Month: August 2025

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The Full Federal Court has today dismissed appeals by BlueScope Steel Ltd and its former General Manager, Jason Ellis, against earlier Federal Court decisions in a civil cartel proceeding brought by the ACCC.

The Full Court upheld earlier findings that between September 2013 and June 2014, BlueScope and Jason Ellis attempted to induce eight steel distributors in Australia, and overseas manufacturer, Yieh Phui, to enter agreements to fix and raise the level of pricing for flat steel products supplied in Australia.

This decision means the highest penalty ordered for a competition law breach of $57.5 million penalty against BlueScope, and a penalty of $500,000 against Mr Ellis remain in place.

The ACCC had alleged, and the Court had found, that the cartel conduct involved separate attempts by Mr Ellis and other BlueScope representatives, on behalf of BlueScope, to induce agreements containing a cartel provision, with eight competitors.

It also found that Mr Ellis, on behalf of BlueScope, approached several competitors and attempted to induce them to agree to enter into a contract, arrangement or understanding containing a cartel provision whereby distributors would use BlueScope’s pricing information as a benchmark when pricing their flat steel products to their customers.

“We are pleased that today’s Full Court decision has endorsed the findings made by the Court, and the penalties imposed,” ACCC Acting Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“This case involved an attempted cartel which, if successful, could have created significant damage across the economy, as well as to customers and other businesses that compete fairly.”

“We brought this case because there was evidence that BlueScope and Mr Ellis attempted to induce eight competitors to engage in cartel conduct which could have reduced price competition in the important Australian flat steel market, and potentially increased prices for flat steel products which are widely used in Australia,” Ms Lowe said.

“Enforcing cartel laws is an ongoing priority for the ACCC. Any business or individual that attempts to enter collusive agreements with competitors risks significant penalties, even if attempts to collude and breach competition laws do not come to fruition.”

Background

BlueScope is the major manufacturer of flat steel products in Australia. Flat steel products are an important material in several important sectors of the Australian economy, including the construction, building, manufacturing, automotive and transport industries. Flat steel products include hot rolled coil, cold rolled coil and steel plate and are essential materials in the construction, building, manufacturing, automotive and transport industries.

In August 2019, the ACCC instituted civil cartel proceedings against BlueScope and Mr Ellis.

In October 2019, Mr Ellis was charged with two counts of inciting the obstruction of a Commonwealth official, encouraging two other BlueScope employees to give false information and evidence to the ACCC, to which he pleaded guilty in September 2020.

Mr Ellis was convicted and sentenced to eight months imprisonment but was immediately released on a recognizance order in December 2020.

In December 2022, the Federal Court found that BlueScope and Mr Ellis engaged in cartel conduct in relation to the supply of flat steel products in Australia.

In August 2023, the Federal Court ordered BlueScope to pay a penalty of $57.5m, and imposed a penalty of $500,000 on Mr Ellis. The penalty ordered against BlueScope was the highest penalty ever imposed for cartel conduct in Australia. It was also the highest penalty ever imposed for a breach of Australia’s competition law provisions.

Note to Editors

A cartel exists when businesses agree to act together instead of competing with each other. Conduct can include price fixing, sharing markets, rigging bids and controlling the output or limiting the amount of goods and services. More information on cartel conduct can be found on the ACCC’s website at Cartels.

The ACCC investigates cartel conduct, manages the immunity process and, in respect of civil cartel contraventions, takes proceedings in the Federal Court.

For corporations, the maximum fine for each cartel contravention before 9 November 2022 is the greater of:

• $10 million,
• three times the total benefits that have been obtained and are reasonably attributable to the commission of the offence, or
• if the total value of the benefits cannot be determined,10 per cent of the corporation’s annual turnover connected with Australia.

An individual found to have been involved in civil cartel conduct before 9 November 2022 is subject to a maximum penalty of $500,000 for each act or omission.

The maximum fines and civil penalties for cartel conduct by corporations were substantially increased with effect from 9 November 2022.

Anyone who thinks they may be involved in cartel conduct is urged to call the ACCC Cartel Immunity Hotline on (02) 9230 3894. More information about the immunity process is available on the ACCC website at Cartels.

Suspected cartel conduct can also be reported by using the ACCC’s anonymous cartel portal, or by using the ACCC’s online form to make a general enquiry.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The Full Federal Court has today unanimously dismissed appeals brought by Delta Building Automation Pty Ltd (Delta) and its sole director, Mr Timothy Davis, against earlier findings that they attempted to rig a tender at the National Gallery of Australia.

This upholds the Federal Court’s finding on 1 August 2023 that Delta and Mr Davis attempted to induce a competitor to make an arrangement or arrive at an understanding to submit an anti-competitive bid for the National Gallery of Australia’s building management system tender. Delta and Mr Davis were ordered to pay penalties of $1.5 million and $120,000 respectively for this attempt.  

“Cartel arrangements, such as bid rigging, often inflate costs for consumers or other businesses and are a serious breach of the law. It is important for Australian businesses to understand that even an attempt to enter into a cartel is illegal, whether the attempt is successful or not,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

The Full Court upheld the trial judge’s findings that in late 2019, Mr Davis organised a meeting at a café in Canberra with the general manager of one of Delta’s competitors and offered to pay the competitor in exchange for agreeing to the proposed arrangement to rig the bid.

The attempt to rig the tender was unsuccessful because the competitor rejected his offer. The National Gallery was not involved in or aware of the conduct at the time and did not suffer any losses.

“This decision, and the penalties imposed on Delta and Mr Davis, serve as a reminder of the significant consequences facing businesses and representatives who engage in or attempt to induce cartel conduct, even where the attempt fails. The conduct in this case is especially concerning, given that the tender involved was taxpayer funded,” Mr Keogh said.

“It is crucial for all businesses, large or small, to ensure that any discussions they have with competitors do not propose or lead to arrangements which may interfere with the competitive process, such as bid-rigging and other cartel conduct.”

Background

On 13 May 2021 the ACCC instituted civil proceedings in the Federal Court against Delta and Mr Davis.

On 1 August 2023 the Federal Court found that Delta and Mr Davis attempted to rig a bid in connection with a tender conducted by the National Gallery of Australia for the replacement of its building management system.

On 4 June 2024 the Federal Court ordered Delta and Mr Davis to pay penalties of $1.5 million and $120,000 respectively.

On 2 July 2024 Delta and Mr Davis filed a Notice of Appeal from the liability judgment.

Delta is an ACT based company that designs, installs, and maintains building management systems. Delta is part of a group of companies which operate nationally as the exclusive Australian distributor for the Delta Controls brand of building management systems.

A building management system is a computer-based system installed to manage and monitor a building’s equipment such as air-conditioning, ventilation, lighting, and power systems.

Bid rigging, also known as collusive tendering, occurs when suppliers discuss and agree among themselves who should win a tender, and at what price.

Price fixing happens when competitors agree on pricing instead of competing against each other.

More information about different types of cartel conduct can be found on the ACCC’s website at Cartels.

Note to editors

The ACCC investigates cartel conduct, manages the immunity process and, in respect of civil cartel contraventions, takes proceedings in the Federal Court.

For corporations, the maximum fine for each cartel contravention before 9 November 2022 is the greater of:

• $10 million,
• three times the total benefits that have been obtained and are reasonably attributable to the commission of the offence, or
• if the total value of the benefits cannot be determined,10 per cent of the corporation’s annual turnover connected with Australia.

An individual found to have been involved in civil cartel conduct before 9 November 2022 is subject to a maximum penalty of $500,000 for each act or omission.

The maximum fines and civil penalties for cartel conduct by corporations were substantially increased with effect from 9 November 2022.

Anyone who thinks they may be involved in cartel conduct is urged to call the ACCC Cartel Immunity Hotline on (02) 9230 3894. More information about the immunity process is available on the ACCC website at Cartels.

Suspected cartel conduct can also be reported by using the ACCC’s anonymous cartel portal, or by using the ACCC’s online form to make a general enquiry.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Tasmanian man charged over $580,000 cash seizure

Friday, 29 August 2025 – 11:30 am.

Police have seized about $580,000 in cash, found in a shopping bag, and charged a man as part of an operation targeting alleged drug distribution syndicates in Tasmania.
Officers from the Tasmania Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF), which combines the resources of Tasmania Police, Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, were part of the months-long investigation which involved the arrest of an alleged cash courier earlier in August.
Police identified a man from southern Tasmania in the investigation, with authorities intercepting the man while he was driving near Melton Mowbray, on the Midland Highway, on Sunday, August 17, and conducting a search under warrant.
During the search, police allege they found a significant amount of cash that was contained in several sealed plastic bags in a supermarket-style cooler bag.
Authorities seized the cash which was forensically examined and estimated to be about $580,000. Pictures are available here.
A 31-year-old man was arrested and appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on August 18 charged with:
• One count of dealing with property, more than $100,000 reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years’ imprisonment: and
• One count of failure to comply with a 3LA Order, contrary to section 3LA(5) of the Crimes Act (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
He was bailed to reappear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on November 6, 2025.
Last week, police also searched two other addresses in southern Tasmania linked to the man, where a further $50,000 in cash and other items were seized.
Tasmania Police Crime and Intelligence Command Inspector Troy Morrisby said the cash seizures formed part of an investigation in which police allege the money is linked to the distribution of illicit drugs.
“Our detectives, working closely with our partners at the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, used a variety of investigative techniques over a prolonged period during this operation,” Inspector Morrisby said.
“This recent seizure of significant sums of money is the result of dedicated police work and we aim to make further inroads to disrupt the movement of drugs in our community.”
AFP Detective Sergeant Nick Gibson said police would continue to investigate how the man came to be in possession of the cash.
“The JOCTF’s mission is to prevent organised crime syndicates from infiltrating Tasmania’s supply chains and trafficking illicit commodities into Tasmania and elsewhere in Australia,” Sergeant Gibson said.
“The AFP works closely with partners to protect the community and Australia’s legitimate economy and ensure potentially dirty money does not continue to fund future criminal endeavours.
“Criminal networks can use unexplained cash to support other serious criminal activities.
“The message to these criminals is simple, the AFP and our partners won’t stop until we have shut down your illegal and harmful activities.”
If you have information regarding the distribution of illicit drugs in the community, contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Sub-contractors and suppliers in Bendigo and central Victoria are invited to register their interest to be part of the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment project.

This proactive approach is an opportunity to ensure as many local contractors, goods and services can be part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s largest ever infrastructure project funded with commitments from the Victorian Government, via Regional Development Victoria, the City and philanthropic donations.

City Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said it was important the project involved as many local contractors and suppliers as possible, with the next step to raise awareness of local capability now appointment of a head contractor had reached shortlisting stage.

“A shortlist of potential head contractors has been confirmed, and the City is now inviting any interested sub-contractors and suppliers to visit the City’s website to register their capabilities and contact details,” Mr Cooney said.

“The full list of registrations will be passed onto the shortlisted head contractors, with the aim of this process being to help local businesses be visible and accessible to the future head contractor.

“All data collected will help the shortlisted head contractors plan their procurement of trades and suppliers to support them should they be selected to lead delivery of the project.

“The registration process also means once a head contractor is appointed, they already have an understanding of the local capability and can get to work quickly on site.”

Redevelopment of the Bendigo Art Gallery will ensure its success as a world-class cultural facility for years to come. It will create a second-floor blockbuster exhibition space, a new learning centre, theatrette and a Traditional Owner Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural material.

‘Local’ is considered any businesses operating in the state of Victoria, but the City is advocating strongly for businesses in Greater Bendigo and neighbouring councils, as well as those working in regional Victoria to be prioritised.

The Gallery will temporarily close at the end of the year to allow construction to start in early 2026 and take two years to complete. An offsite program of cultural activities is planned for central Bendigo during this time.

The redevelopment project is being funded by a $21M investment from the Victorian Government, $9M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4M from the Gallery Board, and $9.35M in philanthropic support.

The redevelopment is expected to generate more than 260 jobs during construction, with the completed project creating 170 local jobs and driving up to $35M in annual spending for the local economy.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions on the M7 Motorway in Hinchinbrook between 8pm Friday 12 September and 10pm Sunday 14 September2025. If we cannot work at this time, we will complete the work from 8pm Friday 19 September to 10pm Sunday 21 September 2025.

Traffic will be maintained in both directions, however there will be temporary southbound and northbound right lane closures along the M7 Motorway near Cowpasture Road Bridge, Hinchinbrook for concrete pour activities.

Vehicles travelling under a permit must not travel off the approved route listed in their permit unless an updated permit is obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Please keep to the speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs.

Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Source: Mental Health Australia

A five-kilometre length of the Princes Highway near Bega is receiving a range of safety treatments to improve journeys for all road users.

The project is being delivered in two stages, with the NSW Government investing $5.8 million under the Towards Zero Safer Roads program.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said improvements will include road widening and resealing, shoulder widening, replacing existing wire rope roadside barrier with flexible steel rail safety barriers, installing one-metre-wide centreline and providing a dedicated right-turn lane from the Princes Highway into Frogs Hollow Lane. 

“Widened centrelines will help to reduce the risk of head-on crashes by increasing the separation between vehicles travelling in opposite directions,” the spokesperson said.

“Flexible steel rail barriers along the roadside help redirect vehicles back into their lane, preventing crashes with roadside hazards. They are designed to absorb impact forces, lowering the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.”

Upgrades will be delivered from around 400 metres south of Nelba Nelba Road at Bega to around 200 metres south of Frogs Hollow Lane at Frogs Hollow.

Work is now complete on the first stage of work which saw improvements carried out on a 1.8-kilometre stretch from around 400 metres south of Nelba Nelba Road at Bega to Kingswood. 

Work will start Tuesday 2 September 2025 to upgrade a 600-metre section of the Princes Highway from around 400 metres north to around 200 metres south of Frogs Hollow Lane at Frogs Hollow. 

Work will include installing a dedicated right turn lane from the highway into Frogs Hollow Lane, shoulder widening and replacing the existing wire rope roadside barriers with flexible steel safety barriers. It is expected to take up to three months to complete, weather permitting.

Work will be carried out between 6am and 6pm on weekdays from Tuesday 2 September 2025 for up to three months, weather permitting. 

Single lane closures, stop/slow traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.  

Motorists should allow up to five minutes’ additional travel time, drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. 

For more information visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-details/236498, download the Live Traffic NSW app or call 132 701.  

To receive updates direct to your phone, search for ‘Princes Highway – Frogs Hollow’ in your Live Traffic app, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.    

Transport thanks the community for their patience while work is under way.

Finalisation work, including laying of the final road seal and installing one-metre-wide centreline on the full length between Bega and Frogs Hollow will be carried out early next year. 

Source: Mental Health Australia

Work to ease traffic and improve safety on Princes Highway near Moruya starts next week.

The NSW Government is spending $2.5 million on upgrades between Malabar Drive and Shelley Road as part of the Princes Highway Corridor safety and efficiency upgrades program.

Read the full media release (PDF, 67.26 KB) for more information.