Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Reappointment of Ex-Officio Member to the Senior Salaries Review Body
Zoë Billingham CBE has been reappointed as Ex-Officio Member.
Zoë Billingham CBE has been reappointed as Ex-Officio Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body following the end of her term on 31 January 2025.
She has been reappointed to the role for another term of 3 years, starting on 1 February 2025. She will serve as Ex-Officio Member until 31st January 2028.
The Senior Salaries Review Body is an independent body which provides advice to the Prime Minister, the Lord Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Defence, the Secretary of State for Health and the Home Secretary on the pay of Senior Civil Servants, the judiciary, senior officers of the armed forces, certain senior managers in the NHS, Police and Crime Commissioners and chief police officers.
Read more about the Senior Salaries Review Body here.
The board currently has 8 members. The Governance Code for Public Appointments sets out that no individual should serve in a single role for more than two terms or ten years.
Zoë was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Security Industry Authority in December 2021, and Chair of the Police Remuneration Review Body and the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body in January 2022.
She was appointed temporary ex-officio member of the Senior Salaries Review Body in March 2024.
Zoë brings years of experience of working in policing, having previously served as HM Inspector of Constabulary.
Charter committing to openness, transparency and accountability
Welsh public organisations pledge new approach focused on the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies.
Organisations across Wales have signed a charter which commits them to responding to public tragedies with openness, transparency and accountability.
The Charter for Families Bereaved by Public Tragedy calls for a cultural shift in public bodies’ engagement with bereaved families, ensuring the lessons of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath are learned to prevent those who are affected by public tragedy in the future from having the same experience.
Organisations across Wales – including Welsh Government, local authorities, police forces, Welsh Ambulance Service, fire and rescue services, and the Mining Remediation Authority – have all signed up to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident, with a clear commitment to people and to providing services that meet their needs before, during and after an event.
A launch event will be held in Merthyr Tydfil today (Tuesday 18 March 2025), attended by Bishop James Jones KBE, who wrote the charter as part of his report on lessons from the Hillsborough tragedy.
He will be joined by the bereaved and survivors of public tragedies, including Hillsborough, Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena and Aberfan, which stands only a few miles from the launch.
Bishop Jones said:
Today the nation of Wales is leading the way with more than 50 of its public bodies signing the charter. In doing so the culture of the organisations has begun to change and there is a renewed commitment to public service and to respecting the humanity of those we are called to serve.
The charter represents a promise that after any future tragedy no one will be left to navigate their grief and survival alone. That no one will endure again the ‘patronising disposition of unaccountable power’.
This is a pivotal moment in the life of the nation as we embrace the principles of the charter and pledge to respect the humanity of all its citizens which should be at the heart of all public service.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx, chair of the Joint Emergency Services Group in Wales, said:
We recognise that co-operation when supporting families affected by public tragedy is vital for ensuring the wellbeing and resilience of our communities.
By working together we can use our collective expertise and resources to provide meaningful support to those in need during times of crisis and beyond.
South Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Travis added:
By signing the charter, each and every organisation is making a public statement to learn the lessons of the Hillsborough disaster and other tragedies to ensure that we never lose sight of the perspective of bereaved families and ensure that they are treated with care and compassion, not only at the time of emergency and tragedy but in the weeks, months and years after.
While today is a landmark, the real challenge is to embed the charter into our training and culture to ensure it becomes an integral part of our response to any public tragedy.
The involvement of the bereaved and survivors of public tragedy has been a driving force in bringing about today’s momentous step forward.
Julia Draycon, Environment Director at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:
As a 24/7 emergency response organisation, with staff across Great Britain ready to respond to incidents, we are proud to sign up to the charter For Families Bereaved Through Public Tragedy and we’re committed to upholding the principles within it.
We act with integrity, respect and empathy; we take pride in the way we are dedicated to delivering for the communities we serve.
For media enquiries contact the community response team
To address the LWE problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE” was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi-prolonged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities etc.
While on security front, the Government of India (GoI) assists the LWE affected States for capacity building by providing Central Armed Police battalions, training & funds for modernization of State police forces, equipment & arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc;
Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, assistance is provided for recurring expenditure relating to operational and training needs of security forces, expenditure incurred by the states for the rehabilitation of the surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, village defense committees and publicity material etc. During 2014-15 to 2024-25, Rs. 3260.37 crore has been released under this Scheme.
Under Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), funds are provided for strengthening of State Intelligence Branches (SIBs), Special Forces, District Polices and Fortified Police Stations (FPSs). Under the SIS, Rs. 1741 crore have been sanctioned. 221 Fortified Police Stations have been constructed under the Scheme with a total of 621 FPS have been constructed.
Further, Rs. 1120.32 crore has been given to Central Agencies during the period 2014-15 to 2024-25 for helicopters and addressing critical infrastructure in security camps in LWE affected areas, under Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme.
On development side, apart from flagship schemes, GoI has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.
For expansion of road connectivity, 14,607 Km roads have been constructed.
For improving telecom connectivity in LWE affected areas, 7,768 towers have been commissioned.
With regard to Skill Development, 46 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 49 Skill Development Centres (SDCs) have been made functional.
For quality education in tribal areas 178 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional.
For Financial Inclusion, department of Posts has opened 5731 Post Offices with banking services in LWE affected districts. 1007 Bank Branches & 937 ATMs have been opened and 37,850 Banking Correspondences (BCs) have been made operational in Most LWE affected districts.
For further impetus to development, Under Special Central Assistance (SCA), funds are provided for filling critical gaps in Public infrastructure. Till now, Rs 3563 Crore have been released since the inception of Scheme in 2017.
As a result of the strict implementation of the policy, incidents of LWE violence which had reached its highest level i.e. 1936 in 2010 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 81 per cent. The total number of deaths (civilian + security forces) has also reduced by 85 per cent during this period i.e. from 1005 deaths in 2010 to 150 in 2024.
During the last 10 years, incidents of LWE violence which were 1091 in 2014 have reduced to 374 in 2024 i.e. a reduction of 65.7 per cent. The total number of deaths (civilian + security force) has also reduced by 52 per cent during this period i.e. from 310 deaths in 2014 to 150 in 2024.
There has also been a sharp decline in the number of districts affected by LWE. The LWE affected districts have been reduced from 126 to 90 districts by April 2018, further to 70 by July 2021 and then to 38 by April 2024.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles and publishes the statistical data on crimes in its publication “Crime in India”. The latest published report is for the year 2022. As per the data published by the NCRB, State/UT wise details of cases registered under cyber crimes and fraud for cyber crimes (involving communication devices as medium/target) during the period from 2018 to 2022 are at the Annexure-I & II.
‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes including cyber crime and setting up of hi-tech cyber cell through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The Central Government supplements the initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building of their LEAs.
To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cyber crimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include the following:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cyber crimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (NCRP) (https://cybercrime.gov.in) has been launched, as a part of the I4C, to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, with special focus on cyber crimes against women and children. Cyber crime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the State/UT Law Enforcement Agencies concerned as per the provisions of the law.
The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’, under I4C, has been launched in year 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than Rs. 4,386 Crore has been saved in more than 13.36 lakh complaints. A toll-free Helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalized to get assistance in lodging online cyber complaints.
The state of the art ‘National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation)’ has been established, as a part of the I4C, at New Delhi to provide early stage cyber forensic assistance to Investigating Officers (IOs) of State/UT Police. So far, National Cyber Forensics Laboratory (Investigation) has provided its services to State/UT LEAs in around 11,835 cases pertaining to cyber crimes.
A State of the Art Centre, Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) has been established at I4C where representatives of major banks, Financial Intermediaries, Payment Aggregators, Telecom Service Providers, IT Intermediaries and representatives of States/UTs Law Enforcement Agency are working together for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle cybercrime.
The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which, inter-alia, include; newspaper advertisement, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media, special programme on Aakashvani and participated in Raahgiri Function at Connaught Place, New Delhi on 27.11.2024.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister spoke about digital arrests during the episode “Mann Ki Baat” on 27.10.2024 and apprised the citizens of India.
I4C in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a caller tune campaign for raising awareness about cybercrime and promoting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 & NCRP. The caller tune is also being broadcasts in regional languages, delivered 7-8 times a day by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
I4C proactively identify and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 Whatsapp accounts used for Digital Arrest.
The Central Government has published a Press Release on Alert against incidents of ‘Blackmail’ and ‘Digital Arrest’ by Cyber Criminals Impersonating State/UT Police, NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
Till 28.02.2025, more than 7.81 lakhs SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by Government of India.
Seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs) have been constituted for Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatnam, and Guwahati under I4C covering the whole country based upon cyber crime hotspots/ areas having multi jurisdictional issues by on boarding States/UTs to enhance the coordination framework among the Law Enforcement Agencies of the States/UTs. Seven workshops were organized for JCCTs at Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Vishakhapatnam, Lucknow, Ranchi and Chandigarh.
Samanvaya Platform has been made operational to serve as an Management Information System(MIS) platform, data repository and a coordination platform for LEAs for cybercrime data sharing and
analytics. It provides analytics based interstate linkages of crimes and criminals, involved in cybercrime complaints in various States/UTs. The module ‘Pratibimb’ maps locations of criminals and crime infrastructure on a map to give visibility to jurisdictional officers. The module also facilitates seeking and receiving of techno-legal assistance by Law Enforcement Agencies from I4C and other SMEs. It has lead to arrest of 6,046 accused, 17,185 linkages and 36,296 Cyber Investigation assistance request.
Ministry of Home Affairs has provided central assistance under ‘Assistance to States for Modernization of Police’ Scheme to the State Governments for the acquisition of latest weaponry, training gadgets, advanced communication/forensic equipment, Cyber Policing equipment etc. The State Governments formulate State Action Plans (SAPs) as per their strategic priorities and requirements including combating cyber crimes.
The Ministry of External Affairs also holds bilateral cyber dialogue with various countries from time to time. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, being a nodal agency for cyber crime in the country is actively participate in such cyber dialogues.
The National Central Bureau (NCB) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) acted as effective interface between Indian LEAs and foreign LEAs and facilitates regular exchange of information through INTERPOL channels. Recently BHARATPOL portal has been launched to further streamline the communication between NCB, CBI and Indian LEAs in the matters of international assistance and coordination.
The CBI is nodal agency for G-7 24/7 network. G7 24/7 is secure channel for making data preservation requests in cases related to cyber crime.
To spread awareness on cyber crime, the Central Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include; dissemination of messages through SMS, I4C social media account i.e. X (formerly Twitter) (@CyberDost), Facebook(CyberDostI4C), Instagram (cyberDostI4C), Telegram(cyberdosti4c), Radio campaign, caller tune, engaged MyGov for publicity in multiple mediums, organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in association with States/UTs, publishing of Handbook for Adolescents/Students, newspaper advertisement on digital arrest scam, announcement in Delhi metros on digital arrest and other modus operandi of cyber criminals, use of social media influencers to create special posts on digital arrest, digital displays on railway stations and airports across, etc.
Annexure-I
State/UT-wise Cases Registered(CR) under Cyber Crimes during 2020-2022
SL
State/UT
2020
2021
2022
1
Andhra Pradesh
1899
1875
2341
2
Arunachal Pradesh
30
47
14
3
Assam
3530
4846
1733
4
Bihar
1512
1413
1621
5
Chhattisgarh
297
352
439
6
Goa
40
36
90
7
Gujarat
1283
1536
1417
8
Haryana
656
622
681
9
Himachal Pradesh
98
70
77
10
Jharkhand
1204
953
967
11
Karnataka
10741
8136
12556
12
Kerala
426
626
773
13
Madhya Pradesh
699
589
826
14
Maharashtra
5496
5562
8249
15
Manipur
79
67
18
16
Meghalaya
142
107
75
17
Mizoram
13
30
1
18
Nagaland
8
8
4
19
Odisha
1931
2037
1983
20
Punjab
378
551
697
21
Rajasthan
1354
1504
1833
22
Sikkim
0
0
26
23
Tamil Nadu
782
1076
2082
24
Telangana
5024
10303
15297
25
Tripura
34
24
30
26
Uttar Pradesh
11097
8829
10117
27
Uttarakhand
243
718
559
28
West Bengal
712
513
401
TOTAL STATE(S)
49708
52430
64907
29
A&N Islands
5
8
28
30
Chandigarh
17
15
27
31
D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu
3
5
5
32
Delhi
168
356
685
33
Jammu & Kashmir
120
154
173
34
Ladakh
1
5
3
35
Lakshadweep
3
1
1
36
Puducherry
10
0
64
TOTAL UT(S)
327
544
986
TOTAL (ALL INDIA)
50035
52974
65893
Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.
ANNEXURE-II
State/UT-wise Cases Registered (CR) under Fraud for Cyber Crimes during Year 2020-2022
SL
State/UT
2020
2021
2022
1
Andhra Pradesh
764
952
984
2
Arunachal Pradesh
3
2
0
3
Assam
58
82
16
4
Bihar
1294
1373
1441
5
Chhattisgarh
71
67
42
6
Goa
1
1
11
7
Gujarat
205
208
108
8
Haryana
36
52
44
9
Himachal Pradesh
1
6
9
10
Jharkhand
83
79
98
11
Karnataka
0
6
0
12
Kerala
6
16
26
13
Madhya Pradesh
69
89
180
14
Maharashtra
2032
1678
2202
15
Manipur
0
0
0
16
Meghalaya
10
0
0
17
Mizoram
0
0
0
18
Nagaland
0
0
0
19
Odisha
1079
1205
957
20
Punjab
16
29
61
21
Rajasthan
332
371
292
22
Sikkim
0
0
0
23
Tamil Nadu
5
107
251
24
Telangana
3316
7003
9581
25
Tripura
0
0
0
26
Uttar Pradesh
837
614
766
27
Uttarakhand
1
0
31
28
West Bengal
145
40
30
TOTAL STATE(S)
10364
13980
17130
29
A&N Islands
0
0
0
30
Chandigarh
0
0
2
31
D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu
0
0
0
32
Delhi
31
19
331
33
Jammu & Kashmir
0
8
7
34
Ladakh
0
0
0
35
Lakshadweep
0
0
0
36
Puducherry
0
0
0
TOTAL UT(S)
31
27
340
TOTAL (ALL INDIA)
10395
14007
17470
Source: ‘Crime in India’ published by NCRB.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
MEASURES TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE AND COMBAT ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE
Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 3:26PM by PIB Delhi
To address the problem of Drug Abuse, Government has formulated and implemented the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) under which the Government is taking a sustained and coordinated action for arresting the problem of substance abuse. This includes:
Launched Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in all districts of the country through more than 10000 master volunteers. It has reached out to more-than 14.79 crore people including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women.
350 Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs) are supported by the Government to provide treatment for the drug victims, preventive education, awareness generation, motivational counseling, detoxification/de-addiction, after care and re-integration into the social mainstream.
46 Community based Peer led Intervention (CPLI) Centers supported by the Government focuses on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents.
74 Outreach and Drop In Centers (ODICs) supported by the Government provide safe and secure space for treatment, rehabilitation, screening, assessment, counseling, referral, linkage for treatment and rehabilitation services for substance users.
142 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) has been established in Government hospitals through All India Institute of Medical science (AIIMS), New Delhi.
124 District De-addiction Centres (DDACs) which provides all three facilities provided by IRCA, ODIC and CPLI under one roof have been set up so far.
A Toll-free Helpline for de-addiction, 14446 is operated for providing primary counseling and immediate assistance to persons seeking help.
Government through its autonomous body National Institute of Social Defense (NISD) and other collaborating agencies like State Counsel of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, etc. provides for regular awareness generation and sensitization sessions for all stakeholders including students, teachers, parents.
Navchetna Modules, teachers training modules have been developed by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) for sensitizing students (6th – 11th standard), teachers and parents on drug dependence, related coping strategies and life skills.
As per latest data published by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) pertaining to the year 2022; Drug-wise seizures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act during 2018 to 2022 is at Annexure-I.
The Government made various efforts to tackle the illegal drug trade in border areas, some of which are as under: –
A 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for ensuring better coordination between Central & State Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders in the field of controlling drug trafficking and drug abuse in India has been established. An all-in-one NCORD portal has been developed for information related to drug law enforcement.
A dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) headed by Additional Director General/ Inspector General level Police Officer has been established in each State/ Union Territory to function as the NCORD Secretariat for the State/ Union Territory and follow-up on compliance of decisions taken in NCORD meetings at different levels.
To monitor the investigation of important and significant seizures, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Chairmanship of Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been set up.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been empowered under NDPS Act, 1985 in the year 2020 for investigation of narco-terrorism cases.
Border Guarding Forces (Border Security Force, Assam Rifles and Sashastra Seema Bal) have been empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 to carry out search, seizure and arrest for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs at international border. Further, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been empowered under NDPS Act to check drug trafficking along the railway routes.
Narcotics Control Bureau coordinates with other agencies like, Navy, Coast Guard, Border Security Force, State ANTF, etc. to conduct joint operations to control the drug trafficking.
A high level dedicated group has been created in National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in November 2022 to analyze the drug trafficking through maritime routes, challenges and solutions (Maritime Security Group – NSCS).
Director General Level Talks are organized with neighboring and other countries such as Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, etc. to resolve various issues on drug trafficking having international implications.
As a part of international co-operation, India has signed Bilateral Agreements with 27 countries, Memorandum of Understanding with 16 countries and Agreements on Security Cooperation with 02 countries for combating illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) and Chemical Precursors as well as related offences.
India is closely associated with International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and all its programs viz. PEN (Pre-Export Notification), PICS (Precursors Incident Communication System), and IONICS (International Operations on New Psychoactive Substances Incident Communication System).
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) co-ordinates with various international organizations such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation- Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SAARC-SDOMD), Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), Colombo Plan, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD), Bay of Bengal Initiative For Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-Operation (BIMSTEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), etc. for sharing information and intelligence to combat trans-national drug trafficking.
NCB India takes part in real-time information sharing with various Drug Liaison Officers of other countries such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States of America, the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Canada, Australian Federal Police (AFP) of Australia, Office Anti-Stupefiants (OFAST) of France, etc for operational and intelligence information.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr.:
“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Deputy Cuevas. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this unimaginable time. His dedication to protecting and serving his community was remarkable, and we are eternally grateful for his service.”
On March 17, 2025, Deputy Cuevas was in pursuit of a vehicle when he was involved in a traffic crash at an intersection in Victorville, California. He suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision.
Deputy Cuevas, 36, was a six-year veteran of law enforcement. He had been assigned to the Victorville Station for the past three years. Prior to his employment with the sheriff’s department, Deputy Cuevas was an officer with the Upland Police Department.
He is survived by his wife, two children, his parents and a sister and brother.
In honor of Deputy Cuevas, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
Press Releases, Recent News
Recent news
Mar 17, 2025
News Lo que necesita saber: California tiene un nuevo compañero en Sonora, México para impulsar el desarrollo de recursos energéticos renovables, la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro y el transporte limpio. To read this release in English, click here. Sacramento,…
Mar 17, 2025
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced his appointment of 10 Superior Court Judges: two in Alameda County; three in Los Angeles County; one in Merced County; one in Orange County; two in San Bernardino County; and one in San Francisco County.Alameda…
Mar 17, 2025
News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 2025 through March 23, 2025, as United States Navy Week.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia proudly plays a crucial role…
The details of the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) provided by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for studying abroad during the last ten years is as under:
S. No.
Year
Number of SC and ST students selected under NOS for studying abroad during last ten years
SC
ST
1.
2014-15
59
20
2.
2015-16
50
15
3.
2016-17
108
16
4.
2017-18
178
20
5.
2018-19
97
20
6.
2019-20
97
20
7.
2020-21
90
20
8.
2021-22
122
20
9.
2022-23
119
20
10.
2023-24
117
23
Total
1037
194
*Vacant slots of previous years were carried forward.
At present, 263 SC students and 39 ST students are studying abroad. New initiatives such as simplification of process, invitation of applications online through portal; doing away with Police Verification and obtaining self-declaration regarding pending case/non-conviction of offense; introduction of QS ranking based selection procedure; enhancing of family income ceiling, number of slots and amount of financial assistance have been taken by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Honourable Seuula Ioane Tuāau Minister for Education and Culture.
Acknowledgments
• Reverend Dr Taipisia Leilua
• Your Excellency William Robinson, Australia High Commissioner to Samoa;
• Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa;
• Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of APTC partners;
• Chief Executive Officers of Government Agencies and Non-Government Organizations; and Principal of TVET institutions;
• Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) Samoa and Tonga Country Director, Lagaaia Lealiifano Easter Manila Silipa and staff;
• APTC Graduands 2025;
• Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen
Introduction
Tālofa lava and a pleasant good morning to you all.
On behalf of the Samoan Government, it gives me a great privilege to be here to deliver the keynote address at today’s graduation ceremony.
Congratulations and Acknowledgements
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of the 89 Samoan women and men on achieving a significant milestone by graduating today.
The Samoan Government acknowledges and appreciates your hard work and resilience in completing your Australian qualifications and we are proud of your accomplishments.
Today, you will be conferred with Australian qualifications in seven (7) different vocational programs: drainage, plumbing services, skills for work and vocational pathways, commercial cookery, light vehicle mechanical technology, tourism, and wall and floor tiling.
To our graduands, as your Minister for Education and Culture, I wish to convey the Government’s sincere congratulations on your achievements.
Malo le finau! Malo le fai o le faiva!
Gender Equality
I am proud to announce that forty (40) of today’s graduates are women who have successfully completed their TVET programs. Notably, ten (10) of these remarkable women have excelled in traditionally male-dominated fields such as drainage and plumbing. Your achievements serve as a powerful testament to your hard work, dedication, breaking barriers and paving the way for future women and girls of Samoa.
Government Support
The Government of Samoa is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the Australian Government’s support through APTC, which offers access bursaries for our Samoan people, providing opportunities for them to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This supports the priorities of the Samoa Education Sector Plan 2019-2024, including inclusive education and TVET. It also supports the priorities of the Government of Samoa’s disability-inclusive development goals, as outlined in the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2031.
Today we also recognise the 24 graduates from the various government agencies who have partnered with APTC Samoa. These dedicated individuals from the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Samoa Water Authority, and the Land Transport Authority have successfully completed the Certificate II in Drainage qualification. This signifies the positive impact of APTC’s support in our community.
Partnerships
The Samoan Government acknowledges the Australian Government and APTC for their partnership and support to other various government agencies and NGOs including the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Electric Power Corporation, Lakapi Samoa, Nuanua ole Alofa, Samoa Faafine Association, National Youth Council of Samoa and more. Your commitment to enhancing productivity, reducing unemployment, and building stronger communities in Samoa is truly commendable.
It is great to see a growing number of our people leveraging these skills for improved livelihoods. The Government of Samoa stands committed to working alongside the Australian Government to ensure that our skills training aligns with industry needs, leading to robust employment outcomes for all Samoans. This collaboration has yielded impressive results, with over 3390 Samoans graduating with Australian qualifications since 2007.
I would like to also highlight APTC’s collaboration with the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA) in bolstering Samoan qualifications and expanding our workforce’s global competitiveness, especially in high-demand fields, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the global market.
Additionally, APTC’s partnership with the National University of Samoa (NUS) which has been ongoing since 2007, ensures that our training programs are relevant and of high quality. Together, APTC and NUS have developed and accredited various programs and have provided numerous capability development opportunities for students as well as staff.
I acknowledge and sincerely thank the Australian Government for its unwavering support and collaboration with the Samoa Education sector and TVET organisations through APTC, which has been crucial in nurturing and shaping Samoa’s future.
Concluding Remarks
To all our graduates, congratulations once again!
I am confident that APTC has provided you with the skills and qualifications necessary to become invaluable contributors to Samoa’s expanding workforce. You now join a network of over 25,850 APTC Alumni across the region, and I eagerly look forward to your contributions to the national growth of Samoa.
For those of you who have trained away from home at other APTC campuses, your dedication to learning sets a powerful example for future generations.
As TVET role models, you now have the power to transform society’s perception of this valuable pathway to fulfilling careers. Remember, your learning journey does not end here. Continue to grow, both personally and professionally, to contribute to the betterment of Samoa.
Well done to all the graduates! May you achieve great success in all your future endeavours.
Faafetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.
BACKGROUND OF THE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC TRAINING COALITION
A centre of training excellence, the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) helps Pacific Island and Timorese citizens gain Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers.
Over 25,860 Pacific Island and Timorese citizens have graduated with Australian qualifications from APTC campuses in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. These qualifications range from accredited short courses to diploma level training for various vocational areas, including automotive, manufacturing, construction, electrical, tourism, hospitality, education, management, health and community services.
These graduates have returned to industry and implemented a range of new skills, with over 90% of employers of APTC graduates reporting their significant contribution to improving workplace productivity.
APTC collaborates with regional governments, industry and training providers to develop a more skilled, inclusive and productive workforce aligned with domestic and international labour market requirements, to enhance Pacific prosperity.
APTC’s end-of-program outcomes are:
1. APTC and partner graduates have improved employment outcomes
[ PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa] – The Nevada National Guard visited Samoa from February 17-21, 2025, to continue its ongoing collaboration with the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA). This visit marks another key milestone in the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Samoa through the Nevada State Partnership Program (SPP).
The week was filled with activities designed to strengthen emergency medical response skills which included combat casualty care, trauma management techniques, as well as ambulance operations and patient transportation. The training built on previous successful engagements, including the Nevada National Guard’s emergency medical services program with SFESA in August 2024 and an advanced skills training program in prison operations with the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services in November 2024.
“This partnership represents not just an exchange of knowledge, but a bridge connecting our two communities — one that enhances our capabilities, strengthens our leadership, and ultimately ensures the safety and well-being of those we serve,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires. “Through the Nevada State Partnership Program, we continue to pave the way for a future defined by a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Pacific region.”
ABOUT THE NEVADA NATIONAL GUARD AND THE STATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
The Nevada National Guard has been engaged in the State Partnership Program with Samoa to enhance cooperation in security, disaster response, and emergency preparedness. Through regular exchanges and training workshops, this partnership strengthens regional stability and fosters mutual understanding between the United States and Samoa.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)
(The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)
I have a piece of information to announce at the top.
The first meeting of International Military Cooperation Organs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States for 2025 will be held in Qingdao, Shandong, from March 26 to 27. Representatives from defense ministries of the SCO member states and the SCO secretariat will attend the meeting to exchange views on future defense and security cooperation. The meeting will be hosted by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.
Journalist: President Xi Jinping attended the plenary meeting of the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police Force (PAP) during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and gave an important speech. He emphasized the need to meet the requirements for high-quality development and ensure the effective implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for military development. Could you share more details on that?
Zhang Xiaogang: On March 7, President Xi Jinping attended the plenary meeting of the delegation of the PLA and the PAP during the third session of the 14th NPC. He emphasized that an effective implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development is of great significance for achieving the centenary goal of the PLA on schedule and for building a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.
Over the past four years, a series of major accomplishments have been made in the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development, which has reached a critical stage of overcoming challenges and making breakthroughs. From the strategic height of advancing Chinese modernization, President Xi set clear requirements and made overall arrangement to ensure high-quality fulfillment of the objectives set by the 14th Five-Year Plan for military development. The speech provides important guidance for achieving the centenary goal of the Chinese military and supporting the great cause of national rejuvenation, and inspires all the servicemen and women to be more confident in overcoming challenges head-on, thereby meeting the requirements for high-quality development and achieving the set objectives and tasks on schedule.
The whole military will keep studying and implementing the guiding principles of President Xi’s important speech. With a strong sense of political responsibility and historical mission, we will ensure effective execution and efficient implementation, pursue a path of high-quality, high-efficiency, low-cost and sustainable development, take critical steps to meet the centenary goal of the PLA, and comprehensively improve the strategic capabilities in defending national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)
Journalist: The PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team visited Thailand and participated in the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Thai Air Force. Please give us more details.
Zhang Xiaogang: At the invitation of the Royal Thai Air Force, the PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team performed at the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and the 88th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Thai Air Force from March 2 to 10. The team had a non-stop ferry flight from an airfield in North China to Bangkok, through aerial refueling with a YU-20 tanker aircraft. During the event, the team demonstrated complex maneuvers such as six-ship formation roll and five-ship horizontal upward blossom. The audience cheered when smoke trails of red, white, blue and yellow appeared in the air. Aerobatic flight performance builds the bridge of lasting, family-like friendship between China and Thailand. The PLAAF Bayi Aerobatic Team will continue to reach out and fly around the world to showcase its openness, confidence and commitment to excellence.
Journalist: After the release of the newly-revised common regulations, media analysis suggested that the regulations placed greater emphasis on combat readiness. Meanwhile, there are some changes to rules on staying overnight in barracks and personnel egress. Do you have any comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: The military is first and foremost a fighting force that exists for war. The newly-revised common regulations are aimed at helping the PLA fight and win wars. They incorporate the standard of combat effectiveness into all aspects of military development, and emphasize combat readiness at all levels of military functions, from soldiers to officers to generals. They integrate strict discipline with genuine care for service members, and combine rigorous management with thoughtful policies. On the basis of ensuring combat readiness, adjustments have been made to optimize rules regarding staying overnight in barracks, and personnel egress and leave. These heartwarming measures benefiting service members are designed to boost their morale and strengthen their commitment to the cause of building a strong military.
Journalist:It is reported that the Japanese Ministry of Defense has, for the first time, publicly disclosed the progress in developing a new ballistic missile with a range of 3,000 kilometers, far beyond the scope of its exclusively defense-oriented policy. The missile is an offensive weapon developed in response to the calls from the US for its allies to enhance their offence capabilities. Please comment on that.
Zhang Xiaogang: In recent years, Japan has repeatedly breached its commitments under the pacifist constitution and moved further down the path of military enhancement. Such actions are dangerous and will gain no support. Recent history tells us that Japanese militarism once brought immeasurable disasters to the people of Japan, Asia, and the whole world. This year, we will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. We urge the Japanese side to learn from historical lessons, act prudently in the field of military security, contribute more to regional peace and stability, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the larger international community through concrete actions.
Journalist: The Philippine Defense Secretary claimed that China’s increasing “aggression” in the disputed waters was considered the greatest threat to the national security of the Philippines. He also said that the Philippines and its security allies would together push back any “aggressive attempt” by China, and take measures against any attempt to impose an air defense zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea. Do you have any comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. We are committed to peace and stability in the region. In fact, there has never been any problem with regard to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. However, the Philippine side has repeatedly infringed on China’s sovereignty and made provocative moves, and some countries outside the region keep fanning the flames and stirring up troubles. Their behaviors undermined tranquility in the South China Sea. With many options in our toolkit, China stands firm in our resolve to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side not to miscalculate the situation, to immediately stop risky but futile provocations, and to return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)
Journalist: The US side claimed that China might be developing a large nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with an equal tonnage of US carriers. Please comment on that.
Zhang Xiaogang: Relevant reports are pure speculation. It should be emphasized that our aircraft carrier development is always based on comprehensive considerations, including the needs of national security and the development of equipment and technology.
Journalist: It is reported that the nominee for US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy said that the status of Taiwan was not existential to the US, but Washington had important national security interests in Taiwan, and Taiwan needed to dramatically hike defense spending to around 10% of its GDP. An official from Taiwan’s defense authorities said that it was in the core interests of the US to maintain stability in the Asia-Pacific and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and thus the US is unlikely to give up Taiwan. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, which brooks no external interference. The US side attempts to contain China with Taiwan, and is doubling down on arming Taiwan. At the same time, the DPP authorities are seeking to exploit such situation to increase its defense spending. Their actions have gravely harmed the security and well-being of our compatriots in Taiwan, and severely undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The DPP authorities, intoxicated with the illusion of soliciting US support for “Taiwan independence,” willingly act as a pawn and betray the people of Taiwan. Ultimately, the useful fool will end up being an abandoned tool.
Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on March 14, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Zhang Zhicheng)
Journalist: Recently, some Japanese media reported on the passage of Japanese military vessels through the Taiwan Strait in February. Japanese defense officials stated that this pertained to the operations of the Self-Defense Forces and would not comment further. However, they expressed grave concerns over the increasing activities of the Chinese military around Japan and emphasized that they would respond calmly yet resolutely. Please comment on that.
Zhang Xiaogang: China respects the right of navigation entitled to all countries under the international law. However, China firmly opposes any attempt by any country to stir up troubles in the Taiwan Strait, infringe upon China’s sovereignty and security, or send wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces.
It needs to be emphasized that activities of the Chinese military in relevant waters and airspace are in accordance with international law and practice. They are legitimate, justified and beyond reproach. We firmly oppose unfounded accusations made by the Japanese side against China’s routine training activities.
Digby RCMP Detachment is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 20-year-old Raydon Herman, who was reported missing on March 17.
Raydon is described as 5-foot-1 and 130 lbs., with black hair in a buzz cut style and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown toque, burgundy t-shirt, brown/red jacket, and ripped black jeans.
Raydon was last seen at an organization on Shreve St. in Digby on March 17 at approximately noon. Investigators believe he may be in on foot in the Conway area or attempting to take a bus to Annapolis.
When someone goes missing, it has deep and far-reaching impacts for the person and those who know them. We ask that people spread the word through respectfully.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Raydon Herman is asked to call 911, contact Digby RCMP Detachment at 902-245-2579, or call local police. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
A man who was found critically injured on a roadside in Miramar, Wellington has died in hospital this morning, with Police opening an unexplained death investigation.
The man was found critically injured on a footpath about 2.20am on Monday, at the intersection of Camperdown Road and Totora Road. It was the second serious incident, following the burglary of a Darlington Road address at 2am, where two adults found a stranger in their home.
After being confronted and fighting with one of the occupants the intruder fled. It was when Police were carrying out area enquiries that officers came across the injured and unconscious man, a short distance from his vehicle.
Parallel investigations are under way into both incidents and Police are still working to determine if there is any link between the two.
Sightings of the victim
We would like to hear from anybody who walked or drove in the area near Camperdown Road and Totora Road between 12.30am and 2.30am on Monday. You may not think you have anything to contribute, but we would like to know what you may have seen, or view any dashcam footage.
Public appeal
We ask that residents in Darlington Road, Totara Road and Camperdown Road, particularly the block north of Camperdown Road, to check their properties for any missing clothing from clotheslines or missing footwear or other items. We also want to hear from anyone who locates any discarded items of property on their sections.
Investigators also want to hear of any sightings of any suspicious persons in this area between 12.30am and 2.30am on Monday, or from anyone with CCTV footage. We are particularly interested in any sightings of a man wearing a white cap, shorts and gumboots.
Police would also like to hear of any suspicious activity or people prowling in the area over the last couple of weeks, including any previously unreported thefts from properties or vehicles since early March.
Enquiries ongoing
Police are still completing scene examinations and will be visiting properties to ask residents if they saw anything of relevance to the investigation and whether they have CCTV footage.
At this stage it has not been established if there is a connection between the intruder and the deceased, but that is a focus of the investigation.
While we are still piecing the events of Monday morning together, Police can confirm the intruder was unknown to the occupants of the property that he broke into. They do not know him, and do not know why he was in their house.
We know these events will cause concern in the community and we are working hard to answer the many questions around Monday morning’s incidents. Police are carrying out reassurance patrols in the Miramar area and this will continue over the coming days.
If you can help
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Man charged following evade incident in Huon Valley
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 – 2:33 pm.
Police have today charged a man with several offences following an evade incident in the Huon Valley. The man was arrested yesterday when the vehicle he was allegedly driving was intercepted on Swamp Road at Franklin. The 50-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with several offences including motor vehicle stealing, evade police, drive while disqualified and assault a police officer. He was detained to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court this afternoon.
Five people have been arrested following an aggravated robbery and attempted burglary in Whangārei this morning.
At about 6am Police received a report of an attempted break-in at a service station on Tarewa Road followed, by another report of a group of people breaking into a premise (service station) on Kiripaka Road at about 6.15am.
Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper, Whangārei CIB, says cash, cigarettes and vapes were targeted before the offenders fled in two vehicles.
Both vehicles were quickly located abandoned in Aratiatia and Rerewai Place and towed for forensic examination.
“Enquiries have led us to execute a search warrant at an address on Pebble Beach Road where two people were taken into custody without incident.
“Some of the stolen property has been recovered from the address.”
Detective Sergeant Cooper says CCTV also assisted in Police stopping a vehicle of interest nearby, where another three people were arrested.
“A search of the vehicle has also located some of the stolen goods and cash.
“This was a quick response by our teams, ensuring our community knows we are dedicated to holding offenders to account for these crimes.
“I hope the Tikipunga and wider Whangārei community feels reassured by these arrests.”
Five people, aged 15 and 16, will appear in the Whangārei Youth Court charged with unlawful gets into motor vehicle, attempted burglary and aggravated robbery.
Latrobe man charged with drug and traffic offences
Tuesday, 18 March 2025 – 2:00 pm.
A Latrobe man has been charged after an evade incident yesterday, and a subsequent search where police seized a quantity of drugs. Around 11am officers from Task Force Scelus attempted to intercept a vehicle on Forbes Street at Devonport. The vehicle evaded officers and police subsequently searched a residence in Devonport and took a man, alleged to have been the driver, into custody. During a search at the property police seized a quantity of methamphetamines. The 40-year-old man from Latrobe has been charged with several drug and road safety related offences including with trafficking in a controlled drug and aggravated evade. He was detained to appear before the Devonport Magistrates Court today.
Woodville Gardens man Bill Frangos was murdered more than three hours before his Essex Street home was set alight in a bid to destroy evidence, Major Crime Investigation Branch detectives have revealed.
In a significant development in the murder investigation, detectives have also revealed they believe those responsible for the murder returned to the scene in a distinctive grey Holden Commodore shortly before lighting the fire.
CCTV has revealed just after 3.30am on 7 November 2024 the grey Commodore – which has a silver front bumper panel, damage to the front passenger door and a black tyre rim on the front passenger side – was parked on Ridley Grove at Woodville Gardens, a short distance from Mr Frangos’ Essex Street house.
A man wearing a backpack was seen walking from the grey Commodore towards the Essex Street house and a short time later CCTV captured it erupting in flames.
The vision also shows what detectives believe to be the same man then running back to Ridley Grove and leaving the area in a southerly direction in the grey Commodore.
In December detectives released CCTV of a red Ford Falcon XR6 utility leaving the vicinity of the murder. New CCTV footage reveals two people returning to this vehicle before it leaves. Investigations have revealed these two people are male of African appearance.
This vehicle has been seized by detectives as part of the investigation.
This new CCTV footage captured the two men walking between Mr Frangos’ address and back to the utility parked in nearby Parker Street on a number of occasions between 10.30pm and midnight on 6 November 2024.
Detectives believe the same two men are responsible for Mr Frangos’ murder and the subsequent arson attack on his home. It is believed the two men and Mr Frangos were acquainted and the murder is not random.
Major Crime Investigation Branch Officer-in-Charge Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke appealed for anyone with information on the whereabouts of the grey Commodore or who knows of any individual associated with it to contact police.
“It is a distinctive vehicle, particularly with the silver front bumper panel, that people will certainly recognise,’’ he said.
“The investigation is now moving rapidly, but we are still seeking information from the public to obtain more evidence that will assist us in rebuilding the full picture of what happened that night.
“We are confident there will be a resolution in the case as investigations continue. The net is closing in on those responsible for Bill’s murder. Now is the time to come forward with information.’’
Anyone with any information on the grey Commodore or those associated with it during the evening of Wednesday 6 November and the early hours of Thursday 7 November are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The 72 hours after the sexual assault of a child can be a crucial window for police to collect biological evidence and document signs of bruising or injury.
But this procedure – known as a forensic medical examination – can be scary and invasive.
In new research published with colleagues, I interviewed ten children (aged 4-16) and their parents about their experiences attending a Melbourne paediatric hospital in the hours after an alleged assault.
This was a small group, but their stories shed light on wider concerns. Addressing them can help put children first in what may be the most traumatic time of their lives.
Its purpose is to gather biological evidence from the victim to help police identify an offender and prosecute them.
At a hospital crisis care suite, the child will speak to a specialist doctor (a forensic paediatrician) alongside another clinician, usually a psychologist or social worker. Police also attend.
The doctor will take the child’s medical history, as well as asking for an account of the assault.
The doctor swabs relevant areas – such as the child’s vulva, vagina or anus – to collect biological materials that may be present, including saliva or semen. They will also look for injuries or bruising.
This examination can be uncomfortable and can take hours. It may also be emotionally harrowing, for the child as well as their carer.
In the following days, children often need to give another statement to police and are referred for counselling.
A child usually attends a forensic medical examination alongside their parent. fizkes/Shutterstock
A trauma-informed approach means prioritising a sense of safety for children who have experienced trauma, building trust and sharing control, to avoid retraumatisation.
This means explaining to children and their carers what is going to happen next, gaining their consent and giving them some control over the timing and pace of any interventions (such as being swabbed).
Children and families have different – sometimes traumatic – experiences of dealing with health services and police. So considering a child’s personal history and culture is important.
However there is still little research examining children and young people’s experience of crisis care.
My study involved seven girls, two boys and one non-binary child, aged between four and 16. In the days or weeks after their examination, I interviewed the child and the parent who attended hospital with them, both individually and together (in child-parent pairs).
The interviews uncovered four areas that were important to children and their parents.
1. Repeating their story but not feeling heard
After they first report their experience, children need to tell their story several times to various strangers.
This means sharing highly personal details while distressed to people who often don’t have the time to get to know them, their context, family, previous trauma history or culture.
Fiona* (16) found this aspect of the process “very, very, very stressful.”
Some said repeating their story felt like they had to convince professionals it was true.
Layla (14) commented:
I felt like I was the one in trouble.
2. Being treated with care matters
Several young participants discussed feeling “traumatised,” “intimidated” and “ashamed” during the examination itself.
Seven-year-old Sasha told us about the doctor who examined her:
She kept saying, ‘Lie still,’ and it was hard for me to just lie still. Then she just, when she did the examination […] I was crying on the bed, and it hurt me […]. And she just looked at me. Because she’s seen me crying and she just looked at me.
But when the doctor, or the clinician was caring – and took time to understand them and their individual needs – it helped ease some of the distress.
One parent, Kaye, felt the clinician “had this incredible demeanour and heart about her” and helped her child “understand what was going to happen.”
Other young people appreciated the clinician helped them with panic attacks and “made us feel relaxed.”
The youngest participant Ava (4) said she liked that she was given a teddy bear.
Children told us caring gestures – such as providing a teddy bear – made the experience less scary. fizkes/Shutterstock
3. Unpleasant surroundings made the experience worse
Some participants described the space where the forensic medical examination took place as small and unwelcoming.
Dylan (16) felt it was “unsafe”, while Ava said it was “a bit scary”.
Examination spaces need to be kept forensically clean. In the hospital where these examinations took place, that meant there were no windows, pictures on the walls or soft furnishings.
Several young participants felt it showed what had happened to them was somehow shameful. As Felicity explained:
it was frightening. […] You’re just walking down a really long corridor, all these white […] ceilings and walls. And it was kind of just like a bit […] not welcoming, not nice and hidden away.
Parents often felt sidelined or unheard before, during and after the examination.
Samira (a parent) said she didn’t feel like her concerns were understood:
I come from a different background, I don’t know what is happening and I don’t know what to ask. I’m not very trusting of police.
Children themselves worried about their parent. As Layla said:
it’s not just me that’s going through this, it’s my mum. […] I feel like she should be able to have that support too. None of it was offered to her.
One parent said they’d been “sent home without any support”. Another had a sense of being “just left there and wondering what to do”.
Responding to the whole child
The children and adults I interviewed made clear they wanted a holistic approach.
They wanted professionals (including doctors, clinicians and police) to not only pursue justice on their behalf, but also listen and respond to their physical, emotional and social needs and take into account their particular context and culture.
The response needs to make children and their families feel safer – not more scared.
It also needs to help them recover from the trauma, including counselling for both parents and children without long waitlists.
The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
*Names have been changed.
Caroline Whitehouse is employed by the Northern Centre Against Sexual Assault, which is affiliated with the peak body Sexual Assault Support Services Victoria (SASVic). She was previously employed by the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, where this study took place. The Royal Children’s Hospital, along with LaTrobe University, gave ethics approval for the study.
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 17/03/2025
Six local emergency service members have been recognised for their contributions to the Canberra community, with each receiving an ACT Community Protection Medal at a ceremony today.
The Community Protection Medal was established in 2002 to acknowledge police and emergency services members who have made sustained and distinguished or outstanding service to the community.
The medals are awarded each year, with Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson presenting medals to the recipients during a ceremony at Regatta Point today.
Minister Paterson said that these six recipients embodied the best of our emergency service staff and volunteers.
“I’m deeply impressed by the unwavering dedication of the people in these agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” said Dr. Paterson.
“Today’s award recipients are being acknowledged for their excellence in training, response, membership, and health and wellbeing, and they should all should be very proud of their work.”
“They are true examples of the outstanding individuals within our emergency services. In times of crisis, they are the people who step up. We have seen this recently with our personnel heading to Queensland.”
“We also extend our gratitude to the families for their ongoing support. The commitment, the deployments, and the overnight and public holiday shifts is what allows us to live in a safe and secure city.”
“To the six award recipients, on behalf of the ACT community and the ACT Government, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and thank you for your service.”
The six recipients of the 2024 ACT Community Protection Medal are:
Michael Caldwell, ACT Ambulance Service
In recognition of his commitment to the provision and improvement of professional pre-hospital emergency services within the ACT Ambulance Service Communication Centre. During his 14-year career with the Service, Michael has progressed through the Communications Centre as a call taker, to now being the Coordination Officer. His leadership and experience has assisted in building the knowledge of the team around him, ensuring the Canberra community have call-takers who can respond effectively in times of need.
Commander Guy Cassis, ACT Fire and Rescue
In recognition of his distinguished and outstanding contribution to community safety through the awareness and promotion of firefighter health, safety and wellbeing. Throughout his 22-year career, Commander Cassis has dedicated his time, over and above that required of his regular duties, to develop and improve process and procedure around firefighter safety, including being a Peer Support Officer and Health and Safety Representative.
Mr Colin Dawes, ACT Emergency Services Agency
In recognition of his leadership within ESA for almost 20 years. Whether an emergency event or day-to-day operations, Colin consistently provides outstanding service, working tirelessly to deliver aid and support to the Services as they respond and help the community. During the most recent emergency events of fire, smoke, storm, and the pandemic, Colin proved himself to be an adaptable, reliable, competent, and compassionate leader, colleague, and mentor.
Detective Sergeant Lauren Gilliland, ACT Policing
In recognition of her sustained distinguished and outstanding service to the ACT community over the past 15 years as an extremely highly regarded and effective police officer, instructor, mentor, and role model. Detective Sergeant Gilliland’s work has revolutionised the delivery of training and investigations into sexual offences and child abuse in the ACT and is now recognised internationally as best practice. Detective Sergeant Gilliland has had a major positive contribution to the lives of numerous victims in Canberra and is an exemplary police officer in every regard.
Commander Adam Hartnett, ACT State Emergency Service
Adam has significantly increased membership participation and ensured robust ready team for emergency callouts. His active participation in all aspects of the SES, from frontline operations to training and community engagement exemplifies his commitment to service. Adam has fostered a culture of preparedness and resilience, ensuring his team is always ready to provide critical assistance to the ACT community during storms, floods and land searches.
Ms Nicola Lewis, ACT Rural Fire Service
In recognition of her sustained service to training and recruitment across the ACT Rural Fire Service. For the past 15 years Nicola has provided outstanding service to individual and collective training, recruitment, and provided administration and operational support to the Service. During her service, Nicola has served as the Gungahlin Brigade Training Coordinator and has coordinated 10 firefighter courses. She has also been the lead assessor across courses and her knowledge and wisdom will shape the next generation of firefighters within the ACT Community.
In a world where Baby Reindeer has become a pop culture hit, sometimes what seems harmless can reveal a darker side with unsettling encounters. Now more than ever it’s worth checking who might be digitally tracking you.
In November 2024, the Government announced plans to make stalking and cyberstalking illegal, bringing New Zealand in line with the UK and Australia. The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill was introduced under urgency. But Kiwi’s shouldn’t wait to take control of their privacy while academics and politicians remain divided on the bill.
If you’re interested in more information on stalkerware, we’d be happy to connect you with Avast security expert.
Researchers from Avast recommend the following 5-Point Stalkerware Quick Check:
1. Review your allowed permissions for anything unusual. Once installed, Stalkerware requires various permissions to function. Check your granted permissions such as access to SMS, call logs, contacts and location. Remove these permissions from any apps you do not recognise.
2. Clean sweep your location sharing. Location sharing has become very popular in the last few years, especially on iPhone. Are there people who you’ve shared your location with that may no longer need it? For iPhone users, go to “Find My” – at the bottom of that screen, you can see all the people you are sharing your location with.
3. Double-check your app list. Go through your apps and check for any applications that you do not recognise. Stalkerware is often disguised, either by hiding its application icon or by pretending to be a safe app such as a Notes, Settings or WiFi apps.
4. Keep an eye on your phone’s performance. If your phone’s performance or battery starts behaving in an unusual way, it may point to some form of Stalkerware. Sudden error messages, a battery that drains faster than usual, unknown notifications or requests for additional permissions out of nowhere may indicate an infected device.
5. Install reputable security software. Software like Avast Premium Security is free to users and can scan your phone for any known malicious apps, such as stalkerware and spyware. This free step can go a long way in helping protect your privacy.
How to prevent Stalkerware if you think you are at risk:
1. Secure your phone against all unauthorised physical access. Most of our digital interactions occur through our mobile phones, be cautious about allowing physical access to your devices.
2. Ensure your phone or device uses a secure unlock method such as a complex PIN code or biometric unlock.
3. Install a reliable antivirus product on your mobile phone. A good mobile antivirus will treat stalkerware as a potentially unwanted program (PUP) and give you the option to remove it.
People who believe their device may be infected by stalkerware or spyware can find detailed instructions to help remove this software for iPhone, Android and PC users on the Avast blog. Avast, a part of Gen, is also a proud member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware which provides a variety of resources for people who have been impacted.
If you are being stalked or cyberstalked, you can contact the NZ Police or Netsafe for support.
Police have arrested and charged two people following a shooting in Highland Park in January.
At about 9.46pm on Thursday 16 January Police were after three males entered a premises on Dunrobin Place and assaulted a man before a shot was fired.
Counties Manukau East CIB Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Dean Batey, says the victim received a serious gunshot injury and was transported to hospital.
“Following extensive investigations by our team, two people have now been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and are currently before the court.
“Although we knew that those involved in this incident were known to each other, there is no doubt the incident would have been deeply concerning for people who live nearby.
“Police take these matters extremely seriously and will continue their work to hold people to account,” Detective Senior Sergeant Batey says.
A 32-year-old man has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Manukau District Court on 6 June charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
A 23-year-old man charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful possession of a firearm will reappear in Manukau District Court on 11 April.
As the matter is now before the court, Police are limited in providing further comment.
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gregory Magin, age 44, of Glenville, New York, was arrested on Friday on a criminal complaint charging him with distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The criminal complaint alleges that from on or about July 18 through July 20, 2024, Magin distributed CSAM videos over the internet. Magin sent CSAM videos to other users on an online chat application in order to get access to certain groups. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Magin initially appeared Friday in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 18.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as Part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, and led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The Government will boost anti-crime measures across central Auckland with $1.3 million of funding as a result of the Proceeds of Crime Fund, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.
“In recent years there has been increased antisocial and criminal behaviour in our CBD. The Government is committed to cracking down on lawlessness and antisocial behaviours in central Auckland,” Mr Brown says.
“This funding will support Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to deliver initiatives which will help improve safety in the CBD and surrounding retail areas. Initiatives include improved lighting, more CCTV cameras, and an increase in the number of security patrols in the area to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour in our city.
“These latest anti-crime measures will complement the new Federal Street 24/7 police station set to open in the coming months, and the Government’s investment to ensure there are additional police officers in the Auckland CBD to improve safety. This is all part of our plan to restore law and order.”
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is pleased to support this initiative using the Proceeds of Crime Fund. It will be jointly managed by New Zealand Police and the Auckland Council.
“Auckland’s central city is an economic engine for both the region and for New Zealand, contributing 8 per cent of our national GDP in 2023. It’s our gateway for international visitors and investors, as well as a cultural and entertainment centre for communities. Ensuring the safety of all people in our CBD is a top priority for me as Minister for Auckland,” Mr Brown says.
The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 enables New Zealand Police to seize money and assets that have been obtained directly or indirectly from the proceeds of crime. Once all legal matters are addressed, the recovered money is placed in the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
“Converting the assets seized from criminals into funding for initiatives that address crime-related harm and support community wellbeing is a valuable extension of our justice system,” Ms McKee says.
“This funding is another positive step forward for ensuring our central city is a safe, vibrant and enjoyable place for all to live, play and work.”
Released by: The Premier, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism
The Minns Labor Government’s crackdown on knife crime has seen more than 90 dangerous weapons seized from our streets since the NSW Police Force began wanding operations in December.
The force has conducted 34 wanding operations across metro and regional NSW, scanning 4,147 individuals, seizing 91 unlawful weapons and charging 67 people with 71 weapons offences.
Weapons seized include knives, tasers, sling shots, knuckle dusters, machetes and folding kitchen knives.
Under Operation Ares, officers are conducting high-visibility policing operations and using handheld scanners or electronic metal detecting ‘wands’ to scan individuals within a designated area for dangerous weapons.
Locations of the operations include Sydney CBD, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Bomaderry, Albury and Lavington.
The Minns Labor Government has taken decisive action to give police further resources to create a safer NSW and send the clear message that knife crime will not be tolerated.
Under the powers, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police can stop and scan individuals without a warrant at designated areas.
When switched on by NSW Police, the powers can be used in public spaces including public transport stations, shopping precincts, and certain sporting venues.
These police powers complement other measures introduced by this Government to address knife crime, including:
Doubling the penalty for selling a knife to a child under 16 to $11,000 and introducing a custodial sentence of up to 12 months for the offence; and
Creating a new offence for selling knives to children aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse.
The NSW Government remains committed to reducing knife crime and building a safer NSW through continued legislative and operational policing efforts.
Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:
“The number of weapons that have been seized already is shocking.
“To have taken almost 100 knives and other weapons off our streets is as horrifying as it is important.
“Our tough knife laws are working and getting weapons out of our community.
“The NSW Government and NSW Police are confronting knife crime and sending a strong message that it is not tolerated.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“Everybody deserves to feel and be safe in public and it’s clear that these new laws are making NSW a safer place.
“I want to thank the NSW Police who are working around the clock to seize dangerous weapons and keep our community safe from the devastating effects of knife crime.
“There are very few excuses to carry a knife in public – anyone thinking about leaving home with a dangerous weapon should think again. The NSW Police are cracking down hard and you will be caught.”
NSW Police Force Public Transport and Public Safety Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said:
“During the 34 operations we have not only seized dangerous knives and weapons, but we have arrested 67 people with offences and put them before the courts.
“There are only very few purposes for anyone to have a knife in their possession in public. In most circumstances, it is illegal and will only lead to tragedy and the death of innocent people.
“We want people to feel and be safe while they go about their daily lives at shopping centres or on public transport.
“Our high-visibility operations are designed to send a message to people and deter them from carrying knives and weapons.”