Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we meet on today – the Jagera and Turrbal peoples – and pay my respects to their elders past and present.

I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today.

Ministers don’t get to choose their portfolio, but if I did, it would have been Early Childhood Education and Care.

I’m proud to have been an early years advocate for many years, in my time representing educators with the Big Steps campaign – to respect and value this overwhelmingly female workforce.

A workforce that was expected to love their work, but live with their low wages, for way too long.

So it was already an honour to be a member of the Albanese Government team, and to be there in the chamber, with educators in the gallery, when Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced we would fund educators’ historic 15 percent payrise last May.

And it’s a huge honour to continue our work, now as Minister, and to have the job of helping to deliver the Prime Minister’s ambition of universal early education for every child, no matter their postcode or what their parents do.

“Together for our children”

Today marks only five weeks in the job – so I feel like a combination of veteran and new starter.

It is wonderful to have the opportunity to be in a room with so many experts and advocates who have been at the forefront of advancing early childhood development, with such impact. Big congrats to the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children for bringing together an amazing room of leaders.

And I‘m really pleased that you’ll hear tomorrow from my friend and colleague Tanya Plibersek.

The theme of the summit – Together for our children – couldn’t be more appropriate or timely.

And I really look forward to working together with you to extend the benefits of quality early education to more children, in more families, in the locations that need it most.

Value of ECEC – the opportunity

I don’t need to tell people in this room the benefits of giving children the best start in life.

And I don’t need to tell you about the evidence.

We have known the benefits of high quality early learning for decades.

In particular, the importance of play-based learning to support language development, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

To foster curiosity and confidence.

To ready children for school and for life.

And if high quality early learning is good for all children, we know it is even better for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

So if we care about all children having the best start, we have to care about quality education and care.

I know that for many people in this room, this week’s release of the 2024 Australian Early Development Census only serves to underscore the importance of continued government investment in quality early learning.

There is more to do.

And when there’s work to be done, it’s always important to consider where we’ve come from, to chart the best path forward.

Ambition and past progress

This country has a proud history of great reforms in early education.

Reforms like those of the Rudd-Gillard Government to:
•    Deliver our world-leading National Quality Framework
•    Mandate educator to child ratios
•    Establish minimum qualifications for educators
•    Increase access to early learning for indigenous children
•    And launch the first national curriculum

And as a result of these reforms, the trajectory of quality in early education has consistently been one of improvement, to this day.

These historic reforms happened because of a combination of values and leadership, and unity of purpose.

Values that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and learn and be ready for the future, no matter where they live or what their parents do.

Leadership like that shown by Julia Gillard, Jenny Macklin and Kate Ellis who knew the evidence that early education is a gamechanger, and acted on it.

Leadership reflected in the advocacy of so many in this room, to achieve so much reform in those critical years.  

And unity of purpose, as the sector came together to engage with government to advance their commitment to professionalisation and quality.

Towards universal ECEC

Those same values and leadership have underpinned the work of my colleague and Cabinet Minister Jason Clare and my predecessor Anne Aly who have continued the significant journey of the previous Labor government.

Their focus has been to build out four pillars of universal early education.

And critically, again, the sector has united to embrace reform and make it happen.

In particular, to build the first pillar of reform – a stable and respected workforce.

We know that our 15% payrise is already paying big dividends.

I’ve heard the difference its made again and again as I’ve visited centres. It helps with the bills. It helps educators to save more and stress less.

And by valuing our dedicated educators in their pay packets, we are seeing significant reductions in staff turnover, as educators see a future in the jobs they love.

And that future means more children are enjoying the ongoing relationships and connections with educators that they need to thrive.

It means more quality early education delivered to families.

Second, we are building more affordable early education and care through:
•    Our changes to the Child Care Subsidy. Today a family on $120,000 per year is more than $4,600 better off – having cut their out of pocket costs by more than a third.

•    And through our 3 Day Guarantee replacing the Activity Test – a test which excludes children from early learning based on what their parents do, not what’s best for them.

•    The 3 Day Guarantee will be in effect from January, with an entitlement for every child of 72 hours per fortnight subsidised early learning.   And for First Nations children that is a full 100 hours per fortnight.

The third pillar is building supply in areas that need it the most, with our billion dollar Building Early Education Fund to deliver early learning in underserved areas in outer suburbs and regions.

A big commitment from the Commonwealth to extend early education into those child care deserts that leave so many children behind.

And the final pillar is quality and safety.

There is no quality without a stable workforce that can stay in jobs they love.

And there is no quality without putting safety first.

In recent months we have all seen images which are hard to watch.

It can both be true that the actions we have seen are utterly unacceptable and must be stopped, and that the vast majority of children are safe and well cared for by outstanding professionals.

Professionals who tell me they feel betrayed by what they are seeing and reading.

Yesterday we announced tougher child safety rules that have  been agreed by all governments, including 24 hour mandatory reporting, and restrictions on the use of personal mobile devices in centres.

And, the Commonwealth is exploring using our powers to crack down on dodgy operators that put profit before children’s safety by restricting their access to Commonwealth funding – cutting off the Child Care Subsidy for existing repeat offenders, and preventing further expansion.

Ensuring that children are safe, and that their families are confident of this, underpins everything we are doing now, and all of the reform that we want to lead.

Bringing the system “together for our children” to create change

To conclude, right now, we are building the pillars of universal early education – workforce, affordability, accessibility, and quality.

As we build towards universal early learning and care, we have:
•    A mountain of evidence of the benefits; 
•    Shared values and leadership, in this room and beyond 
•    A sector uniting for reform
•    And – critically – a Prime Minister who sees and understands the benefits of universal early education, and is ready to build on our proud Labor legacy in the early years.

Everyone in this room has a stake in helping to build that future, and nobody can do it alone.

And I know you have many ideas and much expertise to make change happen.

Change that gives children the best start, no matter their postcode or what their parents do.

I look forward to working with all of you to deliver that future. 
 

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Stay safe on winter walks

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 – 12:44 pm.

Walking in Tasmania’s wilderness areas in winter comes with special reward, but Tasmania Police warns there are also greater risks.The Tasmania Police search and rescue helicopter crew has been called out to almost 200 missions in the 2024/25 financial year, with a number of these rescue incidents avoidable had people undertaken better planning and preparation.Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Acting Inspector Paul Johns said the winter period often involved the crew attending missions where people had not been prepared for the often-harsh conditions of the Tasmanian wilderness.One incident involved two walkers who underestimated the terrain and distance of a walk, believing they would complete the track in six hours. The pair was rescued by the helicopter crew after spending a night in near-freezing conditions.A similar incident involved a family with a small child that spent two nights huddled together in blizzard conditions in the state’s north.The group was unprepared and only equipped for a day’s walking. When the weather turned, they became disorientated and lost.Remote search and rescue personnel located the group the next day and provided medical assistance until the rescue helicopter could attend and extract the group.Tasmania Police and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania joined forces on Tuesday (June 24) to reinforce a winter walking safety message.Acting Inspector Johns urged people to adequately plan and prepare before they ventured into the Tasmanian outdoors.“At any time of the year, it’s important people research their intended trip, have appropriate equipment and that the walk or the track they are attempting is within their abilities and fitness level,” he said.“Tasmania’s weather conditions, particularly in our alpine areas, can change quickly.“In winter, you have added layers of complexity brought on by difficult conditions such as strong wind, rain, sleet and snow; there are much shorter daylight hours, and you can have very cold to freezing temperatures.”Acting Inspector Johns said it was important people who felt they were in difficulty did not leave it to the last minute to seek advice or raise the alarm.“Due to the harsh and inclement weather conditions experienced in Tasmania there are times the rescue helicopter will not be able to reach certain locations,” he said.“Rescue personnel will be in attendance however, if you find yourself in a situation where you believe you require assistance, let people or emergency services know as soon as possible.“Being able to locate people in the wilderness from the helicopter during daylight hours is safer and far less complex than when the sun goes down.“If, however, you do find yourself requiring assistance at night, a light source of any kind is invaluable. The crew on board the helicopter utilises night vision goggles which enhance any light source, be it a torch or mobile phone.”Advice for bushwalkersTasmania Police offers the following advice in reminding bushwalkers of the potential risks in the Tasmanian wilderness.• Police strongly advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices. A Personal Locator Beacon and preferably also a two-way messaging emergency device (known as a ‘SEND’ – Satellite Emergency Notification Device) should also be carried. Take sufficient resources even if you are only undertaking a day walk.• Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions. Have a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water and first-aid kit.• Research your intended trip. Ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast. Note that some walks are extremely demanding and should not be conducted without sufficient experience, and ensure you are mentally and physically prepared.• Let someone know before you go. Ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.• Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.• Be aware that a PLB is a one-way communication device only and the nature of the emergency will not be known by rescue authorities.• Be mindful that assistance may take some time to arrive depending on the location and weather. You must be prepared to survive until assistance arrives.• Be flexible and have a contingency plan. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk, or the trip is harder than you thought. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger-in-Charge Brendan Moodie, left, and Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Senior Constable Phil Rule urge bushwalkers to be fully prepared for adventures in the Tasmanian wilderness. Picture: Tasmania Police

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force arrested a 27-year-old male after responding to a domestic disturbance in Wulagi yesterday afternoon.

About 1:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of an ongoing domestic incident involving a 27-year-old male and his family. It is alleged the offender had smashed a vehicle window before threatening a female victim who is believed to be his partner.

Police deployed general duties, Strike Force Trident, Traffic and specialist members to the scene and set up a cordon. An arrest plan was enacted resulting in the male being arrested without incident, and the victim and children involved being safely removed from the residence at the time.

 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:

The Cadets line up in front of the Central Highlands Training Centre Gas Prop

From May 16 to 18, 36 inspiring young CFA volunteers came together for an unforgettable Cadet Camp — and what a weekend it was!

Held at YMCA’s Lady Northcote Discovery Camp, our 16 to 17-year-old volunteers (cadets) from across Victoria took part in a jam-packed program of team building, personal development and hands-on training at Central Highlands VEMTC.

Throughout the camp, they forged friendships, built confidence, and deepened their commitment to serving their communities — all while having a whole lot of fun.

Highlights included:

• A live drafting session with Ballarat City and Rowsley brigades
• CFA’s simulation table, offering real-time decision-making experience
• Pumper and rescue demo from Ballan Fire Brigade
• Visit from La Trobe University’s Aspire program, sharing opportunities for further development
• Words of encouragement from CFA CEO Greg Leach AFSM, reminding cadets to embrace every opportunity.
  

The Cadet Camp weekend isn’t just about preparing for the future. It is a powerful reminder that our young members are not just tomorrow’s leaders — they are here now, taking their place and playing their part in keeping Victorian communities safe.

Submitted by	Chris Melenhorst

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing its search for 19-year-old Regen who has not been seen since Sunday.

Regen is believed to have departed his home address in Ngukurr on Sunday 22 June at 6am and did not arrive at his destination. It is believed Regen was travelling on a motorbike towards the Nulawan Outstation, 23km to the east of Ngukurr Community.

Yesterday, the Search and Rescue Section (SRS) deployed aerial assets including Police Airwing, Challenger Jet Aircraft and helicopters to conduct searches in the area.

Local police, alongside members from Numbulwar and Katherine, and with the assistance of local rangers and community volunteers, coordinated a ground search, and door knocks have been conducted in Ngukurr Community. Members from the Territory Response Group (TRG) were also deployed to assist with the ground search utilising ATVs and motorbikes.

Search efforts are expected to continue today, with additional resources from the Territory Safety Division (TSD) and NT Emergency Services volunteers being deployed.

Police hold concerns for Regen’s welfare and urge anyone with information to call Triple Zero (000) or 131 444. Please quote reference P25168347.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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Source:

24 June 2025

New research has revealed the trauma faced by journalists during the height of the pandemic, caused by exposure to online threats, disturbing information and disrupted work routines that exacerbated an industry already under pressure from the rise of social media and online news.

Journalism and media experts from the University of South Australia have explored the impact of online trauma and threats faced by media professionals during lockdown and restriction periods of the pandemic.

Findings suggest that while journalists were able to work from home, their reliance on online and digital tools increased, exposing them to potential threats such as trolling, cyber stalking, graphic content, fake news and disturbing information, as well as disrupted work routines.

A survey of 60 people from around the world found that journalists’ reliance on online resources significantly increased during COVID-19. Before the pandemic only 9% of surveyed journalists spent less than two hours per day online for work. By the time lockdowns occurred, that figure rose to 100%. Almost two-thirds of journalists said fake news and dangerous information was the most potent online danger following the height of the pandemic.

Lead researcher PhD student Amantha Perera has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years, his work appearing in TIME, Reuters, The Washington Post, The Guardian and al-Jazeera.

He says the pandemic left journalists in a constant state of uncertainty and feeling anxious and nervous for long periods of time. They also felt they lacked the effective resources and skills to create relief from that environment.

“The traditional journalism practices like tight deadlines, attention to detail and the competition to report stories before others made it more difficult for journalists to switch off. Those we surveyed described COVID-19 as an intense, fast-moving and dynamic story with constant emphasis that it was global and potentially fatal. The threat of infection was always present,” Perera says.

“An overwhelming 97.6% of the survey participants agreed that more resources should be diverted to help journalists build skills to mitigate online trauma which can include disturbing information, graphic content, and abuse and threats.”

One survey participant described the isolation of working and living in a hyper-active information environment and being connected 24/7.

“I was alone a lot in front of the computer. I could not move around in my city. I felt trapped, often interviewing people in very difficult situations. That made things more pronounced for me, and I couldn’t escape it by doing things I usually enjoyed as I was stuck at home,” they said.

The exponential rise in social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, as well as other online resources, have made it easier for audiences to engage immediately with the news cycle and journalists themselves.

“Social media, messaging groups and user comments on stories make it easy for readers to be anonymous and this has created a new digital challenge for journalists who work online,” Perera says.

“The more time that journalists spend inside social media communities, means the more exposure to online toxicity. This is combined with journalists being required to produce often lifesaving public safety information while working long hours and often in remote workspaces during the height of COVID-19.

“This challenging reporting environment resulted in feelings of fatigue, frustration and anxiety – all of which can manifest in journalists reporting under other potentially traumatic situations like natural disasters.”

Perera has proposed the development of a ‘digital flak jacket’ for journalists – a suite of tools and training which adequately prepares journalists for work in digital spaces. His idea was influenced by time he spent reporting the war in Sri Lanka. Every time Perera entered an active conflict zone, he would put on a flak jacket, which is a form of body armour.

“I did this to make sure that I was prepared and relatively safe from potential hazardous reporting situations. In a similar vein, the digital flak jacket proposes a digital equivalent; a set of resources and interventions, which would allow journalists to report within digital or hybrid workspaces safely. For the digital flak jacket to be effective, the individual journalist needs to assess the current threat exposure levels and decide on the most suitable interventions,” he says.

While COVID-19 restrictions have long eased, urgent humanitarian situations in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Israel and Gaza leave journalists to face similar and potentially dangerous working situations while reliant on online resources.

“Our ongoing work investigating current work conditions faced by journalists in the Asia Pacific has shown that journalism is now functioning in a hybrid workspace where the online and the offline interchange seamlessly,” he says.

“This has in turn increased the exposure levels to what we now define as technology facilitated threats. There is also heightened concerns over the impact of generative AI from job losses to fake content to eroding trust. The digital flak jacket is an essential work tool now.”

Contact for interview: Amantha Perera, PhD student, UniSA E: m_b_r_amantha.perera@mymail.unisa.edu.au

Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA M: +61 403 659 154 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

Source:

Source: Premier of Victoria

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to announce a new work placement initiative aimed at encouraging more young women to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Applications are now open for the Young Women in STEM Work Placement Program which is aimed at high school students in Years 9 and 10 across Greater Bendigo. The program will offer week-long placements in selected City units where STEM skills are actively applied such as Bendigo Airport, Bendigo Venues & Events, Engineering and Financial Strategy.

Applicants will undergo a competitive selection process managed by the respective unit.

Director Corporate Performance Jess Howard said the City was proud to present the new STEM placement program.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for 12 young women to gain hands-on experience and valuable insights on what STEM careers look like within local government,” Ms Howard said.

“Students will be selected through a competitive application process and placed in departments where they will see how STEM skills are used every day.

“The City is deeply committed to advancing gender equality both in the workplace and across our community. This program reflects our goal to build strong, diverse teams that deliver high-quality services.

“STEM offers a wide range of exciting and evolving career pathways, and these skills are increasingly valued by employers. I hope this experience inspires students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. It’s vital that organisations like ours, and local businesses in the region, continue to attract emerging talent and embrace the benefits of a diverse workforce.”

The following City business units are championing the program and offering placement opportunities that highlight STEM in action:

• Bendigo Venues & Events: August 25-29, 2025
• Resource Recovery & Education: August 25-29 or September 1-5, 2025
• Climate Change & Environment: September 1-5 or September 15-19, 2025
• Engineering: September 1-5 or November 10-14, 2025
• Financial Strategy: September 8-12 or October 20-24, 2025
• Bendigo Airport: October 6-10 or November 10-14, 2025
• Information Technology: November 10-14, 2025

Today also marks International Women in Engineering Day, a global celebration of the achievements of women engineers and a call to action for more women to shape the world through engineering. The City proudly acknowledges the contributions of its women engineers: Saran O’Connor-Williams (Infrastructure Engineer), Larnie Ham (Graduate Design Engineer), and Kylie Douglas (Senior Landfill Engineer).

“Their work demonstrates the innovation and impact of women in engineering and highlights the exciting range of career opportunities available in STEM,” Ms Howard said.

The City presents around 60 work placements a year for high school and university students, of which 12 will be linked to the Young Women in STEM Work Placement Program. The other City placements are open to everyone who meets the criteria.