Month: December 2025

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15 years of protecting shoppers with the Australian Consumer Law

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

One of Australia’s most important consumer protections has its 15th anniversary, just as the busy January sales period gets underway. 

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) came into force on 1 January 2011. It replaced a patchwork of state and territory laws with a single, national framework. Since then, all Australians are protected by the same automatic consumer guarantees. 

Introduced following a Productivity Commission inquiry into Australia’s consumer policy framework, the ACL established a ‘one-law, multiple regulators’ model. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) works alongside state and territory consumer agencies such as Consumer Affairs Victoria, to enforce consistent protections nationwide. 

The law guarantees that products must work properly, be safe, and do what they’re supposed to do. Services must be provided with due care and skill. These rights are automatic and cannot be overridden by store policies or limited warranties. 

Consumer agencies across Australia coordinate through Consumer Networks. Together, they enforce the ACL, share intelligence on emerging issues, and run joint education campaigns. This collaboration ensures businesses face consistent standards while consumers receive both national protection and local support. 

To mark the anniversary, regulators are running a coordinated campaign reminding shoppers of their rights during the November-January peak shopping period. This traditionally includes the busiest time for consumer purchases. 

Key consumer rights under the ACL include: 

  • automatic guarantees on all goods and services that apply regardless of store policies
  • rights that extend beyond warranties – products must last a reasonable time based on their type and price
  • protection for online purchases, including digital products and subscriptions
  • remedies when things go wrong. Consumers are entitled to repair, replacement, or refund, depending on the nature of the fault (minor or major)
  • protections against misleading advertisements, statements or pricing
  • striking out terms in standard form contracts used by businesses if they’re too one-sided and unfair on the consumer.

In Victoria, ACL-related content on our website received more than 1.2 million views last financial year. 

Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Nicole Rich, said the ACL had fundamentally changed consumer protection in Australia. The collaborative model had proven effective over 15 years, Rich said. 

Consumers who need help asserting their rights can visit our Consumers and businesses section or call 1300 55 81 81. 

More information about the ACL for businesses is available from our Australian Consumer Law resources page. 

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Special envoy’s plan to combat antisemitism

Source: Australian Ministers for Education

There is no place in Australia for antisemitism. It is an evil that tears at the fabric of our country. It puts the peaceful, free and equal society we cherish at risk.

Sadly, since the terrible events of October 2023 we have witnessed a series of appalling attacks targeting Australia’s Jewish community.

That culminated on Sunday in one of the worst acts of mass murder this country has ever seen.

The ISIS-inspired terrorist atrocity that killed 15 innocent people – including a 10-year-old girl – was an attack on our Jewish community and it was an attack on the Australian way of life.

The Albanese Government thanks Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Ms Jillian Segal AO, for the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism (The Plan), and her continued work to eradicate antisemitism in Australia.

The Australian Government adopts the Plan to Combat Antisemitism. We have already legislated for hate speech, hate crimes hate symbols and doxxing. We have also undertaken education action, including appointing a Student Ombudsman.

We will continue to work through the implementation of the 13 recommendations in consultation with the Jewish Australian community and our Special Envoy.

Today we are announcing a number of significant additional actions to build on the Plan.

Firstly, the Attorney-General and Minister for Home Affairs will develop a package of legislative reforms to crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation. The National Security Committee has agreed that changes will include the following 5 points.

  1. Aggravated hate speech offence for preachers and leaders who promote violence.
  2. Increased penalties for hate speech promoting violence.
  3. Making hate an aggravating factor in sentencing crimes for online threats and harassment.
  4. Developing a regime for listing organisations whose leaders engage in hate speech promoting violence or racial hatred.
  5. Developing a narrow federal offence for serious vilification based on race and/or advocating racial supremacy.

Further:

  • The Minister for Home Affairs will have new powers to cancel or reject visas for those who spread hate and division in this country, or for those who would do so if they were allowed to come.
  • David Gonski AC will lead a 12-month taskforce, including the Special Envoy, to ensure the Australian education system prevents, tackles and properly responds to antisemitism.
  • The eSafety Commissioner, the Special Envoy and the Minister for Communications will work together to provide online safety advice to address antisemitism.
  • This builds on the extension in MYEFO of funding to provide overall security cover to the Jewish community, including at places of worship.

The Albanese Government’s full response to the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism is available at the Home Affairs website.

The Albanese Government appointed Australia’s first ever antisemitism envoy Ms Jillian Segal in July 2024. Ms Segal provided her combatting antisemitism report to Government in July 2025 and the Prime Minister and Ms Segal released it publicly on July 10, 2025. Ms Segal’s report had 13 recommendations and 49 key actions. Some recommendations were immediately enacted.  Today the Government is providing its full response to the report.

The Plan reflects extensive consultations with individuals of the Jewish Australian community, many of who have lived experience of prejudice, hatred and discrimination. We thank all those who contributed to The Plan.

The Plan presents not merely a list of recommendations for Government action, it is a program of work to be led by the Envoy, supported and implemented by Government.

The Albanese Government is taking action on all 13 recommendations outlined in The Plan.

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New Regional University Study Hub opens on Norfolk Island

Source: Australian Ministers for Education

A new Regional University Study Hub (RUSH) officially opened today on Norfolk Island, bringing university closer for local residents.

Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. On Norfolk Island, only around 25 per cent of young people have a degree.

The evidence shows that where Regional University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.

The new Country Universities Centre (CUC) Norfolk Island is located at 72 Taylors Road, Norfolk Island and will offer support services and study facilities for local students enrolled at any Australian university or vocational education and training provider, without them having to leave the community.

The new location is part of the Australian Government’s $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country.

For more information: Regional University Study Hubs – Department of Education, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like Norfolk Island.

“In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills.

“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification.

“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.

“The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That’s why we are doubling the number.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bean David Smith:

“The opening of the Country Universities Centre Norfolk Island is a great opportunity for students in our region to pursue a tertiary education while remaining connected to family, friends and local businesses and employers.

“Study hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are studying a university or TAFE course without them having to leave their community.”

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Police investigate theft of historical sculpture from Ross

Source: Tasmania Police

Police investigate theft of historical sculpture from Ross

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 – 3:59 pm.

Police are investigating the theft of a historical sculpture from the Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum in Ross earlier this month.
Detective Sergeant Dwayne Kirkby said the Ermenegildo Zegna Perpetual Trophy, which was on loan from the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, was reportedly stolen overnight on Friday, 5 December.
“Police were called to the wool museum in the early hours of Saturday, 6 December after the building’s alarm was activated,” Detective Sergeant Kirkby said.
“The suspect, believed to be a man, was wearing black shoes and gloves, light-coloured trousers and a hoodie. He left the scene in a white van, although the make and model are unknown.”
“Investigators have been pursuing several lines of inquiry and we’re appealing to the public for any information that could assist.”
“This item is of significant importance to Tasmania’s wool industry, and we’re committed to returning it to its rightful owners.”
Pictured is the statue, as well as its wooden case.
Anyone with information should contact Northern CIB on 131 444 and quote OR791821.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au.

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Forecasts of Period-average Exchange Rates: Insights from Real-time Daily Data

Source: Airservices Australia

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423-2025: List of treatment providers update: treatment provider under review – Harbi Kurt Liman Hizetleri (AEI: TR4006SB)

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

Who does this notice affect?

Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

What has changed?

Following the identification of biosecurity concerns, we have listed Harbi Kurt Liman Hizetleri (AEI: TR4006SB) as ‘under review’ on the…

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Simtable demonstrations captivate Lindenow and Mt Taylor communities

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

East Gippsland residents have embraced cutting-edge technology designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, with two simtable demonstrations held in Lindenow and Mt Taylor that drew strong crowds and sparked lively discussion.

On 2 December, around 25 community members gathered in Lindenow to see the simtable in action. Local CFA commanders, brigade captains and brigade members attended alongside East Gippsland Shire Council’s Blanche Evans.

The digital sand table, which projects interactive, real-time models of bushfires, floods and evacuations, proved both fascinating and practical. Attendees praised the demonstration for its clarity and relevance, noting how it helped them visualise the challenges of emergency response.

The following day, Mt Taylor hosted its own session, attracting 34 participants. CFA presenters Terry Ouroumis and Dan Idczak guided the community through scenarios showing how fire behaviour shifts with wind direction and topography. The interactive format encouraged questions and hands-on engagement, leaving participants with a stronger understanding of local vulnerabilities and the importance of preparedness.

One participant summed up the mood, saying: “We need to educate the wider community – this is just so important and thank you for highlighting it.”

Together, the two events reached around 60 community members and were delivered through a collaboration between East Gippsland Shire Council, CFA and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV).

The demonstrations not only raised awareness but also sparked meaningful conversations about resilience and preparedness across the region, reinforcing the value of continued community engagement.

The demonstrations form part of ABV’s Resilient Regions Program, which helps communities prepare for, withstand and recover from natural disasters.

Submitted by News and Media
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Major grass fires across state

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Picture: Wycheproof Fire Brigade

The hot and dry conditions late last week were ideal for fire and resulted in two major grassfires in the state’s north.

On the morning of Thursday, 18 December 2025 CFA crews responded to a grass and scrub fire in Goomalibee, 15km north-west of Benalla.  

Conditions were hot and windy and crews knew they had a challenge on their hands as the blaze was spreading rapidly in an easterly direction.  

Incident Controller Peter Bell said at the height of the incident there were about 200 firefighters working on the ground assisted by 11 aircraft including two of the Large Air Tankers which responded out of Avalon airport.  

“Our main concern was pulling it up before the Midland Highway,” Peter said. 

“Crews did a fantastic job, and even though we lost one house, the number of houses they saved was astronomical. 

“One of the biggest concerns was a low water supply so we were able to bring in one of the new bulk water tankers which was a huge help.” 

Two Emergency Warnings were issued for the Goomalibee fire on Thursday afternoon.  

The first instructed people east of the fire front to shelter indoors now and the second Emergency Warning issued just before 2pm asked people east of the original warning to leave immediately and travel south towards Benalla. 

Crews were thankful for an afternoon wind change which was significantly weaker than expected, allowing them to halt the spread of the fire to the west of Broken River, about 10km east from where the fire started.  

The fire was declared under control on Friday morning with crews working throughout the weekend to ensure no reignitions occurred.  

The fire burned about 1600 hectares in total and was caused by a mechanical header operating in a paddock.  

The other major fire started in Charlton in the state’s north west and crossed the Avoca River on Thursday afternoon.  

This fire tore through more than 2,800 hectares before crews were able to contain it and get it under control by Thursday night. 

More than 40 appliances and aircraft worked on the blaze and multiple warnings were issued before the Watch and Act – Stay Near Shelter warning was downgraded to an Advice – Threat is Reduced.  

Chief Officer Jason Heffernan thanked everyone who heeded the warnings.  

“While we acknowledge there were losses and these will no doubt have huge impacts on those affected, we are thankful no one lost their life in any fire,” Jason said.  

“It is a timely reminder to make sure you have the VicEmergency app downloaded and a watch zone set up for wherever you will be over the holidays. 

“Have your fire plan ready and know what you are going to do on extreme and catastrophic days. 

“We are also once again urging farmers to ensure they follow all the advice surrounding hay and harvest fire safety.” 

  • Fire at Charlton
Submitted by CFA Media
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Counterfeit batches of rabies vaccine (Abhayrab®) reported in India

Source: FairTrading New South Wales

Health alert

Status:
Active
Alert number:
251223
Date issued:
22 Dec 2025
Issued by:
Dr. Evelyn Wong, Acting Chief Health Officer
Issued to:
Health professionals and the Victorian community

Key messages

  • Counterfeit batches of rabies vaccine Abhayrab® have been circulating in India since November 2023.
  • People who have received the counterfeit vaccine may not be fully protected against rabies.
  • People who have received Abhayrab®, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards are advised to see their healthcare provider to check if replacement doses are needed.
  • Clinicians should offer replacement doses with a rabies vaccine registered in Australia to people who have received Abhayrab®, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards.

What is the issue?

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has been alerted to the circulation of counterfeit batches of the rabies vaccine Abhayrab® in India since 1 November 2023. This vaccine is not available in Australia but people who have received this vaccine while in India may be impacted.

People who have received the counterfeit vaccine may not be fully protected against rabies and are recommended to receive replacement doses with a rabies vaccine registered in Australia.

Rabies is a rare but highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by the rabies virus, and it spreads to people from infected animals. It does not occur in Australia but is found in many parts of the world, including India. Symptoms of rabies can occur within days or up to several years after exposure. Immediate wound care and post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies vaccine +/- rabies immunoglobulin prevent against disease following exposure to infected animals.

Who is at risk?

People may be impacted if they:

  • received rabies vaccine in India from 1 November 2023 onwards, AND
  • were administered one or more doses of Abhayrab®, OR the administered vaccine brand is unknown.

People who have completed their full rabies vaccine course in a country other than India, including Australia, or have documented evidence of receiving a different rabies vaccine brand are not affected by this issue.

Recommendations

For the public

Actions for people affected by this issue:

  • Anyone who has received one or more doses of Abhayrab®, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards are advised to see their GP or healthcare provider. You may be recommended to receive replacement vaccine doses.

General advice for people visiting countries where rabies occurs:

  • Speak to your GP, travel health clinic or immunisation provider about recommended vaccines for travel.
  • Avoid contact with wild and domestic animals when visiting countries where rabies occurs. If bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of an animal, seek immediate medical care.
  • Keep detailed records of any vaccines received while overseas, including the dates received, product names and batch numbers. Take a photo of the packaging and label if possible.
  • Upon returning to Australia, discuss if any additional vaccine doses are needed with your GP.

For health professionals

  • For people who have received one or more doses of Abhayrab®, or an unknown rabies vaccine brand, in India from 1 November 2023 onwards:
    • replace any dose(s) of Abhayrab®, or unknown rabies vaccine brand, with dose(s) of a valid rabies vaccine registered in Australia such as Rabipur® or Verorab®.
    • see the ATAGI statement External Link for further advice.
  • It is difficult to confirm whether a person has received genuine or counterfeit vaccine. As a precaution, people who have received any dose of Abhayrab® in India from 1 November 2023 onwards should be considered to have potentially received the counterfeit vaccine and offered replacement doses.
  • People who have completed their full rabies vaccine course in a country other than India or have documented evidence of receiving a different valid rabies vaccine brand do not require replacement doses.
  • People travelling to high-risk areas should be counselled on rabies prevention and where appropriate, offered rabies vaccine as pre-exposure prophylaxis prior to travel. Advise overseas travellers to keep detailed records of vaccines administered outside of Australia, including date, product name, and batch number, and where possible, to take a photo of the vaccine packaging and label.
  • Contact your Local Public Health Unit on 1300 651 160 for additional guidance.
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City’s Medium Community Grants to benefit 17 local groups

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Seventeen local groups have been successful in obtaining grants worth $121,859 through the latest round of the City of Greater Bendigo’s Medium Community Grants program.

City of Greater Bendigo Healthy Communities and Environments Director Jess Howard said each year Council allocates approximately $850,000 through the Community Grants Program and its various grant categories.

“The Medium Grants category provides up to $10,000 to help community groups afford things that are essential for them to function and that support activities that align with the aims of the Greater Bendigo’s Council Plan 2021-2025 Mir wimbul or a local community plan,” Ms Howard said.

“The Community Grants Program with its various categories is fantastic for local groups as they would often not be able to undertake important activities that benefit our community without this funding.”

In this latest round 17 out of 32 applications received were successful in obtaining a grant.  The successful applicants are:

  • Epsom Primary School Sawdust & Smiles Intergenerational Project with Huntly Men’s Shed ($10,000)
  • Rotary Club of Eaglehawk for replacement of floor coverings at the Mechanics Institute Hall, California Gully ($10,000)
  • Friends of the Bendigo Kilmore Rail Trail for outdoor table and seating units for the O’Keefe Rail Trail at the Wilkie Rd and Giris Rd crossings ($10,000)
  • WomenCAN Australia for the Driving to Employment program to address barriers to transport access for women ($10,000)
  • Bendigo Strikers Cricket Club for renewal of cricket training nets at Albert Roy Recreation Reserve ($10,000)
  • FOSSALS Landcare Group for the purchase of chainsaws, brush cutters, safety equipment and training for clearing of  Axe, Emu and Sheepwash Creeks in Strathfieldsaye ($8,031)
  • Dragons Afloat Bendigo for a feasibility study to respond to the growth of Dragon Boating in Bendigo ($8,000)
  • Rotary Club of Kangaroo Flat to replace aging, unsafe trestle tables used for weekly community meals and other events at Gateway Park Function Centre ($7,188)
  • The Unit Committee Naval Reserve Cadet TS Bendigo, for a kitchen and facility upgrade at its Lake Eppalock site ($7,000)
  • Lockwood CFA Brigade for emergency personal body lights and thermal imaging equipment for use in firefighting and emergencies ($6,500)
  • Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Community Gardens for replacement of rusted rainwater tank with two 28,000 litre tanks ($6,190)
  • Golden City Pipe Band towards the Scots on Show Highland Gathering 2025 celebrating Scottish culture at Truscott Reserve, California Gully ($5,750)
  • Bendigo Sustainability Group towards the Bendigo Sustainability Festival in 2026 at the Garden for the Future, White Hills ($5,000)
  • Spring Gully United Soccer Club for refurbishing of main club room with new projector, screen and chairs ($5,000)
  • Marong Community Action Group for the low cost/no cost inclusive family friendly Marong Family Fun Day ($5,000)
  • Elmore Football Netball Club for removal of asbestos in old electrical switch board from the netball club rooms ($4,865)
  • Bendigo Crushers Rugby League Club for purchase of marquees for shade and comfort of participants and spectators ($3,330)