The CFS is currently working to extinguish a grass fire 2km south of Parilla, in the Murraylands Region of South Australia.
This fire is causing smoke to drift in the area to the south of the Parilla township, and members of the community are urged to take care, particularly if driving.
CFS volunteers and Farm Fire Units are currently on scene at the fire. The hard work of firefighters and local Farm Fire Units has prevented the fire from spreading to nearby properties.
To ensure your safety and that of firefighters and other emergency personnel who are working in the area, please do not enter the area unless necessary.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police are calling for information after a woman was sexually assaulted in Alice Springs overnight.
About 9.16pm, police were notified that a woman in her 20s, who uses a wheelchair, had attended Alice Springs Hospital reporting a sexual assault.
Detectives from the Territory’s specialist crime unit attended and an investigation is now underway.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behaviour in the vicinity of Stuart Highway, Braitling, or who has information or CCTV that could assist investigators, to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quote reference P26016739 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersnt.com.au.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police have arrested a 14-year-old youth following 3 indecent assaults in Alice Springs this morning.
Around 7.20am an adult female who had just completed a run was standing on the footpath along Barrett Drive when she was approached from behind by the male youth riding a pushbike.
The male allegedly indecently touched the woman before fleeing the scene. The victim immediately contacted police.
Specialist units, including Strike Force Viper, the Southern Investigations Unit, and Alice Springs general duties members attended.
The offender abandoned the pushbike and fled on foot into the Todd River area, where he was pursued and arrested a short time later.
Police allege the 14-year-old male is also responsible for two earlier indecent assaults reported in Alice Springs this morning.
Investigations into the incidents are continuing and the youth remains in custody.
Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact 131 444 and quote reference number P26017194.
Anonymous reports may also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersnt.com.au.
The CFS is responding to a Hay Shed Fire near Glencoe in the Lower South East, South Australia.
Approximately 18 CFS Firefighters on 5 trucks are currently working to extinguish the fire. This is causing a significant amount of smoke to be present around Kennedy Road and Overland Track area.
Hazards in the area may include reduced visibility due to smoke and emergency vehicles operating in the area. People with breathing difficulties should remain indoors and close windows and doors or move to a location where you wont be impacted by smoke.
Crews are expected to remain on scene for a number of hours to extinguish this fire.
Refer to the CFS website cfs.sa.gov.au for the most up to date information. .
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has seized multiple firearms and ammunition in Ntaria on Thursday evening.
Around 9pm, Ntaria Police were conducting routine traffic patrols along Larapinta Drive when they came across a 29-year-old male parked on the side of the road.
Police stopped and spoke with the male, who stated he was hunting. The male informed police that he had a loaded firearm and ammunition inside the vehicle and directed officers to its location.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located the firearm and a quantity of ammunition that did not meet storage and safekeeping requirements. The firearm and ammunition were seized under the Firearms Act 1997.
The male further informed police that he had additional firearms and ammunition at his residence. Police attended the address and conducted a compliance check on the storage and safekeeping of firearms.
During the search, police located and seized an additional eight firearms and approximately 1,760 rounds of ammunition of varying calibre, all of which failed to meet storage and safekeeping requirements.
In total, nine firearms and approximately 1,760 rounds of ammunition were seized.
Investigations are ongoing.
Acting Senior Sergeant Leigh Yates said, “This is a great result and shows the impact proactive policing can have in the community.
“This also serves as a timely reminder of the importance for all Territorians to comply with storage and safekeeping requirements when in possession of firearms or ammunition.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three males in relation to an aggravated assault in Adelaide River overnight.
Around 8:25pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a group of three males approached a 28-year-old male while he was seated in his vehicle at a service station along the Stuart Highway and allegedly smashed the driver’s side window with a hammer.
It is alleged the offenders continued to strike the vehicle, causing the window to shatter. The victim raised his arm to shield himself from further strikes; however, the offenders continued, resulting in injuries to the victim’s elbow. He then reversed the vehicle, and the offenders fled the scene on foot.
Police attended, and a short time later, located and arrested the three offenders aged 16, 18 and 19.
The victim was assessed at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
The 16-year-old male was charged with driving offences and bailed to appear in court on 13 February 2026.
The two adult males were charged with Attempted aggravated robbery and Damage to property and were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26015408. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The NT Police Force has arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Katherine early this morning.
Around 1:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a 32-year-old female had been threatened by a group of males while she slept in her vehicle at the Katherine Hot Springs carpark.
The victim was forced to exit the vehicle, fearing for her safety, and the offenders then allegedly entered it and fled the scene.
The victim did not report any injuries as a result of the incident.
A short time later, the JESCC received further reports that a group of males allegedly threatened a security officer at the corner of Giles Street and First Street while attempting to steal his vehicle. They were unsuccessful and fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
Police deployed and, with the assistance of CCTV operators, located the stolen vehicle travelling south on the Stuart Highway out of Katherine, where a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed. The offenders subsequently turned back toward Katherine and on to Victoria Highway where they went down a small embankment and abandoned the vehicle.
The offenders fled in different directions along the Katherine River, with one 17-year-old male arrested and taken into custody.
Three offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing. The vehicle was seized for forensic procedures to take place.
Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26015778. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.
Firearms seized, multiple arrests in targeted operation
Friday, 16 January 2026 – 3:57 pm.
Police arrested 15 people and seized multiple firearms, including two illegal 3D printed handguns, as the result of a planned targeted operation across southern Tasmania this week.
The operation, which focused on disrupting illegal firearms and associated criminal activity, involved uniformed officers and detectives from Bridgewater, Glenorchy, Hobart and New Norfolk, supported by specialist units.
Search warrants were executed at several residential properties across greater Hobart and the Derwent Valley over the past three days.
The co-ordinated action was initiated following recent firearms incidents at Bridgewater and Gagebrook, with significant information provided by the community.
Inspector Luke Horne said the operation was a success, with 12 illegal firearms seized, and demonstrated Tasmania Police’s ongoing commitment to reducing the harm caused by unlawful firearms.
“We are sending a strong message to those in our community who possess illegal firearms or engage in unlawful activities involving firearms. Police will continue to act on all information, identify offenders, and remove illegal weapons from circulation,” Inspector Horne said
“These searches were intelligence driven and supported by valuable information from the public, including anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers. We’re grateful for the community’s support and encourage people to continue reporting concerns.”
As a result of the operation, police have:• Arrested 15 individuals, several of whom remain before the courts• Laid more than 70 charges, including firearms, drugs, stealing and dishonesty offences• Seized 12 firearms, including two 3D-printed firearms• Recovered six stolen vehicles• Seized quantities of ammunition, illicit drugs, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime
Inspector Horne said the seizure of 3D-printed firearms was particularly concerning.
The manufacture and possession of 3D-printed firearms has been illegal in Tasmania since 2024, and while they may appear to look like toys, they are capable of firing projectiles like any other weapon.
“These items present a serious risk to our community. We will continue targeting their production and distribution to ensure public safety,” Inspector Horne said.
Tasmania Police urges anyone with concerns about illegal firearms, drug activity, or unsafe storage practices to contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA
(L to R) AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM and Commissioner Christopher Platt, following the Employers Welcome by Steve Knott at the Commissioner’s ceremonial sitting when he commenced in 2015.
Statement from AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM
AREEA acknowledges the legacy and contribution of Commissioner Christopher Platt who formally retires from the Fair Work Commission on 18 January, marking the end of a significant era for the institution.
During his 10-year tenure, Chris has brought a rare depth of practical experience to the role of Commissioner: as a small business operator, police officer, senior industrial relations practitioner, former Chief Operating Officer of AREEA (then AMMA), and Manager Employee Relations for BHP at Olympic Dam. Combined with his legal training, policy experience and formidable work ethic, it was an exceptional foundation for Commission service.
During his time with AMMA, Chris helped to build our modern industrial relations capability, recruiting and developing talent that continues to influence the organisation today, strengthening its policy and workplace relations expertise, and lifting its credibility with governments and regulators.
Chris’ contribution to the Commission extends well beyond the decisions bearing his name. He has played a direct role in national workplace relations reform, working closely with employer and government representatives on the drafting of the Fair Work Act.
His fingerprints are on key provisions that continue to shape how the Commission operates in practice, reflecting his insistence that the system remain workable for employers while retaining procedural integrity.
Back in 2015, I gave the Employers Welcome on behalf of AMMA and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) at Chris’ ceremonial sitting when he commenced with the Commission.
At the time, I remember saying that the employer organisations and members we represented had no doubt that Chris’s background and style would make him a first-rate member of the Commission.
Chris has been outstanding in the role. Congratulations on a job very well done. We wish Commissioner Platt all the best with the next chapter.
Click here for a PDF copy for this media release, including media contact details.