Stories from Darwin · Australia

Forensic examination of clothing items found at a crime scene in Darwin returned results today. Investigators identified DNA from two individuals on a piece of children's underwear. The DNA belongs to Jefferson Lewis and a child identified as Koomanja.

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole stated a criminal investigation is ongoing regarding a missing person case. A coronial process will now begin to establish facts. Police noted there will be limitations on public information due to the ongoing investigation.

Hundreds of volunteers are searching for five-year-old Sharon in the Northern Territory. The child has not been found despite ongoing search efforts. The source noted the child has a violent past and had recently been released from jail. No information regarding her current whereabouts has been released. A former Northern Territory Child Protection Minister and former school deputy principal stated the family is seeking information from Jefferson Lewis. The family wants Lewis to be questioned by police to determine if he was involved in her disappearance. The child remains unaccounted for.

The number of diphtheria cases in Australia's Northern Territory has increased to 84 this year. Antihelph reported 37 cases in late March, but updated the figure to 84 today. Officials noted that respiratory cases have increased to 18. Health authorities are urging vaccination to control the outbreak. Health officials in the Northern Territory are addressing a diphtheria outbreak, noting a mortality rate of approximately 5% in certain cases. While current severity levels are lower, officials are pushing vaccination as a key preventative measure. The outbreak is being discussed in the context of declining immunization levels observed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The response includes case detection and contact tracing to manage the spread. The infection is transmitted through coughing and sneezing, particularly among people in overcrowded housing.

The head of the Australian Defence Force confirmed Darwin will host a new battalion of amphibious landing craft by 2030. Lieutenant-General Simon Stewart stated the base battalion will include 300 crew members, consisting of soldiers, engineers, and administrators, along with their families. This follows an announcement last month that dozens of sea-to-land troop transports will be manufactured in Western Australia. These vessels are scheduled for deployment between three battalions in the Northern Territory and Queensland. The announcement follows a previous ADF announcement regarding the manufacturing of these transports. These transports are intended for deployment between various locations.

Documents released under Freedom of Information Laws to the ABC show the Federal Government performed due diligence on former cattleman Mr. Connolly. The government assessed him as appropriately qualified for the vice-regal role during background checks conducted in the months prior to his appointment. Critics have labeled the appointment reprehensible and offensive despite these findings. Critics are now questioning the criteria used to determine suitability for the position. The investigation follows requests made by the then acting Government. Connolly as requested by the former acting Northern Territory Chief Minister. A private interests declaration includes 13 questions regarding his criminal and employment history, though it lacks direct questions on his social media conduct.

Australian Federal Labor MPs have raised concerns regarding the appointment of David Connolly as the Northern Territory Administrator. Critics in Canberra expressed worries about his ability to properly represent the territory. The opposition specifically cited past social media posts by Connolly, describing them as reprehensible and offensive. The federal government previously conducted background checks on the new administrator.