Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Three brigades in the south east have welcomed brand new tankers to their fleets.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Another 3 people have been sentenced to jail time in May, as the ATO continues to pursue and prosecute perpetrators of GST fraud under Operation Protego.

Acting ATO Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce Chief Kath Anderson said that these prosecutions send a strong reminder that the ATO bring those who commit fraud to account.

‘Deliberate non-compliance has consequences. The ATO will actively pursue debts obtained through fraudulent GST funds, using all the tools at our disposal to recoup those funds. Those who seek to defraud the tax and super systems will get caught and face the full force of the law.’

‘We are equipped with resources, sophisticated data matching, analytics capability and intelligence sharing relationships. If you think you won’t be caught, think again,’ Ms Anderson said.

‘These individuals face long-term consequences. Not only do they need to repay the money, but they will have a criminal record, which may affect their ability to secure employment, obtain finance or insurance and travel overseas.’

‘Engaging in GST fraud rips off your own community by stealing funds that would go to essential services, like health and education.’

These outcomes show, if you engage in GST fraud, there will be criminal consequences:

• Queensland woman Ms Tiarn Payten Nutley was sentenced in the Beenleigh District Court to 9 months in jail for one offence contrary to section 135.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) of dishonestly obtaining a gain of nearly $50,000 and attempting to obtain a further $25,000. Ms Nutley was released immediately on a recognisance release order of $2,000, and is required to be of good behaviour for 12 months. An existing ABN was used to claim GST refunds for a fake beauty and salon services business. Ms Nutley shared her myGov log in with 2 friends, who arranged to lodge 6 false business activity statements (BAS) in her name.
• Queensland woman Ms Skye Anne Hoek, whose friend, Ms Nutley, was also sentenced, participated in GST fraud by registering her ABN for GST and lodging 2 BAS which contained false information. As a result of the deception, Ms Hoek received over $25,000 in refunds. She was charged with one offence contrary to section 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) and sentenced to 3 months jail in the Southport Magistrates Court without a recognisance release order.
• Queensland man Mr Gregory Pimm lodged 37 BAS for a fake road freight transport business that he claimed to run from his home. This resulted in him fraudulently obtaining over $165,000 in GST refunds and attempting to obtain a further $300,000. In each case, Mr Pimm falsely reported total sales, GST collected on sales, GST on purchases made for the business and GST credits the ATO owed him. He was sentenced in the Beenleigh District Court for 2 offences contrary to section 134.2(1) and sections 134.2(1) and 11.1(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth) of obtaining and attempting to obtain a financial advantage by deception. He was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in jail, to be released on recognisance of $500 after serving 6 months imprisonment. As a conditions of the recognisance, he is also required to be of good behaviour for 3 years and subject to the supervision of a probation officer for 2 years.

Whilst the GST fraud pattern proliferated under Operation Protego has been contained, the ATO continues the fight, detecting and disrupting significant volumes of attempted fraud right across the tax, superannuation and registry systems.

Ms Anderson said ATO strategies have driven a continuous reduction in these fraud attempts, however there is still more to do.

‘Under the ATO’s Counter Fraud Program, we will continue to grow the capability and tools we need to respond to fraud in an agile and sophisticated way, collecting data and information to prevent, detect and address fraud in close to real time,’ Ms Anderson said.

These matters were prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) (CDPP) following a referral from the ATO.

You can confidentially report suspected tax crime or fraud to us by making a tip-off online or calling 1800 060 062.

For more information about Operation Protego including recent sentencings visit ato.gov.au/protego.

On background

As part of Operation Protego, the ATO has taken compliance action against more than 57,000 alleged offenders. Those involved in this fraud have already been handed in the order of $300 million in penalties and interest.

As of 30 April 2025:

• 105 people have been convicted with a range of sentencing outcomes, including jail terms of up to 7 years and 6 months and with orders made to restrain real property.
• The ATO continues to investigate people suspected of participating in GST Fraud.
• The ATO has finalised 61 investigations and referred 51 briefs of evidence to Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Notes to journalists

• A high-resolution headshotThis link will download a file of acting ATO Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce Chief Kath Anderson is available from the ATO media centre.
• ATO file footage is available for download and use in news bulletins from the ATO media centre.

Source:

Left to Right Virgina Porter, Megan Angel, ACFO David Harris and Mark King AFSM.

Six CFA members have been deployed to northern New South Wales to assist with flood recovery efforts, working alongside local emergency services in the Taree region.

Clare Cowton, John Legione and Ian Spencer who returned home to Victoria on Monday (26 May), served as Community Liaison Officers, helping residents to access recovery support and stay informed throughout the emergency response.

While Virginia Porter, Megan Angel, and Mark King AFSM are currently in the field performing the same role.

Working alongside VICSES and Red Cross personnel, CFA members played an important role in strengthening the local response, ensuring clear communication with impacted communities.

“It was a great team to work with — we all pulled together to help the community,” said Clare, who led one of the deployed crews.

Ian and John are both experienced Community Liaison Officers and have completed many deployments.

John, who is a CFA veteran of more than 40 years, said the community response was deeply moving.

“People were so appreciative. Some of the stories we heard were heartbreaking, but we were glad to be there to help,” John said.

Megan, who has previously been deployed to Canada, said she was eager to contribute on the ground.

“The focus will be on getting to know our local team members and helping them out wherever we can.”

The deployment will be a first for Virginia, a 20-year CFA member and a passionate community volunteer. 

While Mark brings a wealth of experience, having already been deployed to NSW for a previous emergency.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Harris praised the efforts of all six members.

“These members have shown incredible leadership and compassion. They’re a credit to CFA and have played a vital role in supporting the Taree community.”

Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM added: “CFA is always ready to support our partner agencies interstate.

“We’re proud our members can share their expertise and assist where it’s needed most.”

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Southern Domestic Violence Unit has charged a 39-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident in Alice Springs CBD yesterday.

Around 4:45pm, police arrested the male at a residence after he fled from the scene earlier in the afternoon. It is alleged the male became violent toward police throughout the arrest and attempted to resist apprehension.

He has since been charged with:

• Aggravated assault
• Recklessly endanger serious harm
• Engage in conduct contravening DVO
• Assault police
• Resist arrest

He was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced $4.4 million in funding to South32 Worsley Alumina Pty Ltd (South32) to support the development of steam electrification pathways at the Worsley Alumina Refinery in Western Australia.

The alumina refining industry is Australia’s largest user of industrial process heat. Approximately 70 per cent of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced in alumina refining arises from steam production, currently powered by fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas.

The study, funded under the $400 million Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) program, will allow South32 to undertake a pre-feasibility study of four investment options for partial steam electrification.

The options include electric boilers, which generate steam directly using an electrode, and mechanical vapour recompression, which involves capturing low-pressure waste vapour from the refining process for recompression to create pressurised steam for reuse. These technologies have the potential to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and GHG emissions, through the use of renewable electricity.

ARENA CEO, Darren Miller said the study was a significant step towards making low emissions alumina, and decarbonising Australian metals production.

“Meeting Australia’s emissions reduction targets will require businesses in the most energy intensive industries to incorporate renewables in their operations,” Mr Miller said.

“Funding from ARENA will help South32 investigate innovative electrification options for steam generation that enable the use of renewable energy.”

The study represents another investment by ARENA in its growing low emissions alumina refining portfolio. Learnings will benefit not only South32 in its decarbonisation journey but other alumina refining players by continuing the industry’s investigation and potential uptake of steam electrification technologies.

South32 Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Torres said South32 has a long-term goal to achieve net zero GHG emissions across all scopes by 2050, and a target to halve our operational GHG emissions by 2035 from our FY21 baseline.

“Decarbonising our operations is key to achieving our goals and targets. The pre-feasibility study that we will undertake at Worsley Alumina, with funding support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, builds on the work already underway to reduce Worsley Alumina’s GHG emissions.

“Electrification of the steam generation process at Worsley Alumina’s refinery has the potential to further reduce the operation’s GHG emissions and we look forward to starting work on the project. We welcome the support from ARENA and look forward to the outcomes of the study.”

ARENA has been investing in projects to reduce emissions from the aluminium value chain since 2021. This includes providing funding to Alcoa to investigate and trial electric calcination, and to Rio Tinto to trial hydrogen calcination at its Yarwun refinery in Queensland.

Applications for the Industrial Transformation Stream remain open, with $70 million in funding now available under the recently announced second round, providing further opportunities for industry to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions related to industrial activity.

For more information on the program, including program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, visit the funding page. Round 2 is expected to remain open until mid-June 2025.

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 151KB)

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 26 May 2025

Eight projects are turning old materials into innovative new products with support from the $5 million Circular Economy Investment Program.

From a robotic pallet dismantler to a food rescue mission, the successful projects pave the way towards a less-wasteful society – where waste is never wasted.

With grants of between $250,000 and $750,000 from the Queensland Government, recipients will revolutionise a range of key industries, rethinking how we handle waste and what it can be repurposed for.

By prioritising keeping materials in circulation, not only will we be reducing landfill and boosting recycling rates; we will be reducing the reliance on brand-new materials.

Acting Deputy Director-General at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Kahil Lloyd said these projects showcase the potential to unleash economic opportunities by reducing, reusing and recycling valuable materials.

“These projects will not only help to reduce the roughly 10 million tonnes of waste produced in Queensland each year but also innovate a range of industries and support up to 72 local jobs.

“From a robotic pallet dismantler to innovative recycling approaches for mattresses, medical plastics and truck tarpaulins; these projects go beyond a one-size fits all approach to tackling waste.

“Queensland is working towards becoming a zero-waste society with ambitious targets to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible.

“For every three jobs in landfill, there are nine jobs in recycling.

“The Queensland Government is developing a new Queensland Waste Strategy to help boost recycling and unlock economic opportunities.

“These projects are a great example of how we can support Queensland businesses and capitalise on the opportunities that come from reducing, reusing and recycling.

Learn more about the Circular Economy Investment Program successful projects.

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 23 May 2025

The Sandy Point section of Byfield National Park and adjacent beach will be temporarily closed from 26 May 2025 to 30 May 2025 for public safety and park preservation.

Feral animal control – including feral foxes, feral cats and feral pigs – upholds the key values of the park and protects nesting seabirds, turtles, and the ground-dwelling, black-breasted buttonquail.

The Sandy Point section of Byfield National Park forms part of the Shoalwater and Corio Bays Area Ramsar site and supports breeding populations of seabirds, including the vulnerable little tern, and is home to at least 21 other species of seabird and shorebirds.

Marine turtles nest along the Farnborough and Sandy Point foredunes, and turtle nests are directly impacted by feral animal predation.

The black-breasted button-quail is a ground-dwelling bird that inhabits the coastal semi-evergreen microphyll vine thicket to vine forest communities, and is vulnerable to predation from cats and foxes, as well as habitat degradation from pigs.

Under the National Recovery Plan for the Black-breasted buttonquail, implementing feral animal control programs is a management action to help the recovery of this important species.

We advise the public to continue to monitor Park Alerts, abide by signage, and to follow the instructions of Rangers.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it is providing additional support for new small business owners to ensure they understand and comply with their tax, super and registry obligations from the start.

The ATO’s campaign, coined ‘ready for business’, highlights that opening and running a small business is ‘serious business’. Approximately 50% of businesses fail in the first 3 yearsExternal Link, often because they don’t get their ATO obligations right when starting their small business journey.

In the coming months, Australian business number (ABN) holders will receive a series of emails from the ATO which include tips on ABN obligations, business structures, registering for goods and services tax (GST) and understanding employer responsibilities.

The ATO knows while most small businesses try to do the right thing and comply with their ATO obligations there are some making genuine mistakes and others deliberately not complying.

Don’t get caught out by GST

GST registration and payment is an ongoing area of concern for the ATO. The ATO estimates that the community is missing out on almost $8 billion in GST each year that hasn’t been collected due to non-compliance. Small businesses failing to comply with GST obligations contribute significantly to this gap.

Not every small business needs to be registered for GST, but when their GST turnover is $75,000 or more or when they provide taxi, limousine or ride-sourcing services they must register and collect GST and then pay this to the ATO.

Small businesses who don’t understand their GST obligations can often be caught out when it comes time to pay.

ATO Deputy Commissioner Will Day encouraged small businesses to set aside GST, as well as pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and super if they have employer obligations.

‘Don’t be tempted to dip into GST, PAYG withholding or super to manage your cash flow – set up separate bank accounts for these funds so you’re always prepared when it’s time to pay’, Mr Day said.

In early 2025, the ATO wrote to ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers announcing it was focussed on those operating outside the system. This action resulted in over 3,000 new GST registrations.

‘Ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers who deliberately operate outside the system will face consequences’, Mr Day said.

Side hustles in the spotlight

Over 700,000 taxpayers are supplementing their income with ‘side hustles’ including ‘gig’ or sharing economy activities. If your hobby has turned into a profit-making business, you are responsible for certain tax, super and registry obligations.

‘Generally, a business involves continuous and repeated activities aimed at making a profit. Visit ato.gov.au/areyouinbusiness to learn more about whether your activities qualify as a business and understand your obligations,’ Mr Day said.

Plan ahead with PAYG instalments

The ATO is also encouraging new small businesses to plan ahead to avoid a large tax bill when they lodge their first tax return.

To prevent this, new small business owners can voluntarily enter and prepay their estimated tax liability through PAYG instalments as soon as they start their business.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Will Day:

‘Our goal is to provide small businesses with guidance, tools and tips so new business owners can focus on growing their business with confidence’.

‘Small businesses are vital participants in the tax and super system. As stewards for small businesses, our role in making it easy for small business owners to get their tax and super right is more important than ever.’

‘We know that successful small business owners understand their tax, super and registry obligations and we are committed to helping them do so. We also know that small businesses who engage a registered tax professional are more likely to stay on top of their tax and super obligations’.

‘Through transparent communication, including the support we have available for small businesses, small business owners are better equipped to keep up with their obligations and stay on top of their tax payments. After all, small business is serious business.’

‘The ATO’s role is to collect the correct amount of tax so the government can deliver services for the Australian community’.

Notes to journalists

• Deputy Commissioner Will Day’s speech to the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) National Congress 2024 launched ‘Getting it right’, an ongoing quarterly campaign which aims to support small businesses by sharing the ATO’s areas of focus. Deputy Commissioner Will Day’s speech announced the quarter 2 focus areas and the quarter 3 focus areas were announced in the ATO shifts non-compliant small businesses to monthly GST media release.
• Ensuring new small business owners get their ATO obligations right is the next ‘cab off the rank’ for the ATO’s ongoing ‘Getting it right’ campaign. The ATO will continue to announce new focus areas quarterly.
• Deputy Commissioner Will Day is available for interviews on request.
• A high-resolution headshot of Deputy Commissioner Will DayThis link will download a file is available for download from our media centre.
• ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin