Firearms seizure – Ntaria

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has seized multiple firearms and ammunition in Ntaria on Thursday evening.

Around 9pm, Ntaria Police were conducting routine traffic patrols along Larapinta Drive when they came across a 29-year-old male parked on the side of the road.

Police stopped and spoke with the male, who stated he was hunting. The male informed police that he had a loaded firearm and ammunition inside the vehicle and directed officers to its location.

Police conducted a search of the vehicle and located the firearm and a quantity of ammunition that did not meet storage and safekeeping requirements. The firearm and ammunition were seized under the Firearms Act 1997.

The male further informed police that he had additional firearms and ammunition at his residence. Police attended the address and conducted a compliance check on the storage and safekeeping of firearms.

During the search, police located and seized an additional eight firearms and approximately 1,760 rounds of ammunition of varying calibre, all of which failed to meet storage and safekeeping requirements.

In total, nine firearms and approximately 1,760 rounds of ammunition were seized.

Investigations are ongoing.

Acting Senior Sergeant Leigh Yates said, “This is a great result and shows the impact proactive policing can have in the community.

“This also serves as a timely reminder of the importance for all Territorians to comply with storage and safekeeping requirements when in possession of firearms or ammunition.”

Arrests – Aggravated assault – Adelaide River

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three males in relation to an aggravated assault in Adelaide River overnight.

Around 8:25pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a group of three males approached a 28-year-old male while he was seated in his vehicle at a service station along the Stuart Highway and allegedly smashed the driver’s side window with a hammer.

It is alleged the offenders continued to strike the vehicle, causing the window to shatter. The victim raised his arm to shield himself from further strikes; however, the offenders continued, resulting in injuries to the victim’s elbow. He then reversed the vehicle, and the offenders fled the scene on foot.

Police attended, and a short time later, located and arrested the three offenders aged 16, 18 and 19. 

The victim was assessed at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.

The 16-year-old male was charged with driving offences and bailed to appear in court on 13 February 2026.

The two adult males were charged with Attempted aggravated robbery and Damage to property and were remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26015408. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Arrest – Aggravated robbery – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force has arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Katherine early this morning.

Around 1:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a 32-year-old female had been threatened by a group of males while she slept in her vehicle at the Katherine Hot Springs carpark.

The victim was forced to exit the vehicle, fearing for her safety, and the offenders then allegedly entered it and fled the scene.

The victim did not report any injuries as a result of the incident.

A short time later, the JESCC received further reports that a group of males allegedly threatened a security officer at the corner of Giles Street and First Street while attempting to steal his vehicle. They were unsuccessful and fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.

Police deployed and, with the assistance of CCTV operators, located the stolen vehicle travelling south on the Stuart Highway out of Katherine, where a tyre deflation device was successfully deployed. The offenders subsequently turned back toward Katherine and on to Victoria Highway where they went down a small embankment and abandoned the vehicle.

The offenders fled in different directions along the Katherine River, with one 17-year-old male arrested and taken into custody.

Three offenders remain outstanding, and investigations are ongoing.  The vehicle was seized for forensic procedures to take place.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26015778. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Firearms seized, multiple arrests in targeted operation

Source: Tasmania Police

Firearms seized, multiple arrests in targeted operation

Friday, 16 January 2026 – 3:57 pm.

Police arrested 15 people and seized multiple firearms, including two illegal 3D printed handguns, as the result of a planned targeted operation across southern Tasmania this week.
The operation, which focused on disrupting illegal firearms and associated criminal activity, involved uniformed officers and detectives from Bridgewater, Glenorchy, Hobart and New Norfolk, supported by specialist units.
Search warrants were executed at several residential properties across greater Hobart and the Derwent Valley over the past three days.
The co-ordinated action was initiated following recent firearms incidents at Bridgewater and Gagebrook, with significant information provided by the community.
Inspector Luke Horne said the operation was a success, with 12 illegal firearms seized, and demonstrated Tasmania Police’s ongoing commitment to reducing the harm caused by unlawful firearms.
“We are sending a strong message to those in our community who possess illegal firearms or engage in unlawful activities involving firearms. Police will continue to act on all information, identify offenders, and remove illegal weapons from circulation,” Inspector Horne said
“These searches were intelligence driven and supported by valuable information from the public, including anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers. We’re grateful for the community’s support and encourage people to continue reporting concerns.”
As a result of the operation, police have:• Arrested 15 individuals, several of whom remain before the courts• Laid more than 70 charges, including firearms, drugs, stealing and dishonesty offences• Seized 12 firearms, including two 3D-printed firearms• Recovered six stolen vehicles• Seized quantities of ammunition, illicit drugs, and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime
Inspector Horne said the seizure of 3D-printed firearms was particularly concerning.
The manufacture and possession of 3D-printed firearms has been illegal in Tasmania since 2024, and while they may appear to look like toys, they are capable of firing projectiles like any other weapon.
“These items present a serious risk to our community. We will continue targeting their production and distribution to ensure public safety,” Inspector Horne said.
Tasmania Police urges anyone with concerns about illegal firearms, drug activity, or unsafe storage practices to contact police on 131 444, or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Body recovered – Missing man – Ludmilla

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force believes it has recovered the body of a man who was reported missing last week in Ludmilla.

The 44-year-old was last seen entering a service station on foot on Saturday 3 January 2026.

An extensive search was conducted in the Ludmilla, Parap, Fannie Bay and East Point areas.

A body, believed to be the man,  was located in bushland at East point and was recovered earlier today.

Police are in contact with the man’s family, and are providing support as formal identification is underway.

The man’s death is not believed to be suspicious and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

MEDIA RELEASE | AREEA pays tribute to Fair Work Commissioner Christopher Platt’s decade of service and reform

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

(L to R) AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM and Commissioner Christopher Platt, following the Employers Welcome by Steve Knott at the Commissioner’s ceremonial sitting when he commenced in 2015.

Statement from AREEA CEO Steve Knott AM

AREEA acknowledges the legacy and contribution of Commissioner Christopher Platt who formally retires from the Fair Work Commission on 18 January, marking the end of a significant era for the institution.

During his 10-year tenure, Chris has brought a rare depth of practical experience to the role of Commissioner: as a small business operator, police officer, senior industrial relations practitioner, former Chief Operating Officer of AREEA (then AMMA), and Manager Employee Relations for BHP at Olympic Dam. Combined with his legal training, policy experience and formidable work ethic, it was an exceptional foundation for Commission service.

During his time with AMMA, Chris helped to build our modern industrial relations capability, recruiting and developing talent that continues to influence the organisation today, strengthening its policy and workplace relations expertise, and lifting its credibility with governments and regulators.

Chris’ contribution to the Commission extends well beyond the decisions bearing his name. He has played a direct role in national workplace relations reform, working closely with employer and government representatives on the drafting of the Fair Work Act.

His fingerprints are on key provisions that continue to shape how the Commission operates in practice, reflecting his insistence that the system remain workable for employers while retaining procedural integrity.

Back in 2015, I gave the Employers Welcome on behalf of AMMA and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) at Chris’ ceremonial sitting when he commenced with the Commission.

At the time, I remember saying that the employer organisations and members we represented had no doubt that Chris’s background and style would make him a first-rate member of the Commission.

Chris has been outstanding in the role. Congratulations on a job very well done. We wish Commissioner Platt all the best with the next chapter.

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

Conveyancer’s licence cancelled over client funds

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

A conveyancer who allegedly took more than $350,000 in property deposits held for a client has had her licence cancelled. 

In separate cases, sole trader Tintin James, of Northcote, was holding the funds on behalf of property vendors through her business, Luxe Conveyancing (ACN 621 610 919).  

It is alleged that instead of transferring the 2 deposits to her clients at settlement, James put the money into several accounts held in her own name. 

The Business Licencing Authority has cancelled James and Luxe Conveyancing’s licences. Consumer Affairs Victoria is continuing to investigate the matters. 

The vendors have retrieved their money through successful claims on the Victorian Property Fund. The fund compensates consumers who lose money in certain circumstances, as the result of dealings with a licensed conveyancer or estate agent. 

Property vendors and purchasers who rely on an unlicensed conveyancer or estate agent do not have these protections and face the prospect of losing significant amounts if something goes wrong. 

The Consumer Affairs Victoria website has registers of licensed conveyancers and estate agents, including any conditions affecting their licence.  

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich urged people buying or selling property not to engage with James or Luxe Conveyancing. 

‘We have serious concerns about the conduct of Ms James and her company. If you have recently done business with her, please contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81.’ 

09-2026: Finalisation and Upcoming Publication of the Cargo Scheduling Policy

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

16 January 2026

Who does this notice affect?

Importers, brokers, operators of approved arrangement sites and biosecurity entry points managing goods subject to biosecurity and/or imported food inspection.

What has changed?

Following industry engagement between May 2024 and August 2025, the department has finalised the Cargo Scheduling Policy (the policy, formerly: Scheduling arrangements for imported cargo inspections policy).

All feedback received…

Call for witnesses to dangerous driving in Lindisfarne

Source: Tasmania Police

Call for witnesses to dangerous driving in Lindisfarne

Friday, 16 January 2026 – 1:16 pm.

Police are calling for witnesses following a dangerous driving incident on the East Derwent Highway, Lindisfarne this morning.
A stolen red mini was reportedly being driven erratically about 9.15am, in a south-bound direction.
The occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody by police a short time later, and the stolen vehicle has been recovered.
The occupants, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, remain in custody, assisting with inquiries.
Anyone who saw the vehicle or its manner of driving is asked to contact South East CIB on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 53-16012026.
Police are also calling for relevant dash cam or other footage.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au

Police urge vigilance following thefts at caravan parks

Source: Tasmania Police

Police urge vigilance following thefts at caravan parks

Friday, 16 January 2026 – 1:09 pm.

Tasmania Police is urging members of the public to take extra care securing their valuables after a recent increase in thefts at caravan parks along the North-West Coast.
Criminals have been targeting high-value items, particularly mountain bikes, with many thefts occurring overnight when bikes are not properly secured.
On 13 January, members of the Western Criminal Investigation Branch investigated the theft of six mountain bikes from the Mersey Bluff Caravan Park.
As a result of the investigation, all six bikes were recovered and returned to their owners.
A 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested and charged in relation to the thefts and other offences committed on the Coast. Both will reappear in court at a later date.
Detective Acting Inspector David Summers said police are reminding the community to take simple steps to protect their property.
“We encourage people to secure their bikes and other valuables with quality locks and store them in a safe location overnight,” he said.
“These thefts are often opportunistic, and taking extra precautions can significantly reduce the risk.”
Anyone with information about suspicious activity in our community is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au.