Call for information – Stolen motor vehicles – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to stolen motor vehicles that were sighted driving dangerously in Alice Springs early this morning.

At 4:15am, police CCTV operators sighted two vehicles being driven recklessly on Todd Street in Alice Springs. One of the vehicles, a white Haval SUV, was allegedly driving behind a security vehicle and attempting to ram it, however no contact was made. The second vehicle, a silver Mazda hatchback, was following closely behind the SUV.

The two vehicles subsequently left the area and were last sighted travelling towards East Side. Police commenced investigations and Strike Force Viper members located both vehicles a short time later abandoned on Coolibah Crescent. Both have been seized to undergo forensic examination.

Police attended the registered address of the vehicles in East Side and confirmed they had been stolen earlier in the night.

Members from the Dog Operations Unit, Strike Force Viper and general duties conducted area patrols to locate the unknown offenders, however they currently remain outstanding.

Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25087519. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Successful Rescue Following EPIRB Activation near Pellew Islands

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

At approximately 10pm on Friday night, the Northern Territory Police Force’s Search and Rescue Section (SRS) assisted the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in coordinating a response to an unregistered EPIRB activation approximately 70km northeast of Borroloola, in the remote area of Pellew Islands.

An AMSA Challenger rescue aircraft was deployed by JRCC from Cairns to support aerial search efforts, while on-water assistance was provided by local mariners from King Ash Bay.

At around 1am, an overturned landing craft was located from the air, with a 55-year-old man clinging to the hull. The responding vessel from King Ash Bay reached the scene shortly after and successfully rescued the man, who was in good health despite being stranded for nearly four hours.

The rescue was complicated by the area’s remoteness and hostile environment with saltwater crocodiles populating the region.

Search Coordinator, Acting Sergeant Chris Grotherr from the SRS, said, “While the activation of the EPIRB played a key role in the successful rescue, it was the swift action and support from King Ash Bay locals that ultimately ensured the man’s survival. Their knowledge of the area and willingness to assist authorities in rescuing a fellow Territorian cannot be overstated”.

The cause of the incident remains unknown, however initial indications suggest that vessel overloading and rough sea conditions may have contributed and will be the subject of a marine incident report via Marine Safety NT.

This incident serves as a timely reminder for all mariners to ensure their EPIRBs are current and registered with AMSA.

Call for information – Aggravated assault – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is calling for information in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Alice Springs early on Saturday morning.

Just after 12am on Saturday, a group of unknown male youths were allegedly causing a disturbance on Todd Street when a nearby adult male engaged with the group, encouraging them to leave the area. It is alleged one of the unknown youths subsequently threw a scooter at him, striking him in the head and causing him to lose consciousness.

Security personnel from a nearby venue provided first aid to the victim before St John Ambulance arrived and conveyed him to hospital.

The group of youths fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Investigations are ongoing and police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Police seeking witnesses to fatal crash in CBD

Source: New South Wales – News

Police have released images of two cars seen in the CBD just after a pedestrian died in a crash on Wakefield Street.

Police and emergency services were called to the intersection of Wakefield Street and Frome Street, Adelaide about 9.30pm on Sunday 30 March by reports of a collision.

It is believed the pedestrian was crossing Wakefield Street when he was struck by a Nissan four-wheel drive, then by a second vehicle, a Mazda station wagon.

Sadly, the 65-year-old Adelaide man died at the scene.

The driver of the Nissan, a 61-year-old Mitchell Park man, was arrested by Major Crash officers and charged with cause death by careless driving.  He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 18 June.

The driver of the Mazda, a 20-year-old Hillcrest man, is assisting police with their enquiries.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene for forensic examination.

Major Crash Investigation Section has released two images of two separate cars following an investigation.

Following the initial collision between the Nissan utility and the pedestrian a dark sedan with a spoiler on the rear and a white SUV were seen in CCTV footage to pass through the collision scene in a westerly direction.

These two vehicles are not believed to be involved in the collision (images below).

Police are appealing for the driver of both vehicles or any other witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Please reference 25-034M.

Regional University Industry Collaboration masterclasses

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 31 Mar 2025

Dozens of university researchers and business stakeholders have been honing their partnership building expertise at masterclass events in Rockhampton, to support more regional Queensland research projects to get off the ground.

Over the past six weeks, 35 researchers from across the state have been taking part in the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program masterclass series held at CQUniversity (CQU) and James Cook University (JCU).

The $7 million Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) initiative delivered by CSIRO, aims to transform project ideas in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, into impactful real-world solutions.

Research leaders have been given the skills and tools to effectively identify, approach, engage and collaborate with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across regional Queensland – assisting them during the research and development stages of a concept – from ideation to commercialisation.

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilison said these masterclasses are expected to equip researchers and business-minded individuals with the knowledge and strategies to effectively transform scientific ideas into viable commercial ventures.

“This program increases opportunities for business and industry investment in science and recognises and supports entrepreneurship,” she said.

“The RUIC program promotes economic growth in Queensland’s regional areas, ensuring that local SMEs remain competitive and continue to thrive.

“We want to boost regional collaboration between businesses and researchers, to grow industry engagement across the state and get more projects launched.”

CQUniversity Regional Futures Executive Director Paul Hodgson said the RUIC program is an excellent platform to develop relationships between regional universities and SMEs.

“As a regional university, CQUniversity is proudly focused on delivering ‘research with impact’, which is only possible through strong partnerships with industry, particularly SMEs,” he said.

“The RUIC masterclass series was a timely and critical process in upskilling the engagement capability and confidence of our researchers to deliver sustained impact into the future”.

View further details on the Regional University Industry Collaboration program.

Qatar

Source:

We’ve reviewed our advice for Qatar and continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions. You may be placed under a travel ban if you’re involved in a dispute about (but not limited to) business, labour, employment, fines or civil legal proceedings. You won’t be able to leave Qatar until your travel ban is removed (see ‘Travel’).

Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests (see ‘Safety’).

Morwell brigade members welcome new heavy tanker to their fleet

Source:

Back L to R: Jeremy Martin, Jai Maher, Aaron Yates, Captain Wayne Draper, ACFO Bryan Russell, Michael Franchetto, Bayley Charalambous. Front L to R: Lynne O’Callaghan, Narelle Douthie, Jarod Rodway

Morwell Fire Brigade has officially welcomed the arrival of its new heavy tanker through the station doors, which is set to boost firefighting capabilities to serve the local community.

Brigade members gathered at the fire station on Thursday, 27 March to celebrate the new addition to their fleet, where CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Russell had the honour of handing over the keys.

Morwell Captain Wayne Draper said the brigade was excited to use the new tanker which will put them in a better position to protect the community because of the increased water capacity of 4,000 litres.

“The new tanker has been great for morale since coming into the station. It’s very user friendly and will be a great benefit to us,” Wayne said.

“The extra 1,000 litres of water will go a long way out on the fireground.

“It is also now a lot more comfortable for members to ride in the cab, and the simplicity of the layout has been easier for our volunteers to navigate.

“Over the past few months, we’ve put a lot of work into adjusting to a completely different truck, as this one is a lot bigger than what we’ve had previously.

“I’ve been really proud of how well our members have embraced the challenge. We’ve had eight drivers and operators do more than 15 hours of training each to become accredited and they are keen to put their training into practice.”

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Russell said the new tanker will not just be an asset for response but also for the safety of the members.

“It has some fantastic enhancements, with updated crew protection systems and burnover protection, plus full equipment stowage,” Bryan said.

“The new features also aim to reduce crew fatigue and improve safety and ergonomics including easy-to-read electric monitors and electric rewind hose systems.”

“Environmentally, we’re reducing impacts through use of recyclable building materials and higher levels of emission controls.”

The heavy tanker’s 4×4 capability and automatic transmission will also help crews access fires in difficult terrain.

The new vehicle was funded through the Victorian Government’s CFA Capability Funding package and is one of 48 new tankers being rolled out to CFA fire brigades across Victoria to ensure volunteer firefighters are well-equipped to protect their communities.

Morwell Fire Brigade has a strong membership of 78, with 31 of them operational, and a strong female presence of six operational, six auxiliary and 14 junior members.

The brigade has a large response area in the Latrobe Valley area of Gippsland and averages 310 callouts a year.

  • Captain Wayne Draper and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Bryan Russell
  • Credit: Uniform Photography
Submitted by CFA media

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Source:

We’re seeing mistakes by agents when clients have sold capital gains tax assets such as property.

Foreign resident capital gains withholding

Let your clients know that having a Foreign resident capital gains withholding (FRCGW) clearance certificate doesn’t mean they don’t have any further CGT obligations. If they’ve sold property, they still need to include capital gains, losses or an exemption or rollover code in their tax return.

If an amount of FRCGW was withheld from the property sale:

  • your clients need to advise you and provide the FRCGW payment confirmation from the purchaser
  • for the withheld amount to be credited in their return, include it in the CGT section at ‘Foreign resident capital gains withholding’ (Label 18 X).

Don’t report the Foreign income tax offset (FITO) at the FRCGW question. Report it at Foreign source income (Label 20 O).

Main residence exemption and rollovers

For property sales resulting in a CGT obligation, as well as including any capital gain or loss, remember to report the main residence exemption if your clients are eligible.

If your client is:

  • eligible for a main residence exemption due to the 6-year rule and is electing to use it for a full or partial exemption, select the main residence exemption code at the exemption and rollovers question in the CGT section
  • eligible for a partial exemption due to their home being on more than 2 hectares of land, select the main residence exemption code in the exemptions and rollover question
  • a foreign resident, they must meet the life events test to be eligible for the main residence exemption, otherwise they’re not eligible.

For more scenarios around main residence exemption, refer to the Capital gains tax and main residence exemption fact sheet in the Investors toolkit.

Tips

Remember to:

  • check the pre-fill information available in online services for agents (OSFA) reports for disposals of capital gains assets, including property, shares and crypto
  • have a conversation with your clients; even if there’s no pre-fill information, ask if they have disposed of any CGT assets, in particular investment properties.

For help completing CGT in your clients’ tax returns, see CGT 2024 – Instructions for completing tax returns.

Is your practice ready for fringe benefits tax time?

Source:

It’s time to prepare your practice for fringe benefits tax (FBT) lodgments.

Request an FBT client list through Practice mail in Online services for agents, to check your clients are listed and who needs to lodge.

Add new clients to your FBT client list by 21 May 2025 to ensure they are covered by your lodgment program.

The due date to both lodge and pay is:

  • 25 June 2025 if you lodge their FBT return electronically through the practitioner lodgment service (PLS)
  • 21 May 2025 if you lodge their FBT return by paper.

If your clients don’t need to lodge an FBT return, notify us by submitting the FBT non-lodgment advice form. We recommend you submit the form as early as possible as processing may take up to 28 days around peak lodgment dates.

We have a range of information that you can share with your clients to help them understand their obligations and how FBT works.

Community consultation now open for Girrawheen Hub Precinct redevelopment

Source: South Australia Police

The Girrawheen Hub Precinct redevelopment continues to take shape, with community feedback now being sought on the concept design.

Identified as a priority project by Council last year, the Girrawheen Hub Precinct forms part of the City’s ‘Putting Community First’ advocacy campaign, which aims to secure support from all levels of government to deliver vital community infrastructure.

The single-storey concept design incorporates the existing hub, senior citizens centre, library, community centre and community garden functions, and provides greater accessibility across the facility and improved flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The redevelopment will also provide increased floor space for external service providers based at the hub, more car parking, expanded parklands and a new outdoor event space.

Mayor Linda Aitken said the innovative concept design would deliver a more accessible and inviting community facility for residents of Girrawheen and surrounds.

“Redeveloping the Girrawheen Hub Precinct will give our community a more welcoming and convenient place to connect with one another, and to access important services closer to their homes,” she said.

“This consultation will help ensure the hub will meet the needs and aspirations of the community.”

Community consultation is open from 31 March to 12 May 2025, and findings from the consultation will be presented in a report to Council.

Construction of the redeveloped hub is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and expected to take approximately 15 months to complete.

The City will work closely with affected hub hirers and tenants to minimise disruption while we work to build a better Girrawheen Hub precinct for everyone.

For more information on the Girrawheen Hub Precinct redevelopment project, visit yoursay.wanneroo.wa.gov.au.