Police investigating serious armed robbery, Coles Bay

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigating serious armed robbery, Coles Bay

Monday, 13 July 2026 – 3:06 pm.

Police are continuing to investigate a serious armed robbery at a Coles Bay property on Saturday, where a 76-year-old man was left with serious injuries after his firearms were stolen and his property destroyed by a deliberately lit fire.Detective Inspector David Gill said police were continuing to search for the offenders, as well as the stolen firearms.“Firearms in the wrong hands are dangerous, and a concern for Tasmania Police,” he said.“Police remain in the Coles Bay area conducting inquiries, with investigators from South East CIB, Glenorchy CIB and Southern Drugs and Firearms Unit continuing to work collaboratively following up on information provided by members of the public.“This has included the review of CCTV footage, examination of exhibits and speaking to members of the public.”The victim’s vehicle was retrieved from the Apsley River on Saturday night and conveyed to Hobart where it is currently undergoing forensic examination.He remains in the Royal Hobart Hospital in a stable condition.“Investigators wish to thank members of the public for the information they have provided so far and renew their call for assistance from the community for information in relation to this crime,” Detective Inspector Gill said.Information can be provided by contacting police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au and quoting reference number 810474.

Domestic violence – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information regarding an alleged domestic violence aggravated assault and vehicle fire that occurred in Alice Springs early this morning.

Around 2am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a vehicle on fire at a residence on Spearwood Road in Sadadeen.

Police attended and located the vehicle engulfed in flames. Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service members attended and extinguished the fire.

A short time before 3am, police received a report of an alleged aggravated assault of an adult female by her male partner that had occurred inside the vehicle in Sadadeen before it was set alight.

The victim was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital for assessment and, shortly before 4am, a 42-year-old male was arrested at a nearby residence on Spearwood Road.

He remains in police custody while investigations continue.

The incident is not believed to be linked to a prior vehicle fire involving a stolen motor vehicle from earlier in the evening.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference P26199320. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to family or domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

** Content warning: Sex offences ** Reportable offender charged with additional offences

Source: Tasmania Police

** Content warning: Sex offences ** Reportable offender charged with additional offences

Monday, 13 July 2026 – 12:20 pm.

Tasmania Police’s Community Protection Offender Reporting team has charged a reportable offender with a number of offences following a targeted operation.
The reportable offender, a 36-year-old man from southern Tasmania, has been charged with:

Public indecency
Breach of a Community Protection Order
Trespass
Unlawful possession of property.

The man will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
Any offending of this nature is a serious crime type.
Tasmania Police, with the support of its partners, is committed to interrupting these offences to keep our community safe.
If you have seen inappropriate behaviour, call Triple Zero (000) if someone is in immediate danger, or 131 444 to report to police. You can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
If a child is involved, you can also report online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) https://www.accce.gov.au/report
The Tasmanian Government’s Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildresafe.tas.gov.au/
Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch https://arch.tas.gov.au/ or via https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

Vehicle fire – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating following a vehicle fire that was reported overnight in Alice Springs.

Around 12:20am this morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of a vehicle fire near Karnte Camp in Alice Springs.

Upon attendance, police located a Hyundai i30 engulfed in flames and confirmed it had been allegedly stolen from a residence on Nicker Crescent earlier in the evening.

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported to police.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference P26199268. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

State Memorial for Professor Richard Scolyer AO

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

t is an incredible honour for me to be here today in the Sydney Opera House to celebrate the life of Richard Scolyer AO.

United within the walls of one great national treasure to celebrate the life of another national treasure. And what a truly remarkable life it was.

In the great constellation of the Australian story, Richard was without question one of our bright stars.

A medical revolutionary in the service of humanity.

A man of courage, curiosity, generosity and kindness.

A man grounded in the love of his family.

We mourn a life cut far too short – yet we also give thanks for every life extended and every life still being lived, thanks to the work of which he was such a central part.

Richard became a household name in 2024, when he was named joint Australian of the Year – alongside his Melanoma Institute of Australia co-director, Professor Georgina Long.

As he took his place in the spotlight, this saviour of lives was already in the fight of his own life.

Richard described glioblastoma – the brain cancer with which he had been diagnosed – as a, to quote him, “a straight path to death”.

As he faced up to his new reality, no one would have begrudged him retreating into the shelter of his family and friends.

Yet that is not what he chose.

Instead, he opened his big heart to us all. And what Australia got to see was a man absolutely determined to change that straight path.

Maybe that was part of the meaning of the title of his blog, My Uncertain Journey – Richard fighting to make that “straight path” just that little bit less certain.

And determined to make it possible for future generations to follow a different course.

Richard shared his triumphs and his setbacks.

He allowed himself the gift of hope. And whenever that hope was dimmed, he let us see the strength of his character.

He shared the joy he took in every extra day he was granted, and his profound gratitude to everyone around him.

And I join with others in thanking those who provided Richard care over the recent period.

Richard travelled his uncertain path with determination – and a grace that never ceased to be extraordinary.

The way he shared it with us was an act of generosity – and a courage every bit as profound.

I will always regard it as one of the privileges of my time as Prime Minister that I got to spend time with such an extraordinary, outstanding, remarkable human being.

I got to count him as a friend. And, for a happy stretch of my life, as a neighbour. For that, I feel blessed.

In his final letter to Australia, he reminded us:

‘We all have a responsibility to try to change the future for others and leave the world a better place.’

So much said in so few words.

How to handle that responsibility is something he showed us every day through the power of his own example.

I have been moved to hear Richard’s family describing his zest for life and his enthusiasm, and how he strove to ignite it in others.

Now this brightest of stars has set – yet his glow remains around us.

At the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, the Richard Scolyer Chair will always bear his name – and it will play a part in the better future he was working for.

Richard did so much to push back the shadow of melanoma.

And one day, when a cure for brain cancer is at last found, his name will be spoken. All of us will be able to say we knew him – and he gave us hope.

But for now, in what are still the very raw days of Richard’s absence, the hearts of all Australians are with his family.

So to Katie, Emily, Matthew and Lucy, may you draw some comfort from how much Australia truly  loved him.

May the love that shone so brightly between you light up all of your days.

And may Richard Scolyer rest in peace.

Greater Bendigo residents show some positive health gains and key challenges

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The 2025 Active Living Census results have revealed Loddon Campaspe residents are moving more and smoking less than Victorian benchmarks, but many are also reporting food insecurity, poorer health, lower life satisfaction and risky drinking.

More than 8000 residents took part in the Census between 26 May and 6 July 2025, which collected data on matters such as physical activity, access to nutritious food, public open space use and risky behaviours.

Conducted by the City of Greater Bendigo as part of the Victorian Government-funded Healthy Loddon Campaspe (HLC) initiative, the Census helps to understand health and wellbeing across the six local government areas in the region, including the City of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires.

It builds on previous censuses undertaken in Greater Bendigo in 2014 and across the Loddon Campaspe region in 2019, helping to understand how health and wellbeing and community needs have changed over time.

Greater Bendigo respondents made up approximately 50 per cent of the total sample. While the results highlight ongoing challenges around wellbeing and everyday health behaviours, they also point to some positive outcomes that reflect the sustained efforts of the Healthy Loddon Campaspe initiative.

Compared with Victorian and national benchmarks, the Census found that adults in Greater Bendigo have stronger results for physical activity and muscle-strengthening exercise, and lower rates of smoking, vaping, gambling and daily sugar-sweetened drink consumption across the region.

However, it also found:

  • 30 per cent experienced some level of food insecurity
  • 25 per cent rated their health as fair or poor
  • 35 per cent recorded moderate to low life satisfaction
  • 67 per cent were overweight or obese
  • 58 per cent reported risky single-occasion alcohol consumption, and only
  • 7 per cent met vegetable intake recommendations

The results will be used to guide local planning, including health promotion work, investment in public spaces and recreation facilities and will support local organisations to seek resources for services and projects that respond to community needs.

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Active and Healthy Communities Deb Simpson said the Census data offers much more than numbers on a page.

“It tells us what would help people live healthier and more connected lives,” Ms Simpson said.

“These findings provide evidence local councils, communities and other organisations can use for partnering and investing where it matters most.

“Good local data helps communities make better decisions.

“Health and wellbeing is everyone’s business. The Census data helps us understand what our communities need and what partnerships and actions can have the greatest benefits.”

Healthy Loddon Campaspe has been funded by the Victorian Government to continue this important work, supporting local partners to use the Census findings to drive practical action across the region.

Non-bank lenders join Consumer Data Right as next stage commences

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC welcomes the commencement of new obligations today requiring non-bank lenders to begin sharing product data such as interest rates, fees, charges and eligibility criteria through the Consumer Data Right (CDR).

Sharing this information through CDR supports the development of comparison services and will help consumers and small businesses to access better value and improved loan options.

The Consumer Data Right, which underpins Australia’s open banking regime, commenced in 2020 when the major banks began sharing data. Since then, the scheme has expanded in stages across the banking and energy sectors, and now to the non-bank lenders sector.

“The expansion of the Consumer Data Right to non-bank lenders is a significant step in giving consumers access to information about the broadest possible range of financial products,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Ian Oppermann said.

“The inclusion of non-bank lenders in the CDR will give consumers a more complete picture of some of the largest household costs, including their mortgage, power bill, and car finance and personal loans.”

More than 1.3 million Australians are currently using CDR, an increase of approximately 135 per cent over the last year. Use of the CDR is expected to continue growing as it expands into non-bank lending.

Consumer data sharing for non-bank lenders will be phased in from 9 November 2026, depending on the size of the provider.

Once available, consumers will be able to use their own data (that is, the consumer data a financial institution holds) to compare products, streamline loan applications and consider whether switching lenders could help them get a better deal.

“Loans are among the biggest financial commitments for many Australians. Making more product information available in a consistent way will help comparison services and other CDR-enabled tools give consumers better information when they are looking to borrow from a non-bank lender,” Dr Oppermann said.

At least 35 new data holders (businesses that hold consumers’ financial information) will enter the CDR as a part of this expansion.

The ACCC has worked closely with industry and other CDR agencies to support implementation of the new requirements.

The ACCC and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner jointly regulate the CDR and are responsible for ensuring CDR participants, including accredited providers and data holders, comply with their obligations.

Insufficient data quality and compliance with implementation timeframes remain ACCC compliance priorities. The ACCC has previously taken enforcement action in response to alleged non-compliance with CDR obligations.

Background

CDR is an economy-wide reform that is being rolled out sector by sector. It started with banking in 2020, expanded to energy in 2022, and now is being rolled out to the non-bank lenders sector.

Non-bank lenders are financial institutions that provide credit or loans but do not hold a full banking licence and are not Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions, which means they do not take customer deposits in the way banks do.

They can include mortgage lenders, car finance providers, personal loan providers and ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ providers.

Some non-bank lending products can be more complex than traditional banking products, including where pricing is tailored to a borrower’s individual circumstances.

How CDR works

CDR is an opt-in service that gives consumers choice about whether they share their data, with full visibility of who it’s being shared with and the purpose for sharing it.

It can make it easier for consumers and small businesses to:

  • compare products and services
  • access better value and improved services
  • assist financial and cashflow management.

The transfer of consumer data occurs between data holders and accredited persons, or accredited providers. The Australian Government has designed and oversees the system to ensure it is safe and secure for consumers.

Accredited providers must go through a rigorous process to become accredited by the Data Recipient Accreditor to provide services to consumers using CDR data.

A list of current providers, along with further information about CDR, is available on the CDR website.

Aggravated robbery – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated robbery that occurred in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

Around 4:30am, it is alleged six unknown male offenders unlawfully entered a residence on Bloomfield Street in Gillen.

The offenders allegedly forced entry into a bedroom where one of the male occupants had locked himself inside, with the victim being struck with a blunt weapon causing moderate bruising.

The offenders allegedly stole a set of car keys and fled the scene in a silver Mazda sedan with Victorian number plates DCI 537 that was parked in the driveway.

The stolen motor vehicle was observed by police as it left the location and a pursuit was initiated, however, subsequently terminated due to safety concerns.

The offenders and vehicle remain outstanding at this time and investigations are ongoing.

Strike Force Viper has carriage of the investigation and urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference P26199371. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Firearm located following Katherine investigation

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Cerberus is continuing to investigate a series of incidents that occurred across Katherine over the weekend.

An unsecured Ruger .300 rifle and ammunition, which had been inside one of the stolen vehicles, were handed in to Katherine Police Station by members of the public last night.

Police are continuing to investigate the incidents, during which two vehicles were allegedly stolen by a group of youths and driven dangerously throughout Katherine.

Investigations remain ongoing, and police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP2600066917. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police remind all firearms licence holders that they have a legal responsibility to ensure their firearms and ammunition are stored safely and securely at all times in accordance with legislative requirements.

Unlicensed motor car traders taking advantage of Victorians online

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Research shows that unlicensed motor car traders are taking advantage of Victorians buying used cars online.

Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Unlicensed Motor Car Trading in Victoria report highlights concerning advertising and sales of cars on online marketplaces.

The research found unlicensed traders are buying large volumes of used vehicles through auction houses, then reselling them on social media at inflated prices – often posing as private sellers.

Buying privately can appear cheaper than purchasing from a licensed dealer but can come at a cost, including:

  • no statutory warranty
  • no cooling off period
  • no vehicle history guarantee.

Almost one third of the vehicles sampled in our investigation had odometer readings advertised at least 25,000 km less than when the car was sold at auction.

The Victorian Government is proposing new reforms to strengthen consumer protections against unlicensed trading and modernise the regulatory framework for motor car trading across the state.

Consumer Affairs Victoria will also deliver an education campaign and conduct targeted compliance action as part of a statewide crackdown on unlicensed motor car trading.

Learn more about buying a used car.