Law & order

Dozens of fire trucks and hundreds of people gathered at Weeroona Oval in Bendigo on Sunday 14 September to protest against the State Government’s recently introduced Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF). Organised by the CFA Volunteers Group, the protest attracted people from across the region...

A major milestone in Victoria’s decade-long Treaty process has been achieved with the Victorian Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria reaching in-principle agreement on Australia’s first Treaty. The first negotiated Statewide Treaty Agreement brings together First Peoples, through the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, and the Victorian Government, to build a new relationship based on respect, trust and integrity.

Hugh Schuitemaker. Struggling Riverland grape growers would have a better chance of staying in the industry – and sustaining the region's economy – if an indicative pricing Bill being introduced to State Parliament today becomes law, an SA MP says. The Bill would force processors to release indicative prices by September 30 each year, giving growers the choice of opting out of loss-making vintages months in advance, rather than plunging further into debt ... MLC Sarah Game will introduce the Bill to the upper house ...

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has urged Treasurer Jaclyn Symes to repeal Labor’s Holiday Tax that is harming Victorian tourism businesses. Recently released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that international visitors are choosing other states over Victoria, as the Allan Labor Government’s Holiday Tax has made taking a holiday in Victoria more expensive than ever.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has expressed deep disappointment at the passing of the VicGrid Bill through the Legislative Council, warning it grants sweeping powers to the government while doing little to protect farmers and regional communities.

The Government has been ordered to release an investigation into the Whitsundays helicopter crash that killed four Defence Force airmen. One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts secured a Senate order to have the national workplace health and safety regulator (Comcare) brief of evidence and investigation into the Taipan helicopter crash released.

Police say they are investigating a report of an alleged cattle theft north-east of Alice Springs. Sources contacting the Alice Springs News say the stock belongs to the Alcoota Aboriginal Cattle Company from the Engawala community who for 30 years have been able to graze and run a cattle enterprise on Alcoota Station.

The Queensland Police Service is reminding road users of their shared responsibility in helping to reduce the number of lives lost on local roads as part of this year's Queensland Road Safety Week. This year has been one of the worst in living memory for the local area, with crashes at Greenmount, Cambooya, Vale View and Wyreema tragically claiming lives.

The Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) hosted an informative presentation in Lockhart last week, focusing on the impacts of the new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) waste mandates for businesses.

Liverpool City Highway Patrol officers deployed to Murrumbidgee Police District detected a Holden Rodeo exceeding the posted speed limit at Narrandera ...

NSW Farmers is calling for archaic, century-old water rules to be overhauled after the state government released a tone deaf ‘what we heard’ report on a review into stock and domestic water use. The report found most water users rejected the need for more red tape, and there was an opportunity to update permitted uses under the basic landholder right.

An Australian grape-export company was fined more than a million dollars last week for deliberately trying to bypass controls to export table grapes to New Zealand. The Grape House Pty Ltd pleaded guilty on 3 June to 6 counts of making false representations with the intention of dishonestly influencing a Commonwealth Official.

Angourie residents came together on Sunday as they traditionally have a family to discuss serious concerns about the escalation of crime in the village. The meeting at the Blue Pools carpark was convened by resident of 30 years, Lindsay Hunter, who said the situation escalated last month when carloads containing 12 people came to the town and threatened residents.

A wave of concern has swept through the Naracoorte community following a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 6. South Australia Police (SAPOL) is actively investigating the event, which unfolded around 2.40am on Dorset Street, leaving residents stunned and seeking answers.

A woman who illegally misdeclared a package as lingerie and shoes when it really held 57 cacti and succulents has been convicted. Kirsten Mae Fearn pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court to 14 biosecurity charges on Friday 25 July.

“Don’t talk to mining companies one-on-one. Don’t sign anything without a lawyer — not even an access agreement to your land.” This advice to landholders came from solicitor Belinda Rayment from the Environmental Defenders Office who was at a community meeting at Drake Hall on July 28 talking about mineral mining exploration licences.

Regional families and farmers are bearing the brunt of the Allan Labor Government’s Emergency Services Tax, with local councils forced to rip millions more from communities already struggling under the weight of rising living costs ... “In Benalla, ratepayers are now set to fork out 81 per cent more under this new tax. In Strathbogie, it’s even worse – a staggering 91 per cent increase,” Ms Cleeland said.