Month: March 2026

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Petrol prices increased slightly and diesel prices remained significantly higher than petrol prices in the December quarter 2022, according to the ACCC’s latest quarterly petrol monitoring report.

Quarterly average retail petrol prices in the five largest cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth) were 182.7 cents per litre (cpl), an increase of 5.0 cpl from the September quarter 2022. Average retail diesel prices were 222.9 cpl in the quarter, more than 40.0 cpl higher than average petrol prices.

“Our report shows a range of international factors contributed to higher retail diesel prices in Australia,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

“The small increase in average retail petrol prices in the major cities reflects the increase in taxes following the restoration of the full rate of excise from 29 September 2022, offset by a decline in international petrol prices.”

Diesel prices exceeded petrol prices due to higher international prices

The report shows that retail diesel prices continued to exceed petrol prices in the quarter due to the higher international refined diesel prices since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Reduced supplies of diesel from Russia, and from France due to refinery strikes, combined with increased demand for heating in the northern hemisphere winter kept diesel prices high.

Retail fuel prices in Australia are largely determined by international refined fuel prices, which are influenced by international crude oil prices, and the AUD–USD exchange rate. The following chart shows average international refined diesel prices (Gasoil 10 ppm prices) and international refined petrol prices (Mogas 95), in Australian cents per litre.

Monthly average Gasoil 10 ppm and Mogas 95 prices in nominal terms: January 2020

Source: ACCC calculations based on data from Argus Media and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
Notes: The shaded area in the chart represents the December quarter 2022.
The green dotted line indicates when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began (20 February 2022).

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to international diesel prices moving higher than petrol in early 2022. While international refined fuel prices reduced in the December quarter, the difference between the diesel and petrol benchmarks continued,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

The increase in average petrol prices largely reflected full excise restoration

Petrol and diesel excise was halved in March 2022. When the excise cut ceased from 29 September, the rate of excise increased from 23.0 cpl to 46.0 cpl.

Changes in the three broad components of average retail petrol prices in the major cities largely reflect the increase in taxes (that is, both excise and GST) following the excise restoration.

Quarterly average changes in the components of retail petrol prices in the five largest cities: December quarter 2022

Crude oil prices continued to decrease in the December quarter amid concerns about a potential global recession, rising interest rates and lower demand.

“Despite lower international prices, the influence of the fully restored fuel excise and a lower AUD-USD exchange rate meant overall that average retail petrol prices across the largest cities were slightly higher than in the previous quarter,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

The following chart shows movements in seven-day rolling average retail petrol prices in the five largest capital cities from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. The chart also indicates when fuel excise was cut from 30 March 2022, and when it was restored from 29 September 2022.

Seven-day rolling average retail petrol prices in the five largest cities in nominal terms: 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022 – cpl

Source: ACCC calculations based on data from FUELtrac.
Notes: The shaded area in the chart represents the December quarter 2022.
The 2 dotted lines indicate the cut in fuel excise from 30 March 2022 and the restoration of full excise from 29 September 2022.

Among the five largest capitals, average retail petrol prices were highest this quarter in Melbourne (185.2 cpl) and lowest in Adelaide (178.9 cpl). In the smaller capital cities, average retail petrol prices decreased in Canberra and Darwin by 7.4 cpl and 7.6 cpl, respectively, and increased in Hobart by 2.8 cpl.

Average petrol prices across the 190 regional locations the ACCC monitors were 187.0 cpl, an increase of 0.1 cpl from the September quarter 2022. Average regional prices were 4.3 cpl higher than average prices in the five largest cities, compared with 9.2 cpl higher in the September quarter.

Greater fuel price transparency welcomed in two jurisdictions

In November 2022, the NSW fuel price transparency scheme (FuelCheck) was expanded to include retail sites in the ACT as part of a six-month pilot. The Northern Territory Government also announced it would start publishing historical fuel price data to help motorists find outlets which have the lowest prices over time.

“The ACCC has long supported fuel price transparency schemes, so it is pleasing to see more motorists having access to real-time and comprehensive price information to help them save money on fuel,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

Victoria is now the only jurisdiction in Australia without a real-time and comprehensive fuel price transparency scheme.

Note to editors

‘Petrol’ means regular unleaded petrol (RULP) unless otherwise specified.

Singapore Mogas 95 Unleaded (Mogas 95) is the relevant international benchmark for the wholesale price of petrol in Australia. Singapore Gasoil with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm) is the international benchmark for the wholesale price of diesel.

The ACCC uses a seven-day rolling average basis to analyse movements in daily retail petrol prices. A seven-day rolling average price is the average of the current day’s price and prices on the six previous days.

Background

The ACCC has been monitoring retail prices in all capital cities and over 190 regional locations across Australia since 2007.

On 14 December 2022, the Treasurer issued a new direction to the ACCC to monitor the prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of petroleum products in the petroleum industry in Australia and produce a report every quarter for a further three years. This is the ACCC’s first quarterly petrol monitoring under the new direction.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Supporting more reliable internet services and ensuring investment in the NBN is prudent and efficient are key aspects of the ACCC’s draft determination on the regulatory settings for NBN Co to apply from 1 July 2026, released today.

“The NBN is essential infrastructure for households and businesses across Australia. Our draft determination is designed to protect consumers by enhancing service standards and ensuring NBN Co’s costs are efficient, while still allowing the company to invest and operate sustainably.” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

The draft determination outlines the ACCC’s preliminary views on NBN Co’s expenditure, revenue requirements, benchmark service standards and entry‑level broadband offers.

The draft determination follows extensive consultation with NBN Co and other stakeholders and closer regulatory scrutiny introduced under the variation to the Special Access Undertaking in late-2023.

The Special Access Undertaking (SAU) is a key piece of the framework regulating access to the NBN. It outlines certain rules and processes, including on the price and non-price terms on which NBN Co supplies services to internet providers.

The SAU   breaks up different regulatory periods applying to NBN Co into regulatory cycles of between 3 and 5 years, and there is a replacement module process for updating the regulatory settings that apply in each cycle.

This process allows for these regulatory settings to be updated so they can deliver on their intended purpose of promoting the long-term interests of end users. The current regulatory cycle will end on 30 June 2026.

“Our preliminary views reflect that we have seen improvements in some of NBN Co’s processes since the revised SAU commenced in 2023. However, more work is still required to ensure services meet consumer needs at an efficient cost.” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

Enhanced service standards to improve consumer experience

The ACCC’s draft determination proposes enhancements to NBN Co’s current benchmark service standards, following extensive consultation including a stakeholder forum in late 2025.

In February 2026, NBN Co made a detailed submission that substantially expanded on its original benchmark service standards proposal. The ACCC’s preliminary view is to adopt many of NBN Co’s proposals, while also proposing to introduce further enhancements beyond those put forward by NBN Co.

These include measures to reduce wait times for connections and fault resolutions, ensure NBN Co’s networks are delivering adequate speeds, and provide more notice to consumers when technician appointments are rescheduled.

The changes are particularly important for consumers on copper, fixed wireless and HFC services where existing standards have not adequately addressed service issues.

“Our proposed benchmark service standards are designed to facilitate a better experience for everyday NBN users, including reducing connection timeframes for consumers outside the cities,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“We recognise that reliable broadband is essential, especially in regional, rural and remote communities, where consumers rely on their NBN connection to access services and participate fully in their community.”

The ACCC also proposes new benchmark service standards to help manage network capability to support retail speeds and address areas of the network prone to congestion.

Faster entry‑level broadband speeds

Retail plans on the 25/10 Mbps speed tier are proposed to become the entry‑level NBN product for most consumers from mid-2027. NBN Co has also committed to pricing these speed tiers in line with 25/5 Mbps speed tiers from 1 July 2026, effectively making them equal to the entry level offer. 

These offers would apply to NBN networks other than satellite and reflect growing consumer demand for higher upload speeds to support modern usage, including uploading large files.

“By proposing 25/10 Mbps as the entry-level NBN plan, we’re recognising the growing need for faster upload speeds to be accessible to all Australians,” said Ms Cass-Gottlieb.

“Higher upload capacity should not be a premium feature, but a baseline expectation for NBN users to support current work and home internet use.”

Lower regulated costs and revenue requirements

NBN Co uses a building block model to calculate its regulated costs, which costs are referred to as the annual building block revenue requirement (ABBRR). This model looks at NBN Co’s expected costs, income, return on investment and the value of its network assets.

The ACCC’s preliminary view is to determine a lower ABBRR than NBN Co has proposed on the basis that some of NBN Co’s recent and forecast expenditure was not prudent or efficient, and that the weighted average cost of capital should be set lower.

The weighted average cost of capital measures the average cost a company incurs to finance its operations using debt and equity and is part of the calculation of the ABBRR.

The draft determination proposes:

• total forecast capital expenditure of $6.9 billion (real FY2024) for the 2027-29 regulatory cycle, about 18 per cent lower than NBN Co’s proposal
• total forecast operating expenditure of $7.89 billion (real FY2024) for the 2027-29 regulatory cycle, which is $5.1 million more than proposed
• inclusion of $10.4 billion (real FY2024) of capital expenditure in the regulated asset base for FY24-26, about 3 per cent lower than proposed
• preliminary weighted average cost of capital estimates of 6.49% for 2026-27, 6.52% for 2027-28 and 6.56% for 2028-29

Feedback on the draft determination

The ACCC invites submissions on this draft determination by 5pm on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.

Submissions can be sent via email to nbn@accc.gov.au.

Submissions will inform the ACCC’s final replacement module determination, expected to be delivered in June 2026.

Background

NBN Co’s services must be declared under Part XIC of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA). They are therefore subject to an access regime that has the objective of promoting the long-term interests of end users.

NBN Co’s current Special Access Undertaking (SAU) provides a long-term regulatory framework for regulating access to the NBN and the supply of NBN Co’s services. It has been in place since 2013 and is scheduled to operate until 2040.

The SAU specifies rules to determine maximum prices and benchmark service standards for those services, amongst other things. It also establishes processes for NBN Co to follow when developing or withdrawing products, and processes to provide transparency and certainty over future pricing intentions, and its cost accounting arrangements and financial performance more generally.

Due to its very long duration, the SAU contains a replacement module process to update certain settings in SAU modules. NBN Co lodged its replacement module application on 2 July 2025.

The ACCC’s draft replacement module determination follows extensive consultation with NBN Co and other stakeholders.

The ACCC is required to make its replacement module determination at least 20 business days before the last day of the current regulatory cycle (30 June 2026), unless extended.

Source: Government of Western Australia

Wanneroo Aquamotion is now home to an impressive new cafe boasting award-worthy food and coffee – however it’s the story behind the local owners which truly makes Oasis Community Cafe special.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force responded to a vehicle fire in Alice Springs in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Around 2:30am, police patrols located a Holden Commodore car alight in the carpark of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) lawns.

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Services attended the scene and extinguished the fire.

Two females aged 53 and 47 were located at the scene and were apprehended into police custody. They are assisting police with enquiries.

The Commodore was confirmed by CCTV to have been there for days as an abandoned vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

Investigations are underway to identify the owner of the vehicle.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26093762.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

BOOLEROO CENTRE

Issued on
31 Mar 2026 12:53

Booleroo Centre Haystack Fire

The CFS is responding to a Haystack Fire south of Booleroo Centre and Melrose in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

CFS firefighters on 4 trucks, supported by local landowners and council, are on scene working to break apart and extinguish the approximately 230 hay bales that are burning near Schmidt and McCallum roads, Booleroo Centre.

CFS firefighters have prevented the fire from spreading to a near by hay shed and tree plantation.

The smoke from this fire is expected be highly visible in the surrounding areas for some time, whilst crews break apart and extinguish the fire. Emergency services and heavy machinery may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be internal combustion of the hay bales, after recent rains in the area. This is a timely reminder that the baling and storing of hay requires careful management to prevent spontaneous ignition caused by moisture within bailed hay. Simple measures to prevent this spontaneous ignition include ensuring that hay is fully cured (dried) before bailing, protecting hay from rain or runoff, maintaining airflow to the haystack to allow heat and moisture to escape, as well as using a calibrated moisture meter to periodically test the ‘dryness’ of the hay bales.

Message ID 0009376

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

30/03/26

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

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Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

New rental rules begin today, making renting fairer and safer across the state.

These new rules support the Housing Statement reforms that began last year, which included a ban on no-fault evictions and all types of rental bidding.

The changes beginning today are:

• Rental providers and agents must use the new standard form for all rental applications, making it easier and quicker for a renter to apply for a property.
• Rental providers can only ask applicants to provide the information in the standard application form. This is limited to what’s needed to assess the application and verify a renter’s identity and capacity to pay the advertised rent.
• Rental apps and rent payment platforms are banned from charging renters fees for making a rental application or paying rent. Rental providers and agents may still use these platforms, but it is an offence for the businesses that run these platforms to charge a renter these fees.
• Protections against excessive rent increases are strengthened. The Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal can now consider additional factors when determining if a proposed rent increase is excessive.

Consumer Affairs Victoria can now issue new fines for some breaches. Fine amounts of over $12,000 for businesses and $2,400 for individuals apply.

Consumer Affairs Victoria’s Renting Taskforce continues to monitor the rental market for compliance with the rental laws. It has issued more than $830,000 in fines since it began operations in 2024.

Along with stronger protections for renters, the new Victorian Renter Rights Program provides more funding to renter support services. The program will start this year.

More information

For more information about rental laws in Victoria, go to Renting or call 1300 55 81 81.

Source: Tasmania Police

Police urge motorist to make the right decisions on the road after two high range drink drivers detected

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 – 11:50 am.

Police are urging motorists to remember the dangers of drink driving, after two high range drink drivers were detected overnight, with one returning a reading six times the legal limit.

About 10.20pm last night, Southern Road Policing officers intercepted a vehicle while conducting a speed reduction operation on the East Derwent Highway at Geilston Bay. The alleged driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old man, subsequently returned a reading of 0.30 – six times the legal limit. He received an immediate 12-month licence disqualification and will appear before the court at a later date.
About 11.30pm, a vehicle crashed in the 40km/h roadworks zone on the Bass Highway at Ulverstone. The alleged driver of the vehicle, a 29-year-old Irish national, subsequently returned a reading of 0.251 – more than five times the legal limit. She received an immediate 12-month licence disqualification and will appear before the court at a later date.

“Incidents like these are a stark reminder that drink driving isn’t just breaking the law – it puts lives at risk,” said Inspector Justin Lawson, State Road Safety Coordinator.
“Every choice to drive impaired endangers families, friends, and innocent people on our roads.”
“If you’re drinking – plan a safe way home; and if someone you know is about to drive after drinking – stop them.”
“A simple decision can prevent a tragedy.”