Tag Archives: oceania

Out-of-control grass fire threatens explosive storage facility in NSW

Emergency warnings have been issued for eight bushfires in New South Wales, including one grass fire that is threatening an explosives storage facility in the state's Central West region.

Firefighters have set up a one-kilometre exclusion zone around the fire at Ulan Road and told nearby residents to flee amid fears the blaze will hit the stored explosives.

"An emergency warning is in place due to a grass fire 2km south of Ulan impinging on stored explosives," the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) said.

READ MORE: Residents of Queensland town told to seek shelter immediately

To stay up to date with the latest bushfire warnings in NSW, visit the RFS website.

"A one-kilometre exclusion zone will be established.

"If you are in the vicinity of Lagoon Road and Ulan Road, you are at risk. Leave now if the path is clear to the south towards Mudgee.

"If you are in the vicinity of Toole Road and Ulan Road, you are at risk. Leave now if the path is clear to the north towards Ulan."

The other seven fires at emergency level are all in the state's north.

Five are on the outskirts of Tenterfield – with another nearby blaze downgraded to watch and act – one to the south of nearby town Tabulam, and the other south-west of Grafton.

Residents near all of those fires have been told it is too late to leave and their lives are at risk.

Bushfires in NSW, October 31, 2023.

The RFS has advised people near the blazes to seek shelter in solid structures and to monitor the situation.

Another blaze that had reached emergency level at the NSW-Queensland border town of Boggabilla has since been downgraded to watch and act. 

It comes as Queensland battles several fires of its own, with more than 80 per cent of local government areas in the state under total fire bans.

Serial killer to stay behind bars as new Victorian laws to restrict parole

Serial killer Paul Denyer is set to stay behind bars for life as the Victorian government introduces new laws to restrict parole for serious offenders.

The Frankson killer was given three life sentences for the murders of Natalie Russell, 17, Elizabeth Stevens, 18, and Debbie Fream, 22, in 1993.

Denyer was eligible for parole in May but his application was refused, prompting the loved ones of victims to push for legal changes to stop him from making further applications.

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Paul Denyer murdered 17-year-old Natalie Russell, 18-year-old Elizabeth Stevens and Deborah Fream, 22.

The Victorian government has announced laws will be passed by parliament tomorrow to "further restrict parole for prisoners convicted of murder, killing children and serious sexual offences".

The government said the reforms would spare victims and their loved ones the pain of repeatedly reliving their trauma.

Denyer will be named in the legislation to make sure he cannot be released from prison unless he is "terminally ill or incapacitated".

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Danielle Russell was killed by Paul Denyer in 1993.

Brian Russell, the father of victim Natalie, said he was elated by the decision.

"A tremendous weight has been lifted off our shoulders," Russell said.

"The Attorney General has done a fantastic job.

"Not only will Denyer not see the light of day again, this legislation looks at the whole parole system.

"There are some good changes which will benefit people who have been in our situation."

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Denyer's first victim, Elizabeth Stevens, 18.

Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan said parole was not a right.

"People who commit unimaginable crimes belong behind bars – not back on our streets," Erdogan said.

"We've listened to victims and their families who have been forced to relive their trauma through a perpetrator's parole application.

"They deserve certainty – and they deserve better."

Paul Denyer

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the family of the victims continued to grieve.

"These changes can't heal their pain but they can provide the certainty he won't hurt another woman again."

Prisoners serving a life sentence will also be restricted from reapplying for parole after their application has been rejected.

The legislation will give the adult parole board the power to declare 'restricted prisoners', who will be "unable to apply for release for between five and ten years after serving the non-parole period of their sentence", the Victorian government explained in a statement.

"The legislation follows new advice from the Solicitor-General, and is worded in the same terms used to keep Hoddle Street killer Julian Knight and Russell Street bomber Craig Minogue in jail."

Woolworths to offer affordable festive Christmas spread for $100

Woolworths will offer customers budget Christmas menus designed to feed eight people for $100, the supermarket has told 9News.

The supermarket chain has said four different Christmas menus, which will be aimed at helping families tackle the rising cost of living, will be available online within a matter of weeks.

The announcement of the menus has come just after Woolworths backflipped on its decision to restrict everyday rewards to brick-and-mortar stores today.

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"This year we're up to almost a million members who have banked their points for Christmas and over a hundred dollars each in their accounts on average with some having far more than that, so it's the highest we've ever seen," Everyday Rewards General Manager Glenn Baker told 9News.

Approximately 71 per cent of retailers surveyed by consulting firm Deloitte said they would be discounting festive items at higher rates than last year.

"We are definitely seeing customers being more concerned about their budget and therefore making more discerning choices out how they're going to spend their money," Big W Marketing Director Vanessa Rowed said.

Competitors Coles said their Christmas range would be rolled out from November, and would include affordable decorations. 

Aldi is already offering festive-themed items and snacks, while Christmas trees will be available from Wednesday.

The advice for those looking to host a budget Christmas is the buy items on special and stock up on discounted festive staples, as well as buying in-season produce.

Man charged with murder after death of Bendigo mother

A man has been charged with murder over the death of a "loving" mother of four who was allegedly killed in her Bendigo home.

Logee Osias, 46, was allegedly killed inside her Kangaroo Flat home on Sunday, while her young daughters were reportedly inside the house.

A 44 year-old Junortoun man was questioned by police and today charged with one count of murder.

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He has been remanded in custody and will appear in court on Thursday.

Emergency services were called to the property late Sunday night where Osias was found unresponsive, taken to hospital and pronounced dead.

Her two young daughters, aged six and nine, were there at the time and it's believed one of them called triple 0.

A close friend of Osias, who worked in aged care, remembered her as a caring person and loving mother who did "everything" for her children.

"She's a good mum, she's a good friend and she does everything for her kids and they adore her," the friend told reporters.

Bendigo's Filipino community has organised a Prayer Vigil, which will take place tonight.

A 44-year-old man remains in hospital under police guard.

He was pulled out of a reservoir in the Greater Bendigo area mere hours after Logee was killed.

Treasurer criticised over decision to waive tax fee for GPs

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has been criticised over a decision to waive payroll tax fees for struggling doctors amid concern the scheme is placing unnecessary pressure on the health industry.

Victoria's GP payroll tax recently came under fire following a new interpretation that classified doctors as employees, not contractors, resulting in higher fees for certain practices.

The treasurer this week faced backlash after a letter he wrote to peak medical bodies on the issue was made public.

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In the letter, Pallas promised to use his Parliamentary powers to waive fees for doctors facing the prospect of going under, despite initially publicly claiming the industry wasn't facing pressure.

"This Government has no interest in any GP clinic closing their doors," he wrote last week.

"I would be inclined to use my 'ex gratia' power to prevent that happening."

Victoria's opposition leader John Pesutto criticised the move.

"Basically, Tim Pallas is saying if our taxes under Jacinta Allan are sending you broke, then write to us and we'll let you off the hook," he said.

"This health tax is unfair and it's wrong."

Pallas today denied he was providing exceptions for GPs, telling reporters other industries had the same options available.

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It comes after opposition from healthy industry lobbyists in recent months, concerned about the large bills some practices had acquired due to the new interpretation.

"Practices are already closed, or have closed as a result of this activity," RACGP chair Anita Munoz said.

"Those businesses will never reopen."

Munoz told 9News the letter offered little reprieve for doctors who were struggling.

"It indicates that the message that practices are at threat of closure has been received, but I think a possible ex-gratia waiver is not enough to provide comfort," she said.

Ahead of the letter being made public, Pallas had denied the tax was placing pressure on general practices, stating there was "no evidence" of the tax turning GPs broke.

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The Victorian Government has now promised representatives of the medical industry regular consultation with the state revenue office and the tax commissioner, with quarterly meetings to begin in November.

But Pallas reiterated that the tax would not disappear anytime soon.

"It would not be fair to every other taxpayer if I were to make a special exception for GPs," he said.

"And I'll be clear: I won't be making an exception."

Alcohol and racism fuelling 'shocking' NT violence, inquest hears

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the names of persons who have died.

Indigenous leader Marcia Langton has called for alcohol restrictions across the entire Northern Territory to solve the scourge of domestic violence and rejected suggestions the crisis is a cultural issue for Aboriginal communities.

"Herein lies the secret to the whole puzzle," Professor Langton told an inquest on Tuesday.

"You have to have alcohol restrictions in place at all times, no exceptions, and it is my strong belief (they) need to be uniform across the jurisdiction."

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Marcia Langton calls for alcohol restrictions across the entire Northern Territory

NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage is investigating the prevalence of domestic violence in the territory through the deaths of four women.

Coroner Elisabeth Armitage is investigating the prevalence of domestic violence in the NT.

Kumanjayi Haywood, Ngeygo Ragurrk, Miss Yunupingu and Kumarn Rubuntja all died at the hands of their intimate partners.

The inquest has already heard from the families of the victims and has now returned for a final sitting to hear from experts.

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Prof Langton, an Indigenous academic and community leader, appeared via video link to the Darwin court on Tuesday, warning the coroner of the risks alcohol poses to women's safety.

Prof Langton pointed to data from earlier this year when federal laws restricting access to alcohol in the NT lapsed, causing a surge in violent assaults.

Alcohol bans were reinstated in some areas by the territory government.

Permits are now required to drink alcohol in most remote communities, while public drinking restrictions and bottle shop opening time limits differ in towns and cities across the territory.

A banned drinking register is also in place across the jurisdiction, restricting alcohol for those convicted of certain offences.

Prof Langton said while NT alcohol policy has a complicated history women will be at risk unless uniform restrictions are in place.

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bottle shop wine

"What you get from both sides from the Aboriginal population and the non-Aboriginal population is this complaint about it being racially discriminatory when the law says it's not," she said.

She pointed to a 2013 High Court decision where alcohol management plans were found to not breach racial discrimination laws because they are "special measures" designed to protect vulnerable Indigenous communities.

Prof Langton said the amount allowed for purchase, even with the strictest limits was still too much and "not in line with medical advice".

"If there are any loopholes in the system, grog runners will buy the alcohol in truckloads take it out to the communities and no alcohol restriction policy will work," she said.

She also rejected an assertion that violence is part of Aboriginal culture.

"It's used in a derogatory fashion as if Aboriginal culture itself promotes violence, Aboriginal culture itself degrades women – that is not the case," she said.

She said some perpetrators of violence used the "cloak of customary law" to justify violence against women.

Prof Langton also echoed most other witnesses in the inquest, arguing territory domestic violence services are chronically underfunded and under-resourced.

Earlier, domestic violence expert Penny Drysdale told the inquest a team of researchers asked the NT government for $180 million worth of funding over five years to implement a domestic violence prevention plan.

It ultimately committed $20 million over two years, a commitment Drysdale argued put the system in "crisis mode".

"We stay in crisis mode, and we do little bits, but we're not able to get that co-ordinated response," she said.

In opening the final sitting of the inquest on Monday, Judge Armitage said the inquest would aim to reduce harm in communities.

"That each of (the women) suffered so much harm for so long, is truly shocking," she said.

"There are, without doubt, others out there today, similarly suffering, and that is why we are here."

The inquest resumes on Wednesday.

For 24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contact 13YARN (13 92 76).

Aboriginal Counselling Services on 0410 539 905

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Cop admits to giving false evidence in NRL star case

The most senior police officer behind the arrest of Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton has admitted giving false evidence and lying under oath while testifying against the NRL stars.

During an explosive cross-examination, Sergeant David Power apologised to Wighton and admitted core allegations he made about why he kicked him out of a Canberra nightclub weren't accurate.

It prompted Wighton's lawyer to accuse police of trying to "frame" his client, declaring the case was an "old-school stitch-up".

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NRL players Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton arrive at ACT Magistrates Court, in Canberra on Tuesday 31 October 2023. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Power earlier alleged he saw Wighton with clenched fists, anger in his face and holding a man by the shirt before he removed him from Fiction nightclub.

But Wighton's lawyer Steve Boland pieced together a timeline of events via CCTV footage that led the officer to admit none of it happened.

"What I saw appears to have not happened and my memory has failed me," Power told the court.

He later addressed Wighton, saying: "Sorry Jack, if that's what happened mate … I'm sorry."

Boland, who said the officer had invented his evidence rather than forgotten what he'd seen, criticised his apology.

"You're not mates are you … how inappropriate," he told the court.

He labelled the sergeant's story "a total and utter fantasy you dreamt up to justify everything that happens".

Power denied he'd intentionally misled the court.

He acknowledged he had a "long-term memory issue".

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https://twitter.com/tiffgenders/status/1719161877538947144

After Wighton was removed from the nightclub, he and Mitchell were accused of fighting before both were arrested.

Mitchell could be heard crying out in pain and screaming "please" as the players' friends begged police to stop their "police brutality" as they handcuffed him.

The group had been at the nightclub celebrating Wighton's 30th birthday before they spilled onto the street when the former Raider was removed from the venue for alleged aggressive behaviour.

Among the group protesting with police was Canberra captain Elliott Whitehead, who told one officer watching Mitchell's arrest "the way you came over was out of order".

Power said he "didn't see an issue with it" even after watching the footage of the arrest.

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NRL players Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton arrive at ACT Magistrates Court, in Canberra on Tuesday 31 October 2023. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Vision played on Monday showed Mitchell surrendering onto his knees before police elbowed, kneed and pushed him face-down onto the ground.

Mitchell feared for his life and was a "weeping mess", the court heard.

His defence centres around alleged heavy-handed police conduct, the star South Sydney fullback having told police while being arrested: "I've done nothing wrong but be a blackfella in Australia."

The Birpai and Wiradjuri man is charged with affray, fighting in a public place and resisting a territory official.

Wighton, who is also a Wiradjuri man, is charged with fighting in a public place and failing to comply with an exclusion direction.

13YARN 13 92 76

Aboriginal Counselling Services 0410 539 905

One python found after man allegedly released Sydney woman's pet snakes

A missing python has been found following an ordeal that saw two domestic snakes released into the wild and one man arrested in Sydney's south.

Two domesticated snakes, Mango and Bagel, were released from a storage unit into Coogee two weeks ago, which led to a 25-year-old man being charged with damaging property on Saturday.

The snake's owner, a 25-year-old female, had posted photos to Facebook of the snakes asking for locals to help locate the reptiles – named Mango and Bagels – the week prior to the arrest.

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Mango is domesticated and won't survive in the wild, its owner said.

Today, Bagel was found and returned to her owner, the woman confirmed in a Facebook post.

"She was thirsty but otherwise not a scratch on her, I can imagine she thoroughly enjoyed her time as a wild snake," the owner shared.

"Thanks endlessly… to WIRES, the local Randwick and Maroubra police force, and the entire community as a whole for having such a keen eye out for my babies."

The yellow python, Mango, has not been located.

"Mango is still unfortunately missing, as the weather warms up she might be spotted lounging in the sun," she wrote.

"If you see her please call WIRES or local police."

The 25-year-old male allegedly responsible for releasing the snakes into Coogee has been arrested and refused bail.