AU Engine

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three offenders following an aggravated robbery in the Darwin CBD overnight.

Around 1:45am this morning, an adult male was about to enter a vehicle outside a park on Mitchell Street when he was allegedly attacked by two females and one male.

Police CCTV captured the incident, which showed the victim being knocked down to the ground by the offenders before they continued  to assault him.

One offender allegedly stole a gold chain from the victim and also attempted to remove his wallet while he was on the ground. A physical struggle between the victim and the offenders continued before Darwin General Duties police arrived and deescalated the situation.

During the arrest, one of the female offenders attempted to flee and whilst being restrained, the other female offender assaulted an officer by striking him to the face.

Additional police attended shortly after and arrested the two females aged 29 and 24, and the male aged 29. Police also recovered the stolen property.

Strike Force Trident are continuing investigations, with charges likely to be laid later today.

Police urge anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, to contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if you witness crime or anti-social behaviour.

Source: Tasmania Police

Police test response capabilities in major training exercise

Thursday, 16 April 2026 – 9:59 am.

Tasmania Police conducted a high-intensity exercise at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium last night, giving police, stadium staff and other emergency services a chance to test their response capabilities to an Active Armed Offender event.
Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the practical exercise, held after hours to minimise disruption to the public, simulated a fast-moving incident involving an armed attacker in a crowded stadium environment.
“The scenario enabled frontline police, specialist units and UTAS Stadium to test their plans and practise how they would act in the critical first moments of an incident,” he said.
“While Tasmania is a safe place to live, exercises like this are essential to ensuring we are well prepared for situations that can unfold with little to no warning.”
“Operators of public spaces such as stadiums are often the first people confronted in the early moments of an incident like this.
“Giving them the opportunity to practise their own emergency procedures alongside police is vital, as their ability to respond quickly, safely and calmly can make an enormous difference in protecting themselves, their staff and the public.”
The exercise forms part of a series funded by the Australia–New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee, supporting specialist counter terrorism capability development across all jurisdictions.
Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said the event was also a timely reminder for the community to know how to respond if they ever find themselves in a situation involving an armed attacker.
“We want all Tasmanians to remember three simple words: Escape. Hide. Tell.”
“Being prepared and knowing what to do can save your life and the lives of others,” he said.

ESCAPE – Move away from danger quickly and quietly if it is safe to do so.
HIDE – If you cannot escape, hide from view and silence your phone.
TELL – When safe, call Triple Zero (000) and provide as much information as possible.

Tasmania Police continues to work closely with government agencies, emergency services and the retail sector to maintain strong, nationally aligned counter terrorism preparedness.
“We thank Stadiums Tasmania and all participants for their support and participation in this exercise. Their involvement is critical in helping us protect crowded places and keep our community safe,” Assistant Commissioner Bodnar said.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or to Tasmania Police on 131 444. Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Nagambie house fire started by a charging e-scooter has prompted a fresh warning from CFA about the risks of lithium-ion battery-powered devices in and around the home.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I’m very pleased to be here in Brunei on my first official visit, and there’s no more important time to engage with our neighbours than the current time. The conflict in the Middle East is a long way away, but it’s having an impact particularly in Asia, in our own region, because of the relationship of suppliers that come through the Strait of Hormuz and that disruption that has occurred and the uncertainty that is there with regard to a resolution to this conflict. Australia wants to see a de-escalation. We want to see talks between the United States and Iran resume, and we want to see a resumption of normal economic activity that is so important for the global economy. Australia and Brunei have a very positive relationship. We are Brunei’s largest trading partner, and that is the context of the welcome that we had here from His Majesty, the Sultan of Brunei. Who welcomed us here and who I’ve just had my seventh meeting with as Prime Minister, including twice hosting His Majesty in Australia since I’ve been elected as Prime Minister.

We are both feeling, of course, the consequences, as are countries right around the world, about changes to supply. And Australia has a lot to benefit from engaging with our neighbours in this region. Brunei supplies nine per cent of Australia’s diesel imports, and more than that, 11 per cent of our fertiliser-grade urea imports. Today, at the Brunei Fertilizer Industries, we had the opportunity to talk firsthand about the potential that’s there as well for an increase in Australia receiving fertiliser in particular from Brunei and we had very positive discussions and that will continue. It will continue in the context as well of the agreed Joint Statement on Energy and Food Security that was signed by myself and His Majesty. This underscores our commitment to ensuring that essential goods continue to flow between our countries. And that guarantee which is there will make a difference as well to provide that certainty by building regional cooperation on energy, security and economic resilience. We strengthen our fuel security, and we strengthen the economies in our region as well.

There’s just one further thing before I turn to the Foreign Minister, which is to reaffirm the announcement that’s been made by Minister Bowen, which follows last week’s announcement that we made in Brisbane about using Export Finance Australia, EFA, to underwrite the purchase of additional fuel loads from around the world. From spot markets that are available, but that require additional government support in order to give businesses, the private sector the confidence to be able to go out there and participate in this market. Last week, we announced Viva and Ampol had come to agreements with EFA. And today we’re partnered with IOR and Park Fuels to enable them to be able to secure additional fuel into the Australian market. Now, this is particularly important because these smaller companies are particularly focused on regional Australia. And one of the things that we know is that some of the shortages which we have seen have particularly been in regional Australia, so giving them that security as well. This isn’t business as usual. This is in addition to the normal flow that would come into Australia. Literally shiploads of additional fuel are getting here to Australia, targeted to regional communities where it is most needed. I’ll turn to the Foreign Minister, then happy to take a couple questions.

< SENATOR PENNY WONG, FOREIGN MINISTER: 

So, the Prime Minister’s engagement here in Brunei and in Singapore and in Malaysia is about making sure we have strong, reliable and trusted partnerships for us to navigate what may be a longer economic tail of this conflict. The statement that was signed today reflects that willingness to work with each other on our shared security, on energy security, on food security, the recognition that the urea and diesel that we seek, we import from Brunei and that we continue to seek comes back to the region as food. That is very well understood here. And what this demonstrates is the willingness of Australia and Brunei on the back of the announcement the Prime Minister made in Singapore to have regional partners work together at these challenging times. Thank you.

< JOURNALIST: 

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We continue to monitor on a regular basis, and we are doing what we can right across the board to shield Australia as best as we can from the impact of this global action, but we’re not immune from it. As I said in my statement to the nation, that we cannot make, ourselves, like every other nation, is being impacted by this. What we can do though is to not retreat from action, is step forward with further action. That’s what we’ve done with the changes that we made to supply by changing the fuel requirements to allow more diesel and petrol to be able to be distributed that would normally only be available for export. That’s what we’ve done with the agreements that we’ve struck through EFA. And now we are hearing positive signs about the work that those companies are doing to secure those additional shiploads as well, and we hope to have further announcements about that once they are secured. But we have been as well making sure that we engage in our region with our partners, with our suppliers, to make sure that as far as is possible, we restrict any impact on Australia.

< JOURNALIST: 

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Source: Prime Minister of Australia

runei Darussalam and Australia are longstanding friends and Comprehensive Partners, and share a commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of our region.

Our close relationship is grounded in strategic trust, open markets, and rules-based trade, which underpin the prosperity and security of our peoples and region. We reaffirm these shared principles, which are essential at this time.

Brunei Darussalam and Australia share deep concern over the situation in the Middle East and its consequences for our region, such as the impact on energy and food supply chains and prices.

We are committed to working together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience, including by deepening regional cooperation, accelerating alternative energy resources including renewable energy, and maintaining open trade flows.

We also underscore the importance of food security through stable and efficient supply chains to promote economic growth and stability in our region. Acknowledging our complementary efforts in the agriculture and agri-food sector, we are committed to maintaining open, secure and resilient supply chains to ensure long-term food production.

In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen energy and food security, to support the flow of essential goods between our two countries, including petroleum oils, such as diesel and crude oil, as well as agriculture and agri-food essentials and key agricultural inputs such as urea, to avoid unjustified import and export restrictions and to notify and consult each other on any disruptions with ramifications on the trade of energy and food related supplies.

We call on other trading partners to join us in ensuring global energy supply chains are kept open, for the benefit of the security and prosperity of our people.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Natimuk Fire Brigade Captain David Sudholz

When Natimuk Fire Brigade Captain David Sudholz looked out his window at lunchtime on 9 January 2026, he saw what he’d hoped was a cloud of dust in the distance – unfortunately, it wasn’t.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred in Coconut Grove this morning.

At 3:25am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a 30-year-old male had allegedly been assaulted with an edged weapon in Litchfield Court.

Police attended and located the male with injuries to his neck. An additional two adult males were also located with minor injuries.

The 35-year-old was conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A crime scene was established and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage from Litchfield Court or nearby service station on Progress Drive, is urged to contact police via 131 444. Please quote reference P26109694. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au.

Source: Tasmania Police

Planned police exercise in Launceston

Wednesday, 15 April 2026 – 10:00 am.

Tasmania Police is conducting a planned exercise at UTAS Stadium tonight (Wednesday 15 April 2026).
The exercise will take place from 5pm until 9pm, and the stadium will be closed to the public.
Planned activities like this allow us to exercise our specialist response capabilities.
Tasmania is a safe place to live, but we continue to be proactive to ensure our staff, emergency services partners and the community are well-trained and prepared for any situation.
Members of the public should expect to see an increased presence of emergency services in the area during the exercise timeframe, however there is no cause for concern.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Photos showing the vegetation before and after the trial

CFA has completed its first ever goat‑grazing fuel reduction project, with remarkable results achieved over five weeks at Gateway Island in Wodonga.

The initiative showcases an innovative, environmentally friendly approach to managing high‑risk vegetation.

The six‑acre site on Gateway Island, managed by the Gateway Lakes User Group and the Bravehearts Dragon Boat Club, had become heavily overgrown with woody weeds, grasses and extensive blackberry thickets. The density of the vegetation created a significant fire hazard, particularly given the area’s frequent use by local community groups.

Traditional reduction methods such as machinery and planned burning were unsuitable because of the terrain and vegetation.

To address these challenges, CFA’s District 24 Vegetation Management team partnered with local vegetation management business EnviroGraze, which supplied a herd of 95 goats to clear the targeted area. Goats were identified as the most suitable option because of their ability to move across uneven ground, push through hard‑to‑reach areas and eat blackberry growth, including the dense mid‑storey layer that increases fire intensity.

In just five weeks the goats had removed the plant material within the containment area. Their grazing created a valuable canopy lift, reducing ground and mid‑layer fuels that would otherwise allow a fire to travel upward into tree canopies.

The project was supported by the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, which provided fencing panels to safely contain the goats. These resources are also available to community groups undertaking similar blackberry control work across the region.

The timing of the project proved particularly valuable, as goat‑based fuel management can continue safely during months when planned burning is not possible. The trial allowed fuel reduction work to progress during the Fire Danger Period while CFA volunteers were committed to other operational demands.

The success of the Gateway Island trial demonstrates the potential for goat grazing to become a viable option for future vegetation management projects.

The approach aligns with CFA’s commitment to flexible, innovative fuel reduction methods that meet local needs, protect the environment and reduce bushfire risk for communities.

Submitted by	Georgia Rose, CFA Vegetation Management Officer

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Autumn underquoting campaign ramps up

Property auctions across the City of Whittlesea are under intensified scrutiny, with Consumer Affairs Victoria launching its largest enforcement sweep to date.

Underquoting Taskforce inspectors are monitoring 100 auction campaigns in the area, following a surge in complaints about misleading prices. After Spring, Autumn is the busiest time of year for auctions, making it a key period for monitoring compliance with underquoting laws.

The Whittlesea local government area includes the established suburbs of Thomastown, Lalor and Mill Park, along with the rapidly expanding Donnybrook and Wollert, which are increasingly popular with first home buyers.

Taskforce steps up enforcement

The Taskforce is actively monitoring sales campaigns, inspecting estate agencies and attending auctions to ensure agents follow the rules. Inspectors are also engaging directly with agents and prospective buyers to raise awareness of the underquoting laws.

Legal action is already underway against several agents for alleged breaches.

Since beginning in late 2022, the taskforce has received close to 6,000 reports of suspected underquoting through its dedicated complaints form. More than one third of these complaints are submitted by real estate agents, showing that agents doing the right thing are frustrated with unfair industry practices.

New guidelines for agents

In November 2025, Consumer Affairs Victoria released new guidelines for selecting comparable properties, after finding some agents were ignoring the most similar properties.

Agents who underquote risk penalties under Victoria’s estate agent laws. Some matters may also attract significant penalties under the Australian Consumer Law.

If you suspect underquoting, report it to us.