Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 19-year-old female in relation to an assault that occurred at a hospital in Alice Springs yesterday.

Around 9:55am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female had become aggressive and threatened staff at the Alice Springs Hospital.

It is alleged that as the offender was being escorted out by security, she attempted to punch a staff member and scratched a security guard, drawing blood. She allegedly produced syringes and threatened to stab the guard.

The main entrance of the hospital was locked once the offender was escorted outside. She allegedly kicked the glass doors and panels of the entrance, causing damage.

Police attended and the 19-year-old was arrested.

She has since been charged with Assault a Worker, Damage Property, Going Armed in Public and Disorderly Behaviour, and was remanded in custody to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court today.

Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency

The DTA has released a new Cloud Policy to establish a clear direction for cloud adoption across the APS. The policy strengthens the foundations for secure, modern and high-performing digital services and supports the responsible use of emerging technologies. The policy will take effect from 1 July 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 35-year-old male in relation to an incident that occurred this morning in Humpty Doo.

Around 7:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a male was allegedly making threats against a secondary school on Challoner Court. The school subsequently went into lockdown.

Police attended and the alleged offender was located in his vehicle on Challoner Street. The 35-year-old, known to the school, was arrested and remains in police custody.

A crossbow was located and seized from inside the vehicle during the arrest.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25331519. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

FRV Deputy Commissioner Josh Fischer, Hastings Captain Mike Willmott, Energy Safe Victoria CEO Leanne Hughson, Narre Warren North Captain Robert Appel, Hastings e-bike owner Joel Bleakley, Narre Warren North 2nd LT Gary Beer and DCO Trevor Owen

As Victorians start ticking off their Christmas shopping lists, fire and safety authorities are urging everyone to think safety first when buying lithium-ion battery products, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, toys and portable devices.

The reminder comes as fire agencies across Victoria continue to respond to a growing number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, with incidents occurring roughly once a week across the state. Recent callouts, including a blaze in a Narre Warren North family bedroom sparked by a charging e-scooter and an e-bike found smoking in a Hastings backyard, have highlighted how quickly these incidents can escalate.

As the state’s energy safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria warns it is crucial for people to choose reputable products that meet Australian safety standards, rather than cheap online items that could pose serious fire risks.

“We know tech and battery-powered devices are popular Christmas gifts, but unsafe or poor-quality products can be extremely dangerous,” Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said.

“It only takes one faulty or damaged lithium-ion battery to cause a devastating fire. So, before you buy, make sure you’re choosing quality products from reputable suppliers.”

Lithium-ion batteries are found in an increasing range of household devices, but when incorrectly or over-charged, damaged or exposed to heat, they can go into ‘thermal runaway’ – a reaction that causes fires that are fast-spreading, toxic and difficult to extinguish.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) have joined Energy Safe in reminding the community to use and charge these devices safely.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said Victorians should avoid charging batteries overnight or while unattended and to only use the charger supplied with the device.

“We are really urging Victorians to keep an eye on their e-bikes and e-scooters this summer, and to check their batteries and chargers regularly for signs of damage,” Mr Heffernan said.

“The incident in Hastings last month shows how quickly these batteries can fail, and by choosing to keep his e-bike outside and in sight, the resident prevented more serious damage.”

FRV Deputy Commissioner Josh Fischer said that by paying close attention to where devices are charged and the condition of batteries, Victorians can help reduce the number of incidents firefighters are responding to.

“Lithium-ion batteries should never be charged in sleeping or living areas or on flammable surfaces, and households should stop using the battery immediately if you notice strong odours, a change in colour or shape, extreme heat or unusual sounds such as popping or hissing,” Mr Fischer said

As the festive season approaches, it’s an ideal time to remind the community to shop smart and charge carefully, highlighting the lessons from Energy Safe’s Before You Know It campaign about the risks of unsafe battery use.

Checklist for safe gifting of lithium-ion battery products:

• Buy: Choose trusted brands and verified retailers. Check power supply for the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) and ensure they are listed on the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database to ensure they meet Australian safety standards. Avoid impulse buys from cheap, unknown online sources. 
• Unwrap: Check for visible damage, bulging and dents before use. Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

• Use: Charge batteries only with the manufacturer-recommended charger in well-ventilated areas, on non-flammable surfaces and away from bedrooms and exits. Never leave devices unattended while charging.

• Emergency: In event of fire, call Triple Zero (000) and evacuate immediately. 

For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, visit:

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

In The Weekend Australian, AREEA CEO Steve Knott says “Australia cannot afford another Claytons review”, as the Government launches its mandatory review into the impact of its Closing Loopholes laws introduced in 2024 and early 2025.

The post Bosses warn against ‘whitewash’: The Weekend Australian appeared first on AREEA.

Source: Government of Western Australia

Northern suburbs residents have joined the City of Wanneroo to celebrate the opening of the $18 million Dordaak Kepup Library and Youth Innovation Hub.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb has welcomed the appointment of Dr Ian Oppermann as a Commissioner at the ACCC and the reappointment of Commissioner Anna Brakey for a 5-year term.

Dr Oppermann has been appointed for a 5-year term commencing on 10 December 2025. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the information and communication technology sector and deep knowledge of data, broadband enabled services and technology.

Dr Oppermann recently served as the Data Standards Chair for Digital ID and Consumer Data Right (CDR) and was previously the NSW Government’s inaugural Chief Data Scientist. Dr Oppermann has also held senior management roles in Europe and Australia and is a Non‑Executive Director of Standards Australia.

“I am excited to welcome Ian to the ACCC, where we look forward to drawing on his technological and data acumen including around the use of AI in Government,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

“Ian is a respected thought leader in the digital economy. His contributions will be invaluable in helping to drive innovation at the ACCC and our data-driven approach to regulation.”

Dr Oppermann holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of London and a PhD in Mobile Telecommunications from the University of Sydney.

Ms Brakey has been reappointed for a further 5-year term also commencing on 10 December 2025.

Ms Brakey is a significant contributor to the ACCC’s work with a focus on infrastructure regulation, particularly energy and telecommunications, and promoting competition in essential services. She has over 25 years’ experience in the public and private sectors, including senior positions at the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (NSW). She also worked as an economist in the private sector.

“I am delighted that Anna will remain with us for a further term so we can continue to benefit from her deep knowledge and expertise in infrastructure regulation,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“The ACCC will continue to be well served by Anna’s commitment to transparency, high-quality analysis and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.”

Ms Brakey will continue to play a key role as chair of the ACCC’s Infrastructure and Communications Committee and the Energy Markets Board.

Dr Oppermann’s appointment fills a position left vacant following the decision of ACCC Commissioner Peter Crone not to seek a further term. Mr Crone will finish with the ACCC on 9 December 2025.

“I am deeply grateful for Peter’s many significant contributions as a Commissioner,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“I have valued, and the agency has greatly benefitted from, his trademark economic, policy and commercial insights and expertise across many of our most complex programs and projects.”

“Peter has made important contributions to many aspects of the ACCC’s work, including the Consumer Data Right and Digital ID programs, the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum, and our childcare inquiry. We wish him well for his future endeavours.”

Further information about the ACCC’s Chair, Deputy Chair and Commissioners is available at ACCC Chair & Commissioners.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Government has reappointed Anna Brakey and appointed Ian Oppermann as full‑time members of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for a five‑year period.

These appointments will help to ensure one of our most important economic institutions has the talent and expertise it needs to remain strong and effective into the future.

Anna and Ian have done a fantastic job in their current roles and we’re grateful for the commitment they’ve made to the Commission for the next five years.

Ms Brakey was first appointed to the ACCC in December 2020.

She has extensive experience in regulatory economics and public policy with more than 25 years working with regulators, government and in the private sector.

Ms Brakey’s reappointment continues the Government’s strong record of appointing outstanding women for senior public sector roles.

Dr Oppermann is the outgoing Data Standards Chair for Digital ID and the Consumer Data Right.

He has extensive experience in big data and standards setting, including at Standards Australia and the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Dr Oppermann was also the NSW Government’s Chief Data Scientist.

We also thank outgoing Commissioner Peter Crone for his service and for the big contribution he has made as a commissioner over the past five years.

These appointments reinforce the Government’s broader competition reform agenda, which is focused on building a more dynamic, innovative and productive economy for all Australians.

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government

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Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

8 December 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All importers, approved arrangement class 19 accredited persons and customs brokers who import or lodge consignments of machinery.

What has changed?

On 8 December 2025, the scope of the Highly Compliant Importer (HCI) scheme will be expanded to include the following goods:

Eligible commodities	Tariff
Used machinery and machinery…