Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Tasmania Police

Man in custody following Newnham house fire

Friday, 12 December 2025 – 9:17 am.

A man has been arrested following a fire at a Newnham property in the early hours of this morning.
Police received multiple calls from the public just after midnight when a man was reportedly seen running from the George Town Road address.
Multiple Tasmania Fire Service crews responded and the fire was contained before a 34 year old Launceston man was arrested by police.
He remains in custody and is assisting police with their inquiries.
Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously. Quote ESCAD number 000006-12122025.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Australia’s stevedores are charging record high prices and making historic profits despite having significant spare capacity in ports and with their costs and productivity remaining relatively stable in recent years, the ACCC’s Container Stevedoring Monitoring Report 2024-25 shows.

In 2024-25, stevedoring profits rose for the fifth year in a row, reaching historical highs across most metrics measured by the ACCC.

Stevedores are now charging a higher total price per container, in real terms, than at any time since the ACCC began monitoring the container stevedoring industry 27 years ago.

The report concludes that a Government policy or regulatory response is likely required to address apparent market failures and improve Australia’s container freight supply chain to the benefit of households and businesses.

The ACCC uses total real revenue per container lift as a proxy for the total stevedoring price paid per container. The stevedoring industry’s total real revenue per lift has increased by $21.93 (or 5.5 per cent) in 2024-25 and $68.88 (or 19.4 per cent) since 2019-20, to a historical high of $423.11 per container in 2024-25.

Over the past five years, using real earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) as an example, the stevedoring industry’s real:

• operating profit has increased by $457.8 million (or 130.5%), to a historical high of $808.6 million in 2024-25
• operating profit margin has increased by 14.5 percentage points, to a historical high of 34.8% in 2024-25
• return on average tangible assets has increased by 29.5 percentage points, to a historical high of 45% in 2024-25.

The report also compares the profitability of the stevedoring industry with other companies in the transportation and industrials sectors. It shows the stevedoring industry’s profitability in 2024 was higher than the transportation sector across all metrics the ACCC used, and higher than the industrials sector across most metrics.  

“These are very high short run returns for an industry with significant spare capacity at ports, stable costs and stable productivity,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Typically, we would expect to see excess terminal capacity placing downward pressure on the stevedores’ prices and short run profits. The fact that stevedores are performing better than they were prior to entry of Hutchison, a time when the industry was operating as a capacity constrained duopoly, raises serious concern about how this market is operating.”

Landside charges the main driver of rising prices and profits

In recent years, stevedores have significantly increased the fees that transport companies have to pay to collect or drop off containers, known as landside charges.

“Over the years, landside charges have gone from a relatively small part of revenue to a major driver of profit for the industry,” Ms Brakey said.

In 2024-25, the stevedoring industry collected almost half (49.5 per cent or $1.15 billion) of its revenue from landside charges. This is almost equal to the entire investment that the stevedores have made collectively over the past 8 years ($1.25 billion).

More than $642 million of the $1.15 billion in landside charges revenue came from terminal access charges alone, which stevedores previously described as infrastructure levies.  

“The stevedoring industry began to significantly increase terminal access charges in 2017 and since then they’ve collected over $3 billion in terminal access charges,” Ms Brakey said.

“We are concerned that stevedores can increase these charges, and thereby their profitability, independent of the underlying market conditions”.

“These unavoidable costs land first on trucking companies, who then pass them on to importers and exporters, who have no real way to avoid or negotiate them. With similar charges across terminals and lack of ability or incentives for most importers and exporters to switch stevedores, they cannot influence these costs through competition,” Brakey said.

“Targeted reform is likely needed to ensure there are effective competitive constraints on stevedores to support the supply chain. Without it, Australian businesses and households will ultimately pay the price through higher costs.”

Stevedoring industry total revenue per lift

Background

The ACCC has monitored the container stevedoring industry since 1998-99, under a direction from the Australian Government.

Container stevedoring involves lifting containers on and off ships. The ACCC currently monitors the prices, costs and profits of container stevedores at five Australian container ports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney.

Stevedores levy fixed charges, including terminal access charges and vehicle booking fees on transport operators for every laden container transport operators collect from, or drop off at, stevedores’ terminals. Stevedores also levy a range of incentive-based and ancillary charges on transport operators.

These fixed and incentive-based charges are collectively known as ‘landside charges’.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has seized multiple prohibited items, including Privately Manufactured Firearms (PMFs), during two search operations in Nhulunbuy as part of an investigation into the illegal manufacture of firearms.

Search warrants were executed on 13 October and 10 December 2025 at a Nhulunbuy property, where several 3D-printed firearms and associated components were seized. Police also located gel blasters, metal and gel ball bearings, a bayonet, a laser sight attachment, suppressors, additional PMF parts, 3D-printed magazines, 3D-printed ammunition, and spent cartridges.

A 22-year-old man has been charged and will appear before Nhulunbuy Local Court on 16 December 2025.

Acting Senior Sergeant Aaron Chapman of the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit said, “Privately Manufactured Firearms pose a real and serious safety risk to all Territorians. FPRU is dedicated to protecting the community.

“Manufacturing firearms without approval is a serious offence carrying penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment. It creates an unacceptable risk to community safety.”

“We will investigate, locate, and prosecute anyone involved in illegal firearms or the manufacture of PMFs.

This complex investigation was led by the Firearms Policy and Recording Unit (FPRU), supported by specialist NT Police units and Australian Border Force (ABF), demonstrating strong collaboration between agencies to disrupt the manufacture and possession of prohibited firearms.

Police urge anyone with information about the manufacture of firearms, including 3D-printed weapons, to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

Statement by AREEA Chief Executive, Steve Knott AM 

AREEA welcomes the Queensland Government’s Energy Roadmap as clear recognition that coal, gas and Queensland’s wider resources sector remain absolutely essential to keeping the lights on, industry running and regional communities thriving.  

AREEA also welcomes the Government’s commitment to progressing enabling projects like CopperString. Unlocking the North West Minerals Province and expanding gas supply means more investment, more production and more high-quality Queensland jobs.  

It’s encouraging to see the Government acknowledge what employers and workers already know – reliable, affordable energy still depends on a strong resources industry. 

But the Roadmap will only deliver if governments at all levels work together to address logjams in the approvals system and ensure projects are not stuck in bureaucratic limbo, putting Queensland’s competitive edge at risk. 

AREEA stands ready to work with the Queensland Government to ensure this Roadmap strengthens, not stalls, the resources sector and the communities that depend on it.  

ENDS

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

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a commercial quantity of Kava in Nhulunbuy on Tuesday evening.

Around 5:40pm, the Dog Operations Unit and Nhulunbuy general duties officers conducted a routine screening of luggage arriving on a commercial flight from Cairns. During the screening, Drug Dog Kobi detected approximately 72 kilograms of Kava.

A 46-year-old male has been issued a Notice to Appear for Possess commercial quantity of Kava and Supply commercial quantity of Kava.

He is scheduled to appear in the Nhulunbuy Local Court on 10 March 2026.

Acting Senior Sergeant Ryan Watkinson said, “Kava continues to cause social and financial harm in remote communities, and those seeking to profit from it show little regard for the impact it creates.

“We remain committed to intercepting restricted substances before they reach communities.

“Anyone attempting to profit from the illegal supply of Kava will be held accountable.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating following a disturbance that occurred in Wadeye yesterday afternoon.

Around 5:30pm, police received reports of a disturbance occurring on Perdjert Street involving a large group. Upon arrival, officers observed a group of up to 60 people engaged in disorderly behaviour and throwing objects at each other.

The group then allegedly began throwing projectiles at a nearby Night Patrol vehicle, and officers tactically withdrew to obtain additional resources. Upon their return, the disturbance had subsided.

Two males later presented to the local clinic for treatment of minor injuries believed to have been sustained during the incident.

Additional patrols were conducted overnight to maintain visibility and provide reassurance to community members.

No serious injuries were reported and investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444, quoting reference number P25333935. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

The Albanese Labor Government will expand Australia’s Antarctic Program and create jobs and opportunities in Tasmania.

This is about more jobs and investment in Tasmania and more funding for our scientists and our experts.

It’s a big investment that backs Tasmania, backs our scientists, backs our environment and our economy.

It includes funding for:

• More voyages of RSV Nuyina, one of the most advanced polar icebreaking research ships in the world, which will deepen our understanding of Antarctica, the impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean and Antarctica’s role in the global climate system.
• Up to 30 new technical and scientific jobs at the Antarctic Division headquarters in Tasmania to support and deliver the additional marine science voyages.
• Aviation capability to keep Australian workers safe by providing medical evacuation and search and rescue support.
• More research through the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science.
• A $5 million grant for data analysis and publication from recent Denman Glacier campaigns being delivered by post‑doctoral researchers and staff.

New funding of $208.8 million over seven years from 2025–26 will secure critical shipping and aviation capabilities and continue supporting our world‑class marine science.

Whether it’s more scientists, more funding for sea voyages or more funding for aviation, we’re investing in the Antarctic Program in the interests of all Australians.

Better understanding Antarctica means better understanding climate change and it’s impacts on our economy and our communities, and that’s what this investment is all about.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Bupa HI Pty Ltd (Bupa) has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $35 million in penalties for engaging in unconscionable conduct and making false or misleading representations to Bupa members, hospitals and medical providers about the members’ entitlements to private health insurance benefits for certain claims.

The Court declared that, between May 2018 and August 2023, Bupa engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and made false or misleading representations by advising that members were not entitled to benefits for any part of their claim when, in fact, these members were entitled to benefits for any treatment covered under their policy.  

The Court also declared that Bupa engaged in unconscionable conduct between June 2020 and February 2021 in connection with its incorrect assessment of some Mixed Coverage Claims.

Most of the claims impacted by Bupa’s conduct were for hospital treatment in which two or more procedures were performed at the same time. In cases where part of the treatment was covered by a member’s policy and part of the treatment was not covered, Bupa incorrectly rejected the entire claim.

Bupa cooperated with the ACCC during its investigation and agreed to make joint submissions with the ACCC to the Court about proposed orders, including in relation to liability and penalties.

“Bupa’s conduct impacted thousands of consumers. During our investigation we heard from Bupa members who suffered significant harm, including financial harm as well as pain, suffering and emotional distress as a result of Bupa’s conduct,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Some of Bupa’s members decided to cancel, delay or forego necessary treatment, resulting in potential medical risks or complications, because they were incorrectly told they were not entitled to health insurance benefits.”

“Private health insurance can be a significant expense for consumers and people rightly expect to receive the level of coverage they pay for,” Ms Lowe said.

Medical providers and hospitals were also impacted by Bupa’s conduct, including by not receiving the payments they were entitled to in respect of certain members’ claims.

In addition to the $35 million in penalties, the Court also ordered an injunction restraining Bupa from engaging in the contravening conduct for a period of five years.

“We consider this to be extremely serious conduct, and this is reflected in Bupa’s admission that it engaged in unconscionable conduct, which is one of the most serious types of misconduct under the consumer laws that we enforce,” Ms Lowe said.  

“Today’s outcome should serve as a reminder to all health insurers of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law, including that they must ensure that claims are assessed correctly so that their members receive the benefits they are entitled to under their policies.”

In June this year, Bupa provided the ACCC with a court enforceable undertaking to complete its remediation program to compensate affected members, hospitals and medical providers by Bupa’s misconduct. This includes compensation for the amount the member was entitled to but did not receive, plus interest.

Bupa commenced the remediation program prior to this court action. To date, more than $14.3 million has been paid to parties for more than 4100 affected claims. 

If you consider you may have been impacted by the conduct, please contact Bupa on a number you source independently or you can complete a Remediation Form available at: www.bupa.com.au/mixedcoverage

Background

On 30 June 2025, the ACCC instituted proceedings against Bupa in the Federal Court.

Bupa is the second largest private health insurance company in Australia, with an approximate 25.5 per cent market share and around 4.5 million members. It is a subsidiary of Bupa HI Holdings Pty Ltd which is ultimately controlled by British United Provident Association Ltd.

Bupa’s misconduct relates to two types of health insurance claims:

• Mixed Coverage Claims – these are claims that included both treatment that was covered under a member’s private health insurance policy and treatment that was not covered under their policy; and
• Uncategorised Item Claims – these are claims that included treatment that was not assigned to a standard clinical category in Bupa’s claims assessment system.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force responded to a criminal damage incident in Tennant Creek overnight.

Around 12:55am this morning, police attended a school on Paterson Street after an off-duty officer reported activity within the grounds. Upon entering the grounds, police located and identified five male youths that had allegedly caused considerable damage to property, equipment and several windows.

The youths, all aged between 7 and 9-years-old, were conveyed home into the care of a responsible adult.

Referrals have been made to the Department of Children and Families.

Police continue to urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.