NewzIntel.com

Category: Law Enforcement

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Three high-range drink drivers detected in states north

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Three high-range drink drivers detected in states north

    Sunday, 30 March 2025 – 7:43 am.

    Police detected three high-range drink drivers in the North overnight Friday including a woman who was nearly five times the legal alcohol limit.
    About 6.30pm Friday a Northern Highway Patrol officer stopped a 38-year-old woman on the Midland Highway near Symmons Plains, after reports the driver had been been weaving across the road at Epping Forest.
    During the intercept police discovered the driver – from NSW – had two passengers in the car who were both licensed and sober.
    The NSW woman was taken to the Longford Police Station where she was breath tested, returning a reading of 0.234 – nearly five times the legal alcohol limit.
    She was arrested, and charged and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
    She will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
    In the early hours of Saturday morning, Launceston police intercepted two further high-range drink drivers.
    A 31-year-old Ravenswood man on Invermay Road who returned a reading of 0.159 – more than three times the legal limit and a 25-year-old Ravenswood man in Launceston CBD who returned a reading of 0.148 – nearly three times the legal limit.
    Northern Road Policing Services Acting Sergeant Rockliff said driving while under the influence of alcohol, particularly such high levels, posed a serious risk not only to the drivers, but all other road users.
    “We would like to thank the members of the public who reported the woman’s driving behaviour at Epping Forest,” he said.
    “Anyone with information about dangerous driving should contact police on 131 444.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged with drink driving and driving under the influence, Kingston

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Man charged with drink driving and driving under the influence, Kingston

    Sunday, 30 March 2025 – 9:05 am.

    A 41-year-old Kingston man has been charged with drink driving and driving under the influence following a two-vehicle crash on the Channel Highway, Kingston yesterday.
    Police were called to the crash about 2pm Saturday 29 March.
    A driver of one of the vehicles returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.255 – more than five times the legal alcohol limit.
    Thankfully, nobody was injured in the crash.
    Kingston Police would like to thank the members of the community who assisted at the crash prior to the arrival of emergency services.
    The man will appear in court at a later date.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cooee Point Reserve incident

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Cooee Point Reserve incident

    Sunday, 30 March 2025 – 9:48 am.

    A pedestrian has been flown to Melbourne in a critical condition following an incident at Cooee Point Reserve overnight.
    Police and emergency services were called to Cooee Road about midnight after reports a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.
    The pedestrian was taken to the Northwest Regional Hospital with serious injuries before being airlifted to Melbourne in a critical condition.
    The driver of the vehicle – a 17-year-old-boy- presented to the Burnie Police Station a short time after the incident and was assisting police with their inquiries.
    Investigations into the circumstances leading up to the crash are ongoing.
    Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash, Orford

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Fatal crash, Orford

    Sunday, 30 March 2025 – 6:00 pm.

    Sadly, a man in his 60s has died after a single-vehicle crash at Orford today.
    Police and emergency services were called to the scene on the Tasman Highway just before 12.45pm Sunday after reports a camper had left the road, and crashed into a tree.
    The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle sadly died at the scene. 
    At this stage it is believed the man suffered a medical episode.
    Investigations into the crash are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
    Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Indonesia

    Source:

    Before entering Indonesia, ensure you understand your visa conditions and entry and exit requirements. Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport. Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged (see ‘Travel’).

    If you’re travelling to Bali, read the Bali Provincial Government’s ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ advice for foreign tourists before you travel (See ‘Local Laws’). Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.

    Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Don’t leave food or drinks unattended. Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Bali and Lombok (see ‘Safety’).

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Update: Attempted murder arrest at Morphett Vale

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A woman has been arrested following a violent altercation at Morphett Vale that resulted in two people sustaining stab wounds.

    Police and paramedics were called to Columba Street, Morphett Vale about 12.45am on Saturday 29 March by reports of a serious assault.

    When officers arrived, they located the occupant of the house, a 27-year-old Morphett Vale man, with multiple stab wounds.

    He was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but they are no longer believed to be life-threatening at this time.

    It will be alleged that four people attended and forced their way into the property and a violent altercation occurred inside the house.

    While police were at the scene at Morphett Vale, another man, aged 22 from Port Noarlunga, also presented at Flinders Medical Centre with serious stab wounds, believed to have occurred in the same incident.

    Southern District CIB detectives, with the assistance of Major Crime detectives, and forensic response officers, attended and examined the scene overnight.

    This incident is not believed to be random.

    A 21-year-old woman from Christie Downs was arrested and charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass and attempted murder.  She was refused police bail and will appear in Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday 31 March.

    The investigation is continuing and anyone with information that may assist or has any CCTV or dashcam footage from the street is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 0000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.

    CO2500013126

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police strike lucky cord to locate four firearms

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have located four guns inside a guitar case in Ōrākei following a call to Police.

    At about 2.10pm yesterday, Police received a report of a person in possession of what appeared to be a firearm outside a property in Kitemoana Street.

    Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, says Police arrived and quickly located the firearms inside a vehicle parked at the address.

    “An armed approach was made, however all parties were cooperative with Police.

    “A search of the vehicle located a guitar case with four firearms inside, including two pistols, one shotgun and one rifle.

    “Taking another four firearms out of circulation from our community is a great result and we continue to be committed to holding people to account and delivering on our intent to keep people safe.”

    A 29-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 4 April charged with three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police strike lucky chord to locate four firearms

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have located four guns inside a guitar case in Ōrākei following a call to Police.

    At about 2.10pm yesterday, Police received a report of a person in possession of what appeared to be a firearm outside a property in Kitemoana Street.

    Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, says Police arrived and quickly located the firearms inside a vehicle parked at the address.

    “An armed approach was made, however all parties were cooperative with Police.

    “A search of the vehicle located a guitar case with four firearms inside, including two pistols, one shotgun and one rifle.

    “Taking another four firearms out of circulation from our community is a great result and we continue to be committed to holding people to account and delivering on our intent to keep people safe.”

    A 29-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 4 April charged with three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pursuit ends in arrest

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A pair have been arrested after a pursuit through the western suburbs yesterday evening.

    ​Just before 6.30pm on Sunday 30 March, patrols spotted a white Holden sedan stationary in Edward’s Park, Adelaide. The vehicle was stationary within an area only permitted for authorised vehicles to access. Police indicated for the driver to speak to police before he drove away from police. Police activated emergency lights, indicating for the driver to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued to drive from police.

    The car stopped for a short time and then took off again. Police followed the car as it headed west on Port Road.  PolAir were quickly in the air and tracked the car as it travelled south on Tapley Hills Road and onto West Lake Boulevard.  The driver drove through two red lights on Cheltenham Parade and Addison Road.

    The car was tracked through the back streets of Pennington and then west onto Grand Junction Road.   The car was successfully spiked as it approached Addison Road and the vehicle came to a stop on Grand Junction Road.

    The driver and the passenger refused to exit the car and officers had to break the car window to arrest the occupants.

    The driver, a 27-year-old man from Ingle Farm, was breath tested and he provided a positive result of 0.107 – more than double the legal limit.  He was charged with dangerous driving to escape a police pursuit, failing to stop, driving whilst unlicenced and a raft of other traffic offences.

    The passenger, a 28-year-old woman from Queensland, was charged with resisting arrest.  They have both been refused police bail and will appear in Port Adeliade Magistrates Court on Monday 31 March.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pedestrian dies in crash on Wakefield Street

    Source: New South Wales – News

    A pedestrian died after being struck by a car on Wakefield Street in the city last night.

    Police and emergency services were called to the intersection of Wakefield Street and Frome Street, Adelaide about 9.30pm on Sunday 30 March by reports of a collision.

    It is believed the pedestrian was crossing Wakefield Street when he was struck by a Nissan four-wheel drive, then by a second vehicle, a Mazda station wagon.

    Sadly, the 65-year-old Adelaide man died at the scene.

    The driver of the Nissan, a 61-year-old Mitchell Park man, was arrested by Major Crash officers and charged with cause death by careless driving.  He was bailed to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 18 June.

    The driver of the Mazda, a 20-year-old Hillcrest man, is assisting police with their enquiries.

    Both vehicles were towed from the scene for forensic examination.

    Major Crash investigators closed Wakefield Street while they examined the scene overnight, but the road has reopened.

    The pedestrian’s death is the 23rd life lost on South Australian roads so far this year.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Prepare for Snow, Freezing Rain and Ice

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for snow, freezing rain and ice beginning tonight and continuing through Sunday for parts of the North Country, Mohawk Valley and Capital District. A period of wet snow and sleet is expected this evening, transitioning over to freezing rain tonight except over far Northern New York where a mix will persist. Freezing rain will occur Saturday into Sunday with the greatest ice accumulation potential occurring during the overnight and early morning hours. Some parts of the North Country could see up to seven inches of snow and more than a quarter inch of ice accumulation through Sunday. In these areas, hazardous travel is likely and local power outages are possible. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to pay close attention to weather conditions this weekend and adjust plans accordingly.

    “We’re expecting a series of winter weather conditions to hit parts of the North County, Mohawk Valley and the Capital District, and our agencies are prepared to assist as the forecast fluctuates across the regions this weekend,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers in these regions should monitor emergency alerts and their local forecasts to prepare themselves for the snow, freezing rain and ice accumulation.”

    A Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the North Country and northern parts of the Mohawk Valley and Capital District for mixed precipitation and ice from tonight into Sunday. Also on Sunday, for parts of Western New York and the Finger Lakes, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms. On Monday, additional severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are possible, mainly across the southeast half of the state.

    For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert — a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

    Agency Preparations
    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. State stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

    Department of Transportation
    The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,754 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. All available response equipment is ready to deploy and all residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors, and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,615 large plow trucks
    • 350 large loaders
    • 159 medium duty plows
    • 53 tow plows
    • 30 snow blowers
    • 19 graders

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority
    The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 691 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

    • 365 large and medium duty plow trucks
    • 10 tow plows
    • 65 loaders

    Variable Message Signs and social media (X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook) are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

    The Thruway Authority is leveraging technology to enhance the safety of both plow operators and drivers through a pilot program utilizing iCone technology. More than 50 of the Thruway’s heavy-duty plow trucks across the state are equipped with devices that can provide real-time data and alerts to popular vehicle navigation applications. In addition, all of the Thruway’s more than 250 heavy-duty plow trucks are equipped with green hazard lights, complementing the standard amber hazard lights. Green lights are intended to improve visibility and enhance safety during winter operations, particularly in low-light conditions and poor weather. Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

    The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

    Department of Public Service
    New York’s utilities have about 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Police
    State Police instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all specialty vehicles are staged and ready for deployment.

    Department of Environmental Conservation
    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to snow, sleet, and ice.

    DEC reminds local officials to watch for ice jams and potential flooding in their communities. Ice jams are a major hazard that occurs when ice breaks apart and the pieces prevent a stream from flowing, leading to rapidly rising river stages and flooding. Municipalities are encouraged to undertake local assessments of potential ice jams in flood-prone areas and to remove any accumulating ice or woody debris. DEC permits and authorization are not required to remove debris unless stream banks or beds will be disturbed by debris removal and/or the use of heavy equipment. Municipalities and local governments are advised to contact DEC’s Regional Permit Administrators if assistance is required and to help determine if a permit is necessary.
    If a permit is necessary, DEC can issue Emergency Authorizations to expedite approval of projects in place of an individual permit. DEC approves Emergency Authorizations for situations that are deemed an emergency based on the immediate protection of life, health, general welfare, property, or natural resources. DEC coordinates with agency partners — including DHSES and DOT — on monitoring and response to potential ice jams.

    Additional information on ice jam flooding, contact information for emergency assistance, and permit requirements is available on the DEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/dam-safety-coastal-flood-protection/flood-preparation/ice-jam-flooding

    Unpredictable weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, snow, ice, and the cold to ensure a safe outdoor experience. Trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice, slush, and mud.

    Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information. Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

    Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Safety Tips
    Travel
    Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

    • Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
    • Avoid unnecessary travel.
    • If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
    • If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
    • The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
    • It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
    • Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
    • Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
    • Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating.

    Power Outages

    • Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
    • If you lose power, turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
    • If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

    To Report an Electric Outage, call:

    • Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
    • Con Edison: 800-752-6633
    • National Grid: 800-867-5222
    • NYSEG: 800-572-1131
    • O&R: 877-434-4100
    • PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
    • RG&E: 800-743-1701

    For more safety tips, visit https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

    For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit www.211nys.org/.

    About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Uncertainty and pessimism abound. Will fear be enough to push Dutton into office?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University

    Tony Abbott was once unelectable. So were Donald Trump and Boris Johnson.

    And so was Peter Dutton, not so long ago. But opinion polls over much of 2024 and early 2025 indicated otherwise, and a nightly assault of pre-election political advertising – as my wife and I watched reruns of Law & Order: Criminal Intent – suggested that the Liberals had done their research and needed to humanise their man.

    Devotees of Detectives Goren and Eames in that venerable program were able to enjoy briefly reviewing Detective Senior Constable Dutton’s time as a Queensland cop, as well as his splendid business career (which has received some closer scrutiny since) and his more recent meeting and greeting of ordinary Australians as a likeable everyman and all-round good guy.

    The ad sometimes played twice in a particular break: the saturation coverage suggested that the Liberals had done rather well with donors. Unfortunately for Dutton, we later gained a deeper insight into the very high priority he attaches to rattling the can for the Liberal Party. Dutton’s decision to attend a fundraiser in Sydney while a cyclone was descending on Queensland did him immense damage, recalling his predecessor’s “I don’t hold a hose, mate” response to the Black Summer bushfires of 2020-21.

    If historical precedent is any guide, Dutton’s task should be somewhere between formidable and impossible. When Australians elect their national governments, they can normally assume they are doing so for at least two terms. The last one-termer was the Labor government of James Scullin, elected in October 1929 and sent into oblivion via an election held a few days before Christmas in 1931.

    Scullin was a victim of the century’s greatest international economic crisis; governments everywhere faltered or disintegrated under similar pressures. The economic challenges faced by the present Labor government have been more modest. But will it suffer a similar fate to Scullin’s Depression-era administration?

    Normally, the rarity of one-termers might have provided Anthony Albanese with a measure of reassurance. But we live in an era where historical precedent seems to count for little.

    That was clear enough even at the 2022 election. It was unprecedented in several respects. There was nothing resembling the atmosphere of excitement of 1972, 1983 and 2007 – or, for that matter, 1929 – which had brought Labor governments to power from opposition and awarded them solid or large majorities.

    Labor’s majority on the floor of the House of Representatives following the 2022 election was piddling – a mere three seats, and just two after the election of a speaker. Its primary vote was about 32%. It won just five of the 30 available seats in the third most populous Australian state, Queensland.

    There had never been a Labor victory like this one. Its exceptionalism haunts Labor’s efforts to gain re-election in 2025.

    Labor won in 2022 rather like many state Labor oppositions have won in recent decades. The margin was narrow. The unpopularity of a government, and its leader, was there to be exploited. Again and again, state Labor oppositions have fallen over the line at an initial election, sometimes able only to form minority government: Bob Carr, Mike Rann, Peter Beattie, Steve Bracks and Annastacia Palaszczuk were all examples.

    Voters seemed at best grudging in their support, but enough were willing to give Labor a go and then look over the results when a new election came round a few years later. In each case, governments were able to consolidate, sometimes winning landslide victories by establishing their credentials, exploiting incumbency, and building new constituencies.

    There were signs Albanese might do the same after May 2022. His slim three-seat majority became a five-seat advantage when Labor’s Mary Doyle won the Aston byelection on April 1 2023 – a seat deep in the traditional Liberal heartland. As late as the Dunkley byelection of March 2 2024, also in Melbourne, the base of electoral support that had seen Albanese into office almost two years before looked to be more or less intact.

    Part of the problem for the Coalition seemed to lie with Dutton himself. Would Australians vote for him? Or to put it more precisely: would the kinds of voters in the mainland capital cities who had turned so sharply against Scott Morrison in 2022 shift their votes to a figure as conservative and as bleak as Dutton?

    That bleakness always struck me as being a bigger problem than the conservatism. Australians routinely elect conservative prime ministers. They elected Malcolm Fraser when they thought he was a conservative (as indeed he was). Then they elected him twice more. They elected John Howard, who had proudly called himself the Liberal Party’s most conservative leader ever. Then they elected him another three times. They elected Abbott, even if buyer’s remorse quickly followed. They elected Morrison when the Coalition had seemed dead in the water.

    But leaders such as Howard and Morrison were much more optimistic than Dutton. They both seemed to think Australia was a pretty good place full of pretty good people and that all things being equal, the future was likely to be pretty good too while there were pretty good blokes in charge (but, of course, it would be much better under a Coalition government, which had the best blokes).

    Abbott, to be sure, was more pessimistic – his description of the Syrian conflict as a struggle between “baddies” and “baddies”, and his references to “death cults”, said more about his habit of reducing complexity to melodrama than it did about that Middle East. Yet Abbott’s outlook, at least as expressed publicly while in office, was nowhere near as dismal as Dutton’s.

    For Dutton, the enemy is close to home, menacing us in the dark. His bleakness is in a league of its own.

    Lech Blaine’s portrait in his Quarterly Essay Bad Cop was convincing: Dutton was a man formed and perhaps damaged by his experience as a policeman, and a political hardman in the habit of painting whole groups of people – commonly politically vulnerable – as a threat to society. Dutton evokes a vision of good people besieged by bad, of the decent and law-abiding as in constant danger of being swamped by the immoral and the criminal – or possibly mugged on their way home from a Melbourne restaurant.

    As 2024 unfolded, no one doubted there was sufficient dissatisfaction with Labor building, especially in many outer Australian suburbs, to do the government serious damage at an election. Persistently high interest rates had increased the cost of a mortgage. Inflation had moderated, but living standards had taken a beating. The chattering classes started talking of the inevitability of minority government, but they usually meant minority Labor government. Then they started talking about minority Coalition government, as the polls turned nastier for Labor.

    Labor spirits have revived in recent weeks after Dutton’s missteps over Cyclone Alfred, a comfortable victory in the Western Australian election, and opinion polling that shows the ALP ahead on a two-party preferred count. Still, uncertainty abounds.

    Albanese often campaigned poorly last time: will he again falter? Dutton, meanwhile, is untested as leader in an election campaign, has little policy on the table, and has a habit of going missing when there are hard questions to be answered.

    For me, the key to this election is whether there is a sufficient number of voters, concentrated in the right places, who share enough of Dutton’s pessimism about their own circumstances and, to a lesser extent, about the general state of the country. If, indeed, there is enough congruence between Dutton’s bleakness and theirs, Australia may well have a new government and a new prime minister by winter.

    But Dutton’s blessed run might well have now come to an end. Inflation has moderated, the Reserve Bank has made a cut to interest rates, and a sense of scepticism seems to have settled in about Dutton among voters taking a serious look at him as a potential prime minister a few weeks ago.

    He now looks more like Old Mother Hubbard with a bare policy cupboard, desperately seeking to shore up the hard right vote against depredations from Pauline Hanson and Clive Palmer, than Australia’s answer to Donald Trump.

    Frank Bongiorno does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Uncertainty and pessimism abound. Will fear be enough to push Dutton into office? – https://theconversation.com/uncertainty-and-pessimism-abound-will-fear-be-enough-to-push-dutton-into-office-247360

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What are caretaker conventions and how do they limit governments during election periods?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney

    Now that the election has been called for May 3, parliament has been dissolved and the caretaker government period has commenced. During this period, the caretaker conventions require the government to exercise self-restraint. It must stick to routine government business and not embark on major new commitments.

    There are commonly claims in the media that various actions by the government breach the caretaker conventions. Before the accusations start flying, here are the basics to help you make your own assessment.

    Why do we have caretaker conventions?

    There are two reasons for caretaker conventions. First, once parliament is dissolved, the government can no longer be called to account by parliament. It should therefore be more restrained in its actions while not under parliamentary scrutiny.

    Second, as a matter of fairness, the government should not be entering into binding commitments immediately before an election, if they will burden an incoming government. It is unfair for an outgoing government to stack important statutory positions with its own people or enter into contracts that commit a new government to policies it opposes.

    When do the caretaker conventions apply?

    The caretaker conventions commence from the moment parliament is dissolved. They continue until the election result shows the existing government has been returned to office or a new government is formed.

    If there is a hung parliament, it may take a few weeks before we know who will form the new government. If important matters have to be resolved during that prolonged caretaker period, the opposition may be consulted to try to get a cooperative outcome. The existing government, however, retains full legal power to act at all times.

    How do the caretaker conventions restrict government actions?

    Before each federal election, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet issues a document called Guidance on Caretaker Conventions. It sets out the rules for ministers and public servants.

    During the caretaker period, a government must avoid:

    • making major policy decisions that are likely to commit an incoming government
    • making significant appointments
    • entering into major contracts or undertakings, such as entry into treaties or other international agreements.

    Whether a decision, appointment or policy is major, is a matter of judgement. In making this assessment, consideration is given to whether it is likely to be controversial or a matter of contention between the government and the opposition. The cost of the decision and its impact on future resources and policies will also be considered.

    Both the government and the opposition can still, of course, make election commitments about future action. The caretaker conventions only apply to actions taken within the caretaker period. They also do not apply to decisions made and actions taken before the caretaker period commenced, even if they are only announced after it has commenced.

    The public service and the caretaker period

    Rules have also developed on the fair use of the public service and public resources before and after elections. Technically, these are not part of the caretaker conventions, which concern self-restraint by ministers. But because they concern fairness in relation to elections, they are often lumped in with the caretaker conventions and they are included within the official guidance document.

    These rules are based upon obligations imposed on public servants by statutes and other instruments, such as the Public Service Act 1999 (Cth), and APS Code of Conduct. They require public servants to behave in an impartial and apolitical manner. They also require that public resources not be used to advantage political parties during an election campaign.

    It is also customary to restrict the use of government advertising during the caretaker period to necessary matters, and those that do not highlight the role of ministers or promote the achievements or policies of the government.

    Two recent examples show how these rules can become controversial during an election campaign. In 2013, the Rudd Labor government was criticised by the opposition for breaching the caretaker conventions by running ads, within Australia, about asylum-seekers not being settled in Australia. The ads were reluctantly approved by public servants under a ministerial direction that they were obliged to obey.

    The opposition was happy for the ads to be run in overseas countries, as a source of information and deterrence, but regarded their publication in Australia as partisan and breaching the rules. Opposition spokesperson Scott Morrison called it a “shameless and desperate” grab for votes, with the government spending taxpayers’ money to advertise to the vote-people, rather than the boat people.

    On the day of the 2022 election, the Morrison Coalition government instructed the Department of Home Affairs to publish a statement that a boat containing asylum seekers had been intercepted.

    It requested that this information be emailed immediately to journalists and tweeted by the Australian Border Force. The issue was highly political. Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a press conference before any announcement had been made that:

    I’ve been here to stop this boat. But in order for me to be here to stop those that may come from here, you need to vote Liberals and Nationals today.

    Officials published a factual statement about the boat, because they were required to act as directed by the minister. But, as a subsequent investigation revealed, they refused requests to amplify the controversy by sending material to journalists and to publish it on social media, as this would breach their obligations to be apolitical.

    Who enforces the caretaker conventions?

    The caretaker conventions are not legally binding and cannot be enforced by a court. But some governors-general have given effect to the conventions by deferring action on anything that would breach them. Then, when the election is over, a new government can decide whether to proceed with the matter.

    Breaches by public servants of their obligations under codes of conduct and the Public Service Act can have real consequences, such as disciplinary action being taken against them.

    While conventions are not legally enforceable, they ordinarily work because there is agreement among political actors that these rules are fair and politically binding on them. Controversy in the media about breaches of conventions can raise public anger. Punishment is left in the hands of the voters.

    Anne Twomey has received funding from the Australian Research Council and occasionally does consultancy work for governments, parliaments and inter-governmental bodies.

    – ref. What are caretaker conventions and how do they limit governments during election periods? – https://theconversation.com/what-are-caretaker-conventions-and-how-do-they-limit-governments-during-election-periods-251366

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Oparau, Otorohanga

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died after a single-vehicle crash on Kawhia Road, Oparau, last night.

    Emergency services were called to the scene about 8.45pm.

    The sole occupant died at the scene.

    The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drivers on notice: Expect to be stopped anywhere, anytime

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Northland Police will be out in force in coming weeks in a bid to reduce speed on local roads.

    Throughout the next six weeks Police will increase focus on speeding drivers in the North, enforcing the ‘anywhere, anytime’ motto.

    Northland Road Policing Manager, Inspector Anne-Marie Fitchett, says road users can expect to see more officers out and about in a bid to deter motorists from any risky behaviours.

    “Speed is a major contributor to crashes and the damage on impact if there is a crash.

    “Our teams are committed to ensuring our roads are safe, and we need everyone to do their part.”

    Inspector Fitchett says Police will be actively patrolling areas where there is a higher risk to road users.

    “We want our presence to deter motorists from any driving behaviours that put themselves and others at risk.

    “Everyone deserves to be safe when travelling on Northland roads.

    “When it comes down to it, we choose our behaviour behind the wheel and those who make poor choices, will find there are consequences.”

    If you encounter or witness any dangerous driving incidents, contact Police via 111 or *555 so we can locate and hold the drivers accountable.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Wairere Road, Hamilton

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious two-vehicle crash on Wairere Road, Queenwood, Hamilton.

    Police were called about 7.12am. 

    Initial indications are there have been serious injuries. 

    Diversions will be in place, and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Reward offered to locate missing man Alexander Sloley

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the disappearance of Alexander Sloley, reported missing from his home in Islington in 2008, are offering a reward for information that leads to him being found.

    Alex was 16 at the time of his disappearance and described then as a light skinned Black male, 5ft 5ins tall and of medium build with striking blue eyes. His family and friends have not heard from him since August 2008 and despite repeated appeals and enquiries, police have not been able to locate him.

    Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, who leads the investigation, said: “Alex was reported missing to police on 8 August 2008. Since then there have been extensive enquiries made by police but sadly Alex has not yet been found.

    “We are now offering a reward of up to £10,000 for anyone who has information relating to Alex’s whereabouts.

    “This remains an active missing person investigation, subject to regular review by senior officers, with the aim of locating Alex and bringing some comfort to his family. We have recently met with Alex’s mother to outline how we intend to progress our investigation to find him.

    “I would ask anyone with information who could help to please get in contact immediately, no matter how insignificant you think this could be.

    “You can contact us by calling or texting on 07860 369603. A dedicated incident room is staffed by experienced detectives who will handle all calls with the utmost confidentiality. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can also share information through Crimestoppers.”

    The Met is committed to continuously enhancing our strategy for investigating missing person cases. Since a inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, we have significantly improved our response to child exploitation and missing children investigations. We also continue to strengthen our collaboration with partners, charities and support networks across London, to improve our work in this area.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President signs the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The State Security Agency (SSA) is set to split into two separate departments, foreign and domestic, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill into law. 

    The General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill signed on Friday is the basis for significant reforms of South Africa’s intelligence services that will be accompanied by improved oversight and accountability.

    In a statement, the Presidency said the amendment Act amends the National Strategic Intelligence Act of 1994, the Intelligence Services Act of 2002, and the Intelligence Services Oversight Act of 1994.

    “Among other reforms, the amendment Act disestablishes the current State Security Agency as a national government department and replaces it with two separate departments.

    “The new departments are the Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS) which shall be responsible for foreign intelligence gathering so as to identify opportunities and threats to National Security, and the Domestic Intelligence Agency (DIA) which shall be responsible for counter-intelligence as well as the gathering of domestic intelligence in order to identify threats to National Security,” the Presidency said. 

    The amendment Act also re-establishes the South African National Academy of Intelligence (SANAI) and Intelligence Training Institute for both Domestic and Foreign Intelligence capacities.

    The wide-ranging amendments constitute implementation of the recommendations of the 2018 Presidential High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA) and of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector (the Zondo Commission).

    “The law also addresses concerns about bulk interception by intelligence services of internet traffic entering or leaving South Africa, by introducing new measures including authorisation within the intelligence services as well as court reviews of such interception,” the statement read. 

    The law provides for the administration, financial management and expenditure of the intelligence service entities to be within the ambit of the oversight of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence – a multiparty committee of Parliament that processes public complaints about the intelligence services and monitors the finances and operations of these services.

    The newly enacted amendments also provide for greater autonomy for the Inspector-General of Intelligence and the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) in making administrative and functional decisions. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Refreshed Florey Oval officially open

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The refresh was officially opened during an event at Florey Primary School, with Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan in attendance.

    The Florey Oval Refresh project at Florey Primary School has opened, with a portion of the Florey dry land oval transformed into a natural play space for students and wider community use.

    The oval was officially opened during an event held at the school, with Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan in attendance.

    The project’s final design was shaped by feedback from Florey Primary School students and the local community during the public consultation process in 2023.

    It was further developed with the school and representatives of the Ngunnawal community. The yarning circle – named after Aunty Violet – offers students a calm space to gather and chat with a focus on strengthening connection to community and country.

    The result is a natural open space that promotes outdoor activity. It will be an engaging space for Florey Primary students to enjoy as part of their learning.

    Outside of school hours, the public space offers great facilities for the wider community to relax, exercise and connect.

    The new-look oval now boasts an all-abilities bike pump track and a small, irrigated lawn oval with goal posts. There is also a new outdoor activity and play space within the school boundary.

    With plenty of seating, areas for inquisitive play, garden beds, fruit trees and open space there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Progress continues on Gungahlin Tennis Facility

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new facility will seek to include 10 full-sized courts, among other features.

    Canberrans can now give their feedback on the proposed Gungahlin Tennis Facility, to be located in Amaroo.

    A Development Application (DA) has been submitted as the project nears the construction phase.

    The new facility will seek to include 10 full-sized courts, two hot shots courts, a hitting wall, LED lighting, female friendly changerooms, parking and a pavilion.

    Design development and construction is being undertaken in consultation with Tennis Australia and Tennis ACT, as well as the ACT community.

    The DA process will provide a further opportunity for community feedback during the public notification period.

    Pending approval of the DA, the ACT Government will release a tender to engage a construction contractor to deliver the works.

    Canberrans love their tennis – there are currently 6400 members and many more Canberrans actively engaged in tennis programs and participation opportunities.

    As well as providing more options for tennis-lovers, the project will support jobs during its construction phase.

    The community can provide feedback through the DA process until 14 March.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Expanded health care services and support

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT Government is also investing in bolstering the health workforce.

    The ACT Government is continuing to invest in the health infrastructure, services and workforce needed to meet the growing needs of the Canberra community.

    The Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital will open later this year. It will deliver a bigger emergency department, more operating theatres and more treatment spaces.

    The ACT Government has announced an additional $17 million to expand emergency services in the Critical Services Building and critical care across the campus.

    The additional investment includes:

    • two dedicated triage points within the new Emergency Department with more triage nurses and administrative staff that will reduce waiting times to triage, leading to better outcomes for patients and staff
    • a dedicated Behavioural Assessment Unit within the new Emergency Department. This six-bed unit will be staffed by a dedicated team of doctors and nurses who will provide specialist assessment and care for patients with complex needs
    • an expanded Medical Emergency Team to deliver vital services across the larger acute care footprint on the Canberra Hospital campus that will grow the service with more Advanced Practice Nurses and a new Nurse Practitioner position to support critically unwell patients.

    Medical imaging services will continue to grow across the Canberra Hospital campus with a new MRI machine in the Critical Services Building. The new MRI machine will enable more scans per week, helping to manage demand and reduce wait times.

    This funding builds on the government’s significant investment of more than $122 million to operationalise the Critical Services Building in the 2023–24 ACT Budget.

    The ACT Government is also investing in bolstering the health workforce.

    An additional $27 million in funding will improve benefits for nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals to aid in the retention and attraction of these vital health workforces.

    This investment will fund initiatives currently under negotiation with industrial partners including professional development opportunities and recognition of advanced skills and specialist expertise.

    There will also be a team dedicated to hiring specialist doctors and other health professionals.

    The ACT Government’s investments in the well-being, development and remuneration of the health workforce aim to ensure Canberra health workers remain among the best paid in the country.

    Construction on the Critical Services Building is progressing well with the new hospital building on track to open in the third quarter of this year.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Active Travel Plan to get more Canberrans outdoors

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new plan outlines Canberra’s future cycling network.

    Encouraging more Canberrans to walk and ride across Canberra’s extensive path network will be aided by further ACT Government investment in active travel initiatives.

    The government’s Active Travel Plan 2024–2030 aims to drive a connected, safe and convenient active travel network in the ACT.

    The new plan outlines ways to help Canberrans choose active travel options over other modes of travel.

    Active travel options include:

    • walking
    • cycling
    • micromobility vehicles – such as e-scooters.

    The aim is to make these options safer, more accessible, convenient and enjoyable – whether for transport, recreation or social activities.

    Community feedback gathered over the past two years helped shape both the Plan and Design Guide. These documents support the design and prioritisation of the ACT’s walking and riding infrastructure and programs.

    The Plan’s priority is safe infrastructure for walking and riding. It highlights key walking areas and outlines Canberra’s future cycling network.

    Other actions include providing more secure bike parking and targeted programs to remove barriers and encourage people to use active travel and public transport.

    New funding for active travel infrastructure

    The ACT Government will provide a further $4 million in funding to support active travel improvements.

    This is part of a 50:50 funding agreement with the Australian Government under the Commonwealth’s Road Safety Program.

    The additional funding comes in addition to the $29.5 million in funding provided in the 2023–24 ACT Budget to support active travel, and brings total spending across the budget and forward estimates on active travel to over $94 million.

    The Kingston Cycleway: a key active travel project

    The Kingston Cycleway is a key active travel project proposed to receive funding under the Road Safety Program. The new high-quality cycleway connecting Kingston and the Inner South through to the City on the C2 cycle route will be delivered in two stages.

    Construction of the first stage – a pop-up bi-directional protected cycle lane on Bowen Drive between the Kings Avenue underpass and Bowen Park – will begin in the coming weeks.

    The government is trialling this infrastructure in Canberra, with funding also committed to investigate other corridors suited to pop-up cycle lanes.

    Detailed design of the second stage, connecting Bowen Park with Cunningham Street via Eastlake Parade, will start in the coming months.

    Additional projects proposed include:

    • a new pedestrian crossing on New South Wales Crescent, improving safe access to Telopea Park
    • improvements to the City to Woden C4 cycle route via the Lake Burley Griffin cycling circuit on Alexandrina Drive in Yarralumla, including raised crossings, lighting and signage
    • improvements to the City to Belconnen C3 cycle route through a new raised crossing on Bauhinia Street, O’Connor
    • upgrades to the cycling crossing point on the Adelaide Avenue on-ramp at the Hopetoun Circuit intersection, including a pedestrian crossing and cycle lane improvements
    • a new raised pedestrian crossing on Bowman Street in Jamison
    • pedestrian safety improvements on Beasley Street at the bus stops in front of the Torrens shops, including two new kerb ramps to facilitate crossing.

    These investments build on the significant pipeline of active travel projects already underway.

    Existing projects include the Garden City Cycle Route, new shared paths along Sulwood Drive and William Hovell Drive, and improvements to paths around Lake Ginninderra and the Tuggeranong foreshore.

    With Canberra consistently ranking as one of Australia’s best cities for walking and cycling, it’s hoped the new plan will help even more Canberrans embrace active travel options.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberrans invited to shape future of City Hill park

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The community is invited to have their say on historic City Hill park by drawing or describing their ideas.

    The ACT Government is seeking to gather community ideas on how to make City Hill park a more welcoming, comfortable and engaging public space.

    The community is invited to have their say on the historic site by drawing or describing their ideas.

    The six-week consultation is open until 25 March.

    Community members, schools and other groups are encouraged to share their ideas.

    Canberrans can help shape the future of this green space as the City Centre expands over the coming decade to serve thousands more residents, workers and visitors.

    The initiative will culminate in a physical City Hill ideas exhibition, an opportunity to discover what has been submitted and add more ideas and visions to the exhibition.

    A ‘Discover City Hill Day’ will also take place on 11 March. This will include a First Nations Walk on Country alongside tours with experts in landscape architecture, active travel and local heritage.

    The physical exhibition showcasing the ideas from the community will be open at Civic Library from 9 to 25 March.

    It is envisaged the park will act as a centrepiece between the evolving Acton Waterfront, the Canberra Theatre Centre redevelopment and connecting light rail.

    To share your drawing or ideas on the future of City Hill park or to have your say on the Canberra Civic and Cultural District concept, go to: yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/cityhill

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: What’s in store for Tuggeranong foreshore

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Upgrades will make the area safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

    If you’ve recently visited the Tuggeranong foreshore, you will have seen closures and temporary fencing. There is construction happening to improve the Lake Tuggeranong foreshore area.

    These upgrades will create a more liveable, people-focussed and active space for the Tuggeranong community to enjoy.

    The ACT Government expects the upgrades to finish by mid-2024.

    Here’s what Tuggeranong residents will see over the coming months:

    Tuggeranong Town Park Playground

    The existing playground has been demolished to create the new playground. The new space will create more opportunity for accessible play. The equipment that is planned to be installed includes:

    • an accessible carousel
    • a climbing tower
    • a swing
    • a double flying fox
    • a climber rope
    • a balance challenge
    • a sand digger
    • a sand digger with equal access
    • sandstone logs
    • boulders
    • a bike repair station
    • bike racks.

    The area will also feature rubber softfall on the ground. There will be furniture for people to sit and picnic around the playground. Landscaping and grass will make a better green space surrounding the play space.

    Boardwalk, walkways, paths and crossings

    The area is being changed to make it easier to navigate and more enjoyable for the community to use.

    Reclaimed timber decking is being installed along the boardwalk. A new pergola structure will be constructed, providing shade and shelter.

    Paths will be widened and repaved. New line markings will help separate pedestrian and cyclists travelling in opposite directions. New signage will make it easier to know where you’re going.

    New trees are being planted, and new furniture, including more seating, will be installed. This will allow people to sit and enjoy the green space and lake at a safe distance from the paths.

    The crossing at Bartlett Place will be upgraded to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This will include a new asphalt speedbump, new streetlights and updated line marking.

    The existing pedestrian connections on Reed Street will be improved through concreting and asphalt paving.

    Toilet blocks

    Over the coming months, the toilets will close while upgrades are completed. The dilapidated public toilet will be removed and replaced with two new accessible facilities.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Raymond celebrates 50 years with City Services

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    What started as a love of gardening turned into a 50-year career for Raymond.

    The ACT public service offers a wide range of career opportunities, but it’s not often you celebrate someone who has contributed 50 years of service.

    Fifty years ago, Olivia Newton John dominated the music charts and Burger Rings hit the supermarket shelves.

    Also at this time, a young man named Raymond Russell began working with what is now the ACT Government’s Transport Canberra and City Services directorate.

    While he’s worn a variety of hats during his half-century, Raymond has been a mower operator for the past two decades.

    He loves his job mowing across Canberra – even with the city’s often-changeable weather that can cause rapid grass growth or ground that can’t be mown after heavy rain.

    “I love when we go out and people like to talk to you,” he said.

    “I love talking to the public. I get a lot of compliments from them which is great. If they’ve got a dog, I talk about their dogs. And what’s going to go on in the future in their area. And they get quite excited sometimes. Some people, they just like to talk.”

    A keen gardener, Raymond’s early years were grounded in horticulture.

    “I loved gardening and I used to go out with my mother – she used to enter flower shows – and I used to go and help her a lot, so I decided to do gardening myself,” Raymond said.

    Working in City Services turned out to be something of a family affair.

    Raymond’s father used to work at the old Dickson depot and his eldest brother worked with the directorate too.

    The mowing veteran has certainly seen some change over 50 years.

    “When I first started off at one of the depots I was given a very small sit-on mower. It’s a lot better nowadays obviously.”

    Raymond says he loves living and working in Canberra. And he takes great pride in his 50 years of service.

    “I just absolutely love that I got this far. I never expected that when I started. Not many people can do it. I just want to stay here while I can. I’ll probably retire … soon!” he said.

    Find out more about the mowing program and what Raymond and the rest of the crews work on at https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/public-land/maintenance/grass-mowing.

    Find out more about employment opportunities in the ACT public service at https://www.jobs.act.gov.au/home

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Moving ahead on essential city infrastructure

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Design work for Stage 1 of EPIC’s redevelopment will include a new large multipurpose exhibition hall to accommodate larger exhibitions, galas and large-scale events.

    Funding will be provided through the ACT Government Budget Review to progress planning on three of Canberra’s major precincts – Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), a new Convention Centre Precinct and the Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct.

    This investment will support further investigation of a new rectangular stadium in Bruce.

    The stadium will form part of an expanded sports, health and education precinct.

    It will link investments in the AIS precinct, CIT Bruce, University of Canberra and the Northside Hospital.

    Design work will also begin for a new Convention Centre Precinct in Canberra’s city centre.

    This will include new convention facilities and an indoor Entertainment Pavilion suitable for live music and major indoor sporting events.

    Design work for Stage 1 of EPIC’s redevelopment will include a new large multipurpose exhibition hall to accommodate larger exhibitions and gala sit-down dinners for thousands.

    It will also cater for multiple large-scale community-based events. The first stage will also include new intersections and a new public entrance.

    The redevelopment will allow existing events to grow and for multiple events to be held concurrently.

    The Budget Review will also support the refurbishment of Fitzroy Pavilion at EPIC, with $4.6 million to be invested this year to refurbish the pavilion and turn it into a versatile event space.

    This will meet the immediate demand for large-scale community and multicultural events in Canberra.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More affordable rental homes for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Construction of the new homes will commence later this year and is expected to be completed in 2026, ready for families to move in.

    The ACT Government has announced the construction of 70 new affordable rental homes in Phillip.

    Supported by the ACT Government’s $60 million Affordable Housing Project Fund, CHC Australia and the Canberra Southern Cross Club, the new homes will be part of a new 140-unit Build-to-Rent development in Phillip.

    The homes will be located adjacent to the Stellar Canberra health and wellness centre.

    Construction will commence this year and is expected to be completed in 2026, ready for families to move in.

    The Government established the Affordable Housing Project Fund last year to grow the supply of affordable rental properties in Canberra and strengthen the community housing sector.

    Since it was launched, the Fund has offered financial support for six projects (subject to finalising funding agreements) with the potential to deliver about 280 new affordable rentals for Canberrans.

    Community housing providers and developers are encouraged to submit proposals to access the fund at any time. More information can be found in the government’s Affordable Rental Prospectus.

    Build-to-Rent, which is aimed at providing affordable housing to long-term renters, is an important part of the Government’s ACT Housing Strategy to improve rental supply and affordability.

    The Government will announce further community housing partnerships soon for Build-to-Rent projects.

    “With a dire shortage of rental accommodation that is affordable for lower income earners such as essential workers, CHC is delighted that the ACT Government is supporting community housing providers to grow affordable rental supply,” CHC Australia CEO Andrew Hannan said.

    “Together with our valued partner, the Canberra Southern Cross Club, we cannot wait to turn soil on our new mixed-tenure market and affordable Build-to-Rent development in Phillip that will deliver 70 affordable rental units for the community.”

    This year’s Budget Review will also progress the proposed MyHome project in Curtin, with $500,000 committed for planning and design work.

    MyHome is designed to provide long-term supported residential accommodation and care for 15 people with an enduring mental illness.

    The project will be built on Uniting Church land and led by Wesley Mission working with MyHome in Canberra, a local community organisation, and Woden Valley Uniting Church.

    Canberra is on track to reach 500,000 people by 2027. These initiatives will help ensure the right mix of housing options to meet the growing city’s needs.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CIT Woden to be high-tech ‘Smart Campus’

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    CIT Woden will open in 2025.

    The ACT Government is committing to an additional $8 million for additional fit-out components and equipment at the new CIT Campus in Woden.

    The campus will be Canberra’s largest new education facility enabled by smart technology. The equipment and digital learning tools will allow students to learn online and in person.

    The campus will have:

    • augmented hearing systems
    • camera tracking capability
    • video conferencing equipment
    • LED wall displays
    • smart screens
    • microphones
    • amplifiers
    • speakers.

    Other features will include:

    • modern commercial workstations
    • appliances
    • a demountable stage
    • creative art equipment.

    This equipment will give students an enhanced learning experience. Smart classrooms, simulated learning environments and hands-on training spaces will help them gain skills in areas such as IT, cybersecurity, hospitality and business.

    The new digitally enabled campus will give students the opportunity to collaborate with local industry in a real-world commercial environment. This will help them be job ready.

    The campus will open in 2025 and will welcome 6,500 students each year. It will include a new light rail ready public transport interchange. This will create more business, employment and education opportunities in the Woden Town Centre.

    The campus buildings are also some of Canberra’s more sustainable buildings. A cross-laminated timber frame is being installed in the main building, contributing to the project’s 6 Green Star Rating. The timber materials in the buildings will lead to a 59 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

    A second crane has also now been assembled, as construction ramps up across the new campus site. The crane was named ‘Moon Lifter’ by Woden school children and joins first crane, ‘Sir Lifts a Lot’.

    Canberrans can expect to see the main building ‘top out’ in the second half of this year.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: PACER program to continue supporting mental health

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The team of experts provides timely and appropriate mental health support.

    The ACT Government will continue to fund the second Police, Ambulance and Clinician Early Response (PACER) team.

    The PACER team works together to respond to, assess, and help Canberrans experiencing a mental health crisis.

    The team includes a police officer, paramedic, and mental health clinician. They work together to assess and help people of all ages.

    The team of experts provides timely and appropriate mental health support.

    • The police officer helps to make sure that the person being assessed, the PACER team, and the community are safe.
    • The paramedic helps to check and treat any physical health concerns.
    • The mental health clinician assesses the person’s mental health concerns and provides support.

    The program minimises both avoidable hospital presentations and contact with the justice system for people with mental health conditions.

    The program is positively impacting individual lives as well as the ACT’s emergency systems. Since it began in 2019, PACER has attended 6,510 incidents.

    Over 70 per cent of people PACER respond to receive the support and care they need outside of the hospital.

    PACER is available for people in Canberra who have been referred through ACT Policing and the ACT Ambulance Service. The PACER team visits people at their homes or wherever they are in the community.

    The people supported by PACER, their families, carers and the teams have provided feedback on how the program can be improved.

    The ACT Government will look in future to strengthen the PACER model of care to better support the wellbeing and mental health needs of Canberrans in crisis, their family and carers.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Meet Rocky, the longest-staying dog at the shelter

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Rocky is an energetic dog with a zest for life.

    Rocky is a fun-loving, active three-year-old looking for a loving family.

    He’s also the record holder for the longest resident at Domestic Animal Services. The mixed-breed pooch has been waiting 303 days to find his forever family.

    “He’s very playful and loves to play fetch, he knows how to sit, shake, and drop,”

    Jackie Gardner, Assistant Director at Domestic Animal Services, said.

    Rocky is a firm favourite at the shelter for his friendly nature, big energy and zest for life – and it’s not just the humans he’s managed to charm.

    “He has a few girlfriends right now in the shelter too that he plays with,” Jackie said.

    While Rocky has had a few meet-and-greets, potential new homes have ultimately fallen through.

    “Dogs like Rocky get overlooked because people don’t see them as special, or they don’t have a unique look to them or anything like that. But he has the personality to die for, he’s so much fun,” Jackie said.

    Jackie says dogs in the middle age range are often overlooked. But this age, she says, comes with distinct advantages.

    “I think the best thing when you adopt a dog at that age is that you know what you’re getting, you can see the personality.

    “You know the size of the dog, which is always good, because around two years is when a dog stops growing. And at that age they know how to live in a household and understand how to listen when they’re asked to sit and so forth, that’s a big benefit.”

    Jackie says dogs of this age tend to be especially grateful for their adopted family.

    “They do tend to really love the families that they are adopted by. As with every dog, but they seem to just appreciate it so much.”

    Rocky is best suited to an active family keen to explore with Rocky and take him on their daily adventures. Although he’s a medium-sized dog, Rocky is very strong on lead.

    “He has met some really young children during his meet and greets, and he’s been absolutely lovely,” Jackie said.

    “He’s also good with other dogs, as long as they can match that high energy play level of his.”

    If you think that Rocky could be a good match for your family, you can express your interest via the Domestic Animal Services website. An adoption coordinator will call you and discuss the next steps.

    Alternatively, you can visit the Domestic Animal Services shelter in Symonston to meet Rocky, and other dogs available for adoption.

    Walk-in adoptions are available from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

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