Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NSW Government puts trust in NAB to transform banking and payments

12 06 2025 – Media release

Emily: I Am Kam. Photo Toly Sawenko. 
A powerful new documentary, Emily: I Am Kam, revealing the work of Australia’s most significant artist, Emily Kam Kngwarray, premieres on National Indigenous Television (NITV) and SBS On Demand on Wednesday 9 July at 8:30pm, with an encore on SBS on Saturday 12 July at 8:30pm.
Directed by Danielle MacLean, the film delves into Emily Kam Kngwarray’s transformative impact on the international contemporary art world and her enduring legacy. Emily: I Am Kam is a detailed portrait that offers an intimate and profound exploration of Kngwarray, a trailblazing Anmatyerr artist from the Northern Territory. Kngwarray is celebrated as one of Australia’s most significant and prolific artists. Her work is deeply rooted in her connection to Country, culture, and community, Emily: I Am Kam follows the preparations of the National Gallery of Australia’s major 2023 Kngwarray retrospective. It provides a rare opportunity to witness her journey and the profound influence of her art and explores the power of Emily’s work to protect her Country, Alhalker.
The film has received principal production funding from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, and features rare archival recordings, audio, and visuals from the mid-1970s onwards, many of which have never been seen or heard before. These materials allow Kngwarray to speak in her own words, offering viewers an authentic and personal insight into her life and artistic process.
Interviews with Emily’s descendants as they revive the awely (women’s ceremony) and collaborate on a major retrospective exhibition, reaffirms her connection to Country and community and helps audiences gain an understanding of who she was and why she painted. It also reveals her legacy is much more than the 3,000 or so paintings she left behind.
Emily: I Am Kam is produced by Anna Grieve and Danielle MacLean of Tamarind Tree Pictures, and written and directed by Danielle MacLean.
Screen Australia First Nations Department Development and Investment Manager Jorjia Gillis said, “Emily: I Am Kam is a powerful documentary that highlights the culturally significant work, life and legacy of Emily Kam Kngwarray. The creative team led by Danielle MacLean and Anna Grieve have expertly captured the impact of Emily’s career as her paintings truly are living histories with intrinsic connection to Country, community and culture.”

Producers Danielle MacLean and Anna Grieve of Tamarind Tree Pictures said, “Emily: I Am Kam is much more than an art documentary, it is a cultural story told while working alongside the Alhalker and Anangker women, Kngwarray’s descendants and cultural successors. These women carry Emily’s legacy in their bodies, their songs, their ceremonies and in their relationship to Country. They welcomed us onto their land, shared their knowledge, and allowed us to witness what cannot be found in archives or galleries – the living continuation of Kngwarray’s culture Emily: I Am Kam is not a Western story of artistic genius or fame. It is a story of deep cultural continuity, told from within the community.”
Dena Curtis, Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production at NITV said, “Emily Kam Kngwarray is one of Australia’s most significant artists. Having reshaped the international art world, her work and legacy continues to reverberate globally. Emily: I Am Kam explores the intersection of art, culture and Country, NITV is the home of black excellence, and we are incredibly proud to bring Kngwarray’s story to audiences and highlight the living continuation of her culture and legacy.”
Dr Nick Mitzevich, Director, National Gallery of Australia said, “Emily Kam Kngwarray was one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. Her original artistic vision and powerful expression of Country, Community, culture and identity has been celebrated globally. As custodians of the largest collection of her art, it is important that the National Gallery shares Kngwarray’s life and art with Australians and the world. It is with great excitement to share her legacy through this captivating documentary.”
Jennie Hughes, Director at Screen Territory said, “Emily Kam Kngwarray’s story is one of extraordinary cultural and creative significance — not just for the Northern Territory, but for the world. Emily: I Am Kam offers a powerful exploration of her legacy, and Screen Territory is proud to support this remarkable documentary from Tamarind Tree Pictures, skillfully directed by the talented Danielle MacLean. This film not only honours one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, but also deepens our understanding of Indigenous art, culture, and the connection to Country.”
Emily: I Am Kam is a Tamarind Tree Pictures production for NITV. Principal Production funding from Screen Australia’s First Nations Department in association with National Gallery of Australia. Financed with support from NITV and Screen Territory.
Watch Emily: I Am Kam on NITV and SBS On Demand on Wednesday 9 July at 8:30pm and on SBS on Saturday 12 July at 8:30pm, as part of the network’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. Subtitles will be available on SBS On Demand in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, with audio description for blind or low vision audiences.
NITV Media Enquiries:
Hannah Watkins, Senior Communications Specialist
0411 362 727 | [email protected]
Media enquiries
Maddie Walsh | Publicist
+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836  | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]

Source: Australian National Party

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Consumer Affairs Victoria is pursuing legal action to protect consumers from car sellers who break the law.

It’s currently targeting licensed and unlicensed sellers whose conduct has undermined consumers’ rights when buying a used car.

Two companies operating car businesses in Dandenong and Cranbourne were recently suspended from trading. They had failed to deliver cars to customers, to pay or transfer stamp duty, and to return deposits on cancelled contracts.

More than 200 customers have so far claimed over $330,000 from the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund, after losing money dealing with CMG Automotive and CHM Motors. The fund compensates Victorians who suffer financial loss as the result of dealing with a licensed car business that breaks the law.

Consumer Affairs is now asking VCAT to permanently cancel CMG Automotive’s licence.

In a separate case, unlicensed car trader Zequn Wang, was recently convicted and fined $25,000. Wang bought or sold 84 cars between January 2022 and September 2023. This is far greater than the four cars per year limit you can trade without a licence.

The Office of Public Prosecutions has now launched an appeal on Consumer Affairs’ behalf to the County Court, believing the sentence handed down was inadequate.

In Victoria, unlicensed traders face maximum penalties of up to $19,000, or 15% of the sale price, for each car they buy, sell or exchange.

Buying a used car? Things you need to know

Consumer Affairs also provides information and advice so Victorians can make informed choices when buying a car.

For many people, it’s one of the biggest purchases they’ll make. Understanding your rights can help you to be happy on the road.

A new campaign will promote the laws that protect you when you’re buying a second-hand car. Demand for used cars rose 12% nationally last year.

Buying from a licensed trader provides a cooling-off period, clear title and warranty. Combined with having access to compensation from the Motor Car Traders Guarantee Fund if things go wrong, these are strong protections not available if you buy from an unlicensed seller.

Learn more about buying a used car safely and follow Consumer Affairs Victoria on Instagram.

Source:

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan presenting a service certificate to Toomuc brigade

Toomuc Fire Brigade recently gathered to celebrate their 80 years of service to the community and acknowledge the dedication of some of their long serving members.

More than 60 people came together at the Cardinia Club in Pakenham on Saturday 14 June, with CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan joining in the festivities.

Toomuc Fire Brigade Captain Andrew Ferrari has been a member for 22 years and said after a long, busy summer, it was nice to come together to mark the special occasion.

“We are a peaceful bunch, we work hard, get the job done and get home safely,” Andrew said.

“We had eight firefighters attend the Gurdies fire in December, before heading to the Grampians. Our 2nd Lieutenant Dan Farrall, lead a crew who were locating hot spots that had been called in by aircraft patrolling the area.”

Forming after the Pakenham fires in 1944, the original station was then built and opened in 1954 by the founding members. The bricks used were made by the clay from the nearby creek.

Surrounding larger towns like Pakenham, Officer, Upper Beaconsfield and Pakenham Upper, the old mining village of Toomuc remains well protected, with 23 brigade members stationed locally and Fire Rescue Victoria just around the corner.

“We still have a wall out the front of our station made from the original bricks,” Andrew said.

“We were also the first brigade to have a positive pressure fan for ventilation in the area.”

15-year Toomuc member and 1^st Lieutenant Blake Sokaluk said the brigade is well equipped with their tanker and ultralight, which assists them with their typical 190 call outs a year.

“Our tanker goes away on strike teams quite a bit, and when it does go away, we always manage to get some crew on it.” Blake said.

‘During the 2019-20 bushfires it was away for five weeks and every shift there was either two, three or four of us on there.

“That’s our strong point, if we do get called upon, we can make it happen. We have a great brigade who are willing and ready to help.

“We’ve had members go interstate into Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania for fire and flood relief, and a couple are also on the Planned Burn Taskforce.

“Our former Captain John Ferrari also fought the Ash Wednesday bushfires and remains active in the brigade.”

Although the brigade doesn’t have a lot of daytime turnout availability due to most people working in the city or surrounds, the brigade has recently had three people jump on board.

“We are a small brigade, but we love spending time with the community. We do regular events and fundraisers throughout the year where we bring our truck down and do a few activities with the kids and big kids,” Blake said.

The service history within the brigade is diverse, ranging from one week to 43 years. On the night, two members received a National Medal, one with a first clasp, while three were awarded their 20 years of service certificate, and another three for 5, 10 and 15 years.

Source: Reserve Bank of Australia

17 June 2025

The Importance of Early Learning

Research demonstrates that high-quality early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, social development, and emotional wellbeing. Children who undertake two years of preschool typically do better at school, are more engaged in education and are more likely to remain engaged in education, meaning they are also more likely to seek out tertiary education such as TAFE. TAFE is central to stemming skills shortages for qualified early learning educators, but early learning teachers and educators are also essential for the TAFE workforce and TAFE students and their children, to not only allow parents and guardians to participate fully in work, but for their child’s development. A child’s brain grows to near-adult size in the first five years of life. This stunning period of development is crucial in determining whether children thrive and what their life chances and educational experiences are like down the track. Overwhelming international evidence shows that high-quality early childhood education is essential during these first years – even more so for vulnerable children who experience any kind of disadvantage. Yet the shortsighted perception persists (even in 2025!) that looking after babies, toddlers and preschoolers is low-skilled women’s work – with the main purpose of boosting parents’ economic participation.

Valuing Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)

“I can’t count the number of times people say to me, ‘Kinder’s just Play-Doh and finger-painting isn’t it?’,” says Cara Nightingale, formerly a primary and kindergarten teacher in Victoria and now AEU Victorian Branch vice president, early childhood. AEU early childhood members may be degree-qualified preschool teachers, diploma-level educators who work in funded kinder programs, or Certificate III educators who work in funded kinder programs. Despite lingering dinosaur attitudes, Nightingale says: “Over the last few years we’ve seen significant progress in politicians and the broader community acknowledging the skill, expertise and importance of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).”
She says the quality of TAFE qualifications have helped in external recognition of the skill sets required in ECEC. “To deliver high-quality ECEC you need a workforce that is highly qualified and provided with wraparound supports and resources for retention, along with professional pay and working conditions that are reflective of the important work of Early Childhood teachers and educators,” Nightingale says.

Victorian Union Wins

Recent union wins in Victoria, a state that leads the country in ECEC sector bargaining, are driving change, Nightingale says. “When AEU early childhood members achieved pay parity with school teachers it was a significant win,” she says. “They are the only kinder teachers across the country that have achieved pay parity with school teachers.”

Three Days Guaranteed

More good news for the sector came in February with the Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025, which guarantees families three days of subsidised early learning per week and eliminates the discriminatory activity test that previously restricted access based on parents’ work or study status.

Policy Progress Since 2022

Since the Albanese government came to office in 2022, there have been a number of significant industrial relations reforms, funding boosts and initiatives in the sector, including:

• The Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers Bill 2024
• A 15 per cent pay rise for early educators, to be phased in over two years
• A $1 billion fund to build or expand early learning centres in under-served areas
• The introduction of Free TAFE for priority employment areas, which has seen 35,500 enrolments in ECEC alone
• The Fair Work Commission’s decision to grant multi-employer bargaining rights.

Nightingale says multi-employer bargaining is an important shift of the power balance back towards the workforce and members, and directly led to significant ECEC member pay increases in Victoria. Nightingale also applauds the Victorian government’s moves to build state-funded early childhood services in places the market won’t.

Childcare Deserts: The Last Frontier

Finding any childcare, let alone affordable or high-quality learning options, remains a problem for many parents, especially those in regional and rural areas. A 2022 Mitchell Institute report found that around 35 per cent of the Australian population lived in what is classified as a ‘childcare desert’ – where there were more than three children per available childcare place. In places like Whyalla, Port Lincoln and Port Pirie in South Australia, around five children were competing for each place. Even worse, 1.1 million Australians live where there are simply no childcare and early learning services at all.

The Case for Public Provision

“There are just so many gaps,” says Thrive by Five’s Weatherill. “We are still far away from a universal, high-quality, and affordable early learning system the way we have it in place for maternal health services and primary schools.
With the current system, we hand out a voucher and ask people to go shopping for childcare. That’s fine if you can find a service at the right price, but if you have children with special needs or you live in the country, or you’re a single mum or in a remote Aboriginal community, there are these gaps because the market [only] provides things that are easy to provide where they can make a dollar.” This is why public provision of ECEC as an essential service, like public TAFE, is important.

TAFE: An Essential Pipeline

Early indicators suggest things are moving in the right direction – the ECEC workforce has grown by more than 30,000 since Labor took office, and job vacancies in the sector dropped by 22 per cent in 2024 according to Jobs and Skills Australia. Far greater numbers of skilled graduates will be needed in the near future according to the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), which estimates that an additional 85,000 ECEC workers are required to raise Australia’s provision to the OECD average by 2030 and a doubling of the sector by adding almost 260,000 workers to match provision in Nordic countries. Publicly funded TAFE and Free places will be required in large numbers to ramp up this ECEC workforce, providing the Cert III or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. “The provision of free or low-cost TAFE for early educators is crucial in the workforce development story,” says Weatherill. “Degree-based teachers are important, but the overwhelming majority of early educators will be certificate and diploma qualified, and they’ll overwhelmingly be provided by TAFE.” “It’s all connected,” says Cara Nightingale. “Having properly funded TAFE and well-paid teachers is part of it, but so too is providing the additional supports for things like numeracy and literacy that we need.” She says another key benefit of retaining teachers is that they mentor the next generation, ensuring that their skills, knowledge and love of teaching continues.

By Rochelle Siemienowicz

This article was originally published in The Australian TAFE Teacher, Autumn 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has allocated $19.8 million in funding to the NeoSmelt project to investigate the development of Australia’s largest ironmaking electric smelting furnace pilot plant at Kwinana, Western Australia.

NeoSmelt is a groundbreaking joint venture, combining the expertise of BlueScope, BHP, Rio Tinto, Woodside and Mitsui Iron Ore Development. ARENA funding will go towards a front-end engineering design (FEED) study for the NeoSmelt project to progress the direct reduced iron-electric smelting furnace (DRI-ESF) route for lower-emissions steelmaking.

The DRI-ESF route is a transformative concept with the potential to overcome barriers using Australian iron ore in future lower-emissions steelmaking. Using the electric smelting furnace technology, the project aims to prove that it is possible to produce lower-carbon emission molten iron from Pilbara iron ore.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said to decarbonise mining and metal production in Australia, collaboration and partnership across industry is crucial.

“Globally, the steelmaking industry makes up around eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, so the decarbonisation opportunity is huge,” Mr Miller said.

“The NeoSmelt project brings together some of the world’s largest players in the mining, metals and energy industries, in a collaborative effort to reduce emissions in the sector. This represents what the energy transition is all about – working together to achieve the most efficient and effective outcome for Australia’s key export industry to transition into a lower-emissions economy.”

“As the world’s largest producer of iron ore, Australia has an important role to play in reducing emissions across the steel value chain. We’re excited by the insights this project expects to provide. This is a positive step towards building a lower-emissions steel industry here in Australia.”

Late last year, the Kwinana Industrial Area, south of Perth, was announced as the preferred location to develop the first of a kind pilot plant. The FEED study, to be supported by funding from ARENA, is expected to help inform a final investment decision for the pilot plant to be built.

BlueScope Chief Executive Australia, Tania Archibald, on behalf of the joint venture said today marks a significant step forward in developing a technology for lower-carbon emissions steelmaking using Pilbara ore and we’re delighted by ARENA’s $19.8 million commitment to support the feasibility phase of this groundbreaking R&D pilot plant.

“We also officially welcome Woodside Energy and Mitsui Iron Ore Development to the NeoSmelt joint venture, joining founding participants BlueScope, BHP and Rio Tinto. With this backing from government and industry leaders, we now have the opportunity to develop world leading technology that will have potential application across the global steel industry and provides the foundation for a future Australian lower-carbon emissions iron export industry.”

The project builds on ARENA’s priority in low emissions metals and is being delivered under the Industrial Transformation Stream. Round 2 of the Industrial Transformation Stream is currently open to new applications and is expected to close 15 July 2025.

For more information, including program guidelines, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the funding page.

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 151KB)

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia

Recruitment picks up as employers fill jobs faster

Linda

Tue, 2025-06-17 11:30

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

NT Police have arrested two males in relation to an aggravated burglary and property damage incident that occurred in Alice Springs this morning.

Around 5:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports that a licensed premises on Todd Street had been broken into. Unknown offenders had allegedly gained entry by prying off a security screen and breaking a window, before stealing alcohol and fleeing the scene.

CCTV was obtained and active patrols of the CBD were conducted by members from Strike Force Viper and general duties officers. At 7:20am, Strike Force Viper members located and arrested a 21-year-old male on Stuart Terrace, and a short time later at 7:23am, general duties members located and arrested a 14-year-male near Sturt Terrace in East Side.

The 14-year-old was dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.

The 21-year-old has been charged with Aggravated burglary, Damage to property, Theft, and Recruiting child to engage in criminal activity. He was remanded in custody to appear in court on 18 June.

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

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 31-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly threatening staff at a convenience store in Alice Springs in the early hours of this morning.

Around 2:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of an aggravated robbery at a convenience store on Todd Street. The offender had allegedly entered the store armed with a knife, threatened a staff member, and stolen items before leaving the store.

The offender was tracked by police CCTV operators, resulting in his arrest by police within 3 minutes of the alleged offending. CCTV operators were also able to assist police in locating the discarded knife, which was seized.

He was charged with Going armed in public and Aggravated Robbery, and was remanded in custody to appear in court on 18 June.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Michael Curtiss said, “I want to acknowledge the excellent police work by our CCTV operators, alongside members on the ground, which resulted in the swift arrest of the offender.”

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