Month: May 2026

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Domestic building contracts and engineered stone

From 1 July 2024, the supply or installation of certain engineered stone products is banned. This includes engineered stone products, such as kitchen or bathroom benchtops, panels or slabs.

Builders and building owners must not use banned engineered stone products in a building project.

If your contract includes supplying or installing an engineered stone product that is now banned, talk to your builder or supplier.

If the engineered stone product that was to be installed is now banned, it is in your interests to agree to a contract variation that will substitute the supply and installation of an alternative product.

Note: a contract variation may either increase or decrease the cost of your build. It may also cause delays, as your builder will need to source the new products you select.

We encourage both sides to negotiate for a fair outcome. For information and tips about reaching an agreement, see Building disputes, defects and delays.

If you can’t resolve a dispute about a contract, the free service from Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria may help.

A builder must not vary a domestic building contract unless:

For more information about the ban and guidance for builders, visit the WorkSafe website.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police responded to a large disturbance in Wadeye yesterday, during which officers deployed OC canisters to disperse two groups engaged in fighting.

Police attended the scene at around 5:30pm, and observed the groups armed with axes and other weapons, which were allegedly being thrown between the opposing groups.

Two 29-year-old men were arrested at the scene. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing to identify additional offenders involved in the disturbance.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Seiler said police responded swiftly and effectively to restore order and ensure community safety.

“NT Police will not tolerate violent behaviour that places members of the community at risk. We will continue to investigate this incident thoroughly and identify those responsible.”

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDQ21033
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:04 pm Thursday, 28 May 2026.

Isolated severe thunderstorms developing near the Central Highlands and western Wide Bay Burnett.

Weather Situation: An upper level low is approaching from the west, resulting in isolated severe thunderstorms developing this afternoon and spreading towards the east.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Theodore.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.

The next warning is due to be issued by 4:05 pm.

Other warnings may be current.

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Our renting taskforce is cracking down on rental providers and estate agents who commit rental law offences.

The taskforce uses intelligence and market analysis to monitor rental campaigns. It has powers to conduct targeted inspections and take enforcement action, including official warnings, infringements (fines), disciplinary proceedings against estate agents, and court actions for the most serious breaches.

The taskforce employs extra intelligence analysts, inspectors, investigators and lawyers.

The taskforce focuses on poor conduct and offences by rental providers affecting the safety, security and tenure for renters. These include:

• Advertising and renting out a property that doesn’t meet the rental minimum standards
• False advertising
• Not lodging bonds with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority and excessive bonds
• Illegal notices to vacate
• Failure to provide a condition report
• Rental bidding.

It builds on our existing services to ensure renters and rental providers can:

• access information and advice about rental laws
• take action on their rights and obligations
• get help with rent increases.

Report an issue with an advertised rental property form

It is now easier to report potential offences to us in the Report an issue with an advertised rental property form. You can upload evidence such as photos and images.

Renting minimum standards

The rental minimum standards include things that people would reasonably expect in a home. These include a functional kitchen, lockable external doors, structural soundness and waterproofing.

Advertising and letting a new renter move into a rental property that doesn’t meet these standards is a criminal offence. The maximum penalties are over $11,800 for individuals and over $59,000 for companies.

False advertising and other misleading conduct may also be a breach of the Australian Consumer Law. Significant penalties apply for breaches of the Australian Consumer Law – up to $50 million for corporations and $2.5 million for individuals.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

An estate agent’s representative who allegedly pressured home owners into signing contracts has agreed not to work in the industry for 6 months. 

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) alleged Akashdeep Singh Purba door-knocked homes and offered sales contracts he presented as non-binding. Home owners who signed faced hefty costs if they later attempted to withdraw. 

CAV also alleged some contracts included clauses preventing home owners from listing their properties for sale with anyone else. 

Purba, 33, of Craigieburn, worked for VSS Estate Agents Pty Ltd (trading as The ELEET) between February and April 2023.  

Purba disputes the allegations and has made no admissions of wrongdoing. No findings of guilt or wrongdoing have been made against him. 

Under the agreed outcome, Purba will also complete education courses and pay $1000 to charities that support vulnerable Victorians. 

The matter will return to VCAT for an administrative mention in April 2027. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information to help find the owners of several stolen items.

On Friday 22 May 2026, members attached to Strike Force Lyra attended a hotel in Darwin City and arrested a 26-year-old male in relation to domestic violence offending, property offences and drug offences.

A search warrant was executed on the room of the male leading to the recovery of stolen property belonging to several victims.

Police located numerous other items believed to have been stolen that belonged to unknown victims, these items include:

• 6 x watches
• Mazda key fob
• 2 x pairs of sunglasses
• Macbook
• Microsoft tablet
• 3 x mobile phones
• Key ring with multiple keys and car key

Further charges are expected as victims are identified.

Anyone who may have missing property is urged to contact Police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600048470

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDT20100

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Tasmania

Marine Wind Warning Summary for Tasmania

Issued at 10:00 am EST on Thursday 28 May 2026
for the period until midnight EST Thursday 28 May 2026.

Wind Warnings for Thursday 28 May

Cancellation for the following area:
South West Coast

The next Marine Wind Warning Summary will be issued when required.

Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecast or Local Waters Forecast for information on wind, wave and weather conditions for these coastal zones.

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDT20611

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Moderate Flood Warning for the South Esk River

Issued at 9:52 am AEST on Thursday 28 May 2026

Flood Warning Number: 5

MODERATE FLOODING OCCURRING AT LEWIS HILL AND LIKELY AT FINGAL EARLY THURSDAY AFTERNOON

MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT LLEWELLYN OVERNIGHT THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY

Moderate to heavy rainfall has been recorded during Wednesday and into Thursday morning across the South Esk River catchment. River level rises have been observed along the upper South Esk, Break O’day and St Pauls Rivers.

Along the St Pauls River at Lewis Hill, river levels are nearing a peak above the moderate flood level. Along the South Esk River, a peak has been observed at Killymoon and is now approaching Fingal, where moderate flooding is likely from early Thursday afternoon. Further downstream at Llewellyn, minor flooding is possible overnight Thursday into Friday.

Peak forecasts will be refined as upstream forecasts are observed.

Break O’Day River:

River levels are elevated along the Break O’Day River

St Pauls River:

Moderate flooding is occurring along the St Pauls River.

The St Pauls River at Lewis Hill is currently at 2.74 m and approaching a peak, with moderate flooding. The St Pauls River at Lewis Hill is likely to peak near 2.90 m around 10:00 am Thursday morning, with moderate flooding.

South Esk River – Fingal to Llewellyn:

Moderate flooding is likely along the South Esk River from early Thursday afternoon.

The South Esk River at Fingal is currently at 3.15 m and rising, below the minor flood level. The South Esk River at Fingal is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) around 11:00 am Thursday. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (5.00 m) early Thursday afternoon. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

The South Esk River at Llewellyn is currently at 1.58 m and rising, below the minor flood level. The South Esk River at Llewellyn is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) overnight Thursday into Friday. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.

Nile River:

River levels are elevated along the Nile River at Deddington.

Safety Advice:

• Don’t drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
• Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don’t drive on flooded roads.
• Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
• For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.alert.tas.gov.au.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 03:00 PM AEST on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Latest River Heights:

Location	River Height	Tendency	Time of Observation
Break O’Day River at Killymoon	2.24 m	Falling	9:00 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Upper Esk Road Bridge	1.04 m	Falling	7:45 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Mathinna	1.05 m	Falling	9:41 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Fingal	3.39 m	Rising	9:44 am Thu 28/05/26
St Pauls River at Lewis Hill	2.73 m	Steady	9:35 am Thu 28/05/26
St Pauls River at Above Avoca	0.61 m	Steady	9:00 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Llewellyn	1.61 m	Rising	9:15 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Perth	1.14 m	Steady	9:00 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Longford	0.70 m	Steady	9:41 am Thu 28/05/26
South Esk River at Trevallyn Pond	121.61 mAHD	Rising	9:15 am Thu 28/05/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDS20240

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
South Australia

Cancellation of
Road Weather Alert for Adelaide

Issued at 10:28 am CST on Thursday 28 May 2026.

The road weather alert for the Adelaide Area has been cancelled, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further alerts will be issued if necessary.

For information on any road closures, please contact your local council or the Police.

No further alerts will be issued for this event.

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDS20370

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Flood Warning for the Inland Rivers SA

Issued at 11:31 am ACST on Monday 25 May 2026

Flood Warning Number: 27

ELEVATED RIVER LEVELS ALONG THE WARBURTON RIVER AT POOTHAPOOTHA AND THE LOWER COOPER CREEK AROUND INNAMINCKA EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO JUNE

River levels remain elevated along the Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole and the lower Cooper Creek around Innamincka. High flows in the Warburton River and the lower Cooper Creek are expected to continue into June as flows arrive from upstream near the Queensland border.

Many roads and access tracks are impacted by flooding, particularly at river and creek crossings. Transportation and movement of local communities and travellers are likely to be further impacted. Check road conditions before travelling.

Warburton:

River levels are elevated along the Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole. Elevated river levels are expected to continue into June as upstream floodwaters arrive.

Cooper Creek:

Creek levels are elevated along lower Cooper Creek at Cullyamurra Waterhole. The creek level is around 1.8 m above the Innamincka causeway and steady. Elevated river levels are expected to continue into June as upstream floodwaters arrive.

Safety Advice:

• Don’t drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
• Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don’t drive on flooded roads.
• Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
• For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.ses.sa.gov.au/incidents-and-warnings/incidents-and-warnings-map/.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 01:00 PM ACST on Monday 01 June 2026.

Latest River Heights:

Location	River Height	Tendency	Time of Observation
Diamantina River at Birdsville	2.08 m	Steady	11:25 am Mon 25/05/26
Cooper Creek at Cullyamurra Waterhole	3.73 m	Steady	11:00 am Mon 25/05/26
Cooper Creek at NW Channel Upstream Coongie Lakes	4.68 m	Steady	11:00 am Mon 25/05/26
Warburton River at Poothapootha Waterhole	5.22 m	Steady	11:00 am Mon 25/05/26

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.