Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

International ratings agency S&P has today reaffirmed Australia’s AAA credit rating.

This is a resounding endorsement of the Albanese Labor Government’s responsible economic management.

It shows that under Labor, Australia has one of the best budgets in the G20.

“Australia’s fiscal performance is sound… Australia’s economic outlook is sound.” the report reads.

“Sound fiscal metrics support our ‘AAA’ long‑term sovereign credit rating on Australia.

“Excellent political and institutional settings are conducive to stable policymaking.”

Responsible economic management is the hallmark of the Albanese Labor Government and S&P’s report reinforces that.

S&P says Australia’s debt is lower than that of most advanced economies and forecasts growth to pick up in the period ahead.

We’ve turned two big Liberal deficits into two substantial Labor surpluses in our first two years, significantly reduced the deficit in our third year, and continued to pay down debt.

The Budget is $209 billion better over the three years to 2024–25 than the one we inherited.

Added together, our three Final Budget Outcomes have delivered a cumulative underlying cash balance of +$28 billion, compared with the more than −$181 billion we inherited.

The better fiscal position means gross debt in 2024–25 was $188 billion lower than the one left to us, avoiding over $60 billion in interest costs over the 11 years to 2032–33.

The budget is in much better nick because we’ve paid down almost $200 billion of Liberal debt, demonstrated spending restraint, overseen the creation of more than 1.1 million jobs and got real wages growing again.

While we’ve delivered a substantial budget improvement, we recognise that structural pressures are intensifying rather than easing and that’s why we’re taking decisive action to address some of the biggest spending pressures on the budget.

We’re delivering substantial reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and aged care system, and we’re paying down Liberal debt which is saving us tens of billions of dollars in interest payments.

Australia is one of only nine countries to be rated AAA by all three major credit rating agencies and this was achieved for the first time under the last Labor government.

We are realistic about the challenges facing our economy including growing global uncertainty, but our AAA rating is further proof Australia is coming at these challenges from a position of genuine economic strength.

We’ll continue to do what we can to clean up the budget mess we inherited from the Coalition and to make our economy more productive and resilient.

Source: New South Wales – News

About 2pm on Tuesday 30 September, police were called to a business on O’Sullivan Beach Road after a man was found unresponsive in a warehouse.

Southern District CIB attended the scene with Forensic Response Investigators.

It is early in the investigation and further details will be released when known.

Source:

The Get Fire Ready initiative is underway

CFA has today launched its Get Fire Ready initiative across Victoria in anticipation of a potentially challenging fire season.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

On 9 September 2025, members of the Northern Territory Police Firearms Audit and Enforcement Unit attended a property in Kakadu National Park to conduct a firearms dealership audit and compliance check.

During the audit, multiple breaches of the Northern Territory Firearms Act 1997 were identified.

As a result, more than 240 firearms, along with various firearm parts, were seized.

A man, aged in his eighties, was issued with a Firearm Licence Suspension Notice and a Notice to Appear at the Jabiru Local Court on 28 October 2025.

He will be charged with:

• Fail to meet storage requirements
• Breach of firearm licence conditions

The firearms dealership licence and multiple firearms licences held by the man have been suspended.

During the seizure, an old revolver, in poor condition, was found to be loaded with rounds stuck within the firearm. As officers attempted to manipulate the firearm it discharged in a safe direction. No officers were injured and no damage to property occurred because of the discharge. Additional loaded firearms were also located within the dealership.

Acting Superintendent Alex Brennan said, “This was a complex seizure operation that highlights the importance of correct firearm storage.

“Officers within the Firearms Policy Unit are currently working to record each firearm and perform a full audit on everything seized.

“All Northern Territory firearm licence holders should be acutely aware that compliance with the Firearms Act 1997 is mandatory.”

Source: Australian Green Party

Knockout Outdoor 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.
The fourth festival to take part in the 12-month NSW drug checking trial, Knockout Outdoor will take place on Saturday 4 October at Sydney Olympic Park.
The free and anonymous drug checking service will allow festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons will be provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They’ll also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers will be available 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.”
Knockout Outdoor organisers said the service was a very welcome addition to its harm minimisation undertakings and had been well received by festival patrons.
“We are committed to creating the safest possible environment for everyone who attends our events.
“Drug checking is an important step forward in harm reduction, giving patrons access to free, professional advice that can help them make more informed decisions.
“Partnering with NSW Health on this initiative reflects our ongoing focus on safety, care, and wellbeing for our community.”
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 on the NSW drug checking trial 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 the Your Room website.

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is throwing its support behind some of Australia’s largest manufacturers to reduce their emissions, with over $12 million in funding to trial and demonstrate low emission technologies for process heat, reducing the reliance on natural gas. 

McCain Foods, Sugar Australia and Blackmores will each receive funding as part of ARENA’s efforts to reduce Australia’s industrial emissions. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said ARENA support through programs like the Industrial Transformation Stream remains vital in increasing the adoption of clean technologies in manufacturing.  

“Achieving Australia’s emissions reduction goals requires that our energy-intensive industries and manufacturers develop and execute clear strategies to integrate renewable energy into their operations,” Mr Miller said. 

“These grants are designed for forward-thinking businesses ready to pioneer and incorporate new applications of renewable energy technologies.” 

“By assisting in the adoption of clean technologies in heat processes in Australia’s food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, these projects will provide a blueprint for similar businesses to replicate and scale up these solutions nationwide.” 

McCain Foods is receiving $7.38 million in funding from ARENA’s Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) to implement two interconnected heat recovery systems at its Ballarat potato processing site. 

The first system will recover high-temperature heat from condensate to decrease boiler demand, while the second captures lower temperature fryer exhaust heat to produce hot water, which is then upgraded to steam using an electrically driven mechanical vapour recompression (MVR) system. Collectively, these systems are expected to lower the site’s natural gas boiler load by 22% and reduce annual emissions. 

Sugar Australia’s project, backed by $4.1 million in funding through ARENA’s National Industrial Transformation (NIT) Program, aims to significantly reduce emissions at its Yarraville sugar refinery by replacing traditional natural gas evaporators with an electrically driven MVR system.  

Both projects will demonstrate the commercial readiness of MVR for industrial heat applications, providing proof that innovations such as hot water to steam and increased efficiencies for water evaporation can be successfully retrofitted to commercial operations. If the projects are successful, they will serve as a blueprint for how Australian industries can utilise the technology, derisk future investment and decarbonise key processes. 

Blackmores, Australia’s leading natural health company, will also receive $723,900 through the NIT Program to undertake a project at its manufacturing facility in Braeside, Victoria to reduce emissions and energy consumption by replacing a natural gas boiler with a high-efficiency heat pump and a hot water buffer tank. The new system will use renewable electricity and the site’s refrigeration condensate water as a heat source, producing hot water for various manufacturing processes.  

The project is expected to cut natural gas consumption by about 25 per cent at Blackmores’ Braeside facility, lower annual emissions, and demonstrate how heat pumps can be integrated with process heating, HVAC and dehumidification in an operational facility. This facility is particularly significant, as it accounts for the majority of the company’s natural gas use. 

The projects build on ARENA’s work in industrial decarbonisation, supporting Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy superpower and meet 2030 and 2050 net zero targets. 

The $40 million National Industrial Transformation (NIT) Program is now closed to new applications. 

Round 3 of ARENA’s Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) program is now open. For further information and to apply, visit the funding page. 

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Divers find shotgun in Huon River

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 – 11:23 am.

Police divers made the surprise discovery of a submerged shotgun during a recent routine training exercise in the Huon River at Ranelagh.
Kingston Division Inspector Col Riley said members of the Tasmania Police Dive Squad were training off the jetty near Flat Rock, Ranelagh, when the firearm was found.
“During the course of the training, divers located an apparently functional shotgun submerged in the water,” Inspector Riley said.
“The firearm has been seized and will undergo forensic examination as part of routine inquiries.
“With the increasing popularity of magnet fishing and other water-based recreational activities, police are thankful that this weapon was recovered before potentially falling into the wrong hands.”
Inspector Riley said the incident on September 15 was a reminder that Tasmania Police operates a permanent firearms amnesty, allowing members of the public to hand in unregistered or unwanted firearms, and ammunition, at any police station without fear of prosecution.
“The safety of our community is our priority. We encourage anyone in possession of unwanted or illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms can report to police on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Transport for NSW is marking the end of Biodiversity Month by highlighting some wins on its project sites that are delivering positive outcomes for flora and fauna.

Transport for NSW Executive Director Partnerships and Integration North Greg Collins said all work is required to follow some core guidelines.

“Every project is preceded by an Environmental Impact Assessment, to determine how to complete the necessary work in the least disruptive way,” Mr Collins said.

“Comprehensive surveys are carried out to assess each work area and then a bespoke management plan is put in place to minimise the impact of the work on wildlife and sensitive or rare plant species.

“I’m happy to report that our strict environmental protocols are producing some great results at projects across the state’s north.”

Tumbi Road Central Coast Highway intersection upgrade

As part of the Tumbi Road-Central Coast Highway intersection upgrade at Wamberal, several native species have been successfully relocated during vegetation clearing activities. 

A total of seven broad-tailed geckos, one eastern blue-tongue lizard, one eastern water dragon, and one brushtail possum were carefully and safely relocated by a qualified ecologist. All animals were found during site preparation works and were assessed as healthy before being moved to suitable nearby habitats away from the construction zone.

Coffs Harbour bypass

Careful steps are being taken to protect two previously unrecorded plant species – a Fontainea allied to Lennox Head Fontainea and a new species of Pittosporum – which were discovered during early ecological surveys carried out as part of the Coffs Harbour bypass project.

One individual of the Fontainea species found within the construction footprint was translocated in 2023 to a site that expert advice suggested would suit its growth needs. More than two years after it was moved to its new location, in strict accordance with the approved Fontainea Management Plan, this tree is showing signs of very good health with fresh growth, flowers and over 200 fruits being produced.

M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (M12RT)

More than 800 logs from trees cleared for the new M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (M12RT) project have been repurposed to progress Hunter Water’s remediation efforts.

 
The logs are being utilised to protect the eroding riverbanks of the Williams River, from Clarence Town downstream to Seaham. This innovative approach also uses logs with their root balls to contribute to ecological improvements, providing habitats for aquatic species and reptiles and enhancing flood resilience by trapping natural debris.

Using natural materials creates an environment where ecosystems can thrive while ensuring the riverbank remains stable for generations to come.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo will commence installation of a new practice half court this week to cater to soccer, basketball and netball at Axedale Park.

The project will include installation of:

• An acrylic coated concrete half court
• Combined basketball and soccer unit
• Netball goal pole
• Partial perimeter fencing
• Bench seating
• Line marking

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director, Brian Westley said the new half court is an investment in Axedale that will add to the many other features in Axedale Park which is located at corner of Mitchell Street and McIvor Highway.

“Axedale Park is a suburban level play space with barbecue and picnic facilities, public toilets, a junior skate park and play equipment,” Mr Westley said.

“Half courts are really popular and when completed we expect it will be quite a draw card for Axedale Park.”

The $100,000 project is being funded with a $50,000 grant from the Tiny Towns Fund and $50,000 from the City of Greater Bendigo

The Tiny Towns Fund is a Victorian Government initiative, administered by Regional Development Victoria, to support small communities with populations under 5,000 people.

Work to install the half court is expected to be completed before the end of 2025.