Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information after a stealing with violence incident in Darwin City early this morning.

Around 1:10am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report three males allegedly armed with an edged weapon had approached two males at the Caltex Service Station on Daly Street and allegedly threw rocks at them before stealing one of the victim’s backpacks

One victim sustained a minor injury to his back after being allegedly struck by a rock. The stolen backpack was later recovered nearby.

The same group then allegedly threatened a third male at an apartment block on the corner of McMinn and Finniss Street but no property was stolen.

Police located multiple damaged vehicles in the vicinity believed to be connected to the same offenders, who remain outstanding. Investigations continue.

Darwin Superintendent Bradley Fox urges anyone with relevant information, including CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. On Budget Night we foreshadowed planned consultation on our tax changes with small businesses and startups. And today we’re announcing the next steps in the implementation details. This Budget, of course, delivers more tax cuts for every working Australian a fair crack at buying your own home for first home buyers. An economy that works for Australians, for small business and for future generations. Following the consultation that we flagged on Budget night, we are announcing details to allow more small businesses access to the capital gains tax concessions. Today, we’re announcing that we’ll increase the turnover threshold for existing small business 50 per cent active asset CGT concession from $2 million to $10 million. This is one of the four concessions that we have said would continue. It is the most widely used of those four CGT concessions used by small businesses. And obviously we’ll increase the new threshold by five times, bringing into line with the threshold for small business that’s there in a number of other features of the system. 2.7 million existing active small businesses will be eligible for this concession. We’re also proposing to introduce a new Innovative Business Tax Concession for startups.

And we’ll release the the consultation paper on the startup sector later this morning and that will allow for further detailed consultation on the basis of that. This comes on top of our extra tax cuts and making permanent our $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off for small businesses. The permanent Instant Asset Write-Off and these important capital gains tax benefits being announced today are providing substantial support to Australian small businesses. Also today, we’re confirming the Government will exempt income from all types of discretionary testamentary trusts from the minimum tax, provided they are established for genuine testamentary purposes. We back Australian small businesses and the important role that they play in Australia. They’re the blood running through the veins of our local communities and they’re vital for our economy. We also back innovators and startups and we want them to thrive here and we’re certain that they can. There’s no place that’s better to engage in economic activity than Australia. I’ll hand over to the Treasurer who’ll go through the details of the announcements today and then we’ll take questions.

< JIM CHALMERS, TREASURER

Now, this is one of four next steps that we are announcing today because of all of the consultation that we have been doing. The first one is that one to increase the turnover threshold for the active asset CGT reduction from $2 million to $10 million. This is a much bigger increase than we would have seen had that threshold been indexed. The second one is, as the PM said, we’re releasing a consultation paper on the design of a new innovative business CGT concession. This would provide a 50 per cent CGT discount to early-stage investors, including founders and employee share scheme participants of innovative start up businesses. We’re also confirming that income from all types of testamentary trust will be exempt from the minimum tax, with implementation details, including the details around integrity, to be included in further consultation. And the fourth set of next steps which I’ll come to at the end, is about the Government’s legislative strategy. Which of this would be ready for amending the legislation currently in the Senate and which necessitates more consultation. So, for the small business concessions, as I said, maintaining all four of them, making one of them more generous, we will seek to amend the legislation currently before the Senate to give effect to that change. We consider that consultation to be complete on that aspect of these next steps.

On the consultation paper for start ups, we will put out later this morning a paper which sets out our preferred position when it comes to the next stage of consultation for start ups, making it clear, as we said in the Budget papers themselves and before that, privately, subsequently, publicly, that we do consider there to be a special case for businesses with low or no start up costs and that necessitates this different treatment in the tax system. We will put out a fair bit of detail on our position and we will be seeking feedback on that in the coming weeks. The next piece of next steps is obviously, as I said, when it comes to exempting all types of testamentary trusts from the minimum tax, we will release a consultation paper on the trust legislation. That’s obviously not part of this first tranche before the Senate. Now, it’s not unusual for there to be a number of pieces of legislation to give effect to major tax reforms and that’s what people should expect on this occasion as well. Now, the fourth category of things goes to how we will proceed now with the legislation before the Senate and subsequent pieces of legislation as well. So, some of this will be ready to make targeted amendments to the legislation currently before the Parliament. In some instances what we are trying to do is to take some areas where there are legitimately in the usual ways, so Ministerial discretion and to put that into the primary legislation where that is feasible. And so the amendments that we seek to move in the next sitting fortnight, subject to negotiations with crossbench in the Senate, it’s to legislate an amendment to give effect to the threshold change for small business. To ensure that deductible gift and donations reduce capital gains that are subject to the minimum tax, to maintain those incentives in relation to charitable giving. To provide the list of income support payments that qualify for an exemption from the minimum tax on capital gains, making clear, for example the family tax benefit paid parental leave and the like is in in terms of the exemption. We’ll also look to embed the calculation for the Working Australians Tax Offset in the legislation. And wherever we can, we will remove Ministerial powers that we no longer need to give effect to the Government’s policy intent. Now, once again, it’s not unusual for legislative instruments which are disallowable by the Parliament to be used, but where we can, we will put some of that into into the primary legislation. We’re also looking to do that with the two pieces of definitional work for housing, particularly when it comes to the definition of new builds. We’ve made clear in the papers in the Budget what we consider to be a new build and not. But there’ll be more consultation on that that won’t be ready for the next sitting fortnight. But if we can, we’ll put that in the primary legislation too. And similarly, when it comes to the types of housing investment which is exempt from the limits on negative gearing, including what you’ve seen in the Budget papers around affordable housing. So, we’ll do that in the primary legislation subject to a bit more consultation.

So, the last thing I’d say is that we’re really grateful to the individuals and organisations that have made time for us, made their views clear to us as we’ve gone through this consultation that we flagged in the Budget papers. As I said, our reform agenda is all about making it easier to buy a first home and to cut taxes for workers and better align the tax treatment of asset and labour income. It’s not unusual for big, ambitious tax reform like this to involve a lot of consultation to involve primary legislation for the core elements. Subsequent pieces of legislation as well. We’ve seen that in the past with governments of both political persuasions and that’s what is taking place as well. We understand that there’s never a unanimous view about economic reform, and particularly about tax reform. It’s always contested, it’s always contentious, but it will be worth it. We are delivering real change here and it means that the details that we have outlined today will provide a bit more clarity and confidence to investors, more support for small businesses, and also increase those incentives for innovation. And with that, we’re happy to take some questions.

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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Government is today announcing further implementation details for its tax reform package, following an intensive first round of post-Budget consultation.

Our tax reforms are all about making it easier for Australians to buy their first home, cutting taxes for workers, and better aligning the tax treatment of labour and asset income, and this is reflected in the core legislation before the Senate.

The details we’re announcing today are all about providing more clarity and confidence to investors, more support for small businesses, and more incentives for innovation. 

We are announcing further CGT concessions today for small businesses and startups, and retaining the original intent of our policies.

This means all 2.7 million active small businesses and 98 per cent of all active businesses will be eligible for generous CGT concessions.

Having completed a substantial amount of the consultation we flagged in the Budget papers, we’re now releasing a consultation paper on startups while we also provide further implementation details around our tax reforms, including: 

• Announcing an increase to the turnover threshold for the existing small business 50 per cent active asset CGT reduction from $2 million to $10 million. This will mean all 2.7 million active small businesses and 98% of all active businesses will be eligible for this concession.
• Releasing a consultation paper on the design of a new Innovative Business CGT Concession that would provide a 50 per cent CGT discount to early-stage investors including founders and employee share scheme participants of innovative start-up businesses.
• Confirming that income from all types of testamentary trusts will be exempt from the minimum tax, including future discretionary testamentary trusts, with implementation details included in further consultation.
• Confirming amendments will be made to the legislation in the Senate rather than in legislative instruments, to provide certainty on as much of the implementation details of the Government’s tax reforms as possible.

These details mean the Albanese Government is now delivering over $3.8 billion in new measures that lower taxes for businesses and start-ups, on top of the fourth and fifth rounds of tax cuts for workers and a fairer housing market for first home buyers.

Small businesses concessions

As outlined in the Budget, the Government will retain the existing four small business CGT concessions which allow small businesses to reduce, defer or completely eliminate their capital gains tax liability when they sell active business assets. 

We are extending the eligibility of the 50 per cent active asset reduction to more businesses by increasing the turnover threshold from $2 million to $10 million.

This brings eligibility for this concession into line with the turnover threshold for the instant asset write off and will mean that all 2.7 million active small business and 98 per cent of active businesses will be eligible for a 50 per cent CGT discount on active business assets, on top of the discount for inflation where eligible once these reforms are in place. 

The Government will introduce amendments to the legislation currently before the Senate to give effect to this change.

Consultation on arrangements for innovative start-ups

The Government is today releasing a consultation paper on the design of a 50 per cent CGT discount for early-stage investors including founders and employee share scheme participants of innovative start-up businesses. 

The Innovative Business CGT Concession will provide individuals, partnerships and trusts holding eligible shares a choice between a 50 per cent discount or indexation and the minimum tax for gains accrued from 1 July 2027.

Subject to further consultation, eligible shares must be new equity issued by a company that is under 10 years old (or under 15 years in certain circumstances), under $50 million in turnover and meets principles-based innovation criteria, and must be held for five years before being sold, with a lifetime cap on the concession.

This will ensure that early investors in innovative start-ups that start with a low or zero cost base still receive a significant discount on a future capital gain, supporting the continued growth of Australia’s start-up and venture capital ecosystem.

The Government will consider expanding eligibility to 15 years for start-ups in sectors such as biotech and medtech that can take longer to commercialise.

Consultation is open until 10 July and will inform the final design, to be implemented in a later tranche of tax reform legislation. The paper will be available on the Treasury website.

These measures build on the existing significant measures to support business risk taking and investment in the Budget, including two-year loss carry back, loss refundability for start-ups, expanded venture capital incentives, and making the $20,000 instant asset write off permanent.

The additional support for small business has an indicative cost of $300 million over the forward estimates and brings the total new tax measures to support businesses in the tax reform package to over $3.8 billion. The proposed arrangements for start-ups have an indicative cost of $125 million over the forward estimates. Financial impacts will be finalised in the next Budget update in the usual way, following consultation.

Amendments to the legislation

The Government will make targeted amendments to the legislation currently before the Parliament, removing ministerial powers to provide certainty on as much of the implementation details as possible. 

The Government intends to move the following amendments in the next sitting fortnight, subject to parliamentary negotiations:

• Extend the eligibility of the 50 per cent active asset reduction to more businesses by increasing the turnover threshold from $2 million to $10 million.
• Ensure deductible gift and donations reduce capital gains that are subject to the minimum tax, to maintain tax incentives in relation to charitable giving. 
• Provide the list of income support payments that qualify for an exemption from the minimum tax on capital gains. 
• Embed the calculation method for the Working Australians Tax Offset in legislation. 
• Remove ministerial powers no longer needed to give effect to the Government’s policy intent.

The Government also intends to remove ministerial discretion in relation to the following aspects of the Bill, with legislation to be introduced later this year following consultation:  

• Definition of new builds that are eligible to choose a 50 per cent discount on gains accrued from 1 July 2027, and eligible to access negative gearing for properties purchased after 12 May 2026, consistent with the details outlined in the Budget. 
• Definition of the types of housing investment exempt from the limits on negative gearing, including affordable housing.

The definition of new builds and housing investment exemptions will be moved into primary legislation in a future tranche of tax reform legislation. Final details, including treatment of certain types of accommodation and housing investment, will be subject to consultation. 

These details reflect the targeted consultations and engagements undertaken since the release of the Budget, consistent with the Government’s commitment to engage with stakeholders on implementation.

Trusts reform and other elements of the tax reform package

The Government will continue to develop further tranches of legislation to implement the Budget tax reform package, consistent with the process for legislating other large tax reform packages in the past.

This will include the release of a consultation paper on implementation of the minimum tax on discretionary trusts in the coming weeks which will provide further details on the proposed implementation approach.

In response to targeted consultation following the Budget, the Government will exempt income from all types of discretionary testamentary trusts from the minimum tax provided they are established for genuine testamentary purposes.

The exclusion will be limited to income from assets of the deceased estate. For discretionary testamentary trusts established on or after 1 July 2028, the exclusion will only apply to trusts that can only benefit individuals and income tax exempt entities.  

We have been clear that there is no tax on inheritances or deceased estates but we are taking this step to put this beyond doubt.

This exemption has an indicative cost of $50 million over the forward estimates. Financial impacts will be finalised in the next Budget update in the usual way, following consultation.

In addition, the Government will next week introduce legislation to give effect to our reforms that make loss carry back and the instant asset write off for small business permanent.

We are grateful to the individuals and organisations that have engaged with the Government on these issues in good faith since the release of the Budget and also acknowledge the work of the Senate Economics Legislation Committee and submissions made to its inquiry process.

The Albanese Labor Government’s tax reform agenda is all about making it easier for Australians to buy their first home, cutting taxes for workers, and better aligning the tax treatment of labour and asset income, and that’s the focus of the legislation we’re putting before the Parliament.

The details outlined today will provide further clarity and confidence to investors, more support for small businesses and increase incentives for innovation.

 

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Yarrambat Captain Andrew Napoleone, Karen Wanless, Claire O’Riordan and Plenty Captain David Rumble with the commemorative plaques.

Volunteers from Yarrambat and Plenty brigades plan to push their Good Friday Appeal collection total past the $100,000 mark in 2027.

The team of 28 volunteers almost made it this year, raising more than $11,000 for The Royal Children’s Hospital despite early rain that forced a late start. It took their total to more than $95,000 collected since 2014.

Plans for 2027 are already under way, with Yarrambat and Plenty firefighters hoping to collect at a new, bigger intersection at Yan Yean and Kurrak Roads.

Yarrambat Captain Andrew Napoleone says the response from the public is always great.

“It’s a long weekend, people are often in a holiday mood and they can set off knowing their donation will help sick kids,” Capt Napoleone said.

“Like everything CFA does, the volunteers collecting for the Good Friday Appeal are working for the community and it’s the response from the community that makes it such a good outcome,” he said.

The two brigades record each year’s collection on special plaques, made in memory of Plenty volunteer Greig Wanless, a regular with the team collecting on Good Friday who passed away in 2024.

Greig’s wife Karen and the Good Friday Appeal’s Claire O’Riordan presented the brigades with the updated plaques at Yarrambat Fire Station on Sunday.

Volunteers from CFA brigades all over the state raised $2.15 million for The Royal Children’s Hospital this year.

Submitted by	Peter Beaton, Yarrambat CFA

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 15-year-old female following an aggravated assault in Zuccoli early this morning.

Around 3:35am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 23-year-old female had woken to being stabbed by a female youth at a residence on Follington Street.

The victim suffered several stab wounds to her chest and head during the assault.

Palmerston General Duties officers attended the incident, and the victim was conveyed to the Royal Darwin Hospital by St John Ambulance with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The 15-year-old was later arrested at the intersection of Chung Wah and Temple Terraces following patrols in the area.

The victim and the offender are believed to be known to one another.

Serious Crime is currently investigating the incident and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Australian Antarctic Program scientists are contributing to global understanding of the spread of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) with the release of findings from recent voyages to the remote sub-Antarctic Heard Island and McDonald Islands.

The team has submitted its findings about mortality levels and the virus’s likely pathway to Heard Island to a scientific journal for consideration.
Heard Island and McDonald Islands are an Australian external territory located in the Southern Ocean, about 4,000 km southwest of mainland Australia.
Samples from nine vertebrate species were tested at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, with six speices testing positive for the viral strain that has been spreading globally (Influenza A H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b).
These included southern elephant seal, king penguin, gentoo penguin, Antarctic fur seal and South Georgia diving petrel.
Analysis of drone surveys taken on two voyages in October 2025 and January 2026 reveal very high mortality in southern elephant seal pups and elevated mortality in king and gentoo penguins.
Analysis of data collected in October estimated average pup mortality was 76 per cent in the final surveys and as high as 97 per cent in one area.
Total pup production was estimated at around 17,000 and island-wide mortality was estimated at around 13,000 pups on Heard Island.
By January 2026, widespread elephant seal pup mortality was detected in all surveyed breeding areas, including evidence of mortality at McDonald Island (by drone survey).
However, due to the remoteness and protected status, no on-ground sampling was undertaken, meaning laboratory confirmation was not possible. 
“These observations of H5 bird flu at Heard Island and McDonald Island are the first detection in an Australian external territory and show the continued eastward movement of the virus around the sub-Antarctic,” lead author wildlife biologist Dr Julie McInnes said.
“Our results show a similar pattern to other sub-Antarctic islands, such as South Georgia, where elephant seals have been hardest hit.
Data collected in January also revealed several hundred dead adult king penguins across the island. While this was a low proportion of the population, the observed mortality was above normal levels.
There was no sign of unusual mortality detected during surveys of albatross or the two endemic species – Heard Island shag and black-faced sheathbill.
However, data were collected over two short periods on Heard Island and it is unknown how the virus may have moved or impacted species since then.
The highest mortalities of all species were initially concentrated in the south-east of Heard island, which is thought to be where the virus first arrived.
Analysis of genetic data suggests H5 bird flu was likely introduced through movement of wildlife from the French sub-Antarctic Crozet Islands, 1,800 km away, with an estimated arrival around August 2025.
Drone surveys
Over the two expeditions, AAP scientists conducted 120 drone flights totaling more than 1,600 km of distance flown – and ground searches covering 300 km – to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of mortality across species at Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
“Drones were essential to survey Heard Island’s coastline so we could accurately quantify mortality in breeding southern elephant seals,” co-lead author, wildlife biologist, Dr Jarrod Hodgson said.
“Long-distance flights from RSV Nuyina enabled us to survey inaccessible locations such as cliffs and offshore islands to assess the status of seabird populations like black-browed albatross and the endemic Heard Island shag.”
The use of drone technology also reduced the impact on animal populations.
“These drone surveys detected king penguin carcasses dispersed through their dense breeding colonies, which could not have been observed on foot without causing significant disturbance,” Dr Hodgson said.  
The Australian Antarctic Program continues to monitor for signs of H5 bird flu in the Australian Antarctic Territory and on Macquarie Island, which to this point have not had any suspected cases.
These findings and the results of genetic testing have been submitted to a scientific journal for consideration of publication, but have not yet been peer-reviewed. A preprint is available at BioRxiv.
This content was last updated 1 day ago on 17 June 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating the death of a 66-year-old female in Alice Springs overnight.

Around 11:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a person not breathing in the Todd River.

Police responded and located an unresponsive female in the Todd River near Tuncks Road. Members performed CPR until St John Ambulance arrival.

The 66-year-old female was conveyed to hospital where she was declared deceased a short time later.

The cause of death is unknown at this stage. A crime scene has been declared and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference P26173088. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested an 18-year-old male following an indecent assault that occurred at a supermarket in Alice Springs today.

Around 2:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a boy aged between 12 and 16 had been indecently assaulted by a male not known to him in a supermarket in the Alice Springs CBD.

The victim fought off the offender who subsequently left the scene. 

Police attended and CCTV footage was obtained.

Shortly after 3:30pm, the 18-year-old offender was arrested on Todd Street. He remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Serious crash at Turners Beach under investigation

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 – 3:35 pm.

Police are investigating a serious two-vehicle crash on Bass Highway, Turners Beach, this morning. 
About 8.55am, emergency services responded to reports of a crash near the Clayton Road East intersection involving a white Holden Cruze and a white Ford Territory.  
The drivers of both vehicles were transported to the North West Regional Hospital for medical treatment. 
The 86-year-old woman who was driving the white Holden Cruze was reported to be in a serious condition. 
The 28-year-old woman who was driving the white Ford Territory was reported to be in a serious condition. 
Anyone with information in relation to the crash is asked to contact police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 71-17062026.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Shoppers preparing for the biggest sales period of the year are being reminded that consumer protections apply to discounted items just as much as full-price purchases. 

From Black Friday and Cyber Monday through to Christmas shopping and the January sales, Victorian consumers have the same automatic rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). 

Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Nicole Rich, said the wave of promotional events shouldn’t distract shoppers from their legal protections. 

“While retailers promote big sales events, consumers should compare prices, read reviews and research products before buying”, Rich said. 

Not all sales offer genuine value, but promotions must be honest and accurate. 

If consumers don’t get what they paid for with a product or service, they have rights. Even during a big sale, purchases must be fit for purpose, safe, durable and free from defects, and match its description. If it isn’t, consumers are entitled to a remedy such as a refund, repair or replacement —regardless of the discount received. The type of remedy will depend on whether the issue is major or minor.   

Online shoppers have the same rights as those purchasing in-store, but should be alert to scams during this busy period. The ACL applies to overseas businesses selling into Australia, but they can be harder to contact if problems arise. Research is key. 

To stay safe: go directly to retailer websites rather than clicking links in ads or emails. Watch for fake websites posing as legitimate retailers and don’t fall for fake delivery notifications from scammers. 

Gift cards and vouchers are popular at this time of year, so we’re reminding shoppers of the rules. They must have a minimum three-year expiry period clearly displayed, and businesses cannot charge post-purchase fees that reduce their value. 

Another timely reminder is that extended warranties are optional and may not provide additional rights beyond automatic consumer guarantees. Shoppers should ask what extra benefits these warranties actually offer.  

Retailers who aren’t sure of their obligations can access business resources from our Small business page. 

Consumers needing help can visit our Products and services section or call 1300 55 81 81.