Month: November 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after a passenger train was damaged in Alice Springs earlier today.

Around 2:10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a passenger train had sustained extensive damage as it was travelling through Alice Springs.

It is alleged as the train was travelling north, parallel to Telegraph Terrace, two male youths threw rocks at the train, damaging over twenty windows. The train terminated at Alice Springs, where the damaged was assessed.

No injuries have been reported to police.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information, including dash cam or CCTV footage is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25310523. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Mental Health Australia

The NSW and Australian governments are teaming up to deliver a safer future for motorists travelling the Bells Line of Road with the community, business and industry invited to have their say on which upgrades should take top priority.

The Federal Government has committed a $100 million investment to fund a package of targeted safety improvements on the critical link between Sydney and the state’s Central West – one of only two major crossings over the Blue Mountains.

The NSW Government will be responsible for delivering the work, with engineering specialist firm Civil Consulting and Highway Design (CCHD) Pty Ltd announced as the successful tenderer to investigate and identify strategic upgrade options.

Read the full media release here (PDF, 224.02 KB).
 

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Albanese Government is supporting vulnerable communities in more than 50 countries through longstanding partnerships with Australian non-government organisations (NGOs).

Australia will provide $143 million in funding for the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) this year.

Minister for International Development, Dr Anne Aly, said the investment will enable more than 60 accredited Australian NGOs to deliver over 340 projects to improve health, education, food security and infrastructure in local communities.

“We’re proud to support the life-changing work that Australian NGOs do to improve livelihoods and outcomes for people around the world,” Dr Aly said.

“Whether it’s safer evacuations in Vanuatu, new income streams for families in Ethiopia, or expanding women’s economic opportunities across the Pacific – the results speak for themselves.

“Strong partnerships with NGOs help communities build resilience in their own way. These projects aren’t just programs on paper – they deliver real, lasting benefits for women, families and entire communities.”

Now in its 51st year, the ANCP continues to strengthen Australia’s partnerships with trusted organisations delivering practical, locally led development outcomes.

Guided by the International Development Policy, Australia’s aid program is a vital tool of national statecraft to help build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region – and world.

Source: Tasmania Police

Rescue efforts underway for two walkers stranded at Mt Anne

Tuesday, 18 November 2025 – 10:10 am.

Police and other emergency services are continuing efforts to rescue two women stranded in severe weather conditions on Mt Anne in the Southwest National Park overnight.Search Controller Callum Herbert said authorities were notified about 6.20pm yesterday, after a Triple Zero (000) call was made by the pair“The two women, aged 22 and 23, reported being reasonably prepared with a tent, sleeping bags, emergency blanket, and food but worsening weather meant they were cold, wet and unable to continue their journey,” he said.“The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was deployed, but could not reach the site – known as ‘The Notch’ – due to strong winds, low cloud, and poor visibility.”“A search party of police and wilderness paramedics attempted to reach the area on foot overnight but the group was forced to retreat back to Memorial Hut shortly before 3am, when conditions deteriorated further, with winds exceeding 100km/h and heavy snowfall.”Search efforts are ongoing this morning and will continue as weather conditions permit.

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

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $7.86 million in funding to Li-S Energy Ltd (Li-S Energy) to support the next phase of Australia’s advanced battery manufacturing capability.

The funding will enable Li-S Energy to undertake manufacturing optimisation, a feasibility study and front-end engineering design (FEED) for a proposed lithium-sulfur battery cell manufacturing facility. The proposed facility aims to produce up to 1 GWh per year of battery cell capacity – 500 times the capacity of Li-S Energy’s current Geelong-based facility.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project reflects Australia’s commitment to building local manufacturing capability and accelerating innovation in energy storage.

“By supporting Li-S Energy’s plans to scale up lithium-sulfur battery production, we are helping to fast-track the commercialisation of breakthrough battery technologies.”

“Batteries are essential to the clean energy transition, both for energy storage and transport. That’s why it’s critical we keep advancing innovations that improve performance, increase energy density and drive down costs,” Mr Miller said.

Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to deliver up to twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, enabling longer range and lighter weight for electric vehicles, drones, wearables and other applications. This aligns with the Australian Government’s energy storage strategy, which prioritises technologies that support renewable integration and reduce reliance on imported battery systems.

Li-S Energy CEO and MD Dr Lee Finniear said the funding is a major step towards commercial readiness.

“This funding enables us to accelerate the critical commercial and engineering studies needed to progress advanced lithium-sulfur batteries toward large-scale production. It will help meet growing demand for lightweight batteries in drones, defence, aerospace and other relevant high-value commercial markets,” Dr Finniear said.

As more renewable energy generation enters the grid, the need for energy storage is increasing. This funding reflects ARENA’s strategic priority to reduce the cost and increase the diversity of technologies available to support the deployment of energy storage in Australia.

This funding has been administered under ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program, which is continuously open for applications that address our investment focus areas and involve a renewable energy technology or technologies that increase the supply of, or improve the competitiveness of, renewable energy in Australia.

About ARENA

ARENA has a unique role in the transition to a net zero economy. We provide funding support for projects spanning the innovation chain, from research to early-stage deployment, bridging the gap between innovators and investment to help push emerging and early-stage technologies towards commercialisation.

Since its establishment in 2012, ARENA has supported more than 800 projects with over $3 billion in grant funding, unlocking a total investment of almost $15 billion in Australia’s renewable energy industry.

Our expertise, deep understanding of the renewable energy sector and willingness to fund innovative and ground-breaking projects mean we provide a pathway to commercialisation for many new technologies and businesses that would otherwise struggle to get off the ground or be potentially lost to overseas markets.

Through these projects, strong stakeholder engagement and insight sharing, ARENA has been instrumental in building the foundations of the renewable energy ecosystem in Australia.

Learn more about our investment priorities: https://arena.gov.au/about/arena-strategic-priorities/

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo has adopted a new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 and a new Keeping of Animals Local Law following consideration of submissions made by residents through a community engagement process.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the City has a legislative requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) every four years and this is the fifth plan that the City has adopted.

“Local Law 2 which has several clauses relating to the keeping of domestic animals must also be reviewed every 10 years under the Local Government Act to ensure it meets community expectations and relevancy,” Cr Prince said.

“The DAMP 2026-2029 builds on the achievements and work from the previous four plans which established a framework to guide future service programs and actions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents who took the time to share their thoughts on both the draft DAMP and the Keeping of Animals Local Law.”

This latest review of the DAMP focused largely on maintaining current initiatives and monitoring their effectiveness to ensure they continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for the community following the significant changes that were made in the previous DAMP.

Following a community consultation process there have been no significant changes made to the draft DAMP.  However, several small changes have been made to correct data, include additional evaluation methods and continue to benchmark services with other organisations regarding dog waste removal.

Changes to the draft Local Law have included simplifying language and retaining the requirement for a permit to keep roosters in residential areas.

Some additional amendments were made to the poultry keeping section to ensure that the criteria for assessing permit applications are appropriate and well-considered.  Several other matters were also addressed as part of the feedback in relation to definitions, clerical errors and refinement of language to ensure that the Local Law was easy to understand and could not be misinterpreted.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 is available to view on the City’s website with the new Keeping of Animals Local Law coming into effect on January 1, 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police Search and Rescue Division coordinated a successful search for two overdue travellers, who were located safe and well.

A combined search of the area was undertaken using police vehicles, Police aircraft, and with the assistance of Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife. At around 10:25pm on Monday 17 November 2025, police successfully located both individuals within the identified search area.

They were assessed and found to be safe.

NT Police Search and Rescue thank the public for their assistance and remind Territorians and visitors of the importance of sharing travel plans with family or friends when exploring remote areas of the Northern Territory.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Australians reported nearly $260 million in losses to scams in the first nine months of 2025, with the National Anti-Scam Centre warning that online shopping scams are on the rise.

Between January and September 2025, the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service received 159,319 scam reports with financial losses of $259.5 million. This represents a 16 per cent increase in losses and a 20 per cent decrease in reports compared to the same period last year.

As Australians engage with Black Friday sales, shoppers are urged to stay alert for scams disguised as genuine deals. Shopping scams were the most reported scam type involving financial loss so far this year, with 9,628 of the total 19,662 reports received resulting in $8.6 million in losses. This was an increase of 19 per cent in reported losses from the same period in 2024.

“Scammers love Black Friday sales too because they know shoppers are looking for bargains and they rely on creating urgency and pressure that can come with a busy shopping period,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We remind consumers to take their time, check the legitimacy of websites and its offers, and be cautious about sharing personal or financial information online. A few simple checks before making a purchase can make all the difference in avoiding a scam and keeping your money safe.”

Online content, such as fake websites, advertisements, social media, and mobile apps, were the most common method used by scammers for initial contact, resulting in $122 million in losses, or 47 per cent of overall scam losses.

Some shopping scams involve the compromise of social media accounts to reach unsuspecting victims. Compromised social media accounts are increasingly used by scammers to target victims’ personal networks, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.

After gaining access, scammers impersonate the account holder to promote scams such as fake ticket sales, ‘fire sales’, grant offers, and investment schemes.

They further compromise friends’ accounts by requesting one-time codes under false pretences, enabling a chain of account takeovers.

_{Example of a social media post from a compromised account, advertising a ‘fire sale’ of items.}

“We continue to urge Australians to verify who they are communicating with online, as scammers leverage trusted relationships and social platforms to manipulate people into handing over money and personal information,” Ms Lowe said.

“You should be aware that online friend accounts can be compromised, so avoid clicking on any links and always do your own checks before paying money. A good way to check is to contact them through another means, such as by phone or text message. This can also alert your friend so they can take prompt action to recover their account.”

The National Anti-Scam Centre is also seeing more people report financial loss among vulnerable communities; with a 12 per cent rise for people with a disability, 35 per cent for those who speak English as a second language, and 50 percent for First Nations people.

Scamwatch website recently published resources for people to provide support to loved ones who may be targeted by scammers, including red flag signs, conversation starters and the manipulation tactics deployed by scammers.

“We strongly encourage people to check in with their loved ones and start the conversation about scams. Scammers are criminals who target anyone,” Ms Lowe said.

“Starting an honest conversation about scams can take away the fear and embarrassment that often stop people from speaking up. Listening with compassion and without judgement helps them feel supported and understood.”

“We’re grateful to everyone who reports scams to Scamwatch, even if they haven’t lost money. Each report helps us build a clearer picture of scam activity and strengthens our work with other organisations to disrupt these criminal networks.”

Other scam trends

• Investment scams were the cause of the highest overall reported losses in the first nine months of 2025, totalling $128.4 million. However, investment scams was one of the few scam categories where the losses showed a decrease from the same period in 2024 (down from $135 million).
• There was a 50 per cent decrease in reports about rebate scams, dropping from 3,236 reports in 2024 to 1,628 reports in 2025.
• There were 11,602 reports of false billing scams in 2025 compared to 24,139 in 2024, which was a 52 per cent decrease. In 2025, there were $19.4 million in reported losses to false billing scams compared to $11.3 million in 2024.
• There was also a 47 per cent drop in reports about remote access scams from 2024 to 2025. Losses to these scams also decreased by 30 per cent; down from $5.9 million in 2024 to $4.2 million in the same period in 2025. Remote access scams disproportionately impact older Australians.
• There were 52,753 reports of phishing scams made to Scamwatch in 2025, down from 80,119 in 2024. This is a decrease of 34 percent.

Learn how to Stop. Check. Protect. to stay safe from scams:

STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.

What to do:

• Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages
• Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests
• Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action
• Trust your instincts if something feels wrong

CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

What to do:

• Contact the person or organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app
• Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC
• Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals

PROTECT. Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.

What to do:

• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details
• Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover – they can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams
• Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)  to help protect others
• Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)
• Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised
• Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity
• Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening
• Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Australian Government is today launching the next phase of its alcohol awareness campaign as part of efforts to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.

In partnership with DrinkWise, the youth-focused safety push, ‘Drinking? Drink Mindfully’, aims to equip school leavers with the tools to travel safely, make informed decisions about alcohol, and celebrate with confidence. 

Resources are being rolled out online, at airports and are available to schools, providing students and their parents with practical advice on topics such as moderating alcohol consumption, looking after friends, the risks of methanol poisoning and knowing what to do if things go wrong. 

As part of this partnership, Australian parents and students can expect to see:

• video content for both school-leavers and parents to support conversations around partying, drinking and celebrating safely overseas – featuring messages from the families and friends of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, who tragically died overseas last year from methanol poisoning;
• digital advertising targeting school-leavers nationally, including at all international airports across Australia, via multiple social media platforms; and
• promotional events at Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne international airports to reach young people as they depart for popular overseas Schoolies.

This will also be supported by broader Smartraveller activities including:

• release of new Schoolies ‘cheat sheets’ tailored to popular destinations for school-leavers on the Smartraveller Partying Safely Hub;
• in-flight videos onboard Jetstar international flights from December, delivering key safety messages as school leavers head overseas; and
• youth media engagement and partnerships with other non-government organisations such as Schoolies.com and Unleashed travel.

We want young people to enjoy their experience but to stay vigilant. Watch your mates and watch your drinks. And please travel safe over summer.

Visit Smartraveller.gov.au to check travel advice, explore the Partying Safely Hub, and access resources.

Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“As we approach one year since the tragic deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, we are reminded of the dangers that can confront young people when travelling abroad.

“We want every young Australian celebrating Schoolies, whether here at home or overseas, to have the tools to do so safely.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

“Schoolies is a time to celebrate the end of school and the hard work it took to get here.

“You’ve earned it but you’ve also got to look out for yourself and your mates. That’s what this campaign is about. Having fun and staying safe.

“We know the sense of freedom at the end of school can sometimes lead to risky choices, especially when alcohol is involved.

“My Department has shared these resources with our State and Territory counterparts. I encourage schools, students and parents to take a look at them.

“We want the end of school to be remembered for the right reasons.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite:

“We know Schoolies is an exciting time for young Australians, but things can go wrong if you’re not prepared.

“This partnership with DrinkWise demonstrates the Government’s continued work to help protect young Australians travelling overseas and throughout Australia.”

Quotes attributable to DrinkWise, Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan:

“DrinkWise research shows school-leavers are making safer choices at Schoolies, but timely reminders remain critical.

“This is why we have joined the Australian Government, and the Jones and Bowles families to develop advice and tips to help keep school-leavers safe, and empower parents to have the pre-Schoolies conversations with their children.”

Media note: Imagery is available via the DFAT media library.

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Australian Antarctic Division Chief Scientist, Prof. Nerilie Abram, is today presenting an overview of abrupt changes in the Antarctic environment to the COP30 meeting in Brazil.
The presentation is part of the COP30 Cyrosphere Pavilion, and is based on research published in Nature earlier this year.

Multiple abrupt changes are now beginning to develop across the Antarctic environment. These are changes that occur much faster than normal or expected, and once triggered they can be difficult or even impossible to reverse.
Abrupt changes are particularly relevant for decision making around future climate risks. They can result in ‘surprises’ that challenge effective adaptation to climate changes.
Multiple climate change pressures are now driving abrupt changes across Antarctica’s ocean, ice and biological systems:

The unexpectedly rapid loss of Antarctic sea ice since 2014 is unfolding much faster than sea ice declines in the Arctic. Further, Antarctic sea-ice loss is potentially unstoppable even after global climate is stabilised.
A marked slowdown in deep ocean circulation that is generated around the Antarctic continent is being observed and is expected to worsen. This slowdown in Antarctic overturning circulation could occur at twice the rate of weakening in its better-known North Atlantic equivalent.
We are nearing the tipping point where several metres of sea-level rise from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet will become unstoppable, with major consequences for generations to come.
The floating ice-shelf extensions of the Antarctic Ice Sheet will continue to melt and thin due to warming ocean waters, and abrupt collapse events due to heatwaves and wave-driven fracturing are also emerging.
Substantial ecosystem transformations are underway in Antarctic marine and terrestrial environments. Of particular concern are impacts on sea-ice dependent species, including heightened extinction risk for emperor penguins as their breeding habitat is compromised.

The changes that are developing in the Antarctic environment have many interactions that amplify the risk of initiating abrupt and irreversible changes in this region. These interactions also feed back to worsen regional and global climate change impacts beyond the Antarctic region.
International cooperation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions so that global warming is limited to as close to 1.5°C as possible would provide the best chances of avoiding triggering multiple irreversible impacts in the Antarctic environment and their global consequences
Governments, businesses and communities can also strengthen their climate resilience by considering plausible futures that include multiple abrupt changes from Antarctica in their scenario planning for future climate and sea-level rise impacts.
A briefing document for decision-makers on this work will soon be published through the Antarctic Environments Portal. A policy briefing for Australian decision-makers is also available.
This work contributes to delivering the Australian Antarctic Science Decadal Strategy. It is a collaborative effort between the:

Australian Antarctic Division
Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science
Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future
Australian Antarctic Program Partnership

This content was last updated 8 minutes ago on 18 November 2025.