Source: Mental Health Australia
Another major milestone has been reached on the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass project. Blasting crews have completed their work on the 160-metre Roberts Hill tunnel, the third and final tunnel on the transformational project.
Full release available here (PDF, 200.85 KB)
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police target illegal weapons: Five charged, 33 firearms seized
Thursday, 14 August 2025 – 8:41 am.
Five people have been charged, and police have seized more than 30 firearms and other weapons following a targeted operation in Western District last week.
Detective Inspector Michelle Elmer said the operation focused on reducing the risk posed by illegal and improperly stored weapons in the community.
“In just one week we executed five search warrants and seized 33 firearms and close to 6,000 rounds of ammunition,” she said.
“The seized firearms included shotguns and handguns, some of which were unsecured or improperly modified.”
“We also seized silencers, a crossbow and tasers.”
“Among the firearms seized were several held by licensed owners who were found to be in breach of storage and usage regulations.”
“With more than 37,000 firearms licenses and over 155,000 registered firearms in Tasmania, these results highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance around firearm safety and compliance.”
“Every unsecured or illegally held firearm represents a potential threat to community safety.”
“Concerningly, at a local business officers also located a manufactured firearms part, and equipment that could be used to manufacture ammunition.”
Those charged are a 26-year-old North Motton man, a 66-year-old Sheffield man, a 37-year-old Burnie man, a 46-year-old Devonport man and a 32-year-old Rocherlea woman. They will appear in court at a later date.
Inspector Elmer reiterated Tasmania Police’s commitment to keeping the community safe.
“Our officers are working tirelessly to remove dangerous weapons from circulation and hold people accountable, because community safety is our highest priority.”
Tasmania Police encourages anyone with concerns about illegal firearms or unsafe storage practices to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444, or Triple-Zero (000) in an emergency.
People can also contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania anonymously on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.
For more information about firearms licensing and registration in Tasmania, visit https://fas.police.tas.gov.au/
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Fatal crash, Midland Highway
Wednesday, 13 August 2025 – 6:18 pm.
Sadly, a person has died following a crash on the Midland Highway this afternoon.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene at northern exit/entrance to Ross about 2.15pm.
Initial inquiries indicate the person was travelling in a small sedan exiting the Ross township, when it crashed with a heavy vehicle which was travelling south. They were the sole occupant of the sedan.
The driver of the heavy vehicle was not physically injured. As is standard practice, they are assisting police with their enquiries and will be subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
The highway remains closed with diversions in place through the township of Ross.
Anyone with information in relation to the crash, is asked to contact Launceston Crash Investigation Services on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 236-13082025.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the crash.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Source: Premier of Victoria
Greater Western Sydney is leading Australia’s next wave of economic growth, with the region outperforming the state in business investment, infrastructure development and community satisfaction.
NAB’s Greater Western Sydney Horizon’s Report: Spirit of Growth highlights a region on the rise, with new cities, transport links and commercial precincts reshaping the economic landscape of Sydney’s west.
NAB Metro and Specialised Business Banking Executive Julie Rynski said the region’s momentum was undeniable.
“We’ve seen historic levels of investment pour into Greater Western Sydney in recent years – and this is only just the start,” Ms Rynski said.
“From Parramatta’s transformation into Sydney’s second CBD to the emergence of Bradfield City Centre, we’re seeing a new economic engine take shape.
“Businesses are investing, families are settling, and communities are flourishing.”
The report also outlines a wave of infrastructure projects reshaping the region and driving this growth:
“These projects aren’t just about transport – they’re about transformation,” Ms Rynski said.
“They’re unlocking new business districts, shortening commutes, and creating opportunities for every kind of enterprise.”
NAB Head of Behavioural and Industry Economics Dean Pearson said residents scored higher on life satisfaction drivers, such as education (62%), personal safety (54%) and family life (54%).
“Greater Western Sydney continues to stand out as a region where economic momentum is matched by personal wellbeing and cultural vibrancy,” he said.
“As infrastructure and investment reshapes the west, it’s clear that people and communities are thriving, not just surviving.”
Notes to editors
For all media enquiries, please contact the NAB Media Line on 03 7035 5015
Source: New South Wales – News
A man has been arrested after being found inside a Thebarton business overnight.
About 1.45am Thursday 14 August, police responded to a George Street café following reports of an alarm activation and CCTV capturing a suspect inside the premises removing the cash till.
Police quickly established a cordon around the café before moving inside where they located a male suspect. As patrols approached, it will be alleged that the man threw a hammer at an officer, narrowly missing them, before he fled on foot. Police gave chase and the man was swiftly arrested.
A rear door to the café was found damaged which police will allege the suspect used to gain entry to the premises. Crime Scene Investigators will attend to examine the scene this morning.
The 45-year-old man from Adelaide was charged with serious criminal trespass, assaulting a prescribed emergency worker and hindering police. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.
Police located the suspect’s vehicle nearby the scene which appeared to contain a large amount of copper wire. The car was seized for further examination.
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) acknowledges the High Court decisions in Commissioner of Taxation v PepsiCo, Inc. and Commission of Taxation v Stokely-Van Camp, IncExternal Link.
The High Court’s decision confirms PepsiCo, Inc and Stokely-Van Camp, Inc are not liable to pay royalty withholding tax nor diverted profits tax in the matters in dispute.
The ATO welcomes the High Court’s clarification of these important areas of law.
We are currently considering this decision including any broader impact it may have on the reasoning set out in draft Taxation Ruling TR 2024/D1 Income tax: royalties – character of payments in respect of software and intellectual property rights.
ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
As part of the Payday Super reform, the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will close on 1 July 2026.
To support small businesses to transition to alternative services prior to this time, new users will be unable to register to use the service from 1 October 2025.
Existing users are encouraged to take steps now to transition to alternative options. These include reviewing your existing software and payroll packages, which may already include super functions, or looking at options offered by super funds, commercial clearing houses, or other payroll software or providers.
For more information visit ato.gov.au/howtopaysuper or speak with your registered tax professional.
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Source: Mental Health Australia
The NSW Government is strengthening its commitment to building a safer, more connected NSW by rolling out cutting-edge level crossing safety technology at a site near Quirindi.
The regional crossing was once marked by tragedy but is now the site of innovation, with the NSW Government launching the state’s first trial of a cutting-edge safety system that could help prevent future fatalities.
The $1.2 million trial of the Rail Active Crossing System (RAXS) has been activated at Callaghans Lane, with lights flashing from today.
The modular, solar-powered system uses wireless train detection to trigger flashing lights, bells, and clear warning signs, converting a passive crossing into a fully active one.
The technology has been purpose-built for regional and remote areas, where traditional infrastructure may not be feasible, but the risks are real and often deadly.
The RAXS trial is a joint initiative of Transport for NSW, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Rail Safety Systems, with funding from the NSW Government ($715,000) and the Australian Government ($500,000) through the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program.
The technology was installed in July and activated after rigorous safety testing.
The trial runs through to mid-2026, with monitoring in place to assess how motorists interact with the new system.
Importantly, the installed cameras will not be used for enforcement and will be removed at the end of the trial.
The announcement coincides with National Rail Safety Week, a time to reflect on the more than 4,500 rail workers who have lost their life at work since the 1850s, and to reaffirm the need to protect all those who use and work around the rail network.
With more than 2,700 level crossings across NSW, and more than 850 passively controlled in regional areas, the NSW Government is taking action to help road and rail users get home safely.
Read the full media release here (PDF, 244.6 KB)
Source: New South Wales – News
Police have responded to an incident at Lonsdale where a person was struck by a train.
Just before 5.30pm Wednesday 13 August, police and emergency services were called to Lonsdale Train Station after reports a person was struck by a train.
The train station is closed and metro trains are suspended.
For train information please see https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/
Source: New South Wales – News
Police are preparing a report for the coroner following the death of a man at Pompoota, in the Murray Mallee this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Pompoota Landing Road at 2.20pm ,sadly a contractor, a 41-year-old man from Jervois, was found deceased at the scene.
Safework SA has been advised of the incident.
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.