Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is undertaking a flood study in Goornong and waterway studies in Heathcote and Epsom/Huntly and is inviting residents from those areas to attend a community workshop.

City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said information gathered at the workshops will inform the studies and will also help to identify local emergency risks and potential community actions.

“We really want to hear about the experiences of residents living in these areas so that we understand the community’s concerns, the studies reflect what actually happens on the ground and we can start to identify solutions together,” Ms Wyatt said.

“The workshops will allow residents to have their voice heard and play a role in creating a safer, more connected future in their communities.”

The workshops will be facilitated by independent external consultants and will take place at:

Heathcote Bowls Club
5.30pm to 8pm – Tuesday October 21

Goornong Memorial Hall
5.30pm to 8pm – Wednesday November 5

Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve
5.30pm to 8pm – Thursday November 6

The workshops are funded by the Australian Government Disaster Ready Fund, Emergency Recovery Victoria Community Recovery Hubs Program, Australian and Victorian Governments State and Regional Priority Projects Grant Program.

To register to attend a workshop, visit:

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Our reforms to the low income superannuation tax offset will help deliver a more secure retirement for more than a million Australians, including hundreds of thousands of young people and women.

We are making the super system fairer from top to bottom.

The majority of people who will benefit from changes to the low income superannuation tax offset (LISTO) are women.

Every dollar we help women save for retirement matters, it’s how we make the economy fairer and ensure women aren’t left behind.

We are boosting the LISTO by $310 to $810 and will raise the eligibility threshold from $37,000 to $45,000 from 1 July 2027.

Because of these changes, around 1.3 million Australians will benefit, including around 750,000 women and around 550,000 young people under the age of 30.

More than 750,000 additional Australians with income between $37,000 and $45,000 will now become eligible for LISTO, including more than 450,000 women.

Almost 500,000 Australians with income below $37,000 who were already eligible will also receive a higher LISTO payment, including almost 300,000 women.

Workers will receive a boost of up to $810 per year to their superannuation account depending on their income and contributions, with an average increase in the LISTO payment of $410 for affected workers. Workers could receive a potential benefit at retirement of around $15,000 depending on an individual’s income over their career.

The workers who stand to benefit from this change include over 100,000 sales assistants, over 50,000 administrative workers and over 50,000 aged and disabled carers.

The changes bring the total number of Australians eligible for LISTO to 3.1 million, of which around 60 per cent are women. Across all 3.1 million LISTO recipients, the average annual LISTO payment will increase by around a third, from $280 to $375.

This is all part of our plan to help low‑income workers earn more, keep more of what they earn and retire with more too.

Labor built our superannuation system and we’re making it even stronger, fairer and more sustainable.

We’re increasing LISTO, better targeting super concessions, paying super on paid parental leave and introducing payday super, and we have increased the superannuation guarantee to 12 per cent and legislated the objective for superannuation.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an attempted burglary at a business in Berrimah early this morning.

Around 3am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a vehicle had allegedly attempted to ram the front doors of a motorcycle dealership along the Stuart Highway.

It is alleged the vehicle became lodged on bollards at the front of the premises before the offenders exited and smashed the front doors using an unknown object, causing significant property damage in the process. Several motorcycles were moved outside before the offenders fled on foot when the business manager arrived.

No motorcycles were stolen.

Strike Force Trident attended the scene and investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information, including CCTV or dash cam footage from the area, to contact them on 131 444 and quote reference number P25275233. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Police have arrested two youths in relation to an aggravated assault and attempted robbery in Tennant Creek overnight.

Around 11:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 44-year-old female had allegedly been assaulted by two youths on Peko Road as she was leaving work and getting into her vehicle.

It is alleged that when the victim opened her vehicle door, she was approached by the youths, who assaulted her with a scooter while attempting to steal her Toyota Camry. The victim sounded the horn, alerting co-workers to the incident, and the youths fled the scene on foot.

The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and did not require further treatment.

Tennant Creek Police arrested the two alleged offenders, a female aged 14 and a male aged 15, after locating them hiding under a nearby vehicle on Griggs Street. They remain in police custody and investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number P25275145. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search to return to Hollybank Forest Reserve

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 3:54 pm.

Tasmania Police and SES volunteers will return to the Hollybank Forest Reserve on Wednesday to resume the search for missing Scottsdale man Peter Willoughby.
Mr Willoughby, 76, was reported missing on the afternoon of Sunday, October 5, after he went walking in thick bushland near Hollybank, in the state’s northeast.
Despite extensive search efforts in the days after Mr Willoughby’s disappearance, sadly, there has been no sign of him or new clues that could lead to his possible location. 
Tasmania Police Northern Search and Rescue (SAR) Inspector Nick Clark said approximately 30 people would be on the ground on Wednesday actively searching for Mr Willoughby.
Also, Sustainable Timber Tasmania staff will be offering logistical assistance.
“This will be a substantial search, and include officers from Northern SAR, Western SAR, general duties police, plus the involvement of SES volunteers,” Inspector Clark said.
“The search will look to review some of the terrain we have previously covered, but we will also look at searching some new areas to the south of Mr Willoughby’s last known location.”
The search effort had been paused since Friday, due in part to inclement weather which posed a risk to searchers in the heavily forested search areas.
Inspector Clark said searchers were determined to find Mr Willoughby, but given it has been several days since his last contact, police hold serious concerns for his welfare.
Anyone who may have seen Mr Willoughby in the Hollybank area, or has information that could lead to his location, can contact police no 131 444.

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

The Government has today advised universities of their 2026 allocations of international student places. These are within the approved National Planning Level for international education to manage growth in a sustainable way.

Consistent with the 2026 National Planning Level announced in August, public universities were invited to express interest in securing a share of the additional 17,500 places made available.

Growth in overall student commencements has moderated strongly, with visa applications down 26% as compared to last year.

Five universities did not ask for any growth, while 32 sought some increase in their international student profile. Allocations have been driven by each institution’s demonstrated delivery against government priorities of new housing, south-east Asian engagement and market diversification.

Regional universities have secured strong growth in their allocations, consistent with the Government’s policies to share the benefits of international education more fairly and evenly. Charles Sturt University, Federation University, the University of Newcastle and Charles Darwin University have secured the largest proportional growth in their allocations.

Universities that are building more accommodation have received increases to their international student allocations.

New student housing is now growing, with more than 11,000 new beds under construction, more than 15,000 with development approvals in place, and more than 12,000 in the planning process (latest Urbis data).

31 of the 32 institutions that sought growth have received at least 50 new student places. We are in further discussions with the remaining university about market diversification, south-east Asian engagement and its investment in new housing.

These steps are all about ensuring Australia’s international education sector operates sustainably in Australia’s national interest.

Final 2026 allocations for public universities

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“International education is an important national asset.

“It brings tens of billions of dollars into the economy each year. It also builds friendships and long-term connections around the world.

“But we need to manage it sustainably and that’s what these allocations for universities do.

“We’re making sure growth in international education happens in a way that supports the national interest and spreads benefits more evenly.

“Regional universities play a vital role in local communities and economies and we’re backing them with more places.

“We also know international education is a target for unscrupulous individuals trying to make a quick buck.

“That’s why we introduced legislation to Parliament last week to crack down on dodgy operators and practices.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill: 

“International education has delivered profound benefits to Australia for decades. It’s a $51 billion sector that Australians can be proud of, educating future global leaders, strengthening international ties, and enriching our communities.

“Australians expect to see growth in student numbers supported by investment in new housing which is what the Government’s policies now incentivise, especially for the larger institutions.

“Engaging with south-east Asia is in Australia’s national interest, and the 2026 international student allocations recognise universities which are demonstrating genuine focus on our region.”

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two men charged with attempted murder

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 1:10 pm.

Police have charged two men with attempted murder following ongoing investigations into an isolated incident in Herdsmans Cove in January.
A man received head and neck injuries after allegedly being shot on Calvert Crescent shortly before 5pm on Saturday, 18 January.
A 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were charged with drug and serious firearms offences following a search of a Herdsmans Cove address in February.
Investigations have continued, and the same men were arrested today after detectives and specialist police executed search warrants at addresses in Herdmans Cove.
They have both been charged with attempted murder and firearms offences and are expected to appear in court today.
Police will allege those involved are known to each other, and that the incident was targeted.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for missing walker, Mt Field National Park (update)

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:49 pm.

Search and Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions, including icy wind gusts and deep snow, as they continue to search for a missing walker in Mt Field National Park.
The search effort is being focused on the Tarn Shelf area, where knee to waist-high snow is being encountered in some areas.
Tasmanian man Daryl Fong, 30, was on a day hike in the Mt Field area at the weekend but his last known contact was about 3am on Sunday when he texted a friend, advising that he intended to seek shelter and camp in the park overnight.
A search has been under way since late Monday, when the alarm was raised.
Additional resources were deployed this morning, involving Tasmania Police Search and Rescue officers, SES search and rescue volunteers, two Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics and the Westpac Rescue helicopter crew.
Police have released a photograph of Mr Fong as part of a call for information to anyone who may have seen him at the weekend, or since.
Mr Fong is believed to be wearing clothing similar to the image released.
Anyone with information about Mr Fong’s movements at Mt Field, or who may have seen him in the national park, is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 6173 2010.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award recipient announced

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 12:33 pm.

A Northern Tasmanian police officer with more than 38 years’ service has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Keith Smith Community Policing Award.Announcing the award in Launceston today, Commissioner Donna Adams said that Senior Constable Annabel Shegog was selected unanimously by a panel after receiving multiple nominations from community members and within Tasmania Police.“Tragically one of our own, Constable Keith Smith, was killed in the line of duty in the state’s north west in June this year,” Commissioner Adams said.“Keith was a well-respected and dedicated police officer who was committed to providing meaningful support to individuals while building lasting relationships founded on trust and service“As a fitting tribute to Keith, the inaugural Keith Smith Community Policing Award honours those who go beyond traditional policing by building trust, fostering partnerships, and improving the social cohesion of their communities.”Commissioner Adams said that with more than 38 years’ service with Tasmania Police, Senior Constable Shegog is a trusted and familiar face in Northern Tasmania.“Nominations outlined numerous examples of how Senior Constable Shegog’s dedication to community policing has helped build safer, more connected neighbourhoods in the north of the state, and consistently makes a real difference in people’s lives,” she said.“Senior Constable Shegog is known for her genuine care, cultural awareness, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.“Whether she’s supporting newly arrived refugee families, chatting with seniors at a Crime Stoppers event, or speaking to students about online safety and respectful relationships, she brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep sense of responsibility to every interaction.“A regular at schools, community events, and local initiatives like ‘Cuppa with a Cop,’ Senior Constable Shegog often gives her time outside of work hours to make sure people feel heard and supported.“Her work with Neighbourhood Watch, multicultural organisations, and service clubs like Lions and Rotary has helped bridge gaps and build lasting trust between Tasmania Police and the community.”Commissioner Adams said that Senior Constable Shegog’s approach is all about prevention, inclusion, and respect.“She leads by example, and her quiet strength, kindness and integrity have earned her the respect of colleagues and community leaders alike,” she said.“Her service to the community reflects the compassion, service, and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career, and demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community policing.Nominations for the Award came from members of the Tasmanian community as well as within Tasmania Police. The Award was open to currently-serving police officers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to community-focused policing and engagement and whose service to the community reflects the compassion and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career.The panel members were Devonport Mayor Alison Jarman, Assistant Commissioner Robert Blackwood, Community Engagement Commander Jo Stolp, and Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini.For more information about the award visit https://www.police.tas.gov.au/about-us/keith-smith-community-policing-award/