Month: June 2026

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo is calling for the Tamala Park landfill to close as soon as practicably possible, amid ongoing odour concerns affecting surrounding communities.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The Federal Court has found that training provider RSA Express (trading as Express Online Training) engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct and made false or misleading representations in relation to several of its online courses, in proceedings brought by the ACCC.

The courses involved certification for responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and construction industry induction (White Card).

The Court found that, at various times between 2019 and 2023, Express Online Training breached the Australian Consumer Law when it represented to consumers that they would only pay, or be asked to pay, for the relevant courses after they had passed. It was also represented to consumers they could undertake relevant courses and obtain a certificate within the same day, when this was not the case.

The misleading statements included “Same Day Interim Certificate”; “Pay Only When You Pass”; or “Best of all – with us you don’t have to pay until you pass!”. These statements were made by Express Online Training in Google and Bing advertisements or on Express Online Training’s website.

In fact, after registering, consumers had to read course material, correctly answer a lengthy questionnaire, and were then prompted to pay for the course, even though they had not yet completed it.

After paying, consumers were then notified that they must complete additional tasks, which in some cases could not be booked on the same day, or for several days.

“Many consumers paid for the course when prompted, thinking they had completed the course, when this was not the case,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said. “We understand that many consumers who paid for the ‘same day’ training couldn’t complete the course in their expected timeframe. Consumers deserve accurate information about the courses they’re enrolling in, particularly in relation to the time it takes to get the qualification,” Mr Keogh said.  

Express Online Training admitted that it had breached the Australian Consumer Law when representing that consumers could undertake relevant courses and receive their certification within the same day.

It did not admit that it had breached the Australian Consumer Law by representing that consumers would only pay, or be asked to pay, for relevant courses after they had passed. After a contested hearing in relation to this issue, the Court found that Express Online Training had made false or misleading representations to consumers that they would only pay or be asked to pay for the course after they had passed, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. 

The ACCC’s investigation revealed that a significant number of consumers who paid for relevant RSA and White Card courses did not complete the full course. The Court found that Express Online Training earned significant revenue from consumers who did not complete the course.

“The ACCC was very concerned that many consumers who paid for an Express Online Training course prior to completion did not go on to complete the course,” Mr Keogh said. 

The Court will decide on penalties and other orders following a separate hearing at a later date. The ACCC is seeking declarations, pecuniary penalties, injunctions, corrective notices and consumer redress.

Background

On 24 November 2023, the ACCC instituted proceedings against Express Online Training in the Federal Court.

Express Online Training is a registered training organisation that supplies online training courses to consumers through its website.

Express Online Training offers and supplies the RSA course to consumers in each Australian state and territory. They also offer and supply construction induction training (the White Card course) in Western Australia and Tasmania.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a 44-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday evening.

Around 11pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female aged in her 40s had been assaulted by her male partner. It is alleged the victim was bitten to the face by the offender, which resulted in significant facial injuries that required hospitalisation.

Police responded and reviewed CCTV footage capturing the incident allegedly occurring around 9:45pm in a carpark on the corner of Bath Street and Gregory Terrace.

Earlier today, the 44-year-old offender was arrested on Gregory Terrace by members from the Southern Domestic Violence Response Unit. He has since been charged with Unlawfully cause serious harm and Engage in conduct that contravenes DVO, and is due to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court tomorrow.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a 44-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred in Alice Springs yesterday evening.

Around 11pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female aged in her 40s had been assaulted by her male partner. It is alleged the victim was bitten to the face by the offender, which resulted in significant facial injuries that required hospitalisation.

Police responded and reviewed CCTV footage capturing the incident allegedly occurring around 9:45pm in a carpark on the corner of Bath Street and Gregory Terrace.

Earlier today, the 44-year-old offender was arrested on Gregory Terrace by members from the Southern Domestic Violence Response Unit. He has since been charged with Unlawfully cause serious harm and Engage in conduct that contravenes DVO, and is due to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court tomorrow.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Women’s Health Victoria’s 1800 My Options service has clocked up a milestone 50,000 calls since the service launched in 2018.

The service has played a vital role in improving health outcomes for Victorians, connecting thousands of people with abortion, contraception and broader sexual and reproductive health care through its free and confidential service.

Proudly pro-choice, 1800 My Options works alongside hundreds of trusted healthcare providers across Victoria to connect people with care tailored to their needs – whether it’s questions about accessing abortion care, long-acting reversible contraception, or support and information about sexually transmitted infections.

The volume of calls to the service has steadily grown over the years, with the 1800 My Options phoneline now receiving an average of 730 calls each month. Most callers are seeking trusted guidance to help them make informed decisions about their health. On the other end of the line, they are met by a dedicated team who approach every interaction with compassion, respect and understanding.

Among the team is Sexual and Reproductive Health Navigator Julie, who has personally supported more than 8,000 of the service’s 50,000 calls – guiding Victorians through their care options with empathy.

“At the end of each shift my hope is that callers have felt heard, supported and confident in how to navigate what is a highly complex healthcare system,” Julie said.

Also reflecting on the milestone, Women’s Health Victoria Chief Executive Officer Sally Hasler said the 50,000th call reflected many calls received over the past eight years – someone seeking support to navigate the health system.

“While there’s no such thing as a standard call, this huge milestone was typical of the most common call type – a request for information about how to access abortion services,” Ms Hasler said.

“In fact, about 90% of our calls are about abortion, which is not surprising given around one in four women will have an abortion in their lifetime.”

1800 My Options is funded as part of the Victorian Government’s investment in women’s health, which includes the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program to transform the way women’s health issues are treated in Victoria.

For more information, visit 1800 My Options.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Women’s Health Victoria’s 1800 My Options service has clocked up a milestone 50,000 calls since the service launched in 2018.

The service has played a vital role in improving health outcomes for Victorians, connecting thousands of people with abortion, contraception and broader sexual and reproductive health care through its free and confidential service.

Proudly pro-choice, 1800 My Options works alongside hundreds of trusted healthcare providers across Victoria to connect people with care tailored to their needs – whether it’s questions about accessing abortion care, long-acting reversible contraception, or support and information about sexually transmitted infections.

The volume of calls to the service has steadily grown over the years, with the 1800 My Options phoneline now receiving an average of 730 calls each month. Most callers are seeking trusted guidance to help them make informed decisions about their health. On the other end of the line, they are met by a dedicated team who approach every interaction with compassion, respect and understanding.

Among the team is Sexual and Reproductive Health Navigator Julie, who has personally supported more than 8,000 of the service’s 50,000 calls – guiding Victorians through their care options with empathy.

“At the end of each shift my hope is that callers have felt heard, supported and confident in how to navigate what is a highly complex healthcare system,” Julie said.

Also reflecting on the milestone, Women’s Health Victoria Chief Executive Officer Sally Hasler said the 50,000th call reflected many calls received over the past eight years – someone seeking support to navigate the health system.

“While there’s no such thing as a standard call, this huge milestone was typical of the most common call type – a request for information about how to access abortion services,” Ms Hasler said.

“In fact, about 90% of our calls are about abortion, which is not surprising given around one in four women will have an abortion in their lifetime.”

1800 My Options is funded as part of the Victorian Government’s investment in women’s health, which includes the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program to transform the way women’s health issues are treated in Victoria.

For more information, visit 1800 My Options.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

TANYA PLIBERSEK, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES: Good morning, everyone. It is such a pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health to my electorate today for an incredibly important announcement. First of all, we’re here for the official opening of the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health. That is a wonderful thing in itself, but the Prime Minister’s got an additional announcement that he’ll make in a moment. I just want to remind people that we’ve got just up the road here, the amazing, world-leading Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre. That was a Labor Government investment. Down the road here, we’ve got the Charles Perkins Centre. Like this new institute, it’s a collaboration between Sydney University and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Again, that was a Labor investment. It’s only ever Labor that invests big time in health and medical research that leaves a legacy for future generations. Thanks.

< ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: 

I grew up just down the road here about a hundred metres away, and my mother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. She suffered for a long period of time. She would have turned 90 on Monday, but she passed away at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital at just age 65. She was spent. She had such a difficult life and didn’t get the treatment that’s available today and didn’t get the treatment that she deserved in part because I think being a single mum, she didn’t have the same capacity to just have people fighting. And she was very generous in trying out new treatments as well. She was healthier, though, after getting appropriate treatment in her later years than she was perhaps when she was just in her forties. But it inhibited her capacity to even use a knife and fork or write or to be able to use her hands or her feet. She was in pain each and every day. She was one of those people though who never, ever, ever complained about her lot in life. She was very generous towards people. And so many of the people who, when I was growing up who were suffering from similar conditions were just like that. They just got on with life. But life is really tough for people with these conditions, and we need to do better. And I pay tribute today to the researchers, the doctors, the nurses, all those health professionals who look after others to improve their lives. I’ve seen how people can suffer very much firsthand, but I also know that with the right care and support, people can have a better quality of life.

And that’s why my Government is stepping up with a new hundred-million-dollar investment over 10 years in a new Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Research Mission. This will make an incredible difference to people. There has been substantial people come to see me and to see the Health Minister over the last couple of years arguing that this is something because it impacts more than seven million Australians is really worthy of this support and I’m very pleased that this will, I’m sure, create real change for Australians suffering from arthritis. We want Australian researchers working on better treatments, earlier diagnosis, and better outcomes for patients. And this is a practical investment that will make a real difference to people’s lives.

It’s consistent with what my Government prioritises, which is healthcare, putting Medicare at the centre of the health system, whether it be the new $25 billion that was the largest additional investment in our budget that we just handed down for public hospital funding throughout states and territories, whether it’s the 137 Urgent Care Clinics that we have opened. The now the 3,800 GP clinics that are fully bulk billed, the $25 medicines on the PBS, all of this fits together to prioritise better health outcomes for Australians. There’s no more important role that Government can play and I’m very proud of the work that my Government has done and in particular to single out Mark Butler, the work that he has done as Health Minister working with the sector. And this is another example, working with the University of Sydney, working with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. We’re going to hear from Sharyce, who’s an arthritis consumer advocate, then from Louise Hardy, the CEO of Arthritis Australia, and then from Professor Peter Youssef, a senior staff specialist in rheumatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and then from the Minister and then we’re happy to take some questions. But Sharyce, I want to particularly give you a shout out. It’s really important that consumers are prepared to speak about their life experience. It’s brave to do so. But I’m very pleased that you’ve joined us here today.

< SHARYCE HELYAR, ADVOCATE: 

So, it has been a journey definitely and I’m so grateful for this funding because this will improve the lives of me and anyone who’s diagnosed in the future. And my journey has been really challenging and I obviously don’t have time to go into everything, but if the people who are diagnosed in the future are able to have a journey that is more streamlined and is just overall not as challenging, then that’s all I can hope for because I wouldn’t wish my journey on anyone. So again, I want to thank Prime Minister, the Health Minister and Arthritis Australia, because this gives me hope for my future, what it will look like, and for the future of other Australians living with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. So, thank you.

< LOUISE HARDY, ARTHRITIS AUSTRALIA CEO: 

< PROFESSOR PETER YOUSSEF: 

I think this funding has come at a crucial time in arthritis and musculoskeletal research in Australia. We have world-leading researchers looking for cures for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. We also have world-leading researchers in back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, exercise, and also falls prevention and the best ways to use medicines, but really we need research into cures and we’ve set up a biobank that requires ongoing funding and hopefully some of this money will be used for that. But I think most importantly for me is that we have a highly intelligent and very motivated group of early and mid-career researchers who I think will now have some certainty in their work and will be able to continue working in research. I think this is really the value of this funding and I think at the end of all of this, we’ll have new cost-effective models of care that really will help everyone. I think that this funding is visionary and I would really like to, again, to thank the Prime Minister and the Minister for this significant funding. Thank you.

< MARK BUTLER, MINISTER FOR HEALTH: 

But in spite of those enormous achievements, what we have found is sometimes a lack of balance in the research effort and this is a classic case of that. Per person, the NHMRC funding of research for arthritis probably ranks at about $6 per person affected by the conditions compared to cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and such like, which can be anywhere between $70 or $110 per person. And that’s really the beauty of the MRFF, because it allows government to create missions to determine priorities and then to allow the usual peer reviewed competitive process to take place to decide upon research projects. And that’s what we’re doing today.

Arthritis, as the Prime Minister and everyone else has said, is one of the most widespread chronic conditions alongside mental health in our community and we need to do more to understand the causes of it and the best way to treat it. And hopefully, as Peter said, one day cure some of these conditions. And that’s what this Mission will do. We haven’t plucked it out of thin air. I want to stress how much work Arthritis Australia has done to put this work together over a couple of years. It is compelling work that they’ve put together with the support of Research Australia. We know we’ve kicked the tyres on it very compellingly and we’re very confident that it will be a mission that makes real change for the lives of millions of Australians and given the way in which Australia leads in this area across the world for people right across Australia as well.

The hundred million dollars that the Prime Minister has announced is part of an increase in health and medical research funding of more than half a billion dollars that we announced in the last Budget. Already we’ve been able to announce additional funding for projects, world leading projects in epilepsy, in diabetes, in precision oncology and cancer, and to fund a new childhood and young adult cancer plan as well. So already we are adding real value to an already fantastic health and medical research effort in Australia, and I’m delighted the Prime Minister has been able to announce this today.

< JOURNALIST: 

< MINISTER BUTLER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< MINISTER BUTLER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

The announcement here today is an example of my Government and the work that we’re doing in health, for example, of the half a billion dollars extra for medical research that was in our Budget together with the $25 billion additional hospital funding, the making Urgent Care Clinics permanent, going forward making a difference, the tripling of the bulk billing incentive for GPs, the Cheaper Medicines making a difference for people’s living standards as well.

Pauline Hanson and One Nation have voted against all of the improvements that have been made on living standards, have described things like free TAFE as being “waste”, have opposed measures such as Same Job, Same Pay. The Labor party was the only party that put in a submission to the Fair Work Commission about a rise in the minimum wage, which occurred just a couple of weeks ago. So, we’ll continue to be concentrating on good policy and we won’t be distracted from making a difference each and every day that we’re in Government.

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

< JOURNALIST: 

< PRIME MINISTER: 

After Port Arthur, the country came together on this issue. It’s a pity that in the Senate, for example, the three right wing parties all voted against this, but the National Party, of course, and One Nation, two thirds of the right wing parties voted against everything post Bondi having demanded that Parliament be resumed, having demanded the action be taken, they then voted against it and knocked off the leader of the Liberal Party and the leader of the National Party in the weeks following. That says it all about the dysfunction. The next election is two years away, but it’s very clear that what it will be about is Labor as the only mainstream party that is concerned with everyday Australians and making a difference that’s prepared to govern across the suite of policy issues to make a difference for people’s lives, whether it’s strengthening Medicare, better access to education, access to housing for young Australians not making it something of the past, making sure an economy that grows, making sure that people get skills and training as well for the jobs of the future, the clean energy transition, making sure that we bring in new industries, a Future Made in Australia supporting Australian manufacturing. That’s what my Government will be presenting. On the other side, there’ll be three right wing parties all competing against each other for a race to the bottom. Thanks.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

An importing business and its director are facing legal action after allegedly possessing unsafe toys posing a serious risk to children.

YJC Imports Pty Ltd (ACN 650 805 057) and sole director Yu-Jie Chang, 36, each face 8 criminal charges.

Following a tip-off, Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors seized 38 children’s toy items from the company’s Moorabbin warehouse. The toys contain button batteries, which can cause severe injury or death to children if swallowed.

Consumer Affairs Victoria alleges Chang and her company failed to have products tested to ensure they complied with the relevant product safety and information standards. Required testing includes checking button batteries are adequately secured, and products are labelled with safety warnings about the associated risks.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the case served as a warning to businesses of their responsibilities under the law.

‘You’re responsible for understanding safety laws that apply to the products on your shelves. Ignorance is not an excuse.

‘If your business stocks banned or non-compliant products, you’re breaking the law and can expect to face the consequences,’ she said.

‘The Australian Consumer Law is there to protect consumers. We will continue to target businesses that put Victorians, especially kids, at risk with items that fail to meet safety standards.’

The matter will be heard at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 16 June 2026.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Public exhibition has opened for the proposed City Centre Planning Amendment C279gben which aims to provide vision and clear direction to manage growth and development in the city centre.

The proposed Amendment seeks to implement the Bendigo City Centre Plan (2020), Bendigo City Centre Parking Futures Action Plan (2020), and the City Centre Urban Design Framework (2022).

The Amendment would rezone most land in the city centre to the Activity Centre Zone to provide clearer land use and development directions for developers and landowners.

The Activity Centre Zone will guide future land use and design, including building heights and setbacks.  Most of the commercial core of the city centre will have a preferred height of 20 metres (five to six storeys). However, in sensitive areas such as residential or heritage areas, the preferred height is lower.

The Amendment also proposes to remove existing Design and Development Overlays with design guidance to be included in the Activity Centre Zone.

The Parking Overlay is being amended to remove parking minimums from the planning scheme for parts of the city. This change is intended to make it easier for new businesses to open and to attract investment in the city centre, while allowing developers to provide the amount of parking based on commercial needs. For a smaller number of sites, an Environmental Audit Overlay is proposed to be applied.

Heritage Overlays apply to some precincts in the city centre and are proposed to be updated to reflect current standards. The Amendment proposes to modify some Heritage Overlay boundaries, introduce four individual site listings and make administrative corrections such as updating address details.

The Amendment will be on exhibition for four weeks, closing on Monday July 13. Letters have also been sent to affected landowners and occupiers and all submissions about the Amendment must be made in writing.

City of Greater Bendigo staff are available to discuss individual questions at six drop-in sessions at Galkangu Bendigo GovHub at 189 Lyttleton Terrace (ground floor, Room 8):

• 8am – 1:30pm on Friday June 12, 2026
• 1pm – 6pm on Tuesday June 16, 2026
• 12 noon – 5pm on Wednesday June 17, 2026
• 8:30am – 2pm on Monday June 22, 2026
• 11am – 2 pm on Tuesday June 30, 2026
• 12pm – 3pm Thursday July 2, 2026

Manager Strategic Planning Anthony Petherbridge said the Bendigo City Centre Plan 2020 was adopted to provide an overarching structure plan.

“The Bendigo City Centre Plan was developed to provide vision and clear direction to manage growth in the city centre. The Planning Amendment C279gben with its supporting documents, has been prepared to implement this plan,” Mr Petherbridge said.

“The city centre serves a dual role as the civic and economic heart of Greater Bendigo. It is the most significant commercial, health, education, and service centre north of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria and is a key regional destination. It not only services our community, but it is also the hub for a regional catchment of around 223,000 people from central and northern Victoria.

“The proposed Amendment to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme will provide a logical strategic planning framework that’s clearer, less complex, and more responsive to allow for a well-designed compact city to thrive and flourish.

“To preserve the heritage value of the city centre, we need to take a conservative approach to any changes affecting heritage buildings and streetscapes, while accommodating new development that responds appropriately to the heritage context.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging.

It is a pleasure to be here among so many incredible people – researchers, clinicians, health workers, support staff.

As together, we celebrate the opening of this new home for the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health.

Into the future, these rooms will serve as the launchpad for your vital work.

The place where each of you will continue to contribute to expanding what we know about musculoskeletal conditions.

And how, as a nation, we can provide the best standard of care for the Australians who suffer from them.

Often unseen, seven million Australians of all ages battle with the burden of these diseases every single day of their lives.

Not just in aged care settings, but at home and in hospitals, in rehabilitation centres and across general practice.

But is your work combining frontline care with quality research that has a huge, real impact on the lives that diverse cross-section of our community.

It is a difference that doesn’t just matter to millions of Australians – it matters to the world.

And that is why today, I was proud to announce the Commonwealth is delivering a record investment into a new Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Research Mission.

A $100 million commitment delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund, turbocharging research into arthritis and similar diseases.

Because as Australians grow older and as our health needs grow more complex.

It is investments like this that help us to develop a thought-out, national response to health care.

So those Australians who find themselves at risk of developing conditions like arthritis in the future benefit from better prevention.

And so the millions of Australians who live daily with these conditions receive the care and the relief they deserve, to live fuller lives.

As the son of a mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, that mission is particularly close to my heat.

I saw the pain and difficulty of that disease, and how it can make a person suffer.

But I also know that those conditions do not define an individual.

And with the right care and support from those around them, they do not have to limit them, either.

That is why your work is so important.

Because with sharp minds and dedication, you give hope and health to those who need it most.

And you capture the best of the Australian tradition and the Australian spirit – co-operating, driving breakthroughs and making the world a better place.