Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A 22-year-old male has been charged with Murder following a serious assault that occurred during a disturbance in Alice Springs in May.
The upgraded charge follows consultation with the Department of Public Prosecutions.
The 22-year-old first appeared in Alice Springs Local Court on 19 May 2025 and was remanded to reappear on 24 July 2025.
Source: New South Wales – News
Police are investigating after a body was located at O’Sullivan Beach this morning.
Just before 10.30am on Thursday 10 July, police and paramedics were called to the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp after a person was seen floating in the water.
The 29-year-old Christie Downs man was brought to shore but sadly could not be revived.
The death is not being treated as suspicious, and police are preparing a report for the Coroner.
Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
Today I am releasing an updated Statement on the Conduct of Monetary Policy (SCMP) and the first Statement of Expectations for the RBA’s Governance Board.
The RBA Monetary Policy Board formally agreed the new SCMP at its meeting on 7–8 July.
These new Statements are next steps to strengthen the independence and transparency of the RBA.
They finalise the Government’s implementation of our reforms to the RBA, including the publication of unattributed votes by the Monetary Policy Board.
These reforms are all about reinforcing the Reserve Bank’s independence, clarifying its mandate, modernising its structures and enhancing its accountability.
This is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensuring Australia’s central bank remains world class with a monetary policy and governance framework fit to meet current and future economic challenges.
The Statements are the result of careful consideration and extensive consultation with the RBA, the Bank’s boards, and Treasury.
I thank Governor Bullock, the Bank’s boards and its leadership for their work bedding down the reforms.
The SCMP reaffirms the Government’s commitment to the independence of the RBA and sets out the agreed approach to meeting the Board’s legislated objectives.
Under the new SCMP the RBA publishes an unattributed record of votes.
The RBA Review recommended this change to enhance the transparency and accountability of the RBA.
The new SCMP also implements another key transparency and accountability recommendation for the Monetary Policy Board members to conduct at least one speech or public engagement each year.
The first Statement of Expectations for the newly constituted Governance Board clarifies the Board’s responsibilities when it comes to accountability, transparency and operational matters, as well as reporting on progress in implementing the RBA Review recommendations.
The RBA Governance Board considered the Statement at its meeting on 10 June.
The Statement brings the RBA into line with best practice making the Governance Board’s role clear in overseeing the Bank’s culture and driving institutional change.
Read the Statement on the Conduct of Monetary Policy
Download the Statement of Expectations [PDF 127 kB]
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has issued a determination granting authorisation with conditions to allow the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) and industry participants to collaborate on sustainable finance initiatives for five years.
The authorisation allows ASFI, ASFI members and other industry participants to exchange information to improve the integration of natural capital data into financial decision-making, co-design investment structures and give effect to limited agreements for co-designed financial products, and develop related regulatory reform proposals.
The collaborative conduct aims to facilitate the development of sustainable farming practices, support producers to meet sustainability regulations of export destinations, and contribute to emissions reduction targets.
“The ACCC recognises there can be benefits of businesses working together towards a more sustainable economy, and many sustainability collaborations are unlikely to raise competition concerns,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.
“This authorised collaborative conduct will likely result in transaction cost savings, process efficiencies and increase the likelihood of investment supporting positive environmental and social outcomes.”
The ACCC has specified five conditions of authorisation to address potential public detriments, such as reduced competition in the supply of sustainable finance products and coordinated behaviour in broader financial markets from information sharing.
“We are able to consider a broad range of sustainability benefits when assessing exemptions from competition law,” Mr Keogh said.
“This authorised conduct, with the conditions, will likely result in public benefits that outweigh potential community harms.”
The ACCC has recently published a guide for businesses on sustainability collaborations that aims to help businesses understand how competition law applies to sustainability initiatives.
Competition law does not need to be a barrier for those considering sustainability collaborations that deliver a net public benefit. A wide range of sustainability collaborations may not breach competition laws. Where there is risk of a potential breach, the ACCC’s authorisation process is flexible and can provide timely legal protection to businesses who wish to work together to achieve better environmental outcomes.
A copy of the decision is available on the ACCC’s public register.
ASFI is a collaboration between representatives of the Australian financial sector, civil society, academia, and financial regulators. Membership is voluntary and open to any corporation in the financial services sector or service provider to financial institutions which is interested in pursuing and supporting ASFI’s objectives.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has provided the ASFI with a grant to undertake the ‘Institutional Investor Engagement (Indo-Pacific)’ project to draw private investment into development outcomes in the Indo-Pacific region, including through supporting the development of DFAT’s blended finance portfolio.
The ACCC granted interim authorisation to the ASFI and its member banks on 7 March 2025, allowing them to discuss and exchange information for the purpose of developing potential banking capital requirement reforms to remove constraints on sustainable finance and investment in Australia. Interim authorisation will remain in place until the final determination comes into effect.
The ACCC released a draft determination on 17 April 2025 proposing to grant authorisation, with conditions, for five years.
ACCC authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct by competitors that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act.
Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.
In December 2024, the ACCC released its guide on sustainability collaborations and Australia competition law to inform businesses and other entities about the interaction between Australian competition law and sustainability collaborations.
Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing
10/07/25
Victorians will soon have greater access to free mental health and wellbeing support, with 7 new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals set to open across the state.
These new services will build on the success of the 15 existing Mental Health and Wellbeing , which have already supported more than 21,000 people to access care closer to home – without the need for a referral or Medicare card.
The new services will be located in the Local Government Areas of:
The rollout of these new services is an important step in delivering on the Royal Commission’s vision for a connected, responsive and community-based mental health system.
Services are expected to commence from late 2025.
To learn more, visit Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals.
Source:
The keys were officially handed over today by the Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward, CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and CFA Board Chair Jo Plummer.
The new station will allow Irymple’s dedicated volunteers to serve and protect the community well into the future.
Irymple Captain Andrew Millen said the new station and truck meant a lot to the brigade.
“The upgrades to our facilities and equipment have meant we have the necessary tools to continue keeping our community safe,” Andrew said.
“This has been a huge project and it is great to see the fruits of everyone’s labour come to fruition.
“We want to thank everyone who has been involved in this process, we really are so grateful.
“The brigade is very proud of its new station and truck and Irymple and surrounding communities will reap the benefits of this long into the future.”
The new station replaces the previous fire station on Koorlong Avenue in Irymple with a modern facility including four motor bays, a four-bay external shed, support areas, offices, and volunteer amenities.
The heavy tanker will also boost the brigade’s capability by providing 4,000 litres of water, an increase of 1,650 liters from the previous medium tanker.
The heavy tanker also has improved off-road performance, electronic monitors, electric rewind hose reels, and provides more safety and comfort features for volunteers.
Chief Fire Officer Jason Heffernan said it was great to see Irymple brigade receiving updated facilities and equipment.
“Irymple is a very remote brigade and they do an outstanding job of responding to their community as well as others around the area,” Jason said.
“The new station and truck will allow them to continue protecting lives and property for many years to come.”
| Submitted by | CFA Media |
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The body of a 57-year-old man has been recovered by the Search and Rescue Section today at Edith Falls.
The man had not been seen since entering a plunge pool at Edith Falls at around 3pm on Tuesday 8 July.
Police located and recovered the man’s body a short time ago near one of the waterfalls.
At this stage, police do not believe the death to be suspicious and was the result of a medical incident.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Northern Territory Police Force would like to pass on our condolences to the family and thank the members of the public, Parks and Wildlife, NT Life Saving, Department of Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Water for their support.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The upper and lower pools of Edith Falls and the walking track to the upper pool are expected to remain closed for the rest of the day.
Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies
The latest of the Albanese Labor Government’s new trade and investment missions took place in India this week building on the government’s commitment to create jobs and drive growth through stronger international partnerships.
This mission, one of five announced by the Prime Minister in April, will be attended by 30 delegates from across 22 innovative Australian companies, showcasing Australia’s cutting-edge clean energy solutions.
Led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in partnership with the New South Wales and Victorian Governments, and supported by Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, the mission will deepen our energy cooperation with one of our most important trade and investment partners.
Australia is a world leader in clean energy innovation, and businesses are well placed to partner with India as it transitions to a low-emissions future. India has set a commendable target to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, and Australian companies can play a key role in supporting that growth while opening up significant export opportunities.
Trade missions such as these are a critical part of the Government’s strategy to diversify and strengthen Australia’s trade and investment relationships. They showcase the best of Australian innovation to the world and deliver concrete commercial outcomes for our exporters.
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
The City of Greater Bendigo wants to hear from local community groups and organisations interested in holding a free or low-cost event or activity as part of this year’s Greater Bendigo Seniors Festival set to take place from October 5 to October 12, 2025.
This year’s festival will celebrate with the theme Connect Create Celebrate!
City of Greater Bendigo Acting Director Healthy Communities and Environments Andie West said the City is calling on local community groups and organisations to hold an event or activity during this year’s festival, to showcase their group, provide entertainment, activities and a chance for older adults to connect with others.
“We are looking for groups to hold activities and events that older people will enjoy such as, craft and gardening activities, tours, morning teas, entertainment, information sessions, learning opportunities, come and try days or exercise programs and events that promote positive ageing,” Ms West said.
“The annual Seniors Festival recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution of older adults to our community and encourages them to discover new activities and interests in our community.
“It’s a great way for groups and organisations to connect with older adults who make up a large part of our population.
“If you think your group or organisation can host a great event for older adults in the spirit of the festival then we want to hear from you.
“We have limited space in the printed program but would love to include as many events as possible that meet the broad needs of the community.
“Community events and activities registered by Wednesday August 6, 2025, where possible, will be listed and promoted in the printed and online festival program.
“Groups and organisations are also encouraged to promote events through their own networks and on the Connect Greater Bendigo events calendar.”
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 10/07/2025
The ACT Government is celebrating International Safewards Day by recognising the success of the ACT’s Towards a Safer Culture – Safewards program, making public hospitals safer for healthcare workers, patients, carers and families.
Safewards is an evidence-based model that helps staff and patients communicate more effectively to reduce conflict and instances of occupational violence.
It promotes collaboration between healthcare teams, consumers, carers and families to create safer, more supportive hospital environments.
The model includes 12 practical strategies staff can use to reduce the likelihood of conflict and support a positive environment. These include:
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government was proud to support the continued rollout of Safewards across Canberra’s public hospitals.
“Safewards is transforming the way care is delivered in our hospitals. It’s about creating and supporting environments where patients feel heard, staff feel supported, and everyone feels safe,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Today, on International Safewards Day, we celebrate the dedication of our nurses and healthcare workers who are championing this change. We are proud of our progress so far and grateful to our staff and consumers who are leading the way.”
An initial pilot of the Safewards Model carried out in the ACT in 2021 found:
Following the successful trial in four wards across Canberra Health Services, the ACT Government committed $4.67 million to expand the program under the Nurses and Midwives Towards a Safer Culture ‘The Next Steps’ Strategy aiming to implement Safewards in 12 wards by June 2026.
To date, Safewards has been introduced in 10 wards, with the Towards a Safer Culture team delivering more than 400 in-service education sessions and training over 450 Safewards Champions across Canberra Health Services.
Phase 4 of the rollout began on 30 June 2025 in Wards 7B and 7C of Building 5 at Canberra Hospital, which will complete the Government’s commitment once fully implemented.
“The ACT Government made a commitment to implement Safewards in 12 wards by the middle of next year and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Congratulations to the team for their excellent work implementing this important model of care in our hospitals,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
Quotes attributable to Judy Ryall, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Canberra Health Services:
“Safewards has empowered our nurses and midwives to build stronger and more respectful relationships with patients. It’s not just about reducing conflict; it’s about fostering trust and safety.
“Our nurses and midwives are at the heart of Safewards. Their commitment to compassionate and collaborative care is what makes this model so effective.
“We’re proud of the leadership they have shown in creating safer spaces for everyone.”
– Statement ends –
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases