Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

17-year-old charged over Rosny assault

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – 4:07 pm.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with common assault and stealing following an incident in Rosny this afternoon.
Police were called to the scene about 12.30pm following reports of a disturbance between two parties.
Initial inquiries indicate a woman in her 40s was assaulted after engaging in an altercation with a group of youths.
Three youths were arrested by police a short time later, the 17-year-old boy has since been charged with common assault and stealing and will appear in after hours court.
The woman received medical attention for non-life threatening injuries.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Taskforce Raven lays 482 charges in three months

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – 2:45 pm.

Taskforce Raven members arrested 61 offenders, and charged them with 482 individual offences during their first three months of operation.
The taskforce has cleared 142 offence reports through its work focusing on recidivist offenders and youth crime.
Members have recovered $48,000 worth of stolen property including power tools, jewellery and groceries and seized 8 illegal firearms.
Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini said since the taskforce was established on 3 February this year, the district had observed a downward trend in crime.  
“Tasmania remains a safe place to live, and we know that a small number of people are responsible for the majority of crime in Tasmania,” he said.
“Taskforce Raven will continue to focus on recidivist offenders, and in just three months, members have delivered strong results, with a significant number of arrests and prosecutions. We have concurrently observed general reduction in crime across the district”.
“While the taskforce is just one of a range of strategies, we have certainly seen positive indications since its inception.”
Taskforce Raven will continue indefinitely, working in conjunction with Northern CIB, Launceston Uniform and the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit.
“Through a combination of high visibility foot patrols and proactive investigations, members of the community can expect to continue to see taskforce members out on the streets,” Commander Ghedini said.
“We know concerns about youth crime, and anti-social and unlawful behaviour, particularly within the CBD remain. I can re-assure the communities of Northern Tasmania that our strong focus will continue and ask for your ongoing support.   
“We continue to encourage anyone with information that may assist Taskforce Raven to contact police.”
Anyone with information can contact the taskforce on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

When you can use these rules

You can use the simplified trading stock rules if:

• either      
  • you are a small business with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million a year or
  • you would be a small business except your aggregated turnover is $10 million or more but less than $50 million – for income years starting on or after 1 July 2021, and
• you estimate that the value of your trading stock changed by $5,000 or less in the year.

If you use the simplified rules, you don’t have to:

• conduct a formal stocktake
• account for the changes in your trading stock’s value.

Estimating stock value

Your estimate will be considered reasonable if either:

• you maintain a constant level of stock each year and have a reasonable idea of the value of your stock on hand
• your stock levels fluctuate but you can make an estimate, based on your records, of the stock you have purchased.

You must:

• undertake your estimate in good faith following a rational process
• be able to explain and prove your process to us if requested.

In making your estimate consider:

• the type of trading stock you hold (for example, a large range but few items or a small range of many items)
• where and how your stock is stored (for example, one location or several locations)
• how you value stock items (for example, cost price, market selling value or replacement value method)
• the quantity and value of your stock on hand in previous income years
• whether the value of your stock varies from previous income years or during the income year
• how you record your sales and purchases and how accurate those records are
• your inventory systems and how accurate they are
• information from any stocktakes you have undertaken
• significant changes to the type and quantity of stock you hold.

You still claim a deduction for trading stock in the same way you claim your other expenses. If you are claiming your deductions for your other expenses when you pay for them – rather than when the expense is incurred – you must do the same for your trading stock claims.  

Example: Trading stock estimate

Colin is an electrician. He always has a small number of items in his van and workshop that are trading stock. At the end of the previous income year he valued his trading stock at $6,800.

Colin’s business hasn’t changed during this income year. He estimates that the quantity of trading stock he holds at the start and end of the year is similar. However, he knows that the cost of most items has increased by around 15% during the year.

He multiplies the value at the start of the year ($6,800) by 1.15, which gives an end of year estimate of $7,820.

The difference between the value of the opening trading stock ($6,800) and the closing trading stock ($7,820) is less than $5,000. This means Colin doesn’t need to:

• do a stocktake
• account for the change in his trading stock value when working out his assessable income.

End of example

Opening value of stock

The value of your stock on hand at the start of the income year is the same as the value you included in your return at the end of the previous year.

If you didn’t have any trading stock in the previous year, the value of your stock on hand at the start of the year is zero ($0). This is likely if you:

• started a new business in the year
• have an existing business but this is the first year you have trading stock.

If you choose not to account for the change in the value of your trading stock (under the simplified trading stock rules), the value at the end of the year is considered to be the same as it was at the start of the year.

Change in value of stock

If the difference in your trading stock’s value during the year varied by more than $5,000, use the general trading stock rules.

Under the general trading stock rules, an increase in your trading stock’s value over the year is assessable income, while a decrease is an allowable deduction.

There are other rules for when you use trading stock for private purposes.

Choosing to do a stocktake

You can choose to do a stocktake. You might make this choice if the:

• value of your stock is increasing and you prefer to increase your assessable income in small increments over a number of years. The alternative would be to make one large adjustment when the increase in stock value reaches the $5,000 threshold.
• value of your stock has decreased and you prefer to reduce your assessable income immediately.

If you choose to do a stocktake:

• apply the general trading stock rules
• include the change in value of trading stock in your assessable income, even if the change is $5,000 or less.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has today revealed some of the ‘wild’ work related expense tax claims people have tried to put past the ATO, and spoiler alert: an air fryer generally won’t make the cut.

Some of the most outrageous deduction attempts the ATO saw last year included:

• A mechanic tried to claim an air fryer, microwave, 2 vacuum cleaners, a TV, gaming console and gaming accessories as work-related. The claim was denied as these expenses are personal in nature.
• A truck driver tried to claim swimwear because it was hot where they stopped in transit and they wanted to go for a swim. The claim was denied as these expenses are personal in nature.
• A manager in the fashion industry tried to claim well over $10,000 in luxury-branded clothing and accessories to be well presented at work, and to attend events, dinners and functions. The clothing was all conventional in nature and was not allowed.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson reminded taxpayers that the ATO’s role is to collect the correct amount of tax that is owed, and exaggerated deduction attempts would not be tolerated.

‘While some people have tried their luck with unusual work-related deduction claims, most people realise to be able to claim an expense, it needs to meet strict criteria.

‘While a lunchtime dip might clear your head for work, swimwear for a truck driver is clearly not deductible.’

‘We know in many instances mistakes relating to work-related expenses could be avoided with a little time and effort,’ Mr Thomson said.

This tax time the ATO will be focused on areas it sees frequent errors, including work-related expenses, working from home deductions and in respect to multiple income sources.

‘Work-related expenses must have a close connection to your income earning activities, and you should be prepared to back it up, with records like a receipt or invoice.’

‘If your deductions don’t pass the ‘pub test’, it’s highly unlikely your claim would meet the ATO’s strict criteria’.

‘Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can claim expenses like travel to and from work and childcare costs. These expenses are personal in nature and cannot be claimed. When in doubt look for guidance on the ATO website or speak with your registered tax agent.’

‘If you’re anything like me, a paper receipt will get lost almost immediately. The myDeductions tool on the ATO app allows you to keep records of your work and general expenses to make lodging your tax return easier,’ Mr Thomson said.

When you are ready to lodge your tax return you can easily share your saved deductions with your registered tax agent or upload them to myTax to make tax time simple.

‘If you’re not sure what you can or can’t claim, check the ATO website for detailed guidance, or ask your registered tax professional, if you have one. Don’t just claim it and hope for the best as penalties and interest may apply.’

One of the most-claimed work-related expense each year is a working from home deduction. In 2024 more than 10 million people claimed a work-related deduction, and many of those claimed a deduction related to working from home. 

There are 2 ways you can calculate your deduction for additional expenses you incur by working from home – the fixed rate method or the actual cost method.

In order to claim a working from home deduction, you must be working from home to fulfil your employment duties (not carrying out minimal tasks) and you have to have records to prove you incurred additional expenses due to working from home.

Using the fixed rate method allows you to claim 70 cents for every hour you work from home and covers your additional running expenses that are often difficult to apportion, like internet, phone usage, electricity and stationery.

‘Remember that you can’t then claim these items separately elsewhere in your tax return – no double dipping!’ Mr Thomson warned.

To claim using the actual cost method, you must have records of all the expenses you claim, and the work-related use of your expenses to back up your deduction.

The ATO is also reminding Australians to declare all sources of income, and make sure they are included on their tax return. This includes side-hustles, for example if you are providing ride sourcing services or selling services via an app.

Each source of income you have will have different deductions available to you, depending on the nature of the income and your occupation.

More information on specific deductions for different jobs is available in the ATO’s occupation and industry specific guides.

Notes to journalists

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City is developing a Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-2029 and is inviting the community to complete a short survey.

The Local Government Act 2020 requires the City to have a Revenue and Rating Plan which needs to be adopted for at least four years after each Council election.

The Revenue and Rating Plan explains how the City will raise funds to provide services, facilities and infrastructure. This includes finding the most appropriate and affordable rates approach for Greater Bendigo’s residents and businesses.

The plan includes rates options that are allowed under legislation and are fair and equitable. It also includes principles for decision-making for other income sources such as fees and charges.

Rates and charges make up around two-thirds of the City’s income. The plan does not set targets for the City’s income.

Greater Bendigo currently has 11 different rating types, known as differential rates, for various classes of property such as general (which covers residential properties), commercial/industrial, farms and vacant land.

Using differential rating allows the City to shift the amount of rates that residents and businesses pay in a way that reflects their capacity to pay. This aims to make rates fairer.

To do this, the City applies a different ‘rate in the dollar’ for different classes of property.

Director Corporate Performance Jess Howard said community feedback was an important part of the next plan’s development.

“The Revenue and Rating Plan is significant because it sets out decisions that Council can make in relation to rating options available to it under the Local Government Act 2020,” Ms Howard said.

“The plan takes a four-year approach and explains how Council calculates the revenue needed to fund activities. The City provides many important services and facilities for the community and must collect revenue to cover the cost of providing them.

“The plan aims to ensure the fair and equitable distribution of rates across property owners.

“The community is invited to get involved in a survey on the City’s engagement platform Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo. Your responses and feedback will help inform a draft Revenue and Rating Plan which will be presented for consideration at the June Council meeting.”

The survey is open until 5pm, May 21.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force coordinated a search and rescue operation conducted by local community members to locate two women southeast of Kalkarindji yesterday.

About 10:00am, the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre received reports of concerns for welfare of two women after they did not arrive safely to the Kalkarindji community following an outing the previous night. One of the females was able to get in contact with a member of the community and advised that they were bogged and the other female had walked off.

A local helicopter, provided by Helimuster Helicopters commenced the Search and Rescue Operation and members from the community assisted.

About 2:35pm, the first female was located by the ALPA Community Store manager near a cattle station bore and an hour later the second female and their pet dogs were located by the helicopter. Both females were safe and well and transported to Kalkarindji Clinic for medical assessment.

Senior Constable Karl von Minden, Police Search and Rescue Coordinator said, “Police appreciate the assistance of staff from the Kalkarindji ALPA store, Helimuster Helicopters, local community members and Kalkarindji police for their swift response and assistance in the search efforts.”

“Those who choose to explore the great Territory outback are urged to carry sufficient drinking water, consider bringing a Personal Locator Beacon and to stay with their vehicle if lost in the bush.”

Source: New South Wales Government 2

07 May 2025

Who does this notice affect?

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

All clients submitting the below declarations:

• Full Import Declaration (FID)
• Long Form Self Assessed Clearance (LFSAC)
• Short Form Self Assessed Clearance (SFSAC)
• Cargo Report Self Assessed Clearance (CRSAC)
• Cargo Report Personal Effects (PE)
• Master…

Source:

Bright mother, Leah Chalwell, has a passion for inspiring the next generation of women firefighters and is encouraging other mums to join CFA.

Leah’s decision to join CFA in 2018 came as a result of waiting at Bright Fire Station for her husband to come back from call outs.

Both of Leah’s children are now volunteers, including her 19-year-old daughter Grace and 17-year-old son Riley, who she wants to set a strong example for. 

“I want to show my kids that mum is just as capable as anyone to be a firefighter and if I can do it, they can too.” Leah said. 

“I know my limits as a woman, but I am always looking to push myself and that is the example I want to set for my daughter. 

“Having a woman who can stand alongside her male counterparts sends a really strong message, especially in firefighting where it has traditionally been a man’s world.” 

Leah says her experience as a volunteer has  been a growth opportunity for her own skills. 

“I have obtained my Medium Rigid Truck Licence and completed Respond to Urban qualifications so I can be a more versatile member of our brigade,” Leah said.  

“It can be challenging at times having both the kids as volunteers too.”

“I have had to learn that when the pager goes off, I am not their mum, instead we are fellow firefighters.” 

Grace, Leah’s daughter is proudly following in her mother’s footsteps. 

“I have taken a gap year and throughout this time mum and dad have pushed me to continue to upskill, so I have taken CFA courses while having the year off,” Grace said.  

“It is so cool that mum is a firefighter. She is such an inspiration to me.” 

Leah said CFA can move with the seasons of life for those who are eager to join. 

“I was lucky for a period of time to have my mother in-law live with us, so to have her alongside our neighbours really helped with the kids so my husband and I could respond to calls,” Leah said. 

“No matter where you are at, you can jump in and join and do the training. You may not be able to respond now but perhaps as time goes on you will.  

“There are so many other roles you can do in CFA too.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: New South Wales – News

Emergency services responded to North East Road, Hillcrest at 11pm on Tuesday 6 May after a young woman was hit by a car.

Sadly, there was nothing police or paramedics could do, and the 20-year-old woman from Greenacres was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Major Crash investigators attended and examined the scene overnight.  The crash occurred on the north-east bound carriageway of North East Road, near Forbes Street, near the service station.

Investigators have spoken to witnesses who described seeing a silver sedan involved in the crash, but it did not stop at the scene.

The driver of the car is urged to come forward.

Anyone with information about this silver sedan, which possibly has front end damage, or the driver is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Police are appealing for any witnesses or other motorists with dashcam footage, including of the woman’s presence on the roadway before the fatal crash, to contact police.  Police are also seeking any CCTV footage from the area.

The young woman is the 29th life lost on South Australian roads so far this year.

Source: Premier of Victoria

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