Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Devonport CIB Investigating Series of Motor Vehicle Burglaries

Friday, 13 March 2026 – 4:21 pm.

Detectives from the Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch are investigating a recent series of motor vehicle burglaries across the Devonport area.The incidents have largely involved vehicles that were left unlocked, with offenders opportunistically entering vehicles parked in residential streets overnight stealing property from inside.Police are reminding the community that simple steps such as locking vehicles and removing valuables can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime.Residents are urged to ensure their vehicles are locked at all times, even when parked at home, and to avoid leaving wallets, cash, keys, tools or other valuables inside vehicles overnight.Leaving your vehicle unlocked is taking a risk and can invite opportunistic offenders to steal from you.Anyone who observes suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood, particularly during the early morning hours, is encouraged to contact police.Anyone with information about these incidents, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the Devonport area, is asked to contact Devonport CIB on 131 444 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

The Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) today welcomed leading human resources executive Amanda Baker as Newmont’s new representative on the AREEA Board.

AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM said the Board was pleased to welcome Ms Baker, currently Head of Organisational Development at Newmont, the world’s largest gold producer.

“Amanda brings a wealth of practical experience managing large and diverse workforces across complex mining operations and has played a key role in shaping workforce capability, culture and employee engagement in the sector,” Mr Knott said.

“Her deep understanding of workforce dynamics in the resources industry will provide valuable insight to the Board as resources employers continue to navigate significant labour market and regulatory challenges.”

Ms Baker said she was very pleased to join the AREEA Board at a time when Australia’s resources and energy employers are managing a range of complex workforce, skills and employee relations matters.

“It is a privilege to be joining the AREEA Board at a time when the resources and energy sector is on the cusp of changing interactions and expectations, shaped by economic and social factors,” Ms Baker said.

“I look forward to contributing to approaches and policy that strengthen workplaces across our industry.”

About AREEA’s Board

AREEA is the largest and most diverse national employer group for the Australian resources and energy industry.

Its members include employers in hard rock and critical minerals mining, oil and gas, coal, smelting, refining, transport, logistics, engineering and all other supply and servicing sectors.

As of 13 March 2026, the AREEA Board comprises:

• Julie Fallon (AREEA President), Executive Vice President Technical and Energy Development, Woodside Energy Limited
• Jo Taylor (AREEA Vice President), Managing Director, Compass Group Australia
• Tom Quinn (AREEA Vice President), Non-Executive Director, Macmahon, Pitt&Sherry and Vast
• André Labuschagne, Executive Chairman, Aeris Resources
• Mark Norwell, Managing Director & CEO, Perenti
• Bill Townsend, Senior Vice President Corporate, INPEX
• Keith Weston, Managing Director, Sodexo Australia
• Simon Younger, Chair, ExxonMobil Australia
• Amanda Baker, Head of Organisational Development, Global, Newmont Corporation

Full profiles on AREEA’s Board of Directors can be found at AREEA People.

Amanda Baker – Bio

Amanda Baker is Head of Organisational Development at Newmont, where she leads enterprise strategy and execution across organisational design, workforce transformation, change management and employee experience for the world’s largest gold mining company.

Amanda brings two decades of human resources leadership experience across Australia’s resources sector. Her career spans senior HR and organisational development roles with Newmont and Anglo American, with oversight of major mining operations across Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, the Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea.

Her expertise includes organisational design, strategic workforce planning, leadership capability, major transformation programs, and M&A integration in complex operational environments.

Amanda has led large-scale organisational redesigns, enterprise change programs and the development of technical career frameworks supporting productivity, safety and workforce capability across global mining operations. She is skilled in bringing diverse perspectives and data-informed workforce insights to enable strategic decision-making.

Amanda is particularly passionate about strengthening industry career pathways, talent pipelines and aligning workforce strategy with operational performance, safety and long-term industry sustainability.

Click here for a full PDF of this media release, including media contact details.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Petrol and diesel price rises between 20 February and 11 March varied widely between Australian capital cities and in many cases have increased as fast as wholesale prices and in some cases by a greater extent, the ACCC’s new weekly fuel price monitoring update has shown.

The first weekly pricing update to be provided by the ACCC during the current Middle Eastern conflict also shows Australian refined international petrol and diesel benchmark prices have increased more than international oil prices during the initial period of the conflict. International benchmark prices movements drive domestic wholesale prices, which then influence retail prices.

The update shows that Darwin had the highest daily average petrol and diesel retail prices among the eight capital cities on Wednesday this week, while Canberra had the lowest. Between 20 February and 11 March Perth experienced the largest increase in average retail petrol prices of 59.5 cent per litre (cpl).

We know that there have been significant price increases in regional locations and while this first weekly update focuses on the eight capital cities it will expand to include 190 locations across Australia from next week.

Average retail petrol prices in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart on 20 February were comparatively lower than other capital cities, but have since increased to levels similar to other capital cities.

Pricing data also shows that after the start of the current conflict in the Middle East, daily average retail petrol prices increased with higher wholesale prices almost on the same day, rather than showing a usual lagged response.

“The data we have published today underscores our concern about the movements of prices at the bowser for Australian consumers and businesses in comparison to international prices,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“The impacts on average retail petrol and diesel prices varies between cities, and average prices are changing daily. The market is highly complex and volatile, which we know is adding to consumer concerns.”

“We know that many consumers are doing it tough and are frustrated by the rapid changes they have seen. We expect petrol retailers to explain to us and the Australian public how they have arrived at their prices,” Ms Brakey said.

The ACCC wrote to petrol companies including 7-Eleven, Ampol, bp, Chevron, Mobil, United Petroleum, Viva Energy and EG Australia last week seeking urgent information about recent price increases. After reviewing their responses, the ACCC will require further clarification in a meeting with fuel market participants next week.

“Fuel companies should be open and honest about the reasons for such widely varying and rapid increases across the country and treat their customers fairly,” Ms Brakey said.

“We urge petrol retailers to explain their positions to the Australian community.”

The ACCC will take action for misleading or deceptive conduct about the reason for the steep and rapid increase in prices by individual retailers, or breaches of competition laws.

“We welcome government plans to move to increase the maximum penalties for relevant breaches of Australian Consumer Law and the Competition and Consumer Act from $50 million to $100 million and will seek the highest penalties appropriate in any cases we bring to the courts.”

“We continue to provide updated information for consumers on our website. Consumers can also use fuel apps to shop for fuel, to find retailers with lower prices and reward them for offering a better deal.”

Supply measures

The ACCC is concerned about petrol and diesel availability in some regional and rural locations, and has heard concerns from residents, businesses and primary producers about the potential impacts of this situation.

The ACCC participated with a range of industry and government participants in the National Coordination Mechanism meeting yesterday, hearing directly from impacted groups and discussing urgent measures to address national fuel supply issues.

The ACCC continues to engage with industry participants and other agencies on ensuring effective fuel distribution throughout the country and stands ready to assist with its authorisation powers, where it provides a net public benefit.

Changes in petrol and diesel pricing

The data shows that indicative wholesale prices for regular unleaded petrol rose fairly evenly across most capital cities, with Hobart and Melbourne seeing slightly smaller rises than other cities. However, prices at the pump diverged significantly, rising the most in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney, noting that rises have also likely reflected some petrol price cycle movements.

Price increases at the petrol pump have increased by up to 18 cpl more than wholesale prices in some locations.

Across the five largest cities, daily average retail petrol prices on 11 March were 219.7 cpl, an increase of 48.8 cpl since 20 February.

On 11 March, Darwin had the highest daily average retail petrol and diesel prices among the eight cities, and Canberra had the lowest, while since 20 February, Perth experienced the largest increase in average retail petrol prices (59.5 cpl).

Average retail petrol prices in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart on 20 February were at a comparatively lower level to other capital cities, but have increased to levels similar to other capital cities.

The divergence in diesel prices is not quite as wide. On 11 March, Sydney had the highest daily average retail prices among the eight cities, and Canberra had the lowest. Over the period since 20 February, Sydney experienced the largest increase in average diesel prices (67.8 cpl).

“Industry need to explain this wide discrepancy urgently,” Ms Brakey said.

“Fuel wholesalers and distributors need to be aware that we are ready to hold them to account for breaches of competition and consumer laws and will not hesitate to ask for the highest penalties appropriate under the law.”

Lagged movement of prices in the five major capital cities

Analysis of the pricing data shows that following the start of the current conflict in the Middle East, daily average retail petrol prices moved higher in line with higher wholesale prices on almost the same day, rather than showing a lagged response of around 7 or more days, which is more typical when wholesale prices change.

Retail petrol prices generally lag behind changes in wholesale prices, as changes in prices generally only flow through when fuel is replenished at a petrol station.

“In this case it looks like petrol retailers increased prices at the pump when they were selling fuel they had bought before the conflict at cheaper prices.”

“Retailers must explain to the Australian public why they did not follow their usual practice, and when they will reduce prices in line with any reductions in wholesale costs.”

In addition, the graphics show the impact of the long-running petrol price cycles which operate in the five largest cities. The petrol price cycles differ in timing and length between the cities, shown in price graphs shown below.

More information on petrol [price cycles is available on the ACCC website.

Chart 1 – Sydney daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                              prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 2 – Melbourne daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal  gate prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 3 – Brisbane daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                            prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 4 – Adelaide daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                            prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:           ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                   website.

Chart 5 – Perth daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                                              prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and data published on the Australian Institute of Petroleum                        website.

Chart 6 – Canberra daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and the MotorMouth website, and data published on the                                            Australian Institute of Petroleum website.

Note:       Sydney terminal gate prices are used as a proxy for Canberra.

Chart 7 – Hobart daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                               prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and the MotorMouth website, and data published on the                                            Australian Institute of Petroleum website.

Chart 8 – Darwin daily average retail regular petrol prices, and average terminal gate                               prices (lagged 7 days)

Source:   ACCC calculations based on data from Informed Sources and the MotorMouth website, and data published on the                                            Australian Institute of Petroleum website.

Note to editors

The international benchmark price for refined fuel is the largest component of retail fuel prices. The international benchmark for Australian retail petrol prices is Singapore Mogas 95 (Mogas 95). The international benchmark for Australian retail diesel prices is Singapore Gasoil 10 with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm).

Both petrol and diesel are refined from crude oil and their prices generally tend to follow similar movements over the long term. However, the different fuels have their own supply and demand characteristics (for example, compared with petrol, diesel also has remote energy generation and industrial uses) and the different refined fuels have their own international benchmark prices. It is these benchmarks that drive retail diesel and retail petrol prices.

Australian retail fuel prices are largely determined by movements in international benchmark refined fuel prices (which are driven by international crude oil prices), and the AUD-USD exchange rate. International benchmark prices movements drive domestic wholesale prices, which then influence retail fuel prices.

Additionally, in the five largest capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth), retail petrol prices move up and down in regular patterns, known as petrol price cycles. The ACCC website has more information on these price cycles. Retail diesel prices do not move in cycles.

‘Terminal gate’ or wholesale prices are prices that wholesalers charge for petrol and diesel in the spot market. The major wholesalers post these prices on their websites on a regular basis. Although few wholesale transactions occur at terminal gate prices and actual costs can vary across brands and cities, they are indicative wholesale prices. Terminal gate prices reflect the wholesale price of petrol and diesel only and exclude other retail operating costs.

Background

The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australia’s peak consumer protection and competition agency.

The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Australian Consumer Law.

This includes commencing proceedings in the Federal Court for alleged breaches of the Act.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

This World Consumer Rights Day (Safe products, Confident consumers), we’re putting a spotlight on the importance of protecting Victorians from unsafe products.

While you were shopping, we were working to make sure the products you take home are safe.

In 2024–25, we checked 914 stores across Victoria. When we found problems, we acted:

• 16 infringements issued
• 169 official warnings
• 49 businesses removed unsafe products from sale
• Thousands of unsafe products taken off shelves.

The biggest culprit? Button batteries.

We sometimes see comments like: ‘Just don’t swallow the batteries — it’s fine.’

The reality is very different.

Around 20 Australian children each week present to emergency departments with suspected button battery ingestion. Up to two dozen children each year suffer serious, lifelong injuries. Since 2013, three children have died. We do not want to lose another life.

Our inspectors removed:

• light-up shoe charms with unsecured button batteries
• fairy wands and headbands with accessible batteries
• unsafe toys and baby rattles at the Panda Mart Cranbourne opening – thousands of items seized in a single inspection.

Beyond batteries

During the 2025 Melbourne Royal Show, we checked 320 showbags, ensuring 15 unsafe items were removed or modified before families bought them.

Inspectors also seized 100 yo-yo balls, which are permanently banned in Australia because they pose a strangulation risk, especially to children.

In January, we launched criminal proceedings against Panda Mart Cranbourne after multiple products allegedly failed to meet mandatory safety and information standards. And this month we warned consumers about both Panda Mart stores as they continue to stock dangerous items, including candles that are banned in Australia because they may cause serious burns.

Know the rules

World Consumer Rights Day is a reminder that product safety is not optional.

We take a zero-tolerance approach to risks posed to children.

If you run a business, it is your responsibility to understand and comply with product safety laws. Being unaware of the rules is not an excuse.

Under Australian Consumer Law, maximum penalties for supplying banned or non-compliant goods are $2.5 million for individuals and $50 million for companies.

If you’ve seen or purchased a product you believe is unsafe, report it to us.

Source: Tasmania Police

Four charged over Moonah aggravated armed robbery

Friday, 13 March 2026 – 12:50 pm.

Police have detained four males in custody for the alleged armed robbery of a Moonah business on Thursday night.
The arrests come after detectives from Glenorchy CIB, with the assistance of South East CIB, uniformed officers from Glenorchy, Bridgewater and Hobart divisions, plus specialist resources, conducted simultaneous searches of two Claremont properties this morning.
Four suspects were safely taken into custody about 5.30am.
Two Claremont men, aged 20 and 19, a 16-year-old Claremont boy, and a 14-year-old Bridgewater boy have been jointly charged with aggravated armed robbery and held for court appearances later today.
During the searches, police allege several items of stolen property including smoking devices and lighters were located.
The arrests follow the alleged armed robbery of a business on Main Rd, Moonah, about 8.50pm on Thursday.
Police allege two males entered the store and demanded cash and lighters, before briefly leaving the premises, only to return in the company of two other males.
A male worker was allegedly threatened and sustained non life-threatening injuries during the incident in which various items were taken from the store.
Police are calling for any witnesses, or people with dashcam or CCTV footage in the area near 50 Main Rd, Moonah, about 8.50pm Thursday, to come forward.
Contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Staff from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Environmental Health team will be in Goornong in March, April and May to look at septic systems and is offering you a free inspection of your septic system to help you understand how it is working.

If you choose to take part, you will get information about any problems that need fixing in your septic system.

Major problems with septic systems are not common, but they can happen. They can include wastewater leaving your property or causing bad smells. If this is happening, the City will work with you to fix it before any further action is considered.

Some of the information gathered from the visits will also help with the development of the Goornong Structure Plan. For more details on the structure plan, please see:

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Antarctic Program has completed two environmental management and research voyages to Heard Island and McDonald Islands – the first campaign of its kind in 20 years.
The islands are an Australian external territory, located in the Southern Ocean, about 4,000km south-west of Australia.
They are World Heritage-listed for their globally significant ecology and geo-heritage values and are home to large seabird and seal populations.
Australia’s icebreaker RSV Nuyina acted as a floating science laboratory and accommodation for the scientists and expeditioners who travelled to the region on the first voyage in October 2025 and the second in January 2026.
Thank you to all the scientists, crew and expeditioners who contributed photos and imagery for this compilation.
This content was last updated 11 hours ago on 13 March 2026.

Source: Tasmania Police

Specialist police motorcycle officers ready to hit the road

Friday, 13 March 2026 – 10:14 am.

Tasmania Police has strengthened its motorcycle capability with a new cohort of seven specialist officers completing comprehensive training this week.The program, which is delivered in three phases over six months, teaches riders intensive on-road and manoeuvring skills to ensure they can perform the duties of an operational police motorcycle rider.Inspector Justin Lawson said that specialist officers were held to the highest standard on our roads.“This training invests in the skills that keep riders and the public safe, with a clear focus on low-risk decision making and control at all times,” he said.“The course is about ensuring riders learn to identify hazards early, manage space, and make measured choices that reduce risk.The course also included the training of student instructors ensuring Tasmania Police can maintain the highest standard of motorcycle capability into the future.Course Director, Detective Constable Thomas Gordon, said the training gave him an opportunity to not only teach others, but also lift his own standards of riding.“We are here to maintain the standard across future intakes so every district benefits from a consistent approach,” Detective Constable Gordon said.Inspector Lawson said another key focus of the program was low speed manoeuvring.“While speeding is a high-risk factor in crashes, avoidable incidents still occur at low speed,” he said.“This training allows our riders to demonstrate precise control, exhibit professional riding behaviours and safe, controlled operation in traffic and confined environments.”The training is just one part of Tasmania Police’s broader commitment to road safety.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Crompton family understand the importance of the Good Friday Appeal all too well.

Mick, Sharon and their son Kayne have not only been fundraising for the appeal with Kyabram Fire Brigade for many years, but have also relied on the services of The Royal  Hospital (RCH) since Kayne was three months old.

Kayne was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) shortly after birth, and required many trips to RCH including surgery at 9 months old. Now 19, Kayne has followed in his parents’ footsteps as a CFA member, and regularly takes out medals in competitive golf tournaments including Special Olympics Australia and Victoria events.

Each year, the Cromptons spearhead Good Friday Appeal fundraising for Kyabram Fire Brigade, including events on the day itself and a charity golf day for the local community.

We spoke to the Cromptons about their history with RCH and the Good Friday Appeal:

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Hyatt hotels in Australia have changed their card payment surcharging practices, following an ACCC investigation.

After receiving reports from consumers, the ACCC investigated Hyatt Regency Sydney, and engaged with the regional group, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, about card payment surcharges.

“Businesses are reminded they must not charge a card payment surcharge that is in excess of their cost of accepting the type of card that is being surcharged,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

The ACCC was concerned that Hyatt Regency Sydney was charging card payment surcharges for debit cards at a rate above its costs of accepting those debit cards, in breach of the Competition and Consumer Act.

In particular, it was alleged that debit cards at Hyatt Regency Sydney attracted a surcharge above Hyatt’s costs of acceptance of the card, unless the customer inserted the card into a payment terminal and selected ‘chq/sav’.

Following the ACCC’s intervention, all Hyatt hotels in Australia have implemented technological and policy changes to ensure debit and credit cards are treated differently, regardless of how a card interacts with a payment terminal.

These changes will ensure consumers are not charged card payment surcharges at a rate higher than Hyatt’s costs of acceptance.

The ACCC has been actively monitoring business compliance with card payment surcharging laws and has investigated several alleged excessive payment surcharging.

In April 2025, the ACCC encouraged businesses to review their card payment surcharges to ensure they are not more than their cost of accepting card payments.

“The ACCC expects all businesses to comply with the law and ensure their payment systems and staff are informed of different card types and apply the correct surcharge amounts for each, as it can vary between credit cards and debit cards,” Mr Keogh said.

While the Reserve Bank continues its review of merchant payment costs and surcharging, the ACCC continues to monitor for potential excessive payment surcharging under the existing laws.

Hyatt cooperated with the ACCC and promptly implemented changes to fix the issue.

Background

Further information on excessive card payment surcharging is available at Credit, debit and prepaid card surcharges.

Excessive card payment surcharging is banned under the Competition and Consumer Act. A card payment surcharge is excessive when it is more than the business’s costs of accepting that specific payment type.

The Reserve Bank of Australia sets out the costs that businesses can include when determining their costs of accepting card payment types.

In October 2024, the Reserve Bank of Australia started its public review of merchant card payment costs and surcharging. More information on the review is available on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s website.

The ACCC has previously issued infringement notices for alleged excessive card payment surcharges to Nine Entertainment, Red Balloon Pty Ltd, Cruisin Motorhomes Pty Ltd, Fitness First Australia Pty Ltd and Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers Pty Ltd. The Federal Court also ordered CLA Trading Pty Ltd (trading as Europcar) to pay penalties for excessive card payment surcharges.