Source: New South Wales – News
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, the Officer in Charge of Major Crime provided an update to the media in relation to human remains being located in scrubland near Port Lincoln, believed to be that of Julian Storey.
Remains located north of Slipway Road and east of Hindmarsh Street where the white box with three stripes is located on the map
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
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Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies
Today, the Albanese Labor Government took the next major step towards implementation of our landmark trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates.
The passing of necessary legislation today will incorporate the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) into law.
Marking Australia’s first trade agreement in the Middle East region, this deal delivers on the Albanese Government’s commitment to open new export opportunities and create more well-paying local jobs through trade.
The UAE is Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East with total trade between Australia and the UAE worth $12.3 billion in 2024.
When fully implemented, over 99 per cent of Australian products will enter the UAE tariff free, including meat, dairy, grains and minerals. The agreement will also deliver cheaper prices at the checkout, with Australian households and businesses saving around $40 million a year.
Details on the full CEPA package, including independent modelling and key benefits to agricultural businesses and Australia more broadly are published on the DFAT website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:
“We are a trading nation. More trade means more higher-paying jobs, more opportunities for businesses, greater investment and cheaper bills for Australian households.”
“As Australia’s first trade agreement in the Middle East, this unlocks significant potential in the region.”
“Passing this legislation is an important step in locking in the gains we’ve made which will deliver for Australian businesses, local jobs and Australian consumers.”
“We will continue working closely with the UAE to bring it into force as soon as possible.”
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
The City of Greater Bendigo is holding a free webinar to provide local hospitality and retail businesses with energy saving advice.
The Smart Energy Solutions for Hospitality and Retail Businesses webinar will take place from 4 to 5pm on Wednesday August 6 as part of the City’s Beat the Power Bills program.
City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Acting Manager Ian McBurney said the session is tailored specifically for small to medium operators in cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and service-based retail.
“It will provide practical advice on understanding energy bills, identifying costly inefficiencies in day-to-day operations, and assessing the value of upgrades like solar, batteries, or switching off gas,” Mr McBurney said.
“The webinar will be presented by the City’s Zero Emissions Business Officer Tim Drylie and will cut through the jargon and provide hospitality and retail owners with the facts they need to make informed, cost-saving decisions.”
The webinar is free to attend.
Source: New places to play in Gungahlin
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is encouraging taxpayers to take advantage of the range of support services available to the community during tax time.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson encouraged the community to reach out for help and assistance in managing their tax affairs if needed.
‘The ATO’s priority is assisting taxpayers to get their lodgments right the first time, and we have programs and services available to assist you,’ said Mr Thomson.
The Tax Help program is a free and confidential service that has been helping eligible individuals with simple tax affairs lodge their tax return for more than 35 years. Appointments are available in person at tax help centres around the country, by phone, or online. Tax Help volunteers can also assist with creating a myGov account, lodging an amendment to your tax return, claiming a refund of franking credits, and informing the ATO if you don’t need to lodge a tax return.
‘This year we have increased the income eligibility criteria to support those earning $70,000 or less per year, up from $60,000 last year,’ said Mr Thomson.
The National Tax Clinic programExternal Link is a government-funded initiative that supports eligible individuals, including small businesses, who are unable to access tax advice and assistance. Tax clinics operate independently through various TAFE and university campuses located in every Australian state and territory, and many clinics offer phone, web conferencing and face-to-face services.
The ATO’s Indigenous helpline is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides specialised tax and super assistance.
‘This can include things like getting a TFN, lodging your tax return, finding your super, or locating your nearest Tax Help centre if you’d prefer face-to-face support,’ said Mr Thomson.
The Indigenous Helpline is available on 13 10 30, Monday – Friday between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm (excluding public holidays).
The ATO has a range of translated information to help people better understand tax and superannuation in their preferred language.
Taxpayers can find tax time resources in over 20 languages, and a range of other tax and superannuation information including guidance about lodgment, how to lodge and what deductions you may be able to claim.
The ATO’s digital self-help tools are the easiest and quickest way to get help this tax time, with a range of online services available for individuals and businesses.
Specialised help and support is available on the ATO website for taxpayers, including tailored tax and super information for those with a disability.
The ATO app, myTax and ATO CommunityExternal Link are also helpful in managing your tax affairs online, without needing to call the ATO.
You can check on the progress of your return by using ATO online services through myGovExternal Link or the ATO app.
‘The ATO app has new security features to help protect your account. Setting up a strong digital identity on the app also allows you to protect yourself this tax time to ensure your interactions online are safe and secure, including notifying you of any suspicious activity on your account,’ said Mr Thomson.
If you’d like assistance in lodging a tax return, you can lodge through a registered tax agent. To check a tax agent is registered, see the Tax Practitioners Board’s Public RegisterExternal Link.
Be cautious about how you use artificial intelligence (AI) tools for tax and super information. You may get false or inaccurate information from AI tools. Always check the information you get with a trusted source like the ATO website or your registered tax agent.
The ATO Charter outlines the relationship we seek with the community – a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
The Charter provides taxpayers with an understanding of what we expect when they interact with us, including courtesy and respect, meeting their obligations and being responsive to us.
‘The Charter explains our commitments to all taxpayers, including fair and reasonable treatment, professional service, support and assistance where required, the security of their data and privacy and being transparent and accountable in our interactions with the community,’ said Mr Thomson.
Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson is available for interviews on request.
A high-resolution headshot of ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson (JPEG, 3.5MB) This link will download a file is available for download from our media centre.
ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force, in partnership with the Department of Housing, Larrakia Nation and the City of Darwin are continuing with Operation Home Safe following the 2025 Royal Darwin Show.
Over the first three days, the multi-agency operation has engaged with 222 individuals and achieved the following outcomes:
The operation is supporting community members in safely returning home and reconnecting with vital services and promoting wellbeing following the event.
Our combined message was to enjoy the show but make plans to return home. Sleeping rough, or in over-crowded conditions, is not safe for anyone.
NT Police Force thanks our partner agencies for their ongoing support and commitment to community safety.
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police investigating serious motorbike crash at Herdsmans Cove
Thursday, 31 July 2025 – 11:32 am.
Police are investigating a motorbike crash in Herdsmans Cove last night where two people sustained serious injuries.
About 11pm, two trail bikes were travelling in opposite directions on a walkway near Zena Drive. The area is poorly lit, the bikes did not have headlights, and one of the riders was not wearing a helmet.
The bikes collided, and both riders, a 19-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man, were transported to hospital in serious but stable conditions.
“Police remind all road users, particular motorcyclists, to prioritise their safety,” said Inspector Luke Horne.
“Please – if you’re a rider – protect your safety and the safety of others every time you ride.”
Anyone with information in relation to the crash is asked to contact Bridgewater Police on 131 444.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority
The Albanese Labor Government has today cut all student debts by 20 per cent.
We are wiping more than $16 billion in debt for more than three million Australians.
Our number one focus is continuing to deliver cost of living relief for the Australian people.
Cutting student debt by 20 per cent will ease pressure on workers and students across the country.
For someone with the average debt of $27,600, this will see $5,520 wiped from their outstanding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans.
Backdated to 1 June, this is lifting the burden for Australians with a student debt – including all HELP, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, Student Startup Loans, and other student loans.
In addition to cutting student debt by 20 per cent, we are raising the minimum amount before people have to start making repayments from $54,435 to $67,000 and reduces minimum repayments.
For someone earning $70,000 it will reduce the minimum repayments they have to make by $1,300 a year.
This builds on our reforms to fix the indexation formula, which has already cut more than $3 billion in student debt.
This means, all up, the Albanese Labor Government will cut close to $20 billion in student debt for more than three million Australians.
The ATO will now begin the work of processing the cut.
This will take a little while but the 20 per cent cut to student debt is guaranteed.
Most people will see their balance reduced before the end of the year, backdated to June.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“This is another way my Government is continuing to deliver cost of living relief to Australians.
“We promised cutting student debt would be the first thing we did back in Parliament – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.
“Getting an education shouldn’t mean a lifetime of debt.
“No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“We promised we would cut your student debt by 20 per cent and we have delivered.
“This is a big deal for 3 million Australians.
“This will save millions of Australians thousands of dollars.
“The average student debt today is $27,600, this will cut that debt by $5,520.
“Just out of uni, just getting started, this will take a weight off their back.
“We are also cutting annual repayments. For someone earning $70,000 a year, it will cut the amount they have to repay every year by $1,300.
“That’s real help with the cost of living. It means more money in your pocket, not the government’s.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles:
“At the election, students and apprentices sent a resounding message of support for our Government’s plan to cut student debt by 20 per cent.
“Now, we’ve delivered on this commitment, making a real difference to the lives of students and apprentices – including nearly 300,000 TAFE students and apprentices.
“The Albanese Government is backing Australians with cost of living relief, and backing them to pursue an apprenticeship or qualification that sets them up for their future.”
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force continues to hold serious concerns for the welfare of 26-year-old Gach, who has not been seen or heard from since 5:30pm on Monday 28 July 2025.
Gach is described as a 6-foot-tall male of Sudanese appearance with a lean build, short curly hair, and was last seen wearing a red or orange puffer jacket, cream-coloured tracksuit pants, and dark-coloured runners.
The NT Police Search and Rescue Section (SRS) is leading an intensive search operation, now into its third day, approximately 21 km west of Alice Springs. The operation is being supported by over 50 personnel, including members from local police units and partner agencies such as NT Emergency Services, NT Fire and Rescue Service, and Parks and Wildlife NT.
The coordinated search effort includes foot teams, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), drones, and helicopter support, with more than 500 km² of challenging terrain already covered.
Search Coordinator Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr said, “Search efforts have been extensive, with significant contributions from local resources. These efforts will continue into day 3. However, forecasted sub-zero overnight temperatures over the coming days are increasing our concerns for Gach’s welfare.”
Police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist search efforts.
Anyone who may have seen Gach in the vicinity of Larapinta Drive, Standley Chasm, or Simpsons Gap on the evening of Monday 28 July, or who has any knowledge of his current whereabouts, is urged to contact police on 131 444.
Source:
Deputy Chief Officer South East, Trevor Owen, said it was amazing to see dedicated women taking on the challenge of leadership roles.
“These women are bringing fresh perspectives, strength, and dedication to their positions and inspiring the next generation of female leaders in CFA,” he said.
In Golden Beach Paula Grosveld is stepping down as Captain of the brigade after 20 years and will be stepping into the role of Group Officer for Banksia Group.
Her new role will involve supporting the brigades in her group to deliver the best for their communities as well as supporting members to achieve their personal goals within CFA.
“I hope I can bring a real sense of respect, kindness, and commitment to the role so that all the brigades know that if they need anything from the group, we will be there to support them,” she said.
Paula has been involved with CFA for 39 years and throughout that time has held various roles.
Paula is passionate about young people getting involved and hopes she can inspire those coming through the ranks to step up into leadership roles.
“Hopefully I can just carry on from the last few group officers and build on what we already have,” she said.
Golden Beach sits in CFA’s District 10 in East Gippsland and Paula said she is really proud to be from an area that has over 90 group management and brigade management positions filled by women.
“In District 10 we have huge representation of women in Brigade Management Teams and in group management teams,” she said.
‘It is just amazing that the women here put up their hand and they have a crack and it’s awesome to see these women grow and learn alongside them.”
Next door in District 11 Bronwyn “Bronnie” Jonkers from Wairewa brigade is the secretary, treasurer and now the fourth Deputy Group Officer of Orbost Group.
Bronnie is the first female DGO in Orbost Group. Bronnie has been a volunteer for just over five years, starting in Wairewa before moving to Stratford and then back to Wairewa.
Since then, Bronnie has been on a whirlwind of a ride, completing Women’s Challenge Camps, doing lots of training and was elected to the position of 4th Lieutenant at Stratford Brigade along with Fundraising Coordinator role before moving back to Wairewa.
As a mum of three kids Bronnie knows about keeping busy but hopes she can continue to learn and push herself in her new role.
“I have grown to love being able to help as much as I can,” she said.
“I signed up thinking I would just be a firefighter and fight fires but since being in CFA I have just continued to grow.”
She encourages all girls and women to think about getting involved in CFA.
“It is a great community to get involved in and you make a lot of new friends, all the women are supportive and you will be really supported in pushing yourself,” she said.
CFA’s District 8 is getting two new lieutenants, Alida Goodchild at Tyabb and Claire Maloney at Carrum Downs.
Stepping into the role of fourth lieutenant for the Tyabb brigade is an exciting new step for Alida Goodchild.
“There has never been a female lieutenant at Tyabb,” she said.
Alida said she is proud to be stepping into this role and hopes she can bring her strengths to the forefront.
“There are more women in the brigade than we have ever had,” she said
“I really want to lead by example and show that they too can enter these roles and step up in the brigade to take on leadership roles.”
In her role as fourth lieutenant Alida will be supporting the brigades mental health program, helping with fundraising and social events like brigade dinners, hydrant maintenance, and social media.
“They really tailor the portfolios to what you are good at and they move around depending on who is in the role so you can really thrive in your areas,” she said.
Claire Maloney is not only the first female lieutenant in the Carrum Downs brigade but she is the first fifth lieutenant the brigade has ever had.
On top of this she is stepping into the role of protective equipment manager, which is also a first for the brigade as they prepare to welcome a new breathing apparatus (BA) truck to their brigade.
“It’s fun to be at the decision table with the brigade management team and get a peek behind the curtain.”
Claire said over the years she has been involved with CFA, the desire to take on more challenges and leadership has developed.
“I don’t think I started off with that in mind but it has definitely grown on me,” she said.
The confidence Claire gets to take on leadership roles she attributes to developing and running a confidence course for crew trainers.
“I definitely learned lots through that and it helped me to get the confidence to step up into other roles.”
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