Man charged with assault in relation to alleged incidents in Granton and South Hobart
Tuesday, 8 April 2025 – 11:10 am.
A 31-year-old man has been charged with assault in relation to isolated incidents at two locations on Sunday night.
Police will allege the man assaulted a woman who is known to him, at residences in Granton and South Hobart.
The victim was transported to hospital for medical treatment and has since been discharged.
The man was detained to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court today.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Budget includes further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.
Health, housing and cost of living are at the forefront of the 2024-25 ACT Budget.
This year’s Budget delivers more public health services – from new health centres in the suburbs to more elective surgeries across Canberra’s public hospitals.
There is cost of living support for those who need it most, and further cuts to stamp duty to help more Canberrans buy a home.
The Budget also provides more funding for city services and local infrastructure projects across the city.
Health
The Budget is investing in a stronger health care system that is more efficient, with lower rates of avoidable hospital admissions, reduced health inequalities, and improved health outcomes.
This includes funding for work to complement the construction of the new North Canberra Hospital, as well as the second phase of the Canberra Hospital Master Plan.
Funding in the 2024-25 Budget includes:
Housing
Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government aims to increase housing access, choice and affordability.
This includes expanding the Home Buyer Concession Scheme from 1 July, so more people are eligible for a full stamp duty concession on the first $1 million of property value.
The Government has also temporarily expanded the stamp duty concession for off-the-plan unit-titled apartments and townhouses to include properties valued up to $1 million in 2024–25. This is an increase from the previous value of $800,000.
This includes increasing the Electricity, Water and Gas Rebate (formerly, the Utilities Concession) for 2024-25 by $50. The increase will provide eligible households with a total rebate of $800 on their electricity bills.
The Budget also includes a $250 one-off payment for ACT apprentices and trainees to help complete their training. The payment will support about 5700 local apprentices and trainees.
The Future of Education Equity Fund has been boosted to ensure more families can access support in the 2024 school year. The Fund provides low-income families and independent students with a one-off payment to help with education costs such as music lessons or sporting equipment.
Other cost of living initiatives include:
rebates of up to 50 per cent for pensioners on their general rates (capped at $750) and a $98 rebate for the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy
full motor vehicle registration concessions for all eligible recipients
extending the Rental Relief Fund to assist those experiencing rental stress or financial hardship
increasing the value of vouchers available through the Utilities Hardship Fund.
Infrastructure
This year’s Budget invests in recreation spaces for the community and ensures Canberra is a more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.
The 2024-25 Budget includes:
further support for upgrades to the Phillip District Enclosed Oval
commencement of construction of Stage 1 of the Stromlo Forest Park District Playing Fields
early design works for a new or expanded Canberra Stadium, a new Convention and Entertainment Centre, a reopened Telstra Tower, a new Manuka Oval Eastern Grandstand Project, EPIC and Canberra City Pool
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Paths will be improved across the Gungahlin region.
2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Gungahlin
A new North Gungahlin Health Centre
More community facilities for the region
Road upgrades across Gungahlin
Path improvements
More housing for Gungahlin
With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024–25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.
Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.
The 2024–25 ACT Budget will include funding for the design and construction of a new health centre in North Gungahlin.
The North Gungahlin Health Centre will be built on Kingsland Parade in Casey, conveniently close to the shopping centre and other facilities.
The centre will provide more free health services closer to where people need them, with easier access to preventative health services and treatment for chronic disease.
The ACT Government is currently working through additional community uses for the remaining blocks on the 2.4-hectare site in Casey.
This includes:
an indoor sports facility to provide local residents, sporting groups and organisations with access to better amenities
a new ACTAS Ambulance and Fire Station, which will enhance response times to emergency incidents as the Gungahlin community grows.
The Government has already committed to a study on traffic and transport improvements surrounding the Casey Group Centre.
The 2024–25 ACT Budget will also support:
design and construction of a Gungahlin Community Centre
Yerrabi District Park upgrades
upgrades to the Joint Emergency Services Centre
planning and design for a new combined emergency services site in Casey
a new community tennis facility in Gungahlin in partnership with Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT.
Road upgrades across Gungahlin
The Government will undertake planning for priority road works in the Gungahlin District identified from the Gungahlin Transport Plan.
This includes possible road widening and intersection upgrades to deliver more efficient and sustainable transport modes to manage traffic growth and to improve safety and travel times.
This initiative will be jointly funded through the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure with the Commonwealth Government.
Path improvements throughout the region
Funding received through the 2024–25 ACT Budget will see improvements made to paths across the Gungahlin.
Walkers, cyclists and those riding scooters can expect to see better line marking, completed missing links and more lighting as they exercise or head to and from work.
The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
The Budget will also include funding to:
deliver a second college for Gungahlin
expand Margaret Hendry Primary School
the development of Agnes Shea High School in Taylor, which will cater to up to 800 students.
There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.
3,045 new homes are planned for the Gungahlin region.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The ACT’s horticulture and mowing teams will receive a funding boost.
2024-25 ACT Budget snapshot – Tuggeranong
The duplication of Athllon Drive
More housing for Tuggeranong
Upgraded community facilities
More funding for mowing and horticulture
With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the 2024-25 ACT Budget is funding the services and infrastructure this growing city needs.
Through this year’s Budget, the ACT Government is delivering more public health services, providing cost of living relief for those who need it most, and improving housing choice, access and affordability.
Some of the projects funded in Tuggeranong include:
The 2024-25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the city.
This includes funding for:
the provision of sportsground lighting at Gordon District Playing Fields
the construction of the new southside hydrotherapy pool next to the Tuggeranong Lakeside Leisure Centre
improving safety and infrastructure at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the adjacent Woods Reserve/Gibraltar Falls precinct
Tuggeranong foreshore improvements
improving local shops at Calwell Group Centre, Lanyon Marketplace and the Monash commercial area
the development of a new ice sports facility
upgrades to Tuggeranong Arts Centre Theatre and Lanyon Homestead.
The Government will also respond to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.
The region will benefit from a new suite of system-wide literacy and numeracy initiatives, called Strong Foundations, being rolled out across ACT public schools. The program will ensure all students have access to consistent, high-quality literacy and numeracy education.
There will also be a range of school upgrades across Canberra as part of the ACT Government’s annual Asset Renewal Program.
This Budget also includes funding for:
roof upgrades at Calwell Primary School
improvements at the Calwell, Fadden, Gordon, Monash and Theodore Primary Schools
the enhancement of collaborative teaching spaces at Lake Tuggeranong College.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.
Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.
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The Trinidad and Tobago government has declared a State of Public Emergency due to heightened criminal activity (see ‘Safety’). Expect an increased police and military presence and minor disruptions, such as roadblocks. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
Prescribed hazard reduction burns in O’Connor, Weetangera and Hawker – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Two prescribed hazard reduction burns in O’Connor Ridge and Pinnacle Nature Reserve in Weetangera and Hawker will commence today, subject to suitable weather and fuel moisture conditions.
The prescribed hazard reduction burns in O’Connor Ridge and Pinnacle Nature Reserve are being conducted to reduce weeds and exotic species, as well as reduce the fire hazard in the area.
Experienced ACT Parks and Conservation Service fire managers will conduct and oversee the burning operations. Every effort is made to conduct burns in weather conditions that will minimise the impact of smoke, but temporary smoke cover is possible and may be visible across parts of Canberra.
Fire crews will be on the ground monitoring and patrolling the prescribed burns to their conclusions.
Smoke, flame, and glowing embers may be seen at these sites, which is normal for these types of operations. The public are asked not to call emergency triple-zero unless they see any unattended fire.
Prescribed burns are an important part of the ACT’s annual Bushfire Operations Plan to enhance ecological quality, reduce the risk of bushfires and help keep Canberrans safe.
More information about prescribed hazard reduction burns is available on the Parks ACT website.
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 08/04/2025
Today the ACT Government has launched the public consultation for the review of the ACT’s Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime.
The Charter is a legislated set of rights for victims of crime in the ACT and commenced on 1 January 2021. The Charter expressly recognises that victims are central to the justice process, and it was introduced to ensure that, in the administration of justice, engagement with victims is governed by victims’ rights.
The Charter is intended to set the foundation for how victims of crime should be treated by justice agencies and provide victims with a clear picture of their rights in the criminal justice system. The Charter also includes an accountability framework intended to ensure that justice agencies meet their obligations when engaging with victims, as well as providing a mechanism for making complaints where a victim’s rights have not been upheld.
The legislation that established the Charter includes a requirement for its operation to be reviewed, recognising the importance of ensuring the Charter is effective in achieving its objectives and remains in step with community expectations, while also providing an opportunity to identify and address implementation issues.
Minister for Human Rights Tara Cheyne said, “At its introduction, the Charter was recognised as the most comprehensive set of legislated rights for victims of crime in Australia. It is timely to review its operation to ensure it is meeting community expectations, and to hear directly from those it is intended to support.”
A discussion paper has been prepared to facilitate input about the effectiveness of the Charter’s current operation both for victims and the justice agencies that have obligations to uphold victims’ rights under the Charter.
“Justice agencies, community organisations, and victim-survivors are all encouraged to provide feedback as part of the statutory review.
“Hearing from justice agencies that regularly interact with and have obligations under the Charter will provide the Government with valuable operational insights and help identify where and how the Charter can be strengthened.
“Community organisations that work directly with victim-survivors, or that act on their behalf as ‘victim representatives’, are invited to share insights into systemic trends and emerging issues.
“Victim-survivors who have engaged with the Charter are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives—either individually or as part of a submission from a justice agency or community organisation.
“Victim-survivors who may not have engaged with justice agencies or support organisations are also encouraged to provide feedback and strengthen the victim-survivor voice in this review,” said Minister Cheyne.
The ACT Government welcomes all feedback, which can be submitted through the YourSay Conversations website and will remain open until 20 June 2025.
Feedback can also be provided via voice message on 02 6207 5044, or by email to justicereformbranch@act.gov.au. Email submissions will close on 20 June 2025.
A report will be tabled by the ACT Government within 12 months of commencing the review.
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 08/04/2025
The ACT Government is taking urgent legislative action to facilitate continuity of education for students of Brindabella Christian College.
This morning the ACT Government intends to introduce the Education Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill), as an urgent Bill, which would amend the Education Act 2004 to address an identified issue relating to when a non-government school seeks a change to their registration.
While this amendment would be important for all non-government schools, the urgency of this Bill is to ensure Brindabella Christian College can continue to operate.
“As Minister, it is always my preference to keep schools open and operating for students,” Minister for Education and Early Childhood Yvette Berry said.
“Brindabella Christian Education Limited, the proprietor of Brindabella Christian College, is currently under voluntary administration. Deloitte, the Administrators, have advised the school community that the only option to keep the school open is to transfer the school to a new proprietor.
“The financial position of the school is such that an urgent transfer is required and the Administrators are progressing the sale of the school as an urgent priority in order to ensure continuity of education for more than 1,000 students.
“Under the current legislation, the transferring of a school’s registration from one proprietor to another would trigger a 60-day public consultation period.
“However, the current situation with Brindabella Christian College is such that observing this full 60 day period would likely mean that the school’s finances are exhausted, resulting in closure of the school and a significant negative impact on the students, staff and families of this school community.
“I have said many times throughout this process that I don’t want to see this school close – that’s why we are taking this action.
“If passed this amendment would enable me, as Minister, to reduce the 60 day public consultation period when a non-government school requests a change in their registration, when it is reasonably necessary to do so. In the case of Brindabella, this amendment would enable the prompt transfer of the school to a new proprietor with the least impact on school operations.
“Importantly, the public consultation period could not be waived entirely, and the 60 days remains as the default period of consultation. In extreme circumstances such as this though, the amendment would enable a shortened period, for example when time is critical to prevent the closure of a school. To be very clear, the reduction in consultation could only be considered in circumstances where the non-government school has requested a change to their registration.
“Without this urgent legislative intervention the future of Brindabella Christian College would be at significant risk. We must take this action now in order to give the best chance of continuity for students, staff, families and the community.”
The ATO and New Zealand Government have developed an eInvoicing guide to assist large businesses and government agencies starting an eInvoicing implementation. Download the A-NZ Peppol eInvoicing Business Guide from the ‘Implementing eInvoicing’ section of NZ’s ‘Advice for large businesses’External Link webpage.
For more information about eInvoicing for your business, see:
Plan for a smooth transition
To successfully transition to eInvoicing, review your business processes and requirements to understand your current state of invoicing. This includes:
how many invoices you send and receive, and how often
how you send, receive and process invoices and if you use purchase orders
who your top suppliers and buyers are (by number of invoices)
what changes are required in the current software and scanning tools that you use to manage your accounts payable and receivable.
To plan for a smooth transition to eInvoicing:
understand and manage changes in business processes within your business
communicate with your trading partners about upcoming changes
make sure your customer records are up to date, including capturing their ABN
encourage your trading partners to get ready and start using eInvoicing.
Onboard your trading partners
To successfully onboard your trading partners, you should:
try eInvoicing with a small number of your trading partners
progressively onboard more of your trading partners, focussing on those with most benefit to your organisation, for example high-volume suppliers, or those with a high error rate
transition as many of your trade partners as possible to the eInvoicing channel to maximise your benefits.
Police investigating firearms incident in Rocherlea
Tuesday, 8 April 2025 – 9:17 am.
Police are calling for information in relation to an incident in Rocherlea on Sunday morning (6 April).
About 6.30am on Sunday, police received a report that a firearm had been discharged into a residence on Russell Plains Road, Rocherlea.
Several people were inside the property, thankfully, no one was injured.
Witnesses observed a silver Peugeot 207 leaving the area.
Police are investigating the matter, and initial information suggests that the incident is targeted.
If you were in the area around the time and witnessed suspicious activity or have dash cam or CCTV footage of the silver Peugeot, please phone 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Information can be provided anonymously. Please quote OR771480.