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.
The country’s peak mental health body Mental Health Australia welcomes the Australian Labor Party’s $1bn election commitment to significantly increase access to free mental health supports across the country, along with a much needed boost to grow the workforce.
Dr Aidan Cousins, Dr Nicole Dmochowska and Professor Benjamin Thierry with the probe.
New Australian technology is set to transform the way that gastrointestinal cancers are detected and treated with precise, minimally invasive surgery.
Backed by the Federal Government’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite Grant, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) are using quantum technology to develop a first-of-its-kind laparoscopic probe that will allow surgeons to accurately map the spread of tumours.
The technology has the potential to improve cancer survival rates and patient quality of life worldwide.
The probe will work alongside Ferronova’s iron-oxide nanoparticle formulation (FerroTrace) to improve the detection of cancerous lymph nodes during surgery, reducing the need for extensive procedures that often lead to life-threatening complications and life-long side-effects for survivors.
Gastrointestinal cancers are among the deadliest, often spreading through the lymphatic system to distant lymph nodes before diagnosis. Traditional surgical methods involve removing large sections of tissue, increasing the risk of infections and long-term digestive issues.
“By integrating state-of-the-art quantum sensors into a minimally invasive laparoscopic probe, we aim to give surgeons a powerful new tool to precisely locate affected lymph nodes,” Dr Dmochowska says.
“This will potentially enable more targeted surgery, reducing the need for extensive tissue removal and improving post-surgical recovery.”
The UniSA research team has already demonstrated the feasibility of the quantum sensor-based magnetometer probes in a successful phase-1 clinical trial for oral cancer.
This new project will take this technology further by miniaturising the probe for use in laparoscopic – or keyhole – surgery, allowing for more precise and less invasive cancer treatments.
Researchers have spent more than eight years developing the magnetometer probes for cancer surgery. The AEA Ignite grant will fund the next crucial step: developing a fully functional, preclinically validated prototype that can be trialled in large animal models before progressing to human clinical trials.
“This research aligns with Australia’s national priority areas in both medical science and quantum technology,” according to UniSA researcher Professor Benjamin Thierry.
“The commercial potential is immense, with an anticipated global market exceeding $2 billion annually,” Prof Thierry says.
Unlike existing lymphatic mapping techniques that rely on radioactive tracers, the quantum probe and FerroTrace combination provide a safer and more effective combination, according to Ferronova senior researcher and development engineer Dr Aidan Cousins.
“This technology is particularly promising for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy before surgery, where conventional lymphatic mapping methods have limited effectiveness,” Dr Cousins says.
“This could be a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, enhancing the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.”
Preclinical trials are expected to start within the next year.
The Australian Government has extended its commitment to increase Peppol eInvoicing adoption in the Budget 2024–25External Link (information found on page 180 of Budget Paper No.2 PDF document). By leading the implementation of eInvoicing, the Government aims to improve cash flow, disrupt payment redirection scams and boost productivity across the economy.
For these and other benefits to be realised, governments across the country need to use eInvoicing and encourage the businesses they interact with to use it too.
In July 2022 many Australian Government entities were mandated to be able to receive eInvoices and 16,000 Australian businesses were registered on the Peppol network. By January 2025 this number has jumped to over 410,000, with 129 Australian Government entities and more than 300 state and territory government entities and local councils also getting on board.
With the network growing, we now need to focus on increasing the volume of transactions supporting the government’s supply chain.
If you’re already able to receive eInvoices, but eInvoicing is not yet fully integrated with your finance or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and automated workflows, consider uplifting your accounts payable capability. Also include eInvoicing in your procurement and contract templates as the preferred way to receive invoices.
Consider your accounts receivable volumes and processes and investigate how you may embed eInvoicing as your default channel when sending invoices to businesses or other government agencies.
To find out more about how the ATO is helping agencies meet their obligations, or to join our GovTEAMS community for peer support and to tap into more detailed information, email einvoicing@ato.gov.au.
The ATO is also working with state and territory governments who are then furthering eInvoicing adoption in their jurisdictions:
To connect with the eInvoicing lead in your state or territory, email us at einvoicing@ato.gov.au.
Local government
For more information about eInvoicing and to find out how we can help your council, email us at einvoicing@ato.gov.au.
Getting started and getting the most out of eInvoicing
Many government entities are using eInvoicing, including here at the ATO.
If you’ve not yet got onboard, adding eInvoicing as a channel to government finance systems is essentially the same as for medium and large businesses.
To make sure your eInvoicing capabilities are appropriate and you’re maximising the efficiency and productivity benefits for both you and your suppliers, read our:
The ATO and New Zealand Government have developed the A-NZ Peppol eInvoicing Business Guide to help large businesses and government agencies implement eInvoicing. Download the resource from ‘Implementing eInvoicing’ on Advice for large businessesExternal Link.
For more technical advice or for tailored help to increase the volume of eInvoices you receive, contact eInvoicing@ato.gov.au.
Police and emergency services are responding to a serious crash on the Nullarbor.
About 6am on Tuesday 8 April, police received a report of a serious crash involving a truck and car on the Eyre Highway. The crash is about 75km’s from the Western Australian border.
Motorists travelling across the border on the Eyre Highway should expect lengthy delays.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Canberra families will have better access to paediatric health services where and when they need it.
Canberra families will have access to more paediatric health services in both the hospital and the community, as part of the 2024–25 ACT Budget funding.
The investment will expand paediatric inpatient care as well as community-based paediatric services.
Eight inpatient paediatric beds at Canberra Hospital will be funded.
This will ensure Canberra Health Services can continue to support unwell children and young people when they need specialist paediatric care.
A new paediatric critical care team will also be established at Canberra Hospital.
The team will provide leadership and specialty skills in paediatric critical care to treat and care for children and young people.
They will also provide better coordination, support and upskilling of existing staff in this area.
There will be additional resourcing to expand multidisciplinary rehabilitation services for children with complex and chronic conditions – where care is shared between local and interstate hospitals.
This funding will develop a model of care to support children in a more sustainable and integrated way.
Budget funding will also support critically unwell newborns, with additional cots added the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nursery at Canberra Hospital.
The ACT Government will establish a new location for community-based paediatric services.
This will give families with children with – or at risk of – developmental delays or certain health conditions easier access to services they need, outside of a hospital setting.
These investments will support implementation of actions in the Child and Adolescent Clinical Services Plan 2023–2030 and the opening of dedicated paediatric critical care spaces in Canberra Hospital’s new Critical Services Building.
This Budget builds on the range of Government investments in paediatric services, as well as the expansion of the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Koori Preschool provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 3 to 5 years with a play-based, culturally safe learning program.
Proud First Nations women Chloe Spratt and Amanda Flemming are driven to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children thrive.
They wear many hats as the Early Years Engagement Officers at the ACT Government’s Child and Family Centres.
Central to their role is engaging with parents about their children’s education – and this begins with Koori Preschool.
Koori Preschool provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 3 to 5 years with a play-based, culturally safe learning program.
Each week, Chloe and Amanda visit Canberra’s five Koori Preschools to meet with families and staff.
Parents and carers get to know them during drop-off and pick-up times and can approach them to discuss support they might need.
School staff can also discuss any concerns with Chloe or Amanda – with consent from the family. Chloe and Amanda can then link the family to relevant services for support which could include referral into the Child and Family Centres or Child Development Service to assist addressing the individual needs of families.
Both officers are determined to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have a positive experience of school.
“I’ve been in the Early Years Engagement Officer for four years and I am very passionate about supporting our children in community and working so closely with the Koori Preschool program,” Chloe said.
They work tirelessly to empower families to play an active role in their child’s learning journey.
Such efforts have played a role in the success of Koori Preschool.
Enrolments have increased over the past five years and school readiness among First Nations preschoolers has also improved.
An additional 100 places at Koori Preschool were funded in last year’s budget.
Both women regard their work as not just a job, but a calling. This dedication illustrates the power of advocacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood development.
“Being that person who family feel culturally connected to and feel safe to yarn with you is a great sense of belonging in the community,” Amanda said.
“I love that as An Early Years Engagement Officer I can help give the best start to the little Borri and help the families get the support they may need for their family.
“I enjoy being able to see the Borris go from strength to strength from the early intervention they may be linked into with the child development.
“I think the best part is when you visit each school the Borri running up to you and saying ‘Aunty Manda, can you came and play with me’ or ‘can you be my partner on the bus’ when I join them on learning on country,” she said.
Koori Preschools operate at five school sites around Canberra, with curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework.
Ngunnawal Primary School
Kingsford Smith School
Narrabundah Early Childhood School
Wanniassa School
Richardson Primary School.
Parents and carers can enrol Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Koori Preschool at any time between the ages of three and five.
Koori Preschool enrolments are now open for the 2025 school year.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
There is a comprehensive cost-of-living package included in this year’s Budget.
The ACT Government is offering continued support to Canberrans most impacted by cost of living pressures.
Cost of living pressures are being felt across the country and this year’s ACT Budget does more for low-income households.
Supporting apprentices and trainees
One initiative is a new, one-off $250 payment to support local apprentices and trainees.
Apprentices and trainees have a restricted earning capacity while they are obtaining their qualification.
This payment recognises the financial pressures these Canberrans are facing.
The ACT Government will contact eligible apprentices and trainees by the end of September. It is not necessary to apply for the payment.
Assisting families with schooling costs
The ACT Government is also expanding the Future of Education Equity Fund.
The Fund has been hugely successful in supporting students and families in need, helping them with the costs of their education.
Already in 2024, the Future of Education Equity Fund has supported more than 5000 students in Canberra.
More families will be able to get financial assistance with things like textbooks, music lessons and sporting equipment.
Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate
Over 40,000 low-income households in Canberra will also benefit from an increase to the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate.
The payment will be increased to $800 per year, helping these households with their home energy costs.
When combined with the $300 Federal Government energy payment, one in five Canberra households will receive $1,100 in assistance towards their energy bills.
Targeted cost of living support
These initiatives are part of a comprehensive cost of living package included in this year’s Budget. The package also includes:
expanding the Utilities Hardship Fund, including increasing vouchers from $100 to $300, to support more households to change their energy use
extending the Rent Relief Fund to support more Canberrans on low incomes who are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship
expanding public transport concession fares to include Canberrans with a Commonwealth Low-Income Health Care Card, to support more people accessing buses and light rail
additional funding to Roundabout Canberra, Scouts ACT, Fearless Women and Women’s Health Matters to support these community organisations to continue delivering essential services to vulnerable Canberrans
additional funding for emergency material and financial aid programs and food relief services, to support vulnerable Canberrans in need of food and other necessities
increasing assistance through the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, including increasing the subsidy for ride users, further reducing out-of-pocket costs for vulnerable Canberrans
increasing the Life Support Rebate to $150 a year, to support more Canberrans using electric life support equipment to treat a life-threatening condition.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Budget will fund path improvements across the Inner North, Inner South and City.
2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Inner North, Inner South and City
A new Inner South Health Centre
More housing for the region
Path improvements across the region
The electrification of Alfred Deakin High School
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 the Inner North, Inner South and City include:
A new Inner South Health Centre
The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure throughout the city.
This includes funding to build the new Inner South Health Centre in Griffith. This will help provide the right services closer to where people live.
The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024–25 to 2028–29 will help cater to the ACT’s growing population.
As part of the program, 4,587 new homes are planned for the Inner North, Inner South and City region.
Road and path improvements across the region
Funding received through the 2024–25 ACT Budget will see improvements made to paths across the Inner North, Inner South and City.
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.
Other investments across the region include:
progressing Light Rail Stage 2A, which includes design and construction of an extension from the existing Light Rail Stage 1 terminus at Alinga Street to a new stop at Commonwealth Park
road improvements along Beltana Road in Pialligo
construction of the Garden City Cycle Route.
The electrification of Alfred Deakin High School
The Electrification of Gas Assets Program is a 17-year commitment by the ACT Government to replace all gas-powered assets used within Government owned and operated buildings.
The program will abolish and electrify over 1,000 gas assets and will contribute to the goal of net zero emissions from Government operations by 2040.
Funding in the 2024–25 ACT Budget will allow for cooling upgrades at Alfred Deakin High School as part of the program.
The 2024–25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the region.
This includes responding 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.
This Budget will also provide support for:
finalising construction of the new Acton Emergency Services Station to house ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire & Rescue staff
undertaking capital upgrades at the City Police Station and planning for future accommodation requirements
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 includes:
the refurbishment of the existing Lyneham High School gymnasium
roof replacement work at Dickson College
continuing the modernisation and expansion of Majura Primary School, Telopea Park High School and Narrabundah College
progressing the UNSW Canberra City Campus project.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget here.
Canberra’s mowing teams and resources have been expanded.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Canberra’s Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) pilot program will be expanded.
2024–25 ACT Budget snapshot – Belconnen
New health centre for West Belconnen
FOGO pilot expanded
More housing for Belconnen
New and upgraded community facilities
Belconnen Transitway feasibility study
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 Belconnen include:
A new health centre for West Belconnen
The 2024–25 ACT Budget is investing in health programs and infrastructure throughout the city.
This includes funding to design and plan a new health centre in West Belconnen. This will help provide the right services closer to where people live.
The Government is also investing in a new North Canberra Hospital, including upgrades to existing buildings to maintain services during construction and design work to relocate some existing services.
The Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the region.
This includes:
the expansion of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium
the replacement of the existing pavilion at Jamison Oval
upgrades to the Emu Bank foreshore
improving local shops at Charnwood Group Centre, Evatt, Kippax Group Centre, and Macquarie
delivering a new green waste processing facility and landscape depot in West Belconnen.
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 combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.
The Budget includes funding for 10 full-time positions and eight additional mowers to deliver an expanded baseline capacity in the ACT’s mowing teams.
In the low season, mowing crews will assist with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.
Belconnen to City Transitway feasibility study
The Government will undertake a bus transitway feasibility study to investigate potential upgrades to the transport corridor between Belconnen and the City.
The study will focus on improving bus services to minimise congestion and delays between two of Canberra’s major population hubs.
This initiative will be partially funded through a matching contribution from the Commonwealth Government.
The Budget will also provide funding to finalise the duplication of William Hovell Drive and Gundaroo Drive between Ginninderra Drive and the Barton Highway.
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 includes roof replacement work at Charnwood Dunlop Primary School and Melba Copland Secondary School.
The Budget also includes funding to deliver:
Strathnairn Primary School in the Ginninderry area, which will cater for over 600 preschool to year 6 students
a 130-place Early Childhood Education and Care service.
Find out what else has been funded as part of the 2024-25 ACT Budget by clicking here.
The ACT’s horticulture and mowing teams will receive a funding boost.
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