Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

rime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Suva, Fiji and Honiara, Solomon Islands from 5 to 7 July 2026 to reaffirm Australia’s enduring commitment to the Pacific and regional security.

The Prime Minister will be joined on the visit to Fiji and Solomon Islands by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong.

In Suva, Prime Minister Albanese will meet Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji to discuss deepening the Fiji–Australia Vuvale Partnership and greater cooperation.

Australia and Fiji share a strong connection underpinned by our Vuvale Partnership and a mutual vision for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Pacific.

Prime Minister Albanese will then travel to Honiara where he will meet with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, build on the productive discussions recently held in Canberra, and participate in Solomon Islands’ Independence Day celebrations.

Australia and Solomon Islands are committed to elevating the bilateral relationship through a comprehensive treaty on the basis of mutual trust, respect and open dialogue.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister until the Prime Minister’s return from overseas.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Fiji and Solomon Islands are not just our neighbours, we are part of the Pacific family, and we work together for the good of our region.

“I look forward to meeting with my friend Prime Minister Rabuka to uplift the Vuvale Partnership, create opportunities for young people and celebrate the bond between our countries.

“It is a pleasure to take up Prime Minister Wale on his invitation to visit Solomon Islands so soon after his recent visit to Australia and continue discussions on how we can elevate our bilateral partnership through a comprehensive treaty.

“Australia remains a partner that the Pacific can rely on. By working together we can foster a safe and resilient region that enables all of our economies to grow and prosper.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“The Albanese Government is working hard to make transformational breakthroughs in the Pacific and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“In Fiji and Solomon Islands, we will continue strengthening our relationships by listening, respecting and acting on Pacific priorities in the Pacific way.

“A stronger, safer and sovereign Pacific is good for Australia and for our region.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

I acknowledge the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns and state parliamentary colleagues.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.

His Excellency Mirna Khawly, Ambassador of Lebanon.

And I thank Vitex Executive Chairman Dr Elie Chami and his son, CEO Dr Aniss Chami, for welcoming us so warmly today.

It is a pleasure to be with you to celebrate both the legacy and the future vision of Vitex.

The facility we are opening today stands as an incredible testament to the ingenuity, intelligence and hard work that drives Australian industry.

In business and commercial terms, there is no doubt that what you have achieved here is a huge success.

This facility triples the production capacity of Vitex.

Leveraging investment in new technology, more complex and vital medicines will be made here.

Today Vitex cements its standing not only as one of the most significant manufacturing outfits in Australia, but as one of the largest pharmaceutical facilities in the entire Asia Pacific.

That is a significant success.

But it is worth taking a moment to reflect on the story that built it.

A truly Australian story that we can all take pride in, that we can share – that reflects what makes our nation the best in the world.

It was a young Elie that came to Australia as a migrant from post-war Lebanon in the 1970s, aged just 16.

In 1989, together Elie and Aniss set up Vitex to make pharmaceuticals here in Western Sydney:

Based on the conviction, as Elie says, “that Australia could make medicines as well as anyone in the world.”

From that point production climbed and expanded in volume and type.

Vitex exported to new markets and grew.

And now, some 37 years later – and just a few kilometres from where the business first started – we stand here opening a new facility representing a $250 million investment.

It is an incredible journey of a company that at the beginning ran on little more than the ambition and dedication of a family that saw Western Sydney as the place for them.

As their new home of promise.

That is not just an example – but a lesson – in the power of equal opportunity.

Of what Australian aspiration can achieve as it is passed down between generations.

Living proof that no matter where you come from, no matter what your background is, when you work hard and when Australia is your home – this great nation we all share will back you to succeed.

Of course, these days Vitex doesn’t just support the jobs and livelihood of one family.

But many families.

1,200 high skilled, well-paid jobs – right here in Western Sydney.

Each one of them contributing to a Future Made in Australia, galvanising our national resilience.

For my Government, strengthening that resilience and growing those capacities drives us – across the broad.

Because amidst global economic uncertainty, and in an environment where our economic security is increasingly linked to our national security, we cannot afford to rely on the old assumption that global supply chains will guarantee our prosperity.

The belief that someone else, somewhere else will sell us what we need cheaper than we could make it ourselves.

Even if that were ever the case, that old world is not coming back.

But despite that, the truth is there is nowhere you would rather be than Australia.

We have all the resources that will power the next century under our feet.

The talent of our people is second to none.

And we live in the middle of the fastest growing region of the world in human history.

As that region continues to grow and prosper, demand for the high-quality products we make here in Australia will continue to boom.

Because there’s a reason that 1 in 4 Australian jobs depend on trade.

There’s a reason Vitex exports to 26 countries all around the world.

Because the world knows that Made in Australia stands for quality.

That’s as true for the pharmaceuticals we make as it is for the beef we raise and the barley we grow.

And that pursuit of excellence – that very Australian desire to be the best – is all around us today.

This investment in Western Sydney, in our nation and in our capacity for dynamic manufacturing and growing trade is truly exciting.

It is a story of success built on aspiration and innovation.

And I thank you for inviting me along to share it with you today – congratulations.

Source: Tasmania Police

Crash on Richmond Road, Cambridge

Sunday, 5 July 2026 – 6:03 pm.

Police are investigating a serious crash involving two motorcycles at Cambridge today.
Emergency services were called to the crash on Richmond Road about 2.05pm.
A black Honda CMX motorcycle and a black Suzuki VLR motorcycle crashed near the vicinity of 287 Richmond Road heading towards Cambridge.
The rider of the Honda, a 56-year-old man, was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital with minor injuries.
The rider of the Suzuki, a 55-year-old man, was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious injuries.
Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or either motorcycle beforehand.
Information can be provided to police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000 – quote ESCAD 168-05072026.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 26-year-old Isacc Thompson who escaped from Corrections custody overnight.

At about 8:15pm, police received reports that the man had fled custody while being escorted from an ambulance into the Emergency Department at Royal Darwin Hospital.

At the time, the man was handcuffed and wearing only a pair of shorts and socks.

He was last seen running on foot along Rocklands Road.

The Fugitive Taskforce, Strike Force Trident, and the Dog Operations Unit are continuing to search for the man. He is a known associate of the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.

Sergeant Kenneth Bradshaw urged the man to hand himself in.

“We’re asking members of the public not to approach him. If you see him, call Triple Zero immediately.”

Anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 000 and quote reference number P26191473.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 28-year-old male has been arrested following an aggravated robbery in Alice Springs this morning.

Shortly after 6am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of an aggravated robbery at a casino on Barrett Drive.

Police arrived to find a 28-year-old being restrained by security guards after he had allegedly forced his way through the entry at a bar attached to the casino where he stole two bottles of alcohol once inside.

The offender allegedly threw a bottle at a 36-year-old male security guard working at the casino who confronted him.

The offender was restrained until police arrival and was arrested. Charges are expected to follow.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Three people have been arrested in relation to a crash that occurred late last night in Marrara.

Around 11:35pm, a black Hilux was observed by police driving dangerously towards Casuarina in the northbound lane of Trower Road.

The Hilux turned right onto Sabine Road where police attempted to apprehend the vehicle, however it did not stop.

A pursuit was not engaged and the Hilux continued down Sabine Road towards McMillans Road.

Around 11:40pm, police received notification of a two-vehicle head-on crash at the intersection of McMillans Road and Lee Point Road.

Witnesses reported they had observed four males running from the offending vehicle.

The 34-year-old male driver of the second vehicle was trapped in the vehicle. He was extricated by NT Fire Rescue Service and conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital by St John Ambulance.

Police attended the scene and arrested three males – aged 20, 19 and 18. The male driver of the vehicle was arrested and conveyed to hospital for treatment.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Tasmania Police

Three men charged with criminal code assault in Latrobe

Saturday, 4 July 2026 – 3:22 pm.

Three men have been charged with criminal code assault in relation to an incident in Latrobe last night.
Police will allege that about 10.30pm, three men assaulted a man outside a public bar on Gilbert Street at Latrobe.
The victim, a 42-year-old man from Spreyton, was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
A 27-year-old, 29-year-old, and 34-year-old man, all from Latrobe were each charged with criminal code assault and will appear in court at a later date.
The victim and one of the charged men are known to each-other. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Two youths have been arrested following a stealing with violence incident in Alice Springs last night.

Around 9:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports a 24-year-old female victim had been robbed on Nicker Crescent.

The victim was on her scooter when she was allegedly approached by two male offenders wearing face coverings.

The males allegedly assaulted the victim by punching her to the face and stomach multiple times and stole her scooter and belongings.

She was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The JESCC received reports shortly after that a service station on Larapinta Drive had activated their duress alarms after three offenders had allegedly entered the store and stolen items before fleeing.

Two male youths – aged 14 and 15 – were arrested. Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444.

Source: Tasmania Police

Armed Robbery – Shell Reddy Express Newstead

Saturday, 4 July 2026 – 4:30 am.

Police are investigating a reported armed robbery at the Shell Reddy Express on Hoblers Bridge Road, Newstead, which occurred at approximately 11:25pm on Friday 3 July 2026.
Initial investigations indicate a lone male, dressed in dark clothing including a face covering, entered the service station armed with what appeared to be a handgun and threatened the sole staff member on duty.
The offender was provided with cash and a quantity of cigarettes before leaving the premises. No one was physically injured during the incident.
The offender was last seen heading in an easterly direction from the service station on foot.
Police are appealing for information from anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have CCTV, home security footage, or dashcam footage that could assist investigators. Police are also interested in any suspicious observations made in the Newstead area around the time of the robbery.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Update: At around 2:45pm, police located the nominated vehicle involved in the incident on Palm Circuit in Alice Springs.

The occupants of the vehicle have provided information which has assisted the investigation. At this point in time, no further public assistance is required.

________

Earlier: The Northern Territory Police Force are requesting public assistance in relation to a welfare concern matter which occurred in Alice Springs today.

Around 8:40am this morning, police received a report that an incident had taken place on South Terrace, in the vicinity of the Tom Brown roundabout.

It was reported that two males had physically placed a female into a white vehicle, before driving off from the location. It is believed that the vehicle had South Australian registration plates.

It has not yet been established what relationship exists between the persons involved. Investigations are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances of the incident.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, has information, or has dash-cam footage to contact 131 444, please quote reference number P26188655. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.