New Commander appointed to Western District

Source: Tasmania Police

New Commander appointed to Western District

Monday, 10 November 2025 – 4:08 pm.

Commissioner Donna Adams has today announced the appointment of Nathan Johnston to the rank of Commander of Police.
Having joined Tasmania Police in 2003, Commander Johnston has significant and varied experience working across the state, particularly in the Northern and Western Districts, over the past 20+ years.
This week he will begin his new role as Commander of the Western District.
First posted to Launceston Police Station as a constable in 2004, Commander Johnston was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in Launceston in 2015.
In 2021 he became an Inspector, leading the Northern District’s Launceston Uniform Division and in 2023 moved to the Northern Criminal Investigation Division as Detective Inspector.
Commander Johnston has also held various leadership positions in other areas, including as Officer in Charge of Tasmania Police’s Bomb Response Capability and leading the Western Police Operation Centre during COVID-19.
He has assumed the role of Acting Commander in the Northern and Western District several times since 2022, providing strategic leadership and management while prioritising community safety and service delivery.
Commissioner Donna Adams said Commander Johnston has demonstrated significant strengths in policing and relationship-based leadership, highlighting his ability to collaborate effectively and build trust across diverse groups.
“He brings a wealth of experience and highly developed skills to this senior role, with a proven capacity to lead through influence and foster strong, collaborative relationships,” she said.
“I congratulate Nathan on his appointment and am confident that his leadership, experience, and commitment will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Tasmania Police.”
“I also want to acknowledge and thank Commander Stuart Wilkinson, who has been a steadfast leader for the Western District since 2023. His contribution has been instrumental, and he will continue to be highly regarded in his new role as Commander of Tasmania Police’s Family and Sexual Violence Command.”
Commander Johnston is looking forward to once again working in the north west of Tasmania.
“I’m excited to step into the role and continue to build relationships with the community, working together so that people feel safe,” he said.
“I am focused on supporting the members of the Western District and providing an environment where they can deliver a high level of service to the community,” he said.
Commander Johnston holds several academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management (Australian Institute of Police Management).
His appointment is effective immediately.

Vehicles clamped as part of hooning crackdown

Source: Tasmania Police

Vehicles clamped as part of hooning crackdown

Monday, 10 November 2025 – 3:56 pm.

Tasmania Police is continuing to target acts of hooning and reckless driving in the community, with seven vehicles clamped during a recent operation in the Derwent Park area of Glenorchy.
On the nights of Thursday, November 6 and Friday, November 7, police conducted a targeted operation relating to hooning, in particular at Sunmont Street and Bender Drive, at Derwent Park.
Glenorchy Division Inspector Jason Klug said during the joint operation involving Glenorchy Police and members from Southern Road Policing Services – with the assistance of drone technology – nine vehicles were detected being operated in an unsafe manner.
“This area has been the subject of on-going hooning and risk-taking behaviours involving vehicles, and this has had a negative impact on the community,” Inspector Klug said.
“Some of the driving behaviour observed by police during this operation was clearly reckless. These were vehicles driven in a public place, with an unnecessary execution of speed, of acceleration or a loss of traction.
“This manner of driving will not be tolerated. Those engaged in such activities can expect police to utilise their legislative powers to seize vehicles and arrest drivers.”
Seven vehicles were clamped and the drivers proceeded against by summons for related offences.
Two drivers received infringement notices, and one driver was detected driving under the influence of an illicit drug.
Police will continue to monitor and conduct similar operations in the Glenorchy area, and other known hot spots.
In the past four months, police in the Southern District have clamped or confiscated 76 vehicles in relation to hooning offences – 48 vehicles confiscated, and 28 vehicles clamped.
Vehicles have been taken off the road for periods ranging from 28 days through to indefinitely, with most of the vehicles confiscated being for periods of nine months and beyond.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and police urge anyone with information about hooning or reckless driving to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Arrest – Domestic violence – Humpty Doo

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested a 41-year-old female in relation to a domestic violence incident in Humpty Doo early this morning.

Around 12:45am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that an adult male had allegedly been stabbed by his female ex-partner.

It is alleged that the female assaulted the victim with an edged weapon, resulting in a significant laceration to his forearm.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital.

The 41-year-old female was arrested at the scene. She remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25302876. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Call for information – Armed person – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an alleged armed person at a shopping centre in Alice Springs today.

Around 12:10pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received multiple reports of a male armed with a machete in the food court of a shopping centre on Hartley Street.

Members from Strike Force Viper and general duties attended, however the alleged armed male had fled the scene prior to police arrival.

No injuries were reported to police and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information, including footage of the incident, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25303198. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Call for information – Stolen motor vehicle – Wadeye

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police are calling for information in relation to a stolen motor vehicle and criminal damage incident that occurred in Wadeye in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Around 7:30am, local police observed the rear gate to the Wadeye Police Station had been damaged, resulting in it completely separating from the fence. A review of CCTV footage showed a Toyota Hilux ramming the gate at 3:30am that morning. Police subsequently received a stolen motor vehicle report in relation to the Hilux and recovered it at an oval within the community a short time later.

The vehicle has since been returned to its owner.

The unknown offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500111171. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Remaining municipalities in south-east to enter Fire Danger Period

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 1am Monday, 17 November 2025 for the following municipalities.

  • Cardinia Shire Council 

  • City of Casey 

  • Frankston City 

  • French Island 

  • Kingston City Council 

Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP). This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.   

Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 8, Sean Kerr, stressed the importance of taking early action as conditions continue to dry across the region.  

“Now is the time for residents to act by clearing around their homes and ensuring any private burn-offs are completed safely before restrictions come into effect,” he said.  

“Even though grasslands might still look green in some areas, we are seeing historical levels of soil dryness underneath that.  

“After much consultation, there was strong support for introducing the fire danger period now to keep our communities as safe as possible,” he added. 

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511. 

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. 

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website. 

Fire Danger Period information: 

A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. 

Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can 

To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. 

Submitted by CFA Media

383-2025: Scheduled Outage: Thursday 13 November to Friday 14 November 2025 – PEBS

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

10 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All importers of plants, cats and/or dogs who will be required to use the Post Entry Biosecurity System during this planned maintenance period.

Information

Due to scheduled infrastructure maintenance, the Post Entry Biosecurity System (PEBS) will be unavailable between Thursday 13 November 23:00 to 01:00 Friday 14 November 2025 (AEDT).

Action

Clients are advised to await the completion of this maintenance…

Drugs seized during search in North-West

Source: Tasmania Police

Drugs seized during search in North-West

Monday, 10 November 2025 – 1:15 pm.

Two people from Smithton have been charged with a range of drugs offences after police seized a quantity of methamphetamine during a search in the North-West on Sunday.
Police estimate the seizure equates to removing about 600 potential street deals from the community.
The arrests were made about 4.15am on Sunday after police on mobile patrol in the Wynyard area intercepted a vehicle on the Bass Highway, near Deep Creek Road.
A 58-year-old man has been charged with:
• Trafficking in controlled substance. (minor offence)• Selling controlled drug (minor offence)• Selling controlled plan or its products (minor offence)• Using a controlled drug• Using a controlled plant or its products• Possess prohibited import
A 43-year-old woman has been charged with:
• Selling controlled plant or its products• Possess a controlled drug• Use a controlled drug• Possess thing used for the administration of controlled drug• Unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public street• Possess prohibited import.
Police place a priority on reducing the production and distribution of illicit drugs in the community.
If you have information about illicit drugs, contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimstopperstas.com.au

Joint Operation Reinforces Responsible Alcohol Culture Ahead of Summer

Source: Tasmania Police

Joint Operation Reinforces Responsible Alcohol Culture Ahead of Summer

Monday, 10 November 2025 – 12:38 pm.

As Tasmania heads into the summer season, Tasmania Police and the Liquor and Gaming Branch have partnered in a joint operation to support responsible alcohol practices and ensure licensed venues maintain safe environments for patrons.
The coordinated effort that was conducted over the weekend focused on compliance with liquor licensing laws and promoting a strong culture of responsible alcohol service and consumption across key entertainment precincts.
Inspector John Toohey of Tasmania Police said the operation was part of a broader strategy to enhance community safety during the warmer months and is about protecting the wellbeing of our community while supporting a vibrant hospitality industry.
“With summer approaching, it’s vital that licensed premises and patrons are upholding a responsible alcohol culture.
“Officers visited multiple venues, engaging with licensees, staff, and patrons to reinforce best practices in alcohol service and highlight the importance of creating safe and enjoyable social spaces. 
“No infringements were issued, with venues demonstrating a high level of compliance.
“The results are a strong reflection of the commitment from venue operators to responsible service.
“The joint operation underscores the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and law enforcement in promoting public safety and responsible behaviour,” said Inspector Toohey.
Further operations are planned throughout the summer period, with a continued focus on education, compliance, and community engagement.

Arrest – Domestic violence – Humpy Doo

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested a 41-year-old female in relation to a domestic violence incident in Humpty Doo early this morning.

Around 12:45am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that an adult male had allegedly been stabbed by his female ex-partner.

It is alleged that the female assaulted the victim with an edged weapon, resulting in a significant laceration to his forearm.

Police and St John Ambulance attended, and the victim was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital.

The 41-year-old female was arrested at the scene. She remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25302876. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.