Category: MIL-OSI

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.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government is strengthening skills and training for Australians – with Free TAFE enrolments surging past 800,000.

Since the Government established Free TAFE in 2023 there have been more than 814,000 course enrolments, with strong growth in enrolment and course completion numbers across the country in qualifications that are building the numbers of skilled workers in priority industries – including nursing, aged care, construction, cyber security and early childhood education.

Another important milestone in the program has been reached with more than a quarter of a million course completions – 258,000 – so far, following the release of data from Quarter 1, 2026.

The milestones demonstrate the strong interest in Free TAFE from Australians, and the difference it is making for those looking to start a new career, retrain, or gain qualifications they would otherwise have faced barriers to accessing.

Free TAFE is creating opportunities for Australians from all walks of life. Young people aged 24 and under make up 35 per cent of Free TAFE enrolments, while 24 per cent of enrolments are from job seekers. Regional and remote communities are benefitting too, with 32 per cent and 2 per cent of enrolments respectively.

The data has also revealed a jump of around 15,000 enrolments in Free TAFE construction courses compared to the previous quarter, with states and territories rolling out additional Free TAFE Construction places funded by the Albanese Government.

When the Government came to office, the former Coalition government had left skills shortages in Australia at a 50-year high, with no plan to turn them around – in fact, they had cut billions from TAFE and training during their time in office.

Free TAFE was introduced by the Albanese Government as a key measure in both turning around these shortages, and removing the cost barriers that have held people back from pursuing new qualifications and careers.

Last year, the Government legislated permanent Free TAFE, delivering 100,000 places every year from 2027 so that Australians can continue to benefit from the opportunities a TAFE qualification offers.

The Liberals, Nationals and One Nation all voted against making Free TAFE permanent, and have failed to offer an alternative to support the hundreds of thousands of Australians who’ve benefitted from the program.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Free TAFE is changing lives – that’s why Labor established it, and why we’ve made it permanent.

“Free TAFE makes sure Australians get the training they need for good, well-paid jobs and the skills that can help build Australia’s future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles

“When we came to office the Coalition left us the worst skills shortages that Australia had seen in 50 years. Since then, the percentage of occupations in shortage have kept coming down, from 36 per cent in 2023 to 29 per cent in 2025.

“Free TAFE is at the heart of this – not only building the pipeline of skilled workers, but opening up opportunity for more Australians to lift their income and find secure work for their future.

“The contrast with the three right-wing parties couldn’t be starker. All of them – Liberals, Nationals and One Nation – voted no to permanent Free TAFE, meaning they went to the last election promising nothing for Free TAFE and nothing to support Australians’ skills.”

Source:

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science will hold site visits and a public hearing in Sydney this week as part of its inquiry into the current state of the Australian tyre industry, and any challenges and opportunities for the industry within the context of a circular economy.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Former captain of Lake Boga Fire Brigade Michael Tempini and Wycheproof South Fire Brigade Captain Lynda Rumbold were paired as mentor and mentee through CFA’s Captains Peer Mentor Program (CPMP).

Although their brigade experiences were distinctly different, they quickly established common ground and have built a strong bond through the program.

Lynda

“I was put up for the CPMP team by the District 18 headquarters. When you’re asked to do something that’s not your everyday, it’s nice to know that they think of you that way.

I first met Mick before the program actually started. Lisa Clinch (Volunteer Sustainability Manager – North West Region) organised a get-together and gave us all the info about what was going to happen. We were at District 18 headquarters and just had a meet and greet in the office to get to know each other before the program started.

Mick and I got along from day one, and I think Lisa did a great job pairing us together. Mick has been a mentor a number

of times. He’s been at it for a while, so it was great to glean information from him. The CPMP was an open, safe space for people to talk about what’s happening in their brigades.

I think the biggest difference for Mick and me is our brigades. Mick’s brigade (Lake Boga) is a really busy brigade, whereas at my little country brigade we basically put wet stuff on hot stuff and attend the occasional car accident. It’s not as intense as what Lake Boga has to deal with on a weekly or monthly basis. So hats off to him and the guys up on that highway.

One of the key things we discussed [through CPMP] was succession planning. It’s something we wanted to implement down here, so Mick went through how they developed their program. I went ahead and implemented it in our brigade which has been good. We’ve got a couple of new younger members so it’s about getting them up to speed using some hints I got from Mick.

The CPMP is a brilliant idea and a reinforcement of everything that we do in our volunteering with CFA. Quite often up here [District 18] I’m the only female captain in the room, but that doesn’t scare me. I have faith in what I can do and hopefully I can impart that to other people in the program. We’re all doing a good job and don’t doubt yourself.”

Mick

“I’ve had three different mentees during my time in the CPMP. I got a call from Gavin Wright (District 18 Assistant Chief Fire Officer) asking if I’d be interested in participating and ever since then I’ve been a pretty consistent part of the program. This time around, I was paired with Lynda, and the program was my first interaction with her.

Lynda is very experienced generally in life and so it’s probably been just a little bit more conversation about CFA and a little bit around succession planning in the brigade. I’ve learned quite a bit from Lynda too. She’s just a great human being. She has a lot of energy and is always helpful.

She took over the captain role from her husband and I think she’s really stepped into that leadership role. She is also a really good, calm operator. I don’t think she gets rattled by too much. She has gone to a few forums and is a great advocate for CFA and leadership. 

Across the district, we cover a range of areas. Some brigades are pretty much urban brigades and others are extremely rural. There are different levels of responses, but there’s still a lot of common ground among them. Even though I’m a mentor, I’m always learning from different people. There’s lots of things that everyone goes through in CFA, but people come at a problem from different perspectives. 

I think leadership is something that really does shape the future and you can see when people have a good understanding of it because things function well. Giving people the opportunity to be part of this program really helps with the future. It provides an understanding of the importance of looking after your teams, working together and being part of something bigger.”

Submitted by	News and Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are investigating a series of stolen motor vehicle incidents that occurred across Katherine overnight, during which offenders allegedly drove dangerously and attempted to ram police vehicles.

During the evening, police received reports that two vehicles had been stolen in Katherine: an Isuzu utility from near the Katherine Hot Springs, followed by a taupe Toyota Landcruiser from a commercial car business on the north side. It is believed both thefts were committed by the same unknown group of youths.

One of the stolen vehicles is believed to have contained an unsecured Ruger .300 rifle and ammunition at the time it was stolen.

Police received multiple reports that the stolen vehicles were being driven dangerously and were actively targeting other road users.

Police successfully deployed tyre deflation devices on the Isuzu utility, and the occupants fled the scene on foot.

The stolen Landcruiser was sighted on several occasions by police and was allegedly used to target and attempt to ram police vehicles, while its occupants also threw objects at police. Due to the dangerous manner of driving, police withdrew and developed a coordinated plan to safely stop the vehicle.

Tyre deflation devices were subsequently deployed at several locations around Katherine, and the Landcruiser was successfully spiked near the Katherine Bridge. Police monitored the vehicle to Acacia Drive, where it was abandoned.

Approximately 10 youth offenders fled from the vehicle into nearby bushland. Despite extensive patrols, no arrests have been made at this stage.

The two spiked vehicles have been recovered and seized for forensic examination.

The firearm and ammunition remain outstanding, and police are urging anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to contact police immediately. Anyone in the Katherine region who may have dashcam footage or other footage of the vehicles being driven is urged to contact police.

Superintendent Glenn Leafe said police are continuing to investigate this morning.

“The dangerous manner in which these vehicles were allegedly driven placed members of the public and police at significant risk, and this behaviour is unacceptable.

“Our priority remains locating the outstanding firearm and identifying those responsible for this offending.”

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

Source: Tasmania Police

UPDATE: Coles Bay incident, stolen vehicle found

Saturday, 11 July 2026 – 4:34 pm.

Police investigations are continuing into a serious incident at a Coles Bay Road property this morning in which an elderly man was assaulted in his home, nine firearms were stolen from a safe, and a house was destroyed by a deliberate fire.
The 76-year-old man remains in a serious condition in Royal Hobart Hospital receiving treatment for various assault wounds. It is believed they are non-life-threatening.
Police continue to seek at least two male offenders responsible for the burglary and assault at a rural property on Coles Bay Road, on the state’s East Coast.
Late this afternoon, police have located a vehicle stolen from the property – a white 1998 Toyota Hilux single cab.This was found almost fully submerged under the Apsley River Bridge along Coles Bay Road, near the intersection with the Tasman Highway.
Police renew their call for anyone with information about this serious incident, who may have seen people driving the stolen vehicle on Coles Bay Road, or witnessed people acting suspiciously on Coles Bay Road early this morning, to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Tasmania Police

Police call for information following Coles Bay incident

Saturday, 11 July 2026 – 11:39 am.

Police are investigating following an early morning burglary and assault incident in which a Coles Bay residence was set on fire.Police and emergency services were called to the scene about 7am this morning following a report of a residence on fire.Upon arrival, police located the owner of the residence who had been secured with cable ties inside the house and dragged outside by two offenders.Initial investigations suggest that two men wearing face coverings and armed with a crowbar entered the residence about 5am and assaulted the householder causing non life threatening injuries.The offenders demanded access to a firearms safe where they stole nine firearms registered to the house owner and a quantity of cash, before stealing his white 1998 Toyota Hilux single cab with red tarp.Prior to leaving the address, the offenders set fire to the house – destroying it.The male victim has been transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital by ambulance to receive treatment for his injuries.“Although we are in the early stages of the investigation, police believe this incident is targeted,” Detective Inspector David Gill said.“We’re calling for information, in particular anyone who has seen a white 1998 Toyota Hilux single cab with red tarp, 3 spotlights and a light bar to contact police immediately.”Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Coles Bay area around the time of the incident should contact police on 131444 and quote 810474.

Source: Government of Victoria 3

Following the Telstra outage on Wednesday 8 July and Thursday 9 July 2026, the Victorian Government has announced that V/Line customers who were impacted by this disruption will be reimbursed for extra costs incurred.

As this was an unprecedented event which affected the entire V/Line network, payment for reasonable expenses may be available, subject to verification and approval.

If you travelled, or planned to travel, on V/Line services between 6am Wednesday 8 July and 12pm Thursday 9 July 2026 and incurred additional costs due to the outage, you can apply for compensation.

This could include costs for alternative arrangements, such as using other transport options to complete your journey. Compensation is not available for lost costs, such as lost income.

These will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Receipts will be required and we may contact you to further verify information you provide.

You will need to fill out a form to provide information and upload receipts.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS FORM AND APPLY FOR COMPENSATION 

If you require support you can contact 1800 800 007 for further assistance.

Any claims for expenses must be lodged by Monday 27 July 2026.

Please note processing of any payments may take up to 30 days.

About V/Line

Trademarks

Source:

The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will hold public hearings in Perth (Monday 13 July), Darwin (Wednesday 15 July and Thursday 16 July) and Alice Springs (Friday 17 July) for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, Prime Minister Modi, welcome back to the sacred turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The birthplace of Test cricket, the home of Australian Rules Football, and the scene of so many famous contests between Australia and India. Just two years ago, Australian and Indian fans broke an attendance record that was 90 years old. Over five days, 370,000 people came through these gates to watch the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series. That is the passion and the respect between our rivalry. And it is a great honour to be joined here by two legends of Australian cricket, who are both admired and revered in India too, Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh. As a player and captain, Steve Waugh was famous for breaking free at the hotel bubble and getting out and experiencing the real India that won him so much respect and affection among the Indian people. Back then, Steve was an exception, not anymore. These days that connection between players and coaches from both our countries is much more the norm, and we are so much better for it. Lisa’s remarkable life journey from Pune to captaining Australia is another example of that bond. That is the power of sport. It breaks down our differences and it brings us together, and we’re here today to build on that. Today, I announce that Australia will bring the Big Bash League to India for the first time. The season opener for this summer’s Big Bash between the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers will be played in Chennai on Saturday, the 12th of December, and it will kick off a week-long G’day Namaste festival of Australian sport, culture, and business engagement. There will be a senior business delegation led by the Business Council of Australia, building on the economic roadmap that we launched just last year. And today we recognise that in both our countries sport is a serious business as well. That’s why Prime Minister Modi and I are here to launch a roadmap for sport collaboration between Australia and India to strengthen our longstanding partnership. This roadmap will support practical cooperation in areas such as sports science, and staging major sporting events, as well as broader opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment. It will also build on new growing areas of shared passion, and that brings me to footy. A few years ago, there were 150 people in India playing Australian Rules football. Today there are 10,000 players across 11 states, and I know that the AFL are big believers in that growth, and they’re investing in it. This exchange of sporting cultures goes both ways, as we saw when India brought Kabaddi here to Melbourne in 2024. And with India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Australia hosting the 2032 Olympics, and India bidding for the 2036 Olympics, which I’m certain Australia will support, there is a decade of opportunity ahead of us for more friendly rivalry, serious contests, and increased cooperation right across the board. I’ll introduce Prime Minister Modi to address you now.

< SHRI NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA