Police are seeking public assistance to identify a suspect from a service station robbery earlier this month.
Just before 2am Friday 5 September, a suspect entered a service station on North East Road, Walkerville armed with a hammer and demanded cash from the till. Staff retreated and the man damaged an eftpos machine before fleeing empty handed.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian man, about 180 cms tall, slim build and was wearing a black Everlast tracksuit. He is believed to have left the area in a distinctive white ute.
Eastern District detectives have released CCTV footage of the man and ute, and are asking for assistance from the public to solve this case.
If you recognise the suspect or vehicle, contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000 – you can remain anonymous.
The Wanneroo Town Centre will turn pink this October to raise awareness and support for the vital work done by McGrath Foundation Cancer Care Nurses.
Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken said the was proud to see the City embracing the important cause.
“Since 2005, the McGrath Foundation has supported over 161,000 families as they go through cancer treatment,” she said.
“Around one in two people in Australia will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, so the need for McGrath Cancer Care Nurses is greater than ever.
“We’re proud to be taking part in the Pink Up Your Town initiative to raise awareness and to help ensure that no one misses out on care.”
From its streets to its Council Meetings, the Wanneroo Town Centre will be pretty in pink throughout October, with plenty of fun, family-friendly events and activities for all to enjoy.
The community are encouraged to get involved by attending a morning tea, taking part in the special kids activities, enjoying the decorations or spotting the elusive pink waste truck as it makes its way around the City!
Following a comprehensive review, police have formally suspended the search for a light plane that went missing last month from northern Tasmania with two people on board.
Tasmania Police Inspector Craig Fox said extensive search operations had been conducted for the missing plane since August 2 in Tasmania’s north, along the northern coastline, over the Furneaux islands group and extending into Bass Strait.
“Considerable search efforts have been undertaken, utilising resources such as the Tasmania Police helicopter for aerial searching and police vessels out on the water, but unfortunately the light plane, and its two occupants and their dog, have not been located,” Inspector Fox said.
“A thorough review has been conducted on the Search and Rescue response, and no new search areas have been identified.
“As a result, the search for the missing light plane has been formally suspended.”
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, August 2. The plane did not arrive at its destination in central NSW as scheduled, and family members raised the alarm on the evening of August 2.
“Inquiries so far indicate the two people on the plane had not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town,” Inspector Fox said.
“Flight data regarding the aircraft, and communications, will be part of the ongoing investigation.”
Inspector Fox said Tasmania Police had been in constant contact with members of the missing couple’s family and they have been informed that the search has been formally suspended.
“There is no evidence to suggest the circumstances of the missing plane are suspicious however, as with any missing persons case, police will continue to investigate any new information received in the hope of providing some closure for the family,” Inspector Fox said.
Tasmania Police would like to thank all people that have assisted in the search or provided information to police.
If anyone locates any suspicious debris on land or on water, then please contact police on 131 444.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
Work will start today to deliver $7.1 million worth of road safety improvements to the Snowy Mountains Highway intersection with Black Creek Road at Adelong to reduce road trauma.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said work will be carried out on a section of highway near Adelong, from 1.6 kilometres west of Black Creek Road intersection to about 200 metres east.
“This area of the Snowy Mountains Highway is narrow and steep with limited area for recovery if a vehicle was to leave the road,” the spokesperson said.
“The project will involve road widening to improve the curve as well as installing safety barriers and improving drainage.”
The nearby Darlow Rest Area will be closed for the duration of the project for the safety of motorists and workers.
Motorists are advised single lane closures, traffic control and reduced speed limits of 40 km/h will be in place while work is underway.
Work will be carried out Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm, and Saturdays when required between 8am to 1pm and is expected to finish by late April next year, weather permitting.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, allow an extra five minutes of travel time and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.
This project is being delivered as part of the Australian and NSW Governments’ Road Safety Program which aims to improve road safety by minimising the occurrence of severe injuries and fatalities.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Next steps on emissions reduction and climate adaptation – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
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.
The Government is continuing to progress practical and proven emissions reduction and climate adaptation policies as a part of our commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
The Territory Government will also continue working with the Commonwealth Government, and other states and territories as we progress to Australia’s 2035 and 2045 emission reduction targets.
The 2025-26 ACT Budget invests a significant $238 million for our environment, sustainable development and climate change initiatives, an increase of $9 million from last year’s budget.
This includes $10.8 million to ensure the Government continues to meet its mitigation and adaptation commitments, including support for the ACT Climate Change Council and development of the next Climate Change Strategy, which is currently underway.
The Government is also continuing to deliver on its commitments to:
Securing Canberra’s energy supply – through the Big Canberra Battery project, which includes the installation of a large-scale battery energy storage system in Williamsdale and installation of behind-the-meter batteries at multiple government sites.
100% renewable energy – which we have delivered since 2020.
A zero-emission public transport system by 2040 – linking light rail, active travel and our bus network to reduce congestion and enhance our city.
Reducing waste going to landfill – investing in a new recycling facility and focussing on changes that can achieve the greatest benefit in terms of recycling and increasing resource recovery.
Establishing the Office of the Landscape Architect – appointing a Government Landscape Architect to lead the development of the ACT’s first Landscape Plan.
All of this is part of a cohesive way forward to respond and adapt to climate change, achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2045, and to support maintaining a healthy environment.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“The ACT has been a national leader on climate change policy and legislation.
We will continue this leadership, working closely with the Commonwealth and other states and territories, to implement practical, community-driven policies that support our transition to a low-emissions future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr:
“When I took on this portfolio, I was advised there was a risk we would not reach our 2025 greenhouse gas reduction target and if we stayed on our current trajectory, we would not reach net zero by 2045.
In light of this advice, and as we develop a new Climate Change Strategy, we are looking at what we’ve been doing to reduce emissions, identifying what we need to do next, imagining new initiatives, and reconsidering things we might have written off as too difficult.
I look forward to releasing the first steps for this new strategy before the end of the year and having further conversations with stakeholders and the community as we continue to develop our new strategy.
Involving the community and industry must be at the centre of our climate and environment efforts, as is providing practical advice and information to support all Canberrans and businesses to live and work more sustainability.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Delivering cost of living support to apprentices and trainees – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
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.
The ACT Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ACT apprentices and trainees by once again offering a cost-of-living payment to help with the cost of tools and equipment.
Eligible ACT-based apprentices and trainees will receive a $250 payment, with first-year apprentices and trainees receiving an additional $250.
This $1.8 million investment is continuing for the second year running, following the successful delivery of the payment in 2024.
The ACT Government have begun contacting ACT apprentices and trainees about the 2025-26 cost of living payment.
Eligible apprentices and trainees must meet the following requirements:
live in the ACT
be employed by an ACT employer
be active in their apprenticeship/traineeship training on 1 July 2025.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“The ACT Government is committed to delivering targeted cost of living support.
“Through initiatives like this, we are continuing to help ease financial pressure on the Canberrans who need it most. In this case, young workers who have a restricted earning capacity while they are obtaining their qualification.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson:
“When we first offered the cost-of-living payment in 2024, we were able to support thousands of apprentices and trainees.
“We are pleased to be able to offer the same support again this year. By supporting apprentices and trainees and investing in their development, we’re ensuring Canberra’s workforce has the tools and skills to deliver the infrastructure we need now and into the future.”
The speed limit for southbound traffic on the Newell Highway on the southern outskirts of Dubbo will be reduced to 80 km/h for the safety of all road users.
Transport for NSW conducted a speed zone review of the Newell Highway near the Dubbo Zoo Town Information Bay Rest Area, south of Dubbo, where a large number of vehicles enter and exit daily, including heavy vehicles.
Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said the review assessed a number of factors including location, crash history, road environment, the number of access points, road usage, traffic mix and traffic volumes and recommended a speed reduction for all users.
“Currently the speed limit past the rest area along the Newell Highway is 80 km/h for northbound traffic and 110 km/h for southbound traffic,” Ms Davies said.
“The review recommended a speed limit reduction from 110 km/h to 80 km/h for all southbound traffic. The 80 km/h speed limit will be extended for 1.2 kilometres south of Obley Road and ending 70 metres south of Blackbutt Road.
“The speed limit for northbound traffic will not change.”
The speed limit change will add about 12 seconds to the average journey, a minor change that will deliver significant improvements for safety with no major impact on commuter or tourist trips through Dubbo.
The reduced speed limit will come into effect on Thursday 25 September and new roadside signage will be installed to advise motorists of the change.
Members of the community can sign up here to receive the latest updates on speed limits changes in their nominated area and to have their say on speed limits.
Five CFA brigades in Melbourne’s outer northwest have taken to the football field to challenge local umpires to help fundraise and raise awareness in the annual Mental Health Cup.
Brigade members from Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Truganina, Wyndham Vale and Point Cook swapped their yellows for guernseys at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday (21 September).
As a long-standing tradition spanning 17 years, Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade Captain Paul DiMartino said the proceeds from the last ten games have proudly gone toward a wide range of mental health organisations.
“As someone with hats in both camps, as a firefighter and an umpire in the Western Football League, I thought it would be a great opportunity to all come together,” Paul said.
“Once a footy season finishes, often the umpires themselves have a celebratory night which then flows into a mock game the next day for a bit of a fun run around.
“I started arranging and supporting that and thought why not get the firies involved. For those who are a firefighter and an umpire, it is not uncommon for your mental health to be impacted at some point in time.
“In both cases, it’s not easy and a lot of stress comes with it, so if we can support someone further, then great, and that extends beyond those professions too.”
Former Western Bulldogs AFL Premiership player Tom Boyd was a guest speaker on the day and spent his time mingling with the locals during the footy before chatting to them throughout a Q&A session post-game.
Tom put Paul in touch with Reclink as the lead foundation for the day, with all money raised going towards their programs that help to achieve better physical and mental health and greater social inclusion in Victorian communities.
Paul said while raising money is one thing for the chosen foundation, it is the awareness raised that they are most passionate about.
“There is obviously a stigma around mental health, and we want to help people feel comfortable to communicate their feelings,” Paul said.
“We know there are still a number of people in our community who know they can reach out for help but are not there yet.
“It’s just continuing to reiterate the importance of checking on people, and them knowing support is there, whether that is a friend, chaplain, psychologist, or counsellor, and that what they can offer is better than not talking to anybody. We’ve lost too many people too soon.”
Paul said the door is open for anyone over 16 to play, with no experience required and thanks all players, officials, supporters and sponsors for making this special day possible every year.
“Some firies are just pulling on the boots for the first time for the fun of it, while some have played before.” Paul said.
“In some games we’ve had both men and women play, and one of our best players in recent years was the daughter of one of the firefighters who was 17.
“This year, the umpires had the last laugh and took out the game by 20 points.”
The Minns Labor Government has accepted every recommendation of the Independent Rail Review into Sydney Trains, announcing an overhaul to maintenance, incident management and passenger communications after the system’s failings caused two days of chaos for commuters in May.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against JustAnswer LLC for allegedly misleading consumers as to its affiliation with Australian Ombudsman or Government agencies and the cost of its online question and answer service, in breach of consumer laws.
It is alleged that from about 1 November 2022, JustAnswer made false or misleading representations via a chat widget on its website that consumers could use the online question and answer service for just AUD$2. However, in addition to paying the $2 joining fee, consumers were signed up to an ongoing subscription costing between around $50 and $90 per month.
The ACCC alleges that consumers were not adequately informed of the ongoing subscription fee and suffered financial harm as a result.
“Had consumers been aware that the total price of the JustAnswer online service cost at least 25 times more per month than the promoted joining fee, they may have chosen not to use it,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“Through its chat widget, JustAnswer offered to connect consumers to ‘experts’ in particular subject areas for a one-off fee of $2. The chat widget didn’t disclose any other charges, and the substantially higher ongoing monthly fee was not mentioned until consumers were directed to a payment screen.”
“The monthly subscription fee was shown in a way that we believe many consumers would not have seen,” Ms Lowe said.
“Manipulative online design practices which guide consumers to sign up for subscriptions they do not want or did not intend to buy can cause distress and financial loss.”
In addition to the alleged price misrepresentations, the ACCC alleges JustAnswer misled consumers by purporting that it or its services were sponsored or approved by, or otherwise affiliated with, the Fair Work Ombudsman, an Australian Ombudsman, or an Australian Government department.
“We consider some consumers may have engaged with JustAnswer on the mistaken belief that their questions would be answered by an independent ombudsman, such as the Fair Work Ombudsman,” Ms Lowe said.
“The ACCC commenced this investigation after receiving large numbers of complaints from consumers who claimed they were not aware of the ongoing subscription charges or who thought they were dealing with an Australian government body.”
The ACCC is seeking compensation orders for affected consumers, injunctions, civil pecuniary penalties, publication orders, and costs, as well as declarations that JustAnswer contravened consumer laws and the implementation of a compliance program.
Background
JustAnswer is registered and based in the United States and operates its business in 196 countries, with more than 700 employees.
It provides a service connecting consumers to subject matter ‘experts’ in areas such as medicine, law, accounting and technology, who are available to answer consumers’ questions. This service can be accessed via JustAnswer’s website or its Android/iOS app, the latter of which is not subject to allegations in this proceeding.
Consumers who use a search engine to find information on a particular topic may come across search results with links to JustAnswer’s website. This included search ads sponsored by JustAnswer.
In June, the ACCC published the tenth and final report of its Digital Platform Services Inquiry, which found consumers continue to face harms from unfair trading practices including manipulative design operations, such as using interfaces that direct consumers to more expensive subscriptions or purchase options, as well as undisclosed sponsorships and subscription traps. A subscription trap is when a business misleads a consumer into signing up for a subscription by representing that they are making a one-off purchase, or by making cancellation of a subscription difficult.
Consumer issues in the digital economy are one of the ACCC’s current enforcement priorities. This includes work in addressing unfair subscription-related practices, including subscription traps.
Concise Statement
This document contains the ACCC’s initiating court document in relation to this matter. We will not be uploading further documents in the event these initial documents are subsequently amended.