Category: MIL-OSI

Source:

Issue date: Monday, 25 May 2026

Today, Mr Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works presented the Public Works Committee’s third report of 2026 to the House of Representatives.

Report 3/2026 – Referrals made in November 2025 considers the following four proposed works:

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Great Barrier Reef Aquarium Redevelopment project for a total estimated cost of $161.1 million (excluding GST)
• Department of Defence—9 Molonglo Drive, Brindabella Park, Australian Capital Territory for a total estimated cost of 103.9 million (excluding GST)
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—Australian High Commission Staff Residential Compound Refurbishment, Konedobu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for a total estimated cost of $37.3 million (excluding GST)
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts—Fit-out of New Leased Premises at One City Hill, Canberra City for a total estimated cost of $46.4 million (excluding GST).

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority proposes to deliver a major redevelopment of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ Aquarium). The Aquarium has not been significantly upgraded since its opening in 1987 and has experienced structural degradation and corrosion, leaving some structures non-compliant with current building standards. The proposal includes major works on the ground, first and second floors, and works on the external façade and frontage and will be centred a new world-class Coral Reef Exhibit.

The Department of Defence has proposed office fit-out works in Brindabella Park to allow it to consolidate four existing leases in the same precinct into one. With the consolidation, Defence will reduce its total leased office space in the precinct while updating the fit-out to comply with modern building standards and Defence security requirements.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s proposed works at the High Commission complex in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, will see 39 staff residences undergo the first major upgrade since being established 30 years ago. The proposed works will address safety risks to staff and their families and rising costs associated with ongoing routine maintenance and extend the life of the facility by at least 20 years.

The proposed works by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts are Stage 2 of the Department’s precinct model consolidation. Stage 1 of the project was examined by the Committee last year and was approved by the House of Representatives in October 2025. The current proposed works will allow the Department to relocate from its current lease in the Nishi Building into new accommodation at One City Hill. The precinct model will enable the Department to reduce its Net Lettable Area in Canberra by 40 per cent.

For the inquiries into these proposed works, the Committee received submissions, held private briefings with relevant government officials and conducted public and private hearings. The Committee also had the opportunity to travel to Townsville to visit the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and see firsthand the conditions of the site and the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences to see some of the Aquarium’s marine life temporarily stored there.

The Committee has recommended that the House of Representatives approves the proposed works. Mr Zappia said that ‘in examining these works, the Committee gave consideration to the purpose, need, value for money, and present and prospective public value of each of them, as is our obligation under the Public Works Committee Act 1969. The Committee found that the proposed works have merit and should proceed.’

Please note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

Media inquiries

Mr Tony Zappia MP, Chair of Standing Committee on Public Works
(08) 8265 3100

For background information

Committee secretariat
02 6277 4636
pwc@aph.gov.au

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its www.aph.gov.au/pwc. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Strike Force Trident have arrested a 14-year-old male and a 10-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery in Durack in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Around 12:50am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report of a robbery in progress at a service station on University Avenue.

It is alleged a group of three youths entered the store at 12:35am and stole various items. They also allegedly threw items at a male staff member before leaving the scene.

About 15 minutes later the group returned and allegedly continued to throw items at the victim while threatening to kill him.

Fearing for his safety, the victim locked himself in the office and the offenders allegedly climbed behind the counter and stole several items as well as cash. The victim suffered minor injuries.

Around 10:35pm that same day, a 14-year-old male and 10-year-old male were arrested near the Darwin CBD by Strike Force Trident members.

The 14-year-old was charged with aggravated robbery and shoplifting and the 10-year-old was released and placed on youth diversion for robbery.

Strike Force Trident are continuing investigations and are making efforts to locate the third offender.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000. Please quote reference P26148410.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. This morning, I convened National Cabinet for an important update on Australia’s fuel security. This is the fifth time that National Cabinet has met since the conflict in the Middle East began on February 28. We know, as I’ve said before, while the conflict is a long way from home, we are not immune to its impacts. And the longer the conflict goes on, the more enduring the impact will be, the economic tail. We are very hopeful that the positive signs of a de-escalation and peace in the region will lead to a conclusion. That is in the global economy’s interests, and it is therefore in Australia’s interest as well. We’re able to report pretty positive news: 43 days of petrol, which is five days more than were there on February 28 when the conflict began. Importantly, 38 days of diesel, which is what there was most concern about, people concerned about their capacity to plant crops, et cetera, was a creating a great deal of concern particularly for the agricultural community, that’s six days more than was in place on February 28. And 31 days of jet fuel, which is two days more than was available in Australia on February 28th.

In addition, I reported last week when I was in Perth the arrangements with China for the import of jet fuel. China has placed some restrictions on exports, but after a discussion between myself and Premier Li and after, confirmed by Foreign Minister Wong’s visit to China, that we were able to get some 660,000 barrels of jet fuel, is confirmed for Australia. All of that is good news for Australia. We know, though, this is volatile and uncertain times, and I want to make it clear that when the conflict ends, that doesn’t mean that the economic tail concludes. There will be a period of time before ships are able to go through the Strait of Hormuz. It’s also the case that the ships that are stranded there at the moment have to go offload their fuel or their cargoes that can take up to 30 days, and then go back to collect more cargoes, and then go back to their place of destination. So, there’s a tail here as well, but it was a positive meeting. And supply is looking secure into July. And I do want to thank the Australian people for agreeing to do what we ask them to do, which is the hoarding of fuel has stopped. People are taking just what they need. And that means that for those sectors who rely particularly upon diesel, it is making a difference.

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Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Porepunkah Fire Brigade members joined CFA dignitaries on the weekend to officially open the refurbished fire station.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating the death of a man in Alice Springs.

Around 9:10am yesterday morning, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a man had been located unresponsive in a bed at a residence on Nicker Crescent in Gillen.

Emergency services responded and located the 44-year-old man with injuries to his head and lower body. He was declared deceased at the scene.

The cause of death is unknown; however, police are treating it as suspicious at this stage. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and timing of the man’s injuries.

Southern Investigations have carriage of the investigation and urge anyone with information to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26148658. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force’s high-visibility Operation Ventura continues to deliver strong enforcement outcomes across Palmerston, with officers making more than 20 arrests and tipping out almost 260 litres of alcohol in the first week of the operation.

Launched on 18 May 2026, Operation Ventura brings together police and partnered agencies to target anti-social behaviour, alcohol-related harm and criminal activity in known hotspot locations across Palmerston.

Superintendent Katie Hatzismalis said the first seven days of the operation demonstrated both strong enforcement action and proactive community engagement.

“The operation is only in its early days, but we’re already seeing strong results and positive engagement within the community,” Superintendent Hatzismalis said.

“Police are continuing to keep the pressure on in Palmerston, working closely with partnered agencies to monitor and target active known hotspots.

“Our members remain committed to maintaining a highly visible presence and ensuring residents and businesses know that action is being taken against those who look to cause harm.”

Since the commencement of Operation Ventura on 18 May 2026, police have recorded the following activity outcomes:

• Persons spoken to – 602
• Persons moved on – 325
• Alcohol litres tipped out – 259
• High visibility patrols – 256
• Arrests – 21
• Protective Custody Apprehensions – 12
• Banned Drinker Orders Issued – 17
• Wandings – 182
• Weapones seized – 7
• Infringements issued – 6

Operation Ventura will continue with ongoing patrols and targeted enforcement activities over the next two months.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

New bushfire research has identified important learnings for future bushfire preparedness and management.

Bushfire scientists from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), through the Safer Together program, have reconstructed 5 bushfires from the 2023-24 fire season, including the bushfires at:

• Bayindeen – Rocky Road
• Mt Stapylton
• Bellfield
• Staffordshire Reef
• Dereel.

The reconstructions strengthen CFA and FFMVic’s science and learnings across fire behaviour, modelling, suppression and overall management effectiveness to improve how we prepare for and manage major fires.

Researchers examined fires that burned more than 28,000 hectares and interacted with areas that had undergone planned burning in the past five years.

FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said reconstruction reports are essential for understanding fire behaviour in real conditions and improving how agencies manage bushfire risk and are part of an annual program of research that fire agencies collaborate on.

‘These reports help us learn directly from major fires and understand what worked, what was challenged and where we can improve,’ Mr Hardman said.

Researchers looked at how fuel treatments, the landscape, weather and firefighting efforts affected how the fires spread and how severe they became. This included on-the-ground observations, aerial infrared imagery, fuel moisture data and new 3D mapping technology.

Overall, research from the Bayindeen – Rocky Road fire found that fuel management can make a real difference during major fires by slowing or moderating fire behaviour in some parts of the landscape and creating safer conditions for firefighters.

‘The research shows fuel-reduced areas can support decision-making during a fire by giving crews more options on the ground,’ Mr Hardman added.

When fire moved into areas that had been treated by planned burning, researchers found lower fire severity, suggesting that fire behaviour was less intense. Experienced crews on the ground reported that those treated areas made it safer and easier for firefighters to work closer to the fire edge, slow or stop the fire, and establish containment lines.

The research also observed lower fire severity in treated areas in parts of the fire footprint. This included reduced canopy scorch and char height compared with nearby untreated areas. These patches of lower severity fire can help reduce longer-term ecological damage and support environmental recovery.

The reports highlight variability in the effectiveness of planned burning, influenced by factors such as fire behaviour at the time of interaction, time since treatment, fuel regrowth and weather. This reinforces the need for ongoing research and continual improvement in how fuel management is planned and delivered.

The reports also reviewed how fire danger ratings and bushfire simulators performed. Those insights will help refine modelling, risk assessment and operational planning.

‘By combining field data with operational experience, we’re strengthening the evidence that underpins both fuel management and fire response,’ Mr Hardman said.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said reconstruction reports ensure lessons from major bushfire events are recorded and shared across the sector so that we continually improve mitigation, planning and operations.

‘By combining field data with operational experience, we’re strengthening the evidence that underpins both fuel management and fire response,’ Mr Slijepcevic said.

‘Each reconstruction helps build a clearer picture of how fire behaves under extreme conditions. This work is critical to improving preparedness, supporting firefighters during incidents and making Victoria more resilient ahead of future fire seasons.’

To view the full reports, visit Fire research and adaptive management publications.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The new fire station for Winnindoo Fire Brigade is officially under construction, with the local community set to receive a boost to their emergency service capability by the end of the year.

The southeastern Victorian rural community is home to 333 people, and the brigade, first registered in 1946, holds a membership of 65 volunteers, with 19 operational firefighters who average 27 callouts a year.

The new station is being developed at 1151 Rosedale-Heyfield Road in Winnindoo and will replace the existing station on the same road.

Key amenities will include a reverse in motor room – bay, to house their Heavy Tanker, and include storage space, a car park, operational areas and a multipurpose room. There will be turnout areas for both men and women, with accessible unisex bathrooms.

Winnindoo Fire Brigade Captain Ton Van Dijk said brigade members are eager to utilise their new purpose-built space.   

“Being in a rural setting in a small town, the new fire station is going to make a real difference to not only our brigade but the broader community,” Ton said.

“Our current station is just one shed, with one engine bay and kitchenette, so it will be fantastic to have dedicated spaces that will make things more functional and easier to meet as a group.

“Being right at the edge of the bush not far from the foothills, we do at times find it hard to recruit new members, so I am hopeful that our new modern facilities will allow for greater training and recruiting opportunities.”

Ton said he doesn’t see the new fire station existing just for Winnindoo, instead he sees it as an asset for the broader community to use.

“We work closely with our neighbouring brigades, and we often turn out for each when the pager goes off,” Ton said.

“We are very grateful to be receiving a new fire station. It leaves the door open for our group or district to invest in a new vehicle and have it stationed here as a resource for everyone to use when needed.”

Winnindoo members have attended numerous significant incidents over the years, including the 2019-20 bushfires, 2009 bushfires and the Hazelwood mine fire in 2014. 

CFA District 10 Assistant Chief Fire Officer Kade Dowie said the new design reflects CFA’s dedication to volunteer safety, inclusivity and sustainability.

“The new station will not only enhance the brigade’s response capabilities further, but also the broader community and southeast region,” Kade said.

“Projects such as this one demonstrate CFA’s commitment to our regional communities.

“It’s great to see environmentally sustainable design features have also been incorporated, such as solar panels, an EV charging station, rainwater recycling, and water sensitive landscaping.”

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026.

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC is seeking feedback from businesses and consumers on its preliminary view not to object to Australia Post’s proposed stamp price increase of 8.8 per cent from mid-to late-2026.

Australia Post’s draft price notification submitted in December 2025 proposes the following price increases:
 

Australia Post is not proposing to increase the price of concession stamps (60 cents each) or seasonal greeting card stamps (65 cents each).

Earlier this year, Australia Post also increased the number of concession stamps available to eligible consumers from 50 to 75 each year, in response to a recommendation from the ACCC.

After assessing the draft price notification, the ACCC has found that Australia Post’s reserved letter service revenue is unlikely to exceed its efficient costs.

“Our assessment found Australia Post will likely fall slightly short of covering its efficient costs with the proposed price increase,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Without a price increase on stamps, Australia Post’s reserved letter service would be likely to experience a much larger shortfall.”

Australia Post continues to highlight declining letter volumes as the primary cause of financial pressure on its letter service, with letter volumes forecast to further decline by approximately 10 per cent annually over the coming years.

Despite declining letter volumes, the ACCC notes that Australia Post’s losses for its reserved letter service appear to be decreasing, in part due to successive stamp price increases in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Further, the ACCC expects losses from the reserved letter service in 2026-27 will be smaller than Australia Post’s forecast.

Australia Post estimates the proposed price increase will impact the average household by 75 cents per year, but some consumers will be affected more significantly.

“Businesses and organisations who send large mail volumes will be most affected by the proposed price increase, particularly those required by law to communicate by post,” Ms Brakey said.

In forming its preliminary view, the ACCC considered stakeholder feedback provided in the early-2026 consultation process. While the ACCC acknowledges public opposition to the proposed increase, it assessed the proposal using a cost-based approach consistent with its role.

The ACCC does not approve any proposed price increase under the Australia Post price notification framework. Only the Minister for Communications has the power to reject a price increase proposed by Australia Post.

Consultation on the ACCC’s preliminary view paper is open until Monday 22 June 2026.

Submissions can be sent by email to postalservices@accc.gov.au.

For more information about the consultation process, including guidelines for making a submission, see consultation on ACCC preliminary view.

Note for editors

Australia Post’s proposal is not an additional increase to letter costs, but the same draft proposal as previously discussed in this February 2026 media release – ACCC seeks views on Australia Post’s proposed stamp price increase.

Background

Under the Competition and Consumer Act, the ACCC is responsible for assessing proposed price increases by Australia Post for its reserved ordinary letter services delivered to the regular timetable.

Australia Post’s reserved ordinary letter services are services for which Australia Post has a statutory monopoly and are declared as ‘notified services’ under the Competition and Consumer Act. The current declaration for Australia Post’s notified services is due to expire on 31 December 2028.

The ACCC must consider Australia Post’s proposed price increases for these services and may decide to:

• not object to the price increase
• not object to a price that is less than that proposed, or
• object to the price increase.

The lodgement by Australia Post of a draft price notification provides the ACCC with time to undertake a public consultation process and preliminary economic assessment of the proposed increase. Once Australia Post submits a formal price notification, the ACCC will issue a final decision within 21 days.

Australia Post is also required to provide written notice of the proposed price increase to the Minister for Communications. It can only increase the basic postage rate if the Minister does not disapprove the proposal within 30 days.

The last price notification from Australia Post considered by the ACCC was in 2024, and prior to that in 2023 and 2022.

While the ACCC did not object to Australia Post’s last price notification, it made a series of recommendations in its June 2025 decision regarding cost allocation, forecast data and customer engagement. A summary of Australia Post’s implementation of these recommendations is available at Appendix 2 of the draft price notification.

Source: Tasmania Police

P plate driver detected drink driving

Sunday, 24 May 2026 – 8:24 am.

A 17-year-old male P-plater has had their vehicle clamped and will appear in court at a later date after being found hooning with excess passengers and alcohol in their system overnight.
About 1:15am on Sunday (24 May), a member from Launceston Police Station was on routine patrol in the Newnham area when they observed a blue Jaguar Sedan allegedly hooning on George Town Road.
The vehicle was intercepted and a youth was identified as the driver.
They were found to have an excess number of passengers between the ages of 16 and 21 in the vehicle, contrary to the conditions of their P1 licence.
The youth was breath tested by police and returned a positive indication for alcohol – as a provisional licence holder they are not permitted to drive with any alcohol in their system.
The youth completed a breath analysis which returned a reading of 0.039.
This National Road Safety Week Tasmania Police is reminding members of the public to drive in a manner which does not put the lives of their passengers, other members of the public or themselves at risk of serious injury or death.