Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NGARKAT HIGHWAY, NGARKAT (Grass Fire)

Australians will now be better protected while dating online with the enforcements starting under an Australian first online dating code. 

The online dating industry code puts safeguards in place to protect users from online harm and abuse, and was developed by industry in consultation with law enforcement and those with lived experience following a request from the Australian Government.

The voluntary code has been operational for six months, giving service providers time to implement changes ahead of strict enforcement commencing today.

Under the code, participating platforms are required to have: 

• Systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm

• Actions taken against users who have violated a company’s online safety policies, including terminating their accounts across all services operated by that company

• Prominent and transparent complaint and reporting mechanisms

• Regular transparency reports detailing the number of Australian accounts terminated and content moderation processes

• More support resources on safe dating practices and mitigating online enabled harms

• Proactive engagement with Australian law enforcement, including escalation of complaints where there is imminent threat to safety

Industry transparency about the nature and extent of harms will empower users to make informed choices about the services they use. Platforms will also be required to engage in more reporting with a new rating system on how well they are meeting their obligations.

Failure to comply with the code exposes platforms to enforcement by the independent Code Compliance Committee. Enforcement could include issuing formal warnings, ordering platforms to develop a plan to meet its obligations under the code and, suspending or removing them from the code.

The committee is made up of three members of the public – one person with experience in online safety, sexual or gender-based violence or public policy, one person admitted to practice as a solicitor, and one with experience in social networking technology platforms.

The eSafety Commissioner will start assessing the Code’s effectiveness this year. If it has not been effective, the Government will have the option to pursue regulatory options to keep Australians safe online.

Participating platforms include Match Group (Tinder, OKCupid), ParshipMeet (eHarmony), Bumble, Grindr, and Spark Networks (Zoosk).

For more information, head to: https://www.australianonlinedatingcode.com.au/

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“Australians deserve to feel safe when using online dating apps. Reducing online harms is a major focus of ours which is why I am pleased to see industry’s work to develop this code, which is now ready to be strictly enforced. 

“Online safety is a shared responsibility so I am pleased to see some of the largest online dating services across the country commit to doing their part towards the goal of ending violence in our community. 

“If this voluntary code doesn’t stack up and keep users safe we will not hesitate to regulate.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP

“Millions of Australians use online dating platforms, with research suggesting more than 70 per cent of users in Australia have experienced at least one incident of dating app facilitated sexual violence.

“This is unacceptable, and that’s why protecting vulnerable Australians from online abuse, including dating app violence, is our ongoing priority. 

“It’s important we ensure the rules and regulations we have in place are as effective as possible in reducing online harm for all Australians and the enforcement of this new, Australian-first code for dating services is a very positive step towards creating a safe, online space.” 

Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Kevin Russell as Chair of the NBN Co Limited Board (the Board), commencing from 1 April 2025.

Mr Russell has been serving as interim Chair of the Board since 1 January 2025, following the conclusion of Ms Kate McKenzie’s term. He was previously appointed as Non-Executive Director to the Board on 22 April 2024 for a 3-year term. 

Mr Russell brings to the role over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications sector in international and Australian markets, including as Managing Director of Vocus Group, Group Executive Retail for Telstra, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Consumer for Optus. He has previously held CEO roles with Collinear Networks, Hutchinson Three UK and Hutchinson Telecom Australia. 

Mr Russell also has significant experience in leading substantial change management initiatives and major technology transformations in telecommunications businesses.

We congratulate Mr Russell on his appointment and we are confident his extensive experience in leadership, management and telecommunications will continue to be highly valuable for the Board.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“The appointment of Mr Russell will ensure the addition and retention of essential skills and experience, enabling the company to continue to upgrade and improve the National Broadband Network.

“The appointment will continue to provide strong leadership whilst maintaining stability and continuity for the Board.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The Board plays a key role in overseeing NBN Co, ensuring it continues to deliver for all Australians as a publicly-owned company.

“Mr Russell’s expertise in leadership, telecommunications, business transformation and stakeholder engagement will continue to be highly valuable for the Board as he assumes the Chair position.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Mr Russell as Chair of NBN Co to deliver on its mission to provide affordable and accessible broadband services for the benefit of all Australians.”

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Fifteen local groups have shared a total of $116,656 in funding from the City of Greater Bendigo’s Community Grants Program Medium Grants category to undertake a diverse range of projects.

City of Greater Bendigo Healthy Communities and Environment Acting Director Andie West said the City’s Community Grants Program is very important for many local groups to undertake important activities that benefit many people in the community.

“The City’s Medium Grants category provides up to $10,000 to support activities that align with the aims of the Greater Bendigo’s Council Plan 2021-2025 Mir wimbul or a local community plan,” Ms West said.

“The Community Grants Program is an important program that has benefited many diverse groups over a long period of time.”  

In the latest round the following grants were provided:

• $10,000 to Eaglehawk Bendigo Badminton and Table Tennis Stadium for construction of a bus drop-off zone to cater for para-athletes and facility users
• $10,000 to Bendigo Basketball Association for the purchase of a trailer to transport sports wheelchairs
• $10,000 to Junortoun Community Action Group to develop and prepare a landscape plan for Honeyeater Bushland Reserve
• $10,000 to Bendigo Winter Night Shelter towards operation of the 2025 Night Shelter
• $9,774 to Bendigo Foodshare Inc towards the purchase of a ride on mower to maintain the grounds of Foodshare’s new premises
• $9,000 to Bendigo Region Women’s Shed Inc. towards developing the operation of the shed
• $8,730 to Discovery Science and Technology Museum Inc to provide the Beyond Curious – innovation STEM and literacy program
• $8,341 to Huntly Men’s Shed Inc. towards the purchase of occupational healthy safety requirements
• $7,838 to Eaglehawk North Primary School towards the implementation of a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
• $7,100 to Ex-Fortuna Survey Association Inc.to digitise and preserve historical film negatives and slides from the Royal Australian Survey Corps and Women’s Australian Army Corps
• $6,500 to Lifeline Loddon Mallee Ltd to support recruitment and training of volunteers
• $6,247 Wellsford Forest Friends and Landcare Group to fund an ecological study of vegetation in Wellsford Forest
• $6,156 to Bendigo Agricultural Show Society to develop a free of charge Kids Zone for children to explore and learn at the 2025 Bendigo Show
• $5,320 to Star Cinema Community Association Pty Ltd to support he Eaglehawk Film Festival
• $1,650 to Ostomates – Bendigo Stoma Support Group to support participant education and operation of the group

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Men Charged After Evade Incident

Saturday, 3 May 2025 – 2:47 pm.

Two men have been charged with numerous offences following a protracted incident yesterday. Both men had been actively avoiding police and were arrested following the incident where they utilised two vehicles in an attempt to evade police. Today, they have been charged with a total of 60 offences.

A 22 year old man with no fixed address has been charged with 35 separate charges including:
1x Dangerous Driving
2x Evade Police (aggravated circumstances)
1x Aggravated assault
1x Attempted Carjacking
4x Drive whilst not the holder of a driver’s licence
1x Computer related Fraud
7x Motor Vehicle stealing
1x Possess a controlled drug
1x Unlawful possession of property
1x Breach of interim Family Violence Order
9x Breaches of bail
2x Burglary
1x Stealing
1x Attempted stealing
1x Destroy property
1x Dangerous article in public place
2x FTA Warrant
1x Warrant First instance

A 19 year old man from Herdsman Cove has been charged with 25 charges including:
1x Motor vehicle stealing
17x Breach of family violence order
1x Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued.
1x Possess ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence.
1x Breach of restraint order
1x Breach of bail conditions
1x Unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.
1x Possess a controlled drug
1x Dangerous article in public place

Tasmania Police would like to thank the members of the public who have provided information to support the investigation.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Serious crash at Stoodley

Saturday, 3 May 2025 – 10:29 am.

A 44 year old man is in a serious condition following a crash on Bridle Track Road at Stoodley yesterday.
The single vehicle crash involving the green BMW sedan with a single occupant occurred around 4:30pm. Witnesses reported that the vehicle lost control and rolled into the Dasher River.
A short time prior to the crash, police travelling in the opposite direction detected the same vehicle travelling above the posted speed limit and were in the process of safely turning around to make an attempt to intercept it. The police vehicle’s emergency warning devices were activated whilst trying to find the vehicle.  Police did not locate the vehicle and shortly thereafter were notified it had crashed.
As is normal practice in these circumstances, a Professional Standards investigation will be conducted into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Police are on the scene this morning conducting investigations and Bridle Track Road will be closed to all traffic while the investigation is underway.
Police are calling for witnesses to the crash or any person who observed the vehicle’s manner or driving to come forward.
Anyone with dash cam footage or information should contact Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigate Kingston house fire

Friday, 2 May 2025 – 3:53 pm.

Approximately 8:30am on 3 May 2025, Police and the Tasmania Fire Service were called to Lewan Avenue, Kingston in relation to a house on fire.The unit suffered significant damage, however the fire was contained within the address and extinguished.The fire appears to be suspicious and a 52 year-old Kingston man is currently assisting police with their enquiries.This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at crimestoppers.com.au

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Two men charged after Hobart evade incident

Friday, 2 May 2025 – 3:52 pm.

Two men have been charged with numerous offences following a protracted incident yesterday. Both men had been actively avoiding police and were arrested following the incident where they utilised two vehicles in an attempt to evade police. Today, they have been charged with a total of 60 offences.
A 22 year old man with no fixed address has been charged with 35 separate charges including:1x Dangerous Driving2x Evade Police (aggravated circumstances)1x Aggravated assault1x Attempted Carjacking4x Drive whilst not the holder of a driver’s licence1x Computer related Fraud7x Motor Vehicle stealing1x Possess a controlled drug1x Unlawful possession of property1x Breach of interim Family Violence Order9x Breaches of bail2x Burglary1x Stealing1x Attempted stealing1x Destroy property1x Dangerous article in public place2x FTA Warrant1x Warrant First instance
A 19 year old man from Herdsman Cove has been charged with 25 charges including:
1x Motor vehicle stealing17x Breach of family violence order1x Possess a firearm to which a firearms licence may not be issued.1x Possess ammunition when not the holder of the appropriate firearm licence.1x Breach of restraint order1x Breach of bail conditions1x Unlawfully possess dangerous article in a public place.1x Possess a controlled drug1x Dangerous article in public place
Tasmania Police would like to thank the members of the public who have provided information to support the investigation.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man in serious condition following crash near Stoodley

Friday, 2 May 2025 – 10:51 am.

A 44 year old man is in a serious condition following a crash on Bridle Track Road at Stoodley yesterday.The single vehicle crash involving the green BMW sedan with a single occupant occurred around 4:30pm. Witnesses reported that the vehicle lost control and rolled into the Dasher River.A short time prior to the crash, police travelling in the opposite direction detected the same vehicle travelling above the posted speed limit and were in the process of safely turning around to make an attempt to intercept it. The police vehicle’s emergency warning devices were activated whilst trying to find the vehicle. Police did not locate the vehicle and shortly thereafter were notified it had crashed.As is normal practice in these circumstances, a Professional Standards investigation will be conducted into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.Police are on the scene this morning conducting investigations and Bridle Track Road will be closed to all traffic while the investigation is underway.Police are calling for witnesses to the crash or any person who observed the vehicle’s manner or driving to come forward.Anyone with dash cam footage or information should contact Police on 131444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Police investigate Moonah house fire

Friday, 2 May 2025 – 7:50 am.

Police are investigating a structure fire in Amiens Avenue, Moonah last night.Police and Tas Fire Service attended the property just after 11:30pm with theresidence well alight.TFS gained control of the fire quickly and prevented the fire from spreading toneighbouring properties.The owner of the property was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital fortreatment.Investigations are continuing.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services