Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANDREW LEIGH, MEMBER FOR FENNER: Good afternoon, everyone. My name’s Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and for the purposes of today, the Federal Member for Fenner. It’s a real delight to be here on Ngunnawal land with the Prime Minister and Housing Minister to inspect this great social and affordable housing development. We’re here in the suburb of Jacka, named after Albert Jacka, who won Australia’s first VC. But before he went off to fight in World War One, Albert Jacka was a forester. One of the things I wonder today is whether someone on a forester’s wage would be able to afford a home the way things were left to us under the Liberals. That’s why we’ve invested so strongly in housing, including right here in my electorate. It’s a real pleasure to see these apartments that will be available as social and affordable homes in less than a year from now. My pleasure now to hand over to the Prime Minister.

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Secondly, on another event on the other side of the world, just a shout out to the Socceroos. An amazing game yesterday afternoon. I’m sure that people throughout Australia were watching and cheering on our team, that were underestimated before the game against Türkiye. But the goals by Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe were both extraordinary goals against, on the break, after what were extensive and effective defensive strategies put in place by the team and led of course by the coach. So, to Patrick Beach, who saved so many shots on goal, and to the entire team, they worked as a unit and to everyone there in Vancouver celebrating – including some members of the press gallery, it must be said, there on holidays – good on you. And it’s fantastic that so many Australians have travelled to North America to cheer on the Australian Socceroos team and we look forward to the games against the United States and Paraguay, and then to the next round where things are looking pretty hopeful that we’ll reach there as well.

Look, it’s fantastic to be here. We’re amidst this construction of 57 new social and affordable homes. This is a part of the Housing Australia Future Fund. This is a fund that was blocked by the No-alition of the Liberals, the Nationals and the Greens and One Nation for a long period of time in the Senate. They said that it didn’t matter. Well, it does matter. These homes will be homes to Australians who need that increase in social housing. This will make an enormous difference. This is $50 million of Commonwealth expenditure on this site. It’s one of the sites where we’re building 55,000 public housing units and homes right around Australia. That compares with 373 homes, which is the total number of social housing dwellings that were built during the former government in their almost decade in office. What we have done is thrown everything at supply, whether it be public housing through the Housing Australia Future Fund, the private rentals through Build To Rent, or whether it be Help to Buy our shared equity scheme or other schemes as well, including the 5 per cent deposits that have helped 250,000 Australians buy their first home. All of these programs have been critical in increasing housing supply but also increasing access to housing.

But we need to do more, which is why we’ve changed some of the property arrangements to make sure that if you are someone who’s invested in negative gearing, you’ll continue to keep that investment. But if you’re a new person who wants to invest in negatively geared properties, then you’ll have to invest in new builds, building assets not just for yourself but assets for the nation as well. And that’s why these changes are so important so that young people who want to own their own home can go along to an auction and not have to compete unfairly with an investor who gets tax breaks that you simply don’t have access to going forward. These measures are really important. There’s nothing more important than having the security of a roof over your head. And that is primarily the purpose of housing, exactly that, to put a roof over the heads of Australian families and so that they can have the good life that we want every Australian to be entitled to. I’ll turn to Clare and then we’re happy to take questions.

< CLARE O'NEIL, MINISTER FOR HOUSING: 

Today we’re here to look at our homebuilding activities. The PM’s just mentioned there we’re on a path here to build 55,000 social and affordable homes right around the country. Remember that we are doing this effectively from a standing start. When we came to government in 2022, that was after a period of almost a decade where the Commonwealth barely built a home. 373 homes over nine years. We’re building 55,000 homes over five years. We’re really proud of these efforts. Now I said my favourite thing is meeting the tenants who will one day live in these homes and I want all of you to come back and look at this when it’s finished and meet the people whose lives will be changed by this housing. Every home we build changes the life of an Australian and their family.

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Think about the global fuel crisis that has just occurred and think about whether everyone in public life would be in a position to go to our Asian friends in Singapore, in Brunei, in Malaysia, in China, in South Korea and Japan and say we have a relationship that is important of mutual interest in our region. We need to make sure that we continue to have fuel supply. You look at what we have managed to, we hope that the conflict has ended, but you look at what we’ve managed to achieve. Prior to Easter, when I did the address to the nation, the Coalition were asking questions in the Parliament and saying that there would need to be restrictions on access to fuel after Easter. Immediately afterwards they dismissed the visits and the work that we did with our partners in the region and said that was a waste of time. And what we have achieved here, unlike many countries in our region, is to deliver that security of supply so that today we have more jet fuel, petrol and diesel in Australia than we had on February 28th when this conflict began. That hasn’t happened by accident. That’s happened due to relationships and by good policy through the use of Export Finance Australia to purchase fuel on the spot market. That’s what serious political parties of government are able to achieve when they’re focused on the needs of the Australian people. That’s what we’re focused on.

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Coconut Grove this morning.

Around 8:35am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a robbery in progress at an address on Hart Court.

The victim, an adult mate, told police he was at home when two young male offenders allegedly entered his residence unlawfully via the back door.

The offenders were allegedly armed with knives at the time and threatened the victim while they searched his residence and stole his phone and car keys.

When the offenders attempted to steal the victim’s car, the victim alerted his neighbour to the incident and allegedly attacked one of the offenders with a baseball bat.

The accused males then fled the location in a black vehicle while still in possession of the phone and car keys.

The victim suffered minor injuries but did not require medical treatment.

Investigations are ongoing and the offenders remain outstanding. Anyone with information or footage including CCTV is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a 39-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred near Tennant Creek on Friday.

Around 10:40am on Saturday 13 June, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre receive a report that a female in her 20s had been assaulted by a male family member the day prior.

It is alleged on Friday 12 June, the offender physically assaulted the victim while travelling in a vehicle on the Barkly Highway. A passenger in the vehicle intervened to stop the assault.

The victim sought medical attention in Tennant Creek and was further conveyed to Alice Springs for treatment.

Police commenced investigations and just after 9:30am yesterday, the offender was located and arrested.

He was charged with Aggravated Assault, Choking, Strangulation or Suffocating, along with Recklessly Endanger Serious Harm and has been refused bail to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court today.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to family or domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Three youths have been arrested following an aggravated robbery in Palmerston last night.

Around 10pm, a 28-year-old male victim was parked in the carpark outside a fast-food restaurant in Palmerston when two youths approached, opened the door to his vehicle and demanded his keys.

When the victim exited the vehicle, he was allegedly struck to his head and up to five youths approached him allegedly armed with knives.

The victim sought refuge inside the restaurant and contacted police.

Strike Force Trident and Palmerston General Duties responded and with help of police CCTV, three male youth offenders aged 14, 14 and 13 were arrested.

The victim did not suffer serious injuries and did not require medical treatment.

The vehicle was not stolen however personal property belonging to the victim remains outstanding.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Greater Bendigo small businesses who may be considering their next work ute, van or fleet car are invited to a free breakfast event to get practical advice before they lease or buy.

The City of Greater Bendigo is holding a EVs for Work: What to Know Before You Lease or Buy breakfast from 7am to 9am Wednesday June 24, 2026 at Spring Gully General Store, 134 Spring Gully Road.

Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said the breakfast event is designed for local business owners, managers and fleet decision-makers who want clear, useful information about whether an electric vehicle could work for their business.

“Attendees will be able to see EV work vehicles up close, hear from speakers with direct experience, and ask questions about charging, range, payload, running costs, novated leases and day-to-day use,” Ms Wyatt said.

“The free breakfast session will have an EV van, ute and fleet car on display and will feature short presentations and time for discussion and small business networking.

“The event is part of the City’s Beat the Power Bills Business Program and is intended to help businesses make informed decisions before replacing or adding work vehicles.

“Many businesses are interested in electric vehicles but want practical information they can apply to their own operations. Businesses are telling us they want straightforward, real-world information before they make a decision on their next work vehicle.

“The aim of the breakfast is to help local businesses understand the financial benefits of using an EV for work compared with other vehicles and what to check before they lease or buy.

“It will give people the chance to see some currently available electric light commercial vehicles in person, hear local experience and ask direct questions about the issues that matter most in day-to-day business use.”

Speakers at the breakfast will include Adam Nicoletti, owner of Spring Gully General Store, sharing insights from his own EV journey and nearly seven years of Tesla ownership, John Harvey from the City of Greater Bendigo speaking about the City’s experience with EV fleet vehicles and charging infrastructure, and James Humphreys, Fleet Manager at La Trobe University, speaking about lessons from fleet transition in practice.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 29-year-old female in relation to a structure fire that occurred in Pinelands last week.

Around 8:20pm on Wednesday night, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a fire at a storage yard on the Stuart Highway in Pinelands.

One building on the premises, which contains 20 separate storage units, was fully engulfed. 

The fire was fully extinguished shortly after 5am Thursday morning. A crime scene was established and the fire was being treated as suspicious.

The alleged offender was arrested on Thursday evening and was subsequently charged with the following:

• Arson
• Ram-raid
• Trespass
• Aggravated burglary
• 2 x Damage to property

She was remanded in custody to appear today.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing efforts to address community unrest in the Barkly region and is calling on residents and partner agencies to help reduce escalating tensions.

In recent weeks, tensions between family groups have resulted in several serious incidents, including the death of a 21-year-old man.

Local police have been engaging with community members and key stakeholders, including Licensing NT, to address anti-social behaviour and reduce the risk of further violence in Tennant Creek. Local licensed premises voluntarily ceased take away liquor sales on Friday and Saturday out of cultural respect.

Amid concerns of payback and rising tensions, police conducted a targeted operation over the weekend focused on criminal activity, particularly the carrying of unlawful weapons.

Senior Sergeant Mick Fields said police conducted wanding operations throughout Tennant Creek and surrounding areas.

“For the past 48 hours, we had crews out conducting wanding operations across the Tennant Creek township and surrounding areas.

“Police did not locate any weapons throughout that period. This was a great result and testimony to the unified community support from Tennant Creek residents.”

“We want people to make better choices because right now a community is grieving the loss of a young man because of the decisions made by others.”

“We understand emotions are running high, but further violence will only create more victims, more grief and more pain for families and the community.”

NT Police have maintained a strong presence across the Barkly region since Friday, to prevent further violence and keep the community safe, including: 

• Arrested 8 people

• Conducted more than 300 random breath tests

• Conducted 16 roadside drug tests

• Detected one 51-year-old male driver who returned a positive result for THC, amphetamine and methamphetamine

• Issued 5 Banning Notices. 

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Australian Government welcomes the agreement by the United States and Iran.

Australia has long called for de‑escalation and an end to the conflict, including in Lebanon. As we have said, the longer this war goes on, the greater the impact will be.

Continued restraint and constructive engagement will be essential to prevent further escalation and secure a lasting agreement.

We are pleased the agreement between the US and Iran includes steps towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of freedom of navigation. While full recovery will take time, restoring this vital trade corridor is essential to easing pressure on energy prices and economies, including in our region.

We will continue to do all we can to shield Australians from the worst impacts of this conflict. Australia now has more fuel in its reserves than ever and we will continue to work hard to ensure we have adequate supply.

We encourage all parties to use this opportunity to pursue a durable and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. Iran must address longstanding concerns about its nuclear program and the threat it poses to international security.

We commend the efforts to date of Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and other mediating countries.

Australia will continue to engage with international partners to promote peace, stability and security in the Middle East.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Ugg footwear retailer Christofi Investments has paid $39,600 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with two infringement notices for allegedly making misleading pricing claims on the Ugg Originals and Ugg Australia Classic websites.

The infringement notices related to Christofi having advertised classic ugg slippers and platform uggs at an apparently discounted price alongside a higher strikethrough “was” price.

The ACCC alleges that these claims were false or misleading in breach of the Australian Consumer Law because the products had not been offered for sale or sold at the higher price claimed in the advertisements in a reasonable period beforehand.

“The ACCC was concerned that consumers were likely to have been misled by the Ugg websites’ claims they were getting ugg boots and slippers at a genuine discount, when we allege this was not the case,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

“It is a breach of Australian Consumer Law to mislead consumers about products or pricing. We remind retailers that the ACL applies just as much to online stores as it does to bricks and mortar stores.”

“The ACCC continues to actively pursue cases involving misleading pricing practices by supermarkets and other retailers. False pricing claims do not just cause harm to consumers, they harm competing retailers who present their prices fairly and accurately.”

Christofi owns the Ugg Australia Classic website and administers the Ugg Originals website and advertised the Ugg products with allegedly misleading was/now pricing claims on both websites.

The ACCC was alerted to the conduct by consumer complaints to its Infocentre. 

Images of the advertisements on the Ugg Australia Classic and Ugg Originals websites in November 2025

 

Background 

Christofi is an Australian based retailer of Ugg footwear and Ugg related products, with an online presence as well as 26 physical stores across Australia.

Christofi owns the Original Ugg Australia Classic website, www.uggaustraliaclassic.com.au and administers the Ugg Originals website, www.uggoriginals.com.au.

This matter is not related to legal disputes about the Ugg or UGG trademarks between US-based and Australian companies in recent decades.

Note to editors 

The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the ACL.

The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the ACL.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Ugg footwear retailer Christofi Investments has paid $39,600 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with two infringement notices for allegedly making misleading pricing claims on the Ugg Originals and Ugg Australia Classic websites.

The infringement notices related to Christofi having advertised classic ugg slippers and platform uggs at an apparently discounted price alongside a higher strikethrough “was” price.

The ACCC alleges that these claims were false or misleading in breach of the Australian Consumer Law because the products had not been offered for sale or sold at the higher price claimed in the advertisements in a reasonable period beforehand.

“The ACCC was concerned that consumers were likely to have been misled by the Ugg websites’ claims they were getting ugg boots and slippers at a genuine discount, when we allege this was not the case,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

“It is a breach of Australian Consumer Law to mislead consumers about products or pricing. We remind retailers that the ACL applies just as much to online stores as it does to bricks and mortar stores.”

“The ACCC continues to actively pursue cases involving misleading pricing practices by supermarkets and other retailers. False pricing claims do not just cause harm to consumers, they harm competing retailers who present their prices fairly and accurately.”

Christofi owns the Ugg Australia Classic website and administers the Ugg Originals website and advertised the Ugg products with allegedly misleading was/now pricing claims on both websites.

The ACCC was alerted to the conduct by consumer complaints to its Infocentre. 

Images of the advertisements on the Ugg Australia Classic and Ugg Originals websites in November 2025

 

Background 

Christofi is an Australian based retailer of Ugg footwear and Ugg related products, with an online presence as well as 26 physical stores across Australia.

Christofi owns the Original Ugg Australia Classic website, www.uggaustraliaclassic.com.au and administers the Ugg Originals website, www.uggoriginals.com.au.

This matter is not related to legal disputes about the Ugg or UGG trademarks between US-based and Australian companies in recent decades.

Note to editors 

The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the ACL.

The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the ACL.