safeguarding our community, maintaining peace, and placing the needs of others above your own,” she said.

“Your sacrifice, discipline and courage give us a security and confidence to live our lives freely and safely… so this is a heartfelt expression of our respect, gratitude and admiration of the invaluable role you all play in our society.”

The ceremony concluded with traditional peda sweets offered to signify the sweetness of the bond.

Members from the Indian Hindu community were welcomed to South Australia Police Headquarters this morning for a Raksha Bandhan ritual.

‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘Bandhan’ to tie, and the annual festival celebrates the bond of protection between siblings when sisters tie rakhis on the wrists of their brothers.

During SAPOL’s Raksha Bandhan ceremony Indian Hindu community members tied a rakhi on the right wrist of police officers present to represent the bond of protection, care and obligation.

Sangna Joshi was honoured to tie a rakhi on Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens as part of this morning’s ceremony.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two female youths charged over Glenorchy incident

Friday, 8 August 2025 – 1:43 pm.

Two female youths have been charged in relation to a disturbance and serious assault in Glenorchy on Tuesday in which a 33 year old man sustained injuries.The four male youths from southern Tasmania – two aged 14 and two aged 15 – were arrested on Wednesday and jointly charged with Criminal Code Assault and bailed with conditions.Two 14 year old female youths have since presented themselves at Glenorchy Police Station and were charged with Criminal Code Assault.Detective Inspector Mark Burke said that all the alleged offenders in relation to the incident had now been charged.The man remains in the Royal Hobart Hospital where he is receiving treatment for head injuries and is in a stable condition.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested a 35-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Nightcliff yesterday evening.

Around 6:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male had allegedly assaulted a security guard at a supermarket on Dickward Drive before fleeing with stolen items.

It is alleged the male was seen stealing items from the store before attempting to leave. When approached by the security guard, the male allegedly assaulted the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene on foot.

The victim was not injured during the incident and did not require medical assistance.

Extensive patrols were conducted; however, the male was unable to be located at the time.

This morning, Strike Force Trident officers located and arrested a 35-year-old male who remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500079202. You can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source:

Ahead of the 2025-26 fire season, CFA is highlighting the exemplary co-ordinated community response shown in the west of the state last fire season.

Submitted by	CFA Media