Month: November 2025

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$14 million boost to help ACT VET students complete their training and get rewarding jobs

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




$14 million boost to help ACT VET students complete their training and get rewarding jobs – 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.

Released 26/11/2025 – Joint media release

Students in the Australian Capital Territory will get practical support to complete their vocational education and training (VET) qualifications and a careers hub to help them into secure jobs in a $14 million investment under the National Skills Agreement (NSA).

The funding – $7 million from the Albanese Labor Government and $7 million from Barr Labor Government – marks the launch of the ACT’s Improved Completions initiative aimed at strengthening the territory’s skills and training system.

The ACT rollout comprises:

  • a completions grants program to support VET providers, employers and community organisations to deliver services to students and apprentices who may be at risk of not finishing their course;
  • establishment of a careers hub to provide guidance to students on VET pathways and qualifications and employment and training opportunities, and advice to employers on upskilling workers and engaging apprentices;
  • a free text service for new ACT apprentices and trainees to get practical tips and resources as they embark on their training journey; and
  • further research into VET completions to identify new strategies and opportunities, improve supports to students, enhance the national evidence base for maximising completions, and share insights and case studies.

Support will focus on students who can face barriers to finishing training, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, mature-age Australians, those who are experiencing longer-term periods out of work, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with disability.

The Improved Completions initiative will build a more inclusive, responsive and resilient skills system that delivers for learners, employers and communities across the ACT.

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“We understand that over the course of an apprenticeship or qualification a lot can happen in someone’s life. We want to make sure more people can have the choice to get the skills they want and get the supports they need throughout this.

“The Albanese Government is committed to building a training system that works for everyone. This investment reflects our focus on practical solutions that improve outcomes and create real opportunities for people across the ACT.

“When students complete their training, everyone benefits, from individuals to employers, and the broader community. This funding will help connect people to jobs and ensure industries have the skilled workforce they need for Canberra today and for the future.”

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson:

“This investment is a game-changer for vocational education in the ACT. By focusing on student support and completion, we are committed to equity and excellence in vocational education.”

“We want every student to have the support they need to succeed in their training and take the next step in their career.  

“Whether it’s a young person starting out, a woman returning to study, or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner pursuing their goals, these initiatives will support Canberrans to finish their training and step confidently into the workforce.”

– Statement ends –

Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Police seize 3D-printed firearms and 3D printers

Source: Tasmania Police

Police seize 3D-printed firearms and 3D printers

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 – 10:46 am.

Two men face a range of serious charges, including manufacturing and dealing in illegal firearms, following the seizure of 3D printers and 3D-printed firearms in police searches of three properties in southern Tasmania.
Officers from the Southern District Drugs and Firearms Unit seized two 3D printers, multiple firearm parts, several 3D-printed firearms and silencers, $44,000 in cash and a quantity of methylamphetamine (ice) during the searches in Glenorchy, Risdon Vale and Austins Ferry on Tuesday.
A 29-year-old man from Glenorchy and a 28-year-old man from Risdon Vale have been arrested and detained for court.
The men are charged with a range of offences, including manufacturing and dealing in firearms, possessing 3D firearm digital blueprints and possession of a controlled substance.
The men are also charged with multiple firearm-related offences, with the man from Glenorchy also charged with recklessly discharging a firearm in a public place on multiple occasions.
Detective Inspector Richard Penney said Tasmania Police was determined to reduce the presence of illicit firearms in the community.
“Police will allege they have uncovered and dismantled a significant illicit firearms manufacturing setup involving 3D printing technology,” Detective Inspector Penney said of Tuesday’s arrests.
“These types of weapons pose a serious risk to community safety, and we remain committed to holding accountable those who endanger the public through the production of illicit firearms.”
Anyone with information about illegal drug or firearm activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
A permanent firearms amnesty exits in Tasmania. Unregistered or unwanted firearms can be surrendered to police, or firearms dealers, without action being taken in relation to possession offences.

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Man charged with trafficking cocaine into Tasmania

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with trafficking cocaine into Tasmania

Wednesday, 26 November 2025 – 10:44 am.

A 36-year-old man has been charged with drug trafficking following a police operation in Devonport yesterday.
Officers from the Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) and Tasmania Police’s Western Drug & Firearms Unit intercepted a vehicle that was arriving into Tasmania aboard a commercial shipping vessel.
Five kilograms of cocaine were located in a subsequent search of the vehicle, concealed beneath the rear seats.
Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby said the 36-year-old man, who was linked to the vehicle, was arrested in Smithton shortly after.
“This man is a Tasmanian resident, who police will allege has connections with interstate and overseas criminal networks,” he said.
“By intercepting this attempt to import a significant amount of cocaine into Tasmania, police have disrupted what we allege is organised criminal activity, linked to interstate crime syndicates.”
“The Tasmania JOCTF is a multi-agency taskforce between Tasmania Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force and this result demonstrates the effectiveness of Tasmania Police working with our partner agencies.”
The man will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court today.
Tasmania Police encourages anyone with information about drug trafficking to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

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Residents invited to celebrate at free community festive meal events

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo has provided almost $31,000 in grants to support local groups to hold free community festive meal events or provide food relief hampers in December.

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the festive meal events are aimed at supporting local community connections and inclusion during the festive season.

“The City has provided grants up to $2,000 for organisations to hold events to reflect the significant costs involved in hosting these types of events,” Cr Prince said.

“This year, we’ve been able to fund 18 local groups to deliver meals and hampers in the lead-up to Christmas.

“The grants have made it possible for a range of small, local events to be held across Greater Bendigo rather than one large event taking place in central Bendigo.  It also responds to an identified whole-of-municipality gap in food relief at this time of the year.

“The community festive meal events are always well attended and are aimed at helping people meet others in their community and learn more about the work of local groups.

“We are really pleased so many local groups are again hosting events this year as we know that having opportunities to connect with others is very important for community wellbeing, especially at this time of the year.

“The events give local groups a chance to showcase their great work and demonstrate how others can get involved.

“Events like these would not be possible without the support of volunteers. Many of these events are also being supported by the generosity of local businesses, reminding us that it’s important to buy local and support small business wherever we can.

“Anyone can attend these free events taking place in December and I hope lots of people will take up the opportunity to join in.”

There are a range of organisations hosting events in December and interested people should contact the event organiser if they would like to attend for catering purposes.

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KENNETT ROAD, TAYLORVILLE COMPLEX (Grass and Stubble Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

TAYLORVILLE COMPLEX

Issued on
26 Nov 2025 09:39

Taylorville Fires

The CFS advises that after some 40 hours of tireless work by CFS Volunteers, supported by Department of Environment and Water crews and heavy machinery, the Taylorville Fires are now all contained. Through the efforts of crews on the ground, these fires have been contained to a combined total of 376 hectares, saving further loss to sensitive pastoral lands and impact to threatened wildlife in the area.

These 4 fires have been burning in remote and difficult to access areas, on pastoral lands north of Waikerie in the Riverland since the evening of Monday 24 November 2025.

These fires were caused by the dry lightning event across the Riverland on Monday afternoon, and are not deemed to be suspicious.

Firefighters will continue to monitor these fires over the next several days to ensure that they extinguished, however they do not currently pose a risk to the community.

Message ID 0008732

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$14 million boose to help ACT VET students complete their training and get rewarding jobs

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




$14 million boose to help ACT VET students complete their training and get rewarding jobs – 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.

Released 26/11/2025 – Joint media release

Students in the Australian Capital Territory will get practical support to complete their vocational education and training (VET) qualifications and a careers hub to help them into secure jobs in a $14 million investment under the National Skills Agreement (NSA).

The funding – $7 million from the Albanese Labor Government and $7 million from Barr Labor Government – marks the launch of the ACT’s Improved Completions initiative aimed at strengthening the territory’s skills and training system.

The ACT rollout comprises:

  • a completions grants program to support VET providers, employers and community organisations to deliver services to students and apprentices who may be at risk of not finishing their course;
  • establishment of a careers hub to provide guidance to students on VET pathways and qualifications and employment and training opportunities, and advice to employers on upskilling workers and engaging apprentices;
  • a free text service for new ACT apprentices and trainees to get practical tips and resources as they embark on their training journey; and
  • further research into VET completions to identify new strategies and opportunities, improve supports to students, enhance the national evidence base for maximising completions, and share insights and case studies.

Support will focus on students who can face barriers to finishing training, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, mature-age Australians, those who are experiencing longer-term periods out of work, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with disability.

The Improved Completions initiative will build a more inclusive, responsive and resilient skills system that delivers for learners, employers and communities across the ACT.

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“We understand that over the course of an apprenticeship or qualification a lot can happen in someone’s life. We want to make sure more people can have the choice to get the skills they want and get the supports they need throughout this.

“The Albanese Government is committed to building a training system that works for everyone. This investment reflects our focus on practical solutions that improve outcomes and create real opportunities for people across the ACT.

“When students complete their training, everyone benefits, from individuals to employers, and the broader community. This funding will help connect people to jobs and ensure industries have the skilled workforce they need for Canberra today and for the future.”

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson:

“This investment is a game-changer for vocational education in the ACT. By focusing on student support and completion, we are committed to equity and excellence in vocational education.”

“We want every student to have the support they need to succeed in their training and take the next step in their career.  

“Whether it’s a young person starting out, a woman returning to study, or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner pursuing their goals, these initiatives will support Canberrans to finish their training and step confidently into the workforce.”

– Statement ends –

Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Reduce your risk around waterways this summer

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 26/11/2025

With another hot summer on the horizon, the ACT Government is encouraging everyone to enjoy Canberra’s beautiful rivers, lakes and swimming spots safely.

Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said there are risks associated with swimming and recreation in natural waterways and Canberrans can help prevent drownings through simple safety steps.

“With hot weather ahead, many of us will be heading to our favourite rivers and swimming holes to cool off but remember these are natural areas that can be unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly,” Minister Cheyne said.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy our waterways, but to do so safely. No matter how confident you are in and around the water, hazards like hidden rocks, strong currents and sudden depth changes can catch you by surprise.

“We know that simple actions, like checking conditions, swimming with others and wearing a lifejacket, can save lives.

“Taking small steps to protect yourselves and others can make a big difference this summer, so please take every precaution when visiting our parks and reserves to make sure you can enjoy them safely.”

The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s National Drowning Report 2025 found that inland waterways, including rivers and lakes, continue to be the leading locations for drowning deaths in Australia.

In the ACT, 83% of drowning deaths in the past 20 years were male, with 35% occurring while swimming or doing other water activities.

Tips that will help you stay safe and ‘reduce your risk around waterways’ include:

  • Research where you are going and understand local risks before you head out.
  • Never swim alone and always tell a trusted person where you’re going. Supervise children closely near water.
  • Know your limits and be honest about your swimming ability.
  • Avoid hidden dangers such as strong currents, slippery rocks, and changing depths.
  • Check weather conditions and stay out of the water during floods or after heavy rain.
  • Wear a lifejacket when boating or kayaking.
  • Be prepared for emergencies by carrying first aid supplies and multiple communication options.
  • Locate emergency phones near remote waterways in case of poor reception.

In 2023, warning signage in multiple languages was installed across the Cotter Recreation Area and Murrumbidgee River Corridor to ensure hazard messaging is clear and accessible to the Canberra community.

Swimming remains prohibited in the Molonglo River Reserve, Googong Foreshores, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Lower Cotter Catchment, and the Cotter Catchment within Namadgi National Park.

When checking for hazards in the water, take a moment to assess the water for any visible signs of algae or unknown debris floating on the surface. Before you visit, always check current water quality conditions on the ACT City Services website.

For more information and safety tips, visit the Parks ACT website.

Quotes attributable to Regional Manager, Royal Life Saving ACT, Lucas Hayden:

“Before the summer season begins, we want everyone to take time to prepare.

“Being Summer Ready means making simple checks – of your skills, your environment, and your mindset. It’s about understanding the risks, planning ahead, and making safe choices so you can enjoy the water with confidence.

“Preparation is the key to prevention, many drownings happen when people aren’t expecting to be in danger – they fall in, misjudge the conditions, or overestimate their ability. Being Summer Ready is about doing a few simple things now that could make the difference later.”

– Statement ends –

Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

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Tips for being a smart shopper

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

Make sure you research the retailer you’re buying from.

In brief:

  • This article lists some consumer rights.
  • This story includes a few details to be aware of to help avoid shopping disappointment.

Whether you’re at the shops or buying something online, there are a few key things to help you avoid shopping disappointment.

Do your research

Read product reviews, shop around and ensure that a sale really is a bargain.

Read the terms and conditions of your purchase. Ensure you understand any fees you’ll be charged if you cancel or change your order.

Always make sure you ask for a receipt and keep it somewhere safe.

Know who you’re buying from when shopping online.

When buying a product or service online, research the retailer you’re buying from.

Only buy from websites that:

  • are well known and legitimate
  • have a good reputation
  • display clear processes for solving problems.

Always check the website is secure, and screenshot or save any documentation, receipts or confirmation emails.

Some businesses sell products that they don’t have in stock, instead they have another business supply you the product. When deciding who to buy from, ask the business whether it holds the stock itself.

Check delivery timeframes

Before you make a purchase, check delivery timeframes, including cut-off dates around holidays like Christmas.

If you’re buying a gift, be aware of possible delays and always give yourself plenty of time to ensure the item arrives in time.

Be cautious with overseas websites

Overseas online businesses that provide goods or services directly to consumers in Australia must follow the Australian Consumer Law. However, you aren’t covered by the Australian Consumer Law if the business doesn’t directly offer their products and services in Australia.

If a business is overseas, you may have difficulty getting a refund, repair, or replacement for your product.

Understand your rights

If you don’t get what you paid for with a product or service, you have rights. This applies even when an item is on sale.

Always check the store’s returns policy. Refunds aren’t always an automatic right. Businesses don’t have to give you a refund if you:

  • change your mind
  • buy the wrong size, or
  • buy the wrong colour.

Some businesses still offer refunds in these situations. This is their choice to provide good customer service, and not a legal requirement.

You are entitled to a refund, repair or replacement if a consumer guarantee is not met. The remedy you’re entitled to will depend on whether the issue is major or minor.

If you do experience a problem with a product or service, you should always talk to the business first. Most traders want to do the right thing and fix any problems for their customers. If you are unable to resolve the problem, Access Canberra may be able to help.

Get help with a consumer issue.

For more information about your rights as a consumer, visit the Access Canberra website.

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394-2025: Scheduled Service Disruption: Friday 28 November 2025 – AAMP, BCST, Biosecurity Portal, EVE

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

25 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who will be required to book and manage requests for import inspections using the Biosecurity Portal during this planned outage.

Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view and/or update details of their Approved Arrangement via the Approve Arrangement Management Product (AAMP).

Approved arrangement…

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Win big with the Love your Local Christmas Giveaway 2025

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is excited to launch its Love Your Local Christmas Giveaway 2025, giving residents the chance to win one of 14 $100 vouchers and a $500 voucher jackpot prize simply by supporting local businesses this festive season.

When customers shop, eat, or drink at participating businesses, they are invited to scan the QR code in-store to enter the draw.

The Love Your Local Christmas Giveaway is part of the City’s commitment to support local businesses. The vouchers can be redeemed at participating businesses and over 250 are involved in the initiative.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said he was delighted to launch the Love your Local Christmas Giveaway.

“It’s the countdown to Christmas and everything you need for magical Christmas can be found right here in Greater Bendigo. We have passionate retailers, producers, makers, suppliers, cafes, restaurants, hotels and unique attractions that bring vibrancy and activity to precincts, suburbs, and small towns.

“Nothing beats great customer service and local knowledge so you can make better, more meaningful choices that suit your budget because you’re buying with confidence.

“When you Love your Local, it also means much more than ticking off your Christmas shopping list. You are helping businesses to grow, retain, and create jobs which is great for the community, and it keeps more spending in Greater Bendigo which is a lasting gift worth giving.

“The Love Your Local Christmas Giveaway is a win-win. Residents get the chance to win fantastic prizes, while discovering the amazing variety of businesses right here in Greater Bendigo.

“I am delighted that so many businesses are excited to get involved in the Love your Local Giveaway and I thank them for their fantastic enthusiasm and getting behind this campaign.”

All participating businesses will be listed on the City of Greater Bendigo website which will be updated regularly. The Giveaway draw ends on Friday December 12.