Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigating deliberately lit fire at Punchbowl

Friday, 10 July 2026 – 1:32 pm.

Police are investigating a deliberately lit fire which damaged a building at Punchbowl this morning.
Emergency services were called to the fire on Punchbowl Road about 4.25am, with Tasmania Fire Service crews extinguishing the fire.
The unoccupied building sustained significant structural damage.
Anyone with information in relation to the fire, or suspicious activity in the area around the time, is asked to contact Launceston Police on 131 444 and quote OR 810373.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and India have committed to expanding sports cooperation, a shared passion and rapidly growing economic opportunity for both nations. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of the Republic of India, met in Melbourne today and announced that the opening Australian Men’s Big Bash League match will take place in Chennai in December this year.

This will be the first foreign cricket league to play in India.

The event will be the cornerstone of a week-long festival, called G’Day Namaste, to be held across India in December, featuring Australian cultural, business and sports events.

G’Day Namaste will promote Australia’s economic priorities outlined in A New Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Modi also announced the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation.

The Roadmap will leverage Australia’s experience and India’s ambitions to host major sporting events, creating opportunities to increase our trade, tourism and investment ties. It sets out priorities across capacity building, sports science and technology research, industry and investment.

The Roadmap will provide opportunities to deepen cooperation on major sporting events, as Australia prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games and Paralympic and India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, a landmark centenary event.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport.

“This sports roadmap will focus on practical priority areas such as capability building, technology and research to strengthen this cornerstone of our bilateral relationship.

“I am excited to expand cooperation with India on sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but boosts trade, tourism and investment.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“The Australia-India relationship is vital for our shared economic prosperity supporting farmers, jobs and businesses across Australia.

“Major sporting events are huge opportunities for Australian tourism, bringing tens of thousands of new tourists to our shores and this Roadmap will help us make the most of the green and gold decade”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport Anika Wells

“India and Australia share a significant and meaningful connection through sport, particularly cricket, and this roadmap will take that relationship to the next stage.

“The Australian sports ecosystem is actively sharing knowledge and expertise with our Indian counterparts, including through the Australian Sports Commission and our national sporting bodies.

“We are excited to further deepen that engagement as we count down to the Amdavad 2030 Commonwealth Games and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Wholesale gas on Australia’s east coast is expected to be well supplied in quarter 4 of 2026 (October to December 2026), but further investment is needed to meet long-term demand, the ACCC’s latest Gas Inquiry report reveals.

The east coast gas market is predicted to have a surplus of 13 petajoules (PJ) in quarter 4 of 2026 if the liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers export all their uncontracted gas.

While this is typically a period of lower gas demand due to milder temperatures, it is the highest forecast quarter 4 surplus since 2023.

The east coast is also forecast to be well supplied in quarters 1 and 4 of 2027.

As in previous years, supply over winter 2027 is expected to be tight. There is a risk of shortfalls in quarters 2 and 3 of 2027 if the LNG producers export all their uncontracted gas.

“Our analysis indicates the east coast gas market is expected to be well supplied in late 2026 and early 2027, although supply-demand conditions are likely to tighten in winter 2027, particularly in the southern states,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Higher production volumes in coming quarters could be used to fill storage facilities ahead of increased demand next winter.”

East coast supply-demand outlook for quarter 4 2026 and 2027 (PJ)

Source:   ACCC analysis of data obtained from gas producers in April 2026 and of the domestic demand forecast (Step Change scenario) from AEMO, Gas Statement of Opportunities, March 2026.

Middle East conflict not materially affecting domestic gas prices so far

Global energy prices surged in the wake of the Middle East conflict but the disruptions to international markets have so far not resulted in a material impact on domestic gas prices.

This contrasts with 2022, when international conflicts contributed to high prices on Australia’s east coast.

“One reason why there has been a smaller impact domestically is that market conditions differ to those during the 2022 global energy crisis,” Ms Brakey said.

“In 2022, the global market was less prepared for shocks. Disruptions to global supply led to higher demand for Australian gas, but this demand coincided with higher domestic gas demand, depleted storage levels and domestic supply constraints, contributing to significant increases in domestic prices.”

Spot prices are currently below 2025 averages, reflecting stable demand and supply during a relatively warm winter period.

Prices under contracts agreed during the first quarter of 2026 for gas supply in 2027 were lower than the previous quarter, though broadly in line with pre-conflict levels.

The June 2026 report covers long-term contracts agreed up to 31 March 2026, a short time into the conflict. The ACCC’s next report in September 2026 will provide more evidence on any impacts the conflict has had on prices for long-term gas supply.

More investment in production is required to meet future demand

While short-term supply conditions have improved, the ACCC’s latest forecasts indicate additional investment will be required to meet long-term east coast demand. This is despite gas consumption being projected to decline overall.

Investment by the Queensland LNG producers and their associates, who control 84 per cent of commercially viable gas resources, will be central to increasing supply. This is particularly important given the significant barriers faced by smaller producers and new entrants.

“Reducing barriers for new entrants and producers seeking to develop prospective resources would help increase and diversify supply, increase competition and put downward pressure on prices over the longer term,” Ms Brakey said.

“In the context of the Government’s proposed gas reservation scheme, policy settings should support the most efficient sources of supply and infrastructure investment.”

To inform policy considerations, the June 2026 report provides updated information on the LNG producers’ gas assets and export commitments, and on competition in upstream production.

Changes to production and export volumes may affect the impact of the reservation policy, including how much gas the policy will deliver to the domestic market.

Shining a light on gas storage

The report also analyses the availability and use of storage facilities on the east coast.

Storage services are expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting wholesale gas demand as southern production declines and demand for gas-fired electricity generation becomes more volatile, particularly after coal generators retire.

The ACCC’s analysis shows Victoria’s Iona Underground Gas Storage facility is critical to southern state markets, with few alternatives available to respond to periods of volatile demand, including seasonal peaks.

The report found there is significant unused capacity in other east coast storage facilities; however, commercial and technical constraints may limit how much of this additional storage can be made available to the market.

Final guidance on retailer selling practices

The ACCC has also published its final retailer selling practices guidance, following consideration of submissions received from gas market participants. 

The guidance is intended to encourage a more customer-focused approach by retailers and to support more informed decision-making by commercial and industrial gas users.

The guidance is available on the ACCC’s website.

Background

Australia’s east coast gas market is an interconnected grid joining Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. The Northern Territory and Western Australia are separate gas regions.

The ACCC’s inquiry examines the wholesale gas market, primarily gas sold by producers to large gas buyers, including commercial and industrial gas users and gas retailers.

The ACCC’s next interim gas inquiry report is scheduled for September 2026.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Home battery uptake continues to surge with more than 400,000 batteries installed across Australia in past 12 months, but energy‑specific consumer protection reforms are needed to address a range of emerging issues, the ACCC’s latest Electricity Market Inquiry report reveals.

The report found households with solar and battery systems had electricity bills that were between about $329 and $909 (20-52 per cent) lower over the course of a year compared to customers using electricity from the grid only.

Savings were even greater for the 24 per cent of solar and battery customers participating in virtual power plants, with bills typically $762 to $1,093 (57-63 per cent) lower.

A virtual power plant is an energy service where individual sources of generation from different locations, such as home batteries, are aggregated and controlled by a central operator.

“Households that have invested in batteries are achieving significant savings, particularly when their battery is connected to a virtual power plant,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Virtual power plants can help households get more from their battery by shifting energy use away from peak periods and sending it back to the grid when it is most valuable. This can help customers lower bills and pay off their system faster.”

The report, however, highlights that virtual power plants are complex and customers bear most of the risk for the operator’s performance and whether benefits are achieved.

“When customers join a virtual power plant, they hand over control of their battery to an operator and are rewarded for its use to support the broader system. It is important customers understand this when signing up to participate in a virtual power plant,” Ms Brakey said.

“Depending on their circumstances, some households may be better off with solar and a battery alone. Customers should make sure they understand the benefits and risks of any product that they sign up to.” 

Figure 1: Median bills paid by residential virtual power plant and other customers, by region, excluding Energy Bill Relief Fund rebates, quarter 3 2023 to quarter 3 2025

Source: ACCC analysis of AEMO’s Distributed Energy Resource register and retailer billing data. Nominal dollars, excluding GST.

Stronger consumer protections needed

While wider virtual power plant participation could unlock savings for all customers, ACCC analysis shows consumers still face significant risks when investing in solar and batteries.

Consumer reports to the ACCC about household batteries and new energy services have increased by 107 per cent over the past 12 months as the number of systems installed increases rapidly. Reports to other consumer bodies have also similarly increased.

These reports include consumers being sold systems that do not suit their needs, faulty installations, and poor battery performance, with many reporting difficulties when trying to get issues fixed or resolved.

The ACCC is also aware that some consumers are finding it difficult to compare offers and switch providers due to complex contracts and limited compatibility between batteries and virtual power plant products.

“As more Australians invest in batteries and participate in virtual power plants, it’s critical that consumer protections keep pace,” Ms Brakey said.

“Consumers should be able to easily compare offers, switch providers, and fix issues if things go wrong, but gaps in the current suite of consumer protections are preventing people from being able to do so.”

“The New Energy Tech Consumer Code addresses some of the issues identified in this report, but its benefits are limited by factors such as no independent dispute resolution or appeal process, reliance on self-reported audits for compliance, and lack of transparency around breaches,” Ms Brakey said.

The ACCC is calling for an overarching consumer duty with supporting electricity-specific protections to ensure products and services are designed and delivered in consumers’ interests.

These supporting protections include requiring battery sellers and installers to sign up to a code of conduct to access the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, as well as expanding energy ombuds scheme coverage to resolve more residential and small business disputes.

“We will continue to actively monitor consumer complaints and where issues are able to be addressed under the Australian Consumer Law, we will hold solar and battery installers, retailers and suppliers accountable,” Ms Brakey said.

Background

The National Electricity Market is comprised of South East Queensland, New South Wales (including the ACT), Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Western Australia and the Northern Territory are not connected to the National Electricity Market.

To inform this report, the ACCC collected billing data from nine retailers that together cover 89 per cent of residential customers and 88 per cent of small business customers in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and South East Queensland.

The ACCC obtained additional data for customers on virtual power plant services.

In 2018, the Australian Government directed the ACCC to hold an inquiry into the prices, profits and margins in relation to the supply of electricity in the National Electricity Market.

On 12 May 2026, the Australian Government announced a further 12-month extension to the inquiry.

The ACCC is required to report at least every 6 months. This is the 15th time the ACCC has reported as part of this inquiry.

The report is available on the ACCC’s website at Electricity market monitoring 2018-2026.

The next report is scheduled for December 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police have seized a large quantity of prohibited alcohol, drugs and fireworks during proactive policing operations across West Arnhem over the past five days.

During the operation, police seized 101.8 litres of prohibited alcohol, equivalent to approximately 1,379 standard drinks, along with 76 grams of cannabis and a quantity of fireworks believed to be destined for remote communities.

As a result of the operation, three vehicles have been seized, and multiple offenders have been summoned to appear before the courts.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by police to disrupt the supply of prohibited substances and other illegal items into remote communities, while working to reduce alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour across the region.

Acting Senior Sergeant Tim Gillahan said police will continue to conduct proactive compliance and enforcement activities throughout West Arnhem to target those attempting to transport prohibited items into prescribed areas.

“Earlier this week, police in Ramingining also seized more than 2,200 individual bags of kava, with an estimated street value of $110,000, along with more than $10,000 in cash.

“Police will continue their efforts to disrupt the supply of prohibited substances into remote communities, including seizing vehicles used in the commission of offences.”

Anyone with information about the supply of illicit substances or prohibited items is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Can I begin by welcoming Prime Minister Modi and his delegation here in Melbourne. Prime Minister Modi, you are a true friend of Australia and it has been a great honour to host you for our Annual Leaders Summit today. Australia and India are close partners and even closer friends. Six years into our comprehensive strategic partnership, Australia’s relationship with India has never been more consequential than it is today. Our partnership has never been stronger. We share a focus on deepening and diversifying the relationship between our countries so we can continue to grow from strength to strength. Today we have done exactly that across the breadth of our relationship. With new landmark agreements, we are expanding our relationship across defence and security, education, science and technology, and energy security and critical minerals. Prime Minister Modi and I have released a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation to deepen our practical partnership. Australia values India as a top tier security partner and the Declaration reflects our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. We will boost strategic coordination, increase the complexity of our defence exercises and further build interoperability between our defence forces. We undertake to consult on defence related developments in the Indo-Pacific that affect our shared interests. In addition, we have endorsed a Joint Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and agreed to a new Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains. Today we have welcomed the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership – driving trilateral cooperation with our shared partner Canada on critical and emerging technologies. And as we expand our cooperation in science and technology, we have agreed to commission a temporary space tracking terminal on Cocos Keeling Islands which will support India’s landmark Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Of course, no country has been immune to the economic impacts from the conflict in the Middle East. And as such, the Prime Minister and I have welcomed a joint statement on Energy Security. This statement recognises the importance of supply chain resilience and accelerating the energy transition, including promoting the uptake of renewable energy resources and the electrification of our energy systems. For too long we have worked with connected supply chains but disconnected approaches. This action is a step to bridge that divide. Today we can confirm the signing of the administrative arrangement to enable uranium exports to India for peaceful purposes under the 2015 Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. The arrangement facilitates Australian uranium exports to India to help increase the share of non fossil fuel power capacity, providing an additional market for the Australian resources sector. I’m also pleased to announce that Australia will re-award Perdaman’s major project status for its Project Ceres, helping facilitate the development of Australia’s largest urea plant in Karratha, Western Australia. Further, we have confirmed their ongoing cooperation on critical minerals, including a refreshed MOU between Geoscience Australia and Geological Survey of India. Finally, I welcome progress to repatriate the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor held in the Government Museum of Chennai. The ancestor will be voluntarily and unconditionally repatriated by India to their traditional custodians. In the spirit of friendship, Australia will voluntarily return several items of cultural significance to India previously held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Prime Minister Modi, I thank you sincerely, you and your delegation for your warm engagement. While we are separated by an ocean, we are indeed the closest of friends. Today marks the next era in our partnership as we are reminded that we need to continue our ongoing work. I invite you, Prime Minister, to deliver your remarks.

< SHRI NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA:

 

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo expresses its deepest sympathies on the passing of Cr Donna Nicholas.

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney are leading tributes on behalf of Council and the organisation following this sad news.

Together they issue this statement:

“Although she had only been a Councillor for a short time, Donna took to the role with great enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to serving her community. She was excited to represent the residents of the Lockwood Ward and quickly immersed herself in the responsibilities of Local Government, eager to learn and contribute.

She was committed to attending community meetings and events, and had a wonderful, natural way of engaging with people that quickly endeared her to fellow Councillors, staff and members of the community. She approached every interaction with kindness, authenticity and a genuine interest in others.

Our thoughts are with Donna’s husband Drew, her son Cody and his partner Ella, and her beloved granddaughter, Stella. Beyond her role on Council, Donna was a devoted grandmother and had a passion for her animals and horse riding.

It was a privilege to know Donna and to welcome her to the City of Greater Bendigo team.

Although brief, we acknowledge her wholehearted service and contribution to our community, and we are grateful for the care, enthusiasm and dedication she brought to the Councillor role.

May she rest in peace.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are investigating an aggravated robbery involving a 56-year-old woman in Woodroffe yesterday afternoon.

Police allege the woman was outside a complex on Baldwin Drive at about 1pm when she was struck to the back of the head before being assaulted again in the back, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.

It is alleged the male offender then rummaged through the woman’s belongings, stealing a number of personal items before fleeing the scene.

A member of the public came to the woman’s aid and contacted emergency services.

General duties officers and members from the Dog Operations Unit attended the scene, canvassing the area for the offender and speaking with nearby residents.

St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the woman to hospital with minor injuries.

Investigations remain ongoing, and police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or observed suspicious activity in the area around the time of the offending to come forward.

The male offender is described as of Aboriginal appearance and was last seen wearing long denim jeans and white shoes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, quoting reference number P26195302.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ustralia and India are committed to unlocking the full potential of our relationship by investing in education, science and technology.  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of the Republic of India welcomed signature of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership, driving trilateral cooperation with Canada on critical and emerging technologies. 

The Prime Ministers also announced the commissioning of a temporary space tracking terminal on Cocos Keeling Islands, which will support India’s landmark Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Program. The site has been successfully commissioned to track the first launch of four key missions.

Education and skills are key pillars in the relationship between Australia and India.

India is Australia’s second-largest source of international students, with over 140,000 Indian students studying in Australian institutions last year.

The Prime Ministers welcomed Flinders University receiving approval to establish a campus in India, joining seven other Australian universities endorsed to have campuses across India.

The expansion of Australian university campuses in India provides Indian students with greater access to world-class education, while growing the global footprint Australia’s education sector, supporting research and innovation partnerships, and deepening economic and people-to-people links between the two countries.

Leaders also noted the benefits of Australia’s growing vocational education programs in India and welcomed the agreement between Western Australian TAFE and India to support a Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Mining and Mining Equipment, Technology and Services in India.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the work of the Maitri grants program, which supports economic, cultural and research projects that deepen the Australia-India bilateral relationship. In 2026, a total of 41 projects will receive funding of $10 million through the Centre for Australia-India Relations, aimed at strengthening Australia-India collaboration

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia and India are working together on the technologies that are shaping our future as partners with a relationship anchored in trust.

“We are excited to support India’s Gaganyaan space launch mission and demonstrate how Australia is a trusted partner in space exploration.

“Australian university campuses in India are a cornerstone of our education partnership, driving innovation, skills development and economic growth in both countries.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare

“Education is one of the most important bridges between Australia and India.

“It’s not a one way street. It’s not just about Indian students studying in Australia. It’s increasingly about Australian universities taking the best of Australian education to India.

“Flinders University joining seven other Australian universities in India is another sign of the strength and trust we’ve built in our education partnership.

“This is bringing a world-class Australian education closer to home for more young Indians and creating new opportunities for our researchers to work together.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Science Tim Ayres

“In a year marked by significant global and supply chain disruption, working with likeminded partners like India is more important now than ever.

“Collaborating through science, research and technology is helping us unlock solutions to some of our shared challenges – boosting our industrial capabilities and deepening our security and resilience.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Australian Government is deepening cultural cooperation with India, building on our strong relationship and people-to-people links.

Prime Minister Albanese has welcomed progress to repatriate an Australian First Nations ancestor held in the Government Museum of Chennai.

The ancestor will be voluntarily and unconditionally repatriated by India to their Traditional Custodians.

The repatriation of ancestors to their Traditional Custodians is a priority for First Nations people and represents some of the most important and respectful work governments can undertake. India’s agreement to repatriate reflects the strong cultural relationship and mutual respect between our two countries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced the voluntary return of several items of cultural significance to India previously held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and Art Gallery of NSW.

The voluntary returns demonstrate Australia’s ongoing commitment to being an international leader in the ethical collection of cultural material and best-practice collection management.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia and India share a deep history, and we are building strong people-to-people links between our two countries.

“The repatriation of First Nations ancestors promotes healing, justice and reconciliation.

“I commend Prime Minister Modi for the decision to repatriate Australian First Nations ancestors to their Traditional Custodians.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Arts Tony Burke

“The repatriation of ancestors and the voluntary return of items of cultural significance are both examples of the values shared between Australia and India.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy

“Every repatriation of ancestors from overseas is an act of truth-telling and righting wrongs of the past.

“I welcome India’s repatriation efforts, as we continue to work to return First Nations ancestors to their Country and their people.”