Fatal crash – Morty’s Food Court, Launceston

Source: Tasmania Police

Fatal crash – Morty’s Food Court, Launceston

Thursday, 6 November 2025 – 8:53 am.

Sadly, a woman has died following a serious crash at Morty’s Food Court in Launceston yesterday. 
Police and emergency services were called to the scene just before 12.30pm Wednesday after a car crashed into the building and seriously injured a pedestrian.
The 67 year old woman was taken to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition, but sadly died overnight.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. 
The driver, a 65 year old Lilydale man, was treated for minor injuries and is assisting police with their inquiries. 
A report will be prepared for the coroner. 
Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. 
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information should contact police on 131 444 and quote OR789383

Most furniture suppliers fail mandatory toppling furniture safety rules

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Most furniture suppliers are failing to comply with new mandatory information rules that warn customers of the dangers of furniture tipping over, a sweep of businesses has revealed.

The ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies examined over 3000 furniture products at more than 160 businesses.

Of those businesses, 90 per cent were non-compliant with the mandatory toppling furniture information standard in relation to one or more of their products and more than half were non-compliant in relation to all products examined.

Toppling furniture has killed at least 28 people in Australia since 2000 and causes nearly 20 injuries every week. The mandatory information standard, which came into effect on 4 May 2025, aims to reduce accidents and deaths due to furniture tipping over.

It requires toppling furniture safety warnings to be provided to consumers online and in-store at point of sale, on products purchased by consumers, and in instructions that accompany products.

“Unsecured furniture items like bookcases and cabinets can unexpectedly tip over causing severe injury or death,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“It can happen when a child climbs or pulls on open drawers or when an elderly person uses furniture for support. Young children and older Australians are at greatest risk of injury.”

“We undertook surveillance, in partnership with state and territory consumer protection agencies, which included visiting stores around the country and online, to raise awareness of the importance of compliance with the new mandatory information standard,” Ms Lowe said.

“We are concerned about the low levels of compliance. It is critical that businesses include warnings and safety information on toppling furniture.”

The sweep found 90 per cent of furniture suppliers had one or more products which failed to include mandatory warnings.

About 52 per cent were fully non-compliant, meaning all toppling furniture products inspected had either no warning information displayed or had incorrect or incomplete information.

Only 10 per cent of businesses were assessed as fully compliant with the mandatory information standard requirements.

“The ACCC expects suppliers to take all reasonable steps to comply with the standard, to reduce the risk of death and injury associated with toppling furniture,” Ms Lowe said.

“We will be continuing to monitor businesses to ensure they are displaying the mandatory safety warnings so that consumers have the information they need to stay safe. 

“We expect to see significant improvement in compliance and will consider enforcement action if this does not occur,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies have informed furniture suppliers who were assessed as non-compliant and requested rectification. Suppliers who fail to comply with the standard may face enforcement action including fines and penalties.

Suppliers had a 12-month transition period from May 2024 to May 2025 to comply with the new information and labelling requirements.

Information for suppliers

Supplying a product that fails to comply with the information standard is a contravention of the Australian Consumer Law and may expose a business or individual to potential enforcement action by the ACCC.

The maximum financial penalties for businesses are the greatest of:

  1. $50,000,000;
  1. three times the value of the “reasonably attributable” benefit obtained from the conduct, if the court can determine this; or
  1. if a court cannot determine the benefit, 30 per cent of adjusted turnover during the breach period.

The maximum financial penalty for individuals is $2,500,000.

The ACCC published supplier guidance to assist suppliers to comply with the mandatory standard.

The information standard requires suppliers to:

  • attach permanent safety warning labels to furniture,
  • display safety warnings at the point of sale in-store and online, and
  • provide safety information and warnings in instruction manuals.

All suppliers in the supply chain, including retailers, wholesalers and distributers, are required to comply with the mandatory information standard.

ACCC consumer guidance

The ACCC published consumer guidance to inform consumers about the risks associated with toppling furniture, including how to pick safer furniture when shopping and how to properly anchor furniture to prevent tip over.

Consumers are encouraged to report concerns about unsafe or non-compliant furniture items to the supplier and the ACCC using the Product Safety Australia website.

Have you seen Jyelara?

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 4:15pm

Original publication: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 4:11pm

ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to locate missing 13-year-old girl Jyelara Nean.

Jyelara has not been seen or heard from since Saturday 25 October, and was last seen in Dickson.

She is described as Aboriginal in appearance with a slim build, tanned complexion, long brown hair, and brown eyes.

Jyelara may be in the company of her brother and she is believed to have been couch surfing since she was last seen.

Police and Jyelara’s family hold concerns for her welfare and are requesting the public’s assistance to locate her.

Anyone who has seen Jyelara, or who may have any information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact ACT Policing on 131 444.

More than 40 arrested during Op RETAIL month of action

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing responded to more than 500 incidents at retailers and arrested more than 40 people following a successful Operation RETAIL last month.

Operation RETAIL, launched on 1 October, was a month-long campaign to address anti-social behaviour and theft within Canberra’s shopping precincts.

The campaign was developed in consultation with retail managers, security providers and external agencies. It focused on deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing retail theft, enhancing public perceptions of safety and improving business safety and security.

Throughout the month of October, officers in the ACT responded to:

  • 515 incidents at stores across the ACT, including 14 burglaries, 18 assaults and more than 250 thefts
  • 42 people were arrested for various offences committed at shops in the ACT
  • Police also conducted more than 50 proactive patrols at retail precincts

Among those caught was a 14-year-old boy who was charged with multiple counts of theft after allegedly stealing more than $21,000 worth of alcohol from various liquor stores across Canberra.

A 32-year-old Wanniassa man charged after allegedly stealing more than $3,000 worth of products from retail outlets across Canberra and a 16-year-old girl who allegedly threatened a retail staff member with a knife at a department store were also among those arrested during October.

A number of recidivist offenders have been charged during October, with ACT Policing having laid twice as many charges on 80% of offenders, of which 23% were repeat offenders.

Retail theft and anti-social behaviour remain ongoing challenges, but by maintaining visibility, working collaboratively, and applying intelligence-led policing, we can continue to protect our community, support our business sector, and build a safer Canberra.

Quote attributable to Auror, the leading global retail crime intelligence software provider, Senior Director Trust and Safety Nick McDonnell

“The success of Operation RETAIL shows what’s possible when police and retailers work together using technology like Auror to address prolific and violent crime in the community.

ACT Policing’s leadership in using tech-based solutions has demonstrated the power of a collaborative, intelligence-led approach to tackling high volume retail crime,” Mr McDonnell said.

Retailer data in Auror tells us the top 10% of offenders are causing over 60% of the crime. Police do amazing work in the community, and targeted operations like this help focus their precious resources on those highest harm repeat offenders, to make an outsized impact on the problem and keep stores safe.”

Quote attributable to State Director of Operations – NSW & ACT, Woolworths, Matthew Spiteri

“We commend the ACT Government and ACT Police for the success of Operation Retail. The collaborative work by the police and our team directly supports our efforts to keep our stores safe for both our team members and customers.

During the operation, we observed and stopped more than 400 incidents of theft and recovered over $20,000 worth of stock. We have also provided a substantial amount of evidence to police in relation to many of these incidents to assist with investigations and criminal prosecution of these offenders.

This type of targeted, visible police action is precisely what is needed to address retail crime in the ACT.

It also underscores the importance of Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) in targeting repeat and violent offenders. A key outcome was seeing a violent offender, already subject to a WPO, being charged and remanded by ACT Police, which is a significant win for team safety.”

Quote attributable to NSW/ACT Branch Secretary of Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association, Bernie Smith

“The SDA wholeheartedly welcomes the ACT Police initiatives in Operation RETAIL to crack down on customer violence in shops and fast food outlets and retail crime.

High-visibility policing – ‘cops in shops’ – sends a strong message that violence and intimidation won’t be tolerated anywhere.

Ten percent of perpetrators commit 60 percent of the offences in retail and fast food, so this focused operation makes a real difference.”

Man charged with robbery and theft offences

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 4 November 2025 1:09pm

Original publication: Tuesday, 4 November 2025 1:03pm

A 38-year-old Denman Prospect man has been charged following a robbery in Woden and multiple thefts in Fyshwick.

Police allege that on 16 October (2025), the man attended a store in Woden and attempted to leave without paying for an item. When approached by a security guard, the man allegedly made threats and swung at the guard before fleeing the scene.

Further investigations identified the same man as a suspect in two separate theft incidents at a hardware store in Fyshwick on 26 October and 1 November, where items valued at more than $1,300 were allegedly stolen.

Around 3pm yesterday (Monday, 3 November), police observed a white Toyota Fortuner enter a car park in Fyshwick. The 38-year-old man and another male exited the vehicle, and officers approached and arrested the 38-year-old in relation to an outstanding warrant.

Subsequent checks revealed the Fortuner was unregistered and uninsured, and the man’s drivers’ licence was suspended.

The man will appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, 4 November 2025), charged with robbery, minor theft, joint commission of minor theft, driving while disqualified, using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and failing to provide particulars of driver.

It is expected the man will face additional minor theft charges at his next court appearance, with police alleging he has been involved in thefts totalling more than $20,000 from businesses across the ACT and Queanbeyan over the past six months.

UPDATE Have you seen Grace? LOCATED

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 3 November 2025 5:44pm

Original publication: Monday, 3 November 2025 9:18am

Thank you Canberra. The missing teenager we posted about earlier today has been located safe and well.

****************************************************************************************************

ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to locate missing 15-year-old girl Grace Beergah.

Grace has not been seen or heard from since 7:30pm last night (Sunday, 2 November 2025) and was last seen in Cook.

She is described as having an olive complexion, with a slim build and short black hair.

Police and Grace’s family hold concerns for her welfare, and are requesting the public’s assistance to locate her.

Anyone who has seen Grace, or who may have any information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact ACT Policing on 131 444. Please quote reference number 8206605. Information can be provided anonymously.

Witnesses sought to Phillip club incident

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 3 November 2025 12:49pm

Original publication: Monday, 3 November 2025 12:49pm

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to an incident that occurred at the Canberra Southern Cross Club on 18 October this year.

About 6.30pm on Saturday 18 October (2025), an alleged assault incident occurred between two men at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Phillip.

ACT Policing has identified both men however as part of the investigation, officers are seeking to identify any witnesses to the matter.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 8192817. Information can be provided anonymously.

Seventh road fatality recorded for 2025

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Sunday, 2 November 2025 9:30am

Original publication: Sunday, 2 November 2025 9:30am

A 29-year-old Taylor man has become the seventh road fatality for 2025 after the motorcycle he was riding collided with the rear of a parked truck in Mitchell last night.

About midnight last night (Sunday 2 November 2025), police and emergency services were called to the collision on Sandford Street, Mitchell after a person observed a motorcycle and the rear of a parked b-double semi-trailer on fire.

The person moved the rider from the fire however the 29-year-old Taylor man was deceased. This is the seventh road death in the ACT this year and the third involving a motorcycle.

ACT Road Policing’s Major Collision Team is investigating the circumstances of the collision, and a report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Business operators in Sandford Street, Mitchell are being asked to review CCTV footage from late Saturday evening immediately prior to and after midnight, and if footage of a motorcycle rider is observed, contact should be made with police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident who has not already spoken to police or has information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number 8205908.

Witnesses and information sought in relation to historical sexual offending

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Saturday, 1 November 2025 8:57am

Original publication: Saturday, 1 November 2025 8:35am

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses or information relating to alleged sexual offending committed by a 66-year-old Banks man following his arrest yesterday.

The man was arrested last night (Friday, 31 October 2025) at his home and he was subsequently charged with three counts of acts of indecency and one count of an act of indecency on a person between under 16 years old.

He is expected to appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 1 November 2025).

Investigations by Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team officers have confirmed the man worked at or was associated with the following:

  • Coach at the Brindabella Blues Football Club between 2006 and 2018, coaching various Capital Football junior league teams
  • Employed by the Canberra Business Event Centre between 2000 and 2015
  • Attended the Hughes Baptist Church between 2004 and 2017

Anyone with any information regarding this man is urged to come forward.

ACT Policing has dedicated and specialist sexual assault investigators who guide victims through the investigative process. Victims are also provided with specialist assistance from support agencies including Victim Support ACT and the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling 131444.

If your report relates to this matter, please quote 7993235

Further humanitarian assistance in response to Sudan crisis

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Australian Government will provide an additional $10 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians in Sudan, where the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis is taking place.

More than 30 million people are in need of urgent support due to the ongoing conflict. This includes approximately 11 million people who are internally displaced, and another three million people who have fled to neighbouring countries.

Australia’s assistance will be directed through United Nations and NGO partners. It will provide food, clean water and shelter, and support to victim survivors of gender-based violence.

Australia welcomes the release of US$20 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF, contributing $11 million each year.

Australia has now provided over $60 million to the crisis in Sudan since 2023, with a particular focus on women and girls.

Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Australia is horrified by reports of mass killings, sexual violence and deliberate attacks on civilians in El Fasher, Sudan.

“We condemn the atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces and call for an immediate end to the violence and unhindered humanitarian access, including Australia’s additional support announced today.

“We will continue to work with partners to help the people of Sudan, particularly women and girls, to access food, nutrition, clean water and shelter.

“All parties must uphold their obligations to protect civilians and respect international law.”

Quotes attributable to International Development Minister Anne Aly:

“We are appalled by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, including the credible reports of indiscriminate violence against unarmed civilians in El Fasher.

“Australia continues to call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, consistent with international law.

“The suffering in Sudan is catastrophic. Australia’s humanitarian assistance will help deliver lifesaving support to the people most in need.
“We know the atrocities unfolding in Sudan are having a profound impact on the Sudanese community in Australia. We continue to call for immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to negotiations.”