Month: March 2026

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are searching for a male suspect following a burglary and alleged indecent assault on an elderly woman at a residence in Alice Springs.

The offender is described as a young, adult male with a stocky build, mixed-race appearance with a tanned complexion and curly hair featuring sun-bleached tips.

Earlier, police received a report about 8:30am today relating to the incident which is alleged to have occurred yesterday.

It is alleged the offender entered a residence through an unlocked rear door while an 82-year-old woman was inside the home. The offender allegedly assaulted the woman and stole a mobile phone before leaving the premises.

The woman’s adult son later attended the residence to check on his mother after the suspect activated the emergency button on the stolen phone, sending him an alert.

The woman’s stolen phone was later located by a member of the public near the intersection of Bloomfield Street and Bradshaw Drive.

Detectives from the Southern Crime Section have carriage of the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Police are urging anyone who may have information about the incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the areas of Finlayson Street, Barclay Crescent, Carruthers Crescent and Standley Crescent between 10:00am and 1:00pm of Friday 13 March, to contact them immediately on 131 444 and quote reference number P26076070.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Call for information on Invermay incident

Saturday, 14 March 2026 – 3:40 pm.

Police are investigating an incident involving a weapon on Invermay Road, Invermay, about 3.25pm on Friday, 13 March.
Initial investigations are two men, who have told police they were being chased by two other men, sought refuge in a local business on Invermay Road.
The second group of two men then entered the store, one of them armed with a small axe or hatchet, and approached the men.
There was a physical altercation between the men inside the premises.
No one was seriously injured during the incident and the axe appears to have dropped to the floor during the altercation and was not used to injure anyone.
It is not yet known what the relationship is between the men, or why two of them were being chased.
The fight broke up quickly and all men left the store in different directions.
Two offenders were seen heading south on Invermay Road about 3.35pm and have yet to be identified.
Two men were spoken to by police near the scene.
There have been no charges laid and the matter is under investigation.
Police are calling on anyone with information, or video footage of the incident, to contact them on 131 444.
Members of the public can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Source: Tasmania Police

Wounding incident at Mowbray

Saturday, 14 March 2026 – 3:18 pm.

Police are investigating an incident in Mowbray on Saturday morning in which a man sustained a single gunshot wound.
The 38-year-old man was in a private residence at the time he sustained the injury to his lower left leg, about 4.25am today. The firearm involved is thought to be a small calibre rifle, possibility a .22.
The man received treatment at the Launceston General Hospital and was later transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Initial reports are a man entered the premises of the Mowbray property earlier today and an altercation occurred with the male occupant. A firearm was discharged and the occupant of the residence sustained a gunshot wound.
It is believed that the persons were known to each other.
The injured man has provided police with only limited information.
No one else in the property was injured during the incident.
There have been no arrests made.
Police investigations are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444. Police are interested in viewing dashcam or CCTV footage of the Pleasant Street, Mowbray area, from earlier today.
The public can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people in northern and western Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a new confirmed case.

This person acquired their infection locally. They had no known contact with any other measles cases and did not attend any known exposure locations. 

With the source of the infection unknown, it is likely measles is currently circulating within the community, and other people may have been unknowingly exposed to the virus.

The person visited several locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities.

A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website​. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly.

People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk.

If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 27 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Stephen Conaty said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.

“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Conaty said.

“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.

“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.

“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.”

Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes.

“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Conaty said.

“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.

People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).

People can also visit the Australian Government Smart T​​raveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect​ on 1800 022 222. 
​

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City has officially unveiled the new bird viewing structure and boardwalk, providing nature enthusiasts with an impressive new vantage point to enjoy the areas pristine wetlands.

Source: Tasmania Police

Devonport CIB Investigating Series of Motor Vehicle Burglaries

Friday, 13 March 2026 – 4:21 pm.

Detectives from the Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch are investigating a recent series of motor vehicle burglaries across the Devonport area.The incidents have largely involved vehicles that were left unlocked, with offenders opportunistically entering vehicles parked in residential streets overnight stealing property from inside.Police are reminding the community that simple steps such as locking vehicles and removing valuables can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime.Residents are urged to ensure their vehicles are locked at all times, even when parked at home, and to avoid leaving wallets, cash, keys, tools or other valuables inside vehicles overnight.Leaving your vehicle unlocked is taking a risk and can invite opportunistic offenders to steal from you.Anyone who observes suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood, particularly during the early morning hours, is encouraged to contact police.Anyone with information about these incidents, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the Devonport area, is asked to contact Devonport CIB on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

The Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) today welcomed leading human resources executive Amanda Baker as Newmont’s new representative on the AREEA Board.

AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM said the Board was pleased to welcome Ms Baker, currently Head of Organisational Development at Newmont, the world’s largest gold producer.

“Amanda brings a wealth of practical experience managing large and diverse workforces across complex mining operations and has played a key role in shaping workforce capability, culture and employee engagement in the sector,” Mr Knott said.

“Her deep understanding of workforce dynamics in the resources industry will provide valuable insight to the Board as resources employers continue to navigate significant labour market and regulatory challenges.”

Ms Baker said she was very pleased to join the AREEA Board at a time when Australia’s resources and energy employers are managing a range of complex workforce, skills and employee relations matters.

“It is a privilege to be joining the AREEA Board at a time when the resources and energy sector is on the cusp of changing interactions and expectations, shaped by economic and social factors,” Ms Baker said.

“I look forward to contributing to approaches and policy that strengthen workplaces across our industry.”

About AREEA’s Board

AREEA is the largest and most diverse national employer group for the Australian resources and energy industry.

Its members include employers in hard rock and critical minerals mining, oil and gas, coal, smelting, refining, transport, logistics, engineering and all other supply and servicing sectors.

As of 13 March 2026, the AREEA Board comprises:

• Julie Fallon (AREEA President), Executive Vice President Technical and Energy Development, Woodside Energy Limited
• Jo Taylor (AREEA Vice President), Managing Director, Compass Group Australia
• Tom Quinn (AREEA Vice President), Non-Executive Director, Macmahon, Pitt&Sherry and Vast
• André Labuschagne, Executive Chairman, Aeris Resources
• Mark Norwell, Managing Director & CEO, Perenti
• Bill Townsend, Senior Vice President Corporate, INPEX
• Keith Weston, Managing Director, Sodexo Australia
• Simon Younger, Chair, ExxonMobil Australia
• Amanda Baker, Head of Organisational Development, Global, Newmont Corporation

Full profiles on AREEA’s Board of Directors can be found at AREEA People.

Amanda Baker – Bio

Amanda Baker is Head of Organisational Development at Newmont, where she leads enterprise strategy and execution across organisational design, workforce transformation, change management and employee experience for the world’s largest gold mining company.

Amanda brings two decades of human resources leadership experience across Australia’s resources sector. Her career spans senior HR and organisational development roles with Newmont and Anglo American, with oversight of major mining operations across Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea.

Her expertise includes organisational design, strategic workforce planning, leadership capability, major transformation programs, and M&A integration in complex operational environments.

Amanda has led large-scale organisational redesigns, enterprise change programs and the development of technical career frameworks supporting productivity, safety and workforce capability across global mining operations. She is skilled in bringing diverse perspectives and data-informed workforce insights to enable strategic decision-making.

Amanda is particularly passionate about strengthening industry career pathways, talent pipelines and aligning workforce strategy with operational performance, safety and long-term industry sustainability.

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

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Petrol and diesel price rises between 20 February and 11 March varied widely between Australian capital cities and in many cases have increased as fast as wholesale prices and in some cases by a greater extent, the ACCC’s new weekly fuel price monitoring update has shown.

The first weekly pricing update to be provided by the ACCC during the current Middle Eastern conflict also shows Australian refined international petrol and diesel benchmark prices have increased more than international oil prices during the initial period of the conflict. International benchmark prices movements drive domestic wholesale prices, which then influence retail prices.

The update shows that Darwin had the highest daily average petrol and diesel retail prices among the eight capital cities on Wednesday this week, while Canberra had the lowest. Between 20 February and 11 March Perth experienced the largest increase in average retail petrol prices of 59.5 cent per litre (cpl).

We know that there have been significant price increases in regional locations and while this first weekly update focuses on the eight capital cities it will expand to include 190 locations across Australia from next week.

Average retail petrol prices in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart on 20 February were comparatively lower than other capital cities, but have since increased to levels similar to other capital cities.

Pricing data also shows that after the start of the current conflict in the Middle East, daily average retail petrol prices increased with higher wholesale prices almost on the same day, rather than showing a usual lagged response.

“The data we have published today underscores our concern about the movements of prices at the bowser for Australian consumers and businesses in comparison to international prices,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“The impacts on average retail petrol and diesel prices varies between cities, and average prices are changing daily. The market is highly complex and volatile, which we know is adding to consumer concerns.”

“We know that many consumers are doing it tough and are frustrated by the rapid changes they have seen. We expect petrol retailers to explain to us and the Australian public how they have arrived at their prices,” Ms Brakey said.

The ACCC wrote to petrol companies including 7-Eleven, Ampol, bp, Chevron, Mobil, United Petroleum, Viva Energy and EG Australia last week seeking urgent information about recent price increases. After reviewing their responses, the ACCC will require further clarification in a meeting with fuel market participants next week.

“Fuel companies should be open and honest about the reasons for such widely varying and rapid increases across the country and treat their customers fairly,” Ms Brakey said.

“We urge petrol retailers to explain their positions to the Australian community.”

The ACCC will take action for misleading or deceptive conduct about the reason for the steep and rapid increase in prices by individual retailers, or breaches of competition laws.

“We welcome government plans to move to increase the maximum penalties for relevant breaches of Australian Consumer Law and the Competition and Consumer Act from $50 million to $100 million and will seek the highest penalties appropriate in any cases we bring to the courts.”

“We continue to provide updated information for consumers on our website. Consumers can also use fuel apps to shop for fuel, to find retailers with lower prices and reward them for offering a better deal.”

Supply measures

The ACCC is concerned about petrol and diesel availability in some regional and rural locations, and has heard concerns from residents, businesses and primary producers about the potential impacts of this situation.

The ACCC participated with a range of industry and government participants in the National Coordination Mechanism meeting yesterday, hearing directly from impacted groups and discussing urgent measures to address national fuel supply issues.

The ACCC continues to engage with industry participants and other agencies on ensuring effective fuel distribution throughout the country and stands ready to assist with its authorisation powers, where it provides a net public benefit.

Changes in petrol and diesel pricing

The data shows that indicative wholesale prices for regular unleaded petrol rose fairly evenly across most capital cities, with Hobart and Melbourne seeing slightly smaller rises than other cities. However, prices at the pump diverged significantly, rising the most in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, noting that rises have also likely reflected some petrol price cycle movements.

Price increases at the petrol pump have increased by up to 18 cpl more than wholesale prices in some locations.

Across the five largest cities, daily average retail petrol prices on 11 March were 219.7 cpl, an increase of 48.8 cpl since 20 February.

On 11 March, Darwin had the highest daily average retail petrol and diesel prices among the eight cities, and Canberra had the lowest, while since 20 February, Perth experienced the largest increase in average retail petrol prices (59.5 cpl).

Average retail petrol prices in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart on 20 February were at a comparatively lower level to other capital cities, but have increased to levels similar to other capital cities.

The divergence in diesel prices is not quite as wide. On 11 March, Sydney had the highest daily average retail prices among the eight cities, and Canberra had the lowest. Over the period since 20 February, Sydney experienced the largest increase in average diesel prices (67.8 cpl).

“Industry need to explain this wide discrepancy urgently,” Ms Brakey said.

“Fuel wholesalers and distributors need to be aware that we are ready to hold them to account for breaches of competition and consumer laws and will not hesitate to ask for the highest penalties appropriate under the law.”

Lagged movement of prices in the five major capital cities

Analysis of the pricing data shows that following the start of the current conflict in the Middle East, daily average retail petrol prices moved higher in line with higher wholesale prices on almost the same day, rather than showing a lagged response of around 7 or more days, which is more typical when wholesale prices change.

Retail petrol prices generally lag behind changes in wholesale prices, as changes in prices generally only flow through when fuel is replenished at a petrol station.

“In this case it looks like petrol retailers increased prices at the pump when they were selling fuel they had bought before the conflict at cheaper prices.”

“Retailers must explain to the Australian public why they did not follow their usual practice, and when they will reduce prices in line with any reductions in wholesale costs.”

In addition, the graphics show the impact of the long-running petrol price cycles which operate in the five largest cities. The petrol price cycles differ in timing and length between the cities, shown in price graphs shown below.

More information on petrol [price cycles is available on the ACCC website.

Chart 1 – Sydney daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                              prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 2 – Melbourne daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal  gate prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 3 – Brisbane daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                            prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 4 – Adelaide daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                            prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:           ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                   website.

Chart 5 – Perth daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                                              prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 6 – Canberra daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and the MotorMouth website, and data published on the                                            Australian Institute of Petroleum website.

Note:       Sydney terminal gate prices are used as a proxy for Canberra.

Chart 7 – Hobart daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                               prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and the MotorMouth website, and data published on the                                            Australian Institute of Petroleum website.

Chart 8 – Darwin daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                               prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and the MotorMouth website, and data published on the                                            Australian Institute of Petroleum website.

Note to editors

The international benchmark price for refined fuel is the largest component of retail fuel prices. The international benchmark for Australian retail petrol prices is Singapore Mogas 95 (Mogas 95). The international benchmark for Australian retail diesel prices is Singapore Gasoil 10 with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm).

Both petrol and diesel are refined from crude oil and their prices generally tend to follow similar movements over the long term. However, the different fuels have their own supply and demand characteristics (for example, compared with petrol, diesel also has remote energy generation and industrial uses) and the different refined fuels have their own international benchmark prices. It is these benchmarks that drive retail diesel and retail petrol prices.

Australian retail fuel prices are largely determined by movements in international benchmark refined fuel prices (which are driven by international crude oil prices), and the AUD-USD exchange rate. International benchmark prices movements drive domestic wholesale prices, which then influence retail fuel prices.

Additionally, in the five largest capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth), retail petrol prices move up and down in regular patterns, known as petrol price cycles. The ACCC website has more information on these price cycles. Retail diesel prices do not move in cycles.

‘Terminal gate’ or wholesale prices are prices that wholesalers charge for petrol and diesel in the spot market. The major wholesalers post these prices on their websites on a regular basis. Although few wholesale transactions occur at terminal gate prices and actual costs can vary across brands and cities, they are indicative wholesale prices. Terminal gate prices reflect the wholesale price of petrol and diesel only and exclude other retail operating costs.

Background

The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australia’s peak consumer protection and competition agency.

The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Australian Consumer Law.

This includes commencing proceedings in the Federal Court for alleged breaches of the Act.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

This World Consumer Rights Day (Safe products, Confident consumers), we’re putting a spotlight on the importance of protecting Victorians from unsafe products.

While you were shopping, we were working to make sure the products you take home are safe.

In 2024–25, we checked 914 stores across Victoria. When we found problems, we acted:

• 16 infringements issued
• 169 official warnings
• 49 businesses removed unsafe products from sale
• Thousands of unsafe products taken off shelves.

The biggest culprit? Button batteries.

We sometimes see comments like: ‘Just don’t swallow the batteries — it’s fine.’

The reality is very different.

Around 20 Australian children each week present to emergency departments with suspected button battery ingestion. Up to two dozen children each year suffer serious, lifelong injuries. Since 2013, three children have died. We do not want to lose another life.

Our inspectors removed:

• light-up shoe charms with unsecured button batteries
• fairy wands and headbands with accessible batteries
• unsafe toys and baby rattles at the Panda Mart Cranbourne opening – thousands of items seized in a single inspection.

Beyond batteries

During the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show, we checked 320 showbags, ensuring 15 unsafe items were removed or modified before families bought them.

Inspectors also seized 100 yo-yo balls, which are permanently banned in Australia because they pose a strangulation risk, especially to children.

In January, we launched criminal proceedings against Panda Mart Cranbourne after multiple products allegedly failed to meet mandatory safety and information standards. And this month we warned consumers about both Panda Mart stores as they continue to stock dangerous items, including candles that are banned in Australia because they may cause serious burns.

Know the rules

World Consumer Rights Day is a reminder that product safety is not optional.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to risks posed to children.

If you run a business, it is your responsibility to understand and comply with product safety laws. Being unaware of the rules is not an excuse.

Under Australian Consumer Law, maximum penalties for supplying banned or non-compliant goods are $2.5 million for individuals and $50 million for companies.

If you’ve seen or purchased a product you believe is unsafe, report it to us.

Source: Tasmania Police

Four charged over Moonah aggravated armed robbery

Friday, 13 March 2026 – 12:50 pm.

Police have detained four males in custody for the alleged armed robbery of a Moonah business on Thursday night.
The arrests come after detectives from Glenorchy CIB, with the assistance of South East CIB, uniformed officers from Glenorchy, Bridgewater and Hobart divisions, plus specialist resources, conducted simultaneous searches of two Claremont properties this morning.
Four suspects were safely taken into custody about 5.30am.
Two Claremont men, aged 20 and 19, a 16-year-old Claremont boy, and a 14-year-old Bridgewater boy have been jointly charged with aggravated armed robbery and held for court appearances later today.
During the searches, police allege several items of stolen property including smoking devices and lighters were located.
The arrests follow the alleged armed robbery of a business on Main Rd, Moonah, about 8.50pm on Thursday.
Police allege two males entered the store and demanded cash and lighters, before briefly leaving the premises, only to return in the company of two other males.
A male worker was allegedly threatened and sustained non life-threatening injuries during the incident in which various items were taken from the store.
Police are calling for any witnesses, or people with dashcam or CCTV footage in the area near 50 Main Rd, Moonah, about 8.50pm Thursday, to come forward.
Contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au