Month: June 2026

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A Northern Territory Police Officer has been charged in relation to a number of offences allegedly committed in Palmerston over the weekend.

On Sunday, the 43-year-old male officer was off duty when he committed a number of driving offences in Palmerston before being arrested at a premises on University Avenue. 

He was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on the 16 July 2026, on charges of:

• Careless driving
• Fail to provide breath for analysis
• Fail to leave licensed premises
• Return to licensed premises after exclusion
• Disorderly behaviour in a public place

The officer has been suspended with pay and the matter remains under investigation. 

This update has been provided is in accordance with the NT Police Transparency Guidelines.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

oday the Prime Minister convened National Cabinet for the sixth time since the conflict in the Middle East began.

At today’s meeting Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator Anthea Harris provided an update on Australia’s fuel security.

Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term, however we are working hard to prepare for contingencies in the event of supply disruptions in fuel and fertiliser.

At National Cabinet the Prime Minister outlined the Commonwealth’s one month extension to the fuel excise cut and reached agreement with First Ministers on continuing their contribution, on the same basis as the previous measure.

This is more temporary support that will help take the sting out of petrol prices and help Australians with the cost of living.

In addition, the Albanese Government will reduce the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge by 16 cents for the same period to help truckies keep Australia moving.

The Prime Minister also updated National Cabinet on the discovery of H5 avian flu and the national response the Commonwealth is working on with states and territories.

The Government has already invested $113 million to strengthen preparedness for H5 avian flu, including an additional $11.2 million in our most recent Budget.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Update – The 13-year-old girl has been located safely.

Northern Territory Police hold concerns for 13-year-old girl, who was last seen in the Ngukurr community earlier this month.

She is described as of Aboriginal appearance and slim build.

She was reported missing to police yesterday and believed to be in the Darwin region. 

Anyone who has information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600059756.

Source: Tasmania Police

A Burnie man has been charged with significant firearms offences after police uncovered an illegal firearms manufacturing operation during a search at a private residence yesterday.
Members of Taskforce Scelus executed a search warrant at the Burnie address on Sunday afternoon (21 June), locating a significant quantity of 3D-printed firearms, firearms parts and ammunition – including a printed firearms silencer, sub machine gun, and several pistols – along with a 3D printer, quantities of illicit substances, and drug paraphernalia.Members of Western Drugs and Firearms Unit attended the search and a 38-year-old Burnie man was arrested.
He has since been charged with significant firearms possession offences as well as dealing in firearms when not the holder of a firearms dealer licence and unlawfully possess digital blueprint for manufacture of firearm.
He was detained to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court today.
Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said police remain committed to identifying and disrupting those involved in the manufacture, distribution and possession of illegal firearms.
“This seizure has disrupted the distribution of a significant number of firearms that are not only illegal, but dangerous,” she said.
“Firearms in the wrong hands pose a serious risk to community safety, and we will continue to remove these dangerous weapons from the community, and disrupt those intending to manufacture and distribute them.”
“Investigations are ongoing, and as always we encourage anyone with information about illegal firearms activity to contact police.”
Information can be provided by contacting police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Fatal crash – Bass Highway, Carrick

Monday, 22 June 2026 – 2:22 pm.

Sadly, a man has died following a serious crash on the Bass Highway at Carrick.
Police and emergency services were called to the highway shortly before 9.20am Monday (22 June) after reports of a crash between a white Subaru and a black utility.
The two drivers involved in the crash were transported to hospital by ambulance. 
Sadly, one of the drivers – a North West man in his 60s – has since died.
The second driver was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Bass Highway is now open, with investigations into the crash ongoing, 
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones.
Anyone with information about the crash, or dash cam footage from the area at the time should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a substantial amount of alcohol from vehicles believed to be travelling into a remote community on the weekend.

On Saturday evening, Harts Range members conducted a traffic apprehension on two vehicles along the Plenty Highway about 70km east of the Stuart Highway. A third vehicle evaded the traffic apprehension and continued travelling west.

As a result of the apprehension, the following was located and seized:

• 33 x 4 litre wine casks
• 5 x 4.5 litre wine casks
• 12 x 750ml bottles of wine
• 2 x 700ml bottles of blueberry liqueur
• 2 x 1.25 litre bottles of tropical-flavoured alcohol beverage
• 2 x 1.125 litre bottles of bourbon
• 2 x 1.125 litre bottles of rum
• 1 x 10 pack of vodka premix cans

The seized alcohol is equivalent to just over 1500 standard drinks according to the Australian Standard Drink Formula and has been tipped out by police.

The investigation is currently ongoing.

Acting Superintendent of the Southern Desert Division, Conan Robertson said, “This was excellent proactive policing by our remote members that prevented a significant amount of alcohol from reaching its intended destination.

 “We know all too well the harm that alcohol causes in our remote communities and it is disgraceful that these individuals tried to take advantage of vulnerable community members with complete disregard for the law.

 “Police will be anywhere, at any time, checking vehicles and targeting those that would attempt to bring alcohol into restricted areas.

“If you have any information about the unlawful supply or distribution of alcohol into remote communities in the Territory, please contact police on 131 444.” 

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

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Government has announced the nation’s largest ever defence export, with the signing of a government-to-government arrangement with Canada to export an Australian Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) system.

This $2.5 billion agreement marks the first international sale of Australia’s world-leading OTHR technology, building on the proven success of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) while supporting hundreds of Australian industry jobs.

Australia’s Department of Defence has worked with the Canadian Department of National Defence to develop requirements for Canada’s Artic-Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) capability, with the commitment to collaborate on this technology reaffirmed by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Carney in March 2026.

The agreement signed today reflects our shared strategic interests, combining Australia’s globally recognised expertise in OTHR with Canada’s leadership in Arctic defence and long-range domain awareness.

It will further strengthen interoperability between trusted partners while driving industrial growth and innovation in both nations. It also establishes a framework for joint research and development to advance OTHR capabilities for mutual benefit.

Working together on OTHR systems will support the delivery of early warning and surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic, contributing to our collective security in an increasingly complex strategic environment.

The project will support approximately 300 high-value technical jobs in Australia, with industry partner BAE Systems Australia set to commence delivery of Canada’s A‑OTHR capability on 1 July 2026.

This announcement marks the first stage of a broader Australia–Canada collaboration on A-OTHR. Both nations are committed to exploring further opportunities for joint development, deepening defence industrial ties, and building an enduring partnership that strengthens capability and security outcomes for both countries.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese

“Australia is a world leader in Over the Horizon Radar technology, and this agreement showcases Australian innovation.

“As close friends and valued partners, Australia and Canada’s relationship is grounded in decades of operational cooperation, shared strategic interests, and deep collaboration through the Five Eyes partnership.

“Today’s agreement marks a significant milestone in Australian defence trade and lays the foundation for deeper and mutually beneficial defence industry collaboration with Canada.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles

“This is the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history, which reflects our close and long-standing friendship with Canada.

“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, Australia and Canada are committed to working together to grow our defence relationship and this initiative is a clear demonstration of that enduring partnership in action.

“This arrangement demonstrates Australia’s ability to export advanced, high-technology defence systems while safeguarding our national security, and enabling trusted partners to benefit from Australian innovation.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy

“The Jindalee Operational Radar Network is a great Aussie success story – world-leading technology that has led to the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history.

“The arrangement represents a powerful example of how defence exports support economic growth, build high-technology capability, and strengthen national resilience.

“BAE Systems Australia, as the key industry partner, plays a central role in reinforcing Australia’s position as a global leader in OTHR technology. Today’s agreement directly supports the ongoing evolution and resilience of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Operation Ventura continues to target individuals who cause harm in the Palmerston region, as well as those intending to cause harm elsewhere in the Northern Territory.

A 51-year-old man travelling on a bus from Palmerston to Katherine was allegedly found in possession of 16 litres of Bundaberg rum.

Police allege the alcohol was intended for use in secondary supply within the Katherine region.

The man was issued with a Banned Drinker Order and the alcohol was seized by police.

Now in its fifth week, Operation Ventura continues to maintain a proactive and highly visible presence across Palmerston and surrounding areas, disrupting alcohol-related offending and anti-social behaviour.

Superintendent Katie Hatzismalis said this was a great detection by police at the bus exchange.

“Every seizure represents an opportunity to prevent further offending and reduce the impacts of alcohol-related harm across the Territory.”

Operation Ventura activity (as at 21 June)

Activity	Total
Persons engaged with	3,785
Persons moved on	2,335
Alcohol (litres) tipped out	1,616
High-visibility patrols	2,503
Arrests (including 133AB offences)	95
Protective custody apprehensions	76
Banned Drinker Orders issued	172
Wanding conducted	783
Weapons seized	23
Infringements issued	28

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is excited to launch its Lucky Local campaign where four winners will each receive a $250 voucher every day during July when they support local businesses this winter.

Residents are encouraged to look out for posters and flyers at participating local independent businesses across the region. Entering the Lucky Local giveaway is easy, simply scan the QR code.

How to enter the voucher draw:

• Spend $20 or more in one transaction at a participating local independent business listed on the City’s website*
• Upload a photo of your receipt to the City of Greater Bendigo’s website
• No limit to enter the giveaway. A new receipt is required per entry
• Vouchers will be selected in a random lucky dip involving all participating businesses
• Four lucky winners from the draw will each score a $250 voucher every day during July
• Winners will be announced on Triple M’s Cogho & Jules for Breakfast at 8am from July 1. (The City will also contact winners directly)

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the major campaign aims to bring many benefits to businesses and residents.

“The Lucky Local campaign has been developed to support independent businesses across the region and boost local spending,” Cr Prince said.

“We have passionate local retailers, producers, makers, suppliers, cafes, restaurants, hotels, unique attractions, and a variety of services on the list of participating businesses.

“With vouchers up for grabs every day in July, there’s a strong incentive for residents to shop locally this winter.

“When you support local businesses, you are helping businesses to grow, retain, and create jobs. Local businesses bring vibrancy and activity to precincts, suburbs and small towns which is great for our community and keeps more spending in Greater Bendigo.

“The Lucky Local Giveaway is a win-win. Residents get the chance to win vouchers valued at $250, selected in a lucky dip involving all of the listed participating businesses. This is a great way to discover an amazing variety of businesses right here in Greater Bendigo and there is no cost to businesses to be involved.

“Residents are encouraged to look out for Lucky Local posters and flyers that have the QR code to enter the draw. You don’t want to miss out as four $250 vouchers are available every day during July.”

This initiative is part of the City’s successful Love your Local campaign. It closes at noon on July 30 and terms and conditions apply.

It is not too late for local independent businesses to sign up, join the campaign now by emailing [email protected]

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police hold concerns for 13-year-old Blitner, who was last seen in the Ngukurr community earlier this month.

She is described as of Aboriginal appearance and slim build.

She was reported missing to police yesterday and believed to be in the Darwin region. 

Anyone who has information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600059756.