Northern Territory Police have charged a 50-year-old woman with child abduction over the disappearance of five-year-old Grace Hughes from the Darwin suburb of Berrimah last weekend.
Key points:
NT Police are still searching for 34-year-old Laura Hinks and five-year-old Grace Hughes
Police arrested a 50-year-old woman who refused to give information about the pair’s whereabouts
It is possible the mother and daughter traveled interstate
Her 34-year-old mother Laura Hinks, who is also known as Laura Bolt, is also missing.
Police say Grace was taken without permission by her mother during a supervised parental visit at 1pm last Sunday.
Detective Superintendent Kirsten Engels said police were “throwing every resource we have into this investigation, we will continue to do so until we locate Grace.”
“Our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of Grace, knowing that this would’ve been a very traumatic event, being removed from this meeting, and separated from her siblings,” Detective Superintendent Engels said.
50-year-old woman to face court on Monday
During their investigation, police interviewed a 50-year-old woman at a property in Anula and later arrested her for allegedly refusing to give information about Grace and her mother’s whereabouts.
She was charged with one count of abducting a child under 16 and one count of attempting to abduct a child under 16.
“We know that some effort is being put into hiding Grace, and that it would be very frightening for a five-year-old child,” Detective Superintendent Engels said.
The woman was ordered in custody and will face court on Monday.
“Whatever issues that are preventing her return, should and could be dealt with in appropriate ways,” Detective Superintendent Engels said.
“Taking Grace in this manner is not appropriate and we know that there will be people in the community that will be able to assist us.”
“They will know where Grace is, and they’ll be able to help us.”
Police say it is possible Laura and Grace could now be interstate and are appealing for anyone with information to contact 131 444.
Pressure is growing on the Northern Territory government to take action on stubbornly high fuel prices, with calls for a fresh inquiry to quiz retailers on the reasons behind the rates.
Key points:
Drivers in Darwin were paying $1.95 a liter on Tuesday, while the average price in NSW was $1.67
The opposition wants fuel companies and retailers to explain their prices in parliament
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles says she’s written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Drivers in Darwin were paying around $1.95 a liter for petrol on Tuesday, despite the wholesale price sitting close to the average of interstate capitals of $1.59.
The average price per liter in New South Wales was $1.67, almost 30 cents a liter cheaper than the Northern Territory.
Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro has called for a new parliamentary inquiry, which she said could potentially recommend a cap on profits or prices.
“Territories are paying [up to] 40 cents a liter more for their fuel compared to any other jurisdictions in the nation,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
“The power of an inquiry means that we can call fuel retailers and fuel companies to sit at the table and they have to explain to the public and the parliament why it is that territories are paying so much.”
Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro (left) says retailers should explain their prices to parliament.(ABC News: Matt Garrick)
Petrol prices this year rose higher in the Northern Territory than in any other jurisdiction, according to the latest official data.
“Automotive fuel” was up by 6.2 per cent, well above the capital city average of 4.2 per cent.
The Northern Territory opposition is also proposing legislation that would force retailers to publish their profit margins.
In a statement, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the government “stood ready to take further action” if apparent profit margins remained high “without a reasonable explanation”.
Ms Fyles said she had written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and to fuel companies on the issue but did not say what she had told, or asked, them.
‘There would be higher’ at similar prices in Sydney or Melbourne
FuelTrac general manager Geoff Trotter said the Northern Territory was not without options that are already available, pointing to laws dating back to 1949 that can empower a Consumer Affairs Commissioner to set a maximum fuel price.
Such a step can be taken during a natural disaster or “to effectively ensure that consumers benefit from the operation of a competitive market within all or a part of the territory”.
Former chief minister Michael Gunner previously threatened to create a profit cap when petrol stations were making similar margins of around 35 cents a liter in 2020.
Mr Trotter said residents in the Northern Territory, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory were all suffering through high fuel prices because they attracted less attention than larger capital cities.
“The only thing that has worked in the years I’ve been in the game is when the chief ministers have threatened to invoke that emergency price-setting legislation,” he said.
“[Petrol companies] can do absolutely whatever they like.
“If they were charging the prices they are charging in Darwin … in Sydney or Melbourne or Brisbane, there would be absolute uproar. It would be on the news, there would be politicians being asked all these embarrassing questions.”
High fuel and airfare costs in Alice Springs are making the region less attractive to live in, the town’s Mayor, Matt Paterson, says.(ABC News: Xavier Martin)
Costs driving tourists, residents of Alice Springs
Petrol prices are even more expensive in remote parts of the territory, with Alice Springs motorists still paying more than $2 a liter to fill up.
The town’s Mayor, Matt Paterson, said the cost was combining with other factors to drive people away from living in the region.
“Everything is so expensive that it’s sending people to breaking point,” Cr Paterson said.
“Air fares, petrol prices, house prices — it’s just horrendous at the moment.”
Cr Paterson said that “no one can justify” why fuel prices were so much higher in Alice Springs, but expected Territory Labor would not support the opposition’s call for an inquiry.
“I just want people to know we are getting the raw end of the stick, continuously,” he said.
Federal Labor’s Luke Gosling says the fuel excise cut won’t be renewed, arguing it would be fiscally irresponsible.(ABC News: Che Chorley)
Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling said the Commonwealth needed to ensure the ACCC “has got the teeth to enforce fairness and transparency.”
“But that may end up being also a role for the Northern Territory government, to ensure that there is that sort of transparency from fuel retailers,” Mr Gosling said.
“The fuel retailers should stop gouging territorians and people in other places in the country where they are clearly at the moment.”
Mr Gosling said the fuel excise tax was unlikely to be extended beyond September, citing the state of the federal budget.
Pottery, paintings and pandanus mats detailing stories from First Nations artists across the country have drawn large crowds at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF).
A major event for art lovers around Australia, the fair is held every year at the Darwin Convention Center as a way for talented Indigenous artists to bring their unique pieces to one central location and share their stories with the public.
This year’s event is expected to bring in millions of dollars for the 78 art centers represented at the fair, delivering an economic boost to remote communities around the country.
Hand-dyed fabrics from Anindilyakwa Arts. (ABC News: Peter Garnish)
DAAF attracted crowds over the weekend. (ABC News: Peter Garnish)
DAAF chair Franchesca Cubillo said arts and culture in remote regions were the “lifeblood of any community”.
“They are the place where opportunities flourish, be it textile design and fashion, or artists sharing the rich history of bark painting or western desert painting,” she said.
Franchesca Cubillo is a Larrakia, Bardi, Wardaman and Yanuwa woman.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Ceramics by Hermannsburg Potters — a crowd favourite.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
But the fair was not just a chance to “share our culture as a gift to the nation”, Ms Cubillo said.
It also allowed artists to earn a wage.
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) has seen $11 million in sales over the past five years.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Attendees admired the intricacy of desert styles.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
“They’re able to secure an economic return, and that will allow that next generation of First Nations people to feel empowered — to actually start to think about, ‘What might a business look like, operating out of my community?'” she said.
“We’ve got remarkable artists working out of art centres, but what if we had a modeling agency operating out at Gapuwiyak, for those remarkable young men who were a part of our Country to Couture [fashion show]?”
A woven turtle sculpture from Erub Arts.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Art fairs provide much-needed economic opportunities in remote communities.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Knowledge shared between cultures and generations
For Karen Rogers, an artist from Ngukurr Arts Centre, the fair was also a chance to pass down skills to family.
“We’ve got my son at the moment, just teaching him how to do lino printing, printing on material,” she said.
“He’s been doing a good job, like framing canvas. I reckon art centers can offer a lot of things for young people, career pathways.”
Karen Rogers, an artist from Ngukurr Arts.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Pandanus mats from East Arnhem Land.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Ms Rogers said it was fascinating learning about other Indigenous cultures through art, and finding common links.
“This one from Torres Strait, I was really interested because I speak Kriol and they speak different Kriol,” she said.
“They’ve got a dictionary. It was amazing seeing it, because they speak a little bit different to our way of speaking. It was inspiring.”
The Abai Sagulau Buai Dance Team from Badu Island in the Torres Strait performing at the fair. (ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Pandanus jewelery is always popular with visitors.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
Diversity on display
From the tropics to the desert, each art center brought its own languages, styles and practices to the floor of the convention centre.
Lex Namponan, from Wik and Kugu Arts Centre, said his father was a major source of inspiration.
“We [saw] our dad when we were 14, 15 doing sculptures and bark painting and everything,” he said.
Lex Namponan, a sculptor with Wik and Kugu Arts. (ABC News: Peter Garnish)
“As we were growing [up] … it gave us the idea for what we’re doing, and now we’re here, traveling around with all our colleagues.
“I’ve got a big show coming up from this moment, back to home, going out country collecting timbers – milky pine, clays, white clay, red clay – from the ground.”
The art fair runs until 4pm today.
Lex Namponan’s dingo sculptures.(ABC News: Peter Garnish)
The performance of Waŋa — which means spirit — starts behind a thin veil, with a glimpse of the “in-between world” and an ancient Yolŋu funeral ceremony.
Telling the story of a spirit’s journey after death, Larrakia choreographer Gary Lang has worked with Rirratjŋu lore man and ceremonial advisor Banula Marika to create the performance.
“This performance is called Spirit and it’s the spirit of the Dhuwa clans,” Mr Marika said in Yolŋu Matha, with assistance from an interpreter.
“When I pass, my spirit will travel back to my homeland, the homeland that we’re telling this story about.”
The spirit world is said to be joyful about a spirit’s return after death.(Supplied: Paz Tassone)
Waŋa is set to music by Darwin Symphony Orchestra.(Supplied: Paz Tassone)
“This is also my other home and place where my spirit comes from and my clan.”
The collaboration between the NT Dance Company, MIKU Performing Arts and Darwin Symphony Orchestra attempts to capture the pain and the relief of a spirit’s passing.
Mr Lang said his late grandmother also taught him about the spirit world.
“She said ‘what happens Gary, in the spirit world, when that spirit has to come to the physical world, there’s tears of sadness there because it’s a loss and there’s tears of joy in the physical world’,” Mr Lang said.
The performance is a collaboration between Gary Lang and Banula Marika.(ABC News: Felicity James)
“and [after death] it works in reverse, there’s tears of sadness because there’s a loss and there’s tears of joy because it’s going back home.”
He said the performance tried to represent the process of passing through a veil from the physical world into an “in-between world”.
“We don’t know that in-between world,” he said.
“Between that veil and before you actually step into the heavens, I think that’s where all the ceremony happens in culture.
Gary Lang describes his works as ‘Indigenous ballet’.(Supplied: Paz Tassone)
“That it helps you to leave all the physical attachments behind and then you step into the world of wonder.”
Funeral ceremonies can last for days, weeks or months in Yolŋu culture, including in Mr Marika’s community of Yirrkala.
“It depends on who the person is, the season, what’s happening with the weather, it’s not like a clock,” he said.
“It’s the time for what needs to happen for that person and for the family.”
In this performance, the ancient story of a spirit on its path home — guided by the morning star — comes together with a modern interpretation of grief and mourning.
“Building up a relationship with family over in east Arnhem Land, it’s not only a one day or two day thing, it’s basically a lifetime of connection, making that connection, forming that trust,” Mr Lang said.
“I’m still learning, and especially in traditional culture, I’m still learning.
Small glimpses of ancient rituals were incorporated during the performance.(ABC News: Felicity James)
“I don’t say I know it all but I have to do the right things by asking permission.”
Mr Marika has been more than willing to share his knowledge with others.
“It’s helping to come together and learn each other’s culture and have a better understanding of each other,” he said.
“So people can understand our culture that’s been around for over 80,000.”
Modern movement has been fused with ancient rituals in Waŋa.(ABC News: Felicity James)
After death the spirit follows the morning star back home.(ABC News: Felicity James)
First Nations fashion is about much more than just clothes.
Key points:
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards were held in Darwin last night to recognize First Nations creatives in the fast-growing industry
Babbara Women’s Center in Arnhem Land and Maningrida artist Esther Yarllarlla were recognized at the awards
Artists and organizers say the Indigenous fashion industry creates opportunities for economic development and cultural awareness
According to one of the people behind the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, the fast-growing industry is a gateway for greater recognition of First Nations people and culture more broadly.
“When we come together as Australians to make decisions around things like an [Indigenous] voice to parliament … people will have a better understanding,” Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation Chair, Franchesca Cubillo, said.
“Because they’ve had those conversations with First Nations people, because they’ve bought those textiles or they’ve seen paintings or fashion.
“All of these important first steps allow First Nations people to take their place in Australia and be valued and appreciated.”
The awards started during COVID lockdown in 2020. (Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
The third annual NIFAs — which see Indigenous designers and artists from all over the country recognized for their work — were held in Darwin last night.
“It is so overwhelming to have First Nations people coming from all regions of Australia coming to Larrakia Country,” Ms Cubillo — who is a Larrakia, Bardi, Wardaman and Yanuwa woman — said.
She said the awards provided a platform for First Nations artists to showcase their work to a broader audience and provided economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
“It is black excellence, it is unbelievably empowering and the lovely thing is there’s … amazing economic return that happens as well,” Ms Cubillo said.
“It means that our First Nations creatives have really clear pathways to engage in what is the Australian Fashion Industry, it’s a $27 billion industry.
“Our aesthetic is ancient and tens of thousands of years in the making, but equally so cutting edge … that we are seeing it gracing catwalks … in Milan, London and in Europe, in Asia”
Arnhem Land artists at the forefront of fashion
Kunibidji artist Esther Yarllarlla won the Traditional Adornment Award for her Mokko (bark skirt) made with traditional weaving and knotting techniques.
Esther Yarllarlla brought fellow artists from Maningrida on stage to receive her award. (Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
Hailing from the Arnhem Land community of Maningrida, her work is part of a cultural practice she learned from her mother and is now passing on to the next generation.
“I was starting from 10 years old, right back,” she said.
“I’m teaching my grandkids right now. Telling stories to them.”
She brought all of the artists from the Babbara Women’s Center — the arts center she works out of — onto the stage to receive her award.
Babbara Designs have been recognized in an exhibition in Paris. (Supplied: Ingrid Johanson)
“I’m happy but I was shaking — it was the first time for me to come [to the awards],” she said.
“I told them ‘we go together’.”
Originally established in 1983 as a women’s refuge, the Centre’s textile production arm, Babbara Designs, was also recognized at the awards as one of Australia’s oldest continuously operating Indigenous textile enterprises.
Artists from the Center have gone on to have their designs featured at an exhibition in Paris.
“We’ve gained such an incredible audience from social media and the Babbara Designs side of our business has just given our artists such incredible opportunities for travel and financial independence,” Babbara Women’s Center Assistant Manager Ziian Carey said.
“It’s giving a platform for our artists to tell their stories, tell their culture.”
Denni Francisco has won the Fashion Designer Award two years in a row. (Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
Industry expected to grow, become ‘on par’ with Indigenous art
Wiradjuri designer and Founder of Melbourne-based fashion company Ngali, Denni Francisco, won the Fashion Designer Award for her collection designed in collaboration with Gija artist Lindsay Malay.
This is the second year Ms Francisco has won the award, with her win last year allowing her to receive mentoring by Country Road.
She said there has been a massive “elevation” of First Nations fashion in recent years.
“Not that it wasn’t there before, but there is more visibility of it now,” she said.
“With that visibility comes more inspiration.”
Ms Cubillo said the future of Indigenous fashion is bright.
“We will find more and more First Nations designs and fashion appearing in more and more front windows at David Jones and Myer and major department stores,” she said.
“First Nations textile design and fashion will be an industry on the same par as Indigenous art.”
First Nations designers and artists from across the country have come together in Darwin to showcase some of the nation’s leading Indigenous fashion.
The Country to Couture fashion show has been held on Larrakia Country, in Darwin, as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.
Artistic director, Shilo McNamee, said 18 designers and artists took part in two sold-out shows.
“We’ve had so much interest from all these amazing designers, artists and creatives, so we’ve got two really big shows,” she said.
A model showcasing a design from Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance. (Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
A design from Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts in collaboration with Aly De Groot Art. (Supplied: Michael Jalaru Torres)
‘Culture is a very important thing’
Wendy Hubert, an artist from the Juluwarlu Art Group in Western Australia, designed and modeled clothes for the show.
Wendy Hubert and Wimiya Woodley. (ABC NewsMitchell Abram)
She said it was a pleasing experience to showcase Indigenous culture.
“Culture is a very important thing that we share with others … And you have to feel good to share your culture,” Ms Hubert said.
“To share and acknowledge ourselves, to be proud of ourselves, to have pride in yourself and be accountable.”
Wendy’s grandson Wimiya Woodley also took part in the show, and was his first time taking to the runway as a model.
A design by Linda Puna from Mimili Maku Arts, in collaboration with Unreal Fur.(Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
A design by Linda Puna from Mimili Maku Arts, in collaboration with Unreal Fur.(Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
“I’m feeling pumped to show my family’s culture, being around all these other First Nations people, it’s very empowering he said.
“We’ve come a long way as blackfellas… and to be in this venue in the capital of the NT… it’s very magical.”
A design by Ngali by Denni Francisco, with textile adapted from Lindsay Malay.(Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
‘Carrying our stories’
Creative Director Shilo McNamee said she had been blown away by the response to this year’s Country to Couture events.
“Audiences are really excited to come and support the show, support designers and artists,” she said.
“There are quite a few local people involved in the show, we’ve got local talent on stage as our closing performances… so it’s great that Darwin people could come get behind it.”
A model wearing a design by Western Australia’s Juluwarlu Art Group.(Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
A Gantharri by Bobbi Lockye design on the catwalk.(Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
Bobbi Lockyer, a designer who also took part in the show, said she was encouraged by the response to the event.
“It’s so important because it’s a way of carrying our stories through and showcasing our incredible resilience and talent,” she said.
“It’s really incredible to be able to include my culture and include my art, and the storytelling through the pieces in my designs.”
The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair continues with the National Indigenous Fashion Awards and a public program of events beginning on Friday.
A brightly colored entry from Nagula Jarndu Art Centre.(Supplied: Dylan Buckee)
The man accused of murdering an alleged home intruder near Katherine earlier this year, will likely plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, a court has heard.
Key points:
Kim Kellett, 38, will likely plead guilty to a charge of manslaughter
Prosecutors have withdrawn the earlier murder charge
Mr Kellett is accused of shooting dead an alleged home intruder in March
Kim Kellett has been in prison sincely alleged shooting a 26-year-old man on his property at the Cutta Cutta Caves National Park in March.
The 38-year-old appeared in the Darwin Local Court on Wednesday via video link from the local correctional centre, dressed in a red prison-issued T-shirt which usually indicates the inmate is held under maximum security conditions.
Senior Crown Prosecutor, Marty Aust, told the court the original murder charge would be withdrawn and replaced with the lesser charge of manslaughter.
“The Crown will be relying on a reckless manslaughter charge,” he said.
“The facts that make out that charge have been reduced to writing and there is agreement between the parties as to the facts in full, for plea in the Supreme Court.”
A set of agreed facts was given to the judge, but not read in open court.
The court heard the man is likely to plead guilty. (ABC News: Hamish Harty)
Mr Kellett’s lawyer, Peter Maley, told the court his client would likely plead guilty when the matter reached the Supreme Court next month.
“It will be ultimately a plea of guilty to an amended count two, for recklessly causing the death,” he said.
Despite indicating a guilty plea, the charge Mr Kellett faces is too serious to be dealt with by the Local Court.
“I am satisfied the evidence is sufficient to put the defendant on his trial in respect of count two [manslaughter],” Judge John Neill said.
“I direct he be tried at the Supreme Court in Darwin.”
Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Mr Kellett’s case will be mentioned in the Northern Territory Supreme Court on September 1.
Comanchero boss Mark Buddle is in Australian custody, after being deported by Turkish authorities.
Key points:
The Comanchero boss was arrested at Darwin Airport this morning after being deported to Australia
The AFP will allege he imported more than 160 kilograms of cocaine into Melbourne last year
He will appear in court today where police will apply for him to be extradited to Melbourne
The 37-year-old faced court in Darwin this morning, accused of importing more than 160 kilograms of cocaine into Melbourne in May 2021.
The judge granted a request for him to be extradited to Victoria.
The court heard Mr Buddle did not appear in person due to security concerns from police, and instead appeared via an audio link.
“Normally, of course, someone appearing in court would be either present in court or on the video from the prison, Chief Judge Elizabeth Morris told Mr Buddle.
“But the court’s received information that the police have some security concerns, and that’s why you’re on the telephone from the Palmerston watch house.”
Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said the drugs had a street value of more than $40 million.
Mark Buddle was escorted on a charter flight to Darwin. (Supplied: AFP)
Commonwealth lawyer Naomi Low told the court police wanted until August 10 to extradite Mr Buddle to the Melbourne Magistrates Court, to make arrangements to mitigate security concerns.
“Mark Buddle is to be secured and kept in custody in NT Corrections until no later than the tenth of August, 2022, by which time he is to be transferred into the custody of [the AFP] … to then appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on or before the tenth of August 2022,” Chief Justice Morris said.
She told Mr Buddle he would be kept in prison until arrangements were made to transfer him to Melbourne in the custody of police.
Mr Buddle was deported to Turkey from Northern Cyprus last month, and taken into police custody in the capital, Ankara.
He had been living in the self-declared republic after being granted a residence permit in August 2021.
Mark Buddle became president of the Comanchero Outlaw Motorcycle Gang in 2010.(Dean Lewins, file photo: AAP)
Assistant Commissioner Ryan said the AFP had been working to “build a brief of evidence” against Mr Buddle since mid-2021.
“When it comes to this alleged offender, we have been patient and thorough, and we have done what the AFP does best – we have used our capability, intelligence and international networks to ensure we have a warrant and a finalized brief of evidence so the alleged offender can face the justice system,” he said.
“However, let me be clear: this alleged offender has been a target of the AFP-led Transnational Offshore Disruption Taskforce, known as Operation Gain, since 2021.”
Assistant Commissioner Ryan said today was the first time the existence of Operation Ironside South-Britannic had been made public.
“[The taskforce] targets Australia’s biggest organized crime threats offshore, disrupts their criminal activities and ultimately ensures these alleged criminals face prosecution.”
A passenger who arrived in Australia from Indonesia has been fined $2,664 for failing to declare McMuffins in their luggage amid an outbreak of foot and mouth disease overseas.
The Labor government has rolled out biosecurity dogs at Darwin and Cairns airports as part of a $14 million package to bolster Australia’s protection from FMD.
Detector dog Zinta inspected the passenger’s backpack at Darwin Airport and found two egg and beef sausage McMuffins from McDonalds in Bali and a ham croissant.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the seized meals would be tested for FMD before being destroyed as Australia remains “FMD-free”.
“This will be the most expensive Maccas meal this passenger ever has, this fine is twice the cost of an airfare to Bali,” he said in a statement on Monday.
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“But I have no sympathy for people who choose to disobey Australia’s strict biosecurity measures, and recent detections show you will be caught.
“Zinta was placed at Darwin Airport as part of the Albanese Government’s tough new biosecurity defences, and it’s excellent to see she is already contributing to keeping the country safe.”
FMD is a highly contagious disease of livestock causing fever followed by the development of vesicles (blisters) in the mouth and on the feet.
Indonesia is currently battling an FMD outbreak, which has sparked fears it could spread to Australia and cripple the $80 billion livestock industry.
The viral disease has also been reported in countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.
Mr Watt reinforced that biosecurity is “no joke” as goods must be declared to enter Australia.
“Biosecurity is no joke—it helps protect jobs, our farms, food and supports the economy,” he said.
“Passengers who choose to travel need to make sure they are fulfilling the conditions to enter Australia, by following all biosecurity measures.”
FMD affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, camelids, deer and pigs.
The virus is carried by live animals and in meat and dairy products, as well as in soil, bones, untreated hides, vehicles and equipment used with these animals.
The government has rolled out sanitation foot mats at all international airports, along with support on the ground for Indonesia and neighboring countries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is adamant Australia’s strong biosecurity will stop the incursion of foot and mouth disease.
The package contains $9 million for frontline biosecurity and industry preparedness measures.
A further $5 million is used to provide technical expertise and support to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea to assist their work in combatting livestock diseases.
“The Federal Government is taking this seriously, and we need every traveler to do their bit too,” Mr Watt said.
Five players in the Northern Territory’s top women’s soccer competition have been suspended – and one charged with assault – over a post-match fight that’s been called “unacceptable” and “in contrast to the values inherent in our game” by the sport’s governing body.
Key points:
Several NT Women’s Premier League players were involved in a post-match “physical altercation” in a sports stadium car park
Police investigating the incident have charged an 18-year-old woman with assault
Football NT has banned five players for between 12 weeks and three years and deducted competition points from one club
NT Police has confirmed an 18-year-old player has been charged with assault in relation to the “physical altercation” involving several players on June 26, which broke out in the car park of the Darwin Football Stadium in Marrara after a game.
“A verbal dispute between two players escalated into a physical altercation when a third party intervened,” Acting Sergeant Carol Maxwell said in a statement.
“The altercation was an escalation from the match.”
There were no serious injuries.
Yesterday, Football Northern Territory announced that it had sanctioned two clubs – the Hellenic Athletic Club and Port Darwin Football Club – in relation to the same incident.
In a statement, it said five players across both clubs had been banned from participating in any of the association’s activities for various periods of time.
The Darwin Football Stadium in Marrara is the biggest outdoor stadium in the Northern Territory. (Supplied: Celina Whan / AFLNT)
Those players – which include three from Hellenic and two from Port Darwin – face suspensions ranging from 12 weeks (with four weeks suspended) to three years.
Hellenic has also been stripped of nine points in the 2022 Women’s Premier League competition, and will remain subject to a good behavior bond that will, if breached, see the club lose three points for each offence.
Football Northern Territory chief executive, Bruce Stalder, said everyone involved in the game should be able to participate in a safe environment.
“This behavior will never be tolerated, it is unacceptable, unnecessary and in stark contrast to the values inherent in our game,” he said.
Mr Stalder said as part of the sanctions, the suspended players would be enrolled in a community program designed to improve personal accountability and behavioral flexibility.
The woman charged with assault is due to face court on September 19.
The police investigation into the incident is ongoing.
