Month: May 2026

Source: Tasmania Police

Charges laid over stolen property

Friday, 1 May 2026 – 12:36 pm.

Police investigating a series of recent crimes in the Launceston area, including aggravated burglary and vehicle stealing, have arrested and charged two men following searches of two properties.
Officers from Northern CIB, Taskforce Raven and specialist resources conducted the searches of two residential properties in the suburb of Mayfield on Wednesday.
Police located about $30,000 worth of stolen property, including a large quantity of power tools, car keys, a fuel card registered to a car dealership, computers/laptops, digital cameras and gardening tools.
Several of the seized items have since been returned to their owners.
Police allege the property was obtained through a series of aggravated burglaries, business burglaries and motor vehicle stealing in the Launceston area during early April.
A 36-year-old Mayfield man is facing multiple charges including possession of stolen property, possess a controlled drug, computer-related fraud and motor vehicle stealing. He was detained for court.
A second Mayfield man, also 36, is facing charges of unlawful possession of property and possess a controlled drug. He has been bailed to appear in court later.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

This year’s fire season might have ended but CFA’s dedication to the community hasn’t with members around the state getting ready to roll up their sleeves for the annual Emergency Services Blood Drive.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source:

Issue date: Friday, 1 May 2026

The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will be holding hearings in Adelaide on 4 and 5 May 2026 as part of its inquiry into the 2025 federal election.

The Committee Chair, Mr Jerome Laxale MP said, ‘South Australia has consistently been at the forefront of electoral innovation, and its experience continues to offer valuable insights into how our democratic processes can evolve and improve.’

‘These hearings will provide an important opportunity for South Australian voters and organisations to give voice to their views on our electoral process’, said Mr Laxale.

‘South Australia has set a notable example through its truth in political advertising laws, showing how strong standards can support integrity and confidence in our electoral system’, Mr Laxale said. ‘We are grateful to the Electoral Commission of South Australia for appearing before the Committee, given its unique expertise in implementing and enforcing truth in political advertising laws.’

Public hearing details

Date: Monday 4 May 2026
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 65 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000

10:00 am–11:00 am : Democracy 2036
11:00 am–11:45 am : Professor Rodrigo Praino, Flinders University
11:45 am–12:30 pm : Associate Lecturer Lachlan Poel, Flinders University
1:00 pm–1:45 pm : Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association
1:45 pm–2:30 pm : Electoral Reform Society of South Australia
2:30 pm–3:30 pm : Community Sessions
3:30 pm : Close

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 65 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000

9:00 am : Electoral Commission South Australia
11:00 am : Close

Further information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee’s webpage.

Programs for these upcoming hearings will be advertised on the Committee’s public hearings webpage as they are finalised. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Media enquiries

Michael Butterworth, Office of Jerome Laxale MP
michael@jeromelaxale.com
0413 944 475

For background information

Committee Secretariat
02 6277 2374
EM@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website www.aph.gov.au/em. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

Around 2am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a robbery at a residence on Undoolya Road.

Three male offenders entered the residence through a side door and allegedly threatened two female victims aged 28 and 42, with edged weapons.

Two vehicles – a 2024 White Toyota Hiace and a White Nissan Tilda were allegedly stolen.

The Nissan was engaged by Strike Force Viper in a pursuit which was terminated for safety reasons. The Hiace was engaged in a pursuit which was terminated by pursuing members on Larapinta Drive west of Alice Springs.

The vehicle was located on Larapinta Drive about 2km past the Standley Chasm turn off and the offenders fled into bushland.

The vehicles are suspected to have been involved in further burglaries in the Alice Springs town area.

Strike Force Viper continues to investigate and anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam, is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P2600040004 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

Around 2am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a robbery at a residence on Undoolya Road.

Three male offenders entered the residence through a side door and allegedly threatened two female victims aged 28 and 42, with edged weapons.

Two vehicles – a 2024 White Toyota Hiace and a White Nissan Tilda were allegedly stolen.

The Nissan was engaged by Strike Force Viper in a pursuit which was terminated for safety reasons. The Hiace was engaged in a pursuit which was terminated by pursuing members on Larapinta Drive west of Alice Springs.

The vehicle was located on Larapinta Drive about 2km past the Standley Chasm turn off and the offenders fled into bushland.

The vehicles are suspected to have been involved in further burglaries in the Alice Springs town area.

Strike Force Viper continues to investigate and anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam, is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P2600040004 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo welcomes today’s Victorian Government announcement of funding towards stage 1 of the Bendigo Livestock Exchange (BLE) roof development.

The funding is included in the Victorian Government’s upcoming 2026/2027 Budget.

Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the funding recognised the BLE’s critical role in the region’s livestock industry.

“The BLE has a throughput of approximately one million sheep and lambs and contributes an estimated $190M in livestock sales to the Victorian economy annually, while supporting more than 80 jobs onsite and throughout the region,” Cr Prince said.

“The BLE is the last of regional Victoria’s four main saleyards to be without a roof, and this has been a long-time advocacy project of the City.

“We’re very pleased to secure this investment, which will also contribute to improved animal welfare standards and health and safety standards for staff, contractors and visitors.

“The funding will go towards stage 1 of the roof redevelopment, which will involve constructing a roof over all delivery pens, covering approximately one-third of the yard and with a capacity for 18,000. This area has been prioritised because it’s where livestock spend the most time in this section of the yards.

“A roof ensures the long-term viability and success of the facility, will help reduce water used to clean the yards and provides future opportunity for added benefits like solar power generation and water harvesting.

“The City is contributing funding towards this project, and we look forward to partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver stage 1.”

A further two stages of shelter are proposed, subject to future costings and funding.

Source:

Issue date: Friday, 1 May 2026

The Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings in Melbourne and Sydney for its inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative.

Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Mr Tony Zappia MP, said, ‘the Subcommittee looks forward to hearing from scholars, policy organisations, advocacy groups and aid organisations about their first-hand experience of how gender equality supports national and economic security.’

Examples of witnesses the Subcommittee will hear from include:

• the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
• the Centre for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney
• Women in International Security Australia
• the Humanitarian Advisory Group
• Plan International Australia
• Dr Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner

Mr Zappia said, ‘these individuals and groups will give the Subcommittee valuable evidence of the essential role of women in creating resilience, responding to crises and raising the alarm about emerging security threats. Knowledge of the work of women in the Indo-Pacific is essential to Australia’s foreign policy and the security of our region.’

‘The evidence we hear will also help the Subcommittee identify threats and obstacles to gender equality that are directly impacting economic and national security, and ways the Australian Government could respond to these.’

Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the Inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Melbourne
Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 9:30 am–4:00 pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, 440 Collins St, Melbourne

Sydney
Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Time: 9:00 am–2:00 pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, 60 Margaret St, Sydney

Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry website.

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Media enquiries

James Peikert, Office of Mr Tony Zappia MP (Member for Makin, SA; Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee)
Ph: (02) 6277 4147 or (08) 8265 3100

For background information

Committee Secretariat
Ph: 02 6277 2313
jscfadt@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government has secured two shipments carrying 100 million litres of jet fuel, and another shipment of 50 million litres of diesel to keep Australia moving.

These three new fuel shipments, going to Brisbane, Perth and Darwin, are in addition to the eight shipments already announced in partnership with BP Australia, Ampol, and Viva Energy, which will reach Australia in May and June.

Combined, the Government has secured over 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to make sure Australians have the fuel they need.

Under the Strategic Reserve powers, EFA is continuing to progress discussions with a number of other businesses who can secure, ship and distribute fertiliser into Australia where it is needed most.

More shipments are expected under these agreements in the coming days and weeks.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister

“My Government is working day and night, here and abroad, to shield Australians from the worst of the impacts of a war on the other side of the world.

“We have now secured more than 450 million litres of additional diesel and 100 million litres of additional jet fuel to keep Australia moving.   

“In the face of global instability, we are leaving no stone unturned as we work to keep Australia moving, working and flying.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Farrell

“This additional 100 million litres of jet fuel to Perth and Brisbane and 50 million litres of diesel to Darwin will keep our FIFO workers flying, our truckers driving, and our nation moving.

“It gives Australians the peace of mind they need to travel and see their loved ones and to keep exploring our vast and beautiful country.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Bowen

“The Government is continuing to strengthen our fuel supply chain in partnership with industry, and these additional cargoes from our third partner to secure shipments to date is proof of that.

“This support for approximately 100 million litres of jet fuels shows the Government is acting now to ensure continued essential fuel supplies.”

Quotes attributable to Minister C King

“The Government has now secured jet fuel through the Strategic Reserve for the first time since the conflict began, ensuring our aviation sector has the certainty it needs to keep passengers and freight moving. 

“This is a practical step towards strengthening Australia’s jet fuel supply. This will help support Australian airlines and keeping our nation connected.”

Source:

Issue date: Friday, 1 May 2026

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES). The inquiry was referred to the Committee on 27 November 2025, by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP.

At the public hearing in Western Sydney, the Committee will listen to business owners’ experiences with the NES, examining whether the system is working effectively and remains accessible for small and medium‑sized businesses.

Building on evidence already received from government stakeholders and employee groups, this hearing will allow the Committee to capture business perspectives and develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the NES operates in practice.

Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would reveal to the Committee how businesses experience the NES framework.

‘As the nature of work continues to evolve, it’s important that the National Employment Standards are clear and navigable for employers and workers alike. The Committee is seeking to understand how the NES operates in practice for small and medium-sized businesses, with this hearing helping to identify areas of uncertainty and opportunities to streamline the framework,’ Dr Garland said.

The Committee will hear evidence from:

• Australian Industry Group
• Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia
• Martha Travis People Innovators
• A small business panel including local businesses
• Youth Law Australia

Further information is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Warwick Farm Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, Sydney and online

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Media enquiries

Dr Carina Garland MP, Chair 
James Dimas
0432409033

For background information

Committee Secretariat
02 6277 4037
employment.reps@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Source:

Issue date: Friday, 1 May 2026

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will be holding public hearings in Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney during May 2026 for its inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.  

To date, public hearings have been focused on federal government agencies in Canberra. Looking ahead, the committee intends to hear a wider range of perspectives from stakeholders involved in the migration system, including academics, migration agents and lawyers, migrant support services, industry associations and state government.

In Adelaide, the committee’s focus will be on initiatives and supports to encourage skilled migration to South Australia. In Canberra and Sydney, the committee will hear from migration experts and peak body groups representing the agriculture, construction, finance and hospitality and business sectors.

Committee Chair, Mr Steve Georganas MP, said “The committee looks forward to taking evidence from a range of sectors and industries with experience in supporting and employing skilled migrants.”

The committee expects to conduct additional hearings throughout Australia in the coming months. More details about the inquiry, including hearing programs, are available on the committee’s website.  

Public hearing details 

Adelaide  

Date: Monday, 4 May 2026  
Time: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm ACST
Location: Elevate & Collaborate Room, Crowne Plaza, 27 Frome St, Adelaide

Canberra  

Date: Friday, 15 May 2026 
Time: 8.30 am to 2.20 pm AEST
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

Sydney  

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026 
Time: 9.30 am to 4.20 pm AEST
Location: The Macquarie Room, NSW Parliament House, Sydney 

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Media inquiries

Office of Mr Steve Georganas MP, Committee Chair
0437 387 378
Steve.Georganas.MP@aph.gov.au

Megan Thomas
0431 736 060

For background information

Joint Standing Committee on Migration
(02) 6277 4560
migration@aph.gov.au