Month: January 2026

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

Statement by Steve Knott AM, Chief Executive

Following media reports that Fair Work Commission President Adam Hatcher is seeking legislative change to address surging workloads and deepening funding cuts, it is now clear the system has reached breaking point.

The Fair Work Commission is being swamped by a surge in general protections and unfair dismissal claims while its funding is being cut and no relief is coming.

In December alone, the Commission received 1,780 unfair dismissal applications, up 26 per cent year-on-year, and 967 general protections dismissal claims, up 75 per cent.

Anyone can do the maths: around 44,000 total applications last financial year, overseen by just 53 Commission members. As the President has openly admitted, this is not sustainable.

There is no mystery about what is driving the blow-out.

Rock-bottom filing fees of just $87.20 per application, “no win, no fee” claim harvesting by parts of the IR legal industry, and the growing use of AI to churn out applications have turned the system into a low-risk, high-reward claims factory.

General protections claims in particular, with a reverse onus on employers, uncapped compensation and filing windows stretching up to six years, are being weaponised to force settlements.

Efficiency measures inside the Commission won’t fix this. Legislative reform is unavoidable. General protections must be overhauled by removing the reverse onus, imposing a 21-day filing limit, and capping compensation at six months’ pay.

Unfair dismissal laws must be refocused on genuine fairness and due process, and filing fees lifted to $500 to deter speculative claims.

Without these changes, the system will continue heading toward breaking point.

Click here for a full PDF copy of this release, including media contact details. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 47-year-old male in relation to aggravated assault, firearms and drug offences.

On Monday 5 January 2026, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a 47-year-old male attended the residence on Coburg Drive, Leanyer, where he allegedly assaulted a 46-year-old female known to him.

It is alleged the offender attended the residence before physically the victim, causing her to fall to the ground. The victim subsequently locked herself in a bedroom; however, the offender forced his way in while armed with an edged weapon and again assaulted the victim before fleeing the scene.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with a broken clavicle and swelling to her face.

Around 4:55pm on Thursday 22 January 2026, the Fugitive Taskforce and the Territory Response Group executed the targeted arrest of the 47-year-old offender at an address on Bernier Court, Karama.

During the arrest, officers conducted a lawful search of the address where members located and seized the following:

• 454 grams of Methamphetamine
• 500 grams of Cannabis
• 27 glass ice pipes
• 12-gauge sawn-off shot gun and ammunition located in a duffle bag
• A loaded Ruger .22 calibre revolver pistol that
• A taser, concealed as a flashlight
• An array of other adapted weapons
• Items indicative of drug supply
• $3090.00 in Australian currency

The 47-year-old offender was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody to be charged with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Serious drug offences
• Firearm and weapon offences

He is due to appear in Darwin Local Court on 27 January 2026

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Tim Healey said, “The actions of this male are horrendous and represent a complete disregard for the safety of others.

“Police will continue to actively pursue offenders who use violence and intimidation against vulnerable people and will also continue to disrupt the flow of illicit substances entering the community.

“If you 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.”

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

23 January 2026

Who does this notice affect?

Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

What has changed?

Following identification of critical non-compliance, we have listed Ecolab – Baltimore (AEI: US0015TP) as ‘suspended’ on the …

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Albanese Government is providing a further $10 million to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to help keep lights on, homes heated and essential services operating as Russia continues systematic strikes on civilian areas and critical energy infrastructure.

Across Ukraine, families are enduring prolonged blackouts, freezing temperatures and major disruptions to basic services including hospitals as Russia intensifies attacks during one of Ukraine’s harshest winters.

Australia has stood firmly with Ukraine since Russia’s illegal and full-scale invasion.

Since February 2022, we have provided more than $1.7 billion in important military, humanitarian, economic and energy assistance.

Today’s announcement brings Australia’s total contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to $40 million.

The Ukraine Energy Support Fund enables Ukraine’s energy sector to undertake urgent repairs and replacement of damaged equipment, helping restore electricity supply and maintain critical infrastructure.

Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Russia is weaponising winter against the people of Ukraine.

“Russia’s continued strikes on homes and critical infrastructure shows it is not serious about ending the war, despite ongoing efforts by the United States and Coalition of the Willing partners to secure a just and lasting peace.

“We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately end its illegal war and adhere to its obligations under international law.”

Quotes attributable to International Development Minister Anne Aly:

“Ukrainian people continue to suffer at the hands of Russia’s illegal invasion.

“Australia’s additional support will provide power for Ukrainian families during the harshest winter since the invasion began – keeping the lights on, houses warm and basic services open.

“We continue to stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged following vehicle theft and dangerous driving incident in Hobart CBD

Thursday, 22 January 2026 – 6:18 pm.

Police have charged a 29-year-old man from Geilston Bay with several offences following a vehicle theft and dangerous driving incident in the Hobart CBD this morning.
Police will allege the man stole a vehicle from a Blackmans Bay address about 9.30am, before he drove it to the Hobart CBD area in a negligent manner.
Police will further allege the man struck a vehicle and the traffic lights near the Molle Street and Goulburn Street intersection about 10.30am.
He was safely taken into custody at the scene a short time later.
Minor damage was caused to the vehicle that was struck, and no injuries were reported.
The man has been charged with a range of offences including motor vehicle stealing, evade police, negligent driving, aggravated burglary, stealing and bail breaches.
If anyone has information, CCTV, or dash cam that would assist the investigation, they are asked to contact South East CIB on 131 444 and quote OR795601.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Australia’s job market continues to deliver strong outcomes under the Albanese Government, with a record number of people in work, and the unemployment rate remaining low.

Australia’s unemployment rate decreased in December, to 4.1 per cent. The labour force participation rate rose to 66.7 per cent, showing that Australians are staying engaged in work or finding work.

In December 65,200 more people were in work, which takes the number of Australians employed to a record high of 14,684,100.

The data paints a picture of a labour market continuing to grow, creating opportunities for all Australians with full‑time jobs accounting for the vast majority (84.1 per cent) of the increase in employment over the month.

Quotes attributable to Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

“Under the Albanese Government, the labour market continues to support workers, with a record number of Australians in work, the unemployment rate is low and participation high.

“We’re also seeing a record number of women in work and contributing more hours, which is good for families, communities and the economy.

“Our focus is fairness at work, secure jobs, safe workplaces and decent pay.

“Under Labor more Australians are in work and earning more as we support families, build skills, and lift living standards.”

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Jim Chalmers

“This result is welcome and highlights the resilience of our labour market at a turbulent time for the global economy.

“Unemployment has come in lower than the market expected and around 65,000 new jobs were added.

“It’s good to see lower unemployment, higher participation and tens of thousands more jobs created in the month of December.

“We’ve maintained low unemployment, high participation, strong wage growth, and overseen the creation of more than 1.2 million new jobs, and over four in five of these have been in the private sector.

“Our three big economic priorities for this year are addressing inflation, productivity, and global uncertainty, and our resilient labour market gives us a strong foundation to build on the progress we’ve already made.”

Source: Australian Department of Communications

AUSTRAC has ordered the appointment of an external auditor to assess whether payment platform, Airwallex Designated Business Group (Airwallex DBG), is meeting its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) obligations, following concerns about potential non-compliance.
AUSTRAC Chief Executive Officer, Brendan Thomas, said external audits are a critical regulatory tool to assess serious compliance concerns and to protect the financial system from criminal exploitation. 

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

This warning was reissued to correct typographical errors

Issued on
22 Jan 2026 13:55

Issued for
Riverlea Park near Virgina on the Adelaide Plains, north of Adelaide.

Warning level
Advice – Stay Informed

Action
CFS is responding to a fire in the vicinity of Riverlea Park near Virginia.

If you are in this area, stay informed and monitor local conditions. More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

A range of community groups have planned Australia Day activities for residents on Monday January 26.

The main Australia Day event, presented by the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst, is again on at Lake Weeroona and runs from 10am – 3pm, with official proceedings starting at 10.30am.

The event will feature a BBQ, live entertainment, family activities, community displays and the popular Rotary market.

Smaller events are also planned for Axedale, Eaglehawk, Elmore, Heathcote, Huntly, Junortoun, Maiden Gully, Mia Mia and Strathfieldsaye.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said Australia Day was an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Australian.

“Australia Day is an opportunity for us all to acknowledge and reflect on our nation’s deep history, to celebrate the people who have made valued contributions to our community, and to share in our gratitude for our magnificent country,” Cr Prince said.

“There is no better place to embrace Australia Day than in the beautiful Greater Bendigo region with all our local events and activities.

“As we gather in communities across Greater Bendigo, I encourage residents to embrace inclusion and kindness, and to consider how these attributes make Greater Bendigo such a wonderful place to live.

“However you choose to mark this day, it is important that we do so respectfully and recognise it can be a day of sorrow for many First Nations Peoples. It is important we all continue to grow our understanding of Australia’s history.

“It’s going to be a really hot day on Australia Day, so I want to make sure that everyone stays safe in the heat, looks out for those vulnerable to the heat, and that our pets have plenty of water.“

Thank you to the hard work and commitment of the local community groups and volunteers across our region who have worked hard to plan local events.”

On Saturday January 24, the Moonlight Market returns to the Hargreaves Mall from 3pm to 8pm. Then on Friday January 30, the Garden for the Future in White Hills will host Boots n All Band from 6.30pm to 8.30pm for a free event and a relaxed summer evening.

For those looking to escape the heat and cool off at a local pool, there will be free entry to all indoor and outdoor pools on Monday January 26. Please contact your local pool to confirm opening times.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating the circumstances of a serious crash near Stuarts Well on Wednesday afternoon.

Around 2:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a traffic crash on the Stuart Highway approximately 10km south of Stuarts Well.

At this stage, it is alleged a vehicle attended a service station in the area prior to the crash and failed to pay for fuel before leaving the premises.

A short time later, an employee from the service station followed the vehicle along the Stuart Highway.

It is further alleged the two vehicles travelled alongside each other before a collision occurred, causing one vehicle to leave the roadway and roll.

The employee returned to the service station and contacted police.

Police and St John Ambulance attended and located a 37-year-old male outside the vehicle and a 38-year-old female inside the vehicle. Both occupants were stabilised at the scene before they were conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital where they remain in critical but stable conditions.

A 22-year-old male was later arrested and is assisting police with enquiries.

Investigations are ongoing and police are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information, or dash cam footage from the Stuart Highway between Stuarts Well and approximately 30km south of Stuarts Well around the time of the incident, is urged to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P26021338. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.