Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Meadowbrook Health Centre promised during the 2019 federal election and fully funded by the Albanese Labor Government is now open to patients.

It will provide better healthcare, quicker and closer to home for thousands of people.

The Albanese Government has officially handed over the $33.4 million centre to be operated by Queensland Health.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said the centre will provide care to the Logan community from today and into the future.

“The Albanese Government’s $33.4 million investment builds on our reforms to strengthen Medicare and ensure people get the care they need, where they need it,” he said.

“This centre will keep locals out of busy hospital emergency departments.”

Located opposite the Logan Hospital, the centre includes a minor injury and illness clinic which is open now, enabling residents to access vital non‑life‑threatening care without needing to go to the hospital emergency department.

This new centre will work as part of an established urgent care service network with the Logan Medicare Urgent Care Clinic also operating nearby.

Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin Jim Chalmers said along with a minor injury and illness clinic, the centre included a women’s health outpatient centre providing gynaecology and antenatal services which would open soon.

“This is a gamechanger for our local area,” he said.

“This new centre will ease pressure on the emergency department at Logan Hospital and it will give our community easier access to quality care.

“It means better healthcare, quicker and closer to home for thousands of people in our community.”

Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the opening of the Meadowbrook Health Centre and the new Minor Injury and Illness Clinic was a valuable addition to the Logan community.

“We are doing all we can to take the load off our busy EDs and this new clinic is vital in ensuring patients who don’t need to be in emergency can get the medical care they need in a timely fashion,” Minister Nicholls said.

“These facilities are designed to provide members of the community with same day walk‑in, walk‑out care and services for non‑life‑threatening conditions.”

The Crisafulli Government will ensure ongoing delivery of services at the centre through continual funding.

Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger said he was pleased to see this investment from the Albanese Labor Government delivering real benefits for his community through this new health centre.

“My priority is delivering for our local community and the new health centre is a great example of how we are responding to the needs of the community,” he said.

“The new health centre at Meadowbrook will ease the pressure on nearby health facilities, which are already operating at capacity, as well as provide local families with the reassurance they deserve to know they can get treatment for their loved ones when and as they need it.”

Metro South Health Chief Executive Noelle Cridland said the Meadowbrook Health Centre would support and work in collaboration with Logan Hospital.

She said Metro South Health was proud to provide another modern, accessible, convenient facility designed to provide better access to care, including women’s health services previously located at Logan Hospital.

“We have already seen an amazing response from people attending the Satellite Health Centre’s at Eight Mile Plains and Redlands, so I’m thrilled that Logan residents will have the same opportunity to access free, high‑quality care locally in this rapidly growing community,” Ms Cridland said.

Meadowbrook Health Centre Facility Manager Tracey McTigue said patients could walk in at any time during opening hours to access care in the Minor Injury and Illness Clinic.

“The Minor Injuries and Illness Clinic on the ground floor will be open from 8am to 10pm daily to treat simple fractures, sprains and strains, fevers and coughs, head injuries without loss of consciousness, and a range of other non‑life‑threatening conditions,” Ms McTigue said.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 22-year-old male in relation to a criminal damage incident that occurred at a restaurant in the Alice Springs CBD on Tuesday, where significant damage was caused to the premises.

The offender was located and arrested by Alice Springs police a short time ago in The Gap. 

He remains in custody and is expected to be charged with Damage to property, Armed with an offensive weapon and Possession of a prohibited weapon.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force are calling for information in relation to an assault that occurred at the intersection of Dick Ward Drive and Progress Drive yesterday evening.

About 10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted by a male who then ran from the area.

Members of the public intervened and assisted police in locating the suspect, who was arrested a short time later. The 19-year-old male was taken into police custody and investigations are ongoing. The detail of any relationship between the parties forms part of the investigation.

The victim was conveyed to the Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment.

Detective Senior Sergeant Caragh Hen said, “This incident occurred in a very public place, in full view of pedestrians and motorists.  The reported offending is abhorrent and brazen and has no place in our Community.”

Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and reference job number NTP2500070146. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you have CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, it may be uploaded here: https://ntpol.au.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/ntp2500070146

The NT Police Force thanks the witnesses who intervened on this occasion to protect the victim and prevent further violence.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (131 114).

Source:

Statement by Steve Knott AM, Chief Executive
Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA)

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has today granted “same job same pay” orders covering Operations Services (OS) employees working at three BHP Queensland coal mines, finding OS employees were supplied to BHP Coal for their labour rather than to provide services.

The decision is considered an important test case of the same job same pay laws, marking the first time an employer has sought to rely upon provisions that prevent the FWC from making orders where arrangements are for the provision of services rather than the supply of labour.

Known as the “service contractor exemption”, these provisions were negotiated into the same job same pay laws by AREEA when it became clear in late 2023 that the Albanese Government had enough support in the Senate to legislate their long-held policy.

To determine whether an arrangement is for the provision of a service or for the supply of labour, the FWC must consider several criteria including how involved the employer is in the performance of work, who supervises or controls employees, and which entity supplies the systems, equipment and structures of work.

Today’s decision reflects the FWC’s considerations of how work is performed at the relevant BHP sites and its view that the BHP-OS arrangements do not satisfy the service contractor exemption.

Having carefully reviewed the Full Bench’s conclusions, it’s clear the FWC is prevented from making orders covering genuine service contracting arrangements.

This exemption will apply to any service business – from specialist mining contractors to cleaning and catering companies – where they demonstrate they supervise their own employees, control their performance of work, supply them with equipment, and other factors.

As stated by the Full Bench:

Subsection (1) confers the power, and obligation, to make a regulated labour hire arrangement order. That section is rendered inoperative unless the Commission is positively satisfied that the performance of work is not or will not be for the provision of a service, rather than the supply of labour.
– Paragraph 23, [2025] FWCFB 134

AREEA intervened in this important FWC matter to reaffirm the commitments made by the Government at the time of our negotiations that it did not intend for the same job same pay laws to cover genuine service contracting arrangements.

We note it is open to the affected employers to appeal the FWC’s decision to the Federal Court should they believe jurisdictional or factual errors have been made.

With the Federal Government focused on national productivity, it’s also important to consider the wider commercial ramifications of such decisions.

Increasing labour costs at some of Australia’s most productive mining operations, in this case to the tune of some $1.3 billion, will fundamentally impact long-term investment and employment decisions.

This will be to the detriment of the mining sector workforce, regional communities, and all the small and medium businesses that service large project operators along the supply chain.

AREEA’s position is amendments are needed to ensure the ‘same job same pay’ is targeted at clear cases where there is evidence that labour hire is being used to undermine, undercut or avoid the payment of enterprise agreement wages.

Businesses that supply labour to clients via legitimate and lawful above-award arrangements provide an invaluable service to the economy, and they must be allowed to do so with certainty and confidence.

Source: New South Wales – News

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

An estate agent’s representative is facing disciplinary action this month after allegedly using pressure sales tactics and lying to vulnerable homeowners.

Akashdeep Singh Purba, 33, of Craigieburn, worked at VSS Estate Agents Pty Ltd (trading as The ELEET) when he allegedly committed the breaches between February and April 2023.

Purba door-knocked people’s homes with offers to sell their properties. It’s alleged he convinced them to sign sales contracts described as non-binding. They in fact had hefty costs, including commissions, if they withdrew. Those who tried to pull out of contracts were left with unexpected debts, including commissions – and in some cases, were prevented from selling with anyone else.

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) alleges that Purba:

• failed to follow his client’s instructions, and to act in their best interests
• failed to exercise due care, skill and diligence in performing his role
• was unprofessional or acted in a way detrimental to the agency and the industry’s reputation.

The matter is scheduled for a directions hearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on 22 July 2025.

CAV is reminding people that if they receive a knock on the door from a real estate agent, they have the right to ask them to leave immediately. If let in, they can also be asked to leave at any time.

Consumers wanting to sell their property through a real estate agent, should also do their research to choose one who meets expectations.

Disciplinary proceedings can result in reprimands, fines, and licence suspension or cancellation.

Learn more about selling your property.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Welcome and governance

The ATO Co-chair welcomed members and ATO attendees to the Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group (TPSG) Tax Time 2025 meeting.

ATO updates

Frontline Services

We can confirm it has been a successful first week of tax time:

• We’ve received 22,000 calls from agents, which is 8% down from last year.
• Lodgment numbers are down 10% for self-preparers, and 15% for agent lodged.
• Safety nets have now been successfully lifted; therefore early lodgers should start receiving their refunds by the end of this week.

IT system updates and maintenance

Good performance of core Tax Time Support systems with forecasts for Online Services and IITR Lodgments tracking well.

Planned maintenance of ATO online was successfully completed on Monday 6 July between 9:00 pm AEST and 1:00 am AEST (7 July).

ATO Digital services

Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) have identified an error in their original reporting of PAYGW for members of the MSBS and DFRDB super schemes.

CSC lodged their original report on 4 July with this data flowing through to pre-fill tax returns. On 6 July, it was reported that pre-fill information had been reported twice as both super lump sum and super income stream income.

We are working with CSC to address the issue as soon as possible. Its recommended members wait for prefill data to be corrected before lodging. Members who have lodged with the duplicated data may need to complete an amendment to correct this issue.

ATO Communications

We continue to highlight the importance of keeping accurate records and eligibility when claiming deductions in line with our ongoing ‘Back to Basics’ theme.

The ATO Tax Time Spokesperson will be recording the KPMG Tax Now podcast, the Tax Vibe podcast, as well as recording an episode of the NTAA’s Tax on the Couch.

An ATO Community language officer will be interviewed on SBS in Hindi on the importance of using a registered tax agent, including how to find out if the tax agent is registered and that only a registered tax agent can charge a fee for preparing and lodging your tax return. They will also cover if taxpayers are unsure of their tax obligations or need assistance, they can speak to a registered tax agent.

The first ‘Open Forums’ for this financial year, scheduled on 7 August from 1:00 pm AEST, will cover TPB Code obligations, implementation and compliance guidance, and Small Business focus areas for the upcoming quarter.

The Tax Professionals Tax Time webcast recording is now available at Tax professionals webcasts | Australian Taxation Office. Topics discussed around tax time include what’s new for individuals and small business clients, preparing your practice, and cyber security.

Superannuation

As of Monday 7 July, 56% of employers have finalised their STP data ensuring their employees have the right information to lodge their 2024–25 income tax returns.

We have reminded members that employer’s STP finalisation declarations are due next Monday 14 July. They should make sure they finalise the data for all employees paid during the financial year. This includes those they haven’t paid for a while, like employees or casuals who stopped work for them during the year.

Member insights and experience

Member comments

A member reminded tax agents that the prefill availability is updated regularly, and encouraged members to promote information on Pre-fill availability across their networks via their newsletters and tax time communications, etc.

Useful links

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Tasmania Police target criminal use of cryptocurrency ATMs

Friday, 11 July 2025 – 10:29 am.

Tasmania Police has contacted more than 15 Tasmanians, including scam victims and suspected money mules, as part of a national crackdown on the criminal use of cryptocurrency ATMs knowns as CATMs.As part of the operation, Tasmania Police Cyber Investigations identified no legitimate CATM activity across the top 15 users in the state, with all users found to be involved in scams.The investigation found the 15 victims had suffered combined losses of $2.5 million – including about $900,000 deposited to cryptocurrency ATMs.Detective Sergeant Paul Turner said since 2021, the number of cryptocurrency ATMs in Tasmania increased from one to 20 statewide.“Victims are being manipulated, intimidated and pressured into investing in fake investment and romance scams,” he said.“Victims in many cases were directed to crypto ATMS by the scammers after receiving friction from their financial institution when trying to transfer funds. We urge people to listen to the advice provided by the banks and when in doubt seek advice from friends, family or police.“These scams are often high value and can have sever and lifelong impacts on victims., including victims becoming dependant on pensions, forced to sell assets or delay retirement, families being forced to take on financial support roles and reduced overall economic activity within Tasmania.”Common cryptocurrency scams include romance scams, investment scams, government or utility scams, tech support scams, and job scams.“If you are asked to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency ATM by someone you’ve never met in person, or the offer comes with a high-pressure deadline or urgent tone, then it is likely a scam,” Detective Sergeant Turner said.“Other warning signs include being promised high returns or guaranteed profits.”
What to do if you’ve been scammed• Cut all contact with the scammer immediately.• Notify your digital currency exchange provider or bank immediately.• Don’t send any more money.• Report it to police and to Scamwatch.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 16-year-old male has been arrested after he assaulted police while escaping custody in Tennant Creek yesterday.

Around 3:55pm, police were attempting to arrest the offender during which a struggle ensued. The male physically assaulted both police members while being taken into custody, before fleeing the scene on foot.

Neither member suffered significant injury from the assault.

General duties police responded and located the offender at an address in Tennant Creek. At 4:20pm, he was arrested without incident and taken to the Tennant Creek watch house.

He has since been charged with:

• Assault police x2
• Escape custody
• Damage property

Superintendent Katie Hatzismalis said, “Assaulting a frontline worker who is trying to serve and protect their community is disgraceful.

“I am thankful that no one was seriously injured, and the offender will face court for his actions.”