Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency
An independent review into the Single Seller Arrangements has found the arrangements continue to deliver significant value for money for the Australian Government. The DTA has released the review findings, which highlight opportunities to ensure the arrangements continue to align with evolving digital procurement needs.
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Tomorrow will be another hot and dry day, particularly in North Central and Central parts of the state, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees broadly, and up to 29 degrees on the south western coasts.
Moderate north to north westerly winds will develop during the morning before a light south westerly wind change in the afternoon. However, gusty, isolated and dry thunderstorms are possible, with the risk of dry lightning higher in the north.
A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB has been declared due to the elevated fire danger following continued dry conditions and the current fires in the landscape.
“Tomorrow’s conditions will make it difficult for firefighters to suppress a fire should one start,” Jason said.
“We know grassfires can start and spread quickly, especially on days when the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme and when dry thunderstorms are likely.
“We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration and consider postponing paddock work for the day.
“Understand how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”
Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.
For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website.
Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.
They include:
| Submitted by | CFA media |
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Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority
Image: Wayne Rigg
The fire was first reported at about 1.15pm on Tuesday (27 January), after a fire tower detected a column of smoke in the Larralea area, near Lismore in the state’s south west.
More than 300 firefighters from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria, supported by over 60 vehicles and aircraft overhead, worked swiftly to slow the spread of the fire and protect nearby communities.
Despite the challenging conditions, including temperatures around 40 degrees and a statewide Total Fire Ban, crews were able to significantly limit losses. Ultimately, two houses (both secondary residences) were destroyed, along with seven shed structures, extensive fencing, and 670 sheep were reported as stock losses.
The fire, which burnt around 2,322 hectares with a total perimeter of 57 kilometres, was brought under control at 11.21am on Wednesday (28 January), less than 24 hours after it started.
Incident Controller Dave Stephens said the blaze escalated quickly once it was reported, with crews facing difficult conditions from the outset.
“The early challenge was the heat, the conditions and the toll that takes on firefighters, equipment and machinery,” Dave said.
“It was a tough day to work in, but crews moved quickly to get on top of it.”
Dave said the strong outcome was the result of a coordinated effort between firefighters, partner agencies and the local community.
“I’m incredibly proud of how quickly crews were able to bring this fire under control given the conditions,” he said.
“Firefighters were supported by water aircraft overhead and by local landowners who worked alongside CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria with graders and equipment.
“It really was a strong, coordinated effort.”
He also acknowledged the role of the community in supporting the response.
“The local community played a huge role by heeding emergency warnings and getting out of the way so crews could do their work safely,” Dave said.
“I also want to acknowledge the families and employers who support our firefighters. They carry a lot of the stress and disruption, and that support doesn’t always get recognised.”
The fire transitioned from response to recovery on Friday (31 January).
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Victoria Police.
Residents and travellers are reminded to stay informed through the VicEmergency app and website, as conditions can change quickly.
| Submitted by | CFA Media |
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Source: Tasmania Police
Police Prosecution offering new pathways for aspiring lawyers and police
Tuesday, 3 February 2026 – 2:00 pm.
Tasmania Police is strengthening the pipeline of future prosecutors and police through a suite of practical, real-world programs that give law graduates, students and police recruits meaningful experience in court and within prosecution teams.
Southern Prosecution Inspector Brenda Orr said the initiatives were focused on attracting emerging talent, developing capability early, and encouraging long term retention within prosecution roles.
“The Prosecution Law Clerk Program was established to create a direct pathway for aspiring prosecutors,” Inspector Orr said.
“The program targets law graduates and students who have not yet completed their studies, providing on the job exposure to prosecution work, court processes and file management, under supervision.”
“Our focus is on creating practical, supervised pathways that give students and graduates meaningful courtroom experience and a reason to build their careers here in Tasmania.”
“The program began in January 2024, and we are already seeing positive outcomes with Law Clerks successfully graduating into full time Legal Practitioner roles within Southern Prosecution.”
“Others have transitioned into legal roles elsewhere or pursued different legal career paths, which we also see as a positive as it’s broadening the profession’s overall capability.”
“To help sustain a consistent talent pipeline we are engaging closely with the University of Tasmania to supervise court practicals and provide trainee work experience, and we are also participating in recruitment days and networking events.”
“The aim is to ensure graduates can see a clear, supported pathway into prosecution and related legal roles within government.”
“As well as the Law Clerk Program, we are also introducing police recruits to foundational prosecution and court skills much earlier in their career pathways, and in a practical way,” Inspector Orr said.
“We are bringing the recruits in to learn about file completion, requirements of evidence, points of proof and the handling of body worn camera footage and recorded interviews so they know how to properly lodge a complaint and complete the required filing.”
“We then move them into court alongside a prosecutor, and with the court’s permission, they sit at the bar table, read out facts, provide advice to the court under supervision and tender documentation.”
“This hands-on learning reinforces the importance of good file preparation, exposes recruits to how evidence is presented and tendered, and builds confidence in court etiquette.”
“By giving people meaningful experience, we’re building a prosecution workforce that is skilled, confident and ready to meet the demands of modern policing.”
Source: Tasmania Police
Police investigating fire on Gaunt Street at Invermay
Tuesday, 3 February 2026 – 12:30 pm.
Police are investigating a fire on Gaunt Street at Invermay about 2.40am this morning.
Two large sheds, and a number of vehicles and machinery items which were inside the sheds, were destroyed.
Minor damage was also caused to several neighbouring residences.
At this stage it is believed the fire was deliberately lit.
Anyone with information in relation to the fire, or suspicious activity in the area around the time is asked to contact Launceston CIB on 131 444 and quote OR796615.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
Source: Government of Western Australia
The City of Wanneroo has celebrated some of its most dedicated community champions at the latest City of Wanneroo Citizenship Ceremony, held at Kingsway Christian College.
Janine Wood – the driving force behind No Limits Perth, a not‑for‑profit organisation supporting vulnerable people in crisis across Perth’s northern suburbs – was named the Community Citizen of the Year.
Brady Fulcher (16), the WA Youth Lifesaver of 2025, received the Youth Community Citizen of the Year (16–30 years) award for his services to surf lifesaving and youth leadership.
The Senior Community Citizen of the Year (65+) went to Maxine Kluge, a much‑loved volunteer at Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home, while the Challenge Brass Band took out Community Group of the Year for its work promoting inclusion, diversity and community connection.
The 2026 Community Citizen of the Year Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a notable contribution or providing outstanding service to their community.
Mayor Linda Aitken had high praise for this year’s winners.
“Their compassion, leadership and commitment help make Wanneroo a place where people feel supported, connected and proud to belong,” she said.
“Wanneroo is a City committed to the Australian values of giving others a fair go and being there for our mates and no one exemplifies these values more than this year’s Community Citizen of the Year Award winners.”
Community Citizen of the Year — Janine Wood: The CEO, co-founder and chair of No Limits Perth, was named the City’s Community Citizen of the Year. A driving force behind the charity’s mission to support vulnerable people in crisis, Janine has transformed No Limits Perth from a grassroots initiative into a dynamic organisation with more than 150 volunteers. Under her leadership, the charity launched the region’s first outreach hubs in Joondalup and Wanneroo, providing vital wrap-around support for people experiencing homelessness, hardship or rebuilding after crisis.
Youth Community Citizen of the Year — Brady Fulcher: Brady was recognised for his outstanding contribution through Surf Life Saving, youth leadership and community fundraising. As Youth Coordinator at the Quinns Mindarie Surf Life Saving Club – and the youngest person ever elected to its committee – Brady designed and leads the club’s first Youth Development Plan, creating clear pathways for young people in surf sports, lifesaving, officiating and training.
Senior Community Citizen of the Year — Maxine Kluge: Maxine received the Senior Community Citizen of the Year award for an extraordinary 17 years of volunteer service at Bethanie Beachside Aged Care Home. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering support have enriched the lives of hundreds of residents and strengthened the spirit of the Bethanie community. She has contributed thousands of volunteer hours and connected with hundreds of residents.
Community Group of the Year — Challenge Brass Band: The Challenge Brass Band was named Group of the Year. Through music, the band sparks conversations around LGBTQIA+ inclusion, disability awareness, and the value of older community members, proving that music can unite, uplift, and inspire positive change. This year, their initiatives have broken down barriers and brought people together, proving that music can create belonging, spark joy, and inspire positive change.
Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
Emma Rebellato:
The federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, joins us now from Parliament House. Treasurer, good morning. Welcome to News Breakfast.
Jim Chalmers:
Thanks very much, Emma.
Rebellato:
If interest rates do go up today, will you and your government accept responsibility for that?
Chalmers:
Well, first of all, I’m not going to make a prediction about what the Reserve Bank will decide independently today. No doubt they’ll discuss that through the course of today and they’ll make the announcement this afternoon. I take responsibility for all parts of my job, including playing a helpful role in the fight against inflation.
My job and my focus is on rolling out this cost‑of‑living help, rolling out 2 more tax cuts at the same time as we pay down more of the Liberal debt and getting the budget in better condition. At the budget update in December, Katy Gallagher and I found another $20 billion in savings, we improved the budget position in every year of the forward estimates, but we know that there’s always more work to do, particularly when some of these inflationary pressures are more persistent than anyone would like.
Rebellato:
Well, this is the thing that’s affecting people, isn’t it? They’re going, they’re paying their bills, they’re going to the supermarket, they’re seeing fruit and veg go up, coffee going up, meat prices going up. What will you do about those things? How will you try and rein in inflation here?
Chalmers:
There are a couple of important ways that we’re taking action when it comes to this inflation, which is, as we’ve said for a little while now, higher than we would like. We do understand that people are under pressure, but more than acknowledge that we’re taking action, we’re acting on that – so the tax cuts which are rolling out already and then 2 more tax cuts to come this year and next year that will help people with the cost of living, cheaper medicines, more bulk billing, student debt relief.
There are a whole number of ways that we are helping with the cost of living in the most responsible way that we can. And part of that is making sure that we continue to get the budget into better condition. We’ve improved the budget by $233 billion since we came to office, we’ve paid down more than $170 billion in Liberal debt, we’ve delivered a couple of surpluses and some smaller deficits, we’ve got real spending growth down, we’ve got spending as a share of the economy down from almost a third to something which is a bit closer to a quarter.
But we do know and acknowledge there is almost always more work to do to deliver this responsible economic management and to roll out this cost‑of‑living relief because we know that people are still under pressure.
Rebellato:
Well, what are you looking at doing at this May Budget though? Will you look at making further, rein in spending even further by the government? Because obviously that’s contributing to things.
Chalmers:
Well, first of all, the main driver of this inflation that we saw in the most recent data, the tick up was more about things like holiday spending, the withdrawal of the energy bill rebates.
Rebellato:
But government spending is contributing a lot to, to inflation overall.
Chalmers:
I’ll come to that in a minute, Emma. But first of all, the tick up that we saw in the most recent data was not about government spending, it was about holiday spending, the withdrawal of the energy rebates, it was about some persistent pressures in housing. Some of that pressure was temporary, some of it more persistent than anyone would like. Now, when it comes to government spending, really the main story of the economy last year was public demand took a big step back. It was around, I think, less than a third of what it was the year before and private demand really gathered pace.
And so, when we’re seeing this extra demand in our economy and some of these inflationary pressures in our economy, that is primarily because of private demand recovering and that’s not always acknowledged in the commentary. A lot of that commentary is motivated by politics and not grounded in facts. We know that we’ve got a contribution to make to helping get on top of this inflation challenge, but public spending has not been the primary determinant, certainly in that most recent inflation data that we saw last week.
Rebellato:
Treasurer, some other figures that we’ve been looking at, certainly over the past couple of weeks and another one yesterday, was another poll out showing that there’s more support for One Nation, the Coalition or the Liberals and the Nats are obviously looking at that, and they’re worried. Is the government worried about that, too? Because isn’t that saying that voters just aren’t happy with things right now?
Chalmers:
Well, it says that we now have 3 divisive parties of the far right in Australia and we’ve got one mainstream government which is focused on the things which really matter to people. So, the parties of the right in Australia are a mess, but they are not our focus. They are divided, they are divisive, they are in disarray. But we won’t be distracted. We’re focused on some of these other things you’ve been asking me about, like the cost of living, like the economy, like housing and other important things.
Rebellato:
But what about the voters who are voting for that? Isn’t this something? Doesn’t it say something that they’re not listening to the government, that they’re upset with the whole status quo?
Chalmers:
I think it says that the right of politics is splintering. You can see that in some of that analysis that others have written. It’s really not for me to analyse the polls. I’m focused on a whole different set of numbers, as people would expect the Treasurer of Australia would be. I think it’s self‑evident that the right of politics can’t sort itself out.
But again, we’re not distracted by that, by the division in our opponents. Frankly, I couldn’t care less where our opponents sit in the parliament and where they’ll be sitting next week when it all changes. My focus is on the cost of living and housing, the economy more broadly, the government’s focus as well, because those are the things which matter to real people in real communities.
Rebellato:
Treasurer Jim Chalmers, thanks for joining us this morning.
Chalmers:
Thanks, Emma.
Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
Matt Shirvington:
Great to have you with us. Look, almost every economist is saying the same thing – government spending is to blame here. Do you disagree with all of them?
Jim Chalmers:
Well, there’s not a unanimous view amongst the economists about what’s driving the most recent tick up in inflation, but if you look at the facts, that tick up in the most recent data was largely about holiday spending, the withdrawal of the energy rebates and some more persistent issues in housing.
And so there are some temporary issues, some permanent or persistent issues when it comes to our inflation challenge, but we acknowledge we’ve got this challenge in our economy. We know that people are under pressure, but more than acknowledge that, we’re rolling out cost‑of‑living help, we’re repairing the budget because we know that even though the budget is not the primary determinant of prices in our economy, governments can play a helpful role, and that’s our focus.
Nat Barr:
But Jim, the rest of the world has had holidays, too. They’ve got issues. We now have the highest inflation in the developed world, don’t we – UK, US, Germany, Japan, Canada, France – all these countries are better than us. What are you doing wrong?
Chalmers:
Well, you’ve got to make the whole comparison, Nat. We’ve got lower unemployment than most of those countries, we’ve got faster economic growth than all of those countries except for the US, we’ve got a much better budget than those countries in the G7, the major advanced economies and so you’ve got to make the whole comparison.
The government is not disputing that we’ve got a challenge with inflation in our economy. The numbers which came in last week came in not that much higher than we expected but higher than we would like. We know that people are still under pressure, that’s why our cheaper medicines policy is so important, more bulk billing, student debt relief, 2 more tax cuts. It’s all about not just acknowledging that people are under pressure but acting on it, and doing that at the same time as we have dramatically improved the budget since we came to office.
The budget is more than $200 billion stronger than when we came to office. We found $114 billion in budget savings. The big story of the economy last year was public demand taking a back seat to private demand and private spending. And so we are managing the budget and the economy in a responsible way. We know that this inflation challenge is more persistent than anyone would like, and that’s why it’s our focus.
Shirvington:
Well, let’s talk about that quickly, because people are making decisions on things that you say obviously. You said this back in June – let’s just have a listen to this.
[Excerpt]
Chalmers:
The worst of the inflation challenge is now well and truly behind us.
[End of excerpt]
Shirvington:
You talk about responsible fiscal policy. That felt a bit irresponsible, didn’t it, saying that the worst is behind us when you look now at what we’re facing?
Chalmers:
Well, what I said then is absolutely and objectively true – the worst of the inflation challenge was in 2022 –
Shirvington:
But it’s trending up again.
Chalmers:
But the worst inflation that we have had in recent years was in 2022. When we came to office, inflation had a 6 in front of it and was absolutely galloping. It peaked at 7.8 that year. This year inflation is higher than we want it to be – it’s got a 3 in front of it. So the worst of the inflation that we’ve seen in recent years is in 2022, and that remains the case.
Now, that’s not to dismiss the very real pressures that people are confronting right now. That’s why our political opponents are tearing themselves apart. We’re not distracted by that. We’re focused on what really matters to people – the cost of living, housing, the economy more broadly because we know that that’s the main game.
Australians have made a heap of progress in our economy the last few years. Inflation is lower than in 2022 but still higher than we would like, unemployment is in the low fours, business investment has been recovering strongly, the budget is in a better position than it was 3 and a half years ago – all of those things can be true at the same time as we recognise as a government and certainly me as Treasurer, we know that we’ve got more work to do, and that’s our focus.
Barr:
Yep, still a long way to go. Thank you very much, Treasurer.
Chalmers:
Thank you.
Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing
Romance scam losses rose in 2025, after a welcome decline the year before. Victorians lost significantly more to fake love last year and the emotional toll matches the financial damage.
In 2024, reported losses nationally were $23.6 million – down from $34.3 million in 2023. But in 2025, we’d already passed last year’s total by September. Average individual losses also rose, from $8K to more than $8.5K.
Consumer Affairs Victoria is warning that romance scammers often play the long game – sometimes waiting months before showing their true intent.
Acting Director, Melissah Broadbent, said “People who meet someone online around Valentine’s Day might not see any red flags until winter”.
“Scammers build trust over weeks and months,” Broadbent said. “By the time the requests for money begin, you’re emotionally invested.”
This explains why romance scam reports often peak mid-year, months after relationships begin.
Men made the most reports of romance scams in 2025 (55.5% vs 37.4% for women), but women reported bigger losses, accounting for 61.6% of the national total (vs 38.2% for men). People aged 65 and over had the highest total losses of any age group, at $8.1 million.
“Romance scammers target anyone,” Broadbent said. “If you’re seeking a connection, they’ll use predictable manipulation tactics to exploit that.”
Scammers typically use two methods.
In ‘romance baiting’, they groom people into fake investment opportunities, often involving cryptocurrency.
In traditional romance scams, they build emotional connections over extended periods – even months or years – before requesting money or pressuring people into making dodgy money transfers.
Common tactics include:
Contact your bank or financial institution immediately to stop transactions and discuss recovery options. Be wary of ‘recovery scams’, where scammers pose as trusted third parties offering help to get your money back.
Report the scam to ScamWatch and to the platform where it happened.
If you’ve shared personal information, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for identity theft support.
Romance scams cause deep emotional harm as well as financial loss. If you need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Most of all, we’d love Victorians to avoid the scammers and make genuine connections this Valentine’s Day.
To learn more about romance scams, visit our Scams section.
Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry
The Albanese Government will recommend to the Governor‑General that Sarah Court be appointed as the next Chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Ms Court has been an excellent Deputy and she’ll be an outstanding Chair.
She is an experienced litigator and leader, and will make a positive impact on one of our major regulators.
Ms Court has more than 15 years’ experience in senior statutory positions across various corporate regulators, a strong background in regulation, litigation, and enforcement, and deep expertise in upholding corporate standards and protecting market integrity.
Over the past five years, Sarah has substantially strengthened ASIC’s enforcement and investigation capabilities.
Under her leadership, ASIC has delivered some of its strongest enforcement results on record—reflecting a sharper focus on protecting consumers, lifting standards across the financial system, and reinforcing the integrity of Australia’s markets.
Ms Court will be the first woman to lead ASIC in its 35‑year history.
The Albanese Government has ushered in a wave of female leadership across Australia’s top economic institutions, and this appointment is another milestone.
We appointed Michele Bullock as the first woman to lead the Reserve Bank of Australia, Danielle Wood as the Productivity Commission’s first female chair, Jenny Wilkinson as the first woman to lead the Treasury and we’re proud to appoint Sarah Court to lead ASIC.
ASIC plays a crucial role in ensuring Australia’s economy and corporate sector are strong, stable and well‑regulated. It undertakes vital work in consumer protection and ensuring the integrity of Australia’s financial markets.
On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Joseph Longo, who will finish up as ASIC Chair on 31 May 2026.
Mr Longo has made a significant contribution to ASIC’s work, including through his focus on enforcement and consumer protection initiatives, his work on public and private markets and strengthening the Commission’s organisational capability.
Sarah will start her new job on 1 June for a term of five years.
The Albanese Government’s three big economic priorities this year are addressing inflation, productivity and global uncertainty, and having well‑led financial regulators is an important part of that.