Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating a stealing with violence incident that occurred in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

Around 1:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that three male youths had disturbed a 54-year-old male as he slept in a tent at a caravan park on Ragonesi Road.

It is alleged the offenders armed themselves with an edged weapon and a blunt weapon and threatened to steal his vehicle. The victim confronted the youths who jumped a nearby fence and fled the scene.

Police attended; however, the offenders remain outstanding.

The victim did not suffer any injuries and investigations are ongoing.

Strike Force Viper has carriage of the investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference P26172096. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

In April volunteers from three CFA brigades came together to deliver a fun and educational fire safety experience at Little Dreamers Early Learning Centre in Dandenong.

The event highlighted the value of brigade collaboration, with members from Keysborough, Dandenong and South East Region Community Safety brigades working together to engage young children in fire safety learning.

Inside the classroom, Gillian Grigg from Keysborough and Sumit Wadhera from Dandenong taught the children about smoke alarms, calling Triple Zero, the “Get down low and go, go, go” fire escape message, and how firefighters help keep the community safe.

The children also watched a volunteer put on full protective clothing, helping them feel more comfortable around firefighters in emergency gear.

Outside, Jamie McDonald from South East Region Community Safety Brigade and Stewart Matulis from Keysborough gave the children a hands-on experience with the tanker. The opportunity to hold the hose and spray water was a clear favourite and brought plenty of smiles.

The visit was warmly received by both children and staff, who thanked the volunteers with handmade posters and a small food hamper.

Most importantly, the event demonstrated what can be achieved when brigades work together. By combining their skills and resources, volunteers delivered an engaging community education program and strengthened local connections. The visit was such a success that the centre immediately requested a follow-up session.

This partnership is a great example of how brigade collaboration helps CFA build safer, more connected communities.

Submitted by	CFA News

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police Drug Detection Dogs Rafa and Swift were on the drug-bust trail, helping police seize half a kilogram of cocaine during a traffic stop.

The vehicle, a white Hyundai Tucson, was travelling northbound on the Stuart Highway near Katherine after returning from Queensland when police conducted a random traffic stop.

Rafa and Swift indicated the presence of drugs beneath the front passenger seat, leading police to locate the cocaine.

Two men, aged 23 and 33, were arrested and later charged with possessing and supplying a commercial quantity of a dangerous drug.

A further search of one of the men’s residences resulted in the seizure of an additional 125 grams of cocaine and items consistent with drug supply.

Police also seized his Mercedes-Benz, valued at approximately $100,000, as evidence.

Further intelligence led police to seek assistance from Queensland Police. A search warrant executed at the second man’s property resulted in four additional arrests and the seizure of 112 grams of cocaine, 56 grams of ketamine, 28 grams of fentanyl, cash and mobile phones.

Senior Sergeant Meacham King said the traffic stop was a great outcome for the Dog Operations Unit in Katherine.

“The intelligence gathered led to further arrests and drug seizures, helping take dangerous drugs off our streets,” he said.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

LIBBY COKER MP, MEMBER FOR CORANGAMITE: So thank you very much for being with us today. It is a very exciting day. I am thrilled to have my boss and the Prime Minister of the country, Anthony Albanese, with us today. We also have Brooklyn and Lachie and Rosco, and we’re here today because we want to actually celebrate and encourage people to take up 5% first home buyer deposit scheme. This has been an amazing scheme. Lots of people in my community of Corangamite are taking up this opportunity, not just here, though, but across Australia, because we know how important it is to have a roof over your head, and as you’ve said, Lachie, to invest in your future rather than someone else’s, so this is amazing. And I’d like to hand over to Anthony to speak.

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But we know as well, we need to do more. Which is why in the Budget in May we’ve made changes for property investment arrangements, and that’s about enabling more young Australians to get into their first home as well. So that last Saturday, when young home buyers turned up at options, they weren’t competing with investors if it was an existing property. So it meant that they get a fair crack, because if you have investors competing with first home buyers, and investors know if they bid an extra $20,000 for a home, then that will be an increase in their tax deductions they’re able to make through negative gearing. Then it’s not a fair system, and that’s why we are making these practical changes to make a difference. But in addition, of course, we’re grandfathering the measures that are put forward, so that people who’ve made existing arrangements aren’t impacted can continue to negatively gear properties, but as well, for future, if you want to invest in a negatively geared property, you can do so, but it’s got to be a new build. So you’re building not just assets and wealth for yourself, you’re building assets and wealth for the nation as well, making a difference for housing supply. We estimate these changes will mean 75,000 additional first home buyers get into the market on top of the measures that we’ve taken place with the 5% deposit scheme. So I do want to thank Brooklyn and Lachie for welcoming us into their beautiful new home, where they’ve been living just for a period of months as a result of our scheme. It gives me a great deal of pride to know that my government’s prepared to make difficult decisions, but the right decisions in the national interest. Not just sit back and say it’s all too hard, and we’re going to watch home ownership be something that’s talked about, but as something that’s a historical fact. We want it to be a reality for people today, and that’s why we’re prepared to make these changes. And why our comprehensive plan for increased supply, increased public housing, increased private rentals, increased home ownership is going to make a substantial difference to the way that the country functions as we go forward. Happy to take some questions.

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Source: Airservices Australia

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 per cent.

Inflation picked up materially in the second half of 2025, and information since the beginning of this year confirms that some of the increase reflected greater capacity pressures. The latest data show that headline and underlying inflation are still too high. Oil prices have eased in recent weeks, although energy and most related commodity prices remain higher than they were prior to the conflict in the Middle East. There are signs that some firms experiencing cost pressures are increasing the prices of their goods and services and others are looking to do so. Short-term measures of inflation expectations have eased but remain higher than earlier in the year.

Financial conditions have tightened this year in response to three increases in the cash rate target. Money market interest rates and government bond yields have risen, and the exchange rate has appreciated. There are signs that growth in consumer spending is slowing as expected and momentum in the housing market has shifted, with housing prices falling in some capital cities. The unemployment rate was higher than expected in April, but other measures of labour market conditions have been more resilient. Growth in business investment is strong and credit is readily available to both households and businesses.

There continue to be heightened uncertainties about the outlook for domestic economic activity and inflation. Resolution of the conflict in the Middle East is at an early stage, and there are plausible scenarios where inflation is higher and activity lower than envisaged under the May baseline forecasts. Global oil supply issues will take some time to resolve, maintaining upward pressure on global energy prices and inflation. At the same time, a period of prolonged uncertainty may also cause growth to be lower in Australia’s major trading partners and in Australia.

Decision

As expected, the disruption to global oil supply is having an impact on inflation. Higher fuel prices have added directly to inflation and there are indications that this is passing through to the prices of other goods and services, so inflation is likely to remain high for some time. This inflation impulse is in addition to the high inflation recorded around the start of 2026, reflecting capacity pressures in the economy.

The Board remains focused on ensuring that inflation does not become embedded once the impulse from higher oil prices has passed through. To achieve this, growth in demand needs to slow to reduce capacity pressures and help bring inflation back to target. Following the three increases in the cash rate target since the beginning of the year, financial conditions are now tighter than they were, and there are signs that the economy is slowing as expected. But inflation is still too high and the Board judged that it was appropriate to leave the cash rate target unchanged while it assesses the response to previous interest rate rises and the impact of the oil supply disruption.

The Board will be attentive to the data and the evolving assessment of the outlook and risks to guide its decisions. In doing so, it will pay close attention to developments in the global economy and financial markets, trends in domestic demand and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. Monetary policy is well placed to respond to developments and the Board is focused on its mandate to deliver price stability and full employment. It will do what it considers necessary to achieve that outcome, including increasing the cash rate target further if required.

Today’s policy decision was unanimous.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo’s new Affordable Housing Action Plan 2026-2028 outlines a range of actions addressing the need for more affordable and social housing, while also challenging the stigma around homelessness, rough sleeping, and housing stress in the community.

The two-year plan complements the City’s Managed Growth Strategy to support denser and more diverse housing options primarily in urbans areas. The Managed Growth Strategy also identifies additional growth areas for greenfield development.

Adopted at Council last night, the Affordable Housing Action Plan 2026-2028 has been informed by public consultation and engagement with key stakeholders. The plan includes three flagship projects together with a range of actions to support people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

The Plan includes three flagship projects:

• Partnering in a Housing Australia Future Fund bid working with Registered Housing Providers, youth, health, and community wellbeing organisations with a focus on:
  • Delivering higher-density homes on unused Council land
  • Developing housing that achieves platinum rating (wheelchair accessible)
  • People at high risk of homelessness
• Making building small homes easier:
  • Encouraging small secondary dwellings often referred to as granny flats on existing house blocks (including accessibility for small dwellings)
  • Providing practical planning advice and reducing or waiving planning permit fees not already exempted
  • Investigate changes to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme to encourage affordable housing such as encouraging apartment developments in the city centre
  • Trialling more flexible rules for Tiny Houses on Wheels and caravans to provide more low-cost options
• Improving community narratives around homelessness in our community:
  • The City will be one of only eight Victorian councils participating in STAND, an international initiative led in Australia by the Municipal Association of Victoria. The 12-month initiative aims to reduce stigma and change negative narratives about homelessness
  • Advocate to the Victorian and Australian governments for adequate levels of social housing
  • Advocate for ongoing funding for homelessness prevention services and related activities, and crisis housing in Greater Bendigo
  • Partnering with local services to provide wrap-around support, including housing, health and social services and provide guidance on safe refuge areas for homeless people

Greater Bendigo is growing with 40,000 more people expected to live in the region by 2046. Different types of houses are needed to meet community needs including family homes, smaller houses, apartments, and flexible living options.

Demand far exceeds the amount of social housing currently available. As homelessness and housing insecurity increase, a wide range of people are having trouble finding housing, often for the first time.

More than 800 people are homeless or at risk, and over 2,400 people are using homelessness services. Older women are one of the fastest-growing groups experiencing homelessness.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the plan focuses on practical actions.

“Affordability and availability of housing is an issue of national significance and high local importance in the community,” Cr Prince said.

“By working in partnership with government agencies, industry and community services, we can take meaningful steps toward improving housing levels in the region, supporting vulnerable people and building a stronger, more inclusive Greater Bendigo.”

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Australia’s domestic airlines have responded to higher jet fuel prices by increasing airfares and reducing seat capacity on some routes, the ACCC’s latest Domestic Airline Competition report has found.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global fuel markets. Jet fuel prices were over 40 per cent higher in early June 2026 compared to mid-February 2026, increasing cost pressures across the aviation sector.

Refining margins, the cost of converting crude oil into jet fuel, also remain significantly elevated. The spread between the price of Brent crude oil and jet fuel was 64 per cent higher in early June than in February.  

The Qantas Group and Virgin Australia both locked in part of their fuel costs ahead of time to reduce the short-term impact of higher prices. Rex reported that due to its smaller scale, it does not hedge against jet fuel prices.

In response to elevated fuel costs, the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia have reduced or suspended several domestic services, increased some airfares, and continued targeted sales to boost demand on more price-sensitive routes.

“Higher jet fuel prices are driving significant changes in how airlines operate, including reducing or suspending services and increasing fares on some routes,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“We’ve seen services paused or withdrawn on routes such as Adelaide to Mount Gambier, Alice Springs to Brisbane and Darwin to the Gold Coast, meaning fewer travel options for some communities.”

Virgin Australia has reportedly implemented a fare increase of around 5 per cent across domestic economy and business services since March 2026. The Qantas Group has not disclosed the size of its fare increase.

As indicated by revised forecasts published in April 2026, both major airline groups are expecting to recover at least some of the additional costs in jet fuel by raising fares and reducing capacity. This has meant higher prices and less choice for some consumers.

Passenger demand remained steady, supported by holidays and major events

Easter school holidays and major events, including AFL Gather Round in Adelaide and the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, contributed to the busiest April for domestic travel since 2019.

Domestic airlines carried around 5 million passengers in both March and April 2026, while seat capacity also increased 1.9 per cent in April compared with a year earlier.

“Demand has remained resilient over recent months, supported by holiday travel and major events,” Ms Brakey said.

Average revenue per passenger fell by 3.4 per cent in April, but this largely reflects that tickets were purchased earlier before recent fare increases.

“With many travellers booking well in advance, particularly around holidays and major events, the latest data does not fully show the effect of higher airfares.”

“We expect this to become clearer over coming months and will continue to monitor the impact on consumers and the broader aviation sector,” Ms Brakey said.

Service reliability improves in April

On-time arrival rates were lower and flights were cancelled more frequently in February and March 2026, before improving in April.

In April, the industry average on-time arrival rate was 82.9 per cent, the best result reported since February 2022.

Qantas’ 85.8 per cent on-time performance was also the strongest of any airline since February 2022.

On-time performance improved in April following more favourable operating conditions, including fewer weather disruptions and no ground delays attributed to air traffic control at Australia’s four largest airports.

“It’s encouraging to see on-time performance at its highest levels in recent years, giving travellers more confidence that their flight will arrive at the time they booked,” Ms Brakey said.

The industry cancellation rate in April was 1.9 per cent, below the average of 2.2 per cent.

Virgin Australia continued its consistent performance seen in recent years, the best of all airlines at 0.8 per cent.  

Potential new entrants could strengthen competition

This report also discusses interest from two new potential airline entrants, Zinc Airlines and Koala Airlines.

“Australia’s domestic airline sector remains highly concentrated, with the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia operating 98.5 per cent of passenger flights,” Ms Brakey said.

“We welcome credible interest from potential new entrants and the positive impact this could have for consumers.”

“More competition can deliver better outcomes for passengers through greater choice, new routes and downward pressure on fares. We will continue to track developments in the market closely,” Ms Brakey said.

Consumer guarantees for disrupted flights

The ACCC continues to receive reports from consumers concerned about their rights when flights are disrupted, particularly amid the impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East on international travel.

Whether consumers are entitled to a refund or other remedy will depend on the specific circumstances of the booking and disruption.

Consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law are unlikely to apply where a flight is delayed or cancelled due to the actions of a third party – for example, a government closing its airspace or imposing flight restrictions. In these cases, a consumer’s entitlement to a refund will generally depend on the terms and conditions of their booking.

If a consumer proactively cancels or changes their booking, the consumer guarantees will also not apply, and the available remedy will depend on the terms and conditions of the booking.

However, consumer guarantees may still apply where the disruption is not caused by a third party. This could include situations where a flight is affected by severe weather or by an airline failing to meet safety requirements.

“We encourage consumers with an upcoming international flight to review the terms and conditions of their booking, as well as contact their airline to best understand their options,” Ms Brakey said.

Background

On 6 November 2023, the Treasurer directed the ACCC to recommence domestic air passenger transport monitoring.

Under this direction the ACCC is to monitor prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of domestic air passenger transport services for a period of three years. The ACCC is required to report on this monitoring at least once every quarter.

As part of the 2026-27 Federal Budget delivered in May 2026, the Government announced its intention to extend the ACCC’s airline monitoring function until December 2029.

The ACCC collects data from Jetstar, Qantas, Rex and Virgin Australia for monitoring purposes.

A full copy of this report is available on the ACCC’s website at Domestic Airline Monitoring.

Source: Government of Western Australia

A new, easy-to-use printed guide and map invites you to discover the stories of the people, places and natural landscapes that shape the region.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Council has adopted the Budget 2026-2027 to carefully balance the needs of today with the responsibilities of tomorrow, ensuring the City of Greater Bendigo remains financially sustainable while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure the community relies on.

Shaped by community feedback and aligned with the Council Plan Mir wimbul 2025-2029, the Budget focuses on managing cost pressures, renewing essential assets and laying the foundations for future growth, liveability and opportunity across Greater Bendigo.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the Budget is focused on continuing to invest in the everyday services residents rely on and value.

“The Budget 2026-2027 reflects what our community has told us is important: affordable services, liveable neighbourhoods, a healthy environment and strong local communities, while also supporting local jobs, business and future growth,” Cr Prince said.

“Maintaining and renewing essential infrastructure remains a clear priority, and we have invested $97M in projects our community needs most, including $47.9M in buildings, $13.3M in roads, $8.5M in pathways and $9.9M in parks and open space.

“The Budget also includes $44M dedicated to renewing and maintaining existing infrastructure people use each day.

“Our planned capital renewal program for 2026-2027 lists projects including the renovation of the Rosalind Park Conservatory, upgrade of the pavilion at Golden Square Recreation Reserve, lighting upgrades at Bendigo Library, renewal of Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve oval and cricket wicket, replacing street furniture and park furniture, a new playspace in Elmore (Michie Street) and more.

“There is funding to continue multi-year projects as well, such as the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment, Bendigo Low Line walking and cycling trail and redevelopment of North Bendigo Recreation Reserve.

“We’re also supporting community ideas in small towns, including investment in community-led projects, giving people in small townships the opportunity to bring local ideas to life.

“Budgeting is a continuous, organisation-wide process. Every day, City staff are actively receiving, assessing and responding to community feedback.

“This includes interactions from the community such as requests, community engagement, listening posts and meetings with Councillors, presenting to Council and our Community Grants program.

“As part of the Budget 2026-2027 development process, a survey was held on the City’s online engagement platform, Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo, between September and October 2025.

“We’d like to thank the 261 community members who took the time to rank what is most important to them across 14 service areas.

“The results showed our community’s top priorities for investment continue to be roads, footpaths, tracks and trails, parks, including playspaces and gardens, waste, recycling and resource recovery, growth through town planning, infrastructure and guiding development, and local sport facilities.

“These results, and feedback throughout the year, have directly informed the services and infrastructure prioritised in the Budget 2026-2027.”

The Budget has been developed in line with the State Government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent. As with previous years, Council has not applied for a variation to the rate cap as it seeks to absorb increasing costs for supplies, goods and services.

To help keep costs down for households, there will be no increase to waste charges for ratepayers in the new financial year.

The Budget 2026-2027 is valued at $280M, with an operating budget of $186M funding services including waste collection, street cleaning, environmental health, statutory planning, road maintenance, early learning, immunisation, tourism and visitor services, and much more.

It also includes a capital works budget of $97M for both new infrastructure projects and maintaining existing assets across the community.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police have arrested six men following an overnight crime spree that saw four vehicles stolen across Darwin.

The incident began shortly before 8pm when police received reports of two stolen vehicles. The owner of a stolen Toyota Hilux was able to track their vehicle to Dinah Beach Boat Ramp, where it had been abandoned. A second stolen vehicle, a white Nissan Navara, was later located at Holmes Jungle by Strike Force Trident officers.

The offenders had continued their offending after abandoning the first vehicles. At Dinah Beach Boat Ramp, they allegedly stole a red Toyota Troop Carrier after disconnecting and leaving behind the attached boat trailer.

The group then drove to Charles Darwin University, where they allegedly rammed through a gate and stole a Toyota 75 Series Landcruiser.

Both stolen vehicles were reported driving dangerously across Darwin, including doing burnouts and reckless manoeuvres in the Yarrawonga.

Strike Force Trident deployed tyre deflation devices at exit points on Batten Road and Amy Johnson Drive. The operation was successful, with both stolen vehicles struck by the devices as they exited the area, without the offenders initially realising.

The stolen Land Cruiser was later abandoned on Boulter Road, with its occupants fleeing on foot. 

The second vehicle, the red Troop Carrier, travelled towards Crocodylus Park before also being abandoned. Strike Force Trident and Dog Operations, established a cordon and a search of the area.

Patrol Dog Cheeko successfully tracked and located three men, aged 20, 27 and 27, who were arrested without incident. One of the men had fallen into the water.

Earlier today, Dog Operations Unit assisted with the arrest of the remaining offenders, two 17-year-old males and one 19-year-old male.

Senior Sergeant Darren Burns praised the coordinated police response.

“This was an outstanding effort by Strike Force Trident, Dog Operations and responding members who worked together to quickly track and arrest those responsible.

“The offenders involved are known to police and have a history of offending. They have no regard for the impact these crimes have on innocent Territorians.

“Stealing people’s vehicles and using them to drive recklessly through our city puts lives at risk, and police will relentlessly pursue you and bring you before the courts.”

Media note: body worn footage is available upon request.