Month: September 2025

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Government will be appointing new senior leaders at two of Australia’s most important regulators.

High quality leadership at our core economic institutions is crucial to the more modern and competitive economy we are building together.

The search has started for the next Chair of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and Deputy Chair of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

ASIC Chair Joseph Longo has advised he will not be seeking reappointment when his term finishes at the end of May next year.

Since his appointment in 2021, ASIC has carried out significant enforcement actions to uphold the integrity of our corporate, market and financial services sector.

Mr Longo has overseen ASIC during a period of heightened economic, geopolitical and technological change, and I thank him for his leadership.

Recruitment processes to appoint a new Deputy Chair for APRA are underway after Margaret Cole advised she would not seek an extension beyond the end of her current term at the end of June 2026.

Through her tenure, Ms Cole has made a significant contribution to APRA both as a member and then as Deputy Chair over the last four years and the Government thanks her for that.

Treasury will work through these processes in the usual methodical and considered way.

Key appointments like these are another important way to refresh and renew our economic institutions.

Regulators play a really important role in our economy, and that’s why we will continue to appoint the best people we can to lead them.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police reiterate warnings to bushwalkers following several rescues in North West Tasmania

Friday, 19 September 2025 – 12:21 pm.

Police are reiterating the warning to bushwalkers – to be suitably prepared with equipment and physical capability – or reconsider bushwalking following several rescues in North West Tasmania over the past two weeks.
“Over the past two weeks, police have responded to several requests for assistance from bushwalkers requiring assistance in North West Tasmania,” said Inspector Steve Jones from Search and Rescue.
“Concerningly, the bushwalkers were not suitably equipped for the weather conditions and were not carrying equipment to keep them safe.”

On 8 September, about 8.10pm, police received a request for assistance in relation to a bushwalker who had become separated from their walking companions in the Waterfall Valley Hut area. Due to inclement weather, the rescue helicopter could not safely fly in the area. Subsequently, search and rescue ground crews walked for several hours, and the bushwalker was safely located.

On 11 September, about 2.30pm, police received a request for assistance from a solo bushwalker on the Overland Track at Cradle Mountain who had become stuck in snow. Due to inclement weather, the rescue helicopter could not safely fly in the area. Subsequently, search and rescue ground crews walked to the bushwalker, and they were safely brought out of the area the following day.

On 14 September, about 5.05pm, police received a request for assistance from a solo walker on the Leven Canyon Walk. Ground crews located the walker safely.

“Following the rescues over the past two week, and with inclement weather forecast for this weekend, it’s imperative that bushwalkers hear our message – if you are considering bushwalking, you must be suitably prepared with physical capability and equipment, or please reconsider.”
“Bushwalkers should always prepare for the worst, and carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices.”
“Rescue agencies, including police, will always respond to requests for assistance, but it’s important to remember that if you require assistance in bad weather, rescue parties could be hours away and you must have suitable equipment with you to remain safe until help arrives if required.”
Police again remind those venturing outdoors to monitor weather warnings and consider the impact of the weather on their activities. Other essential safety considerations include:

Carry reliable communication devices, such as mobile phones, power banks, and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).
Pack adequate emergency supplies, including food, water, spare clothing, and shelter, in case your trip takes longer than expected.
Wear and carry clothing appropriate for all possible weather conditions.
Check the weather forecast for your walking area, and postpone or cancel your plans if severe weather is predicted.
When walking in a group, always match the pace of the slowest member. Staying together reduces the risk of someone becoming lost or injured.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged with drug trafficking and dealing with proceeds of crime following public place arrest in North Hobart

Friday, 19 September 2025 – 12:06 pm.

Police have charged a 54-year-old man from Queensland with drug trafficking and dealing with the proceeds of crime following a public place arrest in North Hobart yesterday. 
As part of Tasmania Police’s continued focus on public order offences in the Hobart CBD area, yesterday afternoon, police approached a man who was acting suspiciously on Elizabeth Street at North Hobart. 
Police will allege they located a large quantity of cash in the man’s possession, and 1kg silver bullion. 
Police will further allege, in a subsequent search at a home stay accommodation linked to the man, they located around 4.5kg of cocaine, and what is estimated to be around $240,000 in cash.
The cocaine seized could potentially be broken into several thousand individual street deals. 
The drug is highly addictive and has the potential to do significant harm in the community. 
The man has been charged with trafficking a controlled substance (major offence) and dealing with proceeds of crime. 
He has been detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court today.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police issue 27 barring orders in three months

Friday, 19 September 2025 – 11:27 am.

Police are continuing to focus on public safety at licensed premises, with 27 barring orders issued in Southern Tasmania in the past months.
Constable Elisha Meyer from the Southern District Licensing Unit said the initiative is focused on creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
“We work closely with venues to ensure anyone whose behaviour poses a public safety risk, or breaches liquor licensing laws, is prevented from entering licensed premises.”
“The barring orders have been issued for a range of reasons, including intoxication, violent or disorderly conduct, and in some cases, underage youths attempting to gain access using fake identification.”
“These measures are designed to protect both venue staff and patrons, and to deter repeat offences,” Constable Meyer said.
Police will continue to work with licensed venues to ensure compliance with liquor licensing legislation, which not only protects patrons but also contributes to the overall safety and wellbeing of the community.
With enforcement efforts ongoing, the number of barring orders is expected to rise as police maintain a strong focus on public safety in licensed environments.

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Staging areas are the vital link between planning and action. Without them, firefighting would be far less effective – especially during campaign fires. We talked to two staging area managers.

NICOLE MCGRATH

“Setting up a staging area for a major fire demands logistics, leadership and – above all – teamwork,” Ballarat City Fire Brigade Captain Nicole McGrath said.  

As a Staging Area Manager (SAM), Nicole is at the forefront of operations on the ground, supporting teams in Incident Control Centres to track every crew, every movement and every resource. SAMs are also often called upon to support the set-up of base camps at campaign fires due to their specialist skills. 

“Setting up a staging area at a base camp is like setting up for a large festival,” she said. “You’re dealing with everything from traffic management to lighting to safety and welfare. You assess the space you have to work with, visualise the set-up – and then it all has to come together fast.” 

From this central point, Nicole and her support team coordinate resources from CFA and other firefighting agencies, ensure crews and vehicles are ready to deploy and that they receive briefings before heading out to the fireground.  

Ballarat City brigade has its own mobile staging area capability, ready to respond to both small and large-scale incidents locally and across the state as needed.

“We can scale up quickly, not just with what we have in the brigade, but by calling on support from agencies such as DEECA and local councils,” Nicole explained. 

“Often you’re working from just a rough plan and a tight time line. You have to know what needs to be done and lean on your team and other agencies to get the job done.” 

While each staging area is tailored to the specific fire it supports, the essentials remain the same: a safe, well-organised space where trucks, vehicles and crews can muster and resources can be allocated efficiently. Additional support services such as catering, first-aid and welfare are layered in as needed. 

“A well-run staging area can make a huge difference to crew safety and the overall firefighting response,” Nicole said. “It’s one of the most important parts of our operations and probably one of the most underrated.” 

Behind every successful deployment is a team of dedicated individuals, each bringing their own skills and experience.

“It would never happen without the team. Everyone steps up, brings their strengths and we just make it work.” 

LEIGH MARSH  
For Industry Fire Prevention Manager Leigh Marsh the journey into the SAM role began not in the field, but behind the scenes. 

“When I was working as a community safety officer, a number of my colleagues were undertaking SAM duties,” Leigh explained. “After several years working in an incident control centre , I realised I wanted to take on a field-based role – something that brought me into direct contact with our members on the ground.” 

That decision led to formal SAM training, followed by a structured mentoring program and endorsement. Now with more than a decade of deployments, Leigh’s experience spans everything from rapid initial support during local incidents to complex operations at major campaign fires. 

“Some of my most significant deployments have included the south-west peat fires in 2018 and more recently, large-scale support operations at the Grampians fires during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fire seasons.  

“I’ve managed staging areas out of the Moyston and Dadswells Bridge stations, as well as larger recreational reserves. I also work in a ‘Go-forward’ SAM role, supporting fast-developing incidents before a full incident management team  is established, ensuring resources can be deployed safely and efficiently from the outset.” 

What drives Leigh is more than the operational challenge, it is purpose, connection and pride.  

“The dynamic nature of each incident keeps you on your toes. No two set-ups are the same,” he said. “But more than that, it’s the interaction with members that makes this role so fulfilling. During the Grampians fires this year, we had 300 to 400 personnel passing through Moyston station each day. Seeing brigade members jump in to help with no hesitation is incredibly motivating.  

“One evening at Moyston, Deputy Chief Officers Garry Cook AFSM and Brett Boatman, along with Incident Controller Mark Gunning AFSM, had dinner with our crews at the staging area, listening to their stories from the fireground. It gave everyone – especially some exhausted volunteers – a real morale boost. That kind of leadership presence matters and it reminded us that every role counts.”

Leigh says the SAM role has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.

“Being a staging area manager is a demanding role, but you instantly see the impact of your work.

“You’re right there, supporting the people who are giving their all. It’s one of the most fulfilling things I do.”  

Photo of staging area by Ian Wilson

Submitted by	News and Media

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While there might not be an obvious link between a CFA brigade getting two new firefighting vehicles and an animal support centre getting some warm bedding for its four-pawed mates, in this case there is.

A new tanker and a new ultralight for Newham Fire Brigade meant that the two existing vehicles needed clearing out before they went to auction. But to make room for the surplus gear the brigade’s shed needed a clear out.

In the shed were warm woollen blankets in good condition that were no longer needed.

Newham Fire Brigade Lieutenant Karen Meredith-Thomas immediately thought that the blankets could be put to good use by Bendigo Animal Relief Centre (BARC), which had just put out a plea on Facebook for donations of warm bedding for the animals in its care.

Karen decided to go one better than the blankets and put a call out on social media for people to contact Newham bridgade if they could donate anything else to BARC. The donations came in at an impressive rate – towels no longer wanted, more warm blankets, fluffy dog beds and even the goodies from a much-loved deceased dog’s estate.

Last week Karen delivered all the donations to BARC and with plenty of cold weather left for the season, they are already being put to good use.

Submitted by	Valerie Hornbuckle

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A CFA led exercise saw over 150 emergency services personnel join forces at a simulated rescue at Arthurs Seat Eagle (ASE) to ensure they are equipped should the situation arise.

The popular tourist attraction on the Mornington Peninsula closed their doors on Wednesday, 17 September to allow members of CFA, VICSES, FRV, Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, and the Mornington Peninsula Shire to test their management plan.

The multi-faceted drill tested their high angle capabilities in tough terrain and extensive teamwork to rescue and extricate 24 trapped passengers safely from six gondolas, including helping a person in a wheelchair, and with a guide dog and baby.

Dromana Fire Brigade 1^st Lieutenant and exercise Incident Controller Jason Fevola said it was a beneficial day to have agencies come together and test abilities and strengths, to be ready for the busy season which is about to arrive.

“The scene was complex, and it had its challenges, but the team are well drilled from ASE rescue and were well supported by all agencies,” Jason said.

“Days like this are fantastic to test and train our joint response, making sure we’ve got everything ironed out, so if something does happen in the future, we’re well prepared to protect our community.

“The gondola is a really unique resource and although we have similar in the ski fields and other alpine regions, in this area, teams really need to be familiar with what goes on and how we undertake a rescue.”

An Incident Management Team (IMT) lead by Jason deployed the appointment of resources from the staging area, with the controlled environment allowing for clear communication and adaptability.

While there is no room for error, Jason said it would take more than one crew to complete this rescue on any given day, and CFA’s new drone technology was a major asset to the experiment.

“Everyone got a chance to test their technology, and this year CFA has introduced drone capability, which gives us live visibility shots that go straight back to our IMT,” Jason said.

“We saw things we wouldn’t usually have been able to, which allowed us to make decisions simultaneously.” 

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer District 8 Sean Kerr said the operation provided an opportunity for local personnel to practice rescue response in the case ASE have a mechanical failure.

“In this situation, trained ASE rescuers zipline to the gondola roof before abseiling down to the gondola doors to attach trapped passengers to a harness and safely lower them to the ground,” Sean said.  

“It requires a lot of training and practice, and we need to understand the complexities of undertaking rescues within these systems, so we know exactly where the issues are. 

“We’ve seen a huge leap forward in technology with the drones being utilised by CFA and FRV, and the live feed was invaluable to keep us up to date with how quickly things were happening. 

“We’ll take the key lessons learned across the agencies, review them, and put them into future planning and responses.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Mental Health Australia

The switch to electric buses for the state’s 8000-strong bus fleet is an important step closer, with the first conversion of a major Sydney depot to battery electric fast-charging technology.

Brookvale is the first of Sydney’s 11 bus depots to be fitted out for the change, with Australia’s first of its type gantry-mounted fast-charging station now installed.

The new gantry-mounted system offers higher charging power and shorter charge times, with the ability to recharge a bus in as little as 20 minutes to one hour.

Read the full release here. (PDF, 97.3 KB)

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Australia’s drone industry is growing quickly, with more operators looking to fly beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS). To support this growth, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is launching a 12-month trial to make BVLOS approvals more accessible.

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Mt Martha Fire Brigade has officially opened their newly renovated fire station and handed their new Field Command Vehicle this week.

Submitted by	CFA Media