Month: August 2025

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Customer First a focus for the City

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to release the results from its Customer First Community Survey, a new initiative designed to better understand the community’s experiences, expectations and interactions with City staff.

The survey reached out to over 4,000 residents who interacted with the City over the past year and achieved a 35% response rate.

Key findings from the public survey include:

  • Ease of contact: 92% found it easy or very easy to contact the City
  • Feeling heard and understood: 95% agreed staff understood their needs
  • Clarity of process: 91% said they were clearly informed about the next steps for their request
  • Overall experience: 81% rated their experience as very good or excellent
  • Trust in follow-through: 74% felt the City did what it promised

CEO Andrew Cooney said he was pleased with the positive results from the City’s Customer First Community Survey.

“The survey has provided valuable insights on ways the City can further enhance its overall customer experience with a focus on ease, action and outcome,” Mr Cooney said.

“Thank you to all the customers who participated in the survey. These results are a testament to the dedication of our staff and the importance we place on listening and responding to residents. We’re proud of the positive feedback and are focused on areas where we can do better.”

In addition to the internal survey, the City has released the results of the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey, conducted annually by the Victorian Government under the Local Government Act 2020. This survey involved 401 randomly selected residents and assessed performance in areas such as customer service, community engagement, council direction, and service delivery.

Key findings from the Victorian Government’s benchmarking survey include:

  • Customer Service was rated highly, with residents noting prompt and courteous responses from staff
  • Service Delivery received favourable ratings in waste management, parks and gardens, and local roads
  • Community Engagement showed generally positive feedback, though residents expressed a desire for more transparent and inclusive decision-making
  • Council Direction received mixed responses, with optimism about future planning tempered by concerns around responsiveness

The recent survey outcomes identify that the City’s results remain stable and on par with statewide benchmarking.

Mr Cooney said the Victorian Government’s 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey results reflected the City’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality services while acknowledging areas for growth.

“We’re pleased to see solid ratings in customer service and service delivery, which are core to our community’s experience,” Mr Cooney said.

“At the same time, we recognise the need to improve how we engage with residents and communicate our decisions. These insights are invaluable as we continue to evolve and better serve our community.”

The City will now use the data from both surveys to review and enhance internal processes. 

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Joint Organised Crime Task Force Arrests French National

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Detectives from the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) have arrested a 22-year-old male in relation to drug offences in Darwin.

In June, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney International Mail Gateway identified a package addressed to an alias in the Northern Territory, which allegedly contained hair products concealing 550g of ketamine.

ABF officers notified NT JOCTF members, and an investigation commenced as part of an ongoing importation operation.

Detectives identified that a 22-year-old male in Western Australia (WA) was allegedly involved in the illicit importation of substances under aliases to avoid detection by law enforcement.

On Friday 1 August, the 22-year-old male travelled from WA to the NT, and on Tuesday 5 August, he was apprehended by detectives from NT JOCTF while stopped at a petrol station along the Stuart Highway in Pinelands.

A lawful search of the male’s vehicle located a less than commercial quantity of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), a burner phone, three sim cards, and images of false identification allegedly used to facilitate importations.

The 22-year-old male was later charged with:

  • 3 x Import border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
  • 2 x Attempt to possess border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
  • 1 x Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – commercial quantity (NT)

He faced Darwin Local Court yesterday and has been further remanded to appear in court on 30 September 2025.

Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “The successful arrest of this individual highlights the effective coordinated efforts between the Northern Territory Police Force, Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police.

“This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling organised crime networks and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities.

“We remain vigilant and determined to disrupt illicit drug importations and ensure those responsible are held to account under the law.

“I commend the dedication and professionalism of all officers involved in this investigation and reaffirm our ongoing resolve to protect the Northern Territory from the harms associated with illegal drugs.”

ABF Inspector Nathan Grant said the operation was triggered thanks to the expertise of Australian Border Force officers who detected the drugs at the Australian border.

“The investigation began because of the keen intuition and vigilance of Australian Border Force officers, whose expertise and use of advanced detection technology led to the discovery of this deadly drug.

“Their actions demonstrate the power of intelligence-led enforcement and the critical frontline role the ABF plays in protecting our communities from emerging threats.”

Australian Federal Police Superintendent Greg Davis said, “The AFP worked closely with NT Police and Commonwealth partners through the Joint Organised Crime Task Force to disrupt all levels of the drug trade to protect the Australian community.

“LSD is a dangerous hallucinogenic drug, while ketamine is a dangerous sedative. The use of either can seriously affect your health or be fatal.

“We are working hard to prevent illicit substances from reaching our streets and stopping those who are trying to profit at the expense of community misery.”

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ATO corporate plan 2025–26

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

The Australian Taxation Office corporate plan provides coverage of the functions of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

Statement of preparation

As the accountable authority of the Australian Taxation Office listed entity, the Commissioner of Taxation is pleased to present the Australian Taxation Office corporate plan 2025–26, which covers the periods of 2025–26 to 2028–29. This plan has been prepared as required under paragraph 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

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Suspect sought over Clarence Park robbery

Source: New South Wales – News

Investigations are continuing to try to identify a suspect in relation to a service station robbery at Clarence Park in March.

A 25-year-old Hawthorn man was arrested by Southern District CIB detectives within hours of the robbery.

Police are now seeking the assistance of the public to help identify his alleged accomplice.

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information that may lead to his identity or whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Reference 68050

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Drink driver avoids collision but not consequences at Kurralta Park

Source: New South Wales – News

An alleged drink driver nearly sideswiped a police car at Kurralta Park yesterday afternoon.

A police patrol was travelling along Anzac Highway, Kurralta Park about 2.15pm on Wednesday 6 August when a Nissan sedan drifted across lanes in front of them.  The patrol car had to break to avoid a collision.

The Nissan then turned right to head south on South Road across the path of an oncoming truck, again narrowly avoiding a collision.

Police stopped the driver, who allegedly smelled strongly of alcohol.

The 57-year-old Plympton man recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.178 – more than three times the legal limit.

Police checks revealed he had an expired learner’s permit.

The man was reported for drink driving and driving unlicensed and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

His vehicle was impounded for 28 days.

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Consultation on reforms to the retirement phase of superannuation

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The government is taking the next step in reforming and improving the retirement phase of superannuation to help deliver a more dignified retirement for more Australians.

Today we are releasing 2 consultation papers on 2 key planks of our retirement phase reforms to help ensure Australians have the choice, guidance and products they need to make the most of retirement.

These reforms are all about ensuring there is as much of a policy and product focus on the retirement phase as there is on the accumulation phase.

As our economy changes, population ages and the super system evolves, more and more Australians will draw down on bigger pools of savings that they will rely on for longer. We are living longer and healthier lives and more than 2.5 million Australians are expected to retire within the next decade.

We are now seeking views from the superannuation sector, workers, retirees and the broader community on the following:

  • The best practice principles for superannuation retirement income solutions (the principles). The principles will guide the superannuation industry in designing modern, high quality retirement products that help deliver income in retirement.
  • The retirement reporting framework (the framework). A new reporting framework on retirement outcomes that will offer members greater transparency and create common understanding for success in the retirement phase. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) will collect and publish the data required by the framework.

The principles and framework build on the obligations introduced by the Retirement Income Covenant and work in tandem with the government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes package.

Submissions for the principles can be made online.

Submissions for the framework can be made online.

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Supporting the workforce for the best women’s health care

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

07/08/25

More than 420 women’s health scholarships have been funded to help upskill the workforce, so women can get the care they need closer to home.

These scholarships improve the skills of healthcare workers, so women and girls can receive more personalised care. Additionally, training will be provided to promote cultural safety and remove existing barriers for First Nations women, women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and LGBTIQA+ communities.

Across Victoria, the program is supporting hundreds of healthcare professionals to further train in areas such as:

  • IUD insertion
  • pelvic physiotherapy support
  • menopause
  • treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

For many women, timely, affordable and safe sexual and reproductive healthcare can be difficult to access depending on where they live. These scholarships are critical to ensure care is delivered when and where women and girls need it.

Supporting women’s health

The Women’s Health Scholarship Program builds on the Victorian Government’s landmark $153 million women’s health package that is transforming the way care is delivered.

The program is improving services in women’s health clinics across the state, especially in regional areas, so more women can get affordable, high-quality care close to home. This package includes:

For more information, see Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program.

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Canberra Hospital’s Critical Services Building Turns One

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 07/08/2025

Canberra Hospital’s Critical Services Building has become a vital part of the ACT’s health system since opening its doors one year ago, enabling our public healthcare workforce to deliver world class care in a state-of-the-art facility.

Delivered as part of the ACT Government’s $660 million Canberra Hospital Expansion, the nine-storey, 44,000m² building is the largest health infrastructure investment since self-government.

“In just 12 months, the Critical Services Building has already proven its value to Canberrans. It has provided modern emergency, surgical and critical care spaces, improved staff workflows and enhanced the experience for patients and their families,” Minister Rachel Stephen Smith said.

“The building brings together many of the hospital’s most critical clinical areas into a purpose-built facility, supporting more integrated and timely care.”

Since operations began in August 2024, the Critical Services Building has seen:

  • more than 100,000 patients treated in the Emergency Department
  • almost 19,000 procedures carried out in Building 5 theatres and interventional suites, including a record number of surgeries on the campus
  • more than 6,500 transfers to the Intensive Care Unit.

“The modern design of the building also prioritises the needs of health care workers. It has improved clinical layouts, natural light, collaborative spaces and new amenities to help improve the staff experience,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“Importantly, the Critical Services Building is the first fully electric clinical building of its kind in Australia, helping to future-proof Canberra’s health system as part of the ACT Government’s commitment to sustainability and zero emissions.

“The Critical Services Building positions us well for future demand and evolving surgical technologies. It’s an investment that will continue to benefit the Canberra community for decades to come.”

The building includes:

  • A larger Emergency Department (ED), including a new Children’s ED, separate ambulance entry and a Behavioural Assessment Unit
  • A 48-bed Intensive Care Unit, including four paediatric ICU beds
  • 22 operating theatres, including three hybrid theatres and two Interventional Radiography Suites
  • Three state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterisation Labs
  • New medical imaging facilities
  • A rooftop helipad with direct lift access to the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department
  • A new Central Sterilising Services Department.

The success of the Critical Services Building marks an important step in the ACT Government’s long-term planning for a sustainable and high-performing health system. Planning is also underway for:

  • The new northside hospital
  • More parking and a new pathology and clinical support building at Canberra Hospital.

Quotes attributable to Dr Sam Scanlan, Staff Specialist at the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department:

“Over the past year, the new Emergency Department has transformed how we deliver care. With modern and expanded spaces, we’ve been able to respond more effectively to high-demand situations and provide a safer, more efficient environment for patients and staff alike.

“Whether it’s managing trauma cases, large-scale emergencies, or everyday high-acuity presentations, the emergency department has helped us deliver better care for our patients.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Gert Frahm-Jensen, Clinical Director of Surgery at Canberra Hospital:

“The Critical Services Building has markedly enhanced our surgical capability. With access to modern operating theatres and improved recovery areas, we’re able to provide more timely and complex surgical care to our patients.

“The advanced infrastructure supports better coordination across surgical teams and allows us to deliver care in a safer, more streamlined environment. It’s been a game-changer not only for the way we work, but for the experience and outcomes of our patients.”

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Joint Organised Crime Task Force Arrest French National

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Detectives from the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) have arrested a 22-year-old male in relation to drug offences in Darwin.

In June, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney International Mail Gateway identified a package addressed to an alias in the Northern Territory, which allegedly contained hair products concealing 550g of ketamine.

ABF officers notified NT JOCTF members, and an investigation commenced as part of an ongoing importation operation.

Detectives identified that a 22-year-old male in Western Australia (WA) was allegedly involved in the illicit importation of substances under aliases to avoid detection by law enforcement.

On Friday 1 August, the 22-year-old male travelled from WA to the NT, and on Tuesday 5 August, he was apprehended by detectives from NT JOCTF while stopped at a petrol station along the Stuart Highway in Pinelands.

A lawful search of the male’s vehicle located a less than commercial quantity of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), a burner phone, three sim cards, and images of false identification allegedly used to facilitate importations.

The 22-year-old male was later charged with:

  • 3 x Import border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
  • 2 x Attempt to possess border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
  • 1 x Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – commercial quantity (NT)

He faced Darwin Local Court yesterday and has been further remanded to appear in court on 30 September 2025.

Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “The successful arrest of this individual highlights the effective coordinated efforts between the Northern Territory Police Force, Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police.

“This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling organised crime networks and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities.

“We remain vigilant and determined to disrupt illicit drug importations and ensure those responsible are held to account under the law.

“I commend the dedication and professionalism of all officers involved in this investigation and reaffirm our ongoing resolve to protect the Northern Territory from the harms associated with illegal drugs.”

ABF Inspector Nathan Grant said the operation was triggered thanks to the expertise of Australian Border Force officers who detected the drugs at the Australian border.

“The investigation began because of the keen intuition and vigilance of Australian Border Force officers, whose expertise and use of advanced detection technology led to the discovery of this deadly drug.

“Their actions demonstrate the power of intelligence-led enforcement and the critical frontline role the ABF plays in protecting our communities from emerging threats.”

Australian Federal Police Superintendent Greg Davis said, “The AFP worked closely with NT Police and Commonwealth partners through the Joint Organised Crime Task Force to disrupt all levels of the drug trade to protect the Australian community.

“LSD is a dangerous hallucinogenic drug, while ketamine is a dangerous sedative. The use of either can seriously affect your health or be fatal.

“We are working hard to prevent illicit substances from reaching our streets and stopping those who are trying to profit at the expense of community misery.”

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Search to continue for missing light plane

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search to continue for missing light plane

Thursday, 7 August 2025 – 4:30 pm.

Tasmania Police will on Friday continue the search for a light plane and its two occupants which has been missing since Saturday afternoon.
Inspector Craig Fox said PolAir would be deployed for sweeps along the northern Tasmanian coastline, based on Australian Maritime Safety Authority drift data.
Police vessel Cape Wickham will also be deployed for search duties.
“On Thursday, the police helicopter conducted sweeps of the Furneaux Island group including Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island and Chappell Island, plus other smaller islands,” Inspector Fox said.
“Unfortunately, there was no sight of the plane or any other factors, such as debris, which may indicate its potential location.
“Police will now continue the search on Friday.
“There is no evidence to suggest the circumstances of the missing plane are suspicious.”
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, from Deloraine, were in a light sport aircraft that took off from George Town airport about 12.45pm on Saturday.
The plane is a two-seater Bristell S-LSA in distinctive green colour.
It did not arrive at its destination in central NSW as scheduled, and family members raised the alarm on Saturday evening.
If anyone has information that could assist the search, has seen a plane matching this description, or noticed anything such as unusual debris on land or in the water, they should contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.