Category: MIL-OSI

Source: South Australia Police

Eastern District police are investigating a fire at a Modbury shopping centre this afternoon.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. This morning, the National Cabinet has met for another important update on our preparedness for the National Fuel Security Plan. It is important to recognise the fact that the longer that the Strait of Hormuz is essentially shut, even in spite of the ceasefire being in place for four weeks now, the longer this conflict goes, the greater the impact will be. It’s as simple as that. Our number one priority remains shielding Australians from the worst effects of this crisis. And we’re working across with state and territory governments to ensure that the national interest is looked after. That is why as well, my Government has cut the tax on fuel in half and we’ve worked relentlessly to secure our fuel supply lines. So far, we are faring well, and Australia remains at level two of the plan, and we want to stay at level two for as long as possible.

This is in part due to the work of the National Fuel Security Taskforce that we established, working with state and territory governments to deliver. But it’s also in part because of the work that Australians are doing. As our campaign says, every little bit helps. And the demand spike that we saw prior to Easter has stopped in terms of the behaviour of people turning up at petrol stations and filling up jerry cans and filling up their garages essentially with fuel that we warned was not only not in the national interest, it was actually dangerous. It was very much different from the behaviour that we saw during COVID of people filling up their garages with toilet paper. Fuel is different. It is dangerous. And we again thank people for overwhelmingly doing the right thing.

People are taking voluntary action as well. More people are catching public transport, more people are car sharing, more people are working from home where it is in the interests of employees and employers going forward. And we’re working as well across jurisdictions to make sure that we continue to create circumstances where, as much as possible, we want actions to be voluntary going forward as well. The fact that more ships arrived in Australia during April than during March, February or January, I think just underlines the work that we’ve done securing supplies from our traditional partners, but also the expansion in supplies of fuel deliveries from places like the Netherlands, South America, North America, Algeria as well. And the work that we’re doing with our traditional partners in this region has been very important.

Today, I am also announcing that the Federal Budget next week will include an Australian fuel security and resilience package. This is aimed at making sure that Australians can have more confidence in protecting our energy sovereignty, not just during this crisis, but going forward as well, protecting our nation’s energy interests. The package will provide more than $10 billion to secure Australia’s near-term fuel and fertiliser security, establish a permanent government-owned Australian fuel security reserve of around a billion litres, and lift the Minimum Stockholding Obligation by around 10 days for every type of fuel. This will support an overall expansion of Australia’s onshore fuel reserves to ensure at least 50 days of fuel supply and storage of diesel and aviation fuel.

As part of our plan to deliver energy sovereignty, our Australian fuel security and resilience package will comprise the following elements: $7.5 billion for the establishment of a fuel and fertiliser security facility to increase supply and storage of fuel and fertiliser by providing financial support including loans, equity guarantees, insurance and price support. This is the work that’s taking place with Export Finance Australia that has enabled us to secure those additional cargoes, particularly of diesel and jet fuel, that has very much protected Australia’s interests.

Secondly, $3.2 billion to establish a government-owned Australian fuel security reserve of around a billion litres to increase long-term diesel and aviation fuel supply and storage in combination with an increase to the Minimum Stockholding Obligation to increase Australia’s critical fuel reserves to 50 days. Now, our fuel security reserve will focus on regional stock outs and supply constraints for essential users in the event of another supply crisis.

And lastly, the fourth element is $10 million to support feasibility studies into newer, expanded fuel refining capabilities to be co-funded with state and territory jurisdictions. As a matter of courtesy, I went through these measures at the National Cabinet meeting that met this morning. We know there’s at least one of a serious proposal that will receive the support of a state government and Federal Government to examine the possibility of additional refining capability going forward as well. And we want to make sure that there’s buy-in, which is why any proposals will be jointly funded by state and territory governments as well as the Commonwealth. Now, we’ll consult on the implementation of the fuel reserve to underwrite or purchase fuel support, storage and trade stocks as needed to ensure our fuel security during severe or prolonged fuel supply disruption.

Today’s meeting was very constructive. It followed yet another meeting of our National Security Committee meeting today. We’re receiving updates. I think it is obvious to say that we live in very volatile times and there is uncertainty about events in the Middle East and of course therefore uncertainty about the implications for the impact here in Australia. But what Australians can be certain of is that we are throwing everything at this to make a difference to protect the interests of Australians. I’d ask the Minister to make some comments and then we’re happy to take some questions.

< CHRIS BOWEN, MINISTER FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

But we’ve also been looking at what we need to do to better prefer prepare Australia for future shocks. We know that the international environment is getting more unstable, not less. And so, we have to look at what we have done in this crisis and see what we can do to build Australia to be better prepared even for the next international crisis, whenever it might occur. Hence the announcement the Prime Minister is making today of a very big investment, a big investment in a government-owned fuel reserve. At the moment we have requirements, the Minimum Stock Obligation on private sector companies which we are increasing, requiring them to hold more fuel in Australia. But we’re not just doing that. Australia is actually in a minority of countries in the International Energy Agency who don’t have a government-owned fuel reserve. We will now have a government-owned fuel reserve of around a billion litres to add to those minimum stocks that the private sector must hold, particularly focused on diesel and jet fuel, where we do need to ensure greater domestic capacity and supply in the worst of circumstances. This is a big change in our approach as a country and a good one, building on the increase in the Minimum Stock Obligations that we’re requiring the private sector to hold 10 days and adding more so that we would have 50 days’ worth of diesel and 50 days’ worth of changes jet fuel, which is an appropriate level.

In addition, we’re also continuing to work to help Australians diversify their own choices. Yesterday, the Treasurer and I announced our ongoing support for EVs through the EV tax discount. Five hundred and fifteen Australians a day bought an EV in April. That compares to 29 a day when we came to office. And when you look at the fuel use that’s been avoided by our electricity tax discount so far, of the cars that have been bought at that discount in its first years of operation, they will avoid 1 billion litres worth of fuel use over their lifetime. Now, EVs aren’t for everyone, but for those who choose to take them up, it’s making more fuel available for the rest of the economy, and so we’ll continue that support as well. This is a good announcement that the Prime Minister has made today. It will be a centrepiece of next week’s Budget and it best prepares Australia for whatever might come in the years ahead.

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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government has announced today that the Federal Budget next week will include an Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package to ensure energy sovereignty and protect our nation’s energy interests.

The package will provide more than $10 billion to secure Australia’s near-term fuel and fertiliser security, establish a permanent Government-owned Australian Fuel Security Reserve of around a billion litres, and lift the Minimum Stockholding Obligation by around 10 days for every type of fuel. 

This will support an overall expansion of Australia’s onshore fuel reserves to ensure at least 50 days of fuel supply and storage of diesel and aviation fuel. 

As part of our plan to deliver energy sovereignty, our Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package will deliver:

• $7.5 billion for the establishment of a Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility to increase supply and storage of fuel and fertiliser by providing financial support including loans, equity, guarantees, insurance and price support.
• $3.2 billion to establish a Government-owned Australian Fuel Security Reserve of around a billion litres to increase long term diesel and aviation fuel supply and storage in combination with an increase to the Minimum Stockholding Obligation (MSO), to increase Australia’s critical fuel reserves to 50 days. Our Australia Fuel Security Reserve will focus on regional stockouts and supply constraints for essential users in the event of another supply crisis.    
• $10 million to support feasibility studies into new or expanded fuel refining capabilities, to be co-funded with state and territory jurisdictions.

The Government will consult on implementation of the fuel reserve to enable the ability to underwrite or purchase fuel, support storage, and trade stocks as needed to ensure our fuel security during severe or prolonged fuel supply disruption. 

An additional 10 days of fuel holdings through an uplift to the Minimum Stockholding Obligation for all fuels is also supported in the budget with $34.7 million over four years to support ongoing management of Australia’s fuel security, including Government engagement with industry to plan the uplift in fuel holdings. 

It will be achieved by increasing current requirements on refiners and importers holding stocks of aviation fuel, petrol and diesel.  

The changes will take place progressively over time, backed by support to invest in new and refurbished fuel storage to support the uplift in fuel stocks. 

The Government will work with state governments to undertake feasibility studies into new or expanded refining capabilities, building on work with current refinery operators to retain our current refining capability in the decade beyond 2030.

More details of the Australian Fuel Security and Resilience package will be released next week as part of the Federal Budget.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Territory Road Policing Division has charged two females with dangerous drug offences in Johnston.

After receiving information, officers from the Road Policing Section executed a search warrant at a residence in Johnston, where a number of offences were detected and items were seized for forensic analysis.

A 43-year-old female was arrested and charged with:

• Drive unlicensed
• Possess Schedule 1 dangerous drug (less than a trafficable quantity) in a public place
• Drive with a prohibited drug present in her body

She has been bailed to appear in court at a later date.

A second 43-year-old female was arrested and charged with:

• Breach of bail
• Possess Schedule 1 dangerous drug (less than a trafficable quantity)
• Possess Schedule 2 dangerous drug (less than a trafficable quantity)

She has been refused bail to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Senior Sergeant Devrim Kanyilmaz said “Police remind the community that the possession and use of dangerous drugs will not be tolerated.”

Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Image: Travis Easton

Victorian fire services are warning of the fire risk of everyday household products after a recent significant incident in Upwey, where a family lost their home in a fire linked to a lithium-ion battery charger.

CFA crews were alerted to the structure fire at around 10.57pm on Sunday 19 April.

On arrival, crews found an elevated home fully involved with fire, with flames reaching well above the roofline. The fire had started in a workshop beneath the property, on a steep section of road, before spreading through the home. Multiple local brigades worked to bring the fire under control at 11.28pm.

A fire investigation the following morning indicated the cause was consistent with an older incompatible charger being used with newer lithium-ion batteries.

Victorian fire services have identified lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in rechargeable devices such as laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes, e-scooters, power banks, and power tools as an emerging fire safety risk.

Combined data from CFA and FRV shows firefighters responded to more than 3,600 residential fires across Victoria in the 2024-25 Financial Year.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said the Upwey incident was a reminder of how quickly lithium-ion battery fires can escalate.

“Lithium-ion batteries have become part of everyday life, but many people still underestimate the fire risk,” Garry said.

“These fires can start quickly and spread just as fast, which is why it is so important people take simple precautions when charging and storing these devices.

“Always use the charger supplied with the device, or one recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid charging batteries on beds, couches or other soft furnishings, and never leave charging devices blocking a doorway or exit.

“If a battery is overheating, swelling, leaking, making unusual noises or giving off a strong smell, stop using it immediately.

“Make sure you also have working smoke alarms that are interconnected in your home, because early warning can make all the difference.”

FRV Deputy Commissioner Community Safety and Operational Training Joshua Fischer said Victorians should be aware of the range of causes that could lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire.

Firefighters are continuing to respond to around one fire each day caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, he said.

“These batteries become more of a fire risk when they are overcharged or incompatible chargers are used, when they are overheated or damaged, and when they malfunction or have faults,” he said.

“While these types of batteries are in many devices we use every day, the good news is that we can minimise the fire risk by knowing what to look for and following a few steps in choosing and handling lithium-ion battery-powered devices.

“By following these guidelines, we can look to reduce the frequency of these fires which are a significant cause of preventable fires across the state.”

To minimise your risks of a fire caused by a rechargeable lithium-on battery:   

• Purchase products from a reputable supplier and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Only charge items in rooms with smoke alarms. Charge away from doors and escape routes so you can safely exit a property if your product catches alight. 
• Only use chargers and cords that are originally supplied with that device. Using chargers with incorrect power delivery (voltage and current) can cause damage to the battery or overheating that can lead to fires. 
• Only use batteries that are designed for that device. 
• Check that chargers have the Regulatory Compliance Mark, to show that they meet the relevant Australian Standards. 
• Avoid charging on soft locations such as couches, beds and carpets.   
• Don’t use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating, or signs of mechanical damage. 

If your e-product does catch fire:

• Call Triple Zero (000) immediately. 
• Stop using the product if you notice overheating, bulging, leaking or unusual sounds.
• Leave the area and call Triple Zero (000), even if you no longer see flames or smoke.
• It’s not safe to attempt to put the fire out yourself, as batteries involved in fire can release toxic gases and generate multiple explosions. Ensure firefighters attend to make the area safe.

Safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries:

• Never throw lithium-ion batteries in your regular waste or recycling collection bins. Many battery-related fires start in household bins, garbage trucks and waste facilities.
• Victorians can learn more about lithium-ion batteries and how to safely use these products online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/batterysafety and www.frv.vic.gov.au/battery-safety.

Submitted by	CFA Media

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Source: New South Wales Health – State Government

NSW Health is advising people in Sydney to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case.
This case is a returned traveller from Southeast Asia, where there are ongoing outbreaks of measles.
The person visited several locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious. Including a healthcare facility. 
A full list of locations is available on the NSW Health website​. Exposure locations and times are updated regularly. 
People who attended these locations should watch for symptoms of measles. These locations do not pose an ongoing risk. 
If it has been less than 6 days since the exposure at these locations and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or have an infant who was exposed, you are advised to contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
There is currently an increased risk of measles in NSW, with 46 cases confirmed since 1 January 2026.
Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit Director, Dr Leena Gupta, said people should monitor for symptoms of measles, particularly if they have visited any of the exposure locations at the listed time.
“If symptoms develop and you’ve been at one of the locations at the time listed on the website, see your doctor or health service, including an emergency department. Call ahead to let them know that you may have come into contact with measles so you don’t spend time in waiting rooms with other patients,” Dr Gupta said. 
“Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body.
“Anyone with early symptoms who gets a rash a few days later should also think about measles, even if they haven’t attended one of the identified locations, and seek testing.
“It can take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure, so it’s important for people who visited these locations to look out for symptoms for this period.”
Measles is a vaccine preventable disease that is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. 
“Importantly, we want to remind the community to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Measles vaccine can prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” Dr Gupta said.
“Anyone born after 1965 needs to ensure they have had two doses of measles vaccine. This is especially important before overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.”
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective and is given free for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born after 1965 who hasn’t already had two doses.
Children under the age of 12 months can have an extra, early, dose of MMR from six months of age if they are travelling overseas. Parents should consult their GP.
People who are unsure of whether they have had two doses should get a vaccine, as additional doses are safe. This is particularly important prior to travel. MMR vaccine is available from GPs (all ages) and pharmacies (people over 5 years of age).
For more information on measles, view the measles factsheet. 
People can also visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for information on health risks, including measles outbreaks relevant to their travel destination.
If you, or a loved one, is experiencing measles symptoms, or have questions about measles, please call your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force continues to make arrests following Thursday night’s riot in Alice Springs.

A 33-year-old male was arrested earlier today for his alleged involvement in the riot at the front of the Alice Springs Hospital. He was further identified as being allegedly involved in the Aggravated Burglary at the Coles Shell Express on Gap Road shortly thereafter.

He has now been charged with:

• Offences relating to riots
• Aggravated Burglary
• Theft

He was remanded in custody to appear in Alice Springs Local Court tomorrow.

Investigators also arrested five individuals, aged 18, 19, 31, 38 and 65, in relation to the riots yesterday.

In total, 30 people have now been arrested in relation to the violence that was seen on Thursday 30 April 2026. The charges relate to the burglaries at Pigglys Supermarket and the Shell Express, along with the violence near the Alice Springs Hospital.

More arrests are expected to be made in coming days.

Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam, is urged to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously 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 is calling for information in relation to an aggravated burglary in the Darwin CBD early this morning.

Around 12:10am, police CCTV operators observed multiple people enter inside a shop in the Smith Street Mall after its glass front door had been broken.

Upon Police arrival, numerous offenders fled the scene with a large quantity of stolen items, and a 37-year-old male was arrested nearby in possession of stolen property

Some stolen items were found scattered along the pathway where the offenders fled and have been recovered by police.

Strike Force Trident began investigations and identified another 42-year-old female alleged offender who had left Darwin on a Commercial Bus Service earlier that morning.

Katherine General Duties were notified and promptly intercepted the bus and the female was arrested.

Strike Force Trident are still investigating the incident and both offenders are expected to be charged later today.

Additional offenders are yet to be identified and Police urge anyone with information that may assist police, including footage, is urged to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference P26129439, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Airservices Australia

At its meeting today, the Board decided to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent.

Inflation picked up materially in the second half of 2025, and information since the beginning of this year confirms that some of this increase reflected greater capacity pressures. In addition, the conflict in the Middle East has resulted in sharply higher fuel and related commodity prices, which are already adding to inflation. There are early signs that many firms experiencing cost pressures are looking to increase prices of their goods and services. Short-term measures of inflation expectations have also risen.

The Bank has updated its forecasts to incorporate recent data and developments in the Middle East. The baseline forecast, which assumes that the conflict is resolved soon and fuel prices decline, sees underlying inflation peaking higher than was expected in February. It then declines as demand growth slows and capacity pressures ease in response to higher interest rates.

Financial conditions have tightened this year. Money market interest rates and government bond yields have risen, and the exchange rate has appreciated. But credit is readily available to both households and businesses.

There are materially heightened uncertainties about the outlook for domestic economic activity and inflation. With the conflict in the Middle East continuing, there are plausible scenarios where inflation is higher and activity lower than envisaged under the baseline forecast. A longer or more severe conflict could put further upward pressure on global energy prices; this would push up near-term inflation and could also increase inflation further out as these costs are passed through and if price rises get built into longer term inflation expectations. But higher prices and prolonged uncertainty may cause growth to be lower in Australia’s major trading partners and also in Australia.

Decision

As expected, developments in the Middle East are having an impact on inflation. Higher fuel prices are adding to inflation and there are indications that this is likely to have second-round effects on prices for goods and services more broadly. This inflation impulse is in addition to the high inflation recorded around the start of 2026, reflecting capacity pressures in the economy.

In light of these considerations, the Board assessed that inflation is likely to remain above target for some time and that the risks remain tilted to the upside, including to inflation expectations. It was therefore judged appropriate to increase the cash rate target.

The Board will be attentive to the data and the evolving assessment of the outlook and risks to guide its decisions. In doing so, it will pay close attention to developments in the global economy and financial markets, trends in domestic demand and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. Having raised the cash rate three times, monetary policy is well placed to respond to developments and the Board is focused on its mandate to deliver price stability and full employment. It will do what it considers necessary to achieve that outcome.

Today’s policy decision was made by majority: eight members voted to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent; one member voted to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.10 per cent.