Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

TOM STEINFORT: Welcome back to today at 8am, after months of debate, Labor’s highly contentious tax package has officially passed Parliament.

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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: I’m happy to say we are joined now by the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, who is of course in Canberra. Prime Minister, welcome back to our program.

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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

I’d also like to acknowledge Australian Local Government Association President, Mayor Matt Burnett and ALGA Board and Vice Presidents, Councillor Darriea Turley and Mayor Stuart James.

As well as councillors, mayors, shire presidents, delegates and distinguished guests, including guests from remote and Indigenous councils. I know that for some of you it’s been a long journey coming here and I thank you for it.

And, of course, our terrific Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain.

It’s an honour to be with you as a Prime Minister who has always recognised the vital role that local government plays in the life of our nation, and the fact that a crucial ingredient in the strength of our nation is our two tiers of government working together.

And a crucial ingredient of that is local government having a seat at the table, where it is listened to.

That is why, as Minister for Local Government in 2008, I established the Australian Council of Local Government.

And that is why we reinstated it in 2023 after a decade in which the Coalition government dismissed as surplus to requirements.

I am proud of the role I played both times. 

And I am proud that the spirit that drove those initiatives is a spirit that continues to drive our Government. 

A Federal Government with a track record of backing local government with real funding, a record we have continued in this year’s Budget.

A Government with a long, proud roll call of members and who have had the privilege of serving their communities on their local councils.

As councillors, as mayors, absorbing all that it means to be on the ground and to be the first port of call for their communities.

Exhibit A, of course, is Minister McBain, who is a former mayor – in so many ways the perfect choice as Local Government Minister.

Since we last met, the Government’s ranks of local government alumni have been bolstered by four more members: 

Trish Cook – the new member for Bullwinkel and former Mundaring councillor;

Kara Cook – the new member for Bonner and former Brisbane City councillor;

Claire Clutterham – the new member for Sturt and former Norwood Payneham and St Peters councillor; and

Ash Ambihaipahar – the new member for Barton and former Georges River councillor.

They understand that you are delivering for your communities every day.

They know you are the level of government that Australians most practically interact with every day.

I’m very pleased that we have with us tonight a couple of remarkable individuals who truly embody that spirit.

I want to start with a long-standing elected member of the City of West Torrens in South Australia. 

He is 92 and is the oldest serving councillor currently in local government in the Southern Hemisphere.

Please give a very big hand for Councillor George Demetriou.

Councillor Demetriou has served the City of West Torrens community as Morphett Ward Councillor since 1989.

He exemplifies the very best of local government service – thoughtful leadership, strong community advocacy, and a deep understanding of the needs of the people he represents. 

Tonight, we celebrate his lifetime of dedication to public service and community leadership.

I’d also like to make a special mention of Michael New.

Michael has worked for ALGA for nearly 20 years.

Officially, Michael is ALGA’s Finance Manager, but he is also the organisation’s go-to for everything – a search engine in human form, who remembers every councillor and mayor. And, I am reliably informed, all the good stories. 

If you know ALGA, you know Michael.

Speaking of friends and supporters of local government, many of you know I worked as a young adviser in the office of my friend and mentor, Tom Uren. 

Tom spent time as Minister for Local Government, and it was a mission he truly believed in. Tom’s passion rubbed off on me.

Like Tom, I firmly believe that to serve in local government is a noble calling.

And it is profoundly encouraging to see a new generation answering that call, putting up their hands and devoting their time, energy and talent to their communities. 

Local government is what makes it possible to turn a neighbourhood into a community.

Not just somewhere you live – but somewhere you love living.

Somewhere you have that all important sense of belonging, alongside others who feel the same way.

Somewhere that has everything that adds up to a sense of home.

Local government is at the heart of it all, in the good times and, crucially, the bad. As we have seen so often, when disaster strikes, the role of the local council is vital. 

They are the frontline and they are where I turn to first. I will always try talking with the mayor in the disaster zone first to find out what’s actually going on. What’s working, what isn’t, and what is needed.

Councils have told us that the current disaster funding arrangements are too slow and complex. We will continue to support councils like we always have, in partnership with the states and territories. 

The funding relationship between the Commonwealth and councils will not change. Minister McBain has commenced consultations on disaster funding arrangements to make the process simpler and faster for councils to navigate. 

We want to speed up that process because no council should be out of pocket.

No matter what is happening in the world – no matter what challenges the world keeps throwing at Australia – you are there, keeping your communities ticking.

That is why I am determined that the councils of Australia have a Government that has your back.

Our support for local government is instinctive, and it is meaningful.
After years of stagnation, investment in local government is not merely growing – Commonwealth investment in local government is at record level.

Through the 2026-27 Budget, our Government is providing $3.6 billion in untied Financial Assistance Grants.

Real money that local governments can spend on their own priorities. 

This includes bringing forward payments of $2.9 billion – or 80 per cent of the 2026–27 FA Grant estimate – to assist with immediate cost pressures during this period of unpredictability in the global economy. 

We have been restoring support that councils across Australia can rely on.

In stark contrast to what the Coalition managed in their last five years in power, Labor is delivering more than two-and-a-half times the growth in Financial Assistance Grants.

To back community infrastructure, we are providing $750 million over four years from 2026 for further rounds of the Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs programs, expanding delivery of competitive grants to fund capital works for community infrastructure across our communities.

As part of strengthening your communities, we not only want you to build more housing, we want to help you do it.

That is why we are making $2 billion available for the Local Infrastructure Fund under the Housing Support Program to help local governments and state-owned utilities build the critical ‘last mile’ infrastructure needed to support new housing developments, and to help unlock development-ready land by fast-tracking enabling infrastructure such as water, sewer and electricity connections.

There will also be funding over 4 years from 2026-27 to modernise environmental information, data and digital systems, enabling simpler, faster approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

We also need you building more roads. So, we have doubled funding for the Roads to Recovery Program, committing $4.4 billion nationally over the current five-year funding period. 

Councils have access to new infrastructure funding opportunities including:
     
The 10-year $500 million Active Transport Fund

$750 million under future rounds of Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs

And the existing $200 million per year Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program

Figures show that in 2023-24 alone, almost $6 billion flowed from the Commonwealth to local government, supporting local jobs, local infrastructure and local services.

This partnership is continuing to grow. 

Every dollar invested in local government helps councils deliver the services and infrastructure Australians rely on every day, from every local road and bridge to every community facility, every park and, of course, every example of that great building block of a better, brighter future: the local library.

I am proud to lead a Government that is backing councils to build stronger communities based on local priorities.

A Government that recognises the critical role councils in delivering the services Australians rely on every day.

And together, we’re making the best country on earth even better.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Homeowners and renters looking for help from locksmiths are being warned to be wary of a business alleged to have charged higher than advertised prices, forced consumers into making payments and overall provided unsatisfactory services.

Our Acting Director, Rhys Benny, has issued a public warning about Wise Tech Services Pty Ltd (ACN: 667 832 377) which trades as Victorian-based business Pick & Lock.

Pick & Lock provides locksmith technicians for emergency lockouts, lock replacement and general residential locksmith services through its website www.pickandlock.com.au

Last year, we received 109 contacts from people unhappy with Pick & Lock’s services. Consumers in New South Wales have also been affected.

The complaints received were claims that Pick & Lock’s technicians:

• misled people about their prices
• misled people about whether they needed services at all
• didn’t respond to complaints
• harassed or bullied customers into paying.

In one case, a consumer needed a lock repaired on a mailbox. He alleged the locksmith was very unclear about the pricing but indicated it would be around $300. Once the job was completed, he was given an invoice for over $800.

In another case, a home-owner called Pick & Lock to arrange for new front and back door locks, following renovations. Two locksmiths arrived and spent 10 minutes at the property. She was billed for $500.

Shortly after, the home-owner noticed that the installation was faulty, with the lock on the back door loose, and the keys jamming. She checked her bank statements and had been charged more than $800.

She contacted the locksmith, the company, and her bank, but was unable to get her money back.

Benny urged consumers to be cautious about using Pick & Lock’s services.

If you have had a bad experience with Pick & Lock, contact us through our complaint form, email or by calling 1300 55 81 81.

Source: Government of Western Australia

Wanneroo Council has unanimously voted to withdraw its support for the Mindarie Regional Council’s Waste to Energy procurement process and pursue alternative waste management solutions.

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The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced three new inquiries into proposed works by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the Department of Defence (Defence) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are calling for witnesses following a serious domestic violence incident in Ludmilla overnight.

It is alleged a 46-year-old man assaulted his 48-year-old female partner causing serious head injuries.

Around 7:20pm, the woman walked from a nearby residential address along Trower Road toward a Service Station in Ludmilla, where members of the public came to her aid and provided first aid until emergency services arrived.

She was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Police identified and arrested the alleged offender a short time later.

The Northern Domestic Violence Investigation Unit has carriage of the investigation, and the man is expected to be charged later today.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the woman walking along Trower Road, or has dashcam footage or other electronic evidence from the area between 7:00pm and 7:30pm to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2600060859 or upload the footage here:

https://ntpol.au.evidence.com/…/public/ntp2600060859

Northern Territory Police would like to thank the members of the public who stopped to assist the injured woman and provided first aid before emergency services arrived.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

CHARLES CROUCHER: Thank you, Prime Minister. Thank you, everyone, for being here. My name’s Charles with the Nine Network. It’s lovely to be here and we’re going to try and as much as possible get to your questions. So, if you have one from the floor, whack your hand up. Otherwise, use the QR codes you have on the table. If you’d like to double the chances, whack your hand up and use the QR code. And that’s the best way to do it. While that’s happening, I’m going to start. Prime Minister – big day today.

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team has arrested and charged a 28-year-old man following an investigation into the alleged grooming of a child and child abuse material offences.

Yesterday, Northern Territory Police and Australian Federal Police members executed a search warrant at a residence in Bakewell after receiving intelligence from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).

During the search, police allegedly located evidence across multiple electronic devices, including material relating to child abuse offences on encrypted applications and AI-generated chat platforms.

The 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with:

• Possess or control child abuse material (S474.22A – CC 1995 (Cth))
• 2 x Use carriage service to transmit child abuse material (S474.22 – CC 1995 (Cth))
• Use carriage service to access child abuse material (S474.22A – CC 1995 (Cth))
• 2 x Produce child abuse material for use through a carriage service (S474.22A – CC 1995 (Cth))

The man has been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 18 August 2026.

NT Police Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Cronin said the investigation was initiated following information received through the ACCCE and international law enforcement partners.

“Police received information alleging the man had been grooming a 13-year-old child online, prompting an immediate investigation by the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team.”

“Searches of electronic devices allegedly uncovered evidence of child abuse material across encrypted platforms and AI-generated chat applications.”

“Offenders cannot hide behind technology or anonymous online platforms. Working alongside our national and international partners, we will continue identifying, investigating and prosecuting those who seek to exploit our children.”

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Pixie Fuhrmeister said the collective strength of the NT JACET and its Commonwealth, State, Territory and international law enforcement partners is critical to protecting children from harm. 

“Anyone preying on children online should not think the internet provides them anonymity or protection from real-world consequences. Children deserve safety, dignity and protection — and the AFP and its law enforcement partners remain committed in its pursuit of anyone involved in online child exploitation,” Det a/Supt Fuhrmeister said. 

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The Australian Government’s cyclone reinsurance pool is helping to reduce insurance premiums or moderate premium increases for people living in areas at higher risk of cyclones, the ACCC’s fifth and final insurance monitoring report has found.

However, nationwide, insurance premiums remain very high for many consumers and are generally rising.

“While there are clear signs the pool has reduced premiums for policyholders living in areas with higher cyclone risk, other factors mean insurance premiums remain very high for many Australian households, including those in high-risk areas,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

The ACCC compared premiums before and after insurers joined the pool. Focusing on premiums per $100,000 sum insured, it found that in the first year after insurers joined the pool, average premiums in higher cyclone risk areas had fallen 11 per cent for home insurance, eight per cent for strata insurance and 24 per cent for small business insurance.

By contrast, in areas at no risk of cyclones, home insurance rose six per cent, strata insurance rose two per cent and small business insurance rose 10 per cent in that same period.

The impact of the pool is shown by reductions in higher cyclone risk areas having been sustained over time. The ACCC’s analysis found that up to two years after insurers joined the pool, home insurance premiums had reduced 14 per cent and small business insurance reduced 31 per cent compared to pre-pool prices.

The ACCC has published five monitoring reports since 2022, delivering data-informed evidence about whether the pool is achieving its intended outcomes. Today’s report concludes the ACCC’s role to monitor the effect of the introduction of the pool.

“Through our insurance monitoring work, the ACCC has analysed the impact of the pool and provided greater transparency on how savings from the pool are passed on to policyholders. This oversight can encourage more accountable behaviour from insurers,” Ms Brakey said.

Lower premiums for some consumers in higher risk areas 

The ACCC has found that, consistent with the intent of the pool, the largest reductions in premiums have been for households and small businesses at the greatest risk of cyclones, which represent two per cent of policies nationally.

Average premiums per $100,000 sum insured fell for combined home and contents insurance in Karratha (down 15 per cent), Mackay (down 14 per cent), Cairns (down 12 per cent) and Townsville (down 3 per cent).

“We also found evidence of reductions for strata and small business policyholders in cities at higher cyclone risk, with some particularly sharp decreases for those paying the highest premiums,” Ms Brakey said.

Consumers remain concerned about affordability

While insurers are passing on the reduced reinsurance rates to policyholders in areas at higher risk of cyclones, the impact of other extreme weather events and claims costs inflation is pushing premiums higher across Australia, the ACCC’s monitoring found.

The ACCC found the average premium in 2024–25 for home and contents insurance was almost $5,000 in north Western Australia, over $3,500 in the Northern Territory and more than $3,100 in north Queensland. Despite some improvements for some consumers in northern Australia, premiums continue to rise across the country. In the rest of Australia, average premiums rose 10 per cent to $2,310 between 2023–24 and 2024–25.

For its final report, the ACCC commissioned a survey to measure consumer concerns about insurance. It found that, regardless of the cyclone risk they face, around half the households surveyed Australia wide rated their home insurance as unaffordable or barely affordable.

The pool has given some consumers more choice of insurer

The pool is also intended to encourage more insurers to participate in northern Australian insurance markets. The ACCC has observed some improvements in the availability of insurance for some consumers, but insurers still perceive a range of barriers to entering or expanding into northern Australian insurance markets, beyond the cyclone risk addressed by the pool. No new insurers have entered these markets since the pool was established.

More insurers recognise private cyclone risk mitigation

Over the long term, the pool aims to maintain incentives for policyholders to undertake measures that reduce the risk of cyclone and related flood damage at their property.

More insurers now recognise private mitigation measures implemented by policyholders. However, the ACCC found some insurers are yet to implement a mitigation framework, and the clarity of the information provided to consumers about private mitigation varies.

“Mitigation remains one of the key factors that will improve the resilience of communities to natural hazards. We found insurers could be doing more to support consumers to understand their options and to recognise the efforts of those who have taken steps to reduce the risk to their property,” Ms Brakey said.

Background

Reinsurance is taken out by insurers to help cover potential large losses from natural disasters such as cyclones and is a significant cost component of premiums in higher-risk areas.

The Australian Government established the cyclone reinsurance pool in 2022 to reduce the cost of reinsurance for cyclone risk and help make insurance more affordable for households and some small businesses in areas at higher risk of cyclones. The pool, which is administered by the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation, provides reinsurance for cyclone and cyclone-related flood risks covered under home, contents, strata and small business insurance (for sums insured up to $5 million) across Australia. Large insurers were required to join the pool by the end of 2023 and small insurers by the end of 2024. The list of participating insurers is available on the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation website.

The ACCC was directed to monitor insurance prices, costs and profits before and after the introduction of the pool and was required to provide a report to the government at least once each calendar year from 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2026.