Category: MIL-OSI

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On Wednesday (26 March), Kyneton Fire Brigade was called to assist Wildlife Victoria with a bird rescue.

Submitted by	CFA Media

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We’ve reviewed our advice for Azerbaijan and continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism. Higher levels apply in some areas. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas and attractions or other places frequented by foreigners. Take official warnings seriously (see “Safety”).

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Source: Government of Victoria 3

The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening its commitment to ending gender-based violence by providing further support for young men and boys at risk of using violence.

Up to $4.5 million is being invested to expand The Supporting Adolescent Boys Trial to Port Augusta, South Australia, and Palmerston, Northern Territory, for young men and boys aged 12 to 18 years with childhood experiences of family and domestic violence (FDV).

It builds on the $23 million already provided to organisations for 12 trial sites across Australia.

The interventions being trialled assist boys and young men to heal and recover through strengths-based services that meet individual needs and circumstances.

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, said investing in early intervention and prevention, as well as supporting children as victim-survivors of gender-based violence in their own right, are key goals of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

“The Australian Government is committed to ending gender-based violence in one generation and addressing the impacts of developmental trauma to help healing and recovery will help break future cycles of violence.”

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said how critical early intervention work with young men was for breaking future cycles of violence.

“Ending gender-based violence in this country requires targeted effort from all corners of Australia, and I look forward to seeing young men and boys utilise the trial to heal and recover, and to break future cycles of violence in their own relationships.”

Member for Solomon Luke Gosling said that the funding for the trial is welcomed in the Northern Territory, as it will provide individual counselling and therapeutic supports for local young men and boys to help break future cycles of violence.

“This trial will allow our young men and boys from the Northern Territory, who are victim-survivors in their own right, to address the impacts of developmental trauma and foster healing and recovery to help them avoid choosing to use family, domestic or sexual violence in their own relationships,” said Mr Gosling.

More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT for online chat and video call services.

• Available 24/7: call, text, or online chat
• Mon-Fri, 9am-midnight AEST (except national public holidays): video call (no appointment needed)

In an emergency, call 000.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit No to Violence

Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit 13YARN No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) is a free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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We’ve reviewed our travel advice for Ukraine and continue to advise do not travel due to the volatile security environment and military conflict. There is a serious risk to life.

If you’re in Ukraine, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and monitor media for information about changing security conditions and alerts to shelter in place. We urge you to depart if it’s safe to do so. Carefully consider the safest means and route to depart. You’re responsible for your own safety and that of your family. Follow the advice of local authorities.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing. The security situation continues to be volatile. Heavy fighting is occurring in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Missile strikes and attacks continue in some locations across the country, including in major cities. There have been many casualties. Foreigners have been killed and may be targeted. Large amounts of unexploded ordnance and landmines are present in conflict and post-conflict areas.

Our ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine is severely limited. The Australian Embassy is not able to provide in-person consular or passport services at the moment (see ‘Consular contacts’).

Do not enter into new surrogacy arrangements in Ukraine.

If you have significant concerns for your welfare or that of another Australian, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

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The Government of Norway lowered its national terror threat level from High’ to ‘Moderate’ (level 3 of 5) on 14 November 2024 after temporarily raising it in October 2024. Norwegian authorities said there was still a heightened threat from extremists against Jewish and Israeli targets in Norway. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).

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Mental Health Australia has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Productivity Commission’s Review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (National Agreement).

While the National Agreement has made a good start in establishing system architecture and has facilitated much-needed investment in mental health services, it falls short of delivering a truly national mental health and suicide prevention system. This is because the responsibilities articulated largely reflect existing arrangements, rather than progressing collaborative and transformational reform. The reliance on bilateral agreements perpetuates fragmentation through funding ‘bits and pieces’ that are not aligned to a national vision of the support system Australia is aiming to achieve. The next National Agreement must deliver on a national vision for the mental health system.

As discussed in this submission, there has been progress in delivering some specific actions and commitments of the National Agreement. However, in other cases implementation has been delayed or sometimes completely stalled. Far greater transparency and accountability are needed to track the reform implementation, and outcomes achieved, through the National Agreement.

Source: New South Wales – News

The focus of the National Day of Action was to cause maximum disruption to the HAOMC through compliance and enforcement activities across Australia and New Zealand.

With a significant legacy of past national coordination and collaboration by law enforcement and partners in Australia and New Zealand, National Taskforce Operation Morpheus is a joint initiative. This includes all Australian state and territory police, New Zealand Police, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, Australian Defence Force, AUSTRAC, Australian Taxation Office, and Services Australia collaboratively targeting the highest threat outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs) impacting Australia and New Zealand.

The National Day of Action 2025 has resulted in law enforcement agencies around the country conducting compliance checks relating to bail, parole, firearms possession and other legislation. The agencies also seized firearms, weapons, various drugs, illicit cigarettes and tobacco products and in excess of $48,000 in cash resulting in the arrest of 23 people, involving 60 charges.

By proactively targeting OMCG’s throughout Australia and New Zealand in a day of action using a combination of enforcement, compliance and disruption techniques Operation Morpheus generates significant intelligence holdings. Shared intelligence relating gang to membership and associates, locations and gang related premises and criminal activities play a crucial role in national and international law enforcement awareness of links with OMCG’s like HAOMC and organised crime.

Other focuses of law enforcement were HAMC – OMCG members involved in family violence matters and those club members and associates already incarcerated within the prison populations.

The overrepresentation of OMCG members and associates linked with family and domestic violence perpetration is a significant community issue.  As is violence and contraband within the prison systems, also well documented and a focus of this operation.

Operation Morpheus sends the message to members of OMCG members, “It doesn’t matter if you are at freedom or in custody you will be targeted for criminal related activity, be that personal or club related business. Put simply it doesn’t pay to be a member of an OMCG or any criminal gang.”

Australian Border Force have also identified HAMC members and associates attempting to enter Australia recently as well as targeting members and associates who may be subject to removal from Australia.

As national organised crime continues to move into the illegal tobacco and vape industry, including OMCG involvement with other crime groups law enforcement and partners are actively focused on this activity, including the extreme violence, firearms, extortion, arson, and money laundering activities. ​

Leveraging shared capability and technology, National Taskforce Morpheus also targets criminal assets and unexplained wealth of key OMCG members, protects vulnerable people and develops national strategies to deter gang recruitment, reduce membership and target recidivism and enablers to organised crime.

Agency Key Results:

South Australia Police –

Small quantities of illicit substances seized, firearms prohibition order compliance checks completed with in-custody cell searches conducted by Dept Correctional Services. Significant additional contemporary criminal intelligence was gathered relating to HAOMC in SA.

Victoria Police –

9 offenders charged with 8 offences, 1 search warrant executed, small quantities of illegal prescription drugs seized, firearms prohibition order compliance checks revealing quantities of firearm ammunition, $48,000 in cash seized and subject to further investigation. Significant additional contemporary criminal intelligence gathered relating to HAOMC in Victoria.

Western Australia Police –

2 offenders charged with 5 offences, 2 search warrants executed, small quantities of illicit substances seized and contemporary criminal intelligence gathered relating to HAOMC in WA.

New Zealand Police –

3 offenders charged with 4 offences, 3 search warrants executed and 3 vehicles seized. Small quantities of both prescription and illicit substances were seized. Contemporary criminal intelligence was gathered relating to HAOMC in New Zealand.

Australian Border Force –

2 VISA cancellations / refusals at point of entry, a further 3 identified as potential VISA cancellations and a single Unlawful Non-Citizen detained linked with OMCGs in Australia.

New South Wales –

3 offenders facing 12 charges, 2 search warrants executed, small quantities of illicit substances seized, firearms prohibition order compliance checks with an additional 9 ADVO compliance checks also conducted. In-custody cell searches were also activated for OMCG members in NSW prisons.

Queensland –

5 offenders facing 30 charges, 2 firearms seized, 25 bail breaches (non-compliance) discovered with a significant number of traffic breaches identified with both fines and prosecutions commenced for drug and drink driving.

Northern Territory –

Heavy focus on traffic compliance identifying both drink (3) and drug (3) drivers apprehended.

Tasmania –

1 offender charged with an offence with bail and firearms prohibition order compliance checks conducted.

Quotes attributed to: Taskforce Morpheus Chair Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly (VICPOL)

“National Taskforce Morpheus has been an extremely successful national and international operation coordinating multiple operations that have seen Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) and their members disrupted, arrested, charged and held to account.  

“Law enforcement and partner government agencies, through National Taskforce Morpheus, share the use of a variety of capabilities to proactively target OMCGs at a state, territory, national and international level. National Taskforce Morpheus will continue to be relentless in pursuing OMCGs and will not stop disrupting and holding OMCGs to account, no matter where they are located.

“OMCGs are motivated by profit and greed, they infiltrate communities, industry and businesses and have a negative impact on the communities. The social and economic impact of OMCGs in Australia and New Zealand is significant. OMCGs also have a culture of secrecy, that includes intimidation and propensity for extreme violence, often with public displays of violence that impacts the safety of the community. For these reasons Law Enforcement and partner Government agencies will continues to target OMCGs.”

Quotes attributed to: Officer in Charge Serious and Organised Crime Branch (SAPOL) Detective Superintendent Shane Addison

SAPOL recognises the risk and serious harm to the community caused by significant and violent criminal activity undertaken by and associated with Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCG) in South Australia. SAPOL is committed to reducing this threat to community safety and will relentlessly pursue members and associates of OMCGs who seek to profit from violence and all forms of illicit criminal activities. Today’s National Day of Action activities have focused on disrupting those OMCG members who pose the greatest risk to the community.

“In collaboration with our law enforcement and supporting agency partners, SAPOL will target anyone involved with OMCGs illicit criminal and violent behaviour. This includes targeting the confiscation of their criminal assets. The results from the Operation Morpheus Day of Action in this State reflects this commitment.”

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has today released draft guidance explaining the processes the ACCC will use when assessing acquisitions under Australia’s new merger regime, and is seeking feedback on the guidance through consultation. 

In addition to releasing the draft merger process guidelines, the ACCC has also published a simpler quick guide for business and others less familiar with engaging with the ACCC on mergers.  

Together they aim to assist businesses, advisers and other stakeholders understand and engage with Australia’s new merger regime. 

“The changes to the merger regime mean that all acquisitions that meet certain thresholds need to be notified to the ACCC for assessment from 1 January 2026. This is a major change for businesses and for the ACCC,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. 

“We are committed to ensuring stakeholders are well informed about the new process and its requirements and to provide transparency in how we will assess mergers in the new regime.” 

The release of the draft merger process guidelines follow the recent release of guidance on transitional arrangements and the draft merger assessment guidelines.  

“We committed to have these guidelines available for consultation before the end of March this year so stakeholders including businesses and their advisers have time to consider the ACCC’s approach under the new regime and provide feedback,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said 

“We know many businesses are already preparing for when the new merger control regime starts on a voluntary basis from 1 July 2025.” 

The ACCC has previously stated that it expects to approve around 80% of acquisitions in 15 to 20 business days, providing a faster and more predictable path to clearance.

“Acquisitions that do not pose significant risk to competition will be approved early in Phase 1 or may be granted a waiver, removing their obligation to notify,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said 

“Contentious mergers on the other hand will be closely scrutinised and subject to in-depth assessment to prevent anti-competitive mergers from causing harm to consumers and competition.”  

The ACCC is seeking feedback on the guidance from businesses and their advisers, consumers and other interested members of the community. The guidelines and quick guide are available to download from the ACCC’s consultation hub. 

Consultation will run from 27 March to 28 April 2025.  

The ACCC expects the merger process guidance will be updated and further refined over time, including following consultation and as the legislative instruments are finalised. 

The six month voluntary notification period which begins on 1 July 2025 will provide a valuable opportunity for the ACCC to assess whether refinements to the processes are required, before the guidance are finalised. 

Anyone interested in merger reform updates can subscribe for updates on the ACCC website here: Merger reform. 

Notes to editors:  

A number of legislative instruments which relate to details in the new merger regime, including the thresholds for merger notification and applicable fees, are being considered by Treasury. 

They will take effect once set by a Treasury minister. 

Background 

On 10 December 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Act 2024. The ACCC welcomed the new legislation. 

Under the new regime, all acquisitions that are subject to the regime and meet a prescribed threshold must be notified to the ACCC. This represents a shift from a voluntary regime to a mandatory administrative regime. 

The new regime commences on 1 January 2026. Businesses may voluntarily notify an acquisition to the ACCC from 1 July 2025. 

The ACCC issued a Statement of Goals in October 2024 to outline its approach to implementing the new regime and to reduce uncertainty during the transition. The ACCC committed to consulting publicly on the draft merger assessment and merger process guidelines by Q1 2025.  

The merger assessment guidelines were released for consultation on 20 March 2025.  The ACCC also recently released transition guidance to assist businesses navigate the transitional period leading up to 1 January 2026. 

The ACCC encourages businesses considering a merger during the transition to contact us at mergers@accc.gov.au  

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We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, protests and the risk of landmines in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unexploded landmines remain a danger. Stay on main roads and avoid isolated mountain areas. Travel in daylight.