AU Engine

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Ok, well thanks everyone for joining us here for this ministerial meeting in Adelaide. We’ve met, of course, right around the country, and here in South Australia, of course, there’s nowhere better for us to meet where we have delivered, whether it’s Urgent Care Clinics, the public school funding for each and every school, renewables including the Batteries Program, the support for jobs and manufacturing here in South Australia. Whyalla, without our intervention with the Malinauskas Government, simply wouldn’t have been able to continue. And of course, the work that we’re doing here with AUKUS, is creating advanced manufacturing jobs and we’re skilling up the workforce as well here, with Free TAFE the way that here the school program has also been designed very well here with the equivalent of the old technical schools, making sure that people are getting the skills that they need to fulfil these jobs.

We’re bringing the National Conference here to Adelaide over the next 3 days. It’s an opportunity for our party members to have a direct say in the direction of the country and for us to engage. We represent the oldest and greatest political party in Australia. This is our 50th National Conference. Whilst other political parties have come and gone, we’ve continued to evolve, develop, we change with the times, and the party conference will reflect that over the coming few days in developing our platform that we’ll continue to take forward.

It’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on the work that we’ve done to keep the economy and employment growing, with 1.2 million jobs being created. The work that we’ve done as well to promote gender equality, with the gender pay gap being at a record low. The work that we’re doing in international affairs as well, that has been significant, particularly over the recent period with the agreement, since parliament got up, of the alliance with Fiji, we have brought now more alliances or the same number of alliances, two in the last 12 months with Papua New Guinea coming into effect, as well as the alliance with Fiji. We had two alliances in Australia’s first 125 years, and we’ve had two in the last year, and the work that we’ve done in the Pacific Island Forum, with ASEAN, working our way through as well immediate challenges such as the conflict in the Middle East. We, on Saturday, I gave the update and we now have more fuel security than we’ve had at any time, and certainly more fuel in all three categories of jet fuel, diesel and petrol than we had on February 28 when the conflict in the Middle East began, which is an extraordinary effort and an example of us working with the private sector.

So, we’ve still got other challenges of course, the bird flu challenge is something that we deal with, but we deal with immediate challenges, but always with our eye on the horizon, of no matter how turbulent the times are that we’re dealing with globally and we do deal with uncertain times. But I think all the delegates gathering here in Adelaide will know that they can be certain that our focus is on the national interests as we go forward and really look forward to today’s Ministerial Meeting, of course. But over the coming few days, the National Conference will be a real opportunity to showcase as well, the work that we’re doing, much of it in partnership with the Malinauskas Government here in South Australia.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Officers from Operation Talon have arrested and charged a 17-year-old male in relation to a stolen motor vehicle and dangerous driving incident that occurred in Tennant Creek early yesterday morning.

The stolen vehicle has also been located and recovered by police.

A 17-year-old male was arrested yesterday at a residence in Tennant Creek and has since been charged with:

• 1 x Drive motor vehicle without consent
• 1 x Drive manner dangerous
• 1 x Damage to property
• 1 x Drive unlicensed
• 1 x Drive vehicle cause loss of traction
• 1 x Causing damage to road surface
• 1 x Driver allow body to extend from vehicle

He will appear in court on Friday 24 July.

Superintendent Peter Dash said, “I’d like to commend the excellent work of our Operation Talon members in identifying and apprehending this alleged offender, while also recovering the stolen vehicle.

“This type of behaviour has no place in our community, and we will continue to target offenders who put others at risk.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is seeking public assistance to identify outstanding offenders in relation to a crime series that occurred last week in Alice Springs.

Around 9:15pm on Sunday 12 July, two male youths aged 16 and 17-years-old, and a third unidentified offender, allegedly unlawfully entered a residence on Nicker Crescent and stole a silver Hyundai. The vehicle was later located just after midnight burnt out on Montgomery Road.

Around 1:50am on Monday 13 July, the same three offenders plus further additional unidentified offenders allegedly entered the yard of a unit on Palm Circuit and stole a Yamaha dirt bike.

A few hours later at 4:15am, the same group allegedly unlawfully entered a property on Bloomfield Street and searched through multiple parked vehicles before unlawfully entering the front door by breaking a window.

It is alleged once inside they searched through the residence, before kicking down the door to a bedroom and confronting one of the occupants. The offenders, one of whom was allegedly armed with a blunt weapon, stole car keys and money from the victim before striking them with the blunt weapon to the leg, causing bruising.

The group allegedly stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene. A pursuit was initiated but subsequently terminated for safety concerns.

At 11am on Tuesday 14 July, the vehicle was sighted at a petrol station in Alice Springs. Members from Strike Force Viper and general duties were deployed and the vehicle was located abandoned in scrubland in Flynn. A 16-year-old male and 17-year-old male were arrested nearby after a short foot pursuit.

The 16-year-old was later charged with the following offences and appeared in court on 15 July 2026:

• 1 x Aggravated Robbery
• 2 x Aggravated Burglary
• 1 x Driving, using/riding motor vehicle without consent
• 3 x Theft
• 1 x Damage to property
• 1 x Trespass – Entering without authority
• 1 x Articles of disguise
• 1 x Receiving stolen property

The 17-year-old was later charged with the following offences and appeared in court on 15 July 2026:

• 1 x Aggravated Robbery
• 2 x Aggravated Burglary
• 2 x Driving, using/riding motor vehicle without consent
• 3 x Theft
• 1 x Damage to property
• 1 x Trespass – Entering without authority
• 1 x Articles of disguise
• 1 x Driver never licensed

Investigations into identifying and locating the remaining offenders are ongoing and police are urging anyone with information, including CCTV footage or dashcam from the evening, to contact police on 131 444.

Please quote reference NTP2600067164.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

A new ARENA-backed project could turn forestry byproducts like sawdust and bark into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), helping cut aircraft emissions while also supporting a new clean fuels industry in Australia.  

The $32 million in conditional funding will support HAMR Energy to conduct a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and other development activities for a proposed biomass-to-fuel supply chain across Victoria and South Australia. The project aims to convert forestry byproducts into renewable methanol, which can then be used as SAF, renewable diesel and other low-carbon fuel products. 

SAF produced by the proposed facility could result in the displacement of 140 million litres of fossil jet fuel and abate approximately 330,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum and support the commercialisation of SAF production. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said this project could help accelerate Australia’s emerging SAF industry. 

“Aviation is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise, particularly for long-haul flights where alternatives to liquid fuels remain limited. SAF offers a practical near-term pathway to reduce emissions from aviation using existing aircraft and infrastructure,” Mr Miller said. 

“Australia has a significant opportunity to turn underutilised biomass resources into valuable clean fuel products, and this project will help test whether byproducts from existing forestry operations in Australia can be converted into low-carbon liquid fuels at scale.” 

“By supporting projects like this, ARENA is helping to test the technical and commercial foundations of a domestic SAF industry, which in the future could strengthen Australia’s fuel resilience, create new regional economic opportunities and reduce emissions from aviation.” 

ARENA’s funding will be released over two stages with $12.5 million available for the initial phase and the remaining $19.5 million conditional on HAMR Energy securing the necessary co-funding to commence detailed FEED. 

The forestry byproducts used by the project will be sourced from plantation owners in the Green Triangle region that spans Western Victoria and South Australia that meet Australia’s stringent certification schemes for forestry management. Creating a new market for these materials could provide plantation owners with an additional revenue stream alongside their primary products, such as structural lumber being used in the construction sector. 

HAMR Energy Co-Founder David Stribley said this funding is a significant milestone in Australia building globally competitive domestic SAF industry. 

“The project has the potential to strengthen Australia’s fuel security, reduce aviation emissions and create skilled jobs across construction, engineering, manufacturing and regional supply chains. 

“We thank ARENA and the Australian Government for supporting the next stage of engineering and development work required to bring this nationally significant and strategically critical project closer to delivery.”  

This project is being funded under the Future Made in Australia (FMA) Innovation Fund. For more information visit ARENA’s website. 

ARENA Media

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has commenced Federal Court proceedings against Dusk Australasia Pty Ltd (Dusk) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dusk Group Limited, ASX: DSK), alleging it supplied homewares containing button batteries that did not comply with mandatory button battery safety and information standards, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. It is also alleged that Dusk breached a court-enforceable undertaking it had previously provided to the ACCC.

The ACCC alleges that between 17 May 2023 and 12 December 2024, Dusk supplied 66,453 products, comprising 29 different product lines, that did not comply with mandatory button battery safety and information standards.

The items included candles, diffusers, tealights, snow globes and other LED products, many of which were Christmas, Easter or Halloween themed. These may be attractive to young children who are most at risk of harm from button batteries.

“Button batteries can cause catastrophic injuries or death if swallowed by young children, so it is crucial that businesses take their product safety obligations seriously. Failing to test products for compliance with the mandatory button battery standards before supply to consumers creates an unacceptable safety risk, particularly for young children,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

The ACCC alleges 25 of the product lines sold were not tested prior to supply to consumers, as required under the mandatory safety standard. Dusk later obtained tests to confirm the products passed the relevant safety requirements. However, this testing had not been conducted before the products were supplied to consumers as is required under the standard.

In addition, four product lines failed to include the safety warnings required by the mandatory information standard. This means consumers did not receive information that products contained button batteries – information that may be important to a purchase decision or enabling precautions after purchase.

“Compliance with the mandatory button battery standards is an ACCC compliance and enforcement priority.  Businesses must ensure they have adequate policies and procedures in place to comply with these standards,” Ms Lowe said.

In April 2023, the ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Dusk after it supplied Halloween-themed novelty products containing button batteries that did not comply with the mandatory safety standards. Dusk also paid $106,560 in penalties after the ACCC issued eight infringement notices relating to the supply of non-compliant button battery product lines.

“We are extremely concerned as Dusk allegedly supplied tens of thousands of products that did not comply with button battery standards designed to protect young children who are most at risk of serious injury, despite having previously given an undertaking to the ACCC that it would not do so,” Ms Lowe said.

“We take any breach of formal undertakings given to the ACCC very seriously. These commitments exist to ensure accountability, trust and compliance with the law. We will not hesitate to take action whenever we see these obligations not being met.”

The ACCC alleges Dusk breached this undertaking each time it supplied or offered to supply products that did not comply with the button battery standards.

The ACCC is seeking declarations, penalties, costs and an order requiring Dusk to pay an amount reflecting any financial benefit it obtained from the alleged breaches, and other orders.  

Recalled products

The ACCC’s proceedings include the supply of four products which failed to comply with the mandatory button battery information standard. Following contact from the ACCC in December 2024, Dusk stopped supplying these four Christmas candle product lines and on 20 December 2024 published a recall for these products.

 

ACCC safety advice for consumers

Button batteries are dangerous to children if swallowed or inserted. They can become stuck in a child’s throat and result in fatal or serious injuries in two hours or less.

Children up to five years of age are at greatest risk because of their narrower oesophagus and tendency to place small objects into their mouths, ears and noses. Preventing access to button batteries is critical. If a consumer suspects a button battery has been ingested or inserted they should:

• call Triple Zero (000) immediately if the child is bleeding or having any difficulty breathing
• call 13 11 26 immediately for 24/7 fast and expert advice from the Poisons Information Centre.
• not wait for symptoms to develop.
• not let the child eat or drink.
• not induce vomiting.

Consumers who have bought a product that does not comply with mandatory product safety standards or is unsafe can report it to the ACCC. We also recommend reporting it to the supplier, so they are aware of the issue.

If consumers have an affected product, they should:

• Stop using the product immediately and keep it out of reach of children.
• Contact Dusk to receive the warning information or visit the Dusk product recalls webpage for more information.

Background

Dusk primarily sells homewares such as candles and home fragrance products, including essential oils, diffusers and fragrance-related items. Dusk supplies products in-store and online with 150 stores nationally, including two online stores.

Under the mandatory safety and information standards, products that contain button batteries must have a secure battery compartment, pass compliance testing prior to supply and offer to supply and must include safety warning information.

The mandatory standards and further information about recalls and button battery safety, including a consumer button battery guide, is available on the ACCC Product Safety website.

Businesses were given 18 months to prepare for the button battery standards before they became mandatory in June 2022. The ACCC also engaged extensively with industry and published guidance to help suppliers understand their obligations.

Concise statement

This document contains the ACCC’s initiating court document in relation to this matter. We will not be uploading further documents in the event that this initial document is subsequently amended.

ACCC v Dusk concise statement ( PDF 392.5 KB )

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigating crash on Bass Highway, Wivenhoe

Tuesday, 21 July 2026 – 4:08 pm.

Police are investigating a multiple vehicle crash at Wivenhoe this morning where a motorcycle rider was injured.
Emergency services were called to the crash at the intersection of Bass Highway and Stowport Road about 7.20am.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash which involved a white Curtainsider UD truck, white Subaru S-6 wagon, and a red Honda CB250 motorcycle.
The 38 year-old man who was riding the motorcycle sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to the North West Regional Hospital. He has since been flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital for medical treatment.
Anyone who witnessed the crash, or any of the vehicles beforehand, is asked to contact police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 59-21072026.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo’s first mobility map is set to improve access to the Wanneroo town centre for those with limited mobility.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Skipton Fire Brigade recently held its annual awards presentation night, recognising the remarkable dedication and service of its members to the brigade, CFA and the wider community.

The evening celebrated more than 780 years of combined service among brigade members, highlighting the commitment and volunteer spirit that has strengthened Skipton Fire Brigade over generations.

The event was an opportunity to reflect on the brigade’s rich history while also recognising the efforts of members over the past 12 months, particularly following the significant impact of the Carranballac–Skipton fire on the 9 January 2026.

A number of members were recognised during the evening with CFA service awards, acknowledging their years of dedicated service. The brigade also proudly presented Life Memberships to members whose outstanding contributions have had a lasting impact on Skipton Fire Brigade and the local community.

One of the major highlights of the night was the presentation of the Outstanding Service Award to Ian Nash, recognising more than six decades of unwavering dedication, leadership and commitment.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ian has held numerous leadership positions within Skipton Fire Brigade and has become one of the CFA’s most respected fire investigators. As a fire investigator for District 16 and CFA, specialising in both structural and wildfire investigations, he has completed more than 500 fire investigations.

His expertise, professionalism and ability to foster strong working relationships have earned him widespread respect across the emergency services sector and made him a trusted leader in the field.

In further recognition of his exceptional contribution, Ian was also presented with the prestigious Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Gold Star Medal, one of the organisation’s highest honours for volunteer service and commitment to CFA and local communities.

Skipton Fire Brigade Captain Ben Cameron praised Ian’s contribution and influence on generations of firefighters.

“Ian is a mentor and role model who embodies the very best of CFA values — commitment, integrity and community spirit,” Captain Cameron said.

“There is no one who better exemplifies the true meaning of outstanding service than Ian. His dedication to the brigade, CFA and the community for more than 60 years is truly remarkable.”

The evening also included the presentation of six National Medals and clasps, recognising diligent and long service by members, as well as National Emergency Medals awarded for service during Australia’s Black Summer bushfires of 2019–20.

The awards presentation night was a fitting celebration of the dedication, professionalism and community spirit that continues to define Skipton Fire Brigade, while recognising the valuable contributions of members whose service helps keep the local community safe.

Submitted by	Nicole Bendelle

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred overnight in Alice Springs.

Around 11:45pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a 17-year-old female being assaulted near a residence on Bloomfield Street in Gillen.

It is alleged the victim was walking with friends when a group of six females exited a nearby vehicle, physically assaulted her, attempted to remove her clothing, and caused injuries with an edged weapon.

A nearby unknown adult male intervened and the victim was able to get away from the offenders. She was subsequently conveyed to hospital by St John Ambulance with minor injuries.

The offenders fled the scene prior to police arrival and investigations commenced.

Earlier this morning, police located and arrested six female offenders in relation to the incident. They remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference P26207241. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Antarctic Division is progressing plans to renew essential infrastructure at Davis research station under the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program. A crucial milestone has now been reached, with environmental authorisation received for the proposed improvements.

Antarctic conservation and protection
The proposed Davis Critical Infrastructure Works (DCIW) will replace end-of-life water, power and mechanical services at Davis. This will help to ensure that the station can safely operate at full capacity and continue to support our world-leading science.
Managing the environmental risk is a vital part of any activity in Antarctica. It is governed by Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and our international obligations under the Antarctic Treaty system.
As part of this process, the Australian Antarctic Division worked with science and ecology experts to assess potential environmental impacts across the life of the project and identify ways to reduce or remove that impact. This culminated in the Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE): Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program – Davis Critical Infrastructure Works, which was submitted in December 2025.
The IEE was reviewed by the Antarctic and Environmental Regulation Section and was open for public comment in early 2026.
The final step was review by the Delegate of the Minister for the Environment and Water, acting under sub-section 12N(2) of the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 (ATEP Act).
The IEE was authorised by the Delegate on 26 June 2026 and is available online via the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty website, EIA Database: Initial Environmental Evaluation Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program – Davis Critical Infrastructure Works.
Heading south
Works are continuing in Australia with procurement, logistics planning and pre-fabrication in Australia.
Subject to finalisation of the AAD season plan, cargo and personnel will depart Hobart for Davis in October 2026, with works on the icy continent due to begin in November 2026.
As set out in the IEE, strict protocols will be in place to protect the delicate environment and wildlife. This includes biosecurity measures, wildlife protections and care for terrestrial communities and remediation activities. The works are expected to be completed in 2032 with all waste material brought back to Australia for recycling or approved disposal, to close the loop on our environmental considerations.

The AIRP is designed and delivered by the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) Alliance – a four-way partnership between the Australian Antarctic Division, Bouygues Construction Australia, Mott MacDonald Australia and Stantec Australia.
This content was last updated 12 hours ago on 21 July 2026.