Fifteen hundred standard drinks seized during traffic apprehension on the Plenty Highway

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has seized a substantial amount of alcohol from vehicles believed to be travelling into a remote community on the weekend.

On Saturday evening, Harts Range members conducted a traffic apprehension on two vehicles along the Plenty Highway about 70km east of the Stuart Highway. A third vehicle evaded the traffic apprehension and continued travelling west.

As a result of the apprehension, the following was located and seized:

  • 33 x 4 litre wine casks
  • 5 x 4.5 litre wine casks
  • 12 x 750ml bottles of wine
  • 2 x 700ml bottles of blueberry liqueur
  • 2 x 1.25 litre bottles of tropical-flavoured alcohol beverage
  • 2 x 1.125 litre bottles of bourbon
  • 2 x 1.125 litre bottles of rum
  • 1 x 10 pack of vodka premix cans

The seized alcohol is equivalent to just over 1500 standard drinks according to the Australian Standard Drink Formula and has been tipped out by police.

The investigation is currently ongoing.

Acting Superintendent of the Southern Desert Division, Conan Robertson said, “This was excellent proactive policing by our remote members that prevented a significant amount of alcohol from reaching its intended destination.

 “We know all too well the harm that alcohol causes in our remote communities and it is disgraceful that these individuals tried to take advantage of vulnerable community members with complete disregard for the law.

 “Police will be anywhere, at any time, checking vehicles and targeting those that would attempt to bring alcohol into restricted areas.

“If you have any information about the unlawful supply or distribution of alcohol into remote communities in the Territory, please contact police on 131 444.” 

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

Australia and Canada sign landmark agreement on Over the Horizon Radar export

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Government has announced the nation’s largest ever defence export, with the signing of a government-to-government arrangement with Canada to export an Australian Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) system.

This $2.5 billion agreement marks the first international sale of Australia’s world-leading OTHR technology, building on the proven success of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) while supporting hundreds of Australian industry jobs.

Australia’s Department of Defence has worked with the Canadian Department of National Defence to develop requirements for Canada’s Artic-Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) capability, with the commitment to collaborate on this technology reaffirmed by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Carney in March 2026.

The agreement signed today reflects our shared strategic interests, combining Australia’s globally recognised expertise in OTHR with Canada’s leadership in Arctic defence and long-range domain awareness.

It will further strengthen interoperability between trusted partners while driving industrial growth and innovation in both nations. It also establishes a framework for joint research and development to advance OTHR capabilities for mutual benefit.

Working together on OTHR systems will support the delivery of early warning and surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic, contributing to our collective security in an increasingly complex strategic environment.

The project will support approximately 300 high-value technical jobs in Australia, with industry partner BAE Systems Australia set to commence delivery of Canada’s A‑OTHR capability on 1 July 2026.

This announcement marks the first stage of a broader Australia–Canada collaboration on A-OTHR. Both nations are committed to exploring further opportunities for joint development, deepening defence industrial ties, and building an enduring partnership that strengthens capability and security outcomes for both countries.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese

“Australia is a world leader in Over the Horizon Radar technology, and this agreement showcases Australian innovation.

“As close friends and valued partners, Australia and Canada’s relationship is grounded in decades of operational cooperation, shared strategic interests, and deep collaboration through the Five Eyes partnership.

“Today’s agreement marks a significant milestone in Australian defence trade and lays the foundation for deeper and mutually beneficial defence industry collaboration with Canada.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles

“This is the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history, which reflects our close and long-standing friendship with Canada.

“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, Australia and Canada are committed to working together to grow our defence relationship and this initiative is a clear demonstration of that enduring partnership in action.

“This arrangement demonstrates Australia’s ability to export advanced, high-technology defence systems while safeguarding our national security, and enabling trusted partners to benefit from Australian innovation.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy

“The Jindalee Operational Radar Network is a great Aussie success story – world-leading technology that has led to the biggest defence export agreement in Australia’s history.

“The arrangement represents a powerful example of how defence exports support economic growth, build high-technology capability, and strengthen national resilience.

“BAE Systems Australia, as the key industry partner, plays a central role in reinforcing Australia’s position as a global leader in OTHR technology. Today’s agreement directly supports the ongoing evolution and resilience of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).”

Operation Ventura continues to target those causing harm across the Territory

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Operation Ventura continues to target individuals who cause harm in the Palmerston region, as well as those intending to cause harm elsewhere in the Northern Territory.

A 51-year-old man travelling on a bus from Palmerston to Katherine was allegedly found in possession of 16 litres of Bundaberg rum.

Police allege the alcohol was intended for use in secondary supply within the Katherine region.

The man was issued with a Banned Drinker Order and the alcohol was seized by police.

Now in its fifth week, Operation Ventura continues to maintain a proactive and highly visible presence across Palmerston and surrounding areas, disrupting alcohol-related offending and anti-social behaviour.

Superintendent Katie Hatzismalis said this was a great detection by police at the bus exchange.

“Every seizure represents an opportunity to prevent further offending and reduce the impacts of alcohol-related harm across the Territory.”

Operation Ventura activity (as at 21 June)

Activity

Total

Persons engaged with

3,785

Persons moved on

2,335

Alcohol (litres) tipped out

1,616

High-visibility patrols

2,503

Arrests (including 133AB offences)

95

Protective custody apprehensions

76

Banned Drinker Orders issued

172

Wanding conducted

783

Weapons seized

23

Infringements issued

28

Locals to win big with $250 voucher giveaway throughout July

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is excited to launch its Lucky Local campaign where four winners will each receive a $250 voucher every day during July when they support local businesses this winter.

Residents are encouraged to look out for posters and flyers at participating local independent businesses across the region. Entering the Lucky Local giveaway is easy, simply scan the QR code.

How to enter the voucher draw:

  • Spend $20 or more in one transaction at a participating local independent business listed on the City’s website*
  • Upload a photo of your receipt to the City of Greater Bendigo’s website
  • No limit to enter the giveaway. A new receipt is required per entry
  • Vouchers will be selected in a random lucky dip involving all participating businesses
  • Four lucky winners from the draw will each score a $250 voucher every day during July
  • Winners will be announced on Triple M’s Cogho & Jules for Breakfast at 8am from July 1. (The City will also contact winners directly)

Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said the major campaign aims to bring many benefits to businesses and residents.

“The Lucky Local campaign has been developed to support independent businesses across the region and boost local spending,” Cr Prince said.

“We have passionate local retailers, producers, makers, suppliers, cafes, restaurants, hotels, unique attractions, and a variety of services on the list of participating businesses.

“With vouchers up for grabs every day in July, there’s a strong incentive for residents to shop locally this winter.

“When you support local businesses, you are helping businesses to grow, retain, and create jobs. Local businesses bring vibrancy and activity to precincts, suburbs and small towns which is great for our community and keeps more spending in Greater Bendigo.

“The Lucky Local Giveaway is a win-win. Residents get the chance to win vouchers valued at $250, selected in a lucky dip involving all of the listed participating businesses. This is a great way to discover an amazing variety of businesses right here in Greater Bendigo and there is no cost to businesses to be involved.

“Residents are encouraged to look out for Lucky Local posters and flyers that have the QR code to enter the draw. You don’t want to miss out as four $250 vouchers are available every day during July.”

This initiative is part of the City’s successful Love your Local campaign. It closes at noon on July 30 and terms and conditions apply.

It is not too late for local independent businesses to sign up, join the campaign now by emailing [email protected]

Concern for welfare – Darwin

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police hold concerns for 13-year-old Blitner, who was last seen in the Ngukurr community earlier this month.

She is described as of Aboriginal appearance and slim build.

She was reported missing to police yesterday and believed to be in the Darwin region. 

Anyone who has information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2600059756.

Online marketplaces pledge to do more to protect consumers from unsafe products

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has raised the bar for online marketplaces to protect consumers from unsafe products bought online, strengthening the Australian Product Safety Pledge in collaboration with major online marketplaces.

Temu and Gumtree have now joined Amazon Australia, eBay Australia and AliExpress in committing to strengthening product safety measures on their platforms beyond current legal requirements. The online marketplaces will also report annually to the ACCC on their performance.

“We have long been concerned about the volume of unsafe consumer products available for sale online, and will continue working with online marketplaces to ensure they proactively reduce product safety risks for consumers.” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

Launched in 2020, the pledge is a voluntary initiative administered by the ACCC that sets a benchmark for online product safety measures to benefit consumers.

By signing up to the pledge, online marketplaces agree to proactively strengthen their product safety policies and initiatives in a framework where expectations are public and results are measurable.

The online marketplace landscape is evolving as online shopping grows, with a diverse range of business models allowing sellers in Australia and overseas to list products for sale.

“With Australian households increasingly shopping online from an evolving range of marketplaces, it is critical that consumers are able to make choices that are safe. The pledge goes beyond the existing law thereby adding protection for consumers now and into the future,” Ms Lowe said.

“We are pleased that online marketplaces have committed to expanding monitoring for unsafe products on their platforms, undertaking regular sweeps to identify and remove unsafe products relisted for sale, and taking certain action when sellers fail to manage product safety issues.”

Signatories have made 15 commitments – up from 12. A number of the commitments enhance transparency of and accountability for actions, which the signatories will report on yearly through enhanced Key Performance Indicators.

These changes were earmarked in the ACCC’s 2025-26 product safety priorities, while targeting unsafe consumer goods in digital markets is an ACCC compliance and enforcement priority for 2026-27.

While the pledge is voluntary, it supplements business obligations under relevant legislation and does not prevent the ACCC or other regulatory authorities from taking enforcement action where appropriate. “All online marketplaces selling into Australia should be taking the kinds of actions set out in the pledge to protect consumers from unsafe products. We look forward to working with signatories and prospective signatories on achieving improved safety outcomes for consumers,” Ms Lowe said.

More information is available at the ACCC Product Safety website, including contact information for prospective signatories.

Background

The Australian Product Safety Pledge was modelled on a similar initiative in the European Union that has helped remove dangerous products from online marketplaces. Several other countries have since established similar pledge initiatives.

The pledge is voluntary and outlines good practice approaches expected of industry.

The ACCC supports businesses in their efforts to comply with the pledge by maintaining and updating the ACCC Product Safety website, facilitating regular meetings with signatories and sharing information on emerging product safety issues.

Adopting the pledge does not replace the need to ensure overall compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA), including the Australian Consumer Law, or other relevant legislation. It does not prevent the ACCC from taking action against signatories for breaches of the CCA. The ACCC is not endorsing the performance or compliance approach of any online marketplace by virtue of them signing on to the pledge.

Signatories include online businesses that facilitate marketplace services that include business to consumer, or consumer to consumer, transactions via the internet (online marketplaces).

The Product Safety Pledge commenced with four signatories in November 2020.

In 2024–25, the signatories removed over 31,000 unsafe product listings from their online marketplaces as a result of consulting the ACCC Product Safety website, and other relevant information sources about recalled and unsafe products. Additionally, the signatories collectively removed over 2,700 unsafe listings after receiving a take-down notice from the ACCC or other Australian regulatory authority.

Arrest – Series of alleged threats – Karama

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 16-year-old male has been arrested by Northern Territory Police after allegedly threatening multiple community members while armed with a knife.

Police were patrolling Karama late last night after receiving reports of a youth chasing a person with a knife.

Shortly after 1am, a second report was received from a residence in Malak, where the youth was allegedly seen in the front yard of a property carrying a knife. The youth fled the scene after being confronted by the homeowner, who provided police with a description.

A third report was then received from a security guard in Karama, who alleged the youth threatened him with a knife and attempted to steal his vehicle.

It is alleged the security guard was attempting to exit the car park of a unit complex when the youth, armed with a knife, blocked his path at the gate and made threats towards him.

Strike Force Trident, Dog Operations and General Duties members quickly responded, establishing a cordon around the unit complex. The youth allegedly fled on foot before being apprehended in Mulla Mulla Park.

The 16-year-old was arrested without further incident.

Senior Sergeant Darren Burns said police recovered a large knife after officers allegedly observed the youth discard it while attempting flee.

“Thankfully, no one was seriously injured during this incident.

“Strike Force Trident continues to investigate, and we can expect charges to be laid. The youth is known to police for previous offences including robbery, possessing a controlled weapon, making threats to kill, property damage, possessing a thing to administer a drug, and breaching bail.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Arrests – Aggravated burglary – Wulagi

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police arrested three male youths on Saturday evening following a reported break-in at a primary school in Wulagi.

At around 5:30pm, police received reports of a break-in at the school, along with the activation of the building’s alarm system. The caller provided police with a description of one of the youths, who was seen running towards Wulagi Park.

General Duties members attended the scene and located three youths nearby. One youth allegedly admitted to gaining entry to the school using a brick.

The three youths, aged 12, 14 and 15, all known to police, were arrested and taken to Palmerston Watch House. Two have been charged with breaching their bail conditions, while investigations are ongoing and further charges may be laid.

Senior Sergeant Darren Burns said this is appalling behaviour by a group of youth offenders.

“Significant damage was caused to the school, including two shattered glass doors, a smashed fire alarm panel, and the activation of the alarm system. Powder fire extinguishers were also discharged throughout the building, causing further damage and disruption.”

Strike Force Trident continues to investigate. Police urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Charges laid following altercation in Hobart

Source: Tasmania Police

Charges laid following altercation in Hobart

Monday, 22 June 2026 – 9:37 am.

A 41-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman have been charged with wounding following a disturbance in Hobart yesterday afternoon.
Police were called to the scene near the Hobart Citadel on Elizabeth Street shortly after 3pm, following reports of an altercation involving a group of people known to each other.
During the incident, a man sustained two stab wounds to his upper body, and a second man was struck to the head.
Both were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police have confirmed all the parties involved are known to each other, and it is believed the altercation was linked to an ongoing dispute between them.
The man and the woman were both bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 5 October.

Police investigating disturbance on Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigating disturbance on Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Sunday, 21 June 2026 – 4:22 pm.

Two people are in custody after a disturbance in Elizabeth Street, Hobart, this afternoon.
Just after 3 pm, police were called to the incident in Elizabeth Street, near Patrick Street.
A group of people who were known to each other had been involved in an altercation.
One man received a stab wound to his upper body, and another man was struck on the head.
They were both taken to hospital, and their injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Two other men were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Police have asked people to avoid the area while investigations are continuing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam vision is asked to contact police on 131 444 and quote OR 808744 or incident number 223-21062026.
Information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can also be provided anonymously.