Month: November 2025

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

6 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Biosecurity industry participants and accredited persons operating under approved arrangement Class 19, who are interested in attending an information session on the upcoming Release 3 (other email users) of industry reporting via the Biosecurity Portal.

What has changed?

The department is pleased to announce that Release 3 of Biosecurity Industry Reporting will be rolled out via the Biosecurity Portal.

Release 3…

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Consumer Affairs Victoria has released new guidelines that real estate agents must follow when selecting the most comparable properties to help determine a home’s selling price.

Under Victoria’s underquoting laws, estate agents must select 3 recently sold properties in the local area to compare against when setting a reasonable estimate of a home’s selling price. These comparable properties are also listed in the published Statement of Information.

Our underquoting taskforce has found some agents were ignoring the most similar properties recently sold in the local area, instead choosing properties that differ in one or more important features, and sold for a lower price. This can mislead potential buyers.

When selecting comparable properties, agents must already consider the standard, condition, location, and sale date of recent properties. The refreshed guidelines add new factors that agents must consider, including:

• whether the properties are renovated or unrenovated
• build status, such as fully built homes versus vacant lots
• if near-identical properties in the same estate or apartment complex have recently sold, and
• similarities or differences in school zones, proximity to shops and other neighbourhood features.

These updates will ensure agents follow clearer requirements to set prices using the most relevant and accurate property comparisons. This will help homebuyers make more informed decisions about a property’s likely selling price.

Consumer Affairs Victoria can request information and documents from agents to assess whether their chosen comparable properties were reasonable. Agents who fail to comply may face penalties.

These changes build on the ongoing work of the underquoting taskforce to crack down on unfair and unlawful underquoting in Victoria’s property market.

Since its launch, the taskforce has received more than 5000 complaints through its dedicated underquoting webform. More than a quarter of these complaints allege that agents used unreasonable comparable properties.

More than a third of complaints have come from other agents, showing that many in the industry are committed to fair and lawful practices.

The taskforce monitors the property market through tracking sales campaigns, inspecting estate agencies and attending auctions.

Over the Cup Day weekend, officers attended over 40 auctions in the City of Whitehorse, City of Wyndham and neighbouring local government areas to ensure compliance with the law.

So far, the taskforce has:

• issued over 200 infringements totalling over $2.3 million in fines
• delivered over 290 official warnings to agents in breach of their obligations
• taken legal action against several agents for serious alleged breaches.

Agents who underquote risk penalties of over $40,000 and potential loss of sales commissions under Victoria’s estate agent laws, and penalties of up to $50 million for companies and $2.5 million for individuals under Australian Consumer Law.

If you suspect underquoting, report it to us.

Find more information about underquoting.

Source: South Australia Police

About 7pm Wednesday 5 November, police searched a man at a licensed premises on Victoria Terrace, Taperoo. A 3D printed firearm was found in his backpack along with a flick knife and a quantity of methamphetamine.

The 27-year-old Ethelton man was arrested and charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, having no firearms licence, possessing a knife in a public place and two counts of breaching an intervention order.

He was refused police bail and will appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court later today.

The man was issued a three-month licensed premises barring order and a drug diversion for possession of the methamphetamine.

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Source: Tasmania Police

Speeding drivers caught during Ridgley Highway operation

Thursday, 6 November 2025 – 9:38 am.

Western Road Policing Services intercepted 22 speeding drivers during a targeted operation on the Ridgley Highway yesterday afternoon.
Acting Inspector Martin Parker said three of the drivers were travelling at speeds of more than 30 kilometres above the limit.
“It is incredibly disappointing that these drivers chose to put not only their own life at risk, but the lives of other road users by speeding,” he said.
“They were also travelling on wet roads, making the situation even more dangerous.
“We are urging all road users to please make good choices and help us keep everyone safe.”
During the five-hour operation, police also issued infringements for two drivers with unregistered vehicles, and issued two defect notices.
Incidents of dangerous driving can be reported to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: Tasmania Police

Fatal crash – Morty’s Food Court, Launceston

Thursday, 6 November 2025 – 8:53 am.

Sadly, a woman has died following a serious crash at Morty’s Food Court in Launceston yesterday. 
Police and emergency services were called to the scene just before 12.30pm Wednesday after a car crashed into the building and seriously injured a pedestrian.
The 67 year old woman was taken to hospital by ambulance in a critical condition, but sadly died overnight.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. 
The driver, a 65 year old Lilydale man, was treated for minor injuries and is assisting police with their inquiries. 
A report will be prepared for the coroner. 
Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. 
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information should contact police on 131 444 and quote OR789383

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Most furniture suppliers are failing to comply with new mandatory information rules that warn customers of the dangers of furniture tipping over, a sweep of businesses has revealed.

The ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies examined over 3000 furniture products at more than 160 businesses.

Of those businesses, 90 per cent were non-compliant with the mandatory toppling furniture information standard in relation to one or more of their products and more than half were non-compliant in relation to all products examined.

Toppling furniture has killed at least 28 people in Australia since 2000 and causes nearly 20 injuries every week. The mandatory information standard, which came into effect on 4 May 2025, aims to reduce accidents and deaths due to furniture tipping over.

It requires toppling furniture safety warnings to be provided to consumers online and in-store at point of sale, on products purchased by consumers, and in instructions that accompany products.

“Unsecured furniture items like bookcases and cabinets can unexpectedly tip over causing severe injury or death,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“It can happen when a child climbs or pulls on open drawers or when an elderly person uses furniture for support. Young children and older Australians are at greatest risk of injury.”

“We undertook surveillance, in partnership with state and territory consumer protection agencies, which included visiting stores around the country and online, to raise awareness of the importance of compliance with the new mandatory information standard,” Ms Lowe said.

“We are concerned about the low levels of compliance. It is critical that businesses include warnings and safety information on toppling furniture.”

The sweep found 90 per cent of furniture suppliers had one or more products which failed to include mandatory warnings.

About 52 per cent were fully non-compliant, meaning all toppling furniture products inspected had either no warning information displayed or had incorrect or incomplete information.

Only 10 per cent of businesses were assessed as fully compliant with the mandatory information standard requirements.

“The ACCC expects suppliers to take all reasonable steps to comply with the standard, to reduce the risk of death and injury associated with toppling furniture,” Ms Lowe said.

“We will be continuing to monitor businesses to ensure they are displaying the mandatory safety warnings so that consumers have the information they need to stay safe. 

“We expect to see significant improvement in compliance and will consider enforcement action if this does not occur,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies have informed furniture suppliers who were assessed as non-compliant and requested rectification. Suppliers who fail to comply with the standard may face enforcement action including fines and penalties.

Suppliers had a 12-month transition period from May 2024 to May 2025 to comply with the new information and labelling requirements.

Information for suppliers

Supplying a product that fails to comply with the information standard is a contravention of the Australian Consumer Law and may expose a business or individual to potential enforcement action by the ACCC.

The maximum financial penalties for businesses are the greatest of:

1. $50,000,000;

2. three times the value of the “reasonably attributable” benefit obtained from the conduct, if the court can determine this; or

3. if a court cannot determine the benefit, 30 per cent of adjusted turnover during the breach period.

The maximum financial penalty for individuals is $2,500,000.

The ACCC published supplier guidance to assist suppliers to comply with the mandatory standard.

The information standard requires suppliers to:

• attach permanent safety warning labels to furniture,
• display safety warnings at the point of sale in-store and online, and
• provide safety information and warnings in instruction manuals.

All suppliers in the supply chain, including retailers, wholesalers and distributers, are required to comply with the mandatory information standard.

ACCC consumer guidance

The ACCC published consumer guidance to inform consumers about the risks associated with toppling furniture, including how to pick safer furniture when shopping and how to properly anchor furniture to prevent tip over.

Consumers are encouraged to report concerns about unsafe or non-compliant furniture items to the supplier and the ACCC using the Product Safety Australia website.

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 4:15pm

Original publication: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 4:11pm

Source: ACT Police

ACT Policing responded to more than 500 incidents at retailers and arrested more than 40 people following a successful Operation RETAIL last month.

Operation RETAIL, launched on 1 October, was a month-long campaign to address anti-social behaviour and theft within Canberra’s shopping precincts.

The campaign was developed in consultation with retail managers, security providers and external agencies. It focused on deterring anti-social behaviour, reducing retail theft, enhancing public perceptions of safety and improving business safety and security.

Throughout the month of October, officers in the ACT responded to:

• 515 incidents at stores across the ACT, including 14 burglaries, 18 assaults and more than 250 thefts
• 42 people were arrested for various offences committed at shops in the ACT
• Police also conducted more than 50 proactive patrols at retail precincts

Among those caught was a 14-year-old boy who was charged with multiple counts of theft after allegedly stealing more than $21,000 worth of alcohol from various liquor stores across Canberra.

A 32-year-old Wanniassa man charged after allegedly stealing more than $3,000 worth of products from retail outlets across Canberra and a 16-year-old girl who allegedly threatened a retail staff member with a knife at a department store were also among those arrested during October.

A number of recidivist offenders have been charged during October, with ACT Policing having laid twice as many charges on 80% of offenders, of which 23% were repeat offenders.

Retail theft and anti-social behaviour remain ongoing challenges, but by maintaining visibility, working collaboratively, and applying intelligence-led policing, we can continue to protect our community, support our business sector, and build a safer Canberra.

Quote attributable to Auror, the leading global retail crime intelligence software provider, Senior Director Trust and Safety Nick McDonnell

“The success of Operation RETAIL shows what’s possible when police and retailers work together using technology like Auror to address prolific and violent crime in the community.

ACT Policing’s leadership in using tech-based solutions has demonstrated the power of a collaborative, intelligence-led approach to tackling high volume retail crime,” Mr McDonnell said.

Retailer data in Auror tells us the top 10% of offenders are causing over 60% of the crime. Police do amazing work in the community, and targeted operations like this help focus their precious resources on those highest harm repeat offenders, to make an outsized impact on the problem and keep stores safe.”

Quote attributable to State Director of Operations – NSW & ACT, Woolworths, Matthew Spiteri

“We commend the ACT Government and ACT Police for the success of Operation Retail. The collaborative work by the police and our team directly supports our efforts to keep our stores safe for both our team members and customers.

During the operation, we observed and stopped more than 400 incidents of theft and recovered over $20,000 worth of stock. We have also provided a substantial amount of evidence to police in relation to many of these incidents to assist with investigations and criminal prosecution of these offenders.

This type of targeted, visible police action is precisely what is needed to address retail crime in the ACT.

It also underscores the importance of Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) in targeting repeat and violent offenders. A key outcome was seeing a violent offender, already subject to a WPO, being charged and remanded by ACT Police, which is a significant win for team safety.”

Quote attributable to NSW/ACT Branch Secretary of Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association, Bernie Smith

“The SDA wholeheartedly welcomes the ACT Police initiatives in Operation RETAIL to crack down on customer violence in shops and fast food outlets and retail crime.

High-visibility policing – ‘cops in shops’ – sends a strong message that violence and intimidation won’t be tolerated anywhere.

Ten percent of perpetrators commit 60 percent of the offences in retail and fast food, so this focused operation makes a real difference.”

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Tuesday, 4 November 2025 1:09pm

Original publication: Tuesday, 4 November 2025 1:03pm

Source: ACT Police

Last update: Monday, 3 November 2025 5:44pm

Original publication: Monday, 3 November 2025 9:18am