Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Victoria is heading into the warmer months, so now is the time to prepare for extreme heat.

Extreme heat does more than cause sunburn. It can worsen existing health conditions and, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening illnesses such as heatstroke.

“Extreme heat can become dangerous quickly” said Dr Caroline McElnay, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.

“A few simple actions like keeping cool, staying hydrated, planning ahead and checking in with others can prevent serious illness.”

Drink water regularly on very hot days, even before you feel thirsty, especially if you’re outdoors or being active.

Look out for signs of dehydration, including thirst, lightheadedness, dry mouth, tiredness, dark, strong-smelling urine, or passing less urine than usual.

If your doctor normally advises you to limit fluids, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.

Use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, keep your skin wet (for example, with a spray bottle or damp sponge), and take cool showers or foot baths.

Close blinds or curtains to block heat from entering your home and if you need to head out, spend time in cool places such as air-conditioned buildings.

Check the weather forecast and Bureau of Meteorology heatwave warnings regularly.

If the hottest part of the day is coming, avoid outdoor work or exercise and reschedule strenuous activities to a cooler time.

“A quick call can make a big difference” Dr McElnay said.

“Check in on older people, friends, neighbours, and anyone who might need support on hot days.”

People most at risk include those over 65, pregnant women, babies and young children, people with acute or chronic health problems, people who are socially isolated, and people with limited ways to keep cool (such as without air conditioning or living in buildings that heat up easily).

For more information on preparing for and coping with extreme heat, see the Better Health Channel’s extreme heat page.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating multiple large disturbances that have occurred in Maningrida since last Friday.

Local police members have responded to a high volume of disturbances between 1 January and 4 January 2026, with some incidents involving over 200 people and some individuals allegedly armed with weapons.

Police have made 10 arrests, including one individual who drove recklessly through the community, nearly striking a police vehicle before crashing.

The 31-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with Recklessly endanger life and other related driving offences. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Additional police resources from Darwin were deployed and remain in the community, with officers conducting high-visibility patrols and engagement activities.

Investigations are ongoing into several offences, and several persons of interest have been identified.

One police officer was allegedly assaulted during an incident and suffered minor injuries which did not require medical treatment.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Leafe said, “This fighting is being driven by social media posts and retributions as a result.

“The majority of the Maningrida community are not involved, but are further negatively impacted as vital policing, medical and other essential services are diverted to respond to the senseless fighting.

“The disgraceful conduct of these individuals is not representative the Maningrida community and those involved will be held accountable.

“Police are continuing to work closely with Traditional Owners and key community stakeholders to strengthen engagement efforts and help reduce tensions within the community.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to investigate the death of a woman within the Tennant Creek Watch House.

The woman was located unresponsive in her cell at 1:03pm on 27 December 2025. She had been arrested and charged with aggravated assault after an incident on 25 December 2025.

A post-mortem was conducted on Friday 2 January 2026, listing her cause of death as undetermined.

The pathologist will now conduct toxicology testing before a formal cause of death can be published.

Investigations still indicate that the deceased suffered a medical incident.

Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said “Any death in custody is thoroughly investigated by Crime Command detectives with oversight from the Professional Standards Command.

“In this instance, the investigation has also engaged the Cultural Reform Command, who are on the ground in the community. Police have been in constant communication with the deceased’s family in Tennant Creek, keeping them up to date with how the investigation is progressing.

“While further testing is required to determine a formal cause of death, the current information suggests that the woman suffered a medical event alone in her cell.

“The entire circumstances surrounding this incident, from the policy and procedures that govern watch house care to the medical history of the deceased, will form part of a comprehensive brief of evidence that will be supplied to the Coroner.

“I have full confidence in the detectives working this investigation, and I have full confidence in the independent processes that already govern how police investigate death in custody matters.

“I extend my condolences to her family and friends who are going through an incredibly difficult time. I would also like to thank the Tennant Creek community for their ongoing assistance.”

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is encouraging Lockwood Ward residents to check they are enrolled to vote ahead of the by-election to elect a new ward Councillor.

The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor John McIlrath in November 2025.

Director Corporate Performance Angela Hays said it was important that Lockwood Ward residents check their enrolment details are up to date.

“Residents must be enrolled by 4pm on Wednesday January 14, so there’s still time to check your details are correct,” Angela said.

“To check or update your enrolment details, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission’s website.

“Lockwood Ward includes Lockwood, Maiden Gully, Marong, Myers Flat, Shelbourne, Wilsons Hill and parts of Long Gully and Ironbark.

“If you’re unsure about which ward you live in, you can check by entering your address on the City’s website.

“Having your say in who represents you on Council is one of the most direct ways to influence decisions that shape your local community.

“This by-election is an important opportunity for residents to choose the person they want advocating for their ward, so I encourage everyone to check their enrolment now to ensure they can take part.”

The by-election is conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission, and voting is compulsory for everyone who is enrolled.

Voting will take place via a postal vote, with ballot packs to be mailed out between Friday March 6 and Thursday March 12. Voting closes at 6pm Friday March 27.

The candidate nomination period opens on February 9 and closes at 12 noon on February 17.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC) and its subsidiary BluJay Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd on 30 December 2025 to divest Expedient, a logistics software business, following an ACCC investigation.

WiseTech acquired Expedient as part of its acquisition of e2open Parent Holdings, Inc. which completed in August 2025.

“While WiseTech informed the ACCC about the acquisition, Wisetech completed the acquisition before the ACCC conducted its review and could reach a decision, despite being aware of the significant concerns being raised,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

Following completion of the acquisition, the ACCC commenced an enforcement investigation to assess whether it would have the effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition, in breach of the merger law.

The undertaking addresses the competition concerns identified by the ACCC in its investigation, by restoring Expedient as an independent competitor to WiseTech. The undertaking is court enforceable and imposes strict requirements on WiseTech regarding the divestiture of Expedient.

Expedient will be sold to a purchaser approved by the ACCC on the basis that the purchaser will be able to operate the Expedient business as a viable competitor to WiseTech in the supply of logistics software in Australia.

WiseTech is Australia’s largest supplier of cloud-based enterprise application software to the global logistics industry with its core software offering, CargoWise.

BluJay was part of the e2open group, and acquired Expedient in March 2020.

Expedient supplies logistics software services, and was a competitor to WiseTech’s CargoWise in Australia and New Zealand prior to the acquisition.

“The ACCC considers that WiseTech already has substantial market power in the supply of logistics software, and the acquisition has the effect of removing the competition between CargoWise and Expedient and significantly reduced the choice available to Australian customers,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“The ACCC received significant concerns from users of logistics software during the investigation, and was concerned that the acquisition could lead to higher prices or lower quality services.”

“Prior to the new merger regime coming into effect on 1 January 2026, there was no requirement for a merger party to obtain ACCC clearance before proceeding to complete an acquisition. This was one of the key concerns with the previous informal regime,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“However, under the new merger regime which commenced on 1 January 2026, merger parties are required to notify the ACCC of any acquisition that meets the thresholds and must not complete the acquisition until it has been approved by the ACCC or the Australian Competition Tribunal.”

In circumstances where an acquisition is not required to be notified but raises competition concerns, the ACCC may still investigate whether the acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in breach of section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

“We retain the ability to investigate acquisitions below the notification thresholds under the substantial lessening of competition test,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“We can also investigate where an acquisition that is required to be notified has been completed without obtaining ACCC or Tribunal clearance, as this would be in breach of the new merger laws and expose the acquisition to being automatically void.”

“The ACCC encourages merger parties to engage with the ACCC in relation to all acquisitions which raise potential competition concerns to manage this risk,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

Further information, including the undertakings accepted by the ACCC, will be published on the ACCC’s undertakings register in due course.

Background

WiseTech is a publicly listed Australian technology company whose group of companies makes available cloud-based enterprise application software to the global logistics industry, including its core software offering CargoWise.

e2open is a technology company providing connected supply chain software platforms, headquartered in Addison, Texas.

Expedient is a subsidiary of BluJay, and supplies logistics software services principally in relation to Australia and New Zealand. e2open acquired BluJay in May 2021.

The Acquisition

On 26 May 2025, WiseTech entered into a binding agreement and plan of merger to acquire e2open. Completion of the acquisition occurred on 4 August 2025. As a result of the acquisition, Expedient became an indirect subsidiary of WiseTech.

The Investigation

The ACCC was concerned that WiseTech, which is the largest supplier of logistics software, acquiring Expedient, combined two significant suppliers of logistics software in Australia with specific customs clearance capability.

The ACCC considers that WiseTech already has substantial market power, and that the Acquisition removed the constraint CargoWise and Expedient provided on each other and significantly reduced the choice available to Australian customers. The ACCC was concerned that, in the absence of the undertaking to divest Expedient, WiseTech could increase prices and or reduce the service quality of its logistics software services.

Logistics software is used by freight forwarders, customs brokers and beneficial cargo owners to assist in the export and import of goods in Australia, and therefore, has a wide impact on Australian businesses and consumers. 

The Undertaking

The Undertaking requires BluJay to divest Expedient to an ACCC approved purchaser (and WiseTech to procure that it does so) and includes supporting arrangements to monitor compliance. It is a court enforceable undertaking given under section 87B of the Competition and Consumer Act. By accepting the section 87B undertaking, the ACCC considers its enforcement investigation is resolved, as the undertaking will ensure that Expedient is sold, resulting in the creation or strengthening of a viable, effective, independent and long-term competitor to WiseTech.

Source: Tasmania Police

Bridgewater Police continue targeted operations to tackle dangerous and reckless driving

Monday, 5 January 2026 – 11:11 am.

Bridgewater Police are continuing to conduct targeted operations across the area to address dangerous and reckless driving, with two vehicles clamped and four motorcycles seized over the weekend.
“Tragically last year, a devastating number of people lost their lives on our roads, and we need everyone to do the right thing to help us keep everyone safe,” said Inspector Luke Horne.
“Disappointingly, the message does not seem to be getting through to some motorists.”
“Over the weekend, police conducted targeted operations across Bushy Park, New Norfolk, Brighton and Bridgewater with our officers issuing infringement notices to 21 drivers and clamping two vehicles and seizing four motorcycles.”
As part of these operations, the following charges were laid:

A 48-year-old Herdsmans Cove man was charged with high-range drink driving (he returned a reading of 0.165), disqualified driving, and other traffic offences. His motorcycle has been seized indefinitely, and an application will be made for it to be forfeited to the State.
A 25-year-old Bridgewater man had his vehicle clamped for three months and will be summonsed for hooning-related offences.
A 23-year-old Mangalore man had his vehicle clamped for 28 days and will be summonsed for hooning-related offences.
A 16-year-old male from Gagebrook has been proceeded against under provisions of the Youth Justice Act for evading police.
A 54-year-old West Moonah man was charged with driving a motor vehicle while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit following a random breath test in Brighton.
A 25-year-old Derwent Park man was charged with driving while disqualified, riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, and using an unregistered motor vehicle.
A 33-year-old Gagebrook man was charged with evading police (aggravated circumstances) and driving while not the holder of a driver licence.
A 23-year-old Bridgewater man was charged with evading police.
A 31-year-old Pontville man was charged with driving while his licence was suspended, using an unregistered motor vehicle, and stealing.

“Those people who choose to drive or ride in a reckless or dangerous manner are making deliberate decisions that place not only themselves, but innocent members of the public, at serious risk of death or injury from a crash,” said Inspector Horne.
“Bridgewater Police will continue to take strong enforcement action against those who place the community at risk.”
“Reckless driving, hooning and disqualified driving will not be tolerated, and we ask anyone who witnesses these acts to report them to police.”
“Working together, police and the community can prevent tragedy and ensure everyone gets home safely.”
Police urge anyone who witnesses reckless or dangerous driving to report it by:

Calling police on 131 444 for incidents occurring now or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
Submit dashcam footage at taspol.au.evidence.com
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au for anonymous reports

When reporting, please include as much detail as possible, including vehicle registration, make, model, colour and location.

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

5 January 2026

Who does this notice affect?

Port operators and other entities at first points of entry (FPOE), including airport and seaport authorities, military bases and fixed base operators, wharf operators, terminal operators and marina operators.

What has changed?

The department’s first points of entry (FPOE) biosecurity awareness online training packages for seaports and landing places have been updated…

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA has transformed its Fire Safe Kids program into two new, curriculum-aligned and developmentally appropriate programs.

The new programs were shaped through extensive consultation to better reflect today’s classrooms, emerging fire risks and strengthened child-safety standards.

CFA’s previous children’s education program, Fire Safe Kids (FSK), was developed in 2011. It consisted of a series of classroom lessons and a truck and fire hose activity. But many things have changed since 2011.

Classrooms look different, children interact with more digital media and have shorter attention spans, and they have more electronic devices in their homes. In addition, houses are consumed by fire more rapidly than they were 20 years ago, giving children less time to safely exit. Research shows that children need to be taught fire safety messaging appropriate to their age.

Over the past two years the Community Engagement team has redeveloped the children’s program following feedback from members, educators and parents to better understand the challenges and successes of FSK. Then consultative groups were established with volunteers and regional and headquarters staff to provide additional valuable insights.

The result is two new programs and a suite of resources that better reflect our understanding of child development, improve our compliance with child safety standards, align with the latest curriculum and include prevention of emerging fire hazards.

Truck Time

The fire truck activity is now a standalone program called Truck Time, consisting of hands-on activities for children such as climbing into the cabin or on the back of the truck, seeing how fire hoses work, looking at equipment in the lockers and learning about simple fire safety messaging. 

Truck Time is best delivered at community events, school fetes and fire station open days, but can also take place during school hours. However, it should be delivered on a separate day to Fire Wise Kids because research shows that when truck activities are delivered on the same day as classroom fire safety programs, children are distracted in the classroom and forget those important messages. 

The training for CFA members consists of a 30-minute eLearning module that explains the new Truck Time guidelines, CFA’s child safety and OHS requirements, and ensures Truck Time is a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. All members delivering Truck Time also need a current Working with Children Check.

“The Truck Time eLearning module was useful for clarifying exactly what we can and can’t do with the kids. It cleared up a lot of misinformation,” North Warrandyte Brigade Community Safety Coordinator Martin Anderson said.

“The child safety risk assessment template and the truck safety procedures helped streamline the whole process and brigade members could be confident that we were providing the kids with a fun, educational and safe experience.

“More than 80 three and four-year-olds attended four different Truck Time sessions at our station and everyone really enjoyed the experience. Afterwards, the kids sent us lots of pictures that they had drawn of the visit to say thanks.

“The experience creates lifelong memories and connections with local brigades. Some of our current members still remember their trip to North Warrandyte’s station when they were at kinder.”

Fire Wise Kids

Fire Wise Kids is CFA’s new in-classroom program delivered by CFA members. The five new 30 to 60-minute lessons cover the most important aspects of fire safety for children including smoke alarms, exiting safely, home hazards, calling Triple Zero, basic fire science, outdoor fire safety, and more. These lessons are tailored to age groups from kindergarten to Year 4.

The lessons have been developed with child development, learning styles, individual needs, curriculum and fun in mind. The lessons consist of a mixture of explaining with visual resources, questions and answers, and physical activities. These work together to ensure children learn and remain engaged throughout the lesson. Topics are separated to ensure they are age and developmentally appropriate.   

Paul Webster, a Fire Wise presenter and captain of South East Region Community Safety Brigade, can see the benefit of the updated program.

“Giving kids an education about fires and emergencies is important as ever. With Fire Wise Kids and Truck Time we can separate the lesson and truck experience to achieve better education,” Paul said. “Plus, we can educate kids in a fun way.”

Fire Wise Kids lessons are reinforced by providing the children with a pack to take home that includes a Family Fun activity book, sticker sheet and certificate. 

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Tasmania Police

FATAL CRASH – BRIDGENORTH ROAD, LEGANA

Sunday, 4 January 2026 – 9:37 pm.

Police are investigating a fatal car crash at Legana which occurred about 4pm today.
From initial investigations, it appears a 25-year-old man from Legana was driving a grey coloured Audi along Bridgenorth Road when the car left the roadway and collided with two large trees.
The driver suffered critical injuries and sadly died at the scene.
The cause of the crash will be investigated including if speed was a factor. At this stage it appears the driver was not wearing a seat belt.
There were no passengers in the vehicle and no other vehicles involved.
Police wish to thank members of the community who provided first aid at the scene, along with the patience of motorists whilst police investigated the crash with parts of Bridgenorth Road closed for about three hours.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of the man.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone with information in relation to the crash, or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444 (Reference OR 794135).

Source: Tasmania Police

Reported Firearms Incident – Gagebrook

Sunday, 4 January 2026 – 8:24 pm.

Gagebrook residents may notice an increased police presence currently in the area of Sattler Street, as officers investigate a potential firearms incident.
Police are investigating a report that a man sustained a gunshot wound to the lower leg about 5.45pm. He was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for medical treatment.
A person of interest allegedly left the area in a silver or blue mid 2000’s Kia Sportage SUV shortly after the incident.
If anyone has information that would assist the police investigation, they are asked to contact Glenorchy CIB on 131 444 and quote OR794136.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.