Oxfam issues apology to Vanuatu government over social media post
There's been an increase in kava smuggling into remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory since the Federal Government lifted import restrictions according to locals and police.
Oxfam has issued an apology to the Vanuatu Government over a Facebook post questioning public consultation over a new solar tax bill.
Samoa's Police chief is sounding the alarm about the country's growing drug problems, with reports of even school children being caught dealing drugs.
The National Geographic's Pristine Seas project is sailing through the Pacific on a months long expedition with a team of scientists, conservationists and documentary makers.
Girmit Day Commemorations took place in Fiji over the weekend. Shaista Shameem, Madam Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, says reparations ought to be considered by the Governments of the United Kingdom and Australia.
A push by Cricket PNG to establish their national women's team on the global stage has paid off, with the Lewas being awarded One Day International status for another four years.
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ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
NT police officer charged with two counts of rape, due to face Alice Springs court
A Northern Territory police officer has been charged with two counts of rape in relation to an incident that allegedly occurred while he was off duty last year. Police arrested the 52-year-old, who cannot be named under NT law, on Wednesday. He has been remanded in custody and is due to face the Alice Springs Local Court on Thursday. In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, an NT Police Force spokesperson said the alleged victim was "a woman who was known to him [the officer]" and investigations were ongoing. "The member is currently suspended with pay and was off duty at the time of the incident," they said. "Due to the case being before the courts, no additional information will be provided at this time. "This update is in accordance with the NT Police Transparency Guidelines."
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
NT government to allow public to use pepper spray in self defence
The Northern Territory government is set to increase its safety measures by allowing the public use of pepper spray for self defence in a 12-month trial. The 12-month trial will allow the public to carry low-percentage Oleoresin Capsicum spray, better known as pepper spray, for self defence reasons and under strict legal conditions. The NT has faced law and order issues over recent times, raising concerns within the community over safety and crime. The Finocchiaro CLP government has passed a number of reforms since winning last year's election, including stricter bail laws and lowering the age of criminal responsibility. 'This initiative responds directly to community calls for more safety options and reflects the government's commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle,' Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said. The spray is made with a nonlethal substance that an cause a painful and burning sensation, and temporarily impair vision, allowing the victims to escape, but it is not as powerful as sprays handled by police. Pepper spray is currently classified as a 'prohibited weapon' in the NT. Ms Finocchiaro said the trial would give residents 'more choice when it comes to personal safety'. 'We're strengthening the frontline with more police, stronger laws and better prevention, but we also believe individuals should have lawful tools to protect themselves if needed,' she said. Pepper spray will be available for purchase from licensed dealers across the NT from September 1, 2025, and will only be eligible under strict conditions A person must be over 18 to purchase the pepper spray, show valid NT photo ID and have no relevant serious criminal history or domestic violence orders. They must also be purchased in person from a licensed NT dealer. The specifics of the trial will be determined alongside the NT Police, key stakeholders, industry bodies, licensees and the broader community. A 'community oversight reference group' will also be established to oversee how the trial is run. She said she believed the trial would be well-received by the NT community, based on the reaction from a similar trial in Western Australia. Western Australia is currently the only state or territory to allow people to carry the nonlethal spray, under strict conditions. 'We've seen Western Australia undertake a similar trial, and it's provided valuable insights into how a controlled, lawful model can give people greater peace of mind without compromising public safety,' Ms Finocchiaro said. 'This is about equipping Territorians with more options, not less control.
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- News.com.au
Sneaker smuggling plot comes undone after cocaine found in hidden package
Two Queenslanders have been jailed for their roles in a plot to smuggle cocaine concealed in sneakers into the Northern Territory. The two men planned to import more than 100g of the drug using a shoebox filled with sneakers and food, the police claim. Pictures released by the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force show a white powder substance stuffed beneath the soles of a pair of sneakers. The package was initially intercepted in June 2024 when ABF officers found the 131 grams concealed bag of cocaine in an air cargo shipment from Peru. The AFP conducted a 'controlled delivery' of the cocaine at a parcel collection point in Darwin on 12 June 2024, where they arrested the two men who unwittingly attempted to collect the parcel – which had been substituted with another white powder. One of the men, 35, was sentenced to three years in prison, and must serve 15 months before being released on a 21-month suspended sentence. The other man, 36, was sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment, and having already served six months will be released on a 12-month suspended sentence. Both men pleaded guilty to their charges in May last year. AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the federal police had worked closely with the border force to stop criminals smuggling drugs across the border. 'While it might seem like a relatively small amount of cocaine, it has an estimated street value of more than $65,900 and equated to hundreds of individual street deals of 0.2 grams,' Supt Davis said. 'The AFP, ABF and our partners are committed to stopping illicit drugs from entering Australia and inflicting harm in our communities.' ABF Commander Tracie Griffin said that the jailing of the two men showed law enforcement agencies' determination to stop drug smuggling and to disrupt criminal syndicates. 'If you try to profit from the harm caused by illicit drugs, no matter how you attempt to hide them, the ABF and our partners will find you and bring you to justice,' Cmdr Griffin said.
