Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King MP released a statement today announcing the sale of Pel-Air.Today the administrators for Rex Airlines have advised the sale of Pel-Air, part of the Rex business, to Helicorp Pty Ltd, part of Toll Aviation. Pel-Air is the contractor supplying ambulance services to Ambulance Victoria and NSW Ambulance, along with specially-modified aircraft for international and domestic aeromedical transfers. This is part of the ongoing administration process and proceeds from the sale will be used by the Rex Group to repay secured debt.The Commonwealth continues to work closely with the administrators as Rex’s regional aviation business remains in voluntary administration.We have made clear our commitment to support Regional Aviation in Australia and the ongoing viability of key regional services.The Commonwealth continues to guarantee ticket sales throughout the Voluntary Administration and we are pleased that Australians have confidence booking flights as bookings are holding up well.I encourage passengers to continue to support Rex’s regional operations.My department continues to meet daily with the administrator and we will provide any relevant updates as the voluntary administration period continues.

The Minns Labor Government is calling on the best and brightest in developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology tools to improve the NSW Planning Portal and speed up assessment timeframes to deliver more homes, jobs and infrastructure.The NSW Planning Portal processes all the state’s Development Applications (DA) as well as Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and Concurrence and Referrals (C&R) for DAs that require state agency advice. The NSW Government has launched two Requests for Proposals (RFP) seeking innovative technology and AI solutions to integrate into the Planning Portal as a feature of the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem. The first RFP asks for:·       Products to improve DA quality and assessment times that can be integrated into the existing Portal·       Products or services that use AI to provide data analytics and spatial insights·       Products to strengthen cybersecurity and improve user privacy, including document security and certificate forgeryA second tender seeking a range of technology enhancements to upgrade the core platform functionality of the NSW Planning Portal which include:·       Making this legacy platform more efficient through upgrades to assessment and implementation planning·       Seeking products that improve security through data processing and document migration and validation·       Enhancements to the core platform, making it more reliable and improving the user experienceThese two RFPs follow the NSW Government’s $5.6 million investment to introduce AI into the planning system with 16 councils currently trialling AI solutions through the AI Early Adopter Grant.To provide a Request for Proposal for the NSW Planning Portal, applicants should respond by 3pm on Friday, 1 November: NSW Planning Portal - Pega Upgrade - SR00252 | buy.nswTo provide a Request for Proposal for the Next Generation NSW Planning Portal ecosystem applicants should respond by 3pm on Monday, 4 November: Next Generation NSW Planning Portal Ecosystem - SR00132 | buy.nsw Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “The NSW Planning Portal services millions of people, it should be utilising the best technological platforms available to us.“AI can assist planners to determine DAs much faster and that means faster assessments for housing across NSW.“We are also looking for solutions to improve the core technology of the Planning Portal to improve user experience.“The Minns Labor Government is bringing the planning system into the 21st century.“Our Early Adopter AI grant Program has already seen 16 councils commence technology trials to help their planners free up valuable time and energy to improve assessment times. This next round of technology enhancements will bring us even closer to the future of digital assessment in the planning system.”

As much as $7.44 billion could be saved over the lifetimes of today's children and teens by reducing their overweight and obesity by 5%, researchers say in a study published today. The study, published in the latest issue of Public Health Research & Practice, a peer-reviewed journal of the Sax Institute, uses modelling to estimate the long-term economic benefits of achieving the aspirational goal set by the Australian Government’s National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032 of reducing childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity from 25% to 20% by 2030. The researchers from the University of Sydney found that each child or teen with overweight incurs an excess lifetime cost of about $19,700, which rises to $46,700 for those with obesity, compared with their healthy-weight peers. These costs stem predominantly from increased healthcare expenses and productivity losses due to premature mortality.The projected overall savings of $7.44 billion could potentially offset the Government’s expenditure on implementing primary prevention initiatives and improve access to healthcare services aimed at achieving the National Obesity Strategy’s goals, the study authors say.The researchers used a model that tracks the lifetime body mass index (BMI) and related healthcare and productivity costs for a synthetic cohort of children based on data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. They compared projected lifetime costs under two scenarios: maintaining current overweight and obesity rates and reducing overweight and obesity prevalence by 5%. “Our research suggests that investing in prevention now would not only improve the long-term health outcomes of Australians but would also save the Government billions of dollars over the coming decades,” says lead author Joe Carrello, a PhD graduate at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health whose work has been funded by The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre, a centre of the Sax Institute.“But the problem is that less than 2% of health expenditure currently targets prevention. Many children and teens with obesity simply lack access to weight management services, making the target of a 5% reduction hard to achieve,” he adds. “Our research demonstrates the considerable economic benefits we could achieve by reducing overweight and obesity in our children and provide justification for investing in treatment and prevention for this population.”Another paper in this issue of Public Health Research & Practice looks at the first five years of pharmacist-administered vaccinations in Australia. It finds a dramatic increase in the number of these vaccinations over the period and points to the role pharmacists can play in improving flu vaccine coverage in regional areas, where they can fill gaps in areas that are underserved by general practice.And new research on illnesses in children returning from overseas travel suggests that typhoid infections in this population could be avoided if vaccinations prior to travel were more widespread.Other papers focus on:Implementation science research and the need to deliver public health interventions of proven effectiveness at scale to whole populationsThe benefits of co-creation in enabling meaningful public and consumer engagement with researchThe impact of COVID-19 on lung cancer care in NSW.In an editorial, the journal’s editor-in-chief, Professor Don Nutbeam, says the papers in this issue serve as an important reminder of the need to plan for impact in public health research.“The chances of achieving sustainable impact at scale are greatly enhanced if researchers are in meaningful dialogue with the consumers and communities intended to benefit from the research. Among other benefits, this ensures that we are asking and answering questions of importance to our communities,” he comments.For the link to the paper on the economic benefits of reducing childhood obesity, click here: https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp3432421.

Real-world testing reveals significant discrepancies between laboratory-reported and actual fuel efficiency.The Australian Automobile Association's (AAA) real-world vehicle testing program has been awarded an international innovation award for its groundbreaking approach to providing consumers with accurate fuel consumption and emissions data. The program, funded by the Australian Government, was recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) with the Empowering Cleaner Choices award.The FIA, representing 242 organisations across 147 countries, praised the program for its unique contribution to consumer information and environmental protection. The Real-World Testing program stands as a global first, offering car buyers valuable insights into the actual fuel efficiency of vehicles on Australian roads, often contrasting significantly with laboratory-reported figures.This initiative empowers consumers with knowledge to make informed decisions when purchasing a car, potentially saving money on fuel costs and contributing to a cleaner environment. The program also provides valuable data to policymakers for the development of more accurate laboratory testing protocols in the future. Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, emphasised the program's significance, stating, "This program helps Australians make informed decisions based on the real costs of running a vehicle. Transport takes a percentage of every household budget, that’s why it is important Australians have access to tools like this to help maximise savings."Since its launch in October 2023, AAA's Real-World Testing program has tested 70 popular Australian cars, revealing that 52 models consume more fuel than initially reported. The latest findings, released today, indicate that some new cars use over 30% more fuel than advertised.You can view more details by clicking https://realworld.org.au/.

The body of a man has been located in the water at Tweed Heads earlier today.About 6.15am (Tuesday, 22 October 2024), police were called to Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads following reports a body was seen in the water.Police attached to Marine Area Command, assisted by Tweed/Byron Police District, attended the scene and recovered the body of a man.The body has since been identified as that of a man aged in his 60s.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will carry out a final round of events in Sydney after an at-times fiery visit to the nation's capital as the royal tour wraps up.Their Majesties will attend a community barbecue in Sydney's west hosted by NSW Premier Chris Minns ahead of a meet and greet with well-wishers in front of the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday afternoon.The last time a sovereign met the crowds at the Opera House was when the late Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2006.Their Majesties will then participate in a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Review of five ships on Sydney Harbour.The Navy, the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force will conduct fly-pasts and more than 600 officers and sailors will conduct a 'cheer ship' salute.(While in Canberra, King Charles was given a demonstration on how quickly a bushfire can burn. (Tracey Nearmy/AAP PHOTOS)In the morning, the King and Queen will split up for separate engagements.King Charles will visit the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence while Queen Camilla will visit Refettorio OzHarvest and Green Square Library in the inner city.Later, the King will visit the Melanoma Institute where he will meet joint Australians of the Year Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer.The King, 75, was earlier this year diagnosed with a form of cancer, the type of which has not been officially confirmed.The final day of events for the royal couple comes after Victorian Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted a reception in Parliament House on Monday to protest the monarchy."You are not our king. You are not sovereign," the Indigenous senator said before being led away by officials."You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us - our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people," she said before being removed.(Anthony Albanese hosted King Charles at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday. (Saeed Khan/AAP PHOTOS)While in Canberra, the King also laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial and planted a gum tree at the Botanic Gardens.He met with volunteer firefighters and researchers at the CSIRO bushfire behaviour lab, witnessing a demonstration of how quickly bushfires can spread and learning about suppression methods.The Queen attended a roundtable discussion about domestic and family violence while the King met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.Following events in Sydney, the King and Queen travel to Samoa to open the annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.By Jack Gramenz in Sydney

The NSW Government welcomes the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) release of proposed new drinking water guidelines for public consultation, which recommend lower values for PFAS in drinking water across Australia.As confirmed by recent and ongoing testing, all water currently supplied by Sydney Water and Hunter Water complies with existing Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and remains safe to drink.Only water supplied from one area in the Upper Blue Mountains, processed through the Cascade Water Filtration Plant, exceeds the proposed new PFAS guideline values, although it remains well below the current drinking water guidelines.The Cascade Filtration Plant services approximately 41,400 customers in the Blue Mountains region, including Leura, Katoomba, Catalina, Blackheath, and Mt Victoria.To provide further reassurance, recent tests conducted at the Cascade Water Filtration Plant have confirmed that all samples remain well within the current Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.WaterNSW is investigating the source of the PFAS contamination, and Sydney Water is working with WaterNSW and NSW Health to reduce the PFAS levels in the Cascades catchment by isolating the areas where PFAS has been detected and using more water from Oberon Dam.Sydney Water and WaterNSW are actively working on both short- and long-term solutions to bring this system in line with the rest of Sydney’s water supply, which already tests below the new proposed PFAS limits.All drinking water that complies with the current guidelines is safe. Water sourced from our catchments undergoes extensive treatment and rigorous testing before reaching households.To date, no concerning detections have been found in regional NSW drinking water supplies. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and NSW Health are working to support all regional water utilities to test their drinking water for PFAS and testing is ongoing.The state’s water authorities, in conjunction with DCCEEW, the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and NSW Health, are also reviewing what the new draft guidelines mean for the monitoring, testing and treatment of drinking water across the state.The NHMRC used conservative assumptions in setting these proposed new values to ensure even small risks are addressed.The updated guidelines released by the NHMRC show the amount of PFAS a person can consume daily and over a lifetime for drinking water without any appreciable risks to their health.The draft guidelines released by the NHMRC are an interim proposal and may change following further consultation and deliberation.For more information, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/pfasMinister for Water Rose Jackson said, “All drinking water that meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines remains safe to drink.“There are no immediate changes or risks when it comes to drinking water that meets our existing guidelines.“We understand the community’s concerns about PFAS and are committed to transparency, ensuring the community has access to up-to-date information.“The NSW Government remains determined to ensuring drinking water guidelines are met.“Management of PFAS is informed by the best science and evidence, and where there are issues detected, the NSW Government is committed to taking action.“We will continue to support water utilities across the state to deliver safe drinking water. In addition to PFAS testing support for Local Water Utilities, the NSW Government’s $32.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program has been extended to June 2028, providing essential tools to ensure at-risk regional communities continue to have access to clean and reliable water services.“The National Health and Medical Research Council has said any detections of PFAS higher than the proposed new guideline values should not be viewed as a pass/fail measure but should be investigated and actions taken to bring the supply within the guideline values.”

Homicide Squad detectives are today re-appealing for information into the murders of three children from Bowraville in 1990 under Strike Force Ancud 4, with a particular focus on finding the remains of Colleen Walker-Craig.Colleen Walker-Craig was just 16 when she was last seen in Bowraville between Thursday, 13 September and Saturday, 15 September 1990.Her family reported her missing, and her weighted-down clothes were later found in the Nambucca River.Although Colleen’s body has never been found, the NSW Coroner found she had died and had most likely been murdered.Her four-year-old cousin, Evelyn Greenup, disappeared after being put to bed at her grandmother’s Bowraville home on Thursday, 4 October 1990.Her remains were found in bushland near Congarinni Road on Saturday, 27 April 1991.While the post-mortem did not conclusively determine the cause of death, it was noted that a skull injury was consistent with a forceful penetration by a sharp instrument.Clinton Speedy-Duroux was also aged 16 when he disappeared after a party at Bowraville on Thursday, 31 January 1991.His remains were located in bushland near Congarinni Road on Monday, 18 February 1991.The murders of the three children were originally investigated separately before being linked by Strike Force Ancud detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad Unsolved Homicide Team.Despite a man being charged on separate occasions over two of the children’s murders, he has since been acquitted.As inquiries continue, Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said detectives will be spending some time in Bowraville as part of a push for further information – particularly into that of the whereabouts of Colleen’s remains.“The passage of time has not diminished our resolve in this case. We are as dedicated today as we were 34 years ago to finding those responsible for these heinous crimes,” Det Supt Doherty said.“Our presence in Bowraville this week is a testament to our ongoing commitment to this investigation, and we hope this re-appeal can help us uncover new insights and ultimately move closer to justice.“One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this case is that Colleen’s remains have never been found, and that will be a key focus of our detectives this week.“Finding Colleen’s remains is absolutely critical in helping us close this painful chapter, and we are hopeful there are still people out there who have information that could point us in the right direction,” Det Supt Doherty said.“Detectives will be spending the week in Bowraville to spread community consciousness and encourage anyone with information to come forward. Now is the time.”A $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each of the children’s murder remains in place, as well as for information leading to the location and recovery of Colleen’s remains.Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Police have recovered three bodies following a search and rescue operation in Sydney’s south west.Emergency services were called to a boat ramp in Shearer Park off Hollywood Drive, Lansvale, shortly before 10.15am today (Saturday 19 October 2024), following reports a woman and two children were seen in the water in distress.Members of the public attempted to assist the woman and children until emergency services arrived.A short time later a woman, aged 32, was pulled from the water; however, she was unable to be revived.Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command, assisted by Marine Area Command, PolAir and SES, conducted an extensive land and water search.About 2pm, the bodies of a girl, aged 5, and a boy, aged 7, were recovered from the water.All three are yet to be formally identified.A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.Police have established a crime scene, with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Fairfield Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

A 12-year-old boy is among the dignitaries to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Australia as the monarch kicks off a delicately planned, rapid royal tour. The first visit by a reigning monarch in more than decade almost began in drenching rain, only to ease as the royal plane approached Sydney on Friday night. Confidently descending from a RAAF jet, King Charles stepped onto Australian soil for the first time in six years with a grin, before being warmly greeted by his Australian representative, Governor-General Sam Mostyn.(The trip is the couple's first Australian visit since King Charles ascended to the throne in 2022. (Brook Mitchell/AAP PHOTOS)Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns tucked away their republican beliefs, dipping their heads and heartily shaking the sovereign's hand.The 75-year-old regent, who has paused cancer treatment to travel to Australia and Samoa, also shared a laugh with the prime minister's fiancee Jodie Haydon. But the warmest reception was reserved for the youngest of the Australian contingent, as 12-year-old Ky got his wish to meet the royals. The beaming boy, supported by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, offered a posy of waratahs to Queen Camilla and discussed the arrangement with Her Majesty, alongside his proud family. The royal couple were soon whisked away in a police motorcade, through the city to a harbourside residence. They are expected to rest on Saturday before official engagements begin on Sunday. The trip is the couple's first Australian visit since the King ascended to the throne in 2022 and the first by a reigning monarch since Queen Elizabeth's 2011 tour.But unlike that extensive 10-day trip by his mother, engagements and travel have been pared back considerably in light of the King's cancer diagnosis in February.Still, the royals will be kept busy with formal dinners, wreath laying, fleet inspecting and hand-shaking during their five-day tour of Sydney and Canberra.Members of the public will have multiple chances to glimpse Australia's new monarch at iconic sites including the Australian War Memorial, federal parliament and the Sydney Opera House.The Opera House sails are being lit up for the couple's arrival on Friday night, albeit after a delay caused by the coincidentally named cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth.The royal couple are expected to rest on Saturday to recover from their 24-hour journey.The Australian Monarchist League's Damien De Pyle said it would be a privilege for the nation to welcome the King back to Australia."It's obviously a very special country for him ... this is the first Commonwealth country he's visited since becoming King," Mr De Pyle told AAP.Official duties begin on Sunday, including a church service and a visit from Governor-General Sam Mostyn and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.But speculation is building that Royal Randwick could live up to its name and be graced with a discreet appearance from the couple on Saturday for the world's richest horse race outside the United Arab Emirates, the $20 million Everest.The pair will travel to Canberra on Monday, where they will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial before receiving an official welcome at Parliament House.The royals will also meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, plant a tree, and tour the botanic gardens.Fans will be able to see the pair about midday at the For Our Country memorial, which commemorates the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.Sydneysiders will be able to see the King and Queen at the Opera House on Tuesday about 4.30pm.Australian Monarchist League volunteers plan to hand out flags at the Opera House, while a small group of UK republicans plan to protest in Sydney and Canberra.(The couple visited Australia for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 before the King's coronation. (Mark Metcalfe/AAP PHOTOS)Forty per cent of Australians don't know the British monarch is also Australia's head of state, according to research commissioned by the Australian Republican Movement.Mr Albanese floated a possible referendum for Australia to become a republic if his government was returned for a second term.But the idea was shelved after the failed 2023 referendum to establish an Indigenous voice to federal parliament.The royal couple will also visit the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern and attend a community barbecue in Parramatta, before embarking on a review of the Royal Australian Navy fleet.The King and Queen depart Australia on Wednesday morning for Samoa, where they will open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.King Charles, who has paused cancer treatment during his travels, travelled to Australia 15 times before ascending to the throne.By Luke Costin and Aaron Bunch in Sydney

Organised Crime Squad detectives have charged two men as part of an investigation into the transportation of prohibited drugs between NSW and other states and territories under Strike Force Dewhirst.Strike Force Dewhirst is an investigation by State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad – working closely with Traffic and Highway Patrol Command – and NSW Crime Commission into the transportation of prohibited drugs and proceeds of crime between NSW and other states and territories by people using Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Devices (DECCDs).As part of inquiries, about 9.15am yesterday (Wednesday, 16 October 2024), officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a white Fiat campervan on the Pacific Highway at Nabiac – about 25km north-west of Forster.During a search of the vehicle, police located three mobile phones – one suspected of being a DECCD – and a duffle bag containing nine 1kg blocks of cocaine in vacuum-sealed bags.The driver and passenger of the car – two men aged 20 and 19 – were arrested and taken to Forster Police Station, where they were charged with supply prohibited drug >= large commercial quantity.The men were refused bail to appear before Forster Local Court today (Thursday, 17 October 2024).Police will allege in court the men had rented the van in Brisbane the day prior, with the intention to travel to Sydney, pick up the drugs and return to Brisbane.Investigations under Strike Force Dewhirst continue.Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The unemployment rate was steady at 4.1 per cent in September, in line with the revised figure for August, according to seasonally adjusted data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Bjorn Jarvis, ABS head of labour statistics, said: “With employment rising by around 64,000 people and the number of unemployed falling around 9,000, the unemployment rate remained at 4.1 per cent, where it has generally been over the past six months.”Despite the slight fall in the number of unemployed people, the strong rise in employment saw the participation rate rise by 0.1 percentage point to a record high of 67.2 per cent.“Employment has risen by 3.1 per cent in the past year, growing faster than the civilian population growth of 2.5 per cent. This has contributed to the increase in the employment-to-population ratio by 0.1 percentage point, and 0.4 percentage points over the past year, to a new historical high of 64.4 per cent.“The record employment-to-population ratio and participation rate shows that there are still large numbers of people entering the labour force and finding work in a range of industries, as job vacancies continue to remain above pre-pandemic levels.“While the number of unemployed people fell slightly to 616,000 in September, overall, the number of unemployed people has risen by around 90,000 people since September 2023. Despite this rise over the last year, there are still around 93,000 fewer unemployed people than there were just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when the unemployment rate was at 5.2 per cent,” Mr Jarvis said.Hours worked and underemploymentSeasonally adjusted monthly hours worked rose by 0.3 per cent, slightly less than the 0.4 per cent rise in employment.Growth in hours worked was stronger for males, up by 0.7 per cent, while hours worked for females fell 0.3 per cent. This was supported by male employment growing by 0.6 per cent, around double the 0.3 per cent increase in female employment.The underemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage point to 6.3 per cent. This was 0.1 percentage point lower than September 2023, and 2.4 percentage points lower than March 2020.The underutilisation rate, which combines the unemployment and underemployment rates, fell 0.2 percentage points to 10.4 per cent. This remained well below the 13.9 per cent recorded in March 2020.Underlying trend dataThe trend unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1 per cent for September, for the fourth month in a row.In trend terms, employment grew by around 44,000 people (0.3 per cent), which was faster than the 20-year pre-pandemic average growth rate (0.2 per cent).Hours worked grew 0.2 per cent, slightly slower than the growth in employment.The employment-to-population ratio stayed at the historical high of 64.4 per cent, while the participation rate increased to a new record of 67.2 per cent.The underemployment rate remained at 6.4 per cent. With the unemployment rate steady at 4.1 per cent, the resulting underutilisation rate also stayed at 10.5 per cent."The trend employment and participation measures are at an all-time high, while unemployment and underemployment measures are still low, especially compared with what we saw before the pandemic. This suggests the labour market continues to be relatively tight,” Mr Jarvis said.More information will be available in the upcoming September 2024 issue of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, on Thursday 24 October 2024, including modelled regional labour market data.The ABS would like to thank Australians for their continued support in responding to our surveys.

Australians are on the hunt for bargains, as the nation’s passion for online shopping continues to grow.Australia Post today released its latest quarterly Inside Australian Online Shopping Report, with FY25 first quarter results showing:In August, an additional 190,000 households participated in AfterPay sales compared to last year.Online purchases increased 2% year-on-year (YoY).5.8 million Aussie households made an online purchase on average every month in the quarter.Fashion and Apparel saw the largest growth in the quarter, up 16.7% YoY.Australia Post has added two additional freighters to its fleet, providing critical capacity and flexibility as Australia prepares for an eCommerce boom in the lead-up to Christmas. Across the country Tasmania recorded the highest growth YoY for online purchases growing 10.3%, followed by the Northern Territory with 9.9% and Queensland with 4.5%.Sales events continue to be popular with consumers with an additional 190,000 households participating in the August AfterPay sales, compared to last year. With the largest sales events of the year almost here, the report predicts Major and Discount Stores will see the biggest jump in sales across the Cyber sales1 period (up 142%) when compared to normal trading days in the year.2 This is closely followed by Athleisure (an expected 138% increase), Fashion Accessories (a 133% increase), Sporting & Outdoor (a 130% uplift) and Women’s Fashion (up 120%).Australia Post Executive General Manager of Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services, Gary Starr, highlighted the impact that online shopping events have on consumer spending.  “Consumers are adapting by hunting for the best deals and making more strategic purchases. The Cyber sales provide Aussies with a great opportunity to drive their dollar further, which is why we expect the upcoming sales events to be incredibly strong.”The report coincides with Australia Post today adding two new A321 freighters to its fleet, providing critical capacity and flexibility as Australia prepares for an eCommerce boom in the lead-up to Christmas.Ahead of the year’s busiest shopping season, Australia Post is reminding shoppers they can prepare for delivery success by downloading the AusPost app. Offering greater control and visibility of Australia Post deliveries matched to a MyPost Account; the AusPost app is the best place to get trusted, accurate and legitimate notifications that protect customer security. Australia Post has also announced last sending dates ahead of Christmas. For sending to and from most destinations within Australia via Parcel Post, parcels should be sent by Friday 20 December, or if sending via Express Post by Monday 23 December. People sending to or from Western Australia and Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.To learn more about these trends and access data and insights about shoppers, visit Australia Post Quarterly Online Shopping Report: http://auspost.com.au/einsight.

Police from all law enforcement agencies across Australia have this week gathered in Melbourne under Operation Athena to discuss and focus on the increase in privately-made firearms on Australian streets.Operation Athena is a nationwide operation that targets the trafficking and use of illegal firearms throughout Australia and is a cooperative initiative involving all law enforcement agencies in Australia.Senior police from all of Australia’s law enforcement agencies, intelligence, firearms ballistics and forensic experts, legal academics and industry leaders gathered in Melbourne in October 2024, to address the most significant growing threat to public safety in Australia, privately-made firearms.Across Australia, the manufacture of privately made firearms has grown exponentially, with hundreds of firearms and firearms parts being seized by police across the nation.These firearms have been found in the possession of organised criminal networks, outlaw motorcycle gangs and street-level criminals, and research has shown privately-made firearms are becoming more prevalent, potentially replacing conventional firearms as the weapons of choice for Australian criminals.Commander of NSW Police Force’s Drug and Firearms Squad and Chair of Operation Athena, Detective Superintendent John Watson, said these firearms have infiltrated the streets, homes and communities across Australia, and pose a real and imminent danger to the public.“Australia has the toughest firearm laws in the world, that’s a fact. What these criminals are attempting to do is skirt around these laws and put the public in danger.“These firearms could be made out of plastic, screws, sometimes a combination of household equipment, and while they may look clownish or even toy-like, the fact is they are genuine and potentially lethal weapons,” Det Supt Watson said.“The goal of this symposium has been to gather all the experts from across Australia and tackle the issue head on to figure out exactly how we disrupt this dangerous and illegal activity.Spokesperson for Operation Athena, Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood, said that Tasmania has recently introduced strong firearms legislation to include 3D printing of firearms offences.“We are already seeing the benefits of this legislation,” Assistant Commissioner Blackwood said.“Illegal firearms are all dangerous and have the potential to harm or kill. We work closely with our partners in jurisdictions to help keep our community safe,” Assistant Commissioner Blackwood said.“Tasmania Police is committed to preventing the importation, manufacture and distribution of illicit firearms in our State by conducting planned and responsive operations accordingly. Of course, we also monitor repeat offenders very closely.“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure we take every opportunity to take illicit firearms off our streets.”Privately-manufactured firearm investigations of note include:In July 2024, detectives attached to NSW Police Force’s State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad – with assistance from the Department of Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police – launched Strike Force Temarang to investigate the importation and private manufacturing of firearms.As part of investigations, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant at a home on Swan Drive in Googong, about 7.45am on Thursday 29 August 2024.During the search, detectives located and seized a loaded Glock pistol, a sawn-off rifle, four replica Glock pistols, four privately manufactured firearms, multiple firearm magazines and firearm parts, three taser cartridges, a ballistic vest, multiple flick knives, a cannabis plant and prohibited drugs.Following further investigations, strike force detective arrested an 18-year-old man at Goulburn Police Station on Wednesday, 4 September 2024.He was charged with three counts of possess unauthorised pistol, two counts of possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, two counts of possess unregistered pistol, two counts of not keep pistol safely, possess shortened firearm without authority, possess unregistered firearm, not keep firearm safely, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and possess a barrel for a firearm unless authorised.The man was granted bail to appear before Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday, 23 October 2024.In October 2023, detectives from Victoria Police’s Illicit Firearms Squad commenced an investigation into the online purchasing and supply of firearm parts after a referral from the Australian Border Force.Following investigations, a warrant was executed at a residential address in Gordon on Thursday 26 October 2023 with assistance from the Dog Squad.During the search detectives located and seized seven handguns – including four privately made firearms – four rifles, three gel blasters, a homemade flamethrower, over 70 cannabis plants, large amounts of ammunition, privately manufactured firearm parts, a 3D printer and various quantities of drugs of dependence.A 47-year-old man Gordon man was arrested at the home.He was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with possess a trafficable quantity of firearms, prohibited persons possess a firearm, manufacture firearm, possess parts for manufacturing a firearm, prohibited person an imitation firearm, prohibited person possess a prohibited weapon, possess cartridge ammunition, cultivate cannabis, possess cannabis and possess methylamphetamine.He was bailed to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 17 October 2024.In April 2024, detectives from Tasmania Police’s Northern CIB searched a residence in Newnham where officers located a taser and a 3D printing machine where they also located blueprint files to be able to print parts to Glock pistols.Consequently a 24-year-old woman was taken into custody and charged with a number of firearm-related offences, including possessing digital blueprints for the manufacture of firearmsShe appeared in an out of hours court session where bail was refused.On 7 October 2024, Tasmanian Police Officers based in the greater Hobart area were in pursuit of a 28-year-old man on foot after he fled a routine traffic interception.Upon police apprehending the man, a 3D printed .22 calibre handgun he was carrying fell to the ground. Upon inspection, the firearm was loaded.The man was arrested and placed before the court on a number of charges, including unlawful possession of a loaded firearm. He was refused bail.

Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into alleged sadistic sextortion at Coffs Harbour.In August 2024, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation into a Coffs Harbour man following a referral from Queensland Police Service.It is alleged the man had been grooming a 15-year-old girl he had met online and was threatening her to send videos of herself carrying out various compromising acts such as self-harming and performing sexual acts.Following investigations, about 7.35am yesterday (Wednesday, 16 October 2024), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – attended an address in Safety Beach, approximately 30km north of Coffs Harbour, where they arrested a 28-year-old man.During a search of the property, police located and seized various electronic devices, which will undergo further forensic examination.The man was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station, where he was charged with using a carriage service to engage in sexual activity with a child, to do/plan harm to person under 16 years, to groom under 16 years for sex, to threaten to kill, to threaten to serious harm, to send indecent material to person under 16 years, and to cause child sexual activity.He was refused bail and appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court the same day.Commander of State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said police are seeing a rise in sadistic sextortion cases.“Sadistic sextortion is unlike typical cases of sextortion because the offender is not doing it for financial gain, rather victims are being coerced into producing extreme sexual and violent content,” Det Supt Doherty said.“We want children to know there is always someone who will listen, and there are things we can do to get you out of any situation, no matter how frightening it is or what the offender is telling you. “I hope this incident also acts an alert to parents who may be aware that their children engaging in self-harm that there may be deeper reasons for this that need to be explored with them in a supportive manner.”

There were 286,998 births registered in Australia in 2023, resulting in a total fertility rate (TFR) of 1.50 babies per woman according to the latest data released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography statistics, said: "The record low total fertility rate is because there were fewer births in most states and territories".In 2023, Western Australia had the highest TFR (1.57 babies per woman), closely followed by New South Wales and the Northern Territory (1.55 babies per woman).The Australian Capital Territory had the lowest total fertility rate in 2023, with 1.31 babies per woman.Only Tasmania saw an increase in TFR since 2022, growing from 1.49 to 1.51 babies per woman.“In 2023, the total fertility rate for mothers who were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander was 2.17 babies per woman. There were 24,737 births registered where at least one parent was an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian, which makes up 8.6 per cent of all births,” Ms Cho said.Over the past 30 years, the TFR has slowly dropped from 1.86 in 1993. This decline was most prominent among women aged 15 to 19, where the age-specific fertility rate fell by more than two-thirds (to 6.2 per 1,000 women). The age-specific fertility rate of women aged 20 to 24 years also saw a large decline.In contrast, the age-specific fertility rate of women aged 40 to 44 almost doubled (to 15.1 per 1,000 women) compared with 30 years ago. Meanwhile, women aged 30 to 34 continue to have the highest age-specific fertility rate (105.2 babies per 1,000 women), followed by women aged 25 to 29 (74.9 babies per 1,000 women).“The long-term decline in fertility of younger mums as well as the continued increase in fertility of older mums reflects a shift towards later childbearing. Together, this has resulted in a rise in the median age of mothers to 31.9 years and a fall in Australia's total fertility rate,” Ms Cho said.

A majority of aged-care providers are seriously concerned about how Australia will handle a rapidly maturing population.The Aged and Community Care Providers Association's state of the sector survey released on Wednesday shows seven out of 10 providers worry about the nation's readiness for an ageing population.Recent reforms include a $4.3 billion support at home scheme, which would see the government cover clinical care costs to allow people to live independently for longer, before switching to an aged-care facility.It's estimated 1.4 million Australians will benefit from the changes expected to come into effect from July 2025, after the government struck a deal with the coalition.Some 97 per cent of survey respondents were concerned about increasing costs, with half of residential providers reporting they were losing money.The margins of home care providers declined to $1.80 per client a day in the first half of 2023/24, down from about $3.20 in 2022/23.More than 90 per cent of providers nominated government funding as a concern with respondents noting problems were worse in regional and rural areas or 'thin' markets.One in five smaller providers were not confident in their ability to maintain services in the next 12 months.Association chief executive Tom Symondson said the survey revealed realities of the sector."This is a report about our sector at a critical juncture in its transformation journey, based on feedback from those that deliver care to older Australians every day," he said."It comes amidst a backdrop of financial, workforce and reform challenges – all of significant magnitude."The demand for aged care is also growing, highlighting the urgent need to create a system that delivers high-quality care now and into the future."Despite concerns, 51 per cent of respondents believed aged care reforms were pointing the sector in the right direction."Australia's population is ageing, and we need to be ready," Mr Symondson said."It's critical that funding is sufficient to deliver care and to attract investment so we can build for the future."Workforce shortages and ability to meet care minutes requirements were also major concerns."Providers are feeling the brunt of worker shortages, with just 36 per cent confident they would be able to recruit enough staff to meet their increased care minutes," Mr Symondson said."Migration settings aren't the answer, with 64 per cent unable to access the workers required under current arrangements."Under the government's reforms people will still have to make means-tested contributions for help as part of everyday living or support around the house.A lifetime contribution cap will also be raised under the changes to $130,000 for non-clinical costs.Recent federal government data showed only 40 per cent of aged-care providers met mandatory targets for total minutes of care for residents, and for care given by registered nurses, in the three months to the end of June.About a quarter of for-profit providers met both targets, compared with 44 per cent of not-for-profits.By Holly Hales in Melbourne

The NSW Government is set to reintroduce legislation requiring private health insurers to pay the full gazetted rate for their members using public hospitals. This decision comes after four months of unsuccessful negotiations with the nation's four largest insurers – HCF, NIB, Bupa, and Medibank – who have been refusing to pay the correct single room rate.The government argues that the insurers' refusal to pay the $892 gazetted rate is costing the public health system around $140 million annually. HCF is currently paying $463, costing NSW Health $40.5 million per year. NIB pays $491, costing $17.6 million annually, while Bupa pays $501, costing $35.8 million. Medibank's $515 payment costs the system $33.4 million each year.This issue dates back to 2013 when the insurers similarly refused to pay the correct rate, prompting then-Treasurer Mike Baird to introduce legislation to enforce the payment. The government argues that the current situation is unacceptable, particularly given the significant profits reported by the private health insurance industry in recent years.According to the NSW Government, the industry recorded a $2.2 billion profit in 2022-23, a 110% increase from the previous year. At the same time, the proportion of premiums returned to customers has decreased from 88.03% in 2019-2020 to 82.61% in 2022-23.Treasurer Daniel Mookhey emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring the insurers pay their fair share, stating, "Mike Baird was right 10 years ago when he demanded the insurers pay their fair share, and we are right to enforce that agreement now."Minister for Health Ryan Park echoed this sentiment, calling on the insurers to "do the right thing and pay their fair share," highlighting the impact of their actions on the public health system. He stressed that the funds withheld could be used to hire up to 1,000 additional nurses, build a new rural hospital, or reduce the elective surgery waitlist.Of the 53 private health insurers operating in the state, 44 have either agreed to pay the correct rate or are already doing so. The four largest funds, who represent a combined 74% of the private health insurance market, are yet to reach an agreement.The government has stated that it remains open to discussions with the insurers and hopes they will choose to resolve the issue by paying their bills.

Northern Territory police are pleading with the community to "wake up" to an unfolding epidemic of domestic violence as investigations continue into seven deaths in less than five months.The latest death of a woman allegedly killed by her partner prompted an appeal on Tuesday by the Territory's police Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst: "This has to stop"."The tragedy is mounting, and that tragedy is one that the Northern Territory cannot ignore - seven matters are being investigated by the Northern Territory police as domestic homicides since 1 June of this year," he said."The Northern Territory cannot accept one death, let alone seven."It is something that the community needs to wake up to, deal with, and not accept - violence is not the answer."Police said they had not seen this many people die "at the hands of another in a domestic situation" since the early 2000s in the Northern Territory and the vicarious trauma experienced by frontline workers, community and the public was hard to explain.All women killed were Aboriginal and a further two women are fighting for life in Royal Darwin Hospital's intensive care unit, after assaults related to domestic violence, Mr Wurst said.On Monday night at Lajamanu, a remote community 870km south of Darwin, a 42-year-old woman was killed in an allegedly stabbing by her domestic partner.Mr Wurst said the man is in police custody and had been on parole at the time of the alleged stabbing, after being released from prison in April.The woman is the third person allegedly killed in the Territory as a result of domestic violence in the past fortnight after a sistergirl was stabbed at Malak last Tuesday and another woman at Katherine the week before.Services are calling on the Northern Territory government to urgently implement the $180 million in funding for domestic, family and sexual violence services it promised ahead of the August election.Newly elected Greens parliamentarian and domestic violence survivor Kat McNamara said consecutive governments have failed when it comes to the provision of frontline services.(Greens member Kat McNamara has highlighted domestic violence in her maiden speech to parliament. ((A)manda Parkinson/AAP PHOTOS)"I have said this many times before, and I'll say it again: domestic family and sexual violence is the largest social issue we face," the member for Nightcliff said in their maiden speech to parliament on Tuesday."Women and children are being turned away from shelters every single day."Those frontline services have been crying out for adequate funding for decades from both sides of politics. This is not good enough."1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Lifeline 13 11 1413YARN 13 92 76By (A)manda Parkinson in Darwin