Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Today the Albanese Government has signed the First Nations Economic Partnership.

This is about helping First Nations Australians to secure more of the jobs and opportunities that we’re creating in our economy.

The agreement signed today by the Treasurer, Minister for Indigenous Australians, the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance and the Coalition of Peaks is a commitment to work together even more closely to deliver better economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

First announced by the Prime Minister at Garma in August, it’s a mechanism for shared decisions about reforms to First Nations economic policy, leveraging the resources of government.

The Partnership will establish an engagement process to ensure the diverse knowledge, skills and lived experience of First Nations stakeholders inform and strengthen economic reforms, helping to deliver meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Together, the Partnership will work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people around Australia to leverage land and Native Title, boost skills and education, create jobs and back business.

The first priorities for the Partnership will be to explore potential reforms to the funding model for Prescribed Bodies Corporate to deliver meaningful participation for communities and timely decision‑making for investors. The Government has committed an additional $75 million to support the new funding model.

The Partnership will also look at how Special Investment Vehicles like the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency can better deliver for First Nations communities across Australia.

The Partnership is an example of the Government’s commitment to the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to work in partnership and share decision making, invest in the First Nations community‑controlled sector, and transform mainstream systems to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people.

The Albanese Labor Government’s economic plan is all about modernising our economy and helping more Australians to get ahead and provide for their loved ones, and that’s also the focus of the First Nations Economic Partnership.

Quotes attributable to the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers

“This is about helping First Nations Australians to secure more of the jobs and opportunities that we’re creating in our economy.

“This Partnership puts First Nations decision‑makers in the driver’s seat when it comes to steering economic outcomes.

“It will ultimately mean more support for First Nations workers and businesses, better skills and training pathways for First Nations people and more participation in the economic projects that create opportunities for First Nations communities.

“Government investments, while substantial, are not delivering the outcomes Indigenous Australians need and deserve.

“The Partnership will help to ensure economic policy delivers better economic opportunities for First Nations people.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy

“The First Nations Economic Partnership is a new approach to First Nations economic policy and economic prosperity.

“I welcome the signing of this agreement and the opportunity to work in partnership with First Nations representatives from the Coalition of the Peaks and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.

“The Albanese Government knows economic empowerment for First Nations communities is about self‑determination and creating opportunities that reflect the aspirations of First Nations communities.

“By working together, we are unlocking the potential of land, culture and community to drive prosperity, not just for today, but for generations to come.”

Quotes attributable to Lead Convener of Coalition of Peaks, Pat Turner AM

“The Coalition of Peaks is pleased that the Economic Partnership has finally commenced and knows from its experience with the Closing the Gap Agreement that genuine change depends on it being implemented properly.

“Reflecting what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people told the Coalition of Peaks through a nationwide engagement process in 2024, our focus will be for the Economic Partnership to design funded programs to grow secure employment and career pathways in our community‑controlled organisations.”

Quotes attributable to First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance Chair, Professor Peter Yu

“The signing of this Economic Partnership is historic. Australia has never had such an agreement. The economic self‑determination of Indigenous peoples has received little attention, and our communities have never been given a chance to shape our own economic futures. Today that changes. The Alliance is focused on a Partnership and Economic Framework that delivers real fiscal reform and structural change — including improved access to capital, Indigenous‑led investment, and greater involvement in the Australian economy.

“The challenge is now before Australian policymakers, industry and our communities to take up this opportunity for genuine economic innovation and reform. Indigenous peoples are not a debit on the national balance sheet. This partnership can demonstrate that we are principal partners in the economic future of Australia.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police are calling for information following an aggravated assault that occurred in Angurugu overnight.

Around 11:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a male had allegedly been struck with an edged weapon at a residence in the community.

It is alleged that one male struck another male known to him with an edged weapon before fleeing the scene.

Alyangula members attended and located the 24-year-old victim with a laceration to the head. He was conveyed to the Alyangula Clinic with non-life-threatening injuries and was later transferred to Darwin for further treatment.

The alleged offender remains outstanding and investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500096894. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/. 

Source: New South Wales – News

Police were called to Arndale Shopping Centre just before midday on Sunday 29 September by reports a woman had allegedly threatened a security guard with a knife.

The security guard was not physically injured during the incident.

A 31-year-old Ferryden Park woman was quickly located by police and arrested.  She was charged with aggravated assault, disorderly behaviour, and carry a prohibited weapon.

She was refused police bail and appeared in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court today. (CO2500040920)

Over the weekend, following the introduction of Declared Shopping Precincts at major suburban shopping centres on Friday, police conducted an operation at Burnside Shopping Centre to combat knife crime and increase public safety.

Police conducted 1692 metal detector searches, seized three knives and arrested or reported three people at the shopping centre.

The public are reminded that the three-month surrender period to hand in knives anonymously to police ends tomorrow, Tuesday 30 September.

People in possession of these now prohibited weapons (without a legislated exemption) are encouraged to surrender them to their nearest police station – except for Hindley or Grenfell Street – and may do so anonymously until tomorrow.

So far, 3255 weapons, including 2612 machetes or swords (80%), have been voluntarily surrendered during the three-month amnesty period.

Source: Australian National Party

Source: AMP Limited

29 09 2025 – Media release

Wizz from Do Not Watch This Show. 
Following the outstanding success of the debut season, the ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are thrilled to announce that Do Not Watch This Show: Season 2 has been greenlit. Season 1 saw its first episode hit an average audience of over 2.5 million.
The series, adapted from the book series Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee, achieved one million average viewers across ABC Family and ABC iview in its first two weeks*, making it the #1 show across all of ABC iview in its launch period.
Season 1 has achieved a staggering 115 million minutes viewed on ABC iview in just three months.
These astounding numbers make Do Not Watch This Show the biggest launch of a new Children & Family show in the history of ABC iview.
Andy Lee said, “I’m overwhelmed and absolutely ecstatic to hear so many families are tuning in and enjoying Do Not Watch This Show. While it could be interpreted that we have a whole country of disobedient children, which sounds quite alarming, I prefer to think it’s a triumph for cheeky rascals everywhere. Keep on keeping on, you little ratbags. Let the fun and the giggles continue for Season 2.”
ABC Director Screen, Jennifer Collins said, “It’s testament to the team at Lee Bones that this original series has connected so strongly with Australian families and quickly become a household favourite. We’re proud to be the home of high-quality family programming on the ABC and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Wizz and his friends in Season 2.”

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Andy Lee and the Do Not Watch This Show team have captured the hearts and imaginations of little and big mischief-makers alike. The extraordinary success of the first season speaks to the team’s flair for writing a series that is wildly entertaining for viewers of all ages. I cannot wait for the shenanigans to continue in Season 2 – sorry Wizz, but we will be watching!”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “The smash hit Do Not Watch This Show proves just how brilliantly Victorian screen talent can entertain and inspire young audiences. We’re thrilled to be supporting Lee Bones and a terrific local team to make another season of Do Not Watch This Show in Victoria. We can’t wait to ‘not watch’ what Wizz and his pals get up to next!”
The animated series centres on Wizz, a blue monster who refuses to accept that he is the star of a TV show and is desperate for kids to switch it off. Wizz, voiced by Lee, goes to hilarious lengths to deter his audience, which only makes him more appealing.
Do Not Watch This Show Season 2 will air on the ABC in 2026.
Always free and Always entertaining, stream Do Not Watch This Show on ABC iview now.
Production credit: Do Not Watch This Show Season 2 is a Lee Bones Production for ABC. Major production funding from the ABC and Screen Australia. Financed in association with VicScreen. Directed by Patrick Crawley. Series Producer Nick Campbell. Line Producer Megan Brock. Written by Andy Lee, Jason Marion and Ray Matsen. Designed by Heath McKenzie. Producers Andy Lee and Greg Sitch. ABC Commissioning Editor Mick Elliott. ABC Acting Head of Children & Family Mary-Ellen Mullane.
* Source: OzTAM VOZ Total TV and BVOD, National, Average Audience, When Watched period 04/07/2025-17/07/2025, OzTAM VPM Minutes
ABC MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Lidia Williams, ABC Publicist
[email protected]

Media enquiries
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
Alyssa Lim | Publicist (Mon-Fri)
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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A new CFA group has been officially launched in District 6 – the Apostles Group.

Formed through the merger of Cobden and Timboon groups, this new team reflects a proactive, volunteer-led effort to build a more sustainable group for the area.

WHY THE CHANGE?
Like many rural areas, CFA groups in District 6 are dealing with fewer volunteers, leadership gaps and heavier workloads.

For Cobden Group in particular, maintaining viability was becoming harder.

“It really came down to people – just not having enough of them,” Group Officer Mark Roberts AFSM said. “Running a group with only six brigades just wasn’t going to cut it long term. We needed a group that was the right size for the years to come.”

A working party was established with representatives from each group in District 6. Its focus was to plan for the future and identify ways to strengthen the role of groups.

“With the trending change in the community’s values around volunteering, it was time for us to be proactive,” Deputy Group Officer and Captain of Port Campbell Fire Brigade Katy Millard said. 

“Exchanging ideas and considering other points of view as part of the working party was a positive way of being able to influence change,” Katy said.

The working party’s first recommendation was to bring Cobden and neighbouring Timboon groups together to create a single, stronger group with shared resources, experience and people power. The  new group includes Bostocks Creek, Brucknell-Ayrford, Carpendeit-South Purrumbete, Cobden, Cobrico, Ecklin & District, Jancourt, Kennedy’s Creek, Lower Heytesbury, Port Campbell, Princetown, Scotts Creek-Cowleys Creek, Simpson and Timboon.

VOLUNTEERS LEADING THE WAY
What set this process apart was that it was entirely volunteer led – from the initial conversations and planning to consultation and decision-making.

“The pragmatic approach from both groups’ delegates was great,” Deputy Group Officer and new CFA Board member Bryce Morden said. “Many had been through mergers before with local sports clubs and knew we couldn’t wait for a crisis to trigger a merger.”

Delegates also agreed on the group’s new name – Apostles Group – to reflect the iconic landscape and shared identity of the region .

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
As planning got underway, it became clear that merging two groups involved more than just deciding on a new name. There were different ways of operating, and alignment was key.

Templates and tools helped clarify expectations, but the real value came from collaboration.

“It’s been interesting to see the different approaches from each of the groups across operations, admin, training and communications,” Bryce said. “We will need to take the best from both and create a new Apostles Group way of doing things.”

Katy said working with a wider range of people made decision-making stronger.

“I didn’t anticipate the value of the combined group management teams, with a broader experience base,” she said. “Bringing different perspectives to the table actually made the nuts and bolts of setting up the new group pretty straightforward.”

Introducing pre-nomination process before elections also gave brigade delegates more confidence in the process.

“We received pre-nominations for the officer positions, which really helped,” Mark said. “It gave delegates time to consider their choices ahead of the meeting. Voting by secret ballot meant the decisions were made in a fair, confidential and democratic way for the group’s first term.” 

WHAT’S NEXT?
With elections complete, the focus is now on establishing group procedures, preparing for the fire season and continuing to learn from each other.

The Apostles Group was created by bringing two groups together, but the goal was bigger than just a merger. It was about building a stronger, more sustainable future for the brigades involved.

As Bryce summed up: “Change is inevitable. We can choose to have agency and influence in the change process or we can sit back and let change happen to us.”

To learn more about the group amalgamation process, a case study is available. For a copy or if you have any questions, please email the Volunteer Sustainability Team (South West Region) at vst-swr@cfa.vic.gov.au.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigating power pole cut down near Kermandie Football Ground

Monday, 29 September 2025 – 11:03 am.

Police are investigating reports of a power pole deliberately cut down at the old mill site near the Kermandie Football Ground about 10am on Thursday (25 September), which resulted in a significant power outage to the Geeveston township and surrounding areas.
Police would like to speak to anyone with information in relation to the pole being cut down, or suspicious activity in the area around the time including a person in possession of a chainsaw.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Geeveston Police on 131 444 and quoting OR785900.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Airservices Australia

On 17 September 2025, the RBA decided to vary the Access Regime for the ATM System (the Access Regime) with effect on 1 October 2025. The purpose of the variation is to accommodate the replacement of the associated industry-administered ATM Access Code with a new ATM Access Standard. The amendments to the Access Regime are minor and do not change its substantive requirements.

For more details, see Access Regime for the ATM System Variation 2025 and the associated Explanatory Statement.

Details on the new ATM Access Standard are available on the AusPayNet website.