Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: South Australia Police

South Australia Police, SA Ambulance Service (SAAS), South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and SA Health today conducted a deployment exercise on North Terrace and at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Linda Williams said the exercise involved a series of simulated emergency scenarios designed to test agency coordination and response.

“Today’s exercise began with a car crash on North Terrace followed by a simulated explosion,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.

“Police also practiced their response to an active armed offender and hostage scenario, while MFS, SAAS and SA Health practiced their responses to these scenarios as well.

“These exercises give emergency services the opportunity to practice their skills and procedures in a safe environment.

“Any lessons will be shared around the country to ensure law enforcement agencies can utilise them prior to responding to a real-life incident.”

MFS Chief Officer Jeff Swann also attended the exercise.

“Participation in a controlled multi‑agency exercise of this scale strengthens collaboration between emergency services, improving clarity of command and the timely flow of information. All agencies involved share a common objective, to achieve the best possible outcome for the community,” Mr Swann said.

“The exercise also provides MFS personnel with the opportunity to assess risk, prioritise actions and adapt effectively as incidents escalate or change, ensuring coordinated and reliable support to the relevant control agencies during complex emergency situations.”

SAAS Chief Executive Officer Rob Elliott said that multi-agency exercises provide vital opportunities for emergency services to test both their emergency response capabilities in real time scenarios and their abilities to work together seamlessly.

“Multi-agency and mass-casualty event training are core components of much of our work as an ambulance service,” Mr Elliott said.

“Many of the incidents that SAAS paramedics, doctors and nurses attend involve a multi-agency response. When working in a time-critical emergency situations, it is essential that our emergency services know their roles and how they complement each other.”

SAPOL capabilities participating in today’s exercise include Bomb Response, STAR, SRS, Forensics, Disaster Victim Identification, negotiators, intelligence and public information.

This exercise was funded by the Australia New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee. Lessons identified will be shared nationally to support continuous improvement across law enforcement agencies.

SAPOL thanks the community for their patience with road closures and any inconvenience caused. Thank you also to the Adelaide Convention Centre for working closely with SAPOL in the planning and conduct of this exercise.

Source: South Australia Police

A man has been taken to hospital after a crash at Yumali.

Just after 1am today (Sunday 29 March), police and emergency services were called to the Dukes Highway after reports that a car had crashed and rolled.

The driver, a 21-year-old Morphett Vale man was flown to hospital in a serious condition.

A male passenger was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

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Source: South Australia Police

A man has died after a crash at Kingsford, north of Gawler.

About 7.50am today (Saturday 28 March), police and emergency services were called to Wilhelm Road after reports of a motorcycle crash.

The rider, a 54-year-old Modbury Heights man died at the scene.

Major Crash officers attended the scene to examine the circumstances of the incident.

Roads were closed in the area but have since reopened.

The man’s death is the 28^th life lost on SA roads this year.

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Source: South Australia Police

Two Crystal Brook men were reported after police searched their Crystal Brook homes yesterday.

Police searched two properties of two men known to each other at Crystal Brook on Thursday 26 March.  It will be alleged officers found cannabis, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a handgun gel blaster, knuckledusters and fireworks.

A 23-year-old man was reported for possess controlled drug, possess prescribed equipment, possess firearm (gel blaster) without a licence, and other offences.

A 46-year-old man was reported for possess cannabis and possess equipment for smoking of a controlled drug.

They will both be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

Anyone with information about the growing, sale or supply of illicit drugs or illegal firearms in the community can report it anonymously to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

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Source: South Australia Police

Police are investigating after a cyclist sustained serious injuries in a crash at Walkley Heights this morning.

About 10.30am on Friday 27 March, police and emergency crews were called to Walkleys Road, Walkley Heights by reports that a truck and cyclist had collided.

The cyclist, a 72-year-old woman from Gilberton, was treated at the scene by SA Ambulance and conveyed to hospital with serious injuries.

The truck driver, a 39-year-old man from the Murray Mallee, is assisting police with the investigation.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam that can assist with the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

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Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The National Anti-Scam Centre’s latest Targeting Scams Report highlights the complex, adaptive, and “wicked” nature of scams, and the critical role of collaboration in disrupting criminal networks, as Australians reported more than $2 billion in financial losses.

The report combines data from Scamwatch, ReportCyber, the Australian Financial Crimes Exchange (AFCX), IDCARE and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

In 2025, Australians made a combined total of 481,523 scam reports across these institutions. Of these, 274,577 reports involved financial losses totalling $2.18 billion.

While reports have stabilised, losses have increased by 7.8 per cent, compared with 2024. Overall, Australia has seen a reduction in reported scam losses of 29.7 per cent since the peak of $3.1 billion in 2022.

The top five scam types by loss were investment scams ($837.7m), payment re-direction scams ($166.8m), romance scams ($139.9m), phishing scams ($97.6m) and remote access scams ($69.9m).

The financial losses from these five scam types accounted for 60 per cent of total losses in 2025.

“Scams are often described as a ‘wicked problem’ because they are complex, fast-evolving, and resistant to simple solutions. The Targeting Scams Report provides an overview of the scam landscape and highlights the collaboration and shared accountability needed to tackle the harm caused by scams both here in Australia and globally,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

Earlier this month, Australia joined other G7 countries to endorse a Call to Action to Combat Fraud at the United Nations and Interpol Global Fraud Summit. In addition, more than 100 organisations endorsed a Public Private Partnership Framework to enhance global cooperation in the fight against scams.

“As Australia and indeed the world faces increasing sophistication in scam activity through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the industrialisation of criminal syndicates through scam compounds, it is clear more needs to be done, quickly and at scale,” Ms Lowe said.

“It’s also important to note that the actions demonstrated in the report are made possible because Australians took the time to share their experiences. Without people speaking up, we simply wouldn’t have the insights needed to track and disrupt scam activity. We encourage people to report suspicious activity so we can continue improving our understanding and response to scams.”

Scamwatch trends

The National Anti-Scam Centre runs the Scamwatch reporting service. In 2025, the most reported scam to Scamwatch was phishing scams, with 65,361 reports.

Betting and sports investment scams saw an increase in both reports and losses. A scam type, sometimes referred to as ‘scambling’ accounts for the vast majority of this increase. Scamwatch received reports of $2.4 million in losses to betting and sports investment scams; almost triple the amount lost in the previous year. There was also a 19.6 per cent increase in reports on betting and sports investment scams between 2024 and 2025. These losses were reported mostly among the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups. There was a 91.5 per cent increase in reports about betting scams from First Nations people and a 93.5 per cent increase in reports from people with disability.

Australians aged 65 and over, who according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics comprise  approximately 17.1 per cent of the population, accounted for 26.5 per cent of total losses reported to Scamwatch.

Scammers were more likely to steal money and personal information through online contact methods, such as websites and social media platforms. In 2025, reports of online-based scams with a loss increased by 31.8 per cent, and financial losses increased by 21 per cent.

The largest decrease in reported scam contact methods was for text message scams, which was down from 77,365 in 2024 to 29,058 in 2025.

Scam disruptions

In 2025, the National Anti-Scam Centre:

• sent over 8,400 websites for assessment, resulting in the removal of over 7,500 scam URLs – an increase of at least 30 per cent compared to 2024
• referred over 7,000 suspected Facebook scam URLs to Meta for further investigation
• referred 844 Gmail addresses, 14 organic YouTube URLs and 2,098 advertisements to Google for further investigation
• referred 19 Telegram channels for further investigation
• referred 4,246 unique phone numbers and 921 unique sender IDs to telecommunications partners for disruption, over 4 times as many as in 2024.
• referred hundreds of high-risk scam call back numbers to Optus, expanding its call blocking disruption activity to include tech-support and payment impersonation scams
• referred intelligence to our third-party takedown service, as well as Google and Meta, for removal, resulting in the removal of over 600 betting scam websites and over 600 social media profiles and forums
• referred 8,536 Scamwatch reporters to IDCARE for tailored and timely scam recovery support

“The Targeting Scams Report reinforces that scam prevention requires a coordinated, whole-of-ecosystem approach. The National Anti-Scam Centre continues to work with partners to detect threats, share intelligence, and disrupt scams, quicker and at scale,” Ms Lowe said.

“We know losses remain high, but coordinated interventions are key to combating scams, and we will continue working together to strengthen efforts, including through the Scams Prevention Framework.”

The National Anti-Scam Centre released its latest and third fusion cell report this month; focusing on romance scams and highlighting the value of coordinated action and intelligence sharing to strengthen disruption efforts.

Background

The data in the Targeting Scams Report is for the calendar year 1 January to 31 December 2025.

Reference to combined reports or combined losses include data from Scamwatch, ReportCyber, AFCX, IDCARE and ASIC.

Adjustments have been made to address duplication in reporting and to remove unreliable high loss reports from within those datasets. Data can change over time due to people withdrawing reports or quality assurance processes.

Learn how to Stop. Check. Protect. to stay safe from scams:

STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.

What to do:

• Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages
• Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests
• Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action
• Trust your instincts if something feels wrong

CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

What to do:

• Contact the person or organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app
• Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC
• Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals

PROTECT. Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.

What to do:

• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details
• Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover – they can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams
• Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)  to help protect others
• Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)
• Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised
• Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity
• Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening
• Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

em>Shlama lokon.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

And today we celebrate the indigenous people of Iraq – the Assyrian people.

I’d also like to acknowledge Hermiz Shahen, President of the Assyrian National Council, representatives of the Assyrian Church of the East, and my colleagues from across Parliament.

It is with great pleasure that I wish you a happy Assyrian New Year. 

For Assyrian Australians, this vibrant festival is a wonderful way to honour your connections to a shared past. And what an extraordinary past it is.

You are part of a remarkable story, one that has made an enduring mark on the world.

Arising out of ancient Mesopotamia, it is the story of a remarkable civilisation and a powerful empire. Most of all, it is the story of a people.

Today is a celebration – of culture, identity and community, and of the proud place Assyrian Australians occupy in the story of our country.

It is also an assertion of resilience and survival.

Through the tides of history and fate, through the shifting of borders and the rise and fall of nations and empires, the Assyrian identity has stood proud and unbowed – against the odds.

That is an achievement built by the generations who have gone before you, and whose flame you carry so proudly in your hearts.

Thanks to the work of so many in your community, particularly organisations such as the Assyrian National Council of Australia, it is a flame that is kept burning so brightly its glow will touch generations to come.

What a powerful demonstration of the love, dedication and devotion that is the beating heart of cultural identity.

The Assyrian calendar is entering the year 6776. With such a rich and long past, you are so well equipped to look to what is coming.

For just as much as this festival about celebrating your history and everything that has brought Assyrians to this point, it is also about strengthening your cultural foundations for the future.

For generations, your community has been writing your chapter in the great story of Australia, sending your roots in this country ever deeper without ever surrendering the birthright of your heritage, and your enduring connection to the land that was its cradle.

Of course, the connection is not a straightforward one. The Assyrian story is one shaped in no small part by displacement, persecution and the struggle for cultural rights and recognition in the lands of your ancestors.

Yet what defines the Assyrian spirit is a strength and resilience that’s up to so much more than just survival.

It is a spirit that has flourished here. Through hard work, aspiration and love of this country, your community has made Australia a better nation for us all.

I would like to express my gratitude to the organisers and to every hardworking member of this community who gives so much of themselves every year to make this festival the wonderful reality that it is.

This festival plays such an important role. That is why our Government pledged to deliver $200,000 – not just to keep it going, but to keep it growing.

To help you keep adding to the success you have been building with such love and care over the years.

I wish you all a wonderful celebration. May it bring you together – and keep bringing you together. 

Basima raba. Thank you for having me. Happy New Year to you all.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

want to acknowledge my dear friend, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, for his leadership of this community and for his ongoing contribution to our nation.

I want to acknowledge as well all the other members of the clergy who are with us today; my ministerial colleague, the Leader of the Government in the House of Representatives and the proud Member for Watson, Tony Burke; my friend Sophie Cotsis, representing the Premier of New South Wales; other public representatives who are here, the Ambassador from Greece, the High Commissioner for Cyprus, the Consul-General of Greece, other representatives; particularly, welcome to the representatives from the Parliament of the Hellenic Republic who’ve joined us here today.

I want to give a special shout out to the wonderful young Greek Australians who are here in their traditional dress, celebrating their culture. You look fabulous and you enrich our nation of Australia by celebrating your culture.

Whenever we come to this sacred memorial here, we come solemnly. We gather in respect. We gather in gratitude. Above all, we gather to remember.

We remember all who have stood against darkness and all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

We remember all who were lost and everyone they left behind.

We remember all who lived to keep fighting and all who finally made it home, but with the battle still echoing in their hearts.

We reflect on all they went through and all they were up against, and we give thanks for the difference they made just when the world needed it most.

This week, we remembered when the Greeks were crying out for freedom, and we remember an honour all who answered that call.

Greek and Independence Day, 205 years since the great revolt in the Peloponnese that saw a people rise to their feet and so decisively put centuries of occupation to an end.

We celebrate a great nation born in liberty and remember the revolutionaries who so courageously put their own lives on the line. They did it armed with one of the most powerful mottoes ever heard around this earth. Eleftheria i Thanatos. Freedom or death.

It was a remarkable moment in the story of a remarkable nation that has given so much to the world, not least of which is of course the gift of democracy and so much of the philosophy that shapes modern Australia today.

Yet perhaps most powerful of all is that hunger for freedom and independence. It was, of course, not Greece’s final fight. In time, Australians would join Greeks in their struggle against those who tried to take that precious independence away.

Earlier this month, we marked the passing of the remarkable Les Cook. Les Cook was 104 years old when he passed.

Les Cook marched on Anzac Day at the age of 100. And I spoke to him at the Australian War Memorial after that march. And I said, “You could have gone in a car.” And Les Cook, age 100, courageous man that he was, said, “No. I walked just like I fought, going forward with courage and I made it. “

And indeed, he did make it. Because he was one of the last surviving veterans of the Battle of Crete. A place very special for my friend, His Eminence.

He was one of the many Anzacs who took up arms alongside Greeks against the Nazi invaders. Many Anzacs were protected and sheltered by Greek civilians during that bleak time. Many Anzacs were fated to never come home, and they rest for eternity in the earth beneath the Greek sky.

We stood together then, and we stand together today. What else came out of that war was the remarkable story of Greek immigration to Australia, to a land that represented the possibility of a peaceful and prosperous future.

Thanks in no small part to the immigrants who arrived in the post-war years, Australia has what is proudly one of the biggest Greek diasporas in the world, and Little Greece is right in Marrickville, my home.

I will always be proud of growing up with my fellow Greek friends, and I’m proud to be Prime Minister of a country that has a heart which has long had in part a Hellenic beat to it.

Australia without Greeks is beyond imagining. You are cherished, you are celebrated, and well and truly cemented into how we see ourselves as a country.

I thank Greek Australians for all you have added to Australia through your energy, aspiration, and hard work. The small businesses you’ve created, those small businesses that have grown into very large and successful businesses indeed.

Your love for this country is so perfectly balanced with the love of the land of your heritage, and Australia will always celebrate your contribution to our great nation.

As we gather here in remembrance of those who gave everything, we are once again reminded that the cause of peace and freedom can sometimes feel elusive, but it is a cause that we never stop fighting for.

We give our humble and enduring gratitude to those who so bravely took up that fight and we carefully tend the flame of memory so its glow touches generations to come.

As we say whenever we are at these grand memorials in Australia, lest we forget.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested multiple offenders after a series of violent incidents in Wadeye yesterday.

Around 7am on Saturday, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that two women driving a Toyota Hilux were attacked by 6 offenders armed with rocks and edged weapons at the intersection of Pultchen Street and Banthan Street. The offenders surrounded the vehicle, smashed two of vehicle’s windows, and brandished edged weapons while demanding the vehicle keys. The offenders removed the women from the vehicle, and drove away shortly afterwards.

At 3:30pm that day, while police were conducting enquires into the stolen vehicle, the vehicle drove directly at police multiple times, each time throwing rocks and edged weapons. Police recovered the stolen vehicle a short time later.

Over the course of the evening, 5 youth and one adult were identified and arrested.

An additional 5 other offenders were identified for other serious violence offences involving the use of edged weapons and cross-bows for unrelated matters in Wadeye.

Investigations remain ongoing and further arrests are expected.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444 quoting reference number NTP2600030094. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The town of Stawell came alive last night (Saturday 28 March) as more than 40 CFA brigades and one from Western Australia, took part in the CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships Torchlight Procession.

Submitted by	CFA Media