Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

On 30 September 2025, Northern Territory Police received a complaint regarding the alleged unauthorised use of a company credit card by a former employee of a non-profit organisation supporting NDIS clients in Darwin.

Serious Crime Squad commenced investigations, conducting extensive enquiries into the alleged offending.

As a result, on 22 April 2026, a 51-year-old female was served with a Notice to Appear and is scheduled to appear before the Darwin Local Court on 4 June 2026.

The female has been charged with 27 counts of “Obtain Financial Advantage by Deception”.

NT Police have also referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police and the NDIS Fraud Fusion Task Force as part of a coordinated approach addressing NDIS fraud.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA has welcomed a Victorian Government investment of $148.6 million into CFA’s fleet, and a funding boost for fire stations and critical equipment to help keep Victorians and volunteers safe.

Over ten years, an incredible $100 million will go toward building more tankers and pumpers to assist with firefighting efforts, while an additional $26 million will be allocated to help facilitate new, purpose-built facilities for CFA members.

Brigade members from Lakes Entrance, Barongarook West, Charlton, Nar Nar Goon, Beveridge, Dereel, Mirboo North, Kingston, Woodvale and Yarrambat will benefit from the budget expansion through new station builds, planning, land acquisition or upgrades.

A further $22.4 million will be dedicated toward CFA members’ wellbeing support, updating their personal protective equipment (PPE) and for training purposes.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the significant funding will not only improve conditions for brigade members right across the state but also help meet the needs of future generations of firefighters.

“This latest announcement represents an extraordinary investment by the Victorian Government and one that will make a substantial difference to the safety and comfort of our CFA members,” Jason said.

“It will ensure our hard-working volunteers are well-equipped with the most up-to-date, safe and modern facilities, vehicles, and equipment to help protect lives and property in their community now and well into the future.

“Victoria’s firefighters, both operational and those who play a role behind the scenes, deserve the best tools and protection, and this funding will only enhance their ability to respond more efficiently and effectively to emergencies.”

CO Jason Heffernan said this funding will be additional to what CFA already received last season.

“The $100 million over ten years will see us be able to get a better negotiation with industry to ensure we get the trucks that we need, when we need them and I look forward to starting that process,” Jason said.

“This will go a long way to replacing those single cab tankers where our volunteers are riding on the back.

“The $15 million investment into PPE will see next generation wildfire PPC for the new members that come into our organisation and some structural PPC so our volunteers are protected as much as they can be.

“That also includes money to roll out P3 masks initiative ensuring respiratory protection for our volunteers during bushfires as we saw in January.

“The remaining funds will benefit our wellbeing services with clinical psychologists and ensure we have the funding that we need.”

CO Jason Heffernan joined eager brigade members at Golden Square for the announcement (23 April), alongside Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward MP and Maree Edwards MP. 

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Bemm River Fire Brigade has welcomed a new medium tanker to their engine bay, boosting the brigade’s ability to protect the community well into the future.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Award recipients from left, Carolyn Archibold, Will Archibold, Vicki Pell, Col Wilson, Adam Gordon, Dave Gordon

Undera Fire Brigade members, along with family and friends, recently came together to recognise and celebrate the service of several of its members.

Special guests included former brigade members, neighbouring brigade members and District 22 Commander Rohan Taylor, who presented the awards on behalf of CFA.  

Awards presented on the night (17 April) included 5-year certificates to firefighters Vicki Pell, Carolyn Archibold and 3rd Lieutenant Will Archibold.

Col Wilson, Adam Gordon and Dave Gordon received 20, 30 and 55-year service awards respectively.

While presenting the awards, Commander Taylor noted that although the honours are worn by members, their families should also feel proud – recognising that their support and commitment to CFA and community are as equally acknowledged.  

In a special tribute, posthumous brigade life membership was awarded to ex member Ray Dealy who passed away earlier this year. The award was presented to Ray’s wife Jenny by ex-captain Dave Gordon, in recognition of Ray’s 40 years of service to the Undera Fire Brigade.

Firefighter and Ex Captain Stewart Pell, a stalwart of the Brigade and local community, was unfortunately unable to attend the dinner to receive his 50-year service award due to ill health.

Given the significance of the award, members of Undera and neighbouring Mooroopna brigade along with some of Stewart’s family and friends visited the Goulburn Valley Hospital in Shepparton to acknowledge his service through the presentation of the award and CFA life membership.

Instrumental in organising this important celebration, current Captain Brandan Reilly and grandson of Strewart, spoke highly of his dedication and is proud to be continuing in his footsteps.

Our sincere thanks go to GV Health for allowing our tanker to be parked where it was clearly visible from Stewart’s window during the presentation – a gesture that meant a great deal and reflected the immense pride he held in the truck and all it represents.

Submitted by	Dan Jones, Undera Fire Brigade

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Reports to the ACCC about consumer guarantees rose by 20 per cent to over 38,000 in 2025, compared to the previous year.

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) provides consumers with automatic rights when they purchase a product or service. These are called “consumer guarantees”. The exercise of these rights continues to be more difficult than it should be, especially for people who have contacted the ACCC about issues with whitegoods and electronics, the ACCC’s 2025 reports data shows.

About 70 per cent of people who contacted the ACCC in 2025 about an electronic product or whitegood raised issues relating to consumer guarantees. The electronics and whitegoods sector was also the sector for which the ACCC received the most reports in 2025.

Improving industry compliance with consumer guarantees, with a focus on consumer electronics, is an ACCC 2025/26 Compliance and Enforcement Priority.

“We are reminding consumer electronics and whitegoods retailers they must comply with their consumer guarantee obligations. We also encourage businesses in these sectors to review their policies and practices to ensure they are compliant with the Australian Consumer Law,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Consumers rely on products like TVs, fridges, mobile phones and washing machines every day, and when something goes wrong it can be a major disruption. Despite having these basic consumer rights, reports to us show some businesses are not honouring consumers’ rights to a refund, repair or replacement.”

Compliance with consumer guarantees has been a priority for the ACCC for several years and will continue to be a priority for 2026/27.

“We are very pleased the government has announced plans to reform the consumer guarantee provisions of the Australian Consumer Law, which will create stronger incentives for businesses to provide the remedies that consumers are already entitled to,” Ms Lowe said.

“The new laws will also make it easier for the ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies to take enforcement and compliance action where rights aren’t honoured.”

The proposal, supported by the ACCC, will introduce penalties for businesses which fail to comply with their obligations to provide remedies to consumers. It will also introduce penalties for manufacturers that fail to reimburse suppliers for remedies they provide to consumers, when the manufacturer is responsible for the consumer guarantees issue with a product.

Examples of issues reported to the ACCC

The reports to the ACCC included the following examples:

• A consumer was asked to pay for the repair of a high-end fridge because a component failed after the two-year warranty period.
• A consumer could not get a replacement TV after discovering a new TV screen was broken upon delivery.
• A consumer was charged for repairs to a three-month old smartphone that randomly restarted during normal use and had issues with the camera.

In 2025, the ACCC received over 3,000 reports about businesses who were telling consumers that they were not entitled to a remedy when products potentially failed to comply with the consumer guarantees, or that consumers had to deal with the manufacturer, which is not the case.

“It is illegal for businesses to rely on store policies or terms and conditions which deny these rights. For example, policies that say ‘no refunds’ or ‘no refunds or exchanges on sale items’ are likely to be misleading as consumer guarantee rights continue to apply in relation to major and minor faults,” Ms Lowe said.

“Businesses risk breaching the Australian Consumer Law if they mislead consumers about their right to a remedy. No matter what the business does or says, they cannot take away your consumer guarantee rights.”.

Consumers can find further information about their rights and how to enforce them on the ACCC website. 

Consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law – refund, repair or replacement

Under the ACL, products and services supplied to consumers automatically come with basic rights called consumer guarantees. These include that products must be of acceptable quality, match any description provided, and be fit for a particular purpose.

If a business fails to meet one of the consumer guarantees, a consumer is entitled to a remedy. This may be a refund, repair, or replacement, depending on the circumstances.

In some situations, a business may be classified as a consumer too under the ACL consumer guarantees. See our website for more detail.

These consumer rights apply separately from any warranty provided by the supplier or manufacturer, and can last for a longer time than the manufacturer’s warranty.

Some businesses offer “extended” warranties for an additional cost, but consumers should ask businesses to explain what, if any, additional benefits these provide.

Businesses may need to provide a remedy under the consumer guarantees even if the warranty has already expired. They should not mislead consumers about their automatic rights under the consumer guarantees, or the need to acquire any additional warranties.

Tips for consumers

Consumers can assert their rights under the consumer guarantees in the ACL and should not only rely on the manufacturer’s warranty or the retailer’s return policy when they have a problem with their electronics or whitegoods products. Consumer guarantees can provide more extensive remedies and for longer.

Consumers should be cautious about purchasing extended warranties, which may not offer any additional benefits to what is already automatically provided under the ACL. Before purchasing an extended warranty, consumers should:

• ask the business to explain what the extended warranty provides over and above the consumer’s automatic rights,
• read the terms and conditions of the extended warranty to understand what is excluded and if it offers any additional benefits, and
• consider whether the purchase is value for money.

If consumers can’t resolve their consumer guarantees issue directly with a business, they can contact their local state or territory consumer protection agency which may be able to directly assist consumers in resolving their dispute. They can also submit a complaint to the ACCC which will help the ACCC identify trends and inform our compliance and enforcement work.

The ACCC has important information and helpful tools such as letter templates on its website for both consumers and businesses about consumer guarantee rights and obligations.

Background 

In December 2025, the Government published a decision regulatory impact statement relating to proposed reforms to the consumer guarantee provisions in the ACL.

These include reforms which will make it illegal for:

• businesses to fail to provide a remedy for consumer guarantees failures, when they are legally required to do so under the consumer guarantees, and
• manufacturers to fail to reimburse suppliers for consumer guarantees failures that the manufacturers are responsible for.

In June 2025, Reebelo Australia, an online marketplace for new and refurbished electronics, paid $59,400 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for allegedly making false representations about the effect of consumer guarantee rights in contravention of the ACL.

In April 2025, the ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from apparel business Hard Rock Enterprises Pty Ltd, in which it admitted to engaging in resale price maintenance and making false or misleading representations to consumers about the amount of time a consumer has to seek a remedy for a faulty product or return an incorrect product.

In February 2025, an ACCC sweep uncovered concerning online shopping return policies and terms and conditions. The sweep found numerous examples of practices that could potentially mislead or deceive consumers regarding their rights to exchange, refund or return a product.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese and Rockliff Governments are protecting jobs and critical manufacturing capability at Liberty Bell Bay during its administration process.  

EY have formally accepted both Governments offer to jointly provide a $3 million loan, on a 50:50 basis, to support workers while administrator EY continues to conduct an expedited sale of the facility.  

This support is about providing workers with more certainty in what has been a very difficult time for the community.   

It will keep the workforce in place, protecting jobs and specialist skills, as well as giving the facility the best chance of a successful sale and faster restart under a new owner.   

Liberty Bell Bay is Australia’s only domestic producer of manganese alloy, a critical input into steelmaking for defence, construction and mining.   

This support follows the Tasmanian Government providing a $20 million loan to purchase ore after commitments from GFG, the smelter’s owner, it would restart operations at Liberty.  

Despite the commitment from GFG, Liberty remained in limited operations until the administration process began. 

The Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments will continue to work closely to support workers, safeguard Australia’s industrial resilience, and secure the best possible outcome for the facility and the Bell Bay community.  

Quotes attributed to Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister 

“We’re backing the workers, their families and the community through this sale process because this facility and these jobs matter.  

“I thank the State Government and all local MPs for working with us to support Australian manufacturing.  

“We need to build more things here as a country – and that includes in Northen Tasmania.” 

Quotes attributed to Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania 

“We are in the corner of workers, their families and impacted small businesses. 

“Liberty is the only manganese smelter in the country, and we have invested to support the workers and keep this sovereign capability in Northern Tasmania. 

“Our Government established the Bell Bay Response Team and we provided a $20 million loan for ore to restart operations at Liberty. 

“We have been in regular communication with the Federal Government and worked with them to deliver this employee support package.  

“Tasmanian manufacturing jobs are critical to our community, our State and our Nation.  

“Recognising that there is still more to do, I want to thank everyone from all sections of the community for rallying around the workers to save Liberty Bell Bay.  

“Strong cooperation between State, Federal and Local Government has been really important to date and I want to thank our Liberal Members for Bass, Bridget Archer, Rob Fairs and Michael Ferguson, and local members for Windermere, Nick Duigan, and Rosevears, Jo Palmer, for their very strong advocacy and focus on the wellbeing and jobs of the local workers.” 

Quotes attributed to Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science

“This is good news for the Bell Bay community – but I know there is more work to be done.  

“I look forward to a successful sale of Liberty Bell Bay – and welcome a new owner who will look after this facility for what it is: a critical part of the steelmaking supply chain.  

“I thank Jess Teesdale for advocating for her community, as well as the workers, unions and local suppliers, and the State Government, for pulling together to get this positive outcome.”  

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing up to $38.1 million to PLS Group Limited (PLS) to support an innovative, lower–emission lithium processing demonstration plant in Western Australia. 

The project will trial Calix Limited’s innovative, electric‑kiln technology, which has the potential to cut emissions from calcination, one of the most energy intensive steps in lithium processing, by more than 80% when powered by renewable energy. The demonstration plant is 100% owned and operated by PLS and will be located at its Pilgangoora Operation in the Pilbara. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project supports ARENA’s priority to accelerate low emissions processing technologies in the critical energy minerals sector. 

“Australia supplies more than half of the world’s spodumene but refines only a small portion at home. This project is an important step in building Australia’s capability to produce low emissions battery materials onshore and to capture more value from the global transition to clean energy.” 

Once fully operational, the plant is designed to produce approximately 3,000 tonnes of lithium phosphate per year, a key material used in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, particularly for electric vehicles and energy storage applications. 

Australia is the world’s largest producer of spodumene, a mineral used to make lithium chemicals such as lithium phosphate. However, most spodumene is currently processed overseas. By demonstrating a cleaner, more efficient refining process here in Australia, the project aims to build local capability and create new economic opportunities. 

PLS Managing Director and CEO Dale Henderson said Australia had a major opportunity to build greater value through local processing. 

“The Mid-Stream Demonstration Plant is an important step toward capturing more processing value onshore while demonstrating lower-carbon methods for producing the lithium battery materials the world needs.” 

“This funding highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to backing local innovation with the potential to significantly reduce emissions across the global lithium supply chain.” 

“We’re proud to be progressing this technology at Pilgangoora with support from the Australian Government, demonstrating how Australia can play a leading role in the sustainable processing of critical energy minerals.”  

As a key driver of early-stage capability building in the critical energy minerals sector, ARENA is supporting Australian companies to develop local expertise, build low emissions processing capacity, and lay the foundations for a more resilient and competitive industry.  

The Advancing Renewables Program (ARP) is ARENA’s flagship, always-open funding initiative supporting a broad spectrum of renewable energy projects—from early-stage research and development through to demonstration and pre-commercial deployment. This program is continuously open for applications that align with ARENA’s strategic priorities as set out in the Investment Plan.  

This project is ARENA’s second investment in critical energy minerals, which was added to the Investment Plan in 2025 as a focus area within the low emissions metals strategic priority. 

For more information about the Advancing Renewables Program visit the ARENA funding page.  

ARENA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Major Crash Investigation Unit has arrested a man in relation to a fatal crash that occurred on the Arnhem Highway on 27 October 2025.

Around 8:20pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that two motorcycles had collided with a feral pig approximately 19km east of the Stuart Highway intersection and 1km east of the Arnhem Hwy and Lambells Lagoon Road intersection.

Police and St John Ambulance attended and located a 18-year-old female pillion passenger who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Two male riders, aged 24 and 26, were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital via Careflight with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigations conducted with crash analysis determined the then 24-year-old’s motorcycle was allegedly travelling at dangerously high speeds throughout its journey, with speeds well over 200km/h recorded.

On 22 April 2026, the now 25-year-old male was arrested and conveyed to the Palmerston Watch House where he was charged with:

• Recklessly Endanger Life
• Drive Motor Vehicle Cause Death
• Careless Drive Cause Death
• Driving at a dangerous Speed

He was bailed to face Darwin Local Court on 6 May 2026.

Police have issued a summons for the 26-year-old male to appear at the Darwin Local Court on 4 June 2026 for the offence of Careless Drive Cause Death.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2600038869.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

High range drink driver charged

Thursday, 23 April 2026 – 3:11 pm.

A 64-year-old Prospect woman was charged with drink driving after a vehicle was reported driving erratically in Prospect Vale this morning.Following information from members of the public, the woman was located at her home address and subjected to a breath test which returned a positive result.The woman was transported to the Launceston Police Station where she returned a reading of 0.276.She has been disqualified from driving for 24 months and will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 13 May 2026.Anyone who observed the driving behaviour of a red Mitsubishi Outlander in the Prospect area this morning is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Local bushfire preparedness and community resilience have received a significant boost with the delivery of new specialist firefighting equipment, funded through the Alcoa Bushfire Ready Fund.

The project, led by Portland Fire Brigade Captain Ian Hamley, has equipped local volunteer brigades with specialist resources designed to improve bushfire and non structure fire response in areas where conventional firefighting methods are not possible.

The new capability supports safer, more effective operations in remote, steep, environmentally sensitive and culturally significant locations.

The equipment purchased through the project includes 20 lengths of percolating bushfire hose, 10 impact sprinklers, a 7,500-litre collar tank, and an inline booster pump. Together, this equipment allows extended hose lays well beyond vehicle access, while also supporting sprinkler based asset protection in situations where direct firefighting access is limited.

Ian Hamley said the funding had delivered a meaningful and practical improvement to local firefighting capability.

“This project was about addressing real operational gaps we face during bushfire response,” Ian said.

“The new equipment allows our volunteers to safely get water where it’s needed most — into inaccessible terrain and sensitive areas — while also providing improved options for asset protection using impact sprinklers.

”Volunteer training formed a key part of the project, with members of local brigades undertaking hands on instruction in the safe and effective deployment of the new equipment, including hose lay construction, water supply management, and sprinkler system setup.”

Ian said ongoing training would remain a focus to ensure the equipment continues to deliver long-term benefits.

“Investing in equipment is only part of the solution,” he said. “Ensuring volunteers are trained, confident and ready to deploy it safely means this capability will keep delivering value well into the future.”

The project aligns strongly with the Alcoa Bushfire Ready Fund’s focus on improving bushfire preparedness, strengthening community resilience, and supporting sustainable, community led initiatives.

The addition of extended hose lays, portable water supply and impact sprinkler capability allows fires to be managed effectively while minimising environmental disturbance and protecting culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.

Importantly, it also improves volunteer safety by reducing reliance on vehicle access and heavy machinery in hazardous conditions.

This investment ensures the community is better prepared for future bushfire seasons and highlights the value of partnerships between industry, volunteers and emergency services.

Submitted by	Ian Hamley