Serious crash at Elizabeth South

Source: New South Wales – News

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Elizabeth South.

The single vehicle collision occurred on Philip Highway, Elizabeth South at 6.40pm on Thursday 17 July.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Emergency crews are expected to remain at the scene for several hours.

Suspect sought over e-scooter robbery at Salisbury Downs

Source: New South Wales – News

Investigations are continuing into an assault and theft of an e-scooter at Salisbury Downs earlier this month.

About 4.20am on Sunday 6 July, the victim rode his e-scooter to a service station on Salisbury Highway, Salisbury Downs.  He was confronted on the forecourt by an unknown man armed with a hammer who demanded his e-scooter.

The victim was assaulted and had his scooter stolen.  The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.

The suspect is described as a man with a medium build, dark hair shaved on the sides and appears to have tattoos on the front of his neck and right hand.

Anyone who recognises the suspect caught on CCTV footage or has information that may lead to his identity is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Man assaulted at South Plympton

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating an assault at South Plympton this afternoon.

Police and paramedics were called to Laurence Street, South Plympton at 4.45pm on Thursday 17 July by reports of an assault.

The victim sustained serious injuries and is being taken to hospital by ambulance.  His condition is not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Charges – Aggravated burglary and robbery – Katherine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two males, aged 18 and 14-years-old, in relation to two incidents of an aggravated robbery and burglary that occurred at a Katherine café on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Around 8:40pm on 15 July 2025, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of several people unlawfully entering a café on Katherine Terrace, before leaving location with various stolen food and drink items.

Early yesterday morning, two males entered the same cafe and assaulted staff inside, before fleeing from the location with stolen food and drink items. Two witnesses stopped to render assistance and confronted the two males before they were allegedly assaulted in the process.

Katherine general duties responded and with the assistance of the two witnesses, arrested an 18-year-old male a short time later. Later in the day, members from the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch and Strike Force Cerberus located and arrested a 14-year-old male youth.

The 14-year-old male was charged with:

• Aggravated Robbery

• Aggravated Burglary

• Assault Worker

He was remanded to appear before court tomorrow, 18 July 2025.

The 18-year-old male was charged with:

• Aggravated Robbery

• Aggravated Burglary

• Recruitment of a Child

• Assault Worker

He was remanded to appear before Katherine Local Court on 21 July 2025.

It is unknown at this stage of the investigation if these incidents are linked to a group of people who were involved in an alleged aggravated burglary that took place later in the night involving a stolen motor vehicle.

The Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch and Strike Force Cerberus have carriage of the two incidents.

Anyone with information, including dashcam or CCTV footage, are urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2500071849. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

RAM website updates coming soon

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

The Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM) website is your primary channel for information, help and support on RAM.

Soon the RAM website will be updated with a refreshed look and improved experience. These updates are designed to make it faster and easier for you to find the information you need.

You don’t need to do anything to prepare for the website updates and can continue accessing it at info.authorisationmanager.gov.auExternal Link as usual.

Once the updated RAM website is available, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the improved features and may be asked to share your feedback by completing a short survey during your visit.

Find out more about the RAM website updatesExternal Link.

Looking for the latest news for Super funds? You can stay up to date by visiting our Super funds newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly Super funds newsletter and CRT alerts.

Upcoming information session on Pillar Two

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Calling all multinational entities (MNEs) and tax advisers that may be in scope of the global and domestic minimum tax (Pillar Two).

Join our Pillar Two information session on Friday 15 August from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm AEST.

The session will provide an overview of the administrative and system aspects of the implementation of the Pillar Two measure in Australia. It’ll cover stakeholder and international engagement, guidance and system development, the design of the new domestic tax return form, lodgment obligations, key considerations for MNEs and available support.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain insights from experts and stay informed.

Register for this sessionExternal Link now to secure a spot, as this session will not be recorded.

Keep up to date

Make sure to sign up to our Business bulletins newsletter to keep an eye out for additional future Pillar Two sessions. Read more articles in our online Business bulletins newsroom.

Subscribe to our free:

  • fortnightly Business bulletins email newsletterExternal Link
  • email notifications about new and updated information on our website – you can choose to receive updates relevant to your situation. Choose the ‘Business and organisations’ category to ensure your subscription includes notifications for more Business bulletins newsroom articles like this one.

Serious crash at Kurralta Park

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are at the scene of a serious crash at Kurralta Park.

Just before 1pm today (Thursday 17 July), police and emergency services were called to Anzac Highway near Grassmere Street after reports of a two-car crash.

Citybound traffic is down to one lane.

Please avoid the area if possible.

Straight from the source – July 2025

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

July marks the beginning of a new financial year – a time for all taxpayers including not-for-profits (NFP) to reset, review, and refocus. It’s also tax time, and with that comes the opportunity to strengthen financial foundations, plan for the year ahead, and ensure your NFP is on track to deliver impact.

The start of July is also a time of deep cultural significance as we celebrate NAIDOC Week. This year marks 50 years of honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the theme ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ invites us to reflect on the past, empower the present, and invest in the future. It’s a call to honour the legacy of Elders, uplift young Indigenous leaders, and commit to building a future grounded in respect and inclusion.

At the opening of NAIDOC Week, I was visiting Rainbow Beach in Cooloola, Queensland, where I respectfully acknowledged the traditional lands of the Butchulla and Kabi Kabi peoples. Wherever I travel across Australia, I make it a point to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and learn about Indigenous history – especially the stories that have been passed down through generations. It’s part of my personal commitment to reconciliation.

On this trip, I discovered that in December 2019, the Federal Court formally recognised the Butchulla people’s native title rights over land and waters between Rainbow Beach and Burrum Heads. This followed their first determination in 2014, which acknowledged their rights over K’gari (Fraser Island). I also came across the beautiful legend behind Rainbow Beach’s name. According to the Kabi Kabi people, the rainbow-coloured dunes – now heritage-listed – were formed when Yiningie, a spirit represented by a rainbow, plunged into the cliffs after battling an evil tribesman who was pursuing the maiden Murrawar. These stories are powerful reminders of the deep spiritual connection between land and culture.

As we continue to celebrate NAIDOC Week and every day after, let’s continue to listen, learn, and honour the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – past, present, and future.

For not-for-profits, this is a timely reminder to:

  • Recognise the legacy of First Nations Elders and leaders who have paved the way.
  • Support the strength and vision of young Indigenous changemakers.
  • Review your organisation’s role in fostering culturally safe and inclusive spaces.
  • Build partnerships with First Nations organisations that uplift community voices.

Here are some additional important messages I’d like to share with all NFPs.

Tax Time 2025: lodge your NFP self-review return today!

Tax Time 2025 kicked off on 1 July, and the second NFP self-review return is now open for lodgment, and due by 31 October 2025.

We understand that many NFPs haven’t yet lodged their first return – often due to the time needed to set up access to Online services for business. But don’t wait! You can lodge your return now while completing your digital setup.

Lodge using our self-help phone service by calling 13 72 26 – have your organisation’s ABN and the reference number from your ATO letter ready when you call.

If your NFP doesn’t have a letter from us with a reference number, phone us on 13 28 66 to ask us to resend a letter. When you phone us, you’ll have to prove you are authorised to contact us on behalf of your NFP.

The ATO will support NFPs trying to do the right thing and has suspended penalty application for late lodgment of the 2023–24 NFP self-review return as part of the transitional support arrangements for the sector. 

However, penalties may apply if you don’t lodge your 2024–25 NFP self-review return by the due date.

Shaping a strategic roadmap for the NFP sector

At our upcoming NFP Stewardship Group session, we’ll focus on developing a strategic roadmap to guide tax, superannuation, and registry administration through to 2030 and beyond. This initiative reflects our commitment to building a system that is streamlined, fit for purpose, and aligned with the government’s goal of doubling philanthropy by 2030.

So far, we’ve engaged a diverse range of stakeholders through targeted interviews to gather insights on common challenges, barriers, and opportunities. Their contributions are helping us shape a roadmap that supports NFPs in meeting their obligations with confidence, while enhancing public trust in the sector.

The response from the sector has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in joining the Stewardship Group and contributing to this important work. These sessions mark the beginning of a collaborative journey, with many opportunities ahead for stakeholders to contribute, test, and validate ideas before any commitments are made.

Once finalised, the roadmap will outline a coordinated set of projects and activities designed to ensure the sector is well-positioned for long-term sustainability and compliance. We look forward to continuing this work with the broader stakeholder community in the months ahead.

We continue to receive Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) applications from NFP organisations that do not meet the open membership requirements under the community sheds category.

Community sheds are charities whose dominant purpose is to advance mental health and prevent or relieve social isolation. A community shed must be open to the community to join and generally not impose criteria restricting membership based on matters such as age, ethnicity or background. Rejecting an application for arbitrary reasons will not constitute open membership.

Membership may only be restricted in relation to gender or Indigenous heritage or both.

To meet the open membership requirement, community sheds must:

  • have a clear policy and process for nominating and approving all new members without exception
  • ensure this process is reflected in their governing rules
  • avoid clauses that allow committee members to reject applicants for unspecified or arbitrary reasons.

We encourage all applicants to review their governing documents carefully and ensure they align with the ATO’s requirements before submitting a DGR application.

If you have questions or need support, our advice service on 1300 130 248 is here to help between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm AEST, Monday to Friday.

Community charities that are already listed in a Ministerial Declaration and have registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), can now contact us for guidance on how to apply for DGR endorsement. The best way is to call our dedicated NFP Advice Service on 1300 130 248 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email atoendorsements@ato.gov.au

Support through Australian disaster relief funds (ADRF)

In times of disaster, Australians come together to support those in need. An Australian disaster relief fund (ADRF) is a public fund established exclusively to provide financial assistance to individuals and communities affected by officially declared disasters. This includes both immediate aid and long-term support for community recovery.

You can also make a meaningful impact by donating to established DGRs operating in affected areas. These may include public benevolent institutions (PBIs) and other public assistance organisations that provide similar support in their day-to-day operations. By contributing to trusted organisations, your donation helps deliver timely and effective relief to those who need it most.

The most recent updates to the list of declared disasters are:

  • Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred declared on 1 March 2025
  • Queensland Floods (March 2025) declared on 21 March 2025
  • New South Wales Floods (May 2025) declared on 18 May 2025.

Details of the declared disasters are available on the Australian Taxation Office website on the list of disasters or by going to www.ato.gov.au and searching for QC 18912.

Ancillary Funds

In the lead-up to the end of the financial year, we received a noticeable increase in enquiries to our advice service from ancillary funds.

A reminder to all private and public ancillary funds – each is governed by its own set of guidelines, which must be followed to ensure compliance.

Website updates

You may have noticed that our website content for DGR endorsement has been updated. While the content remains largely unchanged the information has been organised so that it can be accessed more easily, and you will notice that it has been arranged in five tiles that cover:

  1. DGR categories
  2. DGR reforms
  3. Applying for DGR endorsement
  4. Rules and tests for DGR endorsement
  5. Progress of your endorsement application.

Similarly, all the NFP self-review return information has been reviewed and updated as of 8 July 2025.

We’re reviewing and rewriting TD 93/190 to update legislative references and clarify the criteria NFP organisations must meet to qualify for an income tax exemption.

The revised ruling will:

  • reflect current legislation, including all special conditions under Subdivision 50A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
  • explain how ‘community service purposes’ should be interpreted
  • include relevant case law and practical examples of NFP entities that do and do not qualify for the exemption.

Getting tax ready: your EOFY checklist

As you can see, there’s a lot happening in July – and it’s never too late to get tax ready! Whether you’re finalising reports or planning ahead, here are some key reminders to help your NFP stay on track:

  • Review your financial records – make sure everything is accurate and up to date.
  • Finalise payroll and superannuation – ensure all obligations are met before deadlines.
  • Prepare your annual reporting – this includes ACNC submissions, any grant acquittals, Ancillary Fund Returns, NFP self-review returns and Income tax lodgments.
  • Acknowledge your donors – send out end-of-year receipts and thank-you messages.
  • Plan for the year ahead – reflect on your impact, set goals, and build a strong foundation.

Tax time is also a great opportunity to highlight your achievements. Share your impact, thank your supporters, and show how their support and contributions have made a real difference.

Let’s start the new financial year with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Take care and stay safe,

Jennifer.


UPDATE: Youths arrested after alleged assault in Hobart CBD

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

UPDATE: Youths arrested after alleged assault in Hobart CBD

Thursday, 17 July 2025 – 1:25 pm.

UPDATE @ 1.30pm July 17: Youths arrested after alleged assault in Hobart CBD
Police have laid charges against two boys over the alleged assault of a teenage boy in Hobart’s CBD on Wednesday.
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, stealing, destroy property, unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle, and bail offences. He has been held for court.
A 12-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, stealing and unlawfully tamper or interfere with a motor vehicle. He has been bailed to appear in the Hobart Youth Justice Division in August.
The charges stem from an altercation at the grassed area of Mather’s Lane, in Hobart’s central business district, about 2.05pm in which police allege a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and had his iPhone stolen.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident, or the events leading up to it, to come forward.
A group of up to eight youths was seen leaving the area via Criterion Lane immediately following the alleged assault.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au (quote Offence Report 780149).

Promised and delivered: CIT Woden Campus officially open!

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 17/07/2025

The ACT Government is today celebrating the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) Woden campus.

CIT Woden is part of the ACT Government’s $14 billion Infrastructure Plan, ensuring Canberra remains one of the world’s most liveable cities as our community grows.

Up to 6,500 students each year are expected to attend CIT Woden, which welcomes students from next Monday, 21 July for the start of Semester 2. Spanning 22,500 square metres across five levels, CIT Woden contains 66 learning spaces that will support 24 different industry areas.

CIT Woden is designed to support the skills Canberra needs now and into the future, with a diverse range of courses in areas such as information technology, cyber security, photography, business, hospitality, hairdressing, creative industries and more. Students and the community can also enjoy amenities like a student-operated restaurant, hair and beauty salon, as well as the vibrant public spaces.

Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations, Michael Pettersson, said the new campus was a game-changer in delivering quality vocational education in the ACT, and has transformed the Woden Town Centre into a vibrant learning hub.

“We promised to deliver a world-class education precinct in Woden, and we’ve delivered. The training facilities and learning spaces at the new CIT Woden are second to none,” Minister Pettersson said.

“Students of all ages are going to love this modern and sustainable facility, and we’ve already had a lot of positive feedback from CIT staff who are starting to feel right at home in their new surroundings. This is another example of the ACT Government building Canberra’s future and providing the next generation with the opportunity to gain the skills needed for their chosen careers.”

CIT Woden is a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus. All electric commercial kitchens and training restaurants, as well as an array of solar panels, will help contribute to the ACT Government’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. The main building’s structure, floors and architectural finish are crafted from cross-laminated timber and glue-laminated timber sustainably sourced and manufactured in Australia.

Designing with Country has been a guiding principle for the CIT Woden Campus project, from the Brindabellas inspired ‘Walking the Ridgeline’ façade, to reflecting a silhouette of a ‘Mulleun’, or wedge-tailed eagle through the ‘Oculus’ sky light, at the top of level five.

More than 520 local jobs and apprenticeships were created during construction of CIT Woden, while construction partner, Lendlease, provided nearly 8,000 hours of training during construction.

– Statement ends –

Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

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