Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

Jim Chalmers

Today is a really important day. A lot of Australian parents are going back to work and so it’s an opportunity to thank Hannah and her colleagues here at Goodstart Daisy Hill in our local community for all the terrific work that the early educators do in our local community, but indeed, right around Australia as well.

What we’re ensuring as the Albanese Labor government is that more Australian kids get the early education that they need and deserve, whatever their parents’ work or study arrangements. For too long now, the activity test has locked out Australian kids from early education because of the choices that their parents might make about work or study, or more broadly as well, and we’re changing that.

Today is a really important day with the introduction of the Albanese Labor government’s 3 Day Guarantee. What the 3 Day Guarantee is all about is recognising that the work that happens here is not babysitting, it’s not child minding. It’s a really important part of the education system. What happens in places like this one is all about early education for kids when that early education is so important, getting them ready for school and getting them ready for life. We’re ensuring that more Australian kids get a minimum of 3 days early education, that’s what the 3 Day Guarantee is all about.

What it means is for some families who may have had to find $150 a day for early childhood education and care, for some families it will go down to about $15. We expect about 100,000 Australian families will benefit from the Albanese Labor government’s 3 Day Guarantee. Now, we work on the basis that if it’s good for kids, if it’s good for families, it’s good for the education system, then it’s good for the economy as well. That’s why, as Treasurer, I’m really proud to have helped secure the funding for this 3 Day Guarantee, which begins today.

Now, this is not the only thing that we’re doing in early childhood education and care. This is the next step towards a more universal childcare and early education system. This is a really important step towards a more universal system. We’ve invested billions of dollars in subsidies, we’ve invested billions of dollars in better wages for early educators as well, we’re building more centres, and now we’re introducing, from today, this 3 Day Guarantee. This 3 Day Guarantee is not the only thing that we’re doing in early childhood education and care, but it’s a really important part of our policy in this area. It’s also not the only thing that we’re doing to help Australian families with the cost of living, but it’s a really important step that we are taking.

So, from today, the 3 Day Guarantee begins. From this month there are cheaper medicines, in addition to the tax cuts and the investments in Medicare. It’s all about recognising that if we can help Australian families with the cost of early childhood education and care, we can help Australians with the cost of healthcare, we can cut taxes 2 more times this year and next year. This is all about providing Australians with the cost of living relief that they need, and it’s all about investing in the next generation by investing in Australian children and their families through the 3 Day Guarantee that begins today.

I wanted to thank Hannah for having us. I want to acknowledge Jeff and I want to thank John as well. I’ll throw to John to say a few words. Then if you’ve got some questions for John, and when you want to go more broadly into other matters of the day I’m happy to take some questions from you at that point.

John Cherry

Thank you, Treasurer. John Cherry, Head of Advocacy for Goodstart Early Learning, which is Australia’s largest not for profit early learning provider. We are just delighted to be here today to kick off the 3 Day Guarantee across all of our centres and across the entire early learning sector. As the treasurer said, around 100,000 families will benefit. That includes lots of families who are already paying through the nose, low income families, to send their children to early learning. A family in our centres currently who fails the Activity Test who is sending their child early learning for 3 days a week will be $250 odd a week better off from today. So, they’re low income families – 2,300 low income families across Goodstart – are better off from today as a result of the 3 Day Guarantee. And we also hope to see thousands more children from low income families from disadvantaged communities accessing early learning as a result of the Guarantee.

This Guarantee is a direct result of the decisions by the government which implements the first step of the pathway to a universal early learning system, as recommended by the Productivity Commission a few years ago. And they recommended that because they saw the activity test as a massive burden on low income families trying to access early learning. What we know from low income disadvantaged children is they benefit most from early learning. They’re the least likely to attend. And the reform we’re having today will have a huge, huge impact on children’s lives across Australia, setting themselves up better for school and for learning and for life. So it’s a great day for children of Australia. It’s a great day for our families, and it’s certainly a great day for Australia.

Journalist

Are you concerned that people who previously did not meet the activity test will use taxpayer funded childcare subsidies for convenience rather than, you know, genuine need?

Cherry

Well, this this measure is only 3 days a week. 80 per cent of families already access early learning for 3 days a week because they’ve met the old activity test. The 20 per cent of families who don’t meet the activity test, this is about their children. Children shouldn’t be penalised for the work choices or the decisions made by their parents. This is about giving children the best possible start at life. We know if they access good quality early learning they are better set up for school. And this is part of that transition away from a system, a penalising system based on workforce participation of parents, to a system that actually supports children for life and learning.

Journalist

John, with the workforce of childcare, how difficult is it to find workers at the moment?

Cherry

As a result of the government’s wage subsidy, which went up to 15 per cent on the first of December, we’ve actually seen vacancies for childcare workers fall by about 30 per cent over the last 2 years. So across Australia, there are still pockets in regional areas and some parts of Australia where we struggled with educators, but the government’s workforce wage subsidy – 15 per cent, it’s picked up to that level from the first of December – means we’ve got more workers than we’ve had for a long time. That is great news for families because that means a more stable workforce which is a higher quality, safer workforce, and that’s a great outcome. We do look forward to the Treasurer making a decision later this year to extend that subsidy beyond December, but that’s a matter for another day.

Journalist

So why do some childcare centres, or a lot of childcare centres have such long wait lists? There’s some families who are waiting months, if not years, to get their kid into a childcare centre.

Cherry

In terms of childcare vacancies across Australia, it depends where they are. Most parts of Australia do not have long waiting lists for centres. Most parts of Australia are either adequately supplied or oversupplied with childcare centres. There are parts of regional and rural Australia where there are serious vacancies and serious concerns about not having enough access, and there is a billion dollar federal government initiative which will address that, which we look forward to being part of later this year.

What we do see is there are waiting lists for good‑quality centres, and we’ve seen some of the good‑quality centres become much, much more popular over the course of the last year as people been concerned about some of the safety centres and some of the less quality centres. And I think that’s probably a good thing, because parents are now starting to think of starting to think about what is the best possible outcome for their children.

Chalmers

Just to add to John’s first answer. The old activity test treated early education as child minding and it meant that too many Australian kids were missing out on the benefits, and that’s what we’re changing from today and that’s why it’s so important.

Journalist

Treasurer, the nation’s largest employers have said a Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack and antisemitism is necessary for safe workplaces and to ensure Australia remains an attractive destination for investment. Have they spoken directly to you, and do you share their concerns?

Chalmers

Look, I think that these calls for a Royal Commission come overwhelmingly from a good place. A lot of the voices that I’ve heard are voices that I respect a great deal, including in the business community, but not just in the business community. The government’s position is that we are focused on the urgent and the immediate. We’re focused on strengthening our hate laws. We’re focused on toughening up our gun laws. We’re focused on implementing the recommendations of the Segal review. We’re focused on working with Dennis Richardson to understand what we can learn from a Commonwealth agency’s point of view. We’re focused on ensuring that we make a meaningful and helpful contribution to the New South Wales Royal Commission, and so that’s been the government’s focus on what is urgent and what is immediate. We understand, obviously, that there are a number of Australians who would like to see a Commonwealth Royal Commission, including those that you have cited. We respect those people. We understand that those calls are coming from a good place.

Journalist

Do you think that not having a Royal Commission could impact Australia’s attractiveness to investors and impact workplace safety?

Chalmers

I think the important thing here is that we learn the lessons of that horrifying atrocity on the beach and in the park at Bondi. There are a number of ways to go about that. And I think our message to the world is that this Albanese government is taking a number of very decisive steps to make sure that we learn from what happened, but also that we act on what happened.

We are in the process of strengthening laws against hate speech. We are in the process of working with the states and territories to toughen up our gun laws. We’re in the process of accelerating some of the implementation of the recommendations of the Segal review. So, the government is taking a number of steps. We know that the world is watching, because what happened at Bondi last month was such a horrifying event, and the urgent and the immediate actions that we are taking are really important when it comes to us learning from and responding to this attack.

Journalist

I understand Parliament is likely to come back early. Can you say when that’s likely to be and what immediate changes you want to introduce then?

Chalmers

I’m not in a position to say when Parliament will return. Obviously, as I’ve indicated in some of my other answers, we’re working very hard on updating arrangements around hate speech. We’re working very hard with our state and territory counterparts on strengthening our gun laws. As the Prime Minister and others have indicated we will recall the Parliament when we can legislate some of those very substantive steps. But here I wanted to thank a whole range of Commonwealth officials who’ve been working around the clock since the horrific events of December, to work with ministers to update and strengthen the relevant legislation. And when there’s more to be said about the timing of Parliament that’ll be a matter for the Prime Minister and Minister Burke to announce.

Journalist

I understand the National Security Committee meeting met today. Can you say if there are any decisions that have come out of that?

Chalmers

Well, I think it’s there are good reasons why we don’t comment on the discussions with the National Security Committee. There was a meeting earlier today and I participated in that meeting. That National Security Committee has met probably most days since the atrocities at Bondi and we’re working through all of these issues that I’ve been discussing with you today. There was a meeting today. I’m not prepared to go into the discussions that happened there, but that that group has been meeting more or less constantly for some time now, making sure that we focus on the urgent and the immediate and that we take the necessary steps after that horrifying event.

Journalist

After the Bondi attack, the Albanese government announced the gun buyback scheme. Are you able to share any details regarding how much the cost to taxpayers will be?

Chalmers

Well, the costs are being finalised, as is the policy. You would understand when we are working through a change of this magnitude, it requires a lot of cooperation and collaboration with the states and territories. We’re doing that work. I pay tribute to my ministerial colleagues who have been working over Christmas on that, to make sure that we get the buyback regime right.

I think for a lot of Australians, and for me included, I think it’s obvious that we need to toughen up our gun laws. It makes no sense to us that Australians would need the sorts of weapons and the number of weapons that we saw involved in the atrocity of mid‑December. So we’re working very hard to update and strengthen and toughen our gun laws. A necessary element of that is the buyback. The cost of that will become clearer as we finalise the policy itself.

Journalist

Do you have a timeline for when we roughly will probably know these details?

Chalmers

Well, as we’ve been in discussions with our colleagues at the state and territory level, we’ve given the Australian public an update on those discussions. That policy is not concluded yet but a lot of work’s gone into it, and when we have more to say about it, we’ll say that publicly.

Journalist

Have you heard from any of the business leaders including James Packer, Philip Lowe, about the calls for Royal Commission? Or sporting stars who have also put their names to an open letter to the government calling for Royal Commission?

Chalmers

No, but I’ve obviously seen their public comments, and as I said earlier I believe these comments come overwhelmingly from a good place. I respect the people that you’ve mentioned. I respect the people who have been reported as taking this view.

Journalist

How frustrating is it that Queensland is yet to – on gun laws, sorry – is yet to adopt or put out to tender for an agency to digitise our national gun register, our gun register, in terms of the national scheme that the government is trying to put together?

Chalmers

This is an important and necessary step. We need to update the register. The Commonwealth has shown leadership here, first under former Attorney‑General Mark Dreyfus, and now under Attorney‑General Michelle Rowland, the Commonwealth government’s been playing a leadership role. Of course, we want to see that gun register updated as soon as possible. Some time ago we made that clear, and we’ve provided some resourcing, as I recall it, to help some of the states update their register. So, we want to see that done as soon as possible. That’s an important step, but it’s not the only necessary step in this regard. We need to update and toughen our gun laws more broadly, and that’s what the government’s focused on.

Journalist

[Inaudible].

Chalmers

Well, a couple of things about that. We’ve had an opportunity to be briefed this morning on developments in Venezuela. We’ve received an initial briefing from our own agencies about developments there. Obviously, those developments are fast moving, and like everyone around the world, we’ll be monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely.

Our position is to encourage the relevant parties now to engage in dialogue and diplomacy and to ensure that there’s not an escalation. We’ve expressed our concerns for some time about the Maduro regime in Venezuela. We are supporters of international law, and it’s for the Americans to make clear the legal basis of the steps taken over the weekend.

Journalist

Do we know how many Australians are there? And do you have any plans considered to help them?

Chalmers

Well, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working very hard to establish which, if any, Australians have been impacted by the events in Venezuela over the weekend. They are doing their usual diligent work to establish that. They’ve also updated their advice. The advice for Venezuela has been Do Not Travel for some time, but there’s more information on the DFAT website for people to make known to them. For any Australians who are who are caught up there, the advice is to shelter in place, but I’d encourage anyone impacted to stay across the advice as it develops.

Journalist

On childcare, is this a step towards the aim of universal childcare, the changes that we’re seeing today?

Chalmers

Well, these are very substantial steps towards a more universal early learning system, and that’s what this is all about. If you look at the steps that the government has taken over 3 and a half years in office – substantial increase in the subsidy, a billion dollars to build more centres, a substantial pay increase for the early educators who are doing such important work in our communities and in our country. This is all about getting closer to that universal system.

It made absolutely no sense that a lot of the Australian kids who needed early education the most were being locked out of the system by our predecessors’ activity test. And so by changing that, by introducing the 3 Day Guarantee, we do get closer to a universal system. We do build on the very substantial progress that we’ve made already when it comes to early childhood education and care, and that’s why we’re so proud of these developments today. Today is a really important day for Australian kids and for Australian families, because it recognises that the work that is done here by Hannah and her colleagues is not babysitting, it’s not child minding, it’s a crucial part of the education system, and it gets us closer universality which is a good thing.

Journalist

And just on workforce. It’s all well and good to offer these kinds of subsidies, but there are genuine concerns about there not being enough workers in the system. So isn’t it a bit useless that people can’t actually get into a centre in the first place?

Chalmers

Well, a couple of things about that. First of all, I was very encouraged by what John said a moment ago about what our pay rise has meant for Australians expressing an interest in, or applying for, early childhood education jobs and to study ECEC. This is a really important development.

For too long, we were losing too many educators and that was making it harder for Australian families to find a place for their youngsters in great early learning centres like this one at Daisy Hill. So, we have made some progress there. Obviously, there is more to do in that regard. We’re also building more centres, a billion dollars to build more centres. This is all about making it easier and more affordable for more Australian children to get the early education that they need and deserve, and in the process, to take more pressure off families.

Thanks everyone.
 

Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

From today, Australian children are eligible for three days of subsidised early education and care each week under the Albanese Labor Government’s 3 Day Guarantee.

This is good for families and good for children. It is one of several cost‑of‑living initiatives coming into effect in 2026.

The 3 Day Guarantee replaces the Coalition’s punitive Activity Test. Previously, children who needed early learning the most were blocked from the system because of their parents’ work or study activity.

Under Labor’s new 3 Day Guarantee, every child who needs it is eligible for three days of subsidised early learning each week, no matter what their parents do.

All children have a right to go to school no matter what their parents do, and now all children will also have access to three days a week of care.

This change means 100,000 more families are eligible for three days of subsidised early learning.

We also know thousands of families were locked out of early learning because of the Activity Test and never engaged in the system because they couldn’t afford it.

The doors to early learning are now open to these families thanks to our 3 Day Guarantee.

We are investing around $430 million over four years to deliver the 3 Day Guarantee.

The Albanese Government is also investing $1 billion through the Building Early Education Fund to build or expand early learning services in areas of need, including in outer suburban and regional areas.

This is the next step in creating a quality universal early childhood education and care system.

Other measures we are rolling out this month to help Australian families include:

• Cheaper medicines, with medicines on the PBS now costing no more than $25, the lowest price since 2004.
• Free health advice through 1800MEDICARE, providing 24/7 advice and referrals by registered nurses and GPs.
• A cash acceptance mandate, to ensure that Australians can pay cash in most fuel and grocery retailers for purchases below $500.

We are also delivering the next round of indexation for a range of social security payments, including:

• Increases to Youth Allowance, Austudy, and ABSTUDY.
• Increases to payments that support vulnerable Australians and their carers, including the Youth Disability Support Pension and Carer Allowance.

These responsible and practical measures go hand in hand with the relief we have already been delivering, like:

• Tax cuts to every taxpayer, with another round to be delivered later this year and again next year.
• Cutting student debt by 20 per cent for 3 million people, around $5,500 on average.
• Tripling the bulk billing incentive to make it easier & cheaper to see a doctor.
• Freezing the cost of PBS medicines for pensioners and concession card holders at $7.70.
• More free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, ensuring medical care is available when you need it.
• Supporting increases in National Minimum Wage and award wages by 3.5 per cent on 1 July 2025, meaning the minimum wage is around $175 a week or $9,120 a year higher since Labor came to office.
• Delivering four pay rises for aged care workers, bringing the total increase to aged care staff’s salaries to over $28,000 a year since we came to office.
• Increasing the minimum superannuation contribution for employers to 12 per cent.
• Increasing Paid Parental Leave (PPL) to 24 weeks and paying super on all government PPL.
• Generous subsidies on home batteries.
• Increasing the threshold to begin repaying student debt loans to $67,000, up from around $54,000 under the Coalition.
• Incentive payments of $10,000 for tradies who take up apprenticeships in housing construction.
• Paying students who are doing prac placements in nursing, midwifery, teaching, and social work.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Jim Chalmers

“The 3 Day Guarantee is an investment in our country’s future and will provide working families with more choice immediately.

“Whether it’s cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, or increased payments for students and carers, we are delivering more help for those who need it most from the start of 2026.

“We promised the Australian people we would deliver on the commitments we took to the election, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“All of this is possible because of the progress we have made to get the Budget in better shape, finding savings and cutting wasteful spending, and paying down the Liberal debt so we are able to invest in the things that matter most.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare

“This is a guarantee of three days a week access to subsidised early education and care for the children who need it the most.

“No one blinks when you say every child has a right to go to school and government has a responsibility to help fund it.

“The same has got to be true today for early education and that’s what this is about.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh

“Every child deserves access to quality early learning – no matter their postcode, or what their parents do for work.

“Too many children have been locked out of quality early education and care because of their parents’ work or study activity.

“I’m so proud that that’s about to change with the introduction of the Albanese Labor Government’s 3 Day Guarantee.”

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Victoria is heading into the warmer months, so now is the time to prepare for extreme heat.

Extreme heat does more than cause sunburn. It can worsen existing health conditions and, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening illnesses such as heatstroke.

“Extreme heat can become dangerous quickly” said Dr Caroline McElnay, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.

“A few simple actions like keeping cool, staying hydrated, planning ahead and checking in with others can prevent serious illness.”

Drink water regularly on very hot days, even before you feel thirsty, especially if you’re outdoors or being active.

Look out for signs of dehydration, including thirst, lightheadedness, dry mouth, tiredness, dark, strong-smelling urine, or passing less urine than usual.

If your doctor normally advises you to limit fluids, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.

Use air conditioning or a fan, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, keep your skin wet (for example, with a spray bottle or damp sponge), and take cool showers or foot baths.

Close blinds or curtains to block heat from entering your home and if you need to head out, spend time in cool places such as air-conditioned buildings.

Check the weather forecast and Bureau of Meteorology heatwave warnings regularly.

If the hottest part of the day is coming, avoid outdoor work or exercise and reschedule strenuous activities to a cooler time.

“A quick call can make a big difference” Dr McElnay said.

“Check in on older people, friends, neighbours, and anyone who might need support on hot days.”

People most at risk include those over 65, pregnant women, babies and young children, people with acute or chronic health problems, people who are socially isolated, and people with limited ways to keep cool (such as without air conditioning or living in buildings that heat up easily).

For more information on preparing for and coping with extreme heat, see the Better Health Channel’s extreme heat page.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating multiple large disturbances that have occurred in Maningrida since last Friday.

Local police members have responded to a high volume of disturbances between 1 January and 4 January 2026, with some incidents involving over 200 people and some individuals allegedly armed with weapons.

Police have made 10 arrests, including one individual who drove recklessly through the community, nearly striking a police vehicle before crashing.

The 31-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with Recklessly endanger life and other related driving offences. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Additional police resources from Darwin were deployed and remain in the community, with officers conducting high-visibility patrols and engagement activities.

Investigations are ongoing into several offences, and several persons of interest have been identified.

One police officer was allegedly assaulted during an incident and suffered minor injuries which did not require medical treatment.

Senior Sergeant Glenn Leafe said, “This fighting is being driven by social media posts and retributions as a result.

“The majority of the Maningrida community are not involved, but are further negatively impacted as vital policing, medical and other essential services are diverted to respond to the senseless fighting.

“The disgraceful conduct of these individuals is not representative the Maningrida community and those involved will be held accountable.

“Police are continuing to work closely with Traditional Owners and key community stakeholders to strengthen engagement efforts and help reduce tensions within the community.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is continuing to investigate the death of a woman within the Tennant Creek Watch House.

The woman was located unresponsive in her cell at 1:03pm on 27 December 2025. She had been arrested and charged with aggravated assault after an incident on 25 December 2025.

A post-mortem was conducted on Friday 2 January 2026, listing her cause of death as undetermined.

The pathologist will now conduct toxicology testing before a formal cause of death can be published.

Investigations still indicate that the deceased suffered a medical incident.

Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said “Any death in custody is thoroughly investigated by Crime Command detectives with oversight from the Professional Standards Command.

“In this instance, the investigation has also engaged the Cultural Reform Command, who are on the ground in the community. Police have been in constant communication with the deceased’s family in Tennant Creek, keeping them up to date with how the investigation is progressing.

“While further testing is required to determine a formal cause of death, the current information suggests that the woman suffered a medical event alone in her cell.

“The entire circumstances surrounding this incident, from the policy and procedures that govern watch house care to the medical history of the deceased, will form part of a comprehensive brief of evidence that will be supplied to the Coroner.

“I have full confidence in the detectives working this investigation, and I have full confidence in the independent processes that already govern how police investigate death in custody matters.

“I extend my condolences to her family and friends who are going through an incredibly difficult time. I would also like to thank the Tennant Creek community for their ongoing assistance.”

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is encouraging Lockwood Ward residents to check they are enrolled to vote ahead of the by-election to elect a new ward Councillor.

The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor John McIlrath in November 2025.

Director Corporate Performance Angela Hays said it was important that Lockwood Ward residents check their enrolment details are up to date.

“Residents must be enrolled by 4pm on Wednesday January 14, so there’s still time to check your details are correct,” Angela said.

“To check or update your enrolment details, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission’s website.

“Lockwood Ward includes Lockwood, Maiden Gully, Marong, Myers Flat, Shelbourne, Wilsons Hill and parts of Long Gully and Ironbark.

“If you’re unsure about which ward you live in, you can check by entering your address on the City’s website.

“Having your say in who represents you on Council is one of the most direct ways to influence decisions that shape your local community.

“This by-election is an important opportunity for residents to choose the person they want advocating for their ward, so I encourage everyone to check their enrolment now to ensure they can take part.”

The by-election is conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission, and voting is compulsory for everyone who is enrolled.

Voting will take place via a postal vote, with ballot packs to be mailed out between Friday March 6 and Thursday March 12. Voting closes at 6pm Friday March 27.

The candidate nomination period opens on February 9 and closes at 12 noon on February 17.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC) and its subsidiary BluJay Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd on 30 December 2025 to divest Expedient, a logistics software business, following an ACCC investigation.

WiseTech acquired Expedient as part of its acquisition of e2open Parent Holdings, Inc. which completed in August 2025.

“While WiseTech informed the ACCC about the acquisition, Wisetech completed the acquisition before the ACCC conducted its review and could reach a decision, despite being aware of the significant concerns being raised,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

Following completion of the acquisition, the ACCC commenced an enforcement investigation to assess whether it would have the effect or likely effect of substantially lessening competition, in breach of the merger law.

The undertaking addresses the competition concerns identified by the ACCC in its investigation, by restoring Expedient as an independent competitor to WiseTech. The undertaking is court enforceable and imposes strict requirements on WiseTech regarding the divestiture of Expedient.

Expedient will be sold to a purchaser approved by the ACCC on the basis that the purchaser will be able to operate the Expedient business as a viable competitor to WiseTech in the supply of logistics software in Australia.

WiseTech is Australia’s largest supplier of cloud-based enterprise application software to the global logistics industry with its core software offering, CargoWise.

BluJay was part of the e2open group, and acquired Expedient in March 2020.

Expedient supplies logistics software services, and was a competitor to WiseTech’s CargoWise in Australia and New Zealand prior to the acquisition.

“The ACCC considers that WiseTech already has substantial market power in the supply of logistics software, and the acquisition has the effect of removing the competition between CargoWise and Expedient and significantly reduced the choice available to Australian customers,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“The ACCC received significant concerns from users of logistics software during the investigation, and was concerned that the acquisition could lead to higher prices or lower quality services.”

“Prior to the new merger regime coming into effect on 1 January 2026, there was no requirement for a merger party to obtain ACCC clearance before proceeding to complete an acquisition. This was one of the key concerns with the previous informal regime,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“However, under the new merger regime which commenced on 1 January 2026, merger parties are required to notify the ACCC of any acquisition that meets the thresholds and must not complete the acquisition until it has been approved by the ACCC or the Australian Competition Tribunal.”

In circumstances where an acquisition is not required to be notified but raises competition concerns, the ACCC may still investigate whether the acquisition is likely to substantially lessen competition in breach of section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

“We retain the ability to investigate acquisitions below the notification thresholds under the substantial lessening of competition test,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

“We can also investigate where an acquisition that is required to be notified has been completed without obtaining ACCC or Tribunal clearance, as this would be in breach of the new merger laws and expose the acquisition to being automatically void.”

“The ACCC encourages merger parties to engage with the ACCC in relation to all acquisitions which raise potential competition concerns to manage this risk,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

Further information, including the undertakings accepted by the ACCC, will be published on the ACCC’s undertakings register in due course.

Background

WiseTech is a publicly listed Australian technology company whose group of companies makes available cloud-based enterprise application software to the global logistics industry, including its core software offering CargoWise.

e2open is a technology company providing connected supply chain software platforms, headquartered in Addison, Texas.

Expedient is a subsidiary of BluJay, and supplies logistics software services principally in relation to Australia and New Zealand. e2open acquired BluJay in May 2021.

The Acquisition

On 26 May 2025, WiseTech entered into a binding agreement and plan of merger to acquire e2open. Completion of the acquisition occurred on 4 August 2025. As a result of the acquisition, Expedient became an indirect subsidiary of WiseTech.

The Investigation

The ACCC was concerned that WiseTech, which is the largest supplier of logistics software, acquiring Expedient, combined two significant suppliers of logistics software in Australia with specific customs clearance capability.

The ACCC considers that WiseTech already has substantial market power, and that the Acquisition removed the constraint CargoWise and Expedient provided on each other and significantly reduced the choice available to Australian customers. The ACCC was concerned that, in the absence of the undertaking to divest Expedient, WiseTech could increase prices and or reduce the service quality of its logistics software services.

Logistics software is used by freight forwarders, customs brokers and beneficial cargo owners to assist in the export and import of goods in Australia, and therefore, has a wide impact on Australian businesses and consumers. 

The Undertaking

The Undertaking requires BluJay to divest Expedient to an ACCC approved purchaser (and WiseTech to procure that it does so) and includes supporting arrangements to monitor compliance. It is a court enforceable undertaking given under section 87B of the Competition and Consumer Act. By accepting the section 87B undertaking, the ACCC considers its enforcement investigation is resolved, as the undertaking will ensure that Expedient is sold, resulting in the creation or strengthening of a viable, effective, independent and long-term competitor to WiseTech.

Source: Tasmania Police

Bridgewater Police continue targeted operations to tackle dangerous and reckless driving

Monday, 5 January 2026 – 11:11 am.

Bridgewater Police are continuing to conduct targeted operations across the area to address dangerous and reckless driving, with two vehicles clamped and four motorcycles seized over the weekend.
“Tragically last year, a devastating number of people lost their lives on our roads, and we need everyone to do the right thing to help us keep everyone safe,” said Inspector Luke Horne.
“Disappointingly, the message does not seem to be getting through to some motorists.”
“Over the weekend, police conducted targeted operations across Bushy Park, New Norfolk, Brighton and Bridgewater with our officers issuing infringement notices to 21 drivers and clamping two vehicles and seizing four motorcycles.”
As part of these operations, the following charges were laid:

A 48-year-old Herdsmans Cove man was charged with high-range drink driving (he returned a reading of 0.165), disqualified driving, and other traffic offences. His motorcycle has been seized indefinitely, and an application will be made for it to be forfeited to the State.
A 25-year-old Bridgewater man had his vehicle clamped for three months and will be summonsed for hooning-related offences.
A 23-year-old Mangalore man had his vehicle clamped for 28 days and will be summonsed for hooning-related offences.
A 16-year-old male from Gagebrook has been proceeded against under provisions of the Youth Justice Act for evading police.
A 54-year-old West Moonah man was charged with driving a motor vehicle while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit following a random breath test in Brighton.
A 25-year-old Derwent Park man was charged with driving while disqualified, riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, and using an unregistered motor vehicle.
A 33-year-old Gagebrook man was charged with evading police (aggravated circumstances) and driving while not the holder of a driver licence.
A 23-year-old Bridgewater man was charged with evading police.
A 31-year-old Pontville man was charged with driving while his licence was suspended, using an unregistered motor vehicle, and stealing.

“Those people who choose to drive or ride in a reckless or dangerous manner are making deliberate decisions that place not only themselves, but innocent members of the public, at serious risk of death or injury from a crash,” said Inspector Horne.
“Bridgewater Police will continue to take strong enforcement action against those who place the community at risk.”
“Reckless driving, hooning and disqualified driving will not be tolerated, and we ask anyone who witnesses these acts to report them to police.”
“Working together, police and the community can prevent tragedy and ensure everyone gets home safely.”
Police urge anyone who witnesses reckless or dangerous driving to report it by:

Calling police on 131 444 for incidents occurring now or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
Submit dashcam footage at taspol.au.evidence.com
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au for anonymous reports

When reporting, please include as much detail as possible, including vehicle registration, make, model, colour and location.

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

5 January 2026

Who does this notice affect?

Port operators and other entities at first points of entry (FPOE), including airport and seaport authorities, military bases and fixed base operators, wharf operators, terminal operators and marina operators.

What has changed?

The department’s first points of entry (FPOE) biosecurity awareness online training packages for seaports and landing places have been updated…

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA has transformed its Fire Safe Kids program into two new, curriculum-aligned and developmentally appropriate programs.

The new programs were shaped through extensive consultation to better reflect today’s classrooms, emerging fire risks and strengthened child-safety standards.

CFA’s previous children’s education program, Fire Safe Kids (FSK), was developed in 2011. It consisted of a series of classroom lessons and a truck and fire hose activity. But many things have changed since 2011.

Classrooms look different, children interact with more digital media and have shorter attention spans, and they have more electronic devices in their homes. In addition, houses are consumed by fire more rapidly than they were 20 years ago, giving children less time to safely exit. Research shows that children need to be taught fire safety messaging appropriate to their age.

Over the past two years the Community Engagement team has redeveloped the children’s program following feedback from members, educators and parents to better understand the challenges and successes of FSK. Then consultative groups were established with volunteers and regional and headquarters staff to provide additional valuable insights.

The result is two new programs and a suite of resources that better reflect our understanding of child development, improve our compliance with child safety standards, align with the latest curriculum and include prevention of emerging fire hazards.

Truck Time

The fire truck activity is now a standalone program called Truck Time, consisting of hands-on activities for children such as climbing into the cabin or on the back of the truck, seeing how fire hoses work, looking at equipment in the lockers and learning about simple fire safety messaging. 

Truck Time is best delivered at community events, school fetes and fire station open days, but can also take place during school hours. However, it should be delivered on a separate day to Fire Wise Kids because research shows that when truck activities are delivered on the same day as classroom fire safety programs, children are distracted in the classroom and forget those important messages. 

The training for CFA members consists of a 30-minute eLearning module that explains the new Truck Time guidelines, CFA’s child safety and OHS requirements, and ensures Truck Time is a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. All members delivering Truck Time also need a current Working with Children Check.

“The Truck Time eLearning module was useful for clarifying exactly what we can and can’t do with the kids. It cleared up a lot of misinformation,” North Warrandyte Brigade Community Safety Coordinator Martin Anderson said.

“The child safety risk assessment template and the truck safety procedures helped streamline the whole process and brigade members could be confident that we were providing the kids with a fun, educational and safe experience.

“More than 80 three and four-year-olds attended four different Truck Time sessions at our station and everyone really enjoyed the experience. Afterwards, the kids sent us lots of pictures that they had drawn of the visit to say thanks.

“The experience creates lifelong memories and connections with local brigades. Some of our current members still remember their trip to North Warrandyte’s station when they were at kinder.”

Fire Wise Kids

Fire Wise Kids is CFA’s new in-classroom program delivered by CFA members. The five new 30 to 60-minute lessons cover the most important aspects of fire safety for children including smoke alarms, exiting safely, home hazards, calling Triple Zero, basic fire science, outdoor fire safety, and more. These lessons are tailored to age groups from kindergarten to Year 4.

The lessons have been developed with child development, learning styles, individual needs, curriculum and fun in mind. The lessons consist of a mixture of explaining with visual resources, questions and answers, and physical activities. These work together to ensure children learn and remain engaged throughout the lesson. Topics are separated to ensure they are age and developmentally appropriate.   

Paul Webster, a Fire Wise presenter and captain of South East Region Community Safety Brigade, can see the benefit of the updated program.

“Giving kids an education about fires and emergencies is important as ever. With Fire Wise Kids and Truck Time we can separate the lesson and truck experience to achieve better education,” Paul said. “Plus, we can educate kids in a fun way.”

Fire Wise Kids lessons are reinforced by providing the children with a pack to take home that includes a Family Fun activity book, sticker sheet and certificate. 

Submitted by	News and Media