Month: August 2025

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

This week the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) joined forces to conduct a series of surprise visits to food sector and hospitality businesses in Darwin. The visits related to suspected shadow economy activities including worker exploitation and alcohol excise avoidance.

Between 26 and 28 August, the 2 regulators visited more than 30 businesses including fast food outlets, restaurants and cafés, as part of Operation Sentinel.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding said the joint ATO and FWO actions in Darwin were driven by the Shadow Economy Taskforce, a joint-agency taskforce responsible for addressing and protecting the community from shadow economy behaviour.

‘We’ve visited more than 30 businesses this week in Darwin who were suspected of unlawfully taking advantage of their workers and / or avoiding their tax and super obligations,’ Mr Goding said.

The ATO, alongside FWO, acted on valuable information and tip-offs received from the community, including workers, to conduct the visits and remind the businesses under investigation of their tax (including excise), super and employer obligations. Investigations are continuing.

‘If you run a business, don’t think you can get away with exploiting your workers or ripping off the community, as we have a range of sophisticated methods to uncover shadow economy activities. We also work closely with our partner agencies like the FWO to catch those doing the wrong thing.’

‘Cooking the books by ripping off your workers and dodging your tax and super obligations doesn’t pass the pub test. Businesses that engage in the shadow economy are deliberately undercutting their competitors, gaining an unfair advantage over honest businesses doing the right thing and stealing from their employees’ futures. We will find out about it and take action.’

‘There are serious consequences for non-compliance including fines and penalties for businesses that engage in shadow economy behaviours at the expense of their employees,’ Mr Goding said.

The ATO and FWO are investigating businesses in and around Darwin suspected of:

• paying workers cash-in-hand to avoid legal obligations
• paying employees wages below award rates and not paying their other entitlements, including superannuation
• under reporting or omitting income
• compliance issues with reporting and record-keeping, including pay slips
• avoiding alcohol excise obligations.

Operation Sentinel has also put hospitality businesses who aren’t complying with their excise obligations on notice.

‘Some businesses who deal with alcoholic beverages evade their excise and GST obligations by operating outside the law. This allows them to undercut legitimate businesses, creating unfair competition and posing risks to public safety,’ Mr Goding said.

Examples of this include businesses that:

• manufacture alcohol without permission
• underreport alcohol production
• sell alcohol that hasn’t had duty properly paid on it
• set up their business to circumvent the $350,000 yearly remission scheme limit.

To find out how to report suspected tax evasion or shadow economy activity, including worker exploitation and alcohol excise avoidance, visit www.ato.gov.au/tipoff.

‘When we receive information through a tip-off, we cross check the information and assess whether further action is required,’ Mr Goding said.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said protecting workers’ rights and holding food sector employers to account is a priority for the FWO.

‘Improving compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafés industry is a priority for us, including protecting the sector’s many visa holders and young workers who can be vulnerable.’

‘The Operation Sentinel investigations in Darwin are part of our efforts to ensure those who are doing the wrong thing are being found out and held to account.’

‘Fast food, restaurant and café workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements are urged to come forward to directly seek our assistanceExternal Link. They can report issues anonymouslyExternal Link if they prefer,’ Ms Booth said.

The FWO has targeted informationExternal Link to help employers and employees in the fast food, restaurants and cafés industry, and any franchisees, as well as tools such as the FWO’s pay calculatorExternal Link and Small Business ShowcaseExternal Link. Visa holdersExternal Link should also be aware that they have the same workplace rights as all other workers.

Notes to journalists

• When hiring employees for the first time, business.gov.au has developed an online resource, the Employment Contract ToolExternal Link, to help small business owners make a basic employment contract that complies with workplace laws for full-time, part-time and casual employees who are covered by an award.
• The ATO has information available to help business owners understand what their obligations are for each worker they hire.
• The ATO has information available to help businesses get it right from the start and understand their excise obligations for alcohol.
• Operation Sentinel footage and still photography are available for download from the ATO media centre:
  • Landscape
  • Portrait
• A high-resolution headshot of ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding (JPG, 892KB)This link will download a file is available for download from our media centre.
• A high-resolution headshot of Fair Work Ombudsman Anna BoothExternal Link is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman Newsroom.
• Media grabs of ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding discussing Operation Sentinel are available from the ATO media centre.
• Media grabs of ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding discussing the shadow economy are available from the ATO media centre.
• Interviews are available with the Chair of the Shadow Economy Taskforce ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding on request to the ATO Media Unit.
• ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.

Source: New South Wales – News

The Royal Adelaide Show will run from Saturday August 30 to Sunday September 7, seeing uniformed and unmarked patrols, police dogs and horses, bicycle patrols and Public Transport Safety Branch members out in numbers to deter crime and respond to incidents.

Last year’s show saw nine arrests, one report, one caution, two expiations, 22 evictions, and 34 missing people.

Police Commander for the event, Eastern District Superintendent Scott Denny, reminded families to look out for each other, with missing people historically the main tasking of show resources.

“Across nine days we are anticipating half a million people to attend the Royal Adelaide Show, and it’s easy to get lost in the crowd,” Superintendent Denny said.

“Make use of the ‘if I’m lost’ wristbands available from security at each entry, our police station behind the public grandstand or from any police officer.

“Ensure your phone number is clearly visible and avoid writing your child’s name. We also suggest taking a photo of what they are wearing as you arrive to share with police in the event you get separated.

“We also encourage showgoers and stallholders to pay close attention to personal property and to leave valuables at home.”

The show police station is in the northwestern grandstand near the Royal Adelaide Show Office and lost children or lost vulnerable adults may be taken there before being reunited with loved ones.

Drivers are reminded 25 km/h zones apply daily surrounding Wayville Showgrounds from 9am until 11pm throughout the event.

Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society Chief Executive Will Rayner commended the ongoing partnership between show organisers and police.

“We are grateful for the support we receive from SAPOL throughout the Royal Adelaide Show,” he said.

“Thanks to SAPOL’s dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts to ensure a safe and welcoming event, we’re able to deliver a fun and memorable experience for the thousands who visit the show each year.

“We encourage everyone to plan their visit by purchasing tickets in advance, considering transport options, and using our online planner at theshow.com.au to make the most of everything the show has to offer.”

Showgoers will experience a range of community engagement initiatives at SAPOL’s award-winning corporate display in the Jubilee Pavilion.

Visitors may have their photo taken on a police motorbike or in the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), and meet members from Neighbourhood Watch, Road Safety Section, Talent Acquisition, and the Cybercrime Training and Prevention Section.

New this year is the exciting launch of the ‘Protect what matters’ crime prevention campaign and assets highlighting tips on personal safety, and home, vehicle, bicycle, business and rural security. Colouring-in and badge making activities will also be available for children to enjoy, along with interactive games for teenagers.

SAPOL’s recruiting team will be on hand with information on policing career opportunities, how to join, the training, rewards and more.

Road Safety Centre educators will also offer valuable advice and promote free education sessions while running the fatal five virtual reality experience and interactive photo booth.

The Band of the South Australia Police will perform throughout the event, including the iconic parade band at tomorrow’s official show opening at 7pm, on select days at the atrium from 1pm, and at 3pm on most days.

The Rotary Club of Unley will also announce the 2025 Police Officer of the Year on Friday 5 September, when the band will play from 11am on the Goyder Pavilion stage before the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Denny encouraged showgoers to be respectful of other attendees and to consume alcohol in moderation.

“The show is a time for celebration, and we’re here to help keep it that way,” he added.

“Plan your journey to and from the event and don’t drink and drive. Use public transport or taxi/rideshare to get home safely or have a designated driver.

“If you see something, say something, and don’t forget to have fun!”

Report any suspicious behaviour immediately to a police officer, on the Police Assistance Line: 131 444 or in an emergency call Triple Zero.

Source: Mental Health Australia

A major lighting upgrade in a busy tunnel at Leura is delivering safer trips every day for thousands of motorists on the Great Western Highway.

Work to improve lighting in the 125-metre tunnel beneath the Aunty Joan Cooper Bridge – the first complete overhaul of the tunnel’s lighting in 20 years – started in December 2024 and has now been completed.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the project’s first step was installing a large electrical cabinet beside a footpath on the eastern side of Leura Mall, followed by work to update cabling and installing a backup electricity supply to ensure the lights stayed on during power outages.

“Safety is always the number one priority on our roads and this work to improve lighting in the Aunty Joan Cooper Bridge tunnel means motorists can better see road signs, line marking and other vehicles as they drive through,” the spokesperson said.

“The new lights are much brighter, longer lasting and more energy efficient.”

Over the past eight months, crews working on the lighting upgrade have replaced about 480 high-pressure sodium (HPS) light units with 580 new generation light-emitting diode (LED) units, turning dim into dazzling inside the tunnel.

Work included installing photometers that automatically adjust the tunnel lighting depending on the time of day and overhead conditions, and taking about 25 tonnes of old cable trays, obsolete cabling and other waste to a licensed waste facility.

About 10 kilometres of new power and communications cable was installed as part of the project.

“This wasn’t an easy job with crews tackling tight workspaces inside the tunnel as they operated three elevated work platforms and up to five scissor-lift trucks and other vehicles in a confined space, with most of the work completed at night to minimise impacts to highway traffic,” the spokesperson said.

“This lighting upgrade was a big job that required regular tunnel closures and traffic diversions, and we thank motorists and local residents for their patience throughout the work.”
 

Source: Mental Health Australia

For the first time Sydney will join other iconic marathon cities and host the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major on Sunday 31 August.

This year the Sydney Marathon event has evolved into a full weekend offering three iconic courses. On Saturday 30 August 10,000 participants will run the 5km mini marathon. On Sunday 31 August 35,000 participants will run the inaugural world marathon major followed by around 7,000 participants in the 10km course.

Major roads will be closed along the 42km course and travel across the city will be limited on Sunday with lengthy detours in place. Sydney motorists are urged to avoid non-essential travel where possible to the city.

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said we appreciate an event of this scale disrupts the city.

“With around 50,000 runners plus thousands of volunteers and spectators Sydney will be very busy this weekend,” Mr Collins said.

“If you must drive this weekend, check Live Traffic before you leave to plan your journey. Allow plenty of extra travel time as there are major road closures and detours in the city and the east.

“Remember to check the yellow clearway signs on Saturday night as clearways start at 12.01am Sunday. If you have a car, boat, bike, caravan be aware all vehicles parked in clearways will be towed and incur a towing fee.”  

Participants are urged to catch public transport to all events as the cost of travel on metro, train, bus, ferry and light rail is included in their Sydney Marathon registration.

Frequent metro and rail services will get runners to and from the events all weekend.

“Public transport is the best way to get to and from the Sydney Marathon events this weekend. There are plenty of extra metro and train services to get participants, supporters and spectators to the start of the race and spectator sites along the course,” Mr Collins said.

“There will be significant impacts to bus and light rail services while roads are closed, so visitors and Sydneysiders are being reminded to plan their trip and allow extra travel time.”

Road closures
Saturday 30 August key roads will be closed in the Sydney CBD and special event clearways will be in place:

•    2am to 10am sections of Macquarie Street including on and off ramps to Cahill Expressway, Art Galley Road, Mrs Macquaries Road and College Street.

Sunday 31 August major roads in North Sydney, the Sydney CBD, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Moore Park, Centennial Park and Kingsford will be closed between 2am and 4pm. Roads are closed longer this year to accommodate the increased number of participants.

•    3am to 11am the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Western Distributor will be closed in both directions with no direct access between the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Anzac Bridge during this time.
•    4am until 3.30pm major roads from the city to Moore Park will be closed including Oxford Street, while Park Street and Flinders Street will be closed until 3pm.
•    5am to 1.30pm Anzac Parade from Moore Park to Kingsford will be closed.
•    From 1pm motorists can use Dacey Avenue /Alison Parade to travel east or west across the course. 
•    The Eastern Distributor Anzac Parade entry and exit will be closed, however the Bondi Moore Park Road exit will remain open this year.
•    Macquarie Street and roads in The Domain will remain closed until 4pm.
•    Cross City Tunnel is open and toll free from 5am to 4.30pm so motorists can travel east/west across the course in the city’s north.
•    Special event clearways from 12.01am Sunday – widespread clearways come into effect along and surrounding the course. If you have a vehicle left in a clearway it will be towed, and a fee applies. This is in addition to any parking fees applied by Police or council parking rangers.

Public Transport
On Saturday 30 August local buses in the city will be diverting and using different stops while roads are closed between 2am and 10am for the 5km Mini Marathon.

On Sunday 31 August public transport services including buses and light rail will be affected by road closures.

•    First service to 11am L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford Line light rail services will not run between Circular Quay and Town Hall.
•    6am to 1.30pm L3 Kingsford Line services will run from Moore Park only, services will not run from Kingsford due to closures of Anzac Parade. 
•    3am to 11ambuses will start and end trips either side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Crows Nest or St Leonards and Town Hall or Wynyard. Passengers will need to change for a metro or train service to continue across the bridge.
•    3am to 4pm buses between the city and south east will be diverting around major closures of Oxford Street and Anzac Parade or terminating trips early at light rail stops.
People are encouraged to support this massive event and support the participants on Sunday by cheering them on from one of the spectator live sites along the course.

For more details on public transport changes during the event, including trip planning and travel alerts, visit transportnsw.info/sydney-marathon or use the Opal Travel app or other trip planning apps

For real-time updates on traffic conditions, including road closures and special event clearways, visit livetraffic.com.

For more information on the Sydney Marathon, visit tcssydneymarathon.com and visit the detours map here.

Source: New South Wales – News

According to Scam Watch data, more than $556,000 has been lost to 1213 buying or selling scams in South Australia already this year and more than $18.4 million to 19,183 scams across Australia overall.

In 2024, South Australians lost more than $1.4 million to 3747 buying or selling scams, compared to more than $26.9 million to 57,525 scams across Australia overall, with people aged 45 to 54 suffering the most losses.

“A products and services scam is an umbrella term that covers marketplace scams, fake health and medical products and online shopping, however the techniques used are consistent across all scams under this term,” Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby explained.

“While you’re on the hunt for a good deal, be aware that scammers are on the hunt for their next victim.

“A common method used are advertisements which offer products at unbelievably low prices and benefits that appear too good to be true.

“They may also ask you to pay for products and services using untraditional methods or may ask for deposits before receiving the product.”

Cyber Issue Reporting System (CIRS) reporting shows in South Australia for the 2024/25 financial year the most significant category by volume is where the victim was scammed out of between $100 and $500, representing 345 matters.

“More costly scams generally involve cars, caravans, tractors, airline travel and some high-value pets,” Detective Chief Inspector Featherby added.

“Don’t send advance payments for local items, and if you’re considering a high-value purchase meet the seller in a public, populated place and bring a friend or family member with you for pick-ups if you can.”

Red flags:

• Asking for payment in cryptocurrency or gift cards.
• Offerings that appear “too good to be true”.
• Requests for personal information when it may not be relevant.
• Asking for upfront fees or deposits before seeing goods.
• Websites that look like reputable companies but offer substantial discounts.

Tips to help keep you safe:

• When purchasing items online, only utilise secure payment methods that offer buyer protection such as credit cards or PayPal. Avoid unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards.
• Conduct research on the business or property utilising google maps and other website archive tools. Although a company has an ABN, phone number, or address listed, these may not always be legitimate.
• Be wary of services that have too many positive reviews but lack any detail. Genuine reviews often include photos or comments about the service, with negative reviews providing valuable information.
• Beware of ‘email spoofing’ that occurs when someone forges the “From:” section of an email making it appear the email address is from a legitimate sender. Contact the sender using an alternative method.
• Check the URL for any misspellings or special characters included, even when you think you are on a trusted webpage.

Real-life example:

Tracey was planning a holiday for her family of four when she saw an advertisement offering return flights and accommodation for one day only at a very good price. She clicked on the advertisement and was taken to a website that looked like a reputable company. She even checked their ABN number which was registered to a company. Not wanting to miss out on this deal, Tracey completed the payment through a bank transfer. Upon arriving at her holiday destination, she discovered the hotel did not exist.

Report:

– If you have suffered harm or loss because of a scam, make a report at www.cyber.gov.au/report or attend your local police station.

Support:

– Talk to friends and family.

– eSafety Commissioner – www.esafety.gov.au

– Victims of Crime SA – www.voc.sa.gov.au

– Lifeline – 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

– Rebuild Victim Counselling – www.rasa.org.au

Source:

Over two days, 16 women from CFA’s Planned Burn Taskforce (PBTF) came together to identify options to increase participation and ensure CFA’s planned burning deployments continue to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

The workshop brought together a diverse mix of PBTF members, supported by mentors, presenters and CFA leaders, who all shared their knowledge, lived experience and encouragement.

From the outset, the room was filled with connection, trust, and compassion, with participants sharing stories, challenges, and lessons learned. Honest conversations sparked new ideas, laughter, and fresh perspectives to help shape the future of women’s involvement in planned burning.

Guest presenters brought enormous value to the workshop. Naomi Engelke, Nicole Crow, Tanya Nagorcka, Emma Goetz, Alen Slijepcevic and Tim McKern provided expertise and balance in a room full of enthusiastic women. Diana Batley shared an honest and powerful discussion, offering thought-provoking and relatable insights that resonated strongly with participants.

The impact was best captured by Sherri McKerley who reflected: “This is why I still work at CFA 25 years later. Great initiative surrounded by amazing women in both staff and volunteer roles. Reinvigorated my drive to do better.”

The workshop was about more than sharing stories, it created a safe, inclusive and empowering space where women’s voices could be heard, valued and championed. Participants walked away with more than just insights, they left with new friendships, strengthened confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Karen Stanley from Boronia Brigade shared: “I attended feeling anxious and nervous but left with wonderful connections to these women who are resilient, strong, and do not let misguided social attitudes stop them from achieving.”

As the PBTF continues to grow from strength to strength under the leadership of Commander of Planned Burning Tim McKern, this milestone reminds us that change happens when we bring people together with honesty, courage and compassion.

“What a milestone. What a moment. What a group. This is just the beginning.”

Submitted by	Kerryn Tait

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Former fashion retailer Mosaic Brands Limited has today been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $25.05 million in penalties for consumer law breaches that included accepting payment but failing to deliver items to consumers within a reasonable time.

Mosaic Brands, which is now in liquidation, was the owner of well-known brands including Noni B, Rivers, Katies, Rockmans, Millers, Autograph, Beme, Crossroads and W. Lane.

The Court found that Mosaic Brands breached the Australian Consumer Law over a 6-month period when it failed to deliver 739,114 items across its nine brands within the delivery times specified on its websites, or a reasonable time. Of these items, 4,213 were not delivered at all.

In doing so, Mosaic Brands was found to have wrongfully accepted payment from consumers and engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct. 

“Delivery times matter and it is unacceptable to mislead consumers about this aspect of a sale. A large number of Australians – and close to a quarter of online goods ordered from the Mosaic Group were affected by it,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Our investigation revealed that more than half of the items in question were dispatched from Mosaic Brands’ warehouses 30 or more days after the order date, and about one-third were dispatched 40 or more days after the order date.”

“One person who reported to us experienced the dual disappointment of never receiving the goods they’d paid for and then having to wait six months for a refund,” Ms Lowe said.

The almost 740,000 goods that the Court found Mosaic Brands wrongfully accepted payment for made up almost one-quarter of the total online items ordered and dispatched by Mosaic Brands during the six-month period.

In addition, Mosaic Brands did not have reasonable grounds for making delivery time representations on its websites due to Mosaic’s deficient and defective warehousing and logistics systems and operations.

The Court also found that Mosaic Brands breached the Australian Consumer Law when, in a 13-month period between 2021 and 2022, it stated on eight of its brands’ websites that consumers were only eligible for a refund for a faulty item if they sought the refund within six months of the purchase date.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, a consumer’s right to a refund for a faulty item does not have a set time limit: it applies for a “reasonable time”, which depends on factors such as the price and quality of the item.

“All online retailers should be aware that excessive delivery delays after accepting payment can lead to penalties of this magnitude,” Ms Lowe said.

Background

The ACCC commenced court proceedings against Mosaic Brands in the Federal Court in March 2024. The Court made orders on 28 August 2025, with reasons to follow.

Mosaic Brands entered voluntary administration in October 2024. The company then entered liquidation in July 2025.

The Court granted the ACCC leave to continue proceedings against Mosaic Brands, and since January 2025 the matter has been undefended.

Mosaic Brands was a publicly listed company specialising in women’s fashion. At its peak, it had approximately 7.8 million online members and operated about 800 stores across Australia.

Mosaic Brands previously paid a total of $896,400 for infringement notices issued by the ACCC in May 2021 and September 2022, and gave a court enforceable undertaking in May 2021 in relation to misrepresentations on its websites, including about refunds for faulty goods.

Consumer issues in domestic supply chains, including issues such as misrepresentations of delivery timeframes and non-delivery of products, was an ACCC enforcement priority in 2023-2024.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Work to upgrade Griffith train station is now complete as part of the State Government’s commitment to strengthening regional communities with better infrastructure.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Community members are invited to have their say on the final concept designs for accessibility upgrades at Woodford, Lawson and Mount Victoria train stations in the Blue Mountains.

The local geography, approaches and existing rail infrastructure as well as feedback from targeted stakeholders about existing access at the three stations have informed the accessibility upgrade designs.

Artist’s impressions and maps of the planned upgrades have also been developed and include proposed new lifts, ramps, disabled parking and bus shelters.

The upgrades fall under the NSW Government’s Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program which aims to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility problems.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the program would upgrade stations to achieve Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) compliance, improving amenity, access and safety and acknowledging the important role these locations have to the communities they serve.

“Throughout 2024 and 2025, Transport for NSW consulted with various groups including people with disability and carers of people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to inform the draft concept design,” the spokesperson said.

“Various groups have also been engaged for input on the designs, including Blue Mountains City Council, the Blue Mountains City Council Access Advisory Committee, People with Disability Australia, Guide Dogs Australia, as well as people with disability and carers of people with disability living in the area.

“We have also worked separately with women and girls from the local community through a Safer Cities Program workshop.

“These engagements provided insights into the opportunities we have available to improve passengers’ experiences.”

These three station upgrades are currently funded for design and planning to concept design. Subject to receiving further funding, Transport for NSW will then carry out a Review of Environmental Factors and community consultation for planning approvals.

“While the NSW Government has not yet made funding available for delivery of the station upgrades, the feedback provided will be valuable in finalising the detailed design for future delivery,” the spokesperson said.

“Pending funding and prior to the project delivery, the station upgrades would also need Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for planning approval and detailed design development prior to commencing construction.”

The proposed designs for each station upgrade include:

• New lifts to provide access to station platforms and surrounding areas
• Upgraded station forecourts to improve access and enhance customer experience
• Upgrading the waiting rooms and existing toilets to be family accessible
• Improving access to accessible parking spaces, taxi zones and upgraded kiss and ride spaces
• New hearing loops and tactile indicators
• Safety improvements including lighting, CCTV and wayfinding signage.

Feedback which has been received and incorporated into the concept designs for these station accessibility upgrades so far includes:

• Accessible (DDA) parking needs to be located at the closest entry and exit point of the carpark to the station and via a continuous path of travel
• Ensure lifts are installed to provide access to the station platform with sufficient space on the platform for safe wheelchair/ scooter reversing and turning circle in front of the lift
• Install ramps with lower gradients and handrails on either side
• Install tactile ground indicators, especially near tunnel entry and exit points
• Limited availability of amenities such as accessible toilets
• Increase safety and security measures such as additional CCTV cameras, emergency help points and mirrors for better visibility that could make the stations feel safer at night.

To view the concept designs and provide feedback, please visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/design-accessible-stations.

Feedback from community members on the concept designs for these stations is welcome until Friday 26 September and will be considered in the next phase of detailed design development.

Source: Airservices Australia

At its meeting today, the Payments System Board discussed a number of issues, including:

• The regulatory response to the CHESS batch failure incident in December 2024. The Board reviewed ASX’s plans to ensure the current CHESS is adequately operated, maintained and supported as a critical financial market infrastructure. Members noted that early progress is being made and agreed that significant concerns remain. The Board also agreed on further regulatory steps to ensure CHESS Replacement is designed with an appropriate level of resilience for critical financial market infrastructure.
• The annual Assessment of the ASX clearing and settlement facilities against the Financial Stability Standards. The Board endorsed the RBA’s Assessment, which will be published after it has been provided to ASX, the Treasurer and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Members observed that ASX has made limited progress in addressing the RBA’s fundamental concerns in relation to operational resilience and risk management over the past year. ASX’s response to the CHESS batch failure incident in December 2024 and its aftermath has also demonstrated that ASX must take urgent steps to improve its governance and risk culture. The successful delivery of ASX’s current risk management, technology and transformation initiatives is crucial to the continuity of services that are critical to the stability of the Australian financial system.
• The RBA’s oversight of international financial market infrastructures, including LCH SwapClear, CME, Clearstream Banking, Euroclear Bank, CLS and Swift. Many of these infrastructures are engaged in complex, multi-year transformation programs to modernise systems and enhance resilience. Members emphasised the importance of strong project governance, testing and migration strategies to support the ongoing safety and resilience of critical infrastructure. Members also discussed the risks associated with growing reliance by financial market infrastructures on a small number of critical third-party service providers. The Board welcomed ASIC’s decision to grant Clearstream Banking a clearing and settlement facility licence. Members highlighted the importance of the RBA and ASIC, as co-regulators of clearing and settlement facilities operating in Australia, having sufficient oversight of such facilities.
• The system-wide resilience of the Australian payments system. The Board highlighted the growing importance of operational resilience in the context of a more complex and challenging environment for operational risk in the payments system. Regulators and entities will need to increase their focus on system-wide interdependencies. The Board endorsed an ongoing research program examining interoperability, third-party and concentration risks, resilience arrangements for high-value payments and the vulnerability of the payments system to utilities outages.
• The future of cash distribution arrangements. Members discussed the challenges in the cash distribution system. There is an ongoing need for industry cooperation to work towards a more durable future distribution system that supports the availability of cash in the community, including in rural and regional Australia. Cash remains an important means of payment for many Australians and can play a valuable role as a back-up to electronic payments, as part of a resilient and inclusive payments ecosystem. Members noted that a new proposed regulatory framework for providers of cash distribution services, which was the subject of a recent CFR and ACCC consultation, should contribute to the management of risks relating to the continuity of cash distribution services across Australia.
• Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging. The Board was provided with an update on the initial responses of stakeholders to the Consultation Paper published in July. Members noted feedback regarding the potential impact of the proposed card payments regulations on the ability of small issuers and fintechs to compete and innovate. Members held a preliminary discussion on whether there is a case to reduce the regulatory burden of card payments regulations on small issuers and what options might best support this objective. The issue will be considered further as part of the consultation process for the Review.
• Global developments in stablecoins. Members discussed the recent sharp growth in the global stablecoin market, noting the market is largely concentrated in a small number of US dollar stablecoins. Members discussed the expansion in potential use cases for stablecoins, including as a means of payment and in cross-border transactions. They also considered the emerging regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions. While the stablecoin market in Australia is currently very small, members discussed a range of potential domestic implications if the use of stablecoins were to grow considerably. The Board also welcomed the Government’s proposed reforms aimed at ensuring that stored-value facilities, including stablecoins, operate under a strong regulatory and licencing regime.