A teenage boy was arrested after riding a stolen motorbike through the southern suburbs last night.
A victim reported his Honda motorcycle had been stolen from Gouger Street, Adelaide between 5.30pm and 7pm on Monday 18 August.
About 8.30pm, police received information that the stolen motorbike had been spotted at Dover Gardens.
PolAir then tracked the motorcycle through the southern suburbs until it was dumped in a unit block car park on Auburn Court, Morphett Vale. The rider ran off and jumped the back fence but, with the assistance of Police Dog Duke, a 16-year-old boy was tracked down and arrested.
The Morphett Vale teen was charged with illegal use and riding unlicensed. He was bailed to appear in the Christies Beach Youth Court on 11 September.
A drink driver narrowly avoided a head-on collision at Prospect last night.
About 7pm on Monday 18 August, a traffic patrol spotted a red SUV driving on Daphne Street, Prospect when the car veered onto the wrong side of the road and nearly collided with an oncoming vehicle.
Police pulled over the SUV and the driver, a 42-year-old Banksia Park man, recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.218 – more than four times the legal limit.
He was reported for drink driving and aggravated driving without due care and issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence. His vehicle was impounded for 28 days and he will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Weekends have always been precious to me. As a child, they were filled with big family gatherings and memorable trips. During my university years, weekends were a whirlwind of part-time work, study and socialising. Later, as family responsibilities grew, weekends became a patchwork of children’s sports, birthday parties and volunteering at countless community and sporting events.
On the first Saturday of this month, I was invited to speak at the Council of ACT Motor Clubs Inc. meeting, where I was warmly welcomed by over 80 car enthusiasts eager to learn more about their reporting obligations.
I’m always struck by how many people in our community, myself included, give up their weekends to do the right thing. Whether it’s supporting others or meeting obligations, it’s a quiet but powerful form of service that keeps the NFP sector strong.
Thank you to all the NFPs that have engaged with the ATO – some for the very first time. My hope is that you can see the ATO stands by our commitment to simplify compliance, tailor support and address non-compliance.
In that spirit, here are some key reminders to help you stay on track.
ATO corporate plan
We released our corporate plan for 2025–26. The plan outlines our refreshed purpose and vision and lays out our priorities for the year ahead and how we plan to meet our commitments to government, and the expectation of the community, in the coming year.
The corporate plan is now available to read or download at ato.gov.au/corporateplan, and I encourage you to read the plan, especially our Commissioner’s foreword which outlines all the important functions of the ATO, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
DGR guidance updates
We’re always looking for ways to improve our guidance and we welcome feedback from the sector.
Previously, we advised taxpayers that they ‘can’ check the DGR status of an organisation via ABN Lookup. Now, we’re urging donors to actively check the DGR status of organisations before making a donation. This shift from passive advice to an active call to action is designed to prevent incorrect claims made to non-eligible organisations. It’s a simple but important step that helps protect donors and ensures integrity in the system. Soon you’ll see our updated guideance in the ‘What is a deductible gift recipient?’ section on our Gifts and donations page.
We’ve noticed a high number of applications for Community Shed DGR status from organisations that don’t meet the eligibility criteria. To help avoid disappointment, please read the Applying for DGR endorsement as a community shed article in this month’s NFP News before applying. It outlines the eligibility requirements and key characteristics of a community shed, along with examples of not-for-profit entities that do and don’t qualify.
Supporting you to complete the NFP self-review return
The NFP self-review return helps to enhance transparency and integrity across the sector. It improves visibility and accountability in the self-assessing NFP population, in response to increasing public and government expectations for transparency and appropriate access to tax concessions. Since its launch last year, our focus has been on helping NFPs understand and meet this new requirement.
This measure has already led to meaningful shifts across the sector, with some organisations recognising the need to register as charities to maintain income tax exemption, while others have come to understand that they do not meet the criteria and are therefore taxable.
As we identified themes in the questions from the sector, particularly around digital onboarding and outdated ABN records, we have provided extra support through targeted education, compliance arrangements and direct engagement.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by many NFPs – particularly those with limited resources, older volunteer bases, low digital literacy and culturally and linguistically diverse communities – we designed our approach to be inclusive, accessible and responsive to diverse needs.
As we’re now well into the lodgment period for the 2024–25 NFP self-review return, here’s a reminder of the available resources and support to help you lodge, which you can find at ato.gov.au/NFPtaxexempt.
Educational and guidance materials:
Direct support services:
a dedicated advice and guidance service on 1300 130 248, answered by technically trained staff who provide bespoke support rather than relying on scripted responses
a client engagement team to manage escalations and provide one-on-one assistance for taxpayers requiring additional support
collaboration with the ACNC to facilitate smooth transitions to charity status, including allowing initial lodgment via the self-review return while waiting for their ACNC application to be processed and offering extended transitional timeframes and tailored support.
Administrative and digital support:
Understanding your tax obligations as a charitable NFP
Charitable NFPs must be registered with the ACNC and endorsed by the ATO to be exempt from income tax. They cannot self-assess their tax-exempt status. Registered charities are not required to lodge income tax returns, but they must meet annual reporting obligations with the ACNC. Additionally, if they employ staff or are registered for GST, they must comply with obligations such as PAYG withholding, superannuation, and fringe benefits tax.
If you are a registered charity, staying informed and meeting your obligations ensures you can continue focusing on your mission without unexpected tax issues.
Answering common questions from taxable NFPs
Not all not-for-profit organisations are exempt from income tax. NFPs that are not registered charities or do not meet the criteria to self-assess as income tax exempt are considered taxable NFPs. These organisations must either lodge an income tax return or submit a non-lodgment advice, depending on their income. For example, if taxable income exceeds $416, a company tax return is required.
Taxable NFPs may also be subject to capital gains tax, PAYG instalments and fringe benefits tax, and must comply with employer obligations if they have staff. Understanding and meeting these requirements is essential to avoid penalties.
At my most recent presentation for taxable NFPs I answered a range of questions from attendees. The topics we covered are relevant to other taxable NFPs, so I’m sharing some of the most frequently asked questions and my responses:
Q: Do I need to lodge a tax return to carry forward a loss?
A: Yes. Not-for-profits that need to carry forward losses for future years must lodge a tax return even if your taxable income is below the $416 tax-free threshold. This helps ensure the loss is recorded and can be applied in future income years.
Q: Why do taxable NFPs have to use a paper company tax return and why can’t an NFP’s treasurer sign it?
A: If you’re not using a registered tax agent, you must lodge a paper return. Only your organisation’s Public Officer, a legally required role, can sign and lodge the return. There are no special exemptions for NFPs.
Q: Some NFPs have been put into the PAYG system. Can we apply for an exemption?
A: No, there’s no exemption from PAYG instalments. Entry is automatic if your reported income and tax meet certain thresholds. PAYG instalments are prepayments towards your expected tax.
If your instalments seem too high or too low, you can vary the amount. Find out How to vary your PAYG instalments. Some NFPs may also be eligible to pay annually instead of quarterly. Find out more about your eligibility at When are PAYG instalments due?
Q: Updating our organisation’s details is confusing, especially knowing who can do it. Can this be made clearer?
A: We understand it can be tricky, especially for volunteer-run NFPs. These steps are in place to protect your organisation’s tax information. We provide clear guidance for how to update your NFP’s details at Notifying us of changes to your not-for-profit.
Think N.F.P. and act now!
You might feel uncertain about how to meet your NFP’s tax obligations, especially if you’re a volunteer-led not-for-profit. But staying informed and proactive makes all the difference. Just remember ‘think N.F.P. and act now’.
N – Never ignore your obligations: avoiding tax responsibilities can lead to bigger issues later.
P – Prepare your details: keep your ABN, purpose and governing documents up to date.
And most importantly… Act now: don’t wait – review your tax position, complete your NFP self-review return if you are self-assessing as income tax exempt and reach out if you need help.
When a Commissioner’s commutation authority (CCA) is issued, you must notify us within 60 days using the correct reporting event and by lodging the transfer balance account report (TBAR).
If you don’t respond within 60 days of the notice, your member’s income stream stops being in retirement phase. This means the fund, that fails to comply with the CCA, can’t claim an earnings tax exemption for this income stream in the income year or any later income years.
How to report the correct event in your TBAR
You must report one of the following in your transfer balance account report (TBAR):
CC1 – full commutation of the amount stated in the notice, including cents
CC2 – partial commutation, such as when the income stream balance is less than the amount in the notice
CC3 – the member is deceased
CC4 – the account is a capped defined benefit income stream (CDBIS).
Do not use a Member Commutation (MCO) event when responding to a CCA as this creates errors and delays resolution.
Reporting correctly will help your members manage their transfer balance cap as they will have up to date information visible on ATO online services.
Account closures and MAAS reporting
If the income stream has been exhausted or closed, you also need to lodge a MAAS closed notification for that account. This ensures we don’t issue future CCAs for that income stream.
If you are late in responding to the Commutation Authority
We can’t grant an extension of time to respond to a CCA.
If you failed to respond to the CCA by the due date, we may contact you to request information of the full debit value of the income stream on the date the CCA was required to be complied with. This debit value will arise in your member’s TBA and resolve their excess transfer balance.
For full instructions and examples see: Transfer balance cap – Commissioner’s commutation authority.
Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.
Between Monday 11 August and Friday 15 August, Road Policing Section officers focussed on e-scooter behaviour following the introduction of new personal mobility device laws in July.
On Saturday 16 August, a patrol detected an e-scooter travelling at 40 km/h in a bike lane on Lower North East Road at Campbelltown. When stopped, the rider was found to be in possession of cannabis. The 50-year-old man from Newton was issued a $320.00 expiation notice for exceeding the speed and $505.00 fine for possessing cannabis.
Five further fines were issued during the week to other riders for offences including riding without a helmet, not having lights and speeding.
Traffic Services Branch Officer in Charge, Superintendent Shane Johnson says, “With the introduction of personal mobility devices on South Australian roads, police will continue to prioritise the safety of all road users through education and enforcement activities. In the interests of public safety all PMD riders need to be aware of the new laws.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a fatal crash that occurred near Docker River yesterday afternoon.
Around 5:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a single vehicle rollover on the Tjukariri Road, about 5km east of Docker River.
A 24-year-old male was located deceased at the scene while a second male occupant, also aged in his 20’s, was treated by local clinic staff for minor injuries.
Detectives from the Major Crash Investigation Unit deployed early this morning and are investigating the exact circumstances of the crash.
Formal identification of the deceased has yet to occur and it is currently unknown what caused the crash.
Anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25219386.
The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 27.
Drive length: 20 minutes from the city, plus a 6.5km walk or ride along the Canberra Centenary Trail. It is located near the NSW border, north of Gungahlin.
Road safety focus continues in north-western Tasmania
Monday, 18 August 2025 – 3:20 pm.
Officers from Western Road Policing Services have continued their road safety blitz in north west Tasmania with 21 drivers issued with drink driving and other traffic infringements during a road safety operation over the weekend.
Four drivers were charged with drink driving including:
A 33-year-old man from Upper Burnie who was detected on East Cam Road, Camdale.
A 27-year-old man from Homebush (NSW) who was detected on Paraka Street, Park Grove.
A 33-year-old man from Sandy Bay who was detected on Hiller Street, Devonport.
A 28-year-old man from Latrobe who was detected on Gilbert Street, Latrobe.
Six drivers, four in Burnie and two in Devonport, also returned positive results for driving with drugs in their system and will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.
Three drivers who were already disqualified from driving were charged after being caught behind the wheel, including:
A 20-year-old man from Park Grove who was detected on Grandview Avenue, Burnie.
A 63-year-old man Devonport who was detected on Bluff Road, Devonport.
A 20-year-old man from Penguin who was detected on King Edward Street, Penguin.
In addition, eight traffic infringement notices for speeding offences were issued during targeted patrols of the Ridgley Highway in Ridgley, Guildford and Hampshire areas in a three-hour period between 1.50 and 4.40pm on Sunday, August 17.
“Tasmania Police is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and our efforts in road safety enforcement will continue” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
“Tragically, this year we have seen a devastating increase in fatalities and serious crashes on our roads.
“Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and speeding are part of the fatal five contributors to fatal and serious crashes.
“It is disappointing that some individuals continue to disregard the law and endanger other road users by undertaking risky driving behaviours.
“With football finals upon us, it is tempting to have one more alcoholic drink before driving home.
“Please rethink that extra drink or arrange a designated driver if you plan on drinking.
“We will continue to conduct targeted and random patrols on Tasmania’s roads to curb high-risk behaviours such as speeding, drink driving, inattention, and not wearing seatbelts.
“These factors overwhelmingly contribute to serious and fatal crashes.
“We will also continue to target disqualified, suspended and unlicensed drivers,” said A/Inspector Parker.
Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported can be reported to police on 131 444 or call triple zero (000) in an emergency. Reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
Balmain West Wharf (Elliott Street) has officially rejoined the F3 Parramatta River ferry route, with services commencing today, Monday 18 August. This is another NSW Government election commitment to restore ferry services to Sydney’s Inner West.
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said extensive upgrades to the wharf are now complete, with improvements including:
Opal ticketing installation
CCTV and enhanced safety features
Real-time passenger information systems
“Balmain West Wharf is now upgraded and back in service, delivering a modern, safe and reliable experience for both the local community and daily commuters,” Mr Collins said.
“These improvements are about more than infrastructure, they’re about restoring confidence in ferry transport and ensuring people in the Inner West have easy access to the places they need to go.”
New weekday ferry services are now operating:
From Chiswick at 5.50am, 6.50am, 7.50am and 8.50am
From Circular Quay at 3.12pm, 4.12pm, 5.12pm and 6.12pm.
All new services stop at Barangaroo, Drummoyne, and Huntleys Point. The trip from Elliott Street to Circular Quay will take just around 30 minutes.
“With Balmain West back on the F3 route, we’re offering better connectivity, more flexibility, and improved frequency for passengers right across the network,” Mr Collins said.
“These trips are in addition to the 14 new weekday and 26 new weekend services added to the F3 route throughout 2024, significantly boosting ferry frequency and reliability for Inner West commuters.”
In addition, planning continues to bring the F10 ferry service under the Opal ticketing network in early 2026. Once complete, passengers will be able to take advantage of integrated ticketing benefits, including transfer discounts and the $50 weekly fare cap.