Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Consumer Affairs Victoria has been granted a court injunction to stop warehouse retail store Panda Mart from trading, after inspectors discovered hundreds of illegal items on the shelves of the Preston and Cranbourne stores.

Panda Mart sells toys, homewares, sporting goods and beauty products. The store’s scale, variety of products and low prices can attract large crowds, including families with young children.

In March, Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich issued a public warning to consumers, after thousands of products being sold at the Cranbourne store failed to meet mandatory product safety and information standards.

An inspection of both stores last week identified several items of concern. These included banned candles with flammable contents next to the wick, toys with unsecured button batteries, choking hazards, and flotation devices without adequate warnings.

The injunction effectively closes both stores for 72 hours from 9am Wednesday 10 December, while product safety inspectors conduct a full compliance inspection to identify, seize and remove non-compliant products from the shelves.

Rich said most items sold at the Preston store during inspections in September this year – after the warning about the Cranbourne store – met Australia’s product safety standards. However, the recent inspections of Panda Mart’s Cranbourne and Preston stores found shelves re-filled with non-compliant items.

‘It’s particularly disappointing that Panda Mart appears to have gone from meeting their obligations to restocking their shelves with products that pose a serious danger to the public,’ she said.

‘These items are banned or heavily regulated for a reason. Flammable candles, button batteries and toys with small parts that can cause choking are all known killers.’

The injunction highlights that the regulator will continue to pursue a range of enforcement options to protect Victorians.

‘Every business is responsible for ensuring that the products they sell are safe. Being ignorant is no excuse,’ Rich said.

Learn more in the Product safety section of our website.

Run a business? See the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s website for help meeting your product safety obligations.  

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Albanese and Marape Governments have welcomed Australia’s support for Papua New Guinea’s national airline Air Niugini Limited’s (ANL) re-fleeting program.

Export Finance Australia (EFA) has provided a loan facility of up to US$35.8 million to Air Niugini to help finance the purchase of six Airbus A220-100 aircraft.

With this investment, older aircraft will be replaced with more reliable, fuel-efficient planes for Papua New Guinea, supporting the region’s trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange with Australia and the world.

This facility, in partnership with Asian Development Bank, highlights Australia’s commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure development in Papua New Guinea and across the region.

Founded in November 1973, Air Niugini provides a vital service connecting Papua New Guinea both domestically and to the world.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting the economic growth of our Pacific neighbours, while also enhancing air travel safety, supporting tourism and increasing opportunities for exporters.

“Coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, this investment is just one way the Albanese Government is strengthening our close partnership with PNG.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Australia’s investment in Air Niugini will help strengthen trade and tourism connectivity in the Pacific and provide infrastructure for future opportunity, growth and investment pathways.”

“This project will deliver significant economic benefits Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with older aircraft.”

Quotes attributable to PNG Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma:

“Papua New Guinea welcomes this partnership with Export Finance Australia and ADB to realise the PNG Government’s replacement program for our flagship airline, Air Niugini.

“The aircraft will be built for Papua New Guinea, for our flying conditions, for our people, and for our future. By investing in these new aircraft, we are investing in our people’s mobility, in trade and business, in tourism, and in travel for family reunions and education.”

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

The Albanese and Marape Governments have welcomed Australia’s support for Papua New Guinea’s national airline Air Niugini Limited’s (ANL) re-fleeting program.

Export Finance Australia (EFA) has provided a loan facility of up to US$35.8 million to Air Niugini to help finance the purchase of six Airbus A220-100 aircraft.

With this investment, older aircraft will be replaced with more reliable, fuel-efficient planes for Papua New Guinea, supporting the region’s trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange with Australia and the world.

This facility, in partnership with Asian Development Bank, highlights Australia’s commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure development in Papua New Guinea and across the region.

Founded in November 1973, Air Niugini provides a vital service connecting Papua New Guinea both domestically and to the world.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting the economic growth of our Pacific neighbours, while also enhancing air travel safety, supporting tourism and increasing opportunities for exporters.

“Coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, this investment is just one way the Albanese Government is strengthening our close partnership with PNG.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Australia’s investment in Air Niugini will help strengthen trade and tourism connectivity in the Pacific and provide infrastructure for future opportunity, growth and investment pathways.”

“This project will deliver significant economic benefits Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and reducing costs and environmental impacts associated with older aircraft.”

Quotes attributable to PNG Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma:

“Papua New Guinea welcomes this partnership with Export Finance Australia and ADB to realise the PNG Government’s replacement program for our flagship airline, Air Niugini.

“The aircraft will be built for Papua New Guinea, for our flying conditions, for our people, and for our future. By investing in these new aircraft, we are investing in our people’s mobility, in trade and business, in tourism, and in travel for family reunions and education.”

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

09 December 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All clients required to use the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) during this planned outage.

Information

Due to scheduled system maintenance, BICON will be unavailable from 23:00 Saturday 13 December to 01:00 Sunday 14 December 2025 (AEDT).

Action

Clients are advised to complete and submit any in-progress import permit applications prior to the commencement of this planned outage…

Source: Government of Western Australia

“When I first went to the Youth Centre, I was really anxious. Now I go every day and I love it. I’ve met some great people, and my favourite program is music. I’ve always enjoyed DJ-ing, and, since joining the Youth Centre, I’ve learnt new skills and performed at events in Albany and Denmark for Youth Week.”– Anonymous, 19 years old.

Albany Youth Support Association’s (AYSA) Youth Centre offers a safe haven for young people facing hardship, including domestic violence, homelessness, social disconnection or living with disability. When they walk through the Youth Centre’s big roller door at the colourful warehouse on Sanford Road, staff are ready to help them feel safe, comfortable and connected.

Source: Government of Western Australia

Using beat-making, songwriting and open discussion, the pilot encourages participants to connect and embrace emotional vulnerability. It adds a new layer to the broader program delivered at Department of Justice sites.

More than 100 original tracks have already been recorded inside the detention centre as part of Banksia Beats, which is hugely popular at the facility. The recording process helps young people recognise the power of their voice and supports their continued involvement in hip-hop once they are released from BHDC.

A stack of songs has also been recorded at high schools, including Governor Stirling Senior High School, Balga Senior High School, Belmont City College, Kiara College and Hampton Senior High School, as part of the broader Healthway-funded program.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon is delighted to announce that Bendigo Brittle Founder/CEO Greta Donaldson has received the prestigious Kathryn Mackenzie Award for her outstanding contribution to tourism.

Named after former City of Greater Bendigo Tourism Manager Kathryn Mackenzie OAM, the award honours individuals who go above and beyond to promote the region and further enhance visitor experiences.

Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon Executive Officer James Myatt said Greta stood out for her leadership, regional pride, and commitment to innovation and collaboration.

“Over nine years, Greta has grown Bendigo Brittle from a local product into a nationally recognised artisan brand,” Mr Myatt said. 
“In 2025 alone, she volunteered over 200 hours to deliver The Bloomin’ Good Market, engaging 240 local businesses.

“Greta champions the region’s fantastic offerings, sourcing local ingredients from Wedderburn pistachios to Loddon Shire chillies, and fosters inclusive employment opportunities for women, migrant communities, and NDIS participants.”
Greta Donaldson said she was thrilled to receive the award.

“Katherine McKenzie OAM is truly a force to be reckoned with. Katherine put Bendigo on the map through countless events and activations. And honestly, if it weren’t for her hard work, my business, Bendigo Brittle, may never have received the support and recognition we’ve been so fortunate to receive from the City of Greater Bendigo. Katherine’s influence is everywhere, and I doubt we’d be celebrating 10 years in operation in 2026 without the foundation she built,” Greta said.

The award was presented at Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon’s inaugural AGM, marking an exciting future for the organisation. Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon is the evolution of Bendigo Tourism Board, now being the peak tourism body for Greater Bendigo, Heathcote and Loddon areas. It is recognised by the Victorian State Government as a Visitor Economy Partnership for this region.

A Visitor Economy Partnership is an independent, government-recognised organisation that leads the visitor economy in its region. This new partnership provides stronger tourism industry representation as a collective body, increases funding opportunities, enhances collaboration, and creates a unified growth strategy.

At the AGM, the four Industry Director board appointments for Destination Greater Bendigo Loddon were made: Tynille Thurlow (from Bendigo Heritage, one-year term), Rhianwen Seiter (from MacKenzie Quarters, one-year term), Alissa Van Soest (from Discovery Science & Technology Centre, two-year term) and Ann-Maree Davis (from Little Sangria, two-year term).

Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

EPIK music festival will be the next major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
EPIK is the seventh festival to take part in the 12-month trial and will take place on Saturday 13 December at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
The free and anonymous drug checking service allows festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons are provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers are available on site to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
NSW Health is working closely with EPIK festival organisers and other stakeholders to ensure safe and effective implementation of the trial. 
The organisers of EPIK music festival said that drug checking was a welcome addition to the best-in-class health and safety initiatives and services undertaken at events to ensure good outcomes and unforgettable experiences for attendees.  
“Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our patrons. Providing people with free, confidential and non-judgemental advice helps them makes better decisions,” a spokesperson for EPIK music festival said.
“We’re pleased to continue our support for NSW Health on this Government-led harm reduction initiative and are grateful to the many volunteers that assist the service.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on Your Room.

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Fugitive Task Force (FTF) has arrested and charged a 33-year-old male in relation to firearm and traffic offences in Bakewell on Monday.

Around 3pm, the FTF apprehended a vehicle of interest on Shearwater Drive and the driver was subject to roadside drug and alcohol testing.

The 33-year-old driver returned a positive drug analysis for methamphetamine and amphetamine and was arrested at the scene.

During the arrest, officers conducted a lawful search of the vehicle where they located and seized a loaded homemade 12-guage shotgun as well as ammunition, a balaclava and gloves.

The alleged offender was charged with:

• Drive motor vehicle while disqualified
• Driver with prohibited drug in body
• Possess / use firearm whilst unlicensed
• Possess unregistered firearm
• Modify or repair prohibited firearm
• Possess unsafe firearm

He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.