Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Straight from the source – August 2025

AREEA says BHP cuts prove government’s punitive taxes risk destroying jobs and investment

The Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) is unsurprised that BHP has today confirmed 750 job cuts across its Bowen Basin operations, having long warned Queensland’s coal royalty regime was unsustainable.

AREEA’s 2024 Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast report last year predicted investment and jobs in Queensland’s mining sector would suffer due to the impacts of the previous government’s coal royalty hike.

The Association’s 2025 report – due for release in coming weeks – will show the future health of the Queensland mining sector will largely depend upon the current government shoring up investor confidence and ensuring new coal projects in its development pipeline go ahead.

“750 job losses is a significant enough tragedy. But the impact this will have on the Dysart community – which caters for coal mining, cattle grazing and other agriculture – will be enormous,” AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott AM, said.

“This is not just about one company. Coal mining sustains tens of thousands of direct jobs and many more indirect jobs in small businesses across regional Queensland. It funds schools, hospitals, police, roads and services.

“Every Queenslander benefits from a strong coal sector.

“We recognise the Crisafulli Government inherited this coal royalty regime, but if it does nothing and the coal sector collapses, there will be no revenue to fund essential programs, and those regional communities reliant on mining operations will be gutted.

“Unless urgent action is taken to reset the royalty system to competitive, sustainable levels, more mines will close, more jobs will go, and the economic foundations of Queensland will be permanently weakened.”

Mr Knott said the Queensland Government now faces a critical choice: act to restore competitiveness or preside over the decline of the state’s most important industry.

“Instead of protecting and strengthening this industry, the current coal royalty regime is actively undermining it,” he said.

“These punitive taxes are now seeing global investors walk away from Queensland, which has long been one of the most attractive mining jurisdictions in the world.”

Click here for a PDF copy of this release, including media contact details.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Government is investing $1.1 billion to help unlock the vast economic opportunities on offer from low carbon liquid fuels.

This is all about helping to maximise the economic and industrial benefits of the shift to clean energy and net zero.

This investment will help ensure we have strong supply chains for the more sustainable fuels that can power our trucks, cargo ships and planes into the future.

The new ten‑year Cleaner Fuels Program will stimulate private investment in Australian onshore production of low carbon liquid fuels, such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

The first production of ‘drop‑in’ cleaner fuels, which can be directly substituted for existing fuels and work in today’s engines, is estimated by 2029.

Australia has the ingredients needed to make cleaner liquid alternatives to fossil fuels, with ready access to feedstocks like canola, sorghum, sugar and waste.

Thanks to our advanced farming practices and access to cheap and reliable renewable energy, Australia is in an enviable position to produce cleaner, low carbon liquid fuels that jets, ships, construction machines and heavy trucks need to reach net zero.

Liquid fuels make up around half of Australia’s national energy use. Replacing those fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives would deliver a massive climate and economic opportunity.

Australia already exports nearly $4 billion of suitable feedstocks like canola and tallow. But the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) estimates an Australian low carbon liquid fuel industry could be worth $36 billion by 2050 – highlighting the untapped potential of developing local refining and value‑adding capability.

Funding to make cleaner fuel on Australian shores, from Australian feedstock will help back Australian innovators from the farmer to the fuel bowser, make our fuel supply greener and more resilient and make low carbon fuels available for early adopters.

Details about eligibility will be considered through public consultation and design work to take place this financial year. Grants will be awarded through a competitive process to ensure we get value for taxpayer funds.

The new production‑linked incentive builds on the Government’s support through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Funding Initiative and the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund. Recipients will also need to deliver benefits according to the community benefit principles under the Future Made in Australia Act.

The Government is also supporting the market by expanding the Guarantee of Origin Scheme to include low carbon liquid fuels and has established a fuel quality standard for renewable diesel.

A recent report from the CEFC found that a mature Australian low carbon liquid fuels industry could deliver around 230 million tonnes CO2‑e in cumulative emissions reduction by 2050. This is equivalent to 2.3 times Australia’s current annual transport emissions, or the annual emissions from 86 million cars.

Quotes attributable to the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers MP

“Low carbon liquid fuels are an enormous economic opportunity for Australia.

“It’s about making Australians and our economy big beneficiaries of the global net zero transformation.

“Developing this industry has potential to make us an indispensable part of growing global net zero supply chains.

“This is a downpayment on developing an entirely new industry in Australia.

“From the farm to the refinery, from primary production to processing, this will create more jobs and more opportunities for Australian workers and businesses.

“It’s another way we’re helping Australians grasp the big benefits on offer in the transformation to cleaner and cheaper energy – to help lift wages, grow living standards, create jobs and grow our economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP

“Making cleaner fuels here, from Australian feedstocks, creates the path for emissions reduction in sectors that are hardest to clean up, like plane travel and construction machines.

“Across the nation we have 2 billion litres worth of projects in the pipeline, many of which are ready to scale up production. A new thriving domestic industry with more jobs in our regions, from farmers growing the inputs to workers refining the fuels of the future is within our reach.

“$1.1 billion for low carbon liquid fuels production here in Australia builds on the $250 million we have already allocated to low carbon liquid fuels research and development through the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Murray Watt

“As demand for air travel grows, and more goods are moved by road and rail, it’s essential we invest in future fuels that allow us to facilitate this increasing demand while meeting our net‑zero targets.

“Low carbon fuels have the potential to be a $36 billion industry here in Australia, and we have the opportunity to lead the way on the production of these new fuels.

“We have the renewable feedstocks, access to clean energy and a strong agriculture base, all of which will allow us to develop this new industry, create new jobs and power how Australians move for decades to come.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP

“We’re committed to unlocking more opportunities to harness our feedstocks, which is why this investment is great news for our farmers and our regional communities.

“Producing more low carbon liquid fuels right here in Australia won’t just benefit our fuel security and emissions reduction, it will support Australian farmers, foresters and our regions.

“Our farmers and foresters have always been innovators and our Government is putting their expertise and world‑class production practices at the centre of growing Australia’s low carbon liquid fuel industry.

“This investment will complement our National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy – which we are developing so our agricultural sector can seize the economic opportunities that come with feedstocks.”

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

Graduate rates of employment are strong, employers are reporting high levels of satisfaction with the skills of graduates and students’ satisfaction with their university experience has improved since the pandemic .

That’s the story from three encouraging reports the Government has released today – the Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal, the Student Experience Survey, and the Employer Satisfaction Survey.

2024 Employer Satisfaction Survey

Overall employer satisfaction, which is the proportion of employers who would employ another graduate from the same course and institution, has increased to 85.5 per cent from 83.7 per cent, the highest recorded since this survey started in 2016.

The survey asks employers to rate their satisfaction across five areas: foundation skills, adaptive skills, collaborative skills, technical skills and employability skills. Employer satisfaction increased in all five areas in 2024.

2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal

2024 graduate full-time employment rates are strong sitting at 91 per cent, three years after graduation for undergraduates.

While there was a softening between 2023 and 2024 in line with the broader labour market, full-time employment remains higher than pre-pandemic.

2024 Student Experience Survey National Report 

Student ratings of their experiences at universities have improved after falling away during COVD.

The undergraduate rating of their overall educational experience was similar to last year, above COVID lows, but hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. 

Post graduate coursework ratings have improved and now exceed pre-pandemic levels in all five focus areas of the survey: skills development, peer engagement, teaching quality and engagement, student support and services and learning resources.

While the overall trajectory of students’ experience is encouraging, more work needs to be done. The report shows students with disability rate their experience lower than other students, particularly when it comes to peer engagement and student support and services.

The reports are available at the QILT website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“These reports are encouraging. They show graduate employment rates are strong, and student experiences at university are improving after the massive disruption of COVID.

“There is more to do.

“Work is underway on how to break down the barriers between TAFE and university and create a more joined-up tertiary education system.

“Next month Education Ministers will consider reforms to improve university governance.

“Next year needs-based funding will start to better support students at universities from disadvantaged backgrounds and from regional Australia and the bush.”
 

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Retail Crime Information Session Brings Together Tasmanian Retailers

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 – 12:41 pm.

Retailers from across Tasmania came together today for a statewide Retail Crime Information Session, hosted by Tasmania Police and the City of Hobart, to explore strategies for improving safety in retail environments.
Inspector John Toohey from Hobart Police said the session provided a valuable opportunity for police, council representatives, and retailers to share insights and strengthen partnerships aimed at preventing retail crime.
“Unlike the previous session held in April which focused specifically on Hobart, today’s information session was open to all retailers across the state,” Inspector Toohey said.
“The agenda covered key topics including current trends in retail crime, preventative measures and threats in retail environments, de-escalation techniques and conflict management, personal safety strategies such as ‘Escape, Hide, Tell’, and the importance of timely incident reporting.”
“For retailers, simple steps like improving store visibility, installing quality CCTV, engaging with customers, and restricting access to sensitive areas can make a significant difference.”
“If a crime does occur, reporting it promptly allows police to respond effectively.”
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the council remains committed to supporting a safe and vibrant retail sector.
“Today’s session reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration between local government, law enforcement, and retailers to address the challenges of retail crime,” she said.
Retailer Kelly Rollins highlighted the impact of retail crime on both business operations and community wellbeing.
“Sessions like this are essential for sharing practical knowledge and developing real-world solutions to keep staff and customers safe,” Ms Rollins said.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Job ads down 4.2% nationally in August 2025

Michael Giampietro

Wed, 2025-09-17 10:52

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 16-year-old male after an incident in Katherine on Thursday 11 September 2025.

Around 1:45am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a truck had been struck by an object while driving over the Katherine Bridge.

It is alleged that a male youth threw an unknown object at the truck before fleeing the scene. The truck sustained minor damage as a result of the incident.

Further investigations revealed the alleged offender had been involved in the theft of a push bike at a shopping centre on Katherine Terrace, shortly after the truck incident.

Yesterday, members from Strike Force Cerberus arrested a 16-year-old male who remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Superintendent Warren Scott said, “Throwing projectiles at moving vehicles is extremely dangerous and could end in serious injury or potentially death.

“Police take community safety very seriously and we continue to work with partnering agencies like the Department of Children and Families and Kalano Community Association.

“This ongoing hard work assists with education and prevention of these incidents which cause a significant danger to road users in Katherine.” 

Source: Mental Health Australia

Drivers on the Mitchell, Newell and Hume Highways will soon notice the start of construction of four new Average Speed Camera lengths targeting heavy vehicle speeding offences.

The locations are between Moree and Boggabilla and between Coonabarabran and Narrabri on the Newell Highway, between Vittoria and Windradyne on the Mitchell Highway and between Campbelltown and Wilton on the Hume Motorway. Construction is expected to begin in September at some sites.

Transport for NSW Executive Director, Road Safety Regulation, Duncan Lucas, said speed is the biggest killer on NSW roads.

“Average Speed Cameras are one of the many road safety programs and initiatives aimed at reducing speeding-related road trauma across NSW roads.
“Research shows that Average Speed Cameras dramatically reduce the number of serious crashes along a length of road.

“The 2023 Annual Speed Camera Review found fatal and serious injury crashes involving heavy vehicles fell by 42 per cent on Average Speed Camera lengths during the five years between 2018 and 2022,” Mr Lucas said.

Average speed enforcement works by measuring the amount of time it takes a vehicle to travel between two points which are a known distance apart. The average speed that the vehicle travelled between the two points can then be calculated.

During the construction period, drivers are asked to be alert for road works speed limits which may require temporary reductions in vehicle speeds.  This helps to keep our staff and contractors safe as they carry out work to improve road safety for our communities.

To sign up for alerts to changes in camera locations, visit www.saferroadsnsw.com.au. 
 

Source:

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a man after an alleged domestic violence related death in Palmerston overnight.  

Around 10:30pm, police received reports that a woman was unresponsive in the front yard of a residence on Waterhouse Crescent, Driver.

Emergency Services attended the scene and a 31-year-old woman was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.

The 32-year-old male partner of the deceased was arrested at the scene and currently remains in custody.

A crime scene remains in place and detectives from both the Domestic Violence and Major Crime Command are investigating.

Police are urging anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500092725. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 444.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Council has voted to adopt the revised Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy (2025) and the Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines (2025), as well as adopting Planning Scheme Amendment C282gben, following a Council meeting earlier this week.

These documents work together to provide clear direction around the use of existing industrial land and to provide a 30-year pipeline of industrial land for our growing city.

Planning Scheme Amendment C282gben helps to implement the revised Greater Bendigo Industrial Land Development Strategy (GBILDS) by making changes to the Municipal Planning Strategy and the Planning Policy Framework of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

The Amendment also supports the proposed Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct (BREP) and rezones land at 1029 Calder Highway, Maiden Gully from Industrial 1 Zone to Public Conservation and Resource Zone.

Acting Manager Strategic Planning Lauren Watt said adoption of the Amendment follows public exhibition and submissions.

“Amendment C282gben was publicly exhibited from October 31 to December 5, 2024, with 13 submissions received,” Ms Watt said.

“A Panel Hearing was held on May 20, 2025. The Panel considered all the submissions and three parties also presented to the Panel.

“The Panel concluded that most changes proposed by City officers in response to submissions were appropriate, with only two minor changes recommended.

“We will now submit Amendment C282gben to the Minister for Planning for approval.”

Amendment C282gben also includes the adoption and implementation of the new Greater Bendigo Industrial Development Guidelines that will replace the Good Design Guide for Industry 1997. The new guidelines outline how future industrial areas should look, function and perform.