Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Caroline Springs firefighter Tom Ferguson

As the year comes to a close, CFA would like to take the opportunity to thank the generous employers of our volunteers who allow them the flexibility to serve their community.

While CFA members play an incredibly important role in our community, they would not be able to attend fire calls and incidents without the support of their employers who provide them time off during working hours to attend emergencies.

For Caroline Springs firefighter Tom Ferguson, over his 10 years of service to CFA, all three of his employers have been nothing short of understanding in allowing him to rush out the door.

“They’ve all been generally equally supportive and are all very aware of corporate social responsibilities and what is required to see volunteerism continue,” Tom said.

“My current employers at Zscaler are extremely strong supports of all volunteering opportunities, and we do a lot of other events outside of my involvement with CFA.

“During the 2019-20 bushfire season, my employer was fully supportive of me going away for over a week, including paying me to do so.”

Combining a day job with being a volunteer takes great adaptability from both the volunteer and their employer, and for Tom who works in cyber security, going off a case-by-case basis works best.

Having previously had CFA volunteers within the organisation, the ever-changing environment is not usual to Zscaler.

“It really varies a lot depending on my work and what I have going on week to week, month to month that will determine whether I leave work or not,” Tom said.

“Every time I get a call it is an assessment of what’s going on at work, what type of job the call is, what the risk is, how big it is, and what the demand is from the brigade is to get there.

“If it is going to be a protracted job and I know I have very important meetings or something the next day, I won’t go.

“My team and customers are really supportive and are often surprised at how different it is to my day job. But they’re happy to move meetings and work schedules around if I am caught up.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said employers make a significant contribution to their local community when they release a CFA volunteer from work responsibilities to respond to emergencies, and it does not go unnoticed.

“For the businesses who release their staff and the self-employers who forgo their own personal income and time, we thank you for your generosity and willingness,” Jason said.

“Without your tolerance, understanding and support, CFA would not be able to function as effectively as it does to continue serving our Victorian community when they are in need.

“We’re proud of the skills of our volunteers gain through their training and response and hope their commitment and ability to work under pressure contributes greatly to your workforce.

CFA volunteers come from a diverse range of professions, jobs and industries who share the same ethos of helping others and we thank them for the role they play within the spirit of CFA.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC wishes to inform you of our operations over the Christmas and New Year period.

Key functions of the ACCC will still operate but at limited capacity:

ACCC offices

Our offices will be closed from 12pm AEDT on Wednesday 24 December until 9am local time, Friday 2 January 2026.

Infocentre

The Infocentre phone lines will be closed from 3pm AEDT on Tuesday 23 December, and will reopen at 11 am AEDT on Friday 2 January 2026. Consumers and small businesses who would like to make a report to the Infocentre are encouraged to submit a web form.

Media enquiries

For journalists with urgent enquiries, please call 0408 995 408 (no texts). The team will be back in the office from 2 January 2026.

Product safety

Please visit the ACCC Product Safety website to report an unsafe product, or submit a mandatory report or recall notification. Consumers can search recalled products on our website.

Merger enquiries

Any queries or information in relation to a merger or acquisition should be emailed to mergers@accc.gov.au.

Notifications and authorisation applications

Applicants wishing to lodge a notification or application for authorisation should follow the instructions set out on the ACCC website at How to apply for an authorisation and How to lodge a notification and use the Authorisations and notifications web form.

For any urgent queries over this period, please email exemptions@accc.gov.au.

FOI requests

All applications lodged under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 will be assessed when the ACCC office reopens on 2 January 2026.

See Contact us for more information on making a report or inquiry to the ACCC.

The ACCC wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

Source: Tasmania Police

Police call for witnesses over serious e-scooter crash at Risdon Vale

Wednesday, 24 December 2025 – 6:06 am.

Police are calling for witnesses after a serious crash between a vehicle and an e-scooter at Risdon Vale overnight.
Around 7.20pm last night, emergency services attended to a serious crash near the intersection of Matlock and Laurel streets.
The crash involved a 14 year old girl riding an e-scooter and an 18 year old male Provisional P1 driver.
The girl received a head injury and was treated by residents and Ambulance Tasmania.
The girl was then transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the motor vehicle was not physically injured and is assisting police with the investigation.
Initial investigations indicate it is not believed that the driver’s manner of driving was a contributing factor to the crash.
Anyone with information, including dash cam footage or CCTV, should contact Police on 131444.

Source: Tasmania Police

Serious crash between vehicle and e-scooter at Risdon Vale

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 – 8:08 pm.

Police and emergency services are responding to a serious crash at Risdon Vale.Police were called to the scene about 7.20pm following a report of a crash between a vehicle and an e-scooter near the intersection of Marlock and Laurel Streets.A person – the rider of the e-scooter – has reportedly received serious injuries and is being transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment.Police remain on the scene conducting investigations.Anyone with information, including dash cam or CCTV, should contact Police on 131444.

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

​Lost Paradise music festival will be the next major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
Lost Paradise is the eighth festival to take part in the 12-month trial, with the festival running from Sunday 28 December 2025 to Thursday 1 January 2026 at Glenworth Valley on the NSW Central Coast.
The free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons are provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers are available on site to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
NSW Health is working closely with Lost Paradise festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial. 
Lost Paradise music festival organisers said drug checking is a proven harm reduction measure to create a safer event for patrons. 
“Our priority is always safety and wellbeing of patrons, providing people with free, confidential and non-judgemental advice helps them makes better decisions,” a spokesperson for Lost Paradise music festival said.
“We welcome and support NSW Health on this Government-led harm reduction initiative and support a safer festival environment.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room​​. ​

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating after multiple vehicles were stolen overnight in the Katherine region.

Around 11:35pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of a robbery at a fast-food restaurant on First Street in Katherine.

It is alleged a female employee was approached in the carpark by a group of youths and was subsequently assaulted. A male youth allegedly produced a screwdriver and threatened her before stealing her car keys. The offenders fled the scene in her silver Ford Focus.

The victim suffered minor injuries and did not require medical attention.

The offenders allegedly proceeded to steal a security vehicle on Mannion Street after assaulting a security officer, injuring his shoulder. One of the stolen vehicles allegedly rammed a patrolling police vehicle causing moderate damage, with a police officer suffering minor injuries due to the collision.

Additional police resources were deployed, and a pursuit of the stolen vehicles resulted in them being recovered after they were abandoned.

Around 6:10am, three male offenders aged 10, 10, and 14-years-old were arrested after they allegedly unsuccessfully attempted to steal a third vehicle. A fourth male offender aged 11-years-old has also been arrested in connection to this offending.

In a separate and unrelated incident, around 2:35am this morning, the JESCC received a report of an aggravated burglary at a clinic residence in Beswick. Up to six youths had allegedly attended the residence, smashed several windows with rocks, and unsuccessfully attempted to steal the clinic vehicle.

It is alleged the offenders subsequently travelled to Barunga in a red Hilux utility, which had previously been reported stolen in Katherine, where they attended another residence and stole a vehicle parked there.

The offenders remain outstanding, and investigations into this incident are ongoing.

Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said, “This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and it is pure luck that no one was killed.

“Police are confident we have arrested the main offenders and have identified the outstanding youths. Efforts are currently underway to locate them.

“Public safety is our number one priority, and additional police resources including members from the Northern Investigations Unit, Strike Force Cerberus, Operation Ludlow II, the Dog Operations Unit, General Duties as well as a drone operator will be deployed to assist with ongoing investigations and to prevent further harm.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

One of Australia’s most important consumer protections has its 15th anniversary, just as the busy January sales period gets underway. 

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) came into force on 1 January 2011. It replaced a patchwork of state and territory laws with a single, national framework. Since then, all Australians are protected by the same automatic consumer guarantees. 

Introduced following a Productivity Commission inquiry into Australia’s consumer policy framework, the ACL established a ‘one-law, multiple regulators’ model. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) works alongside state and territory consumer agencies such as Consumer Affairs Victoria, to enforce consistent protections nationwide. 

The law guarantees that products must work properly, be safe, and do what they’re supposed to do. Services must be provided with due care and skill. These rights are automatic and cannot be overridden by store policies or limited warranties. 

Consumer agencies across Australia coordinate through Consumer Networks. Together, they enforce the ACL, share intelligence on emerging issues, and run joint education campaigns. This collaboration ensures businesses face consistent standards while consumers receive both national protection and local support. 

To mark the anniversary, regulators are running a coordinated campaign reminding shoppers of their rights during the November-January peak shopping period. This traditionally includes the busiest time for consumer purchases. 

Key consumer rights under the ACL include: 

• automatic guarantees on all goods and services that apply regardless of store policies
• rights that extend beyond warranties – products must last a reasonable time based on their type and price
• protection for online purchases, including digital products and subscriptions
• remedies when things go wrong. Consumers are entitled to repair, replacement, or refund, depending on the nature of the fault (minor or major)
• protections against misleading advertisements, statements or pricing
• striking out terms in standard form contracts used by businesses if they’re too one-sided and unfair on the consumer.

In Victoria, ACL-related content on our website received more than 1.2 million views last financial year. 

Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Nicole Rich, said the ACL had fundamentally changed consumer protection in Australia. The collaborative model had proven effective over 15 years, Rich said. 

Consumers who need help asserting their rights can visit our Consumers and businesses section or call 1300 55 81 81. 

More information about the ACL for businesses is available from our Australian Consumer Law resources page. 

Source: Australian Ministers for Education

There is no place in Australia for antisemitism. It is an evil that tears at the fabric of our country. It puts the peaceful, free and equal society we cherish at risk.

Sadly, since the terrible events of October 2023 we have witnessed a series of appalling attacks targeting Australia’s Jewish community.

That culminated on Sunday in one of the worst acts of mass murder this country has ever seen.

The ISIS-inspired terrorist atrocity that killed 15 innocent people – including a 10-year-old girl – was an attack on our Jewish community and it was an attack on the Australian way of life.

The Albanese Government thanks Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Ms Jillian Segal AO, for the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism (The Plan), and her continued work to eradicate antisemitism in Australia.

The Australian Government adopts the Plan to Combat Antisemitism. We have already legislated for hate speech, hate crimes hate symbols and doxxing. We have also undertaken education action, including appointing a Student Ombudsman.

We will continue to work through the implementation of the 13 recommendations in consultation with the Jewish Australian community and our Special Envoy.

Today we are announcing a number of significant additional actions to build on the Plan.

Firstly, the Attorney-General and Minister for Home Affairs will develop a package of legislative reforms to crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation. The National Security Committee has agreed that changes will include the following 5 points.

1. Aggravated hate speech offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence.
2. Increased penalties for hate speech promoting violence.
3. Making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment.
4. Developing a regime for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred.
5. Developing a narrow federal offence for serious vilification based on race and/or advocating racial supremacy.

Further:

• The Minister for Home Affairs will have new powers to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in this country, or for those who would do so if they were allowed to come.
• David Gonski AC will lead a 12-month taskforce, including the Special Envoy, to ensure the Australian education system prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism.
• The eSafety Commissioner, the Special Envoy and the Minister for Communications will work together to provide online safety advice to address antisemitism.
• This builds on the extension in MYEFO of funding to provide overall security cover to the Jewish community, including at places of worship.

The Albanese Government’s full response to the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism is available at the Home Affairs website.

The Albanese Government appointed Australia’s first ever antisemitism envoy Ms Jillian Segal in July 2024. Ms Segal provided her combatting antisemitism report to Government in July 2025 and the Prime Minister and Ms Segal released it publicly on July 10, 2025. Ms Segal’s report had 13 recommendations and 49 key actions. Some recommendations were immediately enacted.  Today the Government is providing its full response to the report.

The Plan reflects extensive consultations with individuals of the Jewish Australian community, many of who have lived experience of prejudice, hatred and discrimination. We thank all those who contributed to The Plan.

The Plan presents not merely a list of recommendations for Government action, it is a program of work to be led by the Envoy, supported and implemented by Government.

The Albanese Government is taking action on all 13 recommendations outlined in The Plan.

Source: Australian Ministers for Education

A new Regional University Study Hub (RUSH) officially opened today on Norfolk Island, bringing university closer for local residents.

Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. On Norfolk Island, only around 25 per cent of young people have a degree.

The evidence shows that where Regional University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.

The new Country Universities Centre (CUC) Norfolk Island is located at 72 Taylors Road, Norfolk Island and will offer support services and study facilities for local students enrolled at any Australian university or vocational education and training provider, without them having to leave the community.

The new location is part of the Australian Government’s $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country.

For more information: Regional University Study Hubs – Department of Education, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like Norfolk Island.

“In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills.

“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.

“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.

“The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That’s why we are doubling the number.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bean David Smith:

“The opening of the Country Universities Centre Norfolk Island is a great opportunity for students in our region to pursue a tertiary education while remaining connected to family, friends and local businesses and employers.

“Study hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are studying a university or TAFE course without them having to leave their community.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigate theft of historical sculpture from Ross

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 – 3:59 pm.

Police are investigating the theft of a historical sculpture from the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum in Ross earlier this month.
Detective Sergeant Dwayne Kirkby said the Ermenegildo Zegna Perpetual Trophy, which was on loan from the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, was reportedly stolen overnight on Friday, 5 December.
“Police were called to the wool museum in the early hours of Saturday, 6 December after the building’s alarm was activated,” Detective Sergeant Kirkby said.
“The suspect, believed to be a man, was wearing black shoes and gloves, light-coloured trousers and a hoodie. He left the scene in a white van, although the make and model are unknown.”
“Investigators have been pursuing several lines of inquiry and we’re appealing to the public for any information that could assist.”
“This item is of significant importance to Tasmania’s wool industry, and we’re committed to returning it to its rightful owners.”
Pictured is the statue, as well as its wooden case.
Anyone with information should contact Northern CIB on 131 444 and quote OR791821.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au.