Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Online services platform Mable Technologies Pty Ltd (Mable) has admitted to breaching the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by using unfair contract terms when connecting people seeking care support to independent support workers.

Support services facilitated through Mable include social support, domestic support, nursing services and allied health services. Clients using the platform include participants on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the elderly and other people requiring support.

Mable admitted the breaches of the ACL in a court-enforceable undertaking accepted by the ACCC.

The unfair contract terms were in place between 9 November 2023 and 22 August 2024. These terms included the potential for Mable to receive a minimum penalty fee of $5,000 from clients and support workers in particular circumstances. For example, a support worker who leaves the Mable platform would be liable to pay the penalty fee if, within 12 months of leaving, they continued their care arrangement with a client they were introduced to through the platform.

The terms also provided for a client’s ‘service log’ (similar to an attendance record or timesheet) to be automatically deemed approved unless the client disputed it within 24 hours. Other terms allowed Mable to change some of its fees and terms without reasonable notice. Mable also included terms which sought to limit its liability for claims and losses.

“We were concerned Mable’s unfair contract terms potentially disadvantaged its clients, about half of whom are NDIS participants, as well as the support workers operating as sole traders or small businesses,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Contractual relationships with consumers and small businesses should be fair and more powerful parties should not stipulate terms which are unfair or limit existing rights. This is especially concerning where the clients are people experiencing vulnerabilities and disadvantage.”

Mable has cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation, amended its website and terms of use and offered a court-enforceable undertaking to address the ACCC’s concerns.

The undertaking prohibits Mable from entering into particular terms with its clients and support workers, and to clearly and prominently communicate significant terms to clients and support workers. It also requires Mable to establish and maintain an ACL compliance program.

“We were concerned that the terms, which Mable has admitted were unfair, were so weighted in Mable’s favour that they created a significant imbalance in the contractual rights and obligations between Mable and its clients and support workers,” Ms Lowe said.

“We remind businesses who have not yet reviewed their contracts and removed or amended unfair terms that we are continuing to monitor the disability and aged care sector and will take appropriate action when warranted,” Ms Lowe said.

Businesses can view information about changes to the unfair contract terms laws on the ACCC’s website.

Further information for NDIS participants is available on the ACCC website.

A copy of the undertaking is available at Mable Technologies Pty Ltd.

Background

Mable is an online platform provider for assisted care services. It operates a two-sided online platform that connects people looking for care support with independent support workers. Support services provided through Mable include social support, domestic support, nursing services and allied health services.

From November 2023, changes to the ACL prohibit businesses from proposing, using, or relying on unfair contract terms in standard form contracts with consumers and small businesses.

Note to editors

Each year, the ACCC announces a list of Compliance and Enforcement priorities. These priorities outline the areas of focus for the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement activities for the following year.

As part of the 2025/26 Compliance and Enforcement Priorities, the ACCC is prioritising improving compliance by NDIS providers with their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law.

Enforcement activities in relation to unfair contract terms in consumer and small business contracts are another 2025/26 Compliance and Enforcement Priority.

The ACCC recognises that consumers experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage can be disproportionately affected by breaches of the law. Addressing conduct that impacts this cohort of consumers is always an ACCC priority. 

In December 2023, the government established the NDIS (Fair Price and Australian Consumer Law) Taskforce comprising the ACCC, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the NDIA. The Taskforce was established to address concerns that NDIS participants were being charged more for goods and services than other people, and to address potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law.

Source:

Portland Fire Brigade’s early foundations were laid with a public meeting notice that was published in the Portland Guardian newspaper in 1856.

Council Chairman, William Learmonth, called for a meeting to be held at Portland’s Mac’s Hotel, with the purpose of forming a volunteer fire brigade. The need for a brigade was, in part, due to the fact that they needed people to operate the fire appliance they had recently obtained from England. The engine required at least eight people to pull and operate.

The brigade was officially formed in 1858, and its first fire station is still standing today on the grounds of Saint Stephen’s Anglican Church on Julia Street.

Portland, on Victoria’s southwest coast, is a vibrant deep-sea port town and home to one of the country’s largest aluminium smelters. The various port operations present unique challenges for the brigade and requires members to be trained in a mix of skills.

Away from the port, the landscape of District 4 consists of dense coastal scrub, tree plantations, native forest and farmland. Again, this requires a mix of skills, including strong working relationships with Forest Industry Brigades and, at times, the Country Fire Service across the border in South Australia.

These days, Portland is a co-located brigade with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), and its current station, now in its third iteration, sits on Percy Street in the heart of the town.

Submitted by	Alison Smirnoff

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The NT Police Force has charged a 38-year-old male following the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of Kava in Ramingining on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

Police conducted a traffic apprehension on a vehicle along the Ramingining goat track in which it initially stopped before taking off as the officers exited the police vehicle. Approximately 20 minutes later, the police observed the same vehicle crashed on the side of the road, abandoned.

Upon approaching the vehicle, kava was seen in the backseat, therefore police executed a lawful search resulting in the seizure of 241.55 kilograms of kava.

The male was located and subsequently arrested at Darwin airport, while attempting to flee interstate.

He was charged with Possess commercial quantity kava Supply commercial quantity kava and Enter on Aboriginal Land without Permit. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on 18 June 2025.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information on the supply of alcohol or drugs into remote communities can call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Green Party

NSW Health is urging the community to book in now for their flu vaccine, as cases rise across the state.
The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows more than 3,100 people in NSW testing positive for influenza in the week ending 7 June, an increase of 10.6 per cent compared with the previous week, and following weekly increases since 10 May 2025. Most people with flu don’t have a test, so these are just a small proportion of all people who have had influenza recently.
Health Protection NSW Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said influenza is now circulating at moderate levels in the community.
“Getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months and over,” Dr McAnulty said.
“With flu on the rise and school holidays fast approaching, we are strongly encouraging people to book in for their flu vaccine now, which is widely available through pharmacists and GPs. Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease.
“Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death.
“Complications can occur in anyone but are most likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.”
The flu vaccine is free for:

children aged six months to under five years
pregnant women
Aboriginal people aged six months and over
anyone aged 65 and over
people with serious health conditions

NSW Health also continues to remind the community there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:

staying up to date with their vaccinations
staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness
practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage the community to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour advice. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.
​

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Antarctic Program has appointed Professor Nerilie Abram from the Australian National University as its new Chief Scientist.
Professor Abram is a professor of climate science, and was elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2024.
“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be taking up the role of Chief Scientist of the AAD,” Professor Abram said.
“Antarctica is such a special place, and the science that the Australian Antarctic Program does is critical for protecting Antarctica, and for preparing Australia and the world for how changes in Antarctica will affect us all.”

Professor Abram has extensive experience as a climate and Antarctic scientist, most recently taking part in the Denman Terrestrial Campaign.
She is a former Chair of the Academy of Science National Committee on Antarctic Research, where she served as Australia’s delegate to the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research (SCAR) and on Australia’s Antarctic Science Council.
“It is great to be coming into this role with a new and ambitious Decadal science strategy,” she said.
“One of my first priorities will be to work with the community to develop the plans for how we will implement this strategy within the AAD, and through bringing together the expertise that we have across the whole of the Australian Antarctic science community.”
Professor Abram said she is taking up the role of Chief Scientist at an incredibly exciting time for Australian Antarctic science.
“Major investments in Australia’s new icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, the Million Year Ice Core traverse and our national climate modelling capabilities are opening up research possibilities that we haven’t seen before,” she said.
“The way that the Australian Antarctic science community has come together around major campaign-style research priorities offers a new way of tackling really big and important science problems.”
The Head of the Australian Antarctic Division, Emma Campbell, said Professor Abram will be a welcome addition to the Science branch of the Division.
“Professor Abram will be playing a key role in what will be a crucial time for Antarctic and Southern Ocean science,” she said.
 “We are planning the first environmental management voyage to Heard Island and McDonald Islands in over 20 years, which will have a significant Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic science component,” she said.
“We are also making excellent progress in the Million Year Ice Core campaign, as we chase the longest ice core climate record in history.
“And the monitoring work done by our seabird teams will be crucial as we prepare for the arrival of avian influenza.”
Professor Abram will take up the Chief Scientist posting in August.
This content was last updated 16 minutes ago on 12 June 2025.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

Provide your feedback

We are seeking your feedback on the draft ATO Vulnerability Framework (the Framework).

If you are experiencing vulnerability and need support now, visit our Personal crisis support page for more information.

To submit your feedback:

ATO Vulnerability Framework

Use the links below to view the draft Framework:

Easy Read version

Why your feedback matters

Your feedback will help ensure the Framework is inclusive, practical, and meaningful in real-world situations. Public consultation will help us to:

• understand different experiences and perspectives, including lived experience
• identify any gaps or unclear areas
• build trust by ensuring transparency and community input
• strengthen the clarity, relevance and accessibility of the Framework.

We welcome feedback from individuals, advocates, professionals, and organisations that support people who may be affected by vulnerability in any form.

We encourage you to share this consultation with others, particularly those with lived experience of vulnerability or those who work with, or support people experiencing vulnerability.

What is the ATO Vulnerability Framework?

We have developed the Framework so we can better support people experiencing vulnerability when they interact with the tax system. The Framework sets out our commitment to supporting people experiencing vulnerability while carrying out our role of collecting tax to help fund essential services for the Australian community.

The Framework is founded on the commitments made in Our Charter and outlines 6 guiding principles, 4 core focus areas, and a clear approach to how we engage with the community. These elements are designed to help shape the way we develop policies, processes and staff capability, supporting more inclusive and consistent interactions with the community.

The Framework provides transparency about our role and what we can and can’t do. While we may not be able to change a tax or superannuation obligation under the law, we can:

• listen and act with empathy
• communicate clearly
• act with compassion
• connect people with the right support.

The Framework does not set out specific actions or implementation plans. Instead, it guides our approach for designing and delivering services in the future. It is a key part of our broader commitment to improve how we support people experiencing vulnerability, not just in principle, but in practice. We are also implementing practical initiatives that reflect the Framework’s values and will help bring them to life.

Consultation questions

You are not required to answer the consultation questions in your submission, but they are provided to help guide your feedback. You can choose to respond to any or all of them.

1. How clearly does the Framework explain our commitment to supporting people experiencing vulnerability? What aspects are most clear or meaningful to you? Are there areas that could be improved?
2. Is the language in the Framework clear, respectful, and easy to understand? Let us know if there are words or sections that could be clearer.
3. How well does the Framework explain what vulnerability means and how it may affect people’s experience with the ATO? Do you think the definition of vulnerability is clear and inclusive? What, if anything, should be added or clarified?
4. How clearly does the Framework explain our role, in supporting people experiencing vulnerability, including what we can and can’t do? Is there anything about our role that could be explained more clearly?
5. Do the guiding principles, for example, empathy, fairness, and inclusion, feel appropriate and meaningful? What do these principles mean to you in the context of people experiencing vulnerability engaging with the ATO?
6. Is there anything missing that would make the Framework more useful or complete?
7. Would you use the Framework for yourself or in your work, or share it with others? If so, how might you use it? For example, as a taxpayer, practitioner, or advocate.
8. Is there anything else you would like us to consider before the Framework is finalised?

What happens next?

After the consultation closes, we will:

• review feedback received
• incorporate relevant insights into a final version of the Framework
• publish the Framework based on this consultation
• where appropriate, we will send you a summary of how your feedback was considered
• consider additional ideas for future planning and implementation.

We thank you for taking the time to share your insights and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and transparent approach to supporting people experiencing vulnerability.

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

WARNING! Public CBC reporting and country-by-country (CBC) reporting are different measures. For information about CBC reporting, go to Country-by-country reporting

What is Public CBC reporting

Public country-by-country (CBC) reporting is a regime (the regime) that requires certain large multinational enterprises to publish selected tax information to the public. This information must be reported either on a CBC basis or on an aggregated basis. Under the regime, the parent entity generally has the reporting obligation, rather than the Australian subsidiary (Public CBC reporting parent).

The regime applies for reporting periods starting from 1 July 2024. For a Public CBC reporting parent with a reporting period end of 30 June, this will be from 1 July 2024. Reports are due within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.

If a Public CBC reporting parent has a reporting period that does not end on 30 June, the regime will first apply from the start of the relevant period that occurs after 1 July 2024. For example, if a Public CBC reporting parent’s reporting period is from 1 April to 31 March, the regime will first apply for its reporting period starting 1 April 2025, with the first report due before 31 March 2027.

The Public CBC reporting parent publishes their Public CBC report by providing selected tax information to the ATO in the approved form. We then facilitate the publication of the information on an Australian Government website.

Public CBC reporting provides information to the public and enables better assessment of whether an entity’s economic presence in a jurisdiction aligns with the amount of tax they pay in that jurisdiction.

Public CBC reporting requires disclosures about:

• the revenues, profits and income taxes of the global group
• the activities of the global group
• an entity’s international related party dealings.

Note: Public CBC reporting and country-by-country (CbC) reporting are different measures. For information about CBC reporting, go to Country-by-country reporting.

Who is required to report

An entity must report for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

• it is a CBC reporting parent for the preceding period
• it is an entity of the type specified
• it satisfies the requirements for that reporting period.

An entity is of the specified type if it is any one of the following:

• constitutional corporation
• trust, provided each of the trustees is a constitutional corporation
• partnership, provided each of the partners is a constitutional corporation.

‘Constitutional corporation’ means a foreign corporation (one not formed within Australia), or a trading or financial corporation formed within the limits of the Commonwealth.

An entity satisfies the requirements for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

• it was a CBC reporting parent for a period that includes the whole or a part of the preceding reporting period
• it was a member of a CBC reporting group at any time during the reporting period
• at any point during the reporting period, it, or a member of its CBC reporting group, was an Australian resident or a foreign resident operating an Australian permanent establishment
• $10 million or more of its aggregated turnover for the reporting period was Australian-sourced
• it was not an exempt entity or included in a class of exempt entities.

An entity is a CBC reporting parent for a reporting period if all of the following apply:

• it is not an individual
• if it is a member of a CBC reporting group at the end of the period; it is not controlled by any other member of the CBC reporting group at the end of the period
• its annual global income for the period is $1 billion or more.

Registration by Public CBC reporting parents

Registration by Public CBC reporting parents allows for more efficient processing and helps to simplify the process of:

• giving the Public CBC report to the ATO
• requesting an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report
• requesting an exemption from reporting obligations for a reporting period.

The registration process doesn’t differentiate between resident and non-resident Public CBC reporting parents. A non-resident Public CBC reporting parent without an ATO reference number (ARN) will be automatically issued with an ARN as part of this registration process.

Registration is also beneficial as it enables a Public CBC reporting parent entity to provide authorisation for representatives to act on its behalf. This includes having representatives satisfy its obligations, such as lodging the Public CBC report or applying for a Public CBC reporting exemption. Representatives can include:

• designated officers or employees of the CBC reporting parent
• an authorised representative of the Australian subsidiary
• an adviser
• other nominated person.

The Public CBC registration form is in a fillable portable document format (PDF), and lodgment is via email. Upon lodgment, we will send an email acknowledging receipt.

To get the form, see Public country-by-country (CBC) registration form (NAT 75645). You can also read the Instructions to complete Public country-by-country registration.

Public CBC reporting obligations

The reporting obligation is on the Public CBC reporting parent (whether located overseas or in Australia) to report selected tax information to us.

An Australian subsidiary of a foreign entity generally does not have any reporting obligation of its own for a reporting period. An exception to that general principle is if a foreign entity does not include the Australian subsidiary in its group’s consolidated accounts, and the Australia subsidiary qualifies as a Public CBC parent entity in its own right.

The Public CBC reporting parent entity must give the Public CBC report electronically in the approved form to the ATO within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period.

An update to correct any material errors must be given to us within 28 days of the Public CBC reporting parent identifying or otherwise becoming aware of that error.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

What is jurisdictional reporting

For Australia and specified jurisdictions determined by the Minister, particular information must be published on a CBC basis.

For operations in other jurisdictions, the Public CBC reporting parent has the choice to publish information on either a CBC basis or an aggregated basis.

Specified jurisdictions list

The Minister’s determination of jurisdictions for Public CBC reporting is provided by legislative instrument. The specified jurisdictions are outlined in the Taxation Administration (Country by Country Reporting Jurisdictions) Determination 2024External Link.

Specified jurisdictions

Specified jurisdictions that have a comprehensive international tax agreement with Australia:

• Singapore
• Switzerland.

Other specified jurisdictions

Other specified jurisdictions:

• Andorra
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Aruba
• Barbados
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Belize
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Cook Islands
• Curacao
• Dominica
• Gibraltar
• Grenada
• Guernsey
• Hong Kong
• Isle of Man
• Jersey
• Liberia
• Mauritius
• Monaco
• Montserrat
• Nauru
• Niue
• Panama
• Republic of the Marshall Islands
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Maarten (Dutch Part)
• Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Seychelles
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• US Virgin Islands
• Vanuatu.

Public CBC information to be reported

The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish the following information:

• its own legal name
• the names of each entity in the CBC reporting group
• a description of the CBC reporting group’s approach to tax
• information about Australia and specified jurisdictions, on a CBC basis
• information about its other jurisdictions, either on a CBC or aggregated basis.

Information required to be reported

If the Public CBC reporting parent chooses to report on a CBC basis for all jurisdictions in which the group operates, it doesn’t need to publish any information on an aggregated basis.

However, if the Public CBC reporting parent only publishes information on a CBC basis for Australia and the specified jurisdictions, it must publish information for all other jurisdictions on an aggregated basis.

Australia and specified jurisdictions

The Public CBC reporting parent is required to report the following information for Australia and specified jurisdictions:

• name of the jurisdiction
• description of main business activities
• number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
• revenue from unrelated parties
• revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction
• profit or loss before income tax
• book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
• income tax paid (on a cash basis)
• income tax accrued (current year)
• reasons for the difference between income tax accrued (current year) and the amount of income tax due if the income tax rate applicable to the jurisdiction were applied to profit and loss before income tax
• currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

Other jurisdictions (aggregated information)

The Public CBC reporting parent is required to report the following information on an aggregated basis for all other jurisdictions in which the group operates:

• description of main business activities in those jurisdictions
• number of employees (on a full-time equivalent basis) at the end of the reporting period
• revenue from unrelated parties
• revenue from related parties that are not tax residents of the jurisdiction in which that revenue is being derived
• profit or loss before income tax
• book value at the end of the reporting period of tangible assets, other than cash and cash equivalents
• income tax paid (on a cash basis)
• income tax accrued (current year)
• the currency used in calculating and presenting the above information.

Guidance

The information required to be reported has been adopted from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 207: Tax 2019 (GRI 207) reporting standard. The GRI 207 may be used as a source of guidance in interpretating the publishing requirements. Greater detail on the interpretation of terms is contained in the BEPS Action 13 Guidance and OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines.

For further detail, see:

Publishing the information

The Public CBC reporting parent is required to publish the information on an Australian Government website by giving the information in the approved form to the ATO. The approved form is in XML Schema format, and lodgment is via email. Upon lodgment, we will send an email acknowledging receipt.

Instructions on the approved form are currently under development and will be available in the second half of 2025.

The ATO’s role

We will facilitate the publication of the reported information as soon as practicable on the Australian Government website.

The first publication is expected to be released in late 2026.

Extension of time to provide the Public CBC report

The Public CBC report is due within 12 months after the end of the relevant reporting period. For example, for the reporting period ending 30 June 2025, the Public CBC report is due by 30 June 2026.

A Public CBC reporting parent may apply to the ATO for an extension of time to provide the Public CBC report. The Public CBC reporting parent can submit their request for deferral to us via email.

Correcting errors

If a Public CBC reporting parent becomes aware of a material error in any of the published information, they must rectify the error by providing the corrected information to the ATO. The entity must provide the corrected Public CBC report in its entirety to us by email.

A correction of a material error is required within 28 days after the entity becomes aware of the error. For example, we will consider an entity aware of a material error once its accountant or tax manager realises the error and prepares an amendment to the entity’s income tax return, necessitating an amendment to its Public CBC report.

For a non-material error, the entity may choose to rectify the error by providing the corrected Public CBC report in its entirety to us by email.

If a material or non-material error is rectified by the Public CBC reporting parent, we will publish the corrected information on the Australian Government website as soon as practicable. 

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Exemptions to Public CBC reporting

The purpose of the Public CBC reporting regime is to enhance tax transparency. However, a Public CBC reporting parent may seek an exemption from reporting obligations from the ATO. We have the discretion, for a single reporting period, to grant an entity a:

• full exemption
• partial exemption specifying that it is exempt from publishing information of a particular kind.

Guidance on how we will administer the exemption will be made available in mid-2025. For updates, see [4148] Public country-by-country reporting transparency measure and exemption discretions.

Government-related entities

Government-related entities may be relieved from the Public CBC reporting regime.

The following are government-related entities:

• a department of the State of the Commonwealth
• a Department of the Australian Parliament established under the Parliamentary Services Act 1999
• an executive agency or statutory agency, within the meaning of the Public Service Act 1999
• department of state of a state or territory
• an organisation that satisfies all of the following
  • is either established by the Commonwealth, a state or territory (whether under a law or not) to carry on an enterprise or established for a public purpose by an Australian law
  • can be separately identified by reference to the nature of the activities carried on through the organisation or the location of the organisation
• a local government body established by or under a state or territory law.

A government-related entity that is a CBC reporting entity can be relieved from the regime for one or more reporting periods by written notice from the ATO.

We will provide further guidance for government-related entities in late 2025.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

A new Artists on View exhibition will offer the local community and visiting art lovers a glimpse into contemporary Mexican artists in a group show of eclectic styles and contrasting approaches.

United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) showcases works by contemporary Mexican artists paired with new works from local artists.

Inspired by Bendigo Art Gallery’s exclusive exhibition, Frida Kahlo: In her own image, this exhibition explores how the works of Mexican artists reflect the theme of identity, nationality and the legacy left behind by Frida Kahlo.

A variety of Bendigo artists were then invited to creatively respond to the visual and thematic elements, making for a unique cultural exchange and experience.

Mexican artists exhibiting include Deniol Alva, Jose-Octavio Ortiz, Ulises Reséndiz, and Lizette Vieyra.

Bendigo artists range from those who have never exhibited to those well established in the central Victoria art community, and include Bodes, Salena Cummins, Chris Duffy, Sharon Greenaway, Amanda Peluso, Sally Poltrock, Avery Montgomery Reid, Molly Rule, Aimé Sacrez, Ivan Sun, Claire Tennant, Kristine Von Hilderbrandt and David Waters.

Exhibition curator Ivan Sun said the exhibition was a wonderful mix of works that reflect perspectives and preoccupations of Mexico today.

“It’s very moving how the Mexican artists convey the legacy left behind by Frida Kahlo. As curator, I invited local artists to creatively respond to the Mexican artists’ visual elements and themes, creating a unique cultural exchange and experience,” Mr Sun said.

“Contemporary works include paintings, photography, video, sculpture, fashion and textile design pieces that celebrate her creative legacy.

“By joining Mexican artists with local creatives, we invite all exhibiting to extend their creative range, form new connections and celebrate culture.”

Bendigo Venues & Events Manager Julie Amos said the installation is the perfect accompaniment to the blockbuster Bendigo Art Gallery exhibition.

“Frida Kahlo is one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, and her work still resonates worldwide today,” Ms Amos said.

“Just like Frida, this Artists on View exhibition is vibrant, colourful and challenges our thinking and interpretation of contemporary artworks.

“It’s a terrific blend of international and local talent, highlighting Mexican culture, and I encourage the community to visit Dudley House and explore the works on display.”

United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) is free to attend and open daily from June 12 to June 23, 11am to 6pm at Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo.

Community members are also invited to an exhibition launch on Saturday June 14, from 1pm to 3pm.

The launch will include a traditional Huipils display from different Mexican regions, dancing and fashion modelling from Mexbourne Dance Troupe, mariachi singer Sergio Garcia, piñata smashing, a runway set by Bendigo designer of stage and film Kristine Von Hilderbrandt, food and refreshments organised by Tlatoani Australia.

The United Artists of Mexico and Bendigo (Artistas Unidos de México y Bendigo) exhibition is supported by the City of Greater Bendigo’s Artists on View program. It is also part of Fiesta Bendigo, the City’s marketing destination program to complement the gallery’s Frida Kahlo exhibition and entice visitors to the region with attractions and experiences.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC will not oppose Allianz Australia Insurance Limited’s proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia’s personal insurance business (RAAI).

Allianz and RAAI both supply home and contents insurance and motor insurance products in South Australia.

“Our investigation focused on the closeness of competition between RAAI and Allianz and the extent to which other insurers are competing effectively to supply insurance to South Australians,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

“We also considered how competitive RAAI is now and is likely to be in the future without being acquired by Allianz. The likely impact of the acquisition on insurance prices, coverage and service offerings were all carefully considered.”

The ACCC found that other suppliers will continue to compete with, and constrain, a merged Allianz and RAAI after the acquisition, making the transaction unlikely to substantially lessen competition.

“As well as being the two largest insurers in Australia, Suncorp and IAG also have a significant presence in South Australia. As such, both are likely to compete effectively against Allianz in South Australia even after it has purchased RAAI,” Dr Williams said.

“Mid-tier insurers Auto & General (Budget Direct) and Youi are also growing their market share nationally and will continue to compete on price in South Australia.”

“While RAAI has a strong brand reputation associated with its motoring club and membership offering, we found that competition in relation to price and coverage in South Australia is being driven predominantly by other insurers, including Suncorp through its AAMI brand, IAG, Auto & General and Youi,” Dr Williams said.

The ACCC also considered how the growing challenges facing the insurance industry are affecting RAAI, with a particular focus on the increasing numbers of extreme weather events and rising reinsurance and regulatory costs.

The ACCC’s investigation found evidence that RAAI is facing specific challenges meaning that it is likely to be less competitive than it has been in recent years.

The ACCC also considered the impact of the proposed acquisition on markets for the acquisition of smash repair services, windscreen repair and replacement services, and building repair services in South Australia.

The ACCC found that the proposed acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in these markets as Allianz is unlikely to have the ability to diminish prices or supply terms 2 after the acquisition due to its position in the market relative to other insurers and acquirers of these services.

The ACCC will also shortly be considering IAG’s proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance from RAC WA. This decision in relation to Allianz and RAAI should not be treated as being indicative of the ACCC’s decision for that transaction. The competitive dynamics and issues in each transaction are unique and the ACCC is considering each transaction individually.

Further information can be found on the ACCC’s public register: Allianz Australia Limited – RAA Insurance Holdings Limited.

Background

Allianz Group is a global insurance service provider that offers a range of insurance products to customers in Australia. Allianz distributes personal insurance products (including home and contents insurance and motor insurance) directly to customers under the Allianz and TIO brands.

Allianz also underwrites insurance products and distributes it through agreements with third party brands, including Westpac, BankSA, St George Bank, HSBC, NAB, Aussie, Newcastle Permanent, RAMS, and Catholic Church Insurance.

The Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) is a South Australian based, member-owned organisation that offers roadside assistance products, personal insurance products, and other ancillary services to its members.

RAAI is a subsidiary of RAA and underwrites home and contents insurance and motor insurance products and distributes them directly through the RAA network via call centres, physical branches (all of which are in South Australia), and the RAA website.

RAAI’s insurance products are only available in South Australia. The proposed acquisition does not include RAA’s membership-based business, which includes its roadside assistance business.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Council extends its sincere thanks to the local community for their valuable input on two key milestone documents, the proposed Council Plan Mir wimbul  2025–2029 and the Budget 2025/2026.

Shaped by community priorities through extensive public engagement, these documents will be considered for adoption at the next Council Meeting on Monday June 16, starting at 6pm.

For the first time, the proposed Council Plan and Budget have been developed and planned together, ensuring a strong alignment between strategic goals and the resources required to achieve them.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said this combined approach marked a significant step forward in addressing both current and future community needs.

“Developing the proposed Council Plan and Budget at the same time has ensured that our strategic goals are directly supported by the projects and initiatives we’re funding,” Cr Metcalf said.

“The proposed Council Plan sets our direction for the next four years and includes the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. We’re focused on creating a welcoming community and a healthy environment that supports people to thrive. It reinforces the City’s commitment to improving health outcomes in partnership with local health organisations.”

The proposed Budget 2025/2026 outlines key priorities for the coming year, supported by an annual action plan to ensure efficient and sustainable delivery of services.

Cr Metcalf acknowledged the extensive community engagement that helped to shape both documents.

“These milestone plans would not have been possible without the input of hundreds of community members, partner organisations, and Traditional Owner organisations. Councillors sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, ideas, and experiences.”

The planning process included:

• A wide number of community focus groups and meetings with Traditional Owner organisations, key partners, local groups, and businesses
• Two community-wide surveys with over 500 responses
• A 42-person deliberative community panel held over a weekend in March that was selected from over 200 registrants, representing diverse genders, abilities, and cultural backgrounds, including First Nations community members

“The community deliberative panel met over three days to provide guidance to Councillors, helping shape ideas that reflect the community’s voice and the Council Plan’s vision. Based on this and earlier community feedback, people told us they want Greater Bendigo to be responsible, healthy, thriving and welcoming,” Cr Metcalf said.

“Community members recognise that Greater Bendigo is experiencing both the benefits and challenges of growth. We’re working hard to advocate for more housing and better facilities to support our expanding population.

“Top priorities identified through community engagement include roads, public and active transport, waste management, and parks and trails. The community understands the importance of creating healthy, liveable places and spaces.”

In addition to the Council Plan and Budget, a proposed Rating and Revenue Plan 2025-2029 and proposed Financial Plan 2025-2035 will also be considered for adoption at the June 16 meeting.

The Revenue and Rating Plan 2025/2029 explains how the City will raise funds to pay for services, facilities and infrastructure. This includes finding the most appropriate and affordable rates approach for Greater Bendigo’s residents and businesses. In response to the introduction of the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund in July, the City’s 2025/2026 Budget proposes to reduce the rate in the dollar for the farm rate and not increase waste charges for all ratepayers in the new financial year.

The Financial Plan sets out how the City plans to fund the delivery of services to the community in an efficient and sustainable way. The City uses a financial model to forecast and monitor a 10-year financially sustainable projection of how it plans to fund the actions in the Council Plan.