Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigating serious crash involving truck and motorcycle on Brooker Highway

Friday, 19 June 2026 – 12:22 pm.

Police are investigating a serious crash involving a truck and a motorcycle on Brooker Highway, Montrose, this morning. 
About 10am, emergency services responded to reports of a crash heading north at the foreshore intersection involving a white coloured flatbed Hino truck and a black coloured Honda motorcycle. 
The 76-year-old man who was riding the motorcycle was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition. 
The driver of the truck was not physically injured. 
At this stage in the investigation, police believe the motorcycle crashed into the rear of the truck as it was slowing at the intersection. 
Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash, or the motorcycle or truck beforehand. 
Information can be provided to police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – quote ESCAD 92-19062026.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

WeFlex Pty Ltd, a fitness support company that is an NDIS provider, has paid a penalty of $19,800 after the ACCC issued it with an infringement notice for allegedly making a misleading statement about NDIS funding in a social media advertisement.

The ACCC issued WeFlex with the infringement notice following concerns over a statement in the advertisement which ran on Facebook and Instagram between 21 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.

The ad targeted parents and caregivers, encouraging them to ‘get your NDIS child active’  through personal training services for children and individuals with disabilities. It stated ‘If you have NDIS funding, it’s covered’, when in fact NDIS funding will only cover personal training fitness services if these are approved under the specific terms of an individual participant’s plan.

“Businesses must not make general statements that their goods or services will be approved, funded or endorsed by the NDIS, because that is not how the scheme works. The NDIS does not automatically approve funding for products or services for all participants, nor does it approve or endorse products or services. Suitability is assessed based on the unique needs and goals of individuals,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Claims for non-eligible products and services can be rejected under the NDIS. This can leave participants with debts they cannot afford to pay. This is especially concerning if participants are already experiencing financial hardship or vulnerability.”

“Like all businesses, NDIS providers must comply with the Australian Consumer Law. The ACCC will continue to take action where we identify false or misleading advertising about access to NDIS funds for products and services,” Ms Lowe said.

Anyone who thinks a business has made false or misleading statements about products or services, including whether they are endorsed or approved by the NDIS, can make a report to the ACCC.

Image of WeFlex online advertising encouraging parents to get NDIS children ‘active’

Background

WeFlex is an Australian fitness support company registered as an NDIS provider for Exercise Physiology and Physical Wellbeing activities, Innovative Community Participation, and Therapeutic Supports.

WeFlex’s business model links consumers experiencing disability with personal trainers that enter into contracts with WeFlex.

Note to editors

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability. Since 2024, the ACCC has prioritised improved compliance with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by businesses that supply NDIS-funded supports, known as NDIS providers.

The ACCC’s enforcement action includes instituting legal proceedings against Ausnew Home Care Service Pty Ltd for alleged breaches of the ACL in 2024. In addition, in May 2025, Bedshed and Thermomix paid infringement notices issued by the ACCC for allegedly making misleading claims about NDIS endorsements.

In June 2025, support provider Mable Technologies provided a court-enforceable undertaking to the ACCC after admitting using unfair contract terms, in breach of the ACL. In March 2026, healthcare equipment provider Aidacare provided an undertaking after admitting to misleading consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.

In February 2026, the ACCC published a report that found NDIS participants are being targeted by NDIS providers’ deceptive advertising practices and other behaviours prohibited by consumer law. The report identified key issues in NDIS markets, including providers failing to honour consumer guarantee protections and using unfair contract terms.

The ACL applies to all transactions between NDIS participants and providers. The ACCC and other ACL regulators can investigate NDIS-related dealings where there is a potential breach of the ACL.

In December 2023, the government established the NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce to address concerns that NDIS participants were being charged more for goods and services than other people, and potential breaches of the ACL by providers. The taskforce consists of representatives from the ACCC, the National Disability Insurance Agency and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Source: Airservices Australia

The RBA today released the 2026 Assessment of the Reserve Bank Information and Transfer System (RITS) against the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures (PFMI). The Assessment concludes that RITS observed all relevant PFMI as at 31 March 2026, with the exception of Governance, Framework for the comprehensive management of risk and Operational risk, which were assessed as partly observed.

Over the assessment period, the RBA has made progress in strengthening governance, risk management and operational arrangements. However, the Assessment identified issues that should be addressed with high priority. The program of work affecting RITS progressed more slowly than anticipated at the time of the 2024 Assessment, in the context of an external risk environment that has become more challenging. As a result, the rating for Governance was downgraded to partly observed. The downgrade reflects the need to accelerate the implementation of RITS-specific governance enhancements, rather than a deterioration in governance relative to the previous Assessment. The ratings for Framework for the comprehensive management of risk and Operational risk remained partly observed.

The Assessment was prepared by the Payments Policy Department and approved by the Payments System Board (PSB). The PSB expects key improvements to be delivered and embedded ahead of the March 2028 detailed Assessment, and will continue to monitor progress through regular updates provided by the Payments Policy Department.

Background

The RBA owns and operates RITS, Australia’s real-time gross settlement system. RITS is critical national infrastructure for the Australian payment system and must operate with a high degree of availability and resilience.

Following amendments to the Reserve Bank Act 1959, the Governance Board is responsible for the oversight of the management and organisational affairs of the RBA, including RITS. Under the Memorandum of Understanding among the Monetary Policy Board, Payments System Board, Governance Board and Executive, the PSB oversees RITS in assessing the RBA’s observance of the PFMI. In line with CPMI-IOSCO guidance, a detailed assessment of RITS against the applicable PFMI is conducted every two years.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Image: Geoff Little

At the foot of a world-renowned climbing destination, Natimuk Fire Brigade is continuing to build the specialist skills needed to respond when rescue is required.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

A new exhibition is challenging institutions holding Indigenous artefacts to rethink their relationships with cultural material, moving beyond symbolic gestures towards meaningful action.

Led by La Trobe University, Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism brings together 40 artworks and cultural objects from 18 health, education and community organisations across Victoria, alongside significant works from the La Trobe Art Institute collections.

Launching on 18 June at Djaa Djuwima gallery in Bendigo, the exhibition explores how cultural objects are living holders of knowledge, responsibility, and connection, rather than static symbols of inclusion.

Professor Jane Mills, La Trobe Rural Health School Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Health Innovation (Regional), said the exhibition reflected the University’s commitment to Indigenous leadership, partnership, and truth-telling.

“Billabongs Not Silos invites us to reflect on what it means to hold Indigenous cultural materials and the responsibilities that come along with it,” Professor Mills said.

“This exhibition encourages organisations to move beyond symbolic representation and consider how Indigenous knowledge, relationships and leadership are genuinely embedded within their practices and systems.”

The three-month exhibition is presented by the La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe’s School of Education and Office of Indigenous Strategy and Education, in partnership with Djaa Djuwima gallery and the City of Greater Bendigo. It showcases stories of culture, healing, identity, learning, and community connection.

Professor Joanna Barbousas, School of Education Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Impact and Innovation, said the exhibition created opportunities for dialogue across sectors.

“It celebrates Indigenous excellence while encouraging all of us to consider how we can contribute to a future where Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge and leadership are meaningfully recognised and supported,” Professor Barbousas said.

The exhibition has been curated by proud Palawa woman Michellie Charvat, Arts Officer First Nations at Djaa Djuwima gallery and creative director Troy Firebrace, a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man and Lecturer in Indigenous Studies in the School of Education at La Trobe.

Troy said the exhibition asked institutions to rethink what is displayed and how to engage with the communities behind those cultural items.

“These works carry stories, obligations, and relationships. They are not simply objects to be viewed, but invitations to listen, learn and act,” Troy said.

Djaa Djuwima Curator and Arts Officer, First Nations Michellie Charvat said Beyond Symbolism provided a powerful message.

“This exhibition shows that these objects are not just still displays or symbols kept in institutions,” Michellie said.

“It encourages organisations to work together instead of in separate silos and to see these objects as part of shared learning, respect and ongoing care.

“At the centre of the exhibition is the idea of a modern “billabong.” Like a meeting place, it is a space where stories, knowledge and responsibility are shared. It helps build stronger relationships between organisations and First Nations communities.”

Running until September 21 2026, Billabongs Not Silos: Beyond Symbolism forms part of the University’s broader Billabongs Not Silos initiative, which strengthens connections between health, education, culture and community through Indigenous leadership and collaboration.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force continues to focus on community safety following the release of the latest crime statistics.

Crime statistics provide police with an important guide to monitor trends and patterns across the Territory, helping identify emerging issues, understand operational demand and direct resources where they are needed most.

Territory-wide, there have been significant reductions across a number of key offence categories during the reporting period, including domestic violence-related assaults (down 13%), total assaults (down 10%), house break-ins (down 26%), commercial break-ins (down 37%) and motor vehicle theft (down 25%).

While the data highlights these encouraging reductions, it also reflects the significant volume of work undertaken every day by frontline police officers working to keep Territory communities safe.

Acting Commander Kirsten Engels said while any victim of crime is one too many, the overall downward trend across several key offence categories was a positive outcome for the community.

“These results represent less victims of crime and safer communities. They are a credit to the commitment of our frontline members who work around the clock to prevent offending, investigate crime and hold offenders accountable.

“Behind every statistic is a victim and a police response. Our members are attending incidents, conducting patrols, making arrests, supporting victims and working with partner agencies every day to keep our communities safe.

“While the work never stops, the downward trend across a number of major offence categories is encouraging and reflects the ongoing efforts of police across the Territory.”

While Territory-wide trends are encouraging, Palmerston remains a priority focus for police.

When comparing the 12 months ending April 2026 with the previous 12-month period, Palmerston recorded a 13% increase in domestic violence-related assaults, a 19% increase in motor vehicle theft and an 8% increase in total offences.

Acting Commander Engels said the latest statistics for Palmerston presented a mixed picture.

“Police are seeing less property crimes in Palmerston; however, family violence and assaults continue to be a significant driver of frontline policing demand in the area.

“Encouragingly, Palmerston has recorded a 32% reduction in house break-ins and a 46% reduction in commercial break-ins.

“Our focus remains on reducing harm, targeting offenders and maintaining community safety.”

Last month, Operation Ventura, a high-visibility operation involving police and partner government agencies, was launched in Palmerston to address anti-social behaviour and other community safety concerns.

Acting Commander Engels said while the reporting period predates the commencement of Operation Ventura, police have had strong results in the past four weeks.

“As of 15 June, police have tipped out more than 1324 litres of alcohol, conducted more than 1800 high visibility patrols in known hot spots, wanded more than 740 people and issued more than 140 banned drinker orders.”

The first squad of Police Public Safety Officers is due to graduate next Friday, with 15 officers to be deployed across Darwin and Palmerston.

Their presence will enhance visibility in known hotspot locations and public spaces, complementing the work of sworn police members and allowing additional focus on serious offending, investigations and domestic violence responses.

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed an additional $95.4 million in funding to the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), securing Australia’s global leadership in solar PV research and innovation.  

Led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW), ACAP is a world-leading centre bringing together a national consortium of research institutions, including the Australian National University, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO Energy and CSIRO Manufacturing), the University of Melbourne, Monash University, the University of Queensland, and the University of Sydney. 

The funding will extend ACAP’s existing research program out to 2033, building on more than a decade of collaboration between Australia’s leading solar researchers and industry partners to accelerate breakthroughs in high efficiency solar cells and modules. 

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP said, “Australia helped lead the world in solar and we want to keep leading the world in the next wave of solar innovation. 

“This funding backs our best researchers and helps turn Australian ideas into real-world technologies that can strengthen our clean energy system and create economic opportunity. 

“Building more of this expertise here at home makes Australia stronger, more secure and better placed for the future.” 

Through ACAP, Australia has delivered a series of globally-recognised advances in solar technology, including major improvements in the efficiency, durability and cost of solar, and the development of next‑generation tandem solar cells. 

ARENA CEO, Darren Miller said the further investment would ensure Australia remains at the forefront of global solar innovation. 

“Australia has some of the best solar researchers in the world and ACAP has been instrumental in turning that expertise into globally recognised breakthroughs,” Mr Miller said. 

“If Australia is to achieve ultra low-cost solar, we need to keep pushing the limits of cell efficiency. ACAP’s work is doing exactly that, helping deliver high-performance solar cell and module technologies that will reduce costs at scale.  

“This work underpins ARENA’s strategy to make solar the backbone of Australia’s net zero energy system and is a critical enabler for decarbonising industries like green metals, transport, fuel production and data centres.” 

The program also plays a critical role in building Australia’s clean energy workforce, supporting researchers, engineers and PhD students while strengthening collaboration across the solar innovation ecosystem. 

ACAP Executive Director, Professor Renate Egan described how improvements in solar technology over the last decade builds on foundational research, industry development and collaboration. 

“Australia is uniquely placed, globally, in its research leadership and its connection to industry,” Professor Egan said.  

“This significant investment provides a long-term research horizon and positions Australia to build on its success in developing the technologies and talent needed to deliver on next-generation solar technologies that will power a low-carbon future Australia.” 

Read more about ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar priorities. 

ARENA Media

Source: Tasmania Police

Serious crash – Bounty Street, Warrane

Friday, 19 June 2026 – 6:22 am.

Police are calling for information from members of the public who may have witnessed a serious motor vehicles crash that occurred at 1:12am on Friday morning in Bounty Street, Warrane.
A 25 year old woman was driving a white Holden station when she drove at speed into the front yard of a house in Bounty Street striking a 29 year old man. The woman and man are known to each other.
The man was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition.
The woman is in custody as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force remains puzzled as to why people continue attempting to transport and possess illicit drugs while travelling through Katherine, particularly when the Dog Operations Unit is proving it is one step ahead.

Recently, the Dog Operations Unit intercepted a Mercedes truck travelling from Katherine to Perth for a random drug test. The 60-year-old male driver returned a positive roadside drug test result, earning himself an immediate traffic infringement.

Meanwhile, Drug Detection Dog Rafa wasted no time conducting a search of the vehicle. Unfortunately for the 58-year-old male passenger, Rafa’s nose was as accurate as ever, locating methamphetamine and cocaine. The passenger was subsequently issued a Notice to Appear and is scheduled to face Katherine Local Court in August on two counts of possession.

But the story doesn’t end there.

In a separate incident, the Dog Operations Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Katherine East, resulting in the arrest of a 37-year-old man.

Drug Detection Dogs Rafa and Swift once again demonstrated why they are among the Territory’s most effective crime-fighting tools, locating methamphetamine, cannabis, cash, scales and ammunition during the search.

The man was remanded in custody and later charged with:

• Possess and Supply Schedule 1 Dangerous Drug
• Possess and Supply Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug
• Receive Property from the Commission of an Offence
• Possess Thing to Administer a Dangerous Drug
• Possess Ammunition Without a Licence or Permit

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said while some offenders continue to test their luck travelling through Katherine, Rafa, Swift and the Dog Operations Unit continue to prove that a good nose for crime is hard to beat.

“Our Drug Detection Dogs and Handlers will continue to target those who deal and transport illicit substances through coordinated approaches with investigators, as well as proactive patrolling and targeting known individuals associated with the drug trade.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to investigate the death of a 66-year-old woman in Alice Springs overnight. 

Just before midnight, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a woman not breathing in the Todd River near the Tuncks Road causeway. 

Police attended and commenced CPR on the woman, before St John Ambulance arrived and conveyed her to hospital where she was declared deceased. 

Witness statements have been obtained, and at this stage, police believe the death is a result of a medical incident. 

A formal cause of death has yet to be determined, and a postmortem will be conducted by the forensic pathologist.

Police, with assistance from Cultural Reform members, are in communication with the deceased’s family and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. 

A file is being prepared for the Coroner.