Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Green Party

​​NSW Health is urging the community to do everything they can to protect themselves from COVID, including getting vaccinated, as cases rise across the state.
The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows 3,475 people in NSW testing positive for COVID in the week ending 14 June, an increase of more than 10 per cent compared ​with the previous week. 
The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise and at moderate levels in NSW. 
Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus.
Rates of COVID notifications have increased since early May 2025 and concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over.
Health Protection NSW Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said COVID is now circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase, but there are things people can do to reduce the risk of becoming very sick.
“While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we’re urging people, especially those aged 65 and over, to get a booster to protect themselves,” Dr McAnulty said. 
“Boosters are recommended for people 75 years and older every 6 months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months.
“COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors, or are immunocompromised.
“People aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, who have COVID are eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness if they seek care early enough. These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly.
“Importantly if you do fall ill, you can always call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, instant health advice and for access to antivirals if you are eligible.” 
Dr McAnulty said in addition to vaccination, there are other ways that people can help prevent the spread of COVID. 
“The impact that COVID and other respiratory illnesses like influenza and RSV will have on NSW will be determined by the actions all of us take this winter,” he said. ​
“While vaccination is the best protection, if we all do the right things, like staying home if we’re sick, wearing a mask if you do need to go out when unwell, and avoiding crowded spaces for gatherings, we can protect each other from these nasty viruses.”
NSW Health also continues to remind the community there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:

Staying up to date with their vaccinations
Staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
Avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
Considering doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
Making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza about what to do if they get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if they are eligible for antiviral medicine
Practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

For more information on eligibility for COVID vaccination, visit the Commonwealth Government’s websit​e.
You can find a vaccine provider using the healthdirect Service Finder​.
All COVID-19 vaccinations are free to all people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.
If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage the community to call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for free, instant health advice anywhere, anytime, across NSW. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

North Motton man charged with murder

Thursday, 19 June 2025 – 4:57 pm.

Police have this afternoon charged a 46-year-old man with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault after a police officer was fatally shot in Tasmania’s North West on Monday.
The North Motton man recently appeared in a bedside court sitting. He will reappear in court at a later date.
The man remains under guard in hospital where he is receiving medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams thanked those involved in the ongoing investigation for their dedication and professionalism.
“I want to sincerely thank all those who have played a part in this investigation,” she said.
“Their diligent work in such difficult circumstances is to be commended.
“The support our members have shown for Constable Keith Smith’s family and loved ones, and each other, is testament to the strength of our blue family.
“I would also like to thank community members for the outpouring of support they have shown Keith’s family and friends, and Tasmania Police more broadly.”

Picture: Members of the Tasmania Police investigation team on scene at the property on Allison Road, North Motton, this week. 

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: Australian National Party

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force are calling for information after four vehicles were damaged at a block of units along Grevillea Road in Katherine East overnight.

Police received reports this morning that four vehicles were damaged within the area and upon review of available CCTV footage it was identified that there were two suspects involved. Police believe the two also allegedly continued to canvass nearby properties throughout the night.

The persons of interest are believed to be youths, with one wearing a red hoodie with black sleeves, and the other wearing a camouflage patterned black and white hoodie.

If anyone has any information in relation to this incident, particularly those who may have CCTV footage from the area to contact police on 131 444. Please reference job number NTP2500062353. You can anonymously report crime via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

In between writing Straight from the source each month, I’m quite active on LinkedInExternal Link, sharing regular reminders and messages. I hope you’ve also been seeing my updates to the not-for-profit (NFP) sector there, especially about lodging the 2023–24 NFP self-review return.

I’ve met and spoken to many NFPs at various events across Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin and Alice Springs over the last 6 weeks, and I’m always encouraged by the passion and commitment of people making a difference in the community.

My message remains constant: ‘we’re here to help you get it right!’

NFP self-review return helping NFPs identify their correct status

The NFP self-review return was introduced to enhance transparency and integrity across the NFP population who self-assess as income tax exempt. As anticipated, with the first year of lodgment now behind us we’ve seen some shifts in the NFP population, with some NFP organisations identifying their correct taxable status at law.

While our data is still being assessed, our preliminary observations indicate that as of 31 May 2025:

• Over 29,000 NFPs have lodged their self-review return for the 2023–24 income year – these organisations will have their future year returns pre-populated making it easier to lodge the 2024–25 return. Around 97% of NFPs who have lodged have confirmed their eligibility to an income tax exemption.
• Around 4,000 NFPs have registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) as a charity, having realised they cannot self-assess as income tax exempt.
• Almost 1,000 NFPs have lodged a non-lodgment advice (NLA) with the ATO to indicate that they are taxable NFPs with taxable income less than $416. Around 600 NFPs have lodged income tax returns disclosing combined total income in the millions.
• Many NFPs have also cancelled their ABN because the NFP no longer exists, which is a legislative requirement of holding an ABN.

We expect a continued shift in the NFP population as organisations continue to review their purpose, activities and identify their correct taxable status. Here is what you need to know.

Charitable NFPs

NFPs with solely charitable purposes must be registered with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO to access an income tax exemption. There’s no provision in the tax law for a charitable organisation to self-assess an income tax exemption. So, unless you’re registered with the ACNC, you are a taxable NFP.

Charitable NFPs should pay particular attention to the following points:

• ensure you’re compliant with the ACNC governance standards, external conduct standards and that your Annual Information Statement (AIS) is lodged with the ACNC as non-lodgment can affect your income tax status and access to other tax concessions
• meet all your tax and employer obligations as this is a requirement of maintaining your taxable status
• reach out for assistance early if you’re having difficulty with any of your tax, super and registry obligations.

Lodgment obligations for NFPs with an active ABN that self-assess as income tax exempt

Since 1 July 2024, NFPs that have an active ABN and self-assess as income tax exempt have been required to lodge an annual NFP self-review return. The self-review return is due between 1 July and 31 October each year. It can be lodged using Online services for business, through the self-help phone service or by a registered tax agent.

To demonstrate that the entity is operating as an NFP, it needs to have and follow requisite NFP clauses in their governing documents. We’ve provided additional time through to 30 June 2026 for NFPs to update their governing documents. To be eligible for this additional time your organisation must not have made any distribution of income or assets to particular individuals or members.

NFPs that haven’t lodged their first self-review return are required to lodge their 2023–24 return as soon as possible. Once the 2023–24 return is lodged, we can prepopulate future returns to make compliance even easier.

If you haven’t yet lodged your 2023–24 return, when you log into online services this tax time you will see you have 2 NFP self-review returns due. You need to lodge your return for 2023–24 first, as they need to be lodged sequentially. Here are some handy tips:

• Refer to our update, connect and lodge flowchart on the ATO website for a step-by-step guide on how to update your ABN details and set up access to Online services for business. You can find the flowchart by visiting ato.gov.au/NFPlodgmentsteps.
• If you’re having trouble lodging online, you can still lodge your return using our automated self-help phone service on 13 72 26.
• Check out our tailored guidance that supports NFPs at ato.gov.au/NFPtaxexempt and we encourage you to subscribe to our NFP newsletter at subscribe.news.ato.gov.auExternal Link. You’ll be kept up to date with how to meet your tax and super obligations.
• We also maintain a dedicated NFP Advice Service on 1300 30 248. If you have a question, you can call our team.

Taxable NFPs

If you don’t meet the requirements of the self-assessing income tax exempt categories, or you’re charitable, haven’t registered with the ACNC and have been endorsed by us, you’re a taxable NFP.

Taxable NFPs may have to lodge income tax returns and pay income tax, or in some instances notify us of a non-lodgment advice.

The following points are important for taxable NFPs:

• Identify all sources of income. This may include income from your members such as membership fees, income from non-members and income earned from other sources such as bank interest.
• Use our mutuality guide to find out if you can apply the mutuality principle when calculating taxable income. The guide will help you to identify your members and non-members, and how to correctly classify revenue and expenses.
• If you’re a taxable NFP company and your taxable income is $416 or less, you can meet your lodgment obligation by downloading and completing the non-lodgment advice form.
• If you do have income tax to pay but can’t pay on time, reach out to us early to discuss support options you can access to meet your tax and super obligations.

Other news

Engage early if you have a debt to pay – NFPs aren’t exempt from our debt collection action. Our key message is for NFPs to seek early support from us when they’re having difficulty meeting their reporting and/or payment obligations. Employer obligations is a significant focus area for us given the NFP sector employs 10% of Australia’s workforce.

Giving fund reforms – Treasury has opened consultation on Giving fund reforms and invites your feedback on the following proposed changes:

• renaming ancillary funds to giving funds in the tax law
• aligning the annual distribution rate between public and private giving funds
• increasing the annual distribution rate
• allowing funds to smooth distributions across years.

Submissions to this consultation can be made up until 1 August 2025 and the paper is available on the Treasury website at Giving fund reforms: distribution rate and smoothingExternal Link.

Read the government’s announcement on the Treasury website for more information at Supporting philanthropic givingExternal Link.

ATO Vulnerability Framework – Our draft ATO Vulnerability Framework to support people experiencing vulnerability has been published and is open for public consultation.

You’re invited to share your feedback to help us refine our final version so that it reflects the needs and experiences of the people it’s designed to support. Responses can be submitted up until 18 July 2025.

Super guarantee rate – A reminder that the super guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% on 1 July 2025. This is the final scheduled increase. The 12% rate will need to be applied for all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on and after 1 July. This is even if some or all of the pay period it relates to is before 1 July. Employers need to remember to pay SG in full, on time and to the right fund. The next quarterly due date is 28 July. Contributions must be paid quarterly but can be paid more frequently.

In summary

We remain committed to supporting NFPs through education and guidance as part of our transitionary approach. Our goal is to help organisations understand and meet their tax, super and registry obligations with confidence.

We encourage early engagement, and when organisations reach out before issues escalate we can work together to find practical solutions. We want to avoid situations where delaying action to meet lodgment and payment obligations can lead to more complex challenges.

Our focus continues to be on prevention and tailored support. Whether it’s understanding income tax obligations, applying the mutuality principle, or accessing support when facing financial difficulty, we’re here to help you get it right.

Let’s keep the conversation going – because when we work together, we can ensure the NFP sector remains strong, sustainable and compliant.

I look forward to speaking with many of you at future events.

Take care and stay safe
Jennifer

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested two female youths in relation to an aggravated robbery in Darwin City yesterday evening.

Around 6:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 25-year-old woman had been robbed along Garramilla Boulevard.

It is alleged that three female youths approached the woman, with one attempting to steal her bag. When the victim resisted, one of the offenders allegedly produced a pair of scissors and threatened to stab her. The victim then surrendered her bag, and the group fled the scene on foot.

There were no reported injuries during the incident.

Police conducted patrols of the area and subsequently arrested two 13-year-old females. One of the alleged offenders was found in possession of items belonging to the victim at the time of arrest.

One offender remains outstanding.

The two 13-year-old youths remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference number P25163904. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning Australians to remain vigilant following reports scammers have been impersonating phone numbers belonging to the ACCC in an attempt to steal personal information.

The ACCC and the National Anti-Scam Centre, which operates under the ACCC, have become aware of scammers using publicly available ACCC phone numbers, which are listed on the agency’s official website.

In some reported cases, the scammers claimed to be representatives of the ACCC and requested sensitive information over the phone. In others, they misused the ACCC acronym to impersonate an unrelated organisation and spoke in a language other than English.

The National Anti-Scam Centre warns that the ACCC phone numbers have been ‘spoofed’. The ACCC does not make calls from its reception numbers.

“Spoofing is when scammers disguise their phone number to make it look like they’re calling from a trusted organisation — including government agencies like the ACCC — to deceive people into answering and sharing personal information,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“This is a tactic that helps scammers hide their true identity while posing as trusted institutions – it’s designed to lower your guard. If a call or message feels off, trust your instincts and hang up. It’s safer to end the call and check in directly with us.”

The ACCC and the National Anti-Scam Centre will never ‘cold’ call or email consumers and ask for your personal information such as your passwords, bank details or answers to security questions. The ACCC does not charge money for its services and would never threaten or pressure you to stay on the line.

If you receive a call claiming to be from the ACCC where personal information such as passwords or bank details are requested, do not provide this information and hang up.

“We encourage all Australians to report scams — every report helps us track patterns and protect others,” Ms Lowe said.

The National Anti-Scam Centre also reminds the community to be extremely wary of urgent requests asking people to act immediately, and to never provide personal information if unsure. Do not click on any links or download attachments from messages unless you are sure it is someone you can trust.

How to spot and avoid scams

STOP – Don’t give money or personal information to anyone if you’re unsure. Scammers will create a sense of urgency. Don’t rush to act. Say ‘no’, hang up, delete.

CHECK – Ask yourself could the call or text be fake? Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Contact the organisation using information you source independently, so that you can verify if the call is real or not.

PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you lose money. If you have provided personal information call IDCARE on 1800 595 160. The more we talk the less power they have. Report scams to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service at scamwatch.gov.au when you see them. If you’re contacted on a messaging platform like WhatsApp or iMessage, please also report the scam in the app.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to announce Angela Hays as its new Director Corporate Performance.

Ms Hays joins the City following roles as Head of People & Customer at Melton City Council and Director Corporate Services at Mackay Regional Council.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said Ms Hays’ experience in providing high level strategic direction, financial management, and her sound understanding of Local government processes made her a strong candidate.

“Angela has built a diverse career in government roles, while leading and supporting capable teams across a diverse set of portfolios,” Mr Cooney said.

“Angela will be leading the Financial Strategy, IT, People and Culture, Governance & Performance and Customer Engagement & Communication units.

“Having recently relocated to Bendigo with her family; Angela is excited about contributing to the community she now calls home.  We look forward to Angela joining the team and bringing her leadership, skills, and experience to the organisation.”

Ms Hays said she was excited by the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the City.

“Having previously worked in Local Government, I understand the important leadership role a council has in a community,” she said.

“The City is a highly regarded Local Government and I am delighted to accept this role and get to know the Corporate Performance staff and broader organisation.”

Ms Hays will start with the City on Monday July 7, 2025. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services