Source: Australian Department of Communications
AUSTRAC has launched civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against two businesses – Castra Licensee Pty Ltd ACN 160 992 709 (Castra) and Princeton Securities (NSW) Pty Ltd ACN 162 219 794 (Princeton) for failing to meet their reporting obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act).
AUSTRAC alleges that neither business submitted an annual compliance report for the 2023 calendar year.
Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture
11 December 2025
Biosecurity industry participants and accredited persons operating under approved arrangement class 19.
From 11 December 2025 class 19 accredited persons will be able to amend approved arrangement locations, for directions generated under approved arrangement class 19, without impacting the cargo status in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS). Location amendments will no longer generate an ICS major…
Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 10/12/2025
Canberrans who are making our city more inclusive and accessible for people with disability have been celebrated at the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards.
The annual awards recognise local champions who are making a real difference in the lives of people by breaking down barriers in ACT workplaces, businesses, cultural spaces and communities through innovative and inclusive initiatives.
The 2025 Awards and winners are:
Leader in Inclusion
Emma Myers is a screenwriter, actor, disability advocate and Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery journalist. As a co-creator and co-writer of Australian comedy television series Latecomers, Emma highlighted the intersection of womanhood, sexuality and disability – heralding an important shift in how people with disability are depicted on screen.
Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices
Raffy Sgroi has created accessible and inclusive workplaces across her multiple businesses, implementing groundbreaking workplace modifications and adaptive technologies. She also developed an innovative program called Transforming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which has been adopted by over 30 businesses.
Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability
Stellar Company and the Chamaeleon Collective – The Chamaeleon Collective, established in 2020 by The Stellar Company, is an inclusive dance company providing professional dance opportunities for dancers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The Chamaeleon Collective continually push the boundaries of professionally produced and presented inclusive arts practice.
Excellence in Access and Inclusion
Tahlya O’Toole ensures genuine inclusion is achieved by continually exceeding industry minimums through proactive, culturally safe, inclusive and person-centred service delivery in her role as Founder and Managing Director of Enabled Disability Services.
Excellence in Innovation and Impact
Eloise Higgins has consistently enhanced the inclusion of people with disability through her role as Manager of Canberra’s STEM-learning studio, Daydream Machine. At just 18 years old, Eloise has taken the initiative to personally tutor neurodivergent students, mentor two young people outside her formal role, and support families by helping them better understand and celebrate their children’s strengths.
Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality
Ebe Ganon has amplified the voices of people with disability in policy discussions both nationally and internationally, including in her role as Board Chair of Children and Young People with Disability Australia. She recently represented young Canberrans at the 2025 United Nations Conference of State Parties in New York, delivering presentations on AI and inclusive education to international delegates.
Highly Commended certificates were also presented to:
Shift & Co – Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability
Hands On Studio – Excellence in Access and Inclusion
Stages of Empathy by Rebus Theatre – Excellence in Access and Inclusion
Quote attributable to Chief Minister Andrew Barr:
“Our community benefits when inclusion is a priority and when the needs and rights of people with disability are valued.
“These awards highlight the many practical actions we can all adopt to make our society more accessible for all Canberrans.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr:
“Inclusion is for everyone and it’s something we all can contribute too. Every nominee in this year’s awards demonstrates what can be achieved when people are empowered to fully participate in our community.
A huge congratulations to the winners and a massive thank you to all nominees for the leadership they have shown in making Canberra more inclusive”
Quote attributable to Chair of the ACT Inclusion Council, Kim Marshall:
“The Inclusion Council acknowledges the individuals, businesses, and leaders who continue to dismantle the barriers that prevent people with disability from participating fully in all aspects of life.
“Congratulations for delivering real inclusion across the ACT.”
– Statement ends –
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force is encouraging retailers and the community to be vigilant for potential counterfeit $50 and $100 notes circulating in the Northern Territory.
Police have seen a recent rise in the number of seizures from attempted importations, personal possession, and use of fake $50 and $100 notes at businesses across the Territory, with police seizing the equivalent of $19,000 in counterfeit currency since September 2025.
NTPF Financial Crimes Section Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Timothy Gardiner said, “The latest seized counterfeit currencies appear to be reasonable quality with the main indicator that it’s fake, being the word “PROPS” printed in small text on one side of each note.
Individuals attempting to pass these notes off, often try to make small purchases to change the notes for legitimate currency or hide them amongst legitimate notes when making larger payments. I encourage all retailers to be vigilant and if you suspect a note is fake, so long as it’s safe to do so, don’t accept it.
If you believe you have been given counterfeit currency, handle it as little as possible and store it in an envelope, record details of how it came to you and notify police via 131 444. Alternatively, if you know someone in possession of counterfeit currency you can make an anonymous report to police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Offences relating to the making, importing, buying, selling, possessing or using counterfeit Australian currency are indictable offences under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 and carry maximum penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment.
More information relating to detecting counterfeit currency can be found on the Reserve Bank of Australia website:
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has decided to oppose Insurance Australia Group Limited (ASX: IAG)’s proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance Pty Limited (RACI) from the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia Inc.
Following a detailed investigation, the ACCC has concluded that the proposed acquisition would likely result in a substantial lessening of competition in the supply of motor vehicle insurance and the supply of home and contents insurance in Western Australia.
RACI is the market leader in both motor vehicle insurance and home and contents insurance in Western Australia. It competes strongly through its well-recognised RAC WA brand, competitive pricing and high quality service, including customers’ claims experiences.
IAG is one of the two largest personal insurers in Australia and is also a strong performer in Western Australia. It has a well-known brand in NRMA, strong IT capabilities, and considerable financial resources.
The proposed acquisition would combine these two large insurers, leaving IAG with overall market shares of approximately 55 to 65 per cent in motor vehicle insurance and approximately 50 to 60 per cent in home and contents insurance in Western Australia.
“We concluded that the proposed acquisition would eliminate the significant competition between IAG and RACI, and reduce the competitive pressure they each place on rival insurance brands,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
“We concluded that the acquisition would be likely to allow IAG, after acquiring RACI, to increase premiums and reduce the quality of its suite of insurance products, with likely flow-on effects to the offerings of other insurers.”
The ACCC carefully considered the level of competition provided by other insurance suppliers in Western Australia, including established insurers Suncorp, Allianz, and QBE, and mid-tier insurers Auto & General, Youi, and Hollard.
The ACCC found that although alternative insurers compete in Western Australia, they would be unlikely to prevent the significant loss of competition that would likely result from the proposed acquisition.
“Given the historical difficulties rivals have had growing their share in Western Australia, the ACCC is concerned that IAG would face insufficient competitive constraints post-acquisition,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
The ACCC also closely examined the level of competition RACI would provide in the alternative scenario where it is not acquired by IAG.
In particular, the ACCC considered the challenges faced by the insurance industry, and how these challenges may affect RACI, including the growth in the number of extreme weather events over time and rising reinsurance, claims, and regulatory costs.
“Our investigation found that RACI remains a strong and profitable competitor and is adequately positioned to manage these challenges. We have concluded that if IAG doesn’t acquire RACI, RACI would have the capability to continue to compete effectively in Western Australia in the future,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
The ACCC also considered whether the proposed acquisition would allow IAG to restrict competing insurers’ access to repair services, but found limited evidence to suggest IAG would have the ability or incentive to engage in such conduct.
Further information can be found on the ACCC’s public register: IAG Limited – RAC Insurance Pty Limited | ACCC.
IAG is an ASX-listed general insurance company operating in Australia and New Zealand providing a range of personal and commercial insurance products in Australia directly under its owned brands, including NRMA, Swann Insurance, ROLLiN’, Cylo and Lumley Special Vehicles. In Victoria, IAG has a joint venture with RACV where IAG underwrites RACV-branded home and contents and motor vehicle insurance, and RACV manages distribution and member engagement. In Western Australia, IAG primarily supplies home and motor vehicle insurance under the NRMA brand, having transitioned its customers away from the SGIO brand starting in 2022 (after acquiring the SGIO brand in 1998).
In addition, IAG provides intermediated insurance through brokers, authorised financial representatives, institutions and agents under the CGU and WFI brands. IAG also underwrites insurance products distributed by financial institutions, including Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, People’s Choice Bank and, since 2023, ANZ Bank.
The Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC) is a Western Australian based member-owned mutual association that provides roadside assistance, general insurance products, and other ancillary services to its members. RACI underwrites motor insurance and home and contents insurance for RAC.
RAC distributes other personal lines of general insurance underwritten by third party insurers. Namely, RAC distributes travel insurance underwritten by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. RAC also has arrangements in place for the supply of health insurance underwritten by HCF, life insurance underwritten by NobleOak Life Limited and pet insurance underwritten by RACQ Insurance (RACQI).
The Proposed Acquisition does not involve the acquisition by IAG of RAC’s roadside assistance business or its other operations including RAC’s auto servicing and repair services, finance, retirement living, home security, batteries, tyres, travel and tourism operations.
Source: ACT Police
Police and governments from the ACT and New South Wales are urging drivers to slow down and pay attention while travelling on the Kings Highway this summer.
As cross-border traffic increases during the busy summer period, the Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership is encouraging drivers to drive safely on the highway.
ACT Policing Detective Inspector Mark Steel said that everyone will be keen to get their holidays underway but if you drive dangerously, you run the risk of not getting to your destination at all.
“Please avoid the fatal five driving behaviours, ensure you’re rested and not under the influence before you take off on your trip. Wear your seatbelts, don’t drive distracted, and don’t speed.”
“There will be increased traffic on the highway so drive to the conditions, slow down and be patient. As police and members of the community, we want this holiday period to be fatality free.”
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Inspector Will Collins said it was concerning to see a number of drivers driving distracted or impaired, following one fatal crash and 15 injury crashes on the stretch so far this year.
“Since the start of 2025, we have charged 15 people for drink driving and 32 people driving under the influence of drugs on the Kings Highway between the ACT border and Batemans Bay.”
“We know thousands of people will be travelling over the Christmas period and NSW Police is imploring drivers to heed the warnings, don’t drive distracted, don’t put yourself, your family and others on the road at risk.”
“Since 2019, 10 people have lost their lives on the Kings Highway. Everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely and celebrate the holiday period with their loved ones.”
ACT Member of the Legislative Assembly Taimus Werner-Gibbings said road safety had to be everyone’s top priority, whether we’re planning a family getaway, a camping trip with friends, or a weekend escape.
“Everyone knows there are more motorists on the road in summer, and many Canberrans will be going down the coast on the Kings Highway. If every motorist slows down, puts the phone away, avoids unsafe overtaking, drives to the conditions, and rests when tired, then every family on the road is safer.”
“If you’re towing a caravan or campervan, remember to check your tyres, towing capacity and caravan weight, and make sure your tow hitch, safety chains and lights are correctly attached and in working order.”
The Kings Highway Road Safety Partnership was formed in 2008 and includes representatives from ACT Policing, New South Wales Police Force, the Eurobodalla Shire Council, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, NSW Transport, and the ACT Government, with the aim of reducing road trauma on the Kings Highway.
Source: ACT Police
Last update: Saturday, 6 December 2025 8:28am
Original publication: Saturday, 6 December 2025 8:28am
A 35-year-old Lyneham man will face court today after allegedly setting a scooter on fire in a basement carpark overnight before the fire expanded and engulfed a nearby vehicle.
About 9pm last night (Friday, 5 December 2025), police received reports of a fire in a basement car park on De Burgh Street in Lyneham.
The 35-year-old man is alleged to have made admissions to starting the fire to a resident of the apartment complex. Police subsequently arrested the man.
The man has been charged with arson building/vehicle and is expected to face the ACT Magistrates court this morning (Saturday, 6 December 2025).
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, or on 1800 333 000. Please quote reference 8237230. Information can be provided anonymously.
Source: ACT Police
Last update: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:08pm
Original publication: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:08pm
ACT Policing is investigating multiple incidents believed to be linked including a home invasion where a 72-year-old woman was tied up, a robbery at a Dickson business, and a fatal collision on an exit ramp off Gungahlin Drive today.
About 4:15am this morning (Friday, 5 December 2025), a 72-year-old Conder woman disturbed two persons wearing masks who were inside her residence. They allegedly tied her up and forced her to provide bank login details, before fleeing the scene in her Mazda SUV. The Mazda was recovered by police this afternoon and has been seized for forensic examination.
Later this morning, police received reports of an armed robbery of a business on Wooley Street in Dickson. Witnesses reported that several offenders entered the store and threatened staff with firearms before stealing a sum of cash.
The group fled in a white Nissan Pathfinder with ACT registration YNW 86T (which was allegedly stolen from a Gordon residence about 5am today). It was later located on fire in Macquarie.
Police believe at least one person from the Dickson group entered a silver Audi sedan with ACT registration YSC 34D. The Audi was observed in Woden and Tuggeranong and was pursued multiple times with police terminating pursuits due to the erratic driving manner of the vehicle.
About 12.15pm, the Audi was observed leaving the Barton Highway and driving the wrong way up an exit ramp towards Gungahlin Drive. Soon after it collided head on with a small tip truck, with the tip truck ending up on its roof.
The driver of the Audi (a 24-year-old man) was extracted from the vehicle by ACT Fire & Rescue and transported to hospital, where he was declared deceased. The driver of the truck was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Two co-offenders from this morning’s incidents remain outstanding.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the home invasion in Conder, robbery in Dickson, or has dash-cam footage of the Nissan or Audi, to come forward.
Anyone who can assist police should provide their contact details to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting 8236745.
Source: ACT Police
Last update: Friday, 5 December 2025 11:35am
Original publication: Friday, 5 December 2025 11:31am
ACT Policing is seeking the public’s assistance to identify two males who were allegedly involved in an altercation in Wanniassa in October.
About 9pm on Saturday 25 October 2025, police allege an altercation occurred at a house party in Wanniassa, where one male was allegedly pushed to the ground and hit on the head twice with a glass bottle.
Following enquiries, police are now seeking to identify two males who are believed to be involved in the incident.
One of the males was wearing a black jumper, grey pants and white sneakers at the time of the incident. The other male was wearing a black t-shirt with a black hoody over his shoulders, black pants and white sneakers.
Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote 8199221. Information can be provided anonymously.
As the individuals in question are believed to be under 18, we have blurred their faces to comply with legislation that prevents the identification of young people involved in a criminal incident.
Source: ACT Police
Last update: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:18am
Original publication: Friday, 5 December 2025 10:18am
A 25-year-old Aranda man will face court today after allegedly stealing a vehicle, failing to stop for police, driving under the influence of drugs and without a licence.
Early yesterday morning (Thursday, 4 December 2025) the 25-year-old man is alleged to have stolen a white 2020 Land Rover Discovery with ACT registration plate YQC 20W from a home in Gungahlin.
About 10.00am police received information that the Land Rover Discovery was in Macquarie. Police located and followed the vehicle.
Officers gestured the vehicle to stop, but the man continued driving making no attempt to pull over.
A tyre deflation device was deployed, successfully deflating the front left tyre.
Police continued to follow the vehicle, which was allegedly weaving through traffic at speed.
The man parked the vehicle nearby before surrendering to police.
The 25-year-old man underwent a drug screening test which resulted in a positive result.
The man was taken into custody and transported to the ACT Watch House. He is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with drive motor vehicle without consent, aggravated dangerous driving, fail to stop motor vehicle for police, unlicenced driver – licence never held and driver prescribed drug in oral fluid.
Police are urging anyone who has dashcam footage of the vehicle on Thursday morning to provide their contact details to Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting 8235661.
