First deal struck to deliver 100,000 new homes for first home buyers

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

The Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments have struck a deal to unlock 17,000 new homes for South Australians, including nearly 7,000 for first home buyers.

Both Labor Governments are determined to build more homes and help first home buyers achieve their dream of owning a home.

The $801.5 million deal announced today is a major milestone in the delivery of the Albanese Government’s 2025 election commitment to help build 100,000 homes for first home buyers, in partnership with state governments and industry.

In addition to 6,877 new homes for first home buyers under the South Australian and Commonwealth Government deal, it will also unlock approximately 10,000 additional homes for other home buyers, adding significant housing supply.

The Albanese Government will provide $667.9 million in support to pave the way for these houses to be built and tackle major housing supply barriers including:

  • A $300 million concessional loan to deliver even more water infrastructure in the Northern Suburbs, that will directly unlock and deliver 4,000 homes.
  • A $50 million 3-year concessional loan for civil works to deliver a new first homebuyer-only precinct of 400 homes within the Playford Alive urban renewal development.
  • A $184 million concessional loan to deliver over 1,700 homes at multiple urban renewal projects across metropolitan Adelaide.
  • $133.6 million in grant funding, which South Australia will match, to deliver 750 dwellings for first home buyers through other programs.

Construction will be fast-tracked so that the first of these homes will commence construction in 2026/27 with first home buyers moving in from 2027/28.

This builds on the Albanese Government’s $45 billion plan to build more homes and make them easier for first home buyers to buy, including:

  • Working with states, territories and industry to remove barriers to building through the National Planning Reform Blueprint, reforms to environmental approvals and a pause and streamlining of the National Construction Code.
  • Training more tradies through our investments in Free TAFE and $10,000 apprenticeship incentives.
  • Delivering 55,000 social and affordable homes for those doing it toughest through initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund.
  • Helping more than 220,000 first home buyers to buy their own home under the 5% Deposit Scheme.
  • Launching the national Help to Buy shared equity scheme for those most locked out of home ownership

Even in the face of a Liberal and National Party that’s divided and destructive, Labor is delivering. The former Coalition opposed this policy and the tens of thousands of homes that it’s unlocking, alongside help for first home buyers and our other supply measures, including the Housing Australia Future Fund, tax cuts for Build to Rent developments, Help to Buy and the $3 billion New Homes Bonus.

While there’s still more work to do to fix a housing crisis generations in the making, this deal represents a great step forward for South Australians.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“We’re determined to make it easier for young people and first home buyers to achieve the dream of owning a home.

“Thanks to this agreement we’ve reached with Peter Malinauskas and his Government, there will be thousands more South Australians getting the keys to their very own home.

“We know the housing market is tough, and we want Australians to know that Labor has got your back.”

Quotes attributable to the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas:

“Our Government is throwing everything at building more homes for South Australians.

“There are already more homes under construction in the state than at any point in history.

“Now, thanks to our agreement with the Albanese Government, this work is about to reach a new level.

“For first homebuyers, this announcement means the dream of owning your own home will become significantly easier in South Australia.

“This is a partnership of two busy Labor Government’s delivering for South Australians.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil:

“We’re putting first home buyers at the heart of our home building program, making sure that when we build more homes – first home buyers benefit.

“We said we’d make it easier for first homebuyers to get into homeownership and that’s exactly what this deal does.

“This is what Labor Governments do – we’re building a better future for first homebuyers by unlocking more homes just for them, right across South Australia.

“Whether it’s homes for first-time buyers, affordable social housing, more options for renters or unblocking the supply pipelines, our government is tackling this crisis from all angles and making a real difference to the lives of thousands of Australians.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Nick Champion:

“Numerous industry groups celebrate the Malinauskas Labor Government as a national leader in housing policy.

“The work to create this momentum has put South Australia in a position to strike the first deal to deliver the Albanese Government’s ambitious 100,000 homes commitment.

“Our incredible momentum in tandem with the Albanese Government’s investment in South Australia will mean even more homes for South Australian first homebuyers will be delivered.”

Understand how criminals exploit online relationships and inflict heartache

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, the National Anti-Scam Centre has released its final quarter scams statistics, showing an increase in romance scams reports and losses across 2025. The data highlights the need for Australians to talk to family and friends about the tactics scammers use to build trust and steal money.

Romance scams remain one of the most financially and psychologically damaging financial crimes in Australia, with more than $28.6 million in financial losses reported to Scamwatch between January and December 2025. This represents a 21.8 per cent increase in losses experienced by 1,330 Australians.  Scammers overwhelmingly contacted people through online methods, such as social media; dating platforms and online forums with online contact responsible for more than 80 per cent of financial losses.

ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe said criminals use carefully rehearsed tactics designed to build trust quickly and shift conversations toward requests for money, gifts or personal information.

“Romance scammers operate all year round, but the lead up to Valentine’s Day is a good time to have a heart-to-heart with loved ones and build awareness of how these scams work so we can help people better protect themselves and others,” Ms Lowe said.

“Criminals exploit technology, trust, and emotion for financial gain. Reporting suspicious activity to Scamwatch and sharing what you know can stop them from causing further harm and protect others.”

People are encouraged to access resources on Scamwatch to provide support to loved ones who may be targeted by scammers, including red flag signs, conversation starters and the manipulation tactics deployed by scammers.

The scammer’s playbook

The National Anti-Scam Centre is urging Australians to be alert to the common elements of what scammers do, and to stop and talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending money or sharing details with someone they have not met in person.

Romance scammers often follow a similar pattern:

  • Creating a fast emotional bond
    Scammers may present as attentive, understanding and affectionate early on. They often mirror interests and values to create a sense of connection and trust.
  • Moving conversations off platforms
    Requests to switch from dating apps or social media to private messaging services are common. This helps scammers avoid detection and monitoring.
  • Avoiding in-person contact
    Scammers typically have reasons why they cannot meet, such as working overseas, military service or sudden travel restrictions.
  • Introducing a financial request
    Requests may start small and escalate over time. These can include money for emergencies, investments, travel, gifts, cryptocurrency or gift cards.
  • Applying pressure or secrecy
    Scammers may create urgency, discourage talking to friends or family, or suggest the relationship is private or special.

“These criminals will not only steal money they cause significant emotional trauma often leading to mental health crisis and family breakdown. Always check in early with family and friends about online relationships as scammers will isolate you to make you believe what they say,” Ms Lowe said.

“Do not send money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone you have not met in person. And never take investment advice from an online contact. Talk to someone you trust, report suspicious behaviour, and contact your bank immediately if money has been sent.”

Other scam trends

Data for the final quarter of 2025 has now been published to the Scamwatch statistics page which provides a full picture of reports to Scamwatch for 2025.

  • There was a 5 per cent increase in financial loss across 2025, resulting in an annual total of $334.9 million lost to scams.
  • 200,675 people reported scams (a 19.6 per cent decrease) and 28,202 reported losing money to scams.
  • There was a 20 per cent decrease in median loss, down from $500 in 2024 to $400 in 2025.
  • Investment scams ($172.2m), phishing scams ($31.1m) and romance scams ($28.7m) resulted in the highest overall losses.
  • More people lost money to shopping scams (12,248) than any other scam type.
  • Online scams (through social media, websites, and apps) caused double the financial harm than any other scam type with $158.5 million reported lost.

Learn how to Stop. Check. Protect. to stay safe from scams:

STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.

What to do:

  • Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages
  • Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests
  • Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action
  • Trust your instincts if something feels wrong

CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

What to do:

  • Contact the person or organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app
  • Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC
  • Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals

PROTECT. Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.

What to do:

  • Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details
  • Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover – they can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams
  • Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)  to help protect others
  • Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)
  • Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised
  • Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity
  • Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening
  • Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

Man charged after allegedly installing camera in public bathroom

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 4:11pm

Original publication: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 4:11pm

A 54-year-old man has faced court after allegedly installing a hidden camera in a public bathroom at a Canberra hospital.

Police will allege on 7 January (2026), the man entered a public bathroom in the North Canberra Hospital and installed a small camera underneath the sink.

The camera was located by cleaners two weeks later and the incident was reported to police.

Officers from Belconnen Police Station identified the man from CCTV footage and today (4 February 2026), a search warrant was executed at his residence in the City.

The man was arrested and several electronic devices, including storage devices and a mobile phone, were seized. A review of these items is underway.

He faced the ACT Magistrates Court today, charged with capturing intimate visual data.

Members of the public who used a public bathroom at the North Canberra Hospital emergency waiting room between 8:30pm and midnight on Wednesday, 7 January 2026 are asked to provide their details to Crime Stoppers. Please quote 8279987.

Police seeking information after damage to cables

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 3 February 2026 9:40am

Original publication: Tuesday, 3 February 2026 9:38am

ACT Policing is seeking information and witnesses after telecommunications fibre optic cables were damaged mid-last month.

Between 1am and 3am on Tuesday 13 January (2026), fibre optic cables in two telecommunications pits located off Athllon Drive in Wanniassa were damaged, causing disruption to internet services.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity on Athllon Drive between Atkins Street and Fincham Crescent on January 13 to come forward.

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the  Crime Stoppers ACT website or on 1800 333 000. Please quote 8274223. Information can be provided anonymously.

School speed zones now in effect

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 2 February 2026 2:47pm

Original publication: Monday, 2 February 2026 2:47pm

ACT Policing is reminding Canberrans to slow down in school zones as children return to the classroom.

With the school term starting this week, 40km/h speed limits will be in effect across all ACT school zones.

In 2025, ACT Policing issued 264 fines and 47 cautions to drivers caught speeding in school zones, including one driver who was caught travelling at 89km/h.

The Kaleen woman, who was 44 at the time, was issued with a $2,136 fine and her licence was suspended for six months.

ACT Policing Detective Superintendent of Road and Proactive Policing Alex Nicolson said the speed limit in school zones gave motorists extra time to stop in an unexpected situation.

“Children are some of our most vulnerable road users and their size and unpredictability exposes them to significant risk around roads,” Detective Superintendent Nicolson said.

“It is disappointing that drivers continue to gamble with children’s lives by speeding in school zones. Slow down, pay attention, and don’t take that risk.”

ACT Policing and the ACT Government will undertake traffic enforcement operations in school zones across the territory. Drivers caught speeding in a school zone can face a fine, incurring demerit points, and having their licence suspended.

Police seeking witnesses to assault in Gilmore

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 2 February 2026 10:07am

Original publication: Monday, 2 February 2026 10:05am

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to an alleged assault at a pub in Gilmore on the weekend.

About 8:45pm on Saturday 31 January (2026), a man was allegedly assaulted by a man known to him at the Rose Cottage in Gilmore.

The incident was reported to police and enquiries are underway.

Anyone who has any information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website or on 1800 333 000. Please quote 8291026. Information can be provided anonymously.

UPDATE Have you seen Zaky? FOUND

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 3 February 2026 8:05am

Original publication: Sunday, 1 February 2026 8:39pm

UPDATE – 8:00AM – Tuesday, 3 February 2026

Thanks Canberra, the missing 17-year-old boy we posted about on the weekend has been located safe and well.

ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to locate missing 17-year-old boy Zaky Selim.

Zaky has not been seen or heard from since 6:30pm Friday (30 January 2026) and was last seen in Gungahlin.

He is described as Middle Eastern in appearance, about 175cm (5’8”) tall, with a slim build, tanned complexion, curly dark hair, and brown eyes.

Police and Zaky’s family hold concerns for his welfare and are requesting the public’s assistance to locate him.

Anyone who has seen Zaky or who may have any information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact ACT Policing on 131 444.

Man extradited from QLD following series of violent offences across Canberra

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Saturday, 31 January 2026 8:01am

Original publication: Saturday, 31 January 2026 7:49am

A 49‑year‑old Taylor man has been extradited from Queensland following his alleged involvement in multiple incidents in early December, including an alleged armed robbery, a home invasion, and two vehicle thefts.

Between 4 and 5 December (2025) police responded to multiple incidents believed to be linked, including an aggravated burglary in Macquarie, an attempted ram raid at a Kingston business, a home invasion in Conder where a 72-year-old woman was tied up, a second aggravated burglary in Gordon and an armed robbery at a currency exchange business in Dickson.

Three people were allegedly involved in the incidents. One of the alleged offenders was declared deceased after a collision on an exit ramp off Gungahlin Drive while two co-offenders from these incidents remained outstanding.

ACT Policing sought the public’s assistance to locate one of the co-offenders at the end of December.

Following enquiries by ACT Criminal Investigations officers, the wanted man, a 49-year-old from Taylor, was located by Queensland Police Service members in Cooktown on Monday (26 January 2026). The man had a large sum of cash in his possession when arrested and police believe this is the proceeds of the alleged armed robbery in Dickson in December 2025.

The man was subsequently extradited to the ACT yesterday (Friday, 30 January 2026) and is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 31 January 2026) charged with multiple theft, ride/drive stolen motor vehicle, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and forcible confinement offences.

Enquiries are continuing to confirm the identity and locate the third man involved in this string of incidents.

Anyone with any information about the incidents or the third man should contact Crime Stoppers via www.crimestoppers.com.au quoting incident number 8236520. Information can be provided anonymously.

UPDATE Seeking witnesses to an assault in Taylor CHARGED

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 2 February 2026 8:56am

Original publication: Friday, 30 January 2026 10:30am

Thank you Canberra, following enquiries a 19-year-old man has been charged for his involvement in this incident.

About 4:55am yesterday morning (Sunday, 1 February 2026), police located and arrested the 19-year-old man. He has been charged with joint commission assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of affray and property damage. He will face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Monday, 2 February 2026).

Police are still seeking information about the second man allegedly involved in the incident.

ACT Policing is seeking witnesses to an assault in Taylor last week where a man was hospitalised.

About 5:50pm on Monday 19 January (2026), police and ACT ambulance service paramedics attended a residence on Everist Street in Taylor following reports of an assault.

The victim was allegedly approached by two males before being knocked unconscious. He was treated at the scene by ACTAS paramedics and transported to hospital.

Anyone who has any information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website or on 1800 333 000. Please quote 8279555. Information can be provided anonymously.

Woman charged with murder following December incident

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Friday, 30 January 2026 8:38am

Original publication: Friday, 30 January 2026 8:38am

A 37-year-old Braddon woman has been charged with murder following an investigation into the death of a man in a Braddon unit in December last year.

Upon arrival, the man was located deceased inside the unit. He was identified as a 44-year-old from Belconnen and his death was treated as suspicious.

Following enquiries, ACT Policing Homicide Squad detectives will today charge the 37-year-old woman with murder.

She is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday, 30 January 2026).

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.com.au quoting P2408490.