Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australia Safe Travel Advisories

23/03/2025

Issued: 23 March 2025

Today is World Meteorological Day and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of national weather and water agencies across the world.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the specialised agency of the United Nations for meteorology, operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences, commemorates World Meteorological Day on 23 March each year. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the WMO.

The Bureau of Meteorology continues to play a leading role in supporting Pacific Islands nations to prepare for and respond to the impacts of severe weather and a changing climate. The Bureau engages in several initiatives in the Pacific region aligned to this year’s theme of “Closing the early warning gap”.

In partnership with the Pacific Meteorological Council, the Bureau supports the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) program, to enhance early warning systems and increase climate resilience in the Pacific.

As part of the initiative, the Bureau provides technical guidance and advice to help the Pacific improve its infrastructure, systems and training.

General Manager of International Development, Dr Andrew Jones said the program supports the Pacific region in benefiting from advances in forecast and warning systems for weather, hydrological and oceanic events, enabling increased accuracy specificity and lead times of forecasts.

“Severe weather events devastate Pacific Island communities through loss of life and damage to homes and infrastructure, agricultural lands, livelihoods, and economies,” Dr Jones said.

“Climate change escalates the Pacific’s vulnerability to extreme events by increasing their intensity and/or frequency.

“The Bureau supports Pacific meteorological leaders in providing technical guidance and advice to ensure that every Pacific Island person will be safer from severe weather and the impacts of climate change.”

The Bureau also works with stakeholders in Pacific Island countries to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate variability through the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) and, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization and the Papua New Guinea Weather Service, the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Papua New Guinea (CREWS-PNG).

Dr Jones said Papua New Guinea’s diverse topography and highly variable rainfall means a limited rain gauge network is insufficient to accurately assess rainfall distribution.

“The Bureau’s technical advice of extensive and uniform coverage of satellite-based precipitation observations provide a more precise picture of rainfall,” Dr Jones said.

“CREWS-PNG closes the early warning gap, benefiting over 200 users in agriculture, water, energy, and emergency services with improved decision-making and climate resilience.

“Meteorology operates outside of political and geographical boundaries. The Bureau works with partners in other countries, sharing information and resources to benefit people in Australia and around the world.”

Find out more information about the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) program here: Program Summary and about World Meteorological Day here: World Meteorological Day

ENDS…

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

The Albanese Government has reached an agreement with the Crisafulli Government to put all state schools in Queensland on a path to full and fair funding.
 
Today’s agreement means that all public and state schools in the country are on a path to full and fair funding and all jurisdictions in Australia have now signed on to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.
 
As part of the Heads of Agreement signed today, the Commonwealth will provide an additional 5 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to Queensland.
 
This will lift the Commonwealth’s contribution from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the SRS by 2034.
 
This will see an estimated $2.8 billion in additional Commonwealth funding to Queensland state schools over the next 10 years.

This agreement will see the biggest injection of funding ever delivered for Queensland state schools.
 
As part of the Agreement, Queensland will remove the provision allowing them to claim 4 per cent of state school funding for indirect school costs such as capital depreciation and replace it with 4 per cent of recurrent funding on eligible expenses.
 
Commonwealth funding will be tied to the reforms needed to lift education standards across the country, including more individualised support for students.

This is not a blank cheque. The Agreement signed today will be followed by a Queensland Bilateral Agreement, which will tie funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school, such as: 

• Year 1 phonics and early years of schooling numeracy checks to identify students in the early years of school who need additional help.
• evidence-based teaching and targeted and intensive supports such as small-group or catch-up tutoring to help students who fall behind.
• initiatives that support wellbeing for learning – including greater access to health professionals.
• access to high-quality and evidence-based professional learning, and
• initiatives that improve the attraction and retention of teachers and reduce teacher and school leader workload.

In addition to these reforms, the Agreements have targets, including that by 2030 the proportion of students finishing high school will be the highest it has ever been. Other targets include:

• Reducing the proportion of students in the NAPLAN ‘Needs Additional Support’ proficiency level for reading and numeracy by 10 per cent.
• Increasing the proportion of students in the ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ proficiency levels for reading and numeracy by 10 per cent by 2030 and trend upwards for priority equity cohorts in the ‘Strong’ and ‘Exceeding’ proficiency levels.
• Increasing the Student Attendance Rate, nationally, to 91.4 per cent (2019 level) by 2030.
• Increasing the engagement rate (completed or still enrolled) of initial teacher education students by 10 percentage points to 69.7 per cent by 2035.
• Increasing the proportion of students leaving school with a Year 12 certificate by 7.5 percentage points (nationally) by 2030.

 This means more help for students and more support for teachers.
 
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
 
“Building Australia’s Future means investing in the next generation.
 
“That’s why every dollar of this funding will go into helping children learn and participate in school.
 
“We know that education opens the doors of opportunity, and we want to widen them for every child in Australia.
 
“This is about investing in real reform with real funding – so Australian children get the best possible education.”
 
Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier David Crisafulli:
 
“We’re proud to have secured the biggest funding boost ever delivered to Queensland state schools, because that’s what our children deserve.
 
“This funding will raise the bar in classrooms across Queensland, giving our students a world class education and the support needed to succeed.
 
“We are backing our schools and teachers so they can boost participation rates and unlock our kids full potential.
 
“We are putting Queensland children on the path to a better education, so they can have a better future.”
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
 
“This is a big day for Queensland state schools.
 
“I want to pay tribute to Premier Crisafulli and Minister Langbroek for their commitment to getting this done.
 
“This is real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school.

“It’s not a blank cheque. I want this money to get results.

“That’s why funding will be directly tied to reforms that we know work.

“It will help make sure every child gets a great start in life. What every parent wants. And what every Australian child deserves.” 
 
Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Education and The Arts John-Paul Langbroek:
 
“I want to thank Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Clare for their perseverance throughout negotiations and their collaborative efforts to get this deal done.
 
“These agreements truly signify a fresh start for Queensland state schools, we know this funding is needed across the state and I will work with my Department to put this money to best use in every aspect of our education system.
 
“The education outcome targets within this agreement also reaffirm our commitment at a state level to ensure all Queensland children have access to a world-class education.”

Source:

There have been large protests across Türkiye, including in Istanbul, in recent days. Demonstrations and protests may continue and may turn violent. A protest ban is in effect and there are restrictions to freedom of movement for those suspected of participating in protests. This is likely to be strictly enforced. Avoid protests and large public gatherings. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).

There have been several recent deaths reported in Istanbul and Ankara from methanol in counterfeit drinks. Stick to reputable venues and be wary of suspiciously cheap alcohol (see ‘Safety’).

You’ll need an e-visa for tourism or business if you’re staying for less than 90 days (see ‘Travel’).

Source: Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science

The Albanese Labor Government and Minns Labor Government are working together to deliver more critical frontline family, domestic and sexual violence services in NSW.

Both governments have demonstrated their commitment to ending gender-based violence by renewing the five-year National Partnership Agreement on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses.

Under the agreement, the Australian Government will provide an additional $110.6 million to NSW to bolster family, domestic and sexual violence services and action in the state.

This additional investment will bring the total Commonwealth funding by the Albanese Government for NSW to $210.6 million since 2022.

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said renewing the FDSV National Partnership demonstrated the dedication of governments to making real and meaningful change for Australians.

“Under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, all governments have made a commitment to ending gender-based violence in Australia, which requires us to come together and focus efforts and funding where it is needed most for victim-survivors and people at risk of violence,” Minister Rishworth said.

“This funding and renewed agreement with NSW will strengthen funding to frontline services and further our shared goal of creating a safer Australia.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said addressing domestic, family and sexual violence is priority for the NSW Government.

“We welcome the additional $110 million from the Federal Government under the National Partnership Agreement. With matched funding by the NSW Government, we will be focusing on the important work of driving down the prevalence of domestic, family and sexual violence in our state.”

The renewed FDSV National Partnership will deliver over $700 million across all jurisdictions in new, matched investments from the Commonwealth and states and territories, supporting frontline FDSV services, including specialist services for women and children impacted by FDSV, and men’s behaviour change programs.

An additional $1 million will also be used for an independent evaluation of the renewed FDSV National Partnership.

More information on the FDSV National Partnership Agreement is available on the Federal Financial Relations website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services:

• Available 24/7: Call, text or online chat
• Mon-Fri, 9am – midnight AEST (except national public holidays): Video call (no appointment needed)

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au

Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: Australian National Party

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Murder Investigation Underway

Saturday, 22 March 2025 – 2:49 pm.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of an incident at Dickson Street, Glenorchy on 11 March where a man sustained a serious head injury.
“Sadly, police can advise the man has died earlier today in the Royal Hobart Hospital, and our thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends,” said Detective Acting Inspector Nicholas Bowden, from Glenorchy CIB.
The police investigation is now a murder inquiry.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30pm on 11 March, arriving to find a 19-year-old man unconscious and non-responsive outside a property.
“The young man has received a stab wound to the head.  A police investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding this incident,” he said.
“Detectives are following a specific line of inquiry.  Investigations indicate that the person or people responsible and the victim knew each other, and that this was an isolated incident.
“If anyone has any information in relation about this matter, I ask them to come forward.
“In particular, if anyone saw a small four door sedan, possibly silver in colour, with several occupants, in the area of Dickson Street at the time, please contact Police.  We are particularly interested in dash cam or other CCTV vision.”
Information can be provided to direct to Glenorchy CIB on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – quote OR769213.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Closing of 19th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games

Saturday, 22 March 2025 – 2:00 pm.

Emergency service workers and volunteers will today mark the closing of the 19th Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games.
Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood said the games had brought together not just police, fire, ambulance and SES, but also those emergency staff that work in customs, corrections, royal lifesaving, environment and the coast guard.
“Throughout the week we have seen participants enjoying both friendship and sportsmanship, with more than 2,000 competitors in over 50 individual sporting events and over 5,000 medals being presented to our competitors.” he said.
“It was extraordinary to see everyone come together to support one another while also enjoying some healthy competition. Supporting the mental and physical health of police officers, as well as other emergency services is extremely important, and we hope this year every participant is walking away with great memories.”
“This year more than 200 volunteers also donated their time to make the games possible and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank them, as well as all of the sponsors, clubs and venues who are hosting the events.”

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Firearms Incident in Lutana

Saturday, 22 March 2025 – 9:06 am.

Around 9:30pm on Friday 21 March 2025 police were notified that a firearm was discharged into a residential address on Derwent Park Road, Lutana causing damage to a window.
Several people were inside the property, thankfully, no one was injured.
A crime scene was declared for the purpose of forensic examination.
Witnesses observed a silver hatch style vehicle leaving the area through Goodwood.
The incident appears targeted and there is no suggestion of a risk to the wider community.
If you were in the area around the time and witnessed suspicious activity or have dash cam or CCTV footage of the silver vehicle, please phone 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote Offence Report 770152.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Peter Stefanovic:

A year‑long ACCC investigation into the power of Coles and Woolies has revealed that they are some of the most profitable retailers in the world, but no findings regarding price gouging.

Joining us live now is the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers. Treasurer, thanks for your time this morning. So let’s start off with the government response to this.

Jim Chalmers:

Good morning, Pete. This is an important piece of work from the ACCC. We commissioned this work, and we’re pleased to see it released, and what it shows is what we need when it comes to supermarkets is more scrutiny, more information and more competition, and we are already acting on each of those fronts.

We are cracking down on the supermarkets because we don’t want to see the supermarkets treat Australians like mugs. We know that a big part of the pressure that people feel is at the checkout, so we are keeping the supermarkets in check, checkout, and this ACCC report will help us as we continue to do that.

Stefanovic:

How exactly are you keeping them in check, because as they say, it’s an oligopoly?

Chalmers:

This report covers a 5‑year period, it says that these price rises beginning in 2021, so covering the life of 2 governments, it says that these price rises started to slow in 2024, which is consistent with what we’re seeing with the inflation figures. Food inflation’s come down from 5.9 per cent when we came to office to 3 per cent now, so slower.

But people are still under pressure, and so whether it’s our Budget next week, our government more broadly, the big focus is on the cost of living, and cracking down on the supermarkets is part of that.

We’ve made the Food and Grocery Code mandatory, we have empowered and funded the ACCC to apply more scrutiny, we’re working with the states on planning and zoning to make it easier for new competitors to enter the market. We’re funding CHOICE, we’re doing a whole bunch of things, we’re reforming the unit pricing code, which is about shrinkflation which drives people absolutely nuts.

We’re doing about half a dozen really important things, consistent with the recommendations of the report today. We are cracking down on the supermarkets. We do want to make sure we get a fair go for farmers and families, and that’s what all of our efforts on supermarkets and cost of living more broadly are all about.

Stefanovic:

Right. That $3 million education campaign though, what’s that actually going to do to help consumers and businesses?

Chalmers:

First of all, that’s not all we’re doing. We funded the ACCC an extra $30 million. The $2.9 million we’re announcing today is all about educating and helping suppliers, so effectively farmers and their peak organisations to train up their people to get a better deal when they’re negotiating with the supermarkets.

Stefanovic:

But the supermarkets –

Chalmers:

And the Food and Grocery Code –

Stefanovic:

– will just disregard that, won’t they, because they’re just too powerful.

Chalmers:

They’re engaged in a negotiation, and we want to tool up and beef up the skills and abilities of the people doing the negotiating. But that’s not all we’re doing on this front. Making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory was all about a fair go for farmers and families as well.

There are a range of things that we are doing. The recommendations released by the ACCC, we welcome them, we accept all of them in principle, we’re acting on a range of them already, because we do acknowledge that we need to apply more competitive pressure in the supermarket sector. We’re doing that, but the ACCC will inform the work that happens from here as well.

Stefanovic:

Okay, just – ‘cause we’re almost out of time, but I want to get you on this story this morning about big tech now pushing Donald Trump to target Australia over our laws on social media and the digital economy. They claim these laws are causing them to sacrifice revenue. What’s the government’s response to this, this morning?

Chalmers:

First of all, it’s not surprising that the tech giants would have that view, but our job, and we embrace this, is to make decisions in Australia’s national interest, to protect kids online – for example – or to make sure that there’s a level playing field in our media with our media organisations, so those are our motivations there.

We’re not surprised that from time to time the tech giants will have different views about that. But our job is to implement the best set of arrangements that we can to look after Australians online.

Stefanovic:

Right. I mean we also saw this with big pharma this week, but when it comes to big tech, I mean Tump’s got Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, all in his corner. I mean what sort of a chance do we have against that?

Chalmers:

I’m obviously not privy to the conversations that they have with President Trump from time to time, it’s self‑evident that they’re very close with the US Administration. Our focus and our job is to make our case in the US, as we have been doing, but to also make sure that we continue to make the best decisions that we can for Australia.

I think a lot of people around the country – not just parents, but including parents – they want to make sure that there are appropriate protections for people online. The tech giants won’t always like that, they won’t always agree with that, but we’ve got to do that job on behalf of the people of Australia, and there will be different views about how we go about that as we roll it out.

Stefanovic:

All right. Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, thanks as always for your time.