Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

We welcome action taken by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to terminate the registration of Sydney-based tax agent William GageExternal Link, following the identification of fraud and misconduct during ATO and TPB investigations.

The process that led to Mr Gage’s deregistration followed an examination of his affairs by the ATO Wealth Program. This uncovered a key element of Mr Gage’s fraud – an altered receipt for falsely claiming a personal tax deduction.

Speaking about the case, Chair of the TPB, Peter de Cure AM, commented, “The integrity of the tax profession relies on tax practitioners upholding the highest ethical standards, and this case demonstrates the TPB’s commitment to taking decisive action against those who fail to do so. Mr Gage’s misconduct spanned many years and undermined public confidence, making his deregistration a necessary step in maintaining trust in the system.”

The subsequent TPB investigation confirmed misconduct committed by Mr Gage, which included false claims of rental deductions and losses, and failure to submit multiple tax returns and business activity statements for associated entities.

The Wealth Program is an important initiative under the Tax Avoidance Taskforce. It investigates privately owned and wealthy groups, and their advisers, that are deliberately and persistently avoiding tax obligations.

The program regularly engages early with other regulatory bodies, such as the TPB, to enable timely action to address misconduct.

ATO Assistant Commissioner for the Wealth Program, Sarah Taylor, said:

“This outcome is an example of the tax system working effectively to identify and take action on non-compliance. Cross-agency collaboration has contributed to decisive action on wrongdoing.”

Peter de Cure AM commented, “Tax practitioners hold a trusted position in the community. They must meet the highest standards of integrity and compliance in how they meet their own tax obligations. Most tax practitioners will welcome this result as such behaviour undermines trust in their profession.”

For more information on the Wealth Program and its role in supporting tax compliance, visit Wealth Program tackling serious tax avoidance.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Hadspen man charged: Police seize $50,000 of stolen property

Monday, 1 September 2025 – 9:56 am.

Police have charged a 37-year-old Hadspen man with multiple firearms, drug and stolen property offences as part of an investigation led by Taskforce Raven.
Detective Acting Inspector Aziz Melick said several search warrants were executed at various Hadspen addresses last week, with police locating illicit drugs, ammunition and a firearm, as well as more than $50,000 of stolen property.
“As well as locating illicit drugs, a firearm and ammunition, officers from Taskforce Raven and the Northern Criminal Investigation Division seized a significant amount of power tools, household appliances and industrial materials believed to be stolen,” he said.
“Police believe the stolen property relates to multiple offences committed in northern Tasmania recently.”
“The 37-year-old man was charged with more than 15 offences, and will appear in court at a later date.”
“Our Taskforce Raven members will continue to work alongside our uniform and criminal investigation areas to keep our communities safe.”
“Community support and information is vital to reducing crime.”
“If you see something, or you know something, call police or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.”
Information can be provided police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source:

Ahead of the looming fire season, a recent CFA survey revealed that 40 per cent of Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas do not have a bushfire plan in place to save their family.

One in five people in these areas do not believe “leaving early” in a fire emergency is the best way to safeguard their loved ones, and 16 per cent would stay to protect their property.

CFA’s annual post-season bushfire community survey has been conducted every year since 2009 to understand the attitudes, behaviours and preparedness of householders living in bushfire risk locations in Victoria.

Despite the recent AFAC Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicating increased fire risk across several drought-affected parts of the state, the survey found that out of the 611 people interviewed, 24 per cent did not feel adequately prepared around their home.

Over the last two years, the survey shows the perception of a bushfire being a threat to Victorians and their property has declined from very large to small, with 50 per cent of people not showing concern and nearly 40 per cent are not alarmed enough to warrant direct interaction with CFA.

Worryingly, those least concerned, and less likely to be prepared were located just 500 metres to one kilometre from bushland.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan expressed his concerns about the distressing statistics, warning Victorians that now is not the time to be complacent with an earlier and more active fire season predicted.  

“It is never too early to prepare. Don’t gamble with your safety this season. Residents living in high fire-risk areas must take their preparation more seriously,” Jason said.

“Take a moment to sit down with your household and make a plan so everyone knows what they need to do and where they need to go if a fire threatens your local area.

“It’s easy to panic and make poor decisions if you’re not prepared, and the last thing you want in an emergency is to become trapped. Leaving early is your greatest form of protection.”

A further 31 per cent of respondents would delay leaving until threatened by a bushfire, waiting for the danger to increase or for instructions from emergency services.

“It is vital you understand the risks of your residential area and where you are travelling this summer. The best way to do this is to download the VicEmergency App and set your watch zones to your locations so you are alerted to warnings wherever you are,” Jason said.

“Don’t wait for an official warning before you take action to protect your family.

“We have a number of resources available on our website to actively help you prepare before it is too late, and our volunteers are always happy to help you with any questions you may have.”

CFA will be running a Get Fire Ready weekend on Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October, where many brigades will open their doors to connect with local community members, hoping to build public awareness and preparedness across Victoria.

“We’re seeing a concerning decline in property preparedness around Victorian households, so we’re really encouraging you to tidy up around your homes over coming weeks,” Jason said.

“Before the warmer weather arrives, ensure you move your winter piles away from your houses and sheds, give your trees a prune, clear your gutters and maintain the length of your grass.

“Get your emergency kit packed and ready to go, fill it with clothes, medications, toiletries, chargers and blankets and take it with you when you head to shelter.

“As we witnessed throughout the fires in the Grampians last season, the mountain of work done in the lead up to summer can make all the difference in lessening devastation on communities.

“We want to be really clear this summer. Our members will always be prepared and on hand to assist you, but fire safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play.

“We cannot have a fire truck at every property during a major bushfire. We need you to do your bit too and take small steps to be more fire safe this year.”

Source: New South Wales – News

Detective Sergeant Bradley Galpin and Brevet Sergeant Gregory Blieden are among those recognised as part of today’s Australian Bravery Decorations Wattle Day 2025 Honours List.

The accolade recognises acts of bravery where people selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others.

On 18 May 2019, the two SAPOL officers were tasked to a house fire. After neighbours advised people were still inside (then Constable) Blieden and Detective Sergeant Galpin gained access to the rear of the property, where they heard a five-year-old child crying.

They entered the residence but were forced to withdraw due to heat and smoke. The officers found an alternate entry by smashing a window, crawling on their hands and knees to try and reach the child while the dwelling was still ablaze.

The officers were again forced to withdraw as parts of the ceiling and structures began to collapse. Detective Sergeant Galpin assisted in physically removing Constable Blieden from the premises through a window after he suffered smoke inhalation and a wound to his arm.

At this time, Metropolitan Fire Service officers gained entry and located the child, who after medical intervention survived the incident.  A female occupant unfortunately could not be saved.

Both officers received a Police Bravery Medal in 2022 for their actions during the same incident. Two other SAPOL members also received a Certificate of Merit for their assistance during the housefire.

Acting Commissioner of Police Linda Williams commended Detective Sergeant Galpin and Brevet Sergeant Blieden on this esteemed national recognition.

“In a moment of peril, these police officers chose to act and put their lives in danger to save a child,” she said.

“Both these members demonstrated outstanding and sustained acts of bravery in the face of danger and are both deserving of this accolade.”

Detective Sergeant Galpin joined SAPOL 18 years ago and currently works in the Criminal Investigations Branch. He considered the rescue a team effort.

“I’m humbled to receive this award and grateful for the recognition,” he said.

“It was a collective effort from every person there that night.”

Brevet Sergeant Blieden graduated from SAPOL’s academy in 2014 and currently works at the Security Response Section, in Special Tasks and Rescue Group.

“I feel deeply honoured to receive this commendation, though it’s a recognition I share with the other officers and emergency first responders who were there that night,” he echoed.

“We were all working together, doing everything we could in a dangerous and confronting situation.

“While I’m grateful for the acknowledgement, my thoughts are with the family who suffered such a tragic loss. The outcome will always stay with me.”

Both officers claimed the recognition reinforced their commitment to their colleagues and the community.

“This accolade serves as a reminder of why we as police do what we do, why we respond without hesitation, and why teamwork is vital in moments where seconds matter,” Brevet Sergeant Blieden added.

The Commendation for Brave Conduct features a silver-gilt sprig of mimosa mounted at a 45-degree angle on a blood-red ribbon. This will be presented by the Governor-General of Australia at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Galpin

Brevet Sergeant Gregory Blieden

Source: New South Wales – News

The estimated crowds of 15,000 people were generally well-behaved, however, there were three arrests.

Two men, both aged 32, from Andrews Farm and Salisbury East, were arrested on East Terrace for wearing articles of disguise and fail to state personal details.

A 23-year-old Christie Downs man was arrested at Peace Park for assault police.

All three men were bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 20 October.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police respond to protest activity in Hobart

Sunday, 31 August 2025 – 2:35 pm.

Tasmania Police were present at a planned protest in Salamanca today to ensure public safety and maintain order as two opposing groups came together in the area.
Police enforced separation between the groups throughout the event, and the Public Order Management Team (POMT) was deployed as a precautionary measure to assist with crowd management.
The majority of attendees behaved lawfully, and no arrests were made.
Tasmania Police acknowledges and respects the democratic right of individuals to protest. However, when a protest or demonstration has the potential to impact public safety, police have a duty to take appropriate action to protect the community.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after a stolen motor vehicle rammed a police vehicle early this morning in Darwin.

Around 4:35am, Strike Force Trident members travelling in an unmarked police vehicle observed a previously reported stolen Toyota Land Cruiser driving in Woolner.

The Trident members attempted a traffic apprehension, however the stolen vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit commenced. As the Land Cruiser entered Sadgroves Cresent in Winnellie, the offenders suddenly reversed and rammed into the police vehicle, causing damage to its front.

Neither police member was injured as a result of the collision.

The stolen motor vehicle fled the scene and remains outstanding.

Detective Senior Sergeant Darren Burns said, “This is abhorrent behaviour.

“It is disgraceful that our frontline workers have been targeted while executing their duty to serve and protect the community.

“There are no excuses for the actions of the offenders involved and Strike Force Trident will work tirelessly to ensure they have their day in court.”

Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25231149. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales – News

Police were called to an address at Lower Light about 10.45pm on Friday 29 August by reports of a disturbance between two groups of people.

It will be alleged a 17-year-old boy was stabbed during the altercation.  He was driven from the scene and flagged down the police patrol responding to the incident on the Port Wakefield Highway, near Mallala Road.

The teen sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.  His condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

A 23-year-old Lower Light man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault cause harm.  He was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 10 October.

Police wish to reassure the local community that this was not a random incident and the people involved are known to each other.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation can provide it anonymously to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Source: New South Wales – News

Emergency services responded when a car collided with a bus stop, tree and Stobie pole on Cross Keys Road, Salisbury just after 2am on Saturday 30 August.

Cross Keys Road remains closed to traffic in both directions this morning between Frost Road and Park Terrace at Salisbury while Major Crash investigators examine the scene.

SA Power Networks also attended to repair the Stobie pole.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au