Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Premier of Victoria

• 84-year-old customer saved from scam
• Banker confronts “spineless coward” scammer after he threatened elderly customer
• Customers warned of callers pressuring them to move money

When Stella* walked into her local NAB branch and asked to increase her internet banking limit, the East Maitland team immediately knew something didn’t add up.

The 84-year-old nervously asked for her daily limit to be lifted from $5,000 to $50,000 so she could transfer money to her son’s account.

Behind the counter of the branch in NSW’s Hunter Valley, customer advisor Tiffany Bailey noticed Stella was on the phone to someone.

“The phone line went dead as soon as the caller heard my voice. Alarm bells started ringing for me straight away. I knew from my training and experience that something is not right here,” Ms Bailey said.

Tiffany then Googled the phone number, which revealed it was linked to a known scam.

“That’s when we were able to sit down with Stella and ask what was really going on,” Ms Bailey said.

“Stella burst into tears, telling us she was being threatened by a man claiming to be from a major tech company. He’d been pressuring her for days into making a $50,000 transfer to settle an outstanding debt. Stella’s adult son was waiting out the front of the branch. He had no idea she was being scammed.”

The criminal also gained remote access to Stella’s computer, generated images to convince her of the debt and coached her what to say to bank staff.

It was then he started calling again.

Branch manager Vanessa Kruger offered to answer the call and Stella agreed. “I told him that we were from NAB and we were on to him,” Ms Kruger said.

“I told him to stop calling Stella and leave her alone. We’d also be reporting him to police. He hung up straight away like a spineless coward.”

The branch team put a temporary block on Stella’s accounts and reassured her no money had been taken. They also sought advice from NAB’s Fraud Operations team, based in Melbourne, who advised Stella her computer should be cleaned.

“She was instantly relieved. It could have so easily been my grandmother in that situation,” Ms Bailey said.

The following week Stella came back into the branch to thank the team.

“She came up to me and gave me a big hug to say thank you. She was still rattled but feeling a lot better. Stella told us she would have been wiped out financially,” Ms Bailey said.

NAB Executive, Group Investigations Chris Sheehan said NAB remained focused on its fight against criminals as part of a bank-wide scam strategy to help protect customers.

“Remote access scams often start with a phone call or computer pop up from someone claiming there’s a problem they can help ‘fix’,” Mr Sheehan, a former Australian Federal Police executive, said.

“Recognising scam red flags is crucial. These include a sense of urgency, unexpected contact, being asked to grant someone access to your device and ‘needing’ to move money to keep it ‘safe’.

“If you’re unsure, call the organisation the person claims to be from using details you’ve found yourself. For example, look up the organisation’s website or log in to its app.

“Stopping scams is like playing whack-a-mole. That’s why Australia’s all of ecosystem approach to tackling scams is world-leading.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

A real estate agent with a history of mishandling clients’ money has lost his licence to practise for 12 months.

Thomas Henry Albert Aloysius, 52, of Hallam, was a director of former estate agent, Hills and Fort Real Estate Pty Ltd, when he failed to meet key legal requirements under the Estate Agents Act.

Aloysius breached 2 licence conditions:

• He failed to notify the Business Licensing Authority within 24 hours of having criminal charges brought against him, instead waiting more than eight months.
• He remained a signatory to the company’s trust account while being prohibited.

Aloysius also allowed Hills and Fort Real Estate to trade unlicensed for more than eight months and to keep trust money for sales transactions in a trust account that was not in the company’s name.

Hills and Fort Real Estate previously traded under the business names Freedom Realtors, Smart Negotiators and freedomproperty.com.au – Smart Negotiators.

The VCAT action against Aloysius followed his previous failure to correctly handle client funds, while working for another agency. As an agent’s representative, he accepted a $20,000 deposit from a purchaser into his personal account, rather than the agency trust account. He was convicted and fined in 2021.

Consumer Affairs Victoria continues to target the way estate agents manage trust account money. It is currently prosecuting estate agent Daniela Vella and Mark Alexander Reuben for allegedly mismanaging more than $230,000 and $400,000 of clients’ trust money, respectively. Both held senior roles in the agencies they were working for at the time of their alleged offences.

If you are considering selling your property, check an agent’s licence status on the estate agent public register before you engage them.

Read more about the professional conduct obligations of estate agents.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search for Victorian man at Cradle Mountain

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 – 4:23 pm.

Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, with the support of a Tasmania Police drone, are continuing to search at Cradle Mountain for a 52-year-old Victorian man.
There are concerns for the welfare of Christopher Michael Inwood, whose white Toyota HiAce van (VIC Rego 1TZ8PQ) was located in the car park of a ranger station on Cradle Mountain Road about 7.30am on Tuesday.
A backpack, believed to belong to Mr Inwood, was located about 500m along the Cradle Mountain Road leading from the car park, in the direction of Dove Lake.
Initial inquiries established Mr Inwood’s last confirmed location as Kelso, in the state’s north, on Sunday night.
However, further investigation has identified a possible sighting of Mr Inwood and his vehicle in the Kindred area, about 8:30pm on Monday. It is believed he may have travelled to Cradle Mountain later that night.
Police have released a CCTV image of Mr Inwood, captured over the weekend, to assist in identifying him.
The search operation is being coordinated by Tasmania Police Search and Rescue however, specialist search officers have not yet been deployed.
As of 3pm today, weather conditions in the area remain relatively clear, with a temperature of about 3°C.
Anyone who has seen Mr Inwood, knows of his movements, or has any information that may assist the search, is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Members of the Northern Territory Police Force were generally pleased with the behaviour of attendees at the Finke Desert Race over the long weekend. Police were deployed across the weekend to support event officials and other emergency services in maintaining spectator and competitor safety.

The Territory Road Policing Division, comprised of members from both Darwin and Southern Traffic Operations, achieved the following results:

• 2629 negative alcohol breath tests
• 13 positive alcohol breath tests
• 42 negative drug tests
• 10 positive drug tests
• 7 arrests
• 8 notices to appear issued
• 254 traffic infringement notices issued

Police would like to thank road users for their cooperation and understanding.

Around 12:50pm on Monday 9 June, police arrested a 60-year-old man who had allegedly been previously instructed by event officials to move at least 30-metres away from the racetrack. He was later sighted by police within 30-metres of the track within a clearly marked area. He subsequently was issued a Notice to Appear in the Alice Springs Local Court and directed not to return to the event area.

Superintendent Michael Budge said, “Overall, we were happy with the conduct of attendees and hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend.

“Police would like to remind the public of drone regulations at events that involve helicopters or other aircraft.

“Throughout the event, police and officials responded to multiple reports of drones being operated within the airspace surrounding the course. Due to the nature of the event, helicopters are required to fly at low altitudes and in close proximity to the track to conduct safety sweeps and facilitate medical evacuations.

“The presence of drones in this environment poses a serious collision risk to aircraft and their occupants, and we’re thankful that no such incident occurred.”

For more information on drone regulations, visit: https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules.

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that Jenny Wilkinson will serve as the next Secretary to the Treasury and I thank him for the way he has involved and included Katy Gallagher and me in his decision.

I am really excited by this opportunity to work even more closely with Jenny, whose contribution as the Secretary of the Department of Finance has been instrumental to our first four budgets and so much of the broader work of our government.

I’m so grateful to Steven Kennedy for our very close and effective partnership over the past three years, for his friendship over a much longer period, for his service to my predecessor as well, and for the chance to work with him now in his new role.

It was such a valued opportunity to work with him at Treasury.

Steven and Jenny are the best of the best. Outstanding public servants and even better people. I’m really happy for them both and they should be very proud.

Australia was incredibly fortunate to have someone of Steven’s calibre leading the Treasury, and is just as fortunate having him now lead the Australian Public Service.

I pay tribute again to outgoing Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Glyn Davis, another friend, and thank him for his friendship and service.

Jenny will make history as the first woman to lead the Treasury. Under our government women now lead the Treasury, Reserve Bank and Productivity Commission all for the first time.

Jenny is one of Australia’s most distinguished and experienced economists and public servants and has served with distinction under governments of both political persuasions.

I am really pleased that someone with her skills and experience will guide and lead the department, as we continue to develop and implement our economic agenda.

Jenny holds a Masters Degree in Public Affairs from Princeton University, a Bachelors Degree in Economics (with Honours) from the Australian National University, and was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.

Thank you Steven and Jenny for agreeing to serve and to the Prime Minister for appointing them to these key roles at such an important time.

Source: FairTrading New South Wales

What is the issue?

There is an increased risk of respiratory illnesses heading into the winter months. In Victoria, the increase in COVID-19 cases between April and May this year was 2.5 times higher than the same time last year, and hospitalisations have been increasing. Flu and RSV cases are also increasing.

Young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses and may experience more severe illness requiring hospitalisation.

Who is at risk?

People most at risk of severe illness with respiratory conditions include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children under the age of 5 years old, elderly people, pregnant women, those who are immunocompromised, and those with certain medical conditions including diabetes, cardiac disease and chronic respiratory conditions.

While some people may be at a higher risk of severe illness, it is possible for anyone to be infected and become unwell.

Symptoms and transmission

Symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV can be quite similar and include fever, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and fatigue.

These illnesses are very infectious and spread via droplets produced through coughing and sneezing, or by coming in close contact with infected people.

Recommendations

For the public

There are some simple steps you can do to help protect yourself and others from severe illness.

Immunisations are available for many respiratory illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These can be accessed through GPs, pharmacies, local councils and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations.

Some Victorians may be eligible for free immunisations. For further information, talk to your doctor or visit:

Other things you can do to keep yourself and others healthy include:

• Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• Stay home if you are unwell
• Wear a face mask if you have symptoms or visiting sensitive settings, such as aged care facilities
• Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19 or the flu. Discuss what to do if you get sick, including testing options and whether you are eligible for antiviral treatment
• If you experience serious symptoms, seek medical attention.

For clinicians

• Offer annual influenza vaccination to everyone aged 6 months and older.
• Ensure those most at risk of severe illness are up to date with their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Offer Abrysvo® RSV vaccine to eligible pregnant women (28 to 36 weeks pregnancy) and nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) RSV monoclonal antibody to eligible infants. RSV vaccines are not approved for use in infants and children.
• Discuss RSV vaccination options with older adults.
• Encourage catch up vaccination for patients who are not up to date with routine immunisations.
• Discuss early use of anti-viral treatment for flu and COVID-19 for high-risk individuals.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Motorists urged to be safe on the roads following several traffic operations across North West Tasmania

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 – 1:24 pm.

Police in North West Tasmania are reminding all motorists of the dangers of engaging in risky behaviours on the roads, following several traffic operations conducted across the region over the long weekend.
“Western Road Policing Services conducting seven traffic operations in North West Tasmania over the King’s Birthday long weekend, from Latrobe to Arthur River/West Coast areas, and while no drink drivers were detected, it’s concerning some motorists continue to engage in dangerous behaviours on our roads,” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
During the operations police detected:

2x drivers who returned a positive result on an oral fluid test
3x motorists failing to wear seatbelt
3x motorists driving while using a mobile phone
32x drivers exceeding the speed limit
4x defect vehicles
2x unaccompanied learners
1x unregistered motor vehicle
2x unlicensed driver
1x disqualified driver
1x inattentive driver.
An 18-year-old man from Upper Burnie who allegedly evaded police on Old Bass Highway at Wynyard on Saturday morning. He was charged with evading police and driving whilst not the holder of a driver licence and will appear in court.

“While it was pleasing no drink drivers were detected during the traffic operations, it is concerning that some drivers are engaging in risky driving behaviours including driving under the influence of illicit drugs, speeding, failing to wear seatbelts and using mobile phones while driving,” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
“It is also disappointing that people are driving while disqualified, driving without a driver licence or disobeying the conditions of their licence.”
“Risky driving behaviours increase the likelihood of serious and fatal crashed occurring on our roads.”
“There are very real consequences for breaking the road rules, which could be a fine or loss of licence, or worse, serious injury or death from a crash.”
“I urge every motorist to do the right thing every time they travel on the roads, to help keep everyone safe.”

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Fatal crash at Randalls Bay, south of Cygnet

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 – 1:10 pm.

Sadly, a 59-year-old man has died following a crash at Randalls Bay on Sunday afternoon.
Initial inquiries indicate the man was travelling on the Channel Highway between Randalls Bay Road and Lowes Road in a silver Ford Falcon about 4pm, when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a power pole.
Two passengers in the vehicle received minor injuries, and sadly the driver has since died in hospital.
It is not believed that any other vehicle was involved in the collision.
Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone with information, or relevant dash cam footage, is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Five Victorian real estate agencies will face court next month for advertising rental properties in breach of Victoria’s rental bidding laws. This follows investigations by Consumer Affairs Victoria’s renting taskforce.

It is alleged the agencies failed to include the fixed price for the rent when advertising properties on realestate.com.au and domain.com.au. The agencies are:

• Wyndham Realty Pty Ltd, trading as Barry Plant, Werribee
• AAM Realtor Pty Ltd, trading as Ray White, Point Cook
• White Lotus Property Group, Truganina
• YouSales Pty Ltd, Docklands
• Smart Six Corporation Pty Ltd, trading as PRD, Mildura

The agencies were issued with infringements but chose not to pay their fines and have their matters heard at court.

Using a price range or phrases such as ‘Contact agent’ in rental advertisements in place of a fixed price is a form of rental bidding. It leaves renters unclear what rent is being asked for and can pressure them to offer inflated amounts.

Rental bidding was prohibited as part of the 130 rental law reforms introduced in 2021. Over 40 agencies have been fined for not using fixed prices in their listings, since the taskforce began.

Fines for this offence are $2,371 for individuals and $11,855 for companies. A maximum penalty for companies of more than $59,000 per offence applies.

These cases will be heard in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court and Mildura Magistrates’ Court in July.