Month: September 2025

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ACCC will not oppose acquisition of BGC Cementitious after changes to transaction

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC will not oppose the acquisition of BGC Cementitious (BGC) by Cement Australia, Holcim, Heidelberg Materials Australia (HMA) and Adbri Pty Ltd.

BGC Cementitious and Cement Australia both supply aggregates, ready-mix concrete (RMX), asphalt and cement among other related products and services in greater Perth.

The ACCC decided not to oppose the transaction after the merger parties amended their original proposal.

“An initial proposed structure for the acquisition of BGC by Cement Australia, Holcim and HMA raised significant preliminary competition concerns for us, particularly in relation to the competitive overlap in RMX and aggregate quarries in Western Australia,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

After the ACCC expressed concerns about the initial proposal, a new proposed structure was put forward involving the sale of certain assets to Adbri.

Adbri supplies cement in Western Australia but does not supply aggregates, RMX or asphalt in Western Australia.

The amended acquisition involves BGC divesting WA Cementitious, including cement assets and some limited RMX plants to Cement Australia, Holcim and HMA, with Adbri acquiring the majority of BGC’s RMX assets as well as BGC’s aggregates, asphalt, transport and materials technology centre assets.

“We examined the amended acquisition proposal very closely,” Dr Williams said.

“In particular we looked at both the loss of BGC as a competitor in the supply of RMX and the risk that Cement Australia or Adbri would use their position as cement suppliers to hinder the ability of rival RMX suppliers to compete.”

“While we acknowledge strong concerns from some market participants, we found that Cement Australia and Adbri would be likely to compete with each other to supply cement to RMX competitors after the acquisition.” Dr Williams said.

In reaching its view, the ACCC found that Cement Australia and Adbri would have significant excess capacity in the production of cement in Western Australia.

The ACCC also looked closely at the margins the merger parties earn at various levels of the supply chain, and the profit incentives that would likely drive their decisions post-acquisition.

The ACCC also considered the extent to which the acquirers would have market power and be able to increase the price of RMX across Perth as well as in more localised markets.

The ACCC found, based on a detailed data analysis of existing delivery patterns and the marginal cost of servicing customers, that rival suppliers of RMX would continue to constrain HMA and Holcim post-acquisition across Perth.

Ultimately, the ACCC did not find that the amended acquisition would likely substantially lessen competition in any market.

Notes to editors

‘Aggregates’ refer to a particulate material used in construction and includes sand aggregate and crushed hard rock aggregates. Aggregates are quarried and used as an input into RMX and asphalt (as well as for some other mining and construction purposes).

‘Cement’ refers to a fine soft powder made from limestone, clay and other materials. It is used as the binding ingredient in RMX and hardens after contact with water.

‘RMX’ is concrete that is produced in and delivered by truck in a freshly mixed and unhardened state. RMX is manufactured from cement, aggregates, water and other additives.

‘Asphalt’ is a sticky, black, tar-like substance used to pave roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. It’s made from mixing bitumen, aggregates and other filler materials in an asphalt plant.

Background

On 11 February 2025, Cement Australia, Holcim and HMA requested informal merger clearance to acquire BGC’s aggregates, cement, RMX, asphalt, transport and materials technology centre assets in WA.

After the ACCC raised preliminary competition concerns with the Initial Proposed Acquisition, Cement Australia, Holcim, and HMA put forward the Amended Proposed Acquisition in May 2025, with BGC’s support, that incorporates Adbri as a party.

The ACCC’s decision relates to the Amended Proposed Acquisition, pursuant to which:

  • Adbri will acquire certain BGC assets including aggregates and asphalt sites, six of BGC’s RMX sites, two mobile RMX plants and the transport assets associated with those assets and the company’s Materials Technology Centre (excluding cement-related assets),
  • Cement Australia, Holcim and HMA will acquire BGC’s cement plant and cement transport assets, and three RMX sites.

BGC Cementitious is a division of the BGC Group which supplies cementitious products in WA including cement and slag through BGC Cement, aggregate, hard rock and manufactured sand through BGC Quarries (which operates a hard rock quarry at The Lakes), RMX through BGC Concrete, and asphalt through BGC Asphalt. BGC Transport owns and operates vehicles, operating out of different hubs used in the BGC Cementitious business. BGC’s Materials Technology Centre is a testing laboratory for cement, RMX, asphalt and related products located in Hazelmere.

Cement Australia is a privately held 50:50 joint venture between Holcim and HMA. Cement Australia supplies cementitious products and services, including bulk and packaged cement, fly ash and slag products. Cement Australia has operations in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA, ACT, WA and Tasmania. Cement Australia does not have any cement or slag production facilities in WA. The operations of Cement Australia are governed by a Framework Agreement which establishes ring-fencing between Cement Australia, Holcim and HMA, placing restrictions on Holcim and HMA from accessing information about the sale of cementitious products by Cement Australia to each other party to the joint venture or to other customers.

Holcim is a Swiss multinational company that manufactures and supplies various building materials across Australia, including aggregates, RMX and pre-cast pipes. In WA, Holcim owns and operates several RMX plants and aggregate quarries (hard rock and sand).

HMA is a German multinational company that manufactures and supplies various building materials across Australia, including aggregates, RMX and asphalt. In WA, HMA owns and operates a number of RMX plants and aggregate quarries (hard rock and sand).

Adbri is an Australian company which manufactures, imports and supplies various building materials across Australia, including clinker, cement, quicklime, aggregates, RMX, concrete masonry products and supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag. In WA, Adbri produces and supplies cement, slag and lime through its subsidiary, Cockburn Cement Limited. Adbri does not currently hold any assets or operate in markets for the supply of aggregates, RMX or asphalt in WA.

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Europe leads on transparent borders as Australia lags behind

Source:

11 September 2025

New research shows that Australia is lagging well behind Europe when it comes to digitised border control, adopting a “staggering” level of secrecy that is threatening individual democratic rights.

A recent paper authored by University of South Australia researcher Dr Louis Everuss has found stark differences between the two continents in their approach to digital borders.

Smart gates, biometric screening and automated risk assessment are now common worldwide, but unlike the European Union (EU) where border systems are more transparent, the Federal Government in Australia fails to disclose how this data is being used.

“Sweeping powers are given to the Immigration Minister courtesy of the Migration Act 1958 without any checks in place,” writes Dr Everuss in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of European Studies.

“This legislation even allows computers to make binding visa decisions on the Minister’s behalf, yet it offers little detail about how these technologies function and what information is captured.

“Digitisation is transforming border control across the globe, but transparency is critical for protecting both individual rights and democratic accountability. Our research shows that the EU’s legal frameworks are far more transparent than those in Australia, where the level of secrecy is staggering.”

The EU has introduced a suite of laws and regulations to govern its major digital border systems, including the Visa Information System (VIS) and the Schengen Information System (SIS).

These regulations clearly set out how data should be collected, stored and shared, and what rights individuals have to access their information. The regulations, which are publicly available, are also subject to oversight by EU data protection bodies and courts.

Dr Everuss says the EU approach embeds transparency obligations into the design of its border systems.

“While not perfect, this provides the public and travellers with a clearer view of how decisions are made,” he says.

In contrast, Australia’s digital border systems, such as the integrated Client Services Environment for visa processing, and SmartGate at airports, operate under far less scrutiny.

Policy frameworks do exist, but they are often heavily redacted, withheld under Freedom of Information Laws, or classified as internal guidance.

“The lack of publicly accessible rules means that Australians have little insight into the digital tools shaping border decisions. In some cases, even oversight bodies have been unaware of the existence of key systems.”

Dr Everuss argues that border transparency is not only about fairness to travellers, but also about maintaining trust in our governments.

“Without clear rules and accountability, digital technologies risk undermining natural justice and fuelling public distrust.”

He suggests that Australia could improve transparency of its border systems by:

  • Introducing system-specific legislation, similar to EU regulations, to define the scope of digital border technologies.
  • Making publicly available the traveller data details that are captured and assessed and ensure that race, ethnicity and sexuality are excluded when determining border-based decisions.
  • Ensuring that individuals can access – and correct if necessary – their data in a clear, user-friendly way.

The research was supported by the UniSA Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union.

‘Comparing border digitisation and transparency in the EU and Australia’ is published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of European Studies. DOI: 10.30722/anzjes.vol17.iss1.20630

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Researcher contact: Dr Louis Everuss E: louis.everuss@unisa.edu.au

Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

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Spring 2025 edition of Brigade magazine online now

Source:

The spring edition of Brigade magazine will soon arrive in CFA members’ letterboxes.

You can also read the latest magazine on our website.

The spring edition includes features about:

  • the formation of the new Apostles Group of brigades
  • how staging area experts help to keep everything running smoothly
  • the crucial role of volunteers at Hamilton Airbase
  • Quarterly Operational Update containing information sheets about heart health and the Planned Burn Taskforce, and two case studies.

There are also stories about new fire station openings, seasonal firefighters in Knox Group, how three brigades support each other through training, and an update on CFA projects.

Submitted by News and Media
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$12.3 million for Australian first shared truck charging hub

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

Overview

  • Category

    News

    Date

    11 September 2025

    Classification

    Electric vehicles

Melbourne’s freight routes will soon have access to a dedicated electric truck charging hub thanks to an Australian first project supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

$12.3 million in funding will go to Mondo Power (Mondo) to develop, construct and operate an electric truck charging hub in Melbourne’s west to demonstrate the technical and commercial feasibility for fleets to electrify their operations.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project underscores ARENA’s commitment to supporting innovation solutions that will accelerate decarbonisation across the heavy transport sector.

“Through Mondo’s project, we’ll be able to highlight to the heavy transport sector how electrification can be integrated into their existing business models and drive down the high emissions from transporting goods on our roads,” Mr Miller said.

“Transport plays a vital role in Australia’s economy and contributes around 22% of emissions. By backing first of kind innovation like this, we can accelerate the sector’s adoption of clean technologies and bring us closer to our net zero goals.”

Located in Laverton North, the hub will consist of 14 dual plug electric vehicle chargers and will be purpose built for heavy battery electric vehicle (BEV) trucks.

The funding will support the installation of fit-for-purpose truck charging infrastructure, as well as partly offset the total cost of ownership for 20 heavy BEV trucks.

Mondo will partner with several truck manufacturers to supply heavy BEV trucks to trucking and transport customers, as well as technical support, trials and long-haul demonstrations.

Mondo will also enter into charging services agreements for charging hub membership to customers to provide site access and high-speed truck charging services. The charging hub membership will include access to the charging hub, set pricing for charging, amenities and driver vehicle parking options.

AusNet Chief Development Officer Jon D’Sylva said this is a first-of-its-kind facility in Australia, providing essential charging infrastructure for heavy vehicles, supporting the transition to zero-emission freight and reducing pollution in Melbourne’s inner west.

“This project marks a major step towards a more sustainable and efficient transport network for Australia,” said Mr D’Sylva.

“Delivering Australia’s clean energy transition is not just about replacing coal-fired power with renewable generation. We need to look holistically across a range of sectors, including transport, at the opportunities to decarbonise and this is just one example of that.”

“We’re proud to be at the forefront of developing this infrastructure in Australia in partnership with ARENA. Our unique expertise and experience make Mondo, and AusNet more broadly, well-placed to continue to support this once in a generation transition in years to come.”

The funding is being delivered by the Driving the Nation Program. For more information including program guidelines, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the funding page.

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

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La Niña’s new twist: ground movement threatens Aussie homes

Source:

11 September 2025

Australia’s changing climate is shaking things up, literally. New research from the University of South Australia (UniSA) warns that increasingly intense La Niña weather cycles are posing fresh challenges for homeowners, builders, and infrastructure planners.

In a paper published in the Journal of Environmental Management, researchers reveal that prolonged rainfall linked to La Niña events is magnifying shrink-swell movements in expansive clay soils, which can destabilise house foundations, crack pipelines, and damage road pavements.

These soils expand when wet and contract during dry spells, creating a cycle of ground movement that’s becoming more severe and widespread.

UniSA researchers analysed more than 100 years of rainfall and climate data to track the impact of La Niña across Australia’s major regions. Their findings highlight a growing need to rethink how we build and maintain structures in a climate that’s becoming increasingly unpredictable.

The research, led by UniSA candidate Bikash Devkota,  shows that:

  • La Niña events have varied significantly, with prolonged periods of high frequency in the late 20th century, followed by a relative lull and a recent resurgence in the last 25 years.
  • Expansive clay soils in particular are highly sensitive to rainfall fluctuations, making them vulnerable to swelling and shrinking during both La Niña and El Niño cycles, respectively.
  • Homeowners, insurers and regulators need to consider long-term climate variability, not just short-term cycles, when assessing soil risks to building foundations.

Senior author, UniSA Professor Simon Beecham says that climate variability must be factored more directly into building standards and long-term planning.

“Even small shifts in climate cycles can lead to cracking, subsidence or costly repairs,” Prof Beecham says.

With more intense rainfall events and prolonged droughts predicted in future, researchers say it is imperative to prepare for greater extremes, ensuring that building codes and planning frameworks can adapt to uncertain weather conditions.

Changes in climate patterns have already significantly influenced geostructures around the world, including in Australia.

The La Niña event that occurred at the break of the Millenium Drought (1997-2009) caused damage to thousands of houses constructed during the drought, as soils expanded after a prolonged dry period.

“Climate change could significantly impact many homes across Australia but, to date, it hasn’t been considered in development strategies,” Prof Beecham says. “It’s time to think about it more seriously.”

‘The changing frequency of La Niña cycles and their effect on footing design in expansive soils’ is authored by Bikash Devkota, Md Rajibul Karim, Mizanur Rahman, Hoang Bao Khoi Nguyen and Simon Beecham. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127124

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Contacts for interview:

Researcher contact: Professor Simon Beecham E: Simon.Beecham@unisa.edu.au
               
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

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Igneo’s proposed acquisition of Benedict Recycling raises concerns

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has outlined its preliminary competition concerns with Igneo Infrastructure Partners’ proposed acquisition of Benedict Recycling Pty Ltd in a Statement of Issues today.

Igneo manages the infrastructure fund which owns Integrated Waste Services (IWS), which operates under the Recycle Central brand in the Newcastle region of NSW, supplying mixed building and demolition (B&D) waste processing services. Benedict Recycling also provides these services in the Newcastle region.

The ACCC has preliminary concerns that the proposed acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in the supply of mixed B&D processing services in the Newcastle region.

“We are concerned the proposed acquisition would lead to higher prices or reduced service quality for mixed B&D waste processing in the Newcastle region,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

“IWS and Benedict Recycling are the largest waste processors in the region for mixed B&D waste, and there are limited alternative waste processors for customers to choose from,” Dr Williams said. “IWS and Benedict Recycling are also each other’s closest competitors.”

The ACCC is continuing to investigate the extent to which landfills are competitive alternatives for customers using the mixed B&D processing services offered by IWS and Benedict Recycling.

“Our preliminary view is that landfills are not an effective substitute for mixed B&D processing,” Dr Williams said.

“Many waste collectors in the Newcastle region have a strong preference to deposit mixed B&D waste at processors over landfill, reflecting reportedly higher costs of landfill disposal as well as other factors, including customer preferences for the recoverable material to be diverted from landfill, where possible, due to environmental considerations.”

As IWS operates a B&D collections business in the Newcastle region, the ACCC is also considering the ability and incentive of IWS to disadvantage rival B&D collection companies after the acquisition – for example, by increasing the prices it charges its collection rivals for mixed B&D waste processing.

The ACCC invites submissions from interested parties in response to the Statement of Issues by 25 September 2025.

More information, including the Statement of Issues, can be found on the ACCC’s website at Igneo Infrastructure Partners – Benedict Recycling Pty Ltd.

Note to editors

B&D waste is material generated from the demolition, construction or renovation of residential and commercial buildings, civil projects or infrastructure development. B&D waste is non-putrescible (or ‘solid’), meaning it contains primarily non-organic materials that may or may not be recyclable.

Mixed B&D waste is a subcategory of B&D waste which involves materials that have not been segregated. Mixed B&D waste may involve materials such as bricks, concrete, timber, glass, plastic, plasterboard, ceramics, metal, paper and cardboard.

Background

Igneo proposes to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of Benedict Recycling (the Proposed Acquisition).

Igneo is an unlisted infrastructure asset management business of the First Sentier Investors Group, an Australian asset manager with more than A$222 billion in funds under management (as at 30 June 2024). First Sentier Investors Group is ultimately owned by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

Igneo manages an infrastructure fund that owns IWS, a waste management business, with operations in Western Australia, South Australia, and the Newcastle/Hunter Valley region. IWS provides a range of waste management services including resource recovery, commercial composting, and disposal.

IWS owns Recycle Central Group (Recycle Central), a waste management business that provides waste collection, disposal and processing services for B&D and commercial and industrial (C&I) waste. Recycle Central operates two facilities in Greater Newcastle:

  • a large-scale waste processing facility, located in Kurri Kurri, 38 km from the Newcastle CBD; and
  • a waste transfer station located in Cardiff (in central Newcastle).

IWS offers collection services under several brands including ‘Central Skips’, through Recycle Central, and ‘Rent a skip’.

Benedict Recycling provides waste disposal and processing services for B&D, C&I, household and green waste across Greater Sydney (Chipping Norton, Unanderra, Smeaton Grange and Belrose), Bowral and Newcastle.

In Newcastle, Benedict Recycling operates a processing facility in Mayfield West, close to the centre of Newcastle (the Newcastle Recycling Centre).

Benedict Recycling does not operate a collections business.

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Fatal crash on Kangaroo Island

Source: New South Wales – News

Two men have died in a crash on Kangaroo Island last night.

About 11.30pm on Wednesday 10 September, police and emergency services responded to a single vehicle rollover on Cape Willoughby Road, Cuttlefish Bay.

Sadly, a 55-year-old man from Woodcroft and a 26-year-old man from the UK died at the scene.

The driver, a 42-year-old man from Hackham West, received minor injuries and was treated at hospital.

Major Crash Investigators travelled to the scene early this morning and examined the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The driver has since been arrested and charged with two counts of cause death by careless use of a motor vehicle. He has been bailed to appear in the Kingscote Magistrates Court on 17 November.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

The deaths are the 58th and 59th lives lost on SA roads this year.

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Celebrating ACT Multicultural Award winners

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Winners of the 2025 ACT Multicultural Awards have been announced.

The Multicultural Awards recognise organisations and individuals who have made a significant impact in promoting cultural diversity and social inclusion across the ACT.

From cricket to traditional Chinese Lion Dance, four award winners were announced for their contributions.

ACT Multicultural Individual Champion Award

Winner Sanjay Sharma was recognised for his work fostering multicultural inclusion and uniting the community through cricket.

Sanjay is a founder of the Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association (IAMSA), Yerrabi District Cricket Club and organiser of several annual community events.

He has created inclusive platforms for men and women that bring together people from diverse backgrounds.

“All of these experiences have strengthened my belief that multiculturalism is about breaking barriers, creating belonging, and opening opportunities for the next generation,” he said.

ACT Multicultural Community Organisation Champion Award

The ACT Education Directorate’s Safe@School Taskforce was recognised for its work developing culturally and religiously appropriate guidelines to support Sikh students and their families.

In collaboration with the ACT Sikh community, the Education Directorate created the Wearing Items of Religious Significance (Sikhism) in ACT Public Schools Guidelines. 

These guidelines ensure that Sikh students can practice their faith safely and respectfully while fully participating in school life.

Jessie Atkins from the ACT Education Directorate said multiculturalism was important because everybody deserves to be seen for who they are and included, regardless of their background.

ACT Outstanding Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion Award

Dr Nilofar Ebrahimi was recognised for her work as a Community Educator and Health Promotion Officer at Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT).

Nilofar delivers culturally sensitive education sessions on topics such as menopause, contraception, consent, and cervical screening to the Afghan community in Canberra.

She is a former Member of Parliament in Afghanistan and the founder of the ZamZam Foundation.

Originally established in Afghanistan to support widows and orphans, ZamZam now operates in the ACT. It delivers programs that empower Afghan women locally, including Learn to Drive and Learn to Swim initiatives.

“Our goal is simple but powerful: to empower women and girls, to strengthen communities, and to support our people to settle and feel a sense of belonging in Australia,” she said.

ACT Multicultural Arts, Media or Culture Award

Canberra Dragon Dance were recognised for actively promoting multiculturalism through its diverse membership, youth development initiatives, and cultural preservation.

The dynamic and inclusive cultural arts group performs traditional Chinese Lion Dance, Dragon Dance and percussion.

Their work has celebrated multiculturalism at major local events, schools, shopping centres and nursing homes.

Founder Dr Wilson Lo said he loved the way that Canberrans embrace customs from other parts of the world.

“We’ve been embraced, and not just in festivals that are technically multicultural, but in mainstream parts of Australian society,” he said.

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Stay safe around wildlife this spring

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

In brief:

  • This article lists tips to staying safe around wildlife in spring.
  • Magpies breed in springtime, and some will swoop to protect their nest.
  • With more pollen about in spring, bees and wasps are more active.
  • You may see more snakes in the warmer months.

Warmer weather means some more of our wildlife is out and about.

Here are some tips around staying safe and protecting our local animals and insects.

Magpie safety

Breeding season for birds is from July to November. Some birds, like magpies, will swoop in this time, to protect their territory, nest, and young.

If there’s a swooping bird in your neighbourhood, here are some tips to protect yourself:

  • walk through the bird’s territory quickly, don’t run
  • take a different route
  • protect your head with an umbrella, hat, or helmet
  • wear glasses to protect your eyes
  • watch the birds while walking away quickly from the area as they are less likely to swoop if you look at them
  • protect your pet and don’t leave them alone or off-lead in an area with a swooping bird
  • don’t let your pet attack birds
  • attach a flag or streamers on a stick to your bike or backpack
  • walk your bike through the bird’s territory, don’t ride.

Bee and wasp safety

Warmer months means bees and wasps are more active.

Bees generally swarm between August and December. They are not usually aggressive and will go about their day-to-day duties unless they feel threatened.

Wasps are also more active in spring. Their nests are established by single queens in spring, and by mid-autumn successful nests are busy rearing the new generation with a potential output of over 1,000 new queens per nest.

There are different types of wasps, some to be more wary of. You can see our wasp identification chart here.

If a nest is on your property, it is your responsibility to have it removed by a qualified pest control operator. Don’t not attempt to remove the nest yourself, as you could be stung.

To report a bee hive or wasp nest on ACT Government land, please submit your request using this European Wasp, Ants or Bees Report form.

If stung, the recommended first aid for a wasp or bee sting is an ice pack to reduce the pain and swelling. However, if people are stung in the mouth, have trouble breathing, or develop an itchy rash, seek medical help immediately.

Snake safety

As temperatures start to rise in Canberra, snakes will become more active.

In the ACT, snakes are most active from October to March.

While some snakes can be venomous, they’re shy, non-aggressive creatures that will retreat if they’re not provoked.

The best thing to do is move yourself, kids and pets away from the area and leave them be until they move on.

If you have concerns for your safety, there are licensed services available that can remove snakes from your property.

Snakes are an important part of the wider ecosystem and are protected by law in Australia. It is illegal to kill them unless they threaten life.

To avoid being bitten:

  • move away and let the snake go on its way
  • never try to kill or handle a snake
  • be alert in the bush, especially in the early morning when snakes are more likely to be sunning themselves
  • cover up with long pants and enclosed shoes when bushwalking and gardening
  • avoid walking through long grass
  • avoid putting your hand into hollow logs or rock crevices
  • keep pets well away from snakes and lizards.

For more safety tips and first aid information, visit the ACT Government Environment website.

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Arrest – Aggravated assault – Mataranka

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 30-year-old male has been arrested in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Mataranka on Monday evening.

Around 9:30am on Tuesday, local police attended a local park following reports of people fighting overnight. They located a female with significant facial injuries and a suspected broken arm.

It is alleged that the female had been assaulted multiple times by her male partner before he left the location.

She was transferred to Mataranka Clinic before being flown to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

A short time later, police located and arrested a 30-year-old male attempting to leave the area on public transport.

He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 333. Please quote reference number NTP2500090149. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.