Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

LISA CHESTERS: Good afternoon and welcome to all those visiting Bendigo. I am Lisa Chesters, the proud federal member for Bendigo, and so pleased to be able to welcome the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, back to Bendigo. It’s an important visit. It’s a visit where the PM said he was coming to Bendigo. I said, we are going to TAFE, and for good reason. This campus is doing extraordinary things and training the next generation of tradespeople that our community desperately needs, whether it be for home construction, road civil construction, or for any number of the community projects that we are building right now in this town. Before I hand over to the PM, can I give a huge shout out to all the students that we have met today, the amazing men and women, locals who have said we want to be part of the change and that are on a pathway to a job and a skilful life. And can I give a shout out to our hosts, Bendigo TAFE, who are growing, and to the amazing TAFE teachers for what they are doing. There’s a real sense of energy here at this campus and that’s why I was so pleased to be able to welcome our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to Bendigo and to Bendigo TAFE. So, welcome, Prime Minister.

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Fugitive Taskforce has arrested a 44-year-old offender who has been outstanding since Friday after escaping lawful custody at Darwin Local Court and fleeing on foot.

On Tuesday afternoon, police were following a grey Mazda in Gunn before intercepting the vehicle in the vicinity of Lakeview Boulevard and Chung Wah Terrace.

The 44-year-old male fled the scene on foot before being apprehended by the Dog Operations Unit.

The adult male driver of the vehicle was also subsequently arrested. Both remain in custody and are expected to be charged later this evening.

Fugitive Taskforce Detective Sergeant Tim Healey said: “This was an extensive manhunt that involved multiple units and we thank the public for their ongoing assistance.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force have upgraded charges against three men involved in a serious assault earlier this year.

A 48-year-old man who was seriously assaulted at the Casuarina Bus Interchange on 12 March succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital two months later.

The Major Crime Squad has continued to investigate the incident and subsequently submitted a brief to the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking to upgrade the charges from aggravated assault to murder. The DPP has accepted the application, and all three men have now been charged with one count of murder.

Two men, aged 26 and 31, are due to appear before Darwin Local Court tomorrow and a 19-year-old man is due to appear in Darwin Local Court on 12 August 2026.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said the victim’s family remains at the forefront of investigators’ minds.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of this man as they continue to endure an unimaginable loss,” he said.

“This was a vicious attack and the level of violence displayed was reprehensible and has no place in our community.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

oday Apple CEO Tim Cook called me to brief me on the major announcement Apple has made regarding their new online safety controls for children. 

Mr Cook told me these changes are in part inspired by Australia’s world-leading social media age ban, as well as the continued research Apple is undertaking into the impact of social media on kids.

I welcome this announcement, and I am proud of the world leading work Australia is doing to fight for a safer online world for our children. 

We have a long way to go, and we knew it would not be easy.

However, we are now seeing a number of nations follow Australia’s lead and take forward their own social media age bans. 

Mr Cook invited me to visit Apple the next time I am in the United States to see this technology in action, and I plan to take up that offer so we can keep learning how best to protect our kids.

Australian parents led this effort, and we are proud to back them. We have already seen more than 5 million under-16s accounts removed, deactivated or restricted. 

Social media companies have a social responsibility, and we make no apology for holding them to account to help keep kids safe.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Irrewarra Fire Station before and after

CFA has replaced the doors of nearly 40 fire stations to future proof brigades around the state.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Territory Road Policing Division (TRP) was out in force over the long weekend, travelling from Darwin to Alice Springs, targeting the fatal five, before joining the southern team ahead of the Finke race. 

Darwin members conducted a high visibility highway patrol along the Stuart Highway in the days leading up to the event, stopping at a number of locations where they conducted large-scale Random Breath Testing (RBT) operations.

High visibility road policing duties over the long weekend also included speed camera vans operating in and around Alice Springs and the location of the event

The TRP Division also provided support to Alice Springs General Duties during the event and assisted in the response to serious crashes during the race, including the death of a motorcycle rider.

Over the extensive operation, nine crashes were attended, 12 RBT stations were put in place, and 6975 vehicles were speed checked over 17 locations resulting in 135 drivers receiving speeding infringements.

The following results were also recorded by TRP:

– 129 vehicle apprehensions conducted with 54 traffic infringements issued

– 1146 breath tests conducted with nine positive results

– 58 drug tests conducted with five positive results

– 12 vehicles found with defects

– 4 arrests

– 38 cautions

– 11 Notices to Appear

Territory Road Policing Superintendent Rick Magree said the operation was a success for the division and praised the majority of the road users for “doing the right thing” over the weekend.

“Our high visibility on the roads was effective as most drivers were doing the right thing, especially those who were in Alice Springs for the event.

“The TRP Division sees these large events as an opportunity to ensure Territory roads are safe and prevent illegal behaviour from drivers.

“The entire division would also like to send its condolences to the family and friends of a motorcycle rider who tragically died following a crash in the Finke Desert Race.

“Our thoughts are with you all and those involved with the event at this difficult time.”  

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Fugitive Taskforce continues to intensify efforts to locate and arrest fugitive 44-year-old Brandt Graham, who escaped lawful custody at Darwin Local Court on Friday after jumping the dock and fleeing on foot.

Following the escape, Fugitive Taskforce and other police sections have conducted an extensive search across Darwin, tracking Graham to multiple locations where he is believed to have actively evaded police with the assistance of known associates.

Throughout the weekend, the Fugitive Taskforce maintained pressure on Graham and his support network. Police believe he remains within the Greater Darwin region and investigations are ongoing.

To date, seven people have been arrested during the operation for outstanding warrants, breach of bail and drug related offences. One woman, aged 25, remains in custody under investigation for assisting the fugitive.

Detective Sergeant Tim Healey said police remain determined to bring Graham back into custody.

“Information provided by members of the public has enabled investigators to continue following every lead, and we will find Mr Graham,” Sergeant Healey said.

“We are warning anyone who is assisting Graham to evade police to stop immediately. If you choose to help him avoid arrest, you can expect to be identified, investigated and prosecuted.”

Mr Graham is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 185cm tall, of medium build, with long brown hair and a short beard. Police believe he may have made attempts to change his appearance, cutting his hair shorter.

He has a tattoo on his left wrist and was last seen wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt.

Members of the public are urged not to approach Graham. If he is sighted, contact police immediately on 000.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact police or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media note: Available CCTV footage can be requested via pfes.media@pfes.nt.gov.au 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Even off duty, police are always keeping an eye on what’s happening around them.

An off-duty K9 officer was leaving work for the evening on Friday when a vehicle sped past the police station, on Vanderlin Drive, at a significant speed.

The vehicle was detected travelling well above the speed limit and nearby General Duties officers conducted a traffic apprehension shortly afterwards.

The driver, a 21-year-old man, returned a positive roadside drug test before voluntarily informing police that he was also in possession of cannabis.

A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered approximately 6 kilograms of cannabis, packaged in 12 cryovac-sealed bags.

The man was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with a range of drug and traffic offences.

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said the driver’s timing couldn’t have been much worse.

“This fella was obviously in a hurry and, unfortunately for him, happened to drive past an off-duty officer whose spider senses must have been tingling,” Snr Sgt King said.

“What started as a speeding offence quickly turned into something much more serious.”

“The message is simple: don’t do drugs, and don’t speed. If you choose to do both at the same time, there’s a good chance you’ll end up meeting police.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Assistant Commissioner awarded Australian Police Medal in King’s Birthday honours

Monday, 8 June 2026 – 8:05 am.

Assistant Commissioner Doug Oosterloo has been awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM) in the King’s Birthday Honours today.
Expressing her congratulations, Commissioner Donna Adams said, “the awarding of the Australian Police Medal is well-deserved recognition of Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo’s career achievements to date.”
Doug Oosterloo joined Tasmania Police in 1994, commencing his career as a Constable in Burnie. He was appointed to Commander, Statewide Services in 2023, and Assistant Commissioner in 2025.
“Over more than three decades, Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo has built a remarkable and diverse career marked by ethical policing, integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to the Tasmanian community,” said Commissioner Adams.
“From frontline operational roles to complex investigations and senior leadership, Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo has consistently demonstrated integrity, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to doing the job well.”
“Throughout his career, he has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, each time bringing thoughtful leadership and a strong focus on outcomes – particularly in challenging and high-pressure environments.”
“His ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery has made a lasting impact across the organisation, and his emphasis on high standards and leadership development continues to shape the next generation of Tasmania Police members.”
“Across all areas of his work, Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo has been a strong contributor to reform, innovation and governance. His efforts have helped strengthen integrity frameworks, improve policy and training, and lift investigative capability across the organisation.”
“The APM recognises not just Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo’s achievements, but the consistent professionalism, leadership and commitment he brings every day.”
“His career is a reflection of the values we strive for as an organisation, and his contribution has benefited both Tasmania Police and the broader community we serve.”
“This recognition is richly deserved, and I know all members of Tasmania Police will join me in congratulating Assistant Commissioner Oosterloo on this significant achievement.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ith the passing of Father Michael Tate AO, we grieve for an outstanding Australian whose life was defined by conviction, faith and service.

Michael’s contribution to our nation was extraordinary in both its breadth and its depth. He excelled as a parliamentarian, minister, diplomat and, ultimately, as a Catholic priest.

As a Senator for Tasmania, and later Minister for Justice in the Hawke and Keating Governments, Michael helped shape important reforms in Australia. In 1987 he played a key role in establishing the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and initiated a national review of gun control laws.

In 1994 he was appointed as Australia’s Ambassador to the Holy See and to the Hague. As Ambassador he represented our nation with distinction, wisdom and dignity.

Following a successful career in public life, he answered a long-held vocation to the priesthood. His ordination reflected the depth of his faith and his desire to serve others. As Father Michael Tate, he became a trusted spiritual guide to many Tasmanians.

Those who knew Michael personally have lost a loyal friend, valued colleague and generous mentor.

The Commonwealth and Tasmania have offered a State Funeral to honour his remarkable life.

May he rest in peace.