Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC will not oppose Insurance Australia Group Limited’s (ASX: IAG) proposed acquisition of RACQ Insurance Limited (RACQI).

IAG and RACQI supply general insurance products, including home and contents insurance and motor insurance. They predominantly overlap in the supply of insurance products in Queensland.

The ACCC’s review considered the impact of the proposed acquisition on the supply of home and contents insurance and the supply of motor insurance, focussing on the level of competition provided by other existing insurance providers, how competitive RACQI is now, and the likely impact of the acquisition on insurance prices, service offering, and coverage.

The ACCC found that alternative suppliers of home and contents insurance and motor insurance would continue to compete with and provide a competitive constraint on IAG after the acquisition.

“Several alternative suppliers of home and contents insurance and motor insurance, including the market leader Suncorp, more established insurers Allianz and QBE, and newer entrants such as Youi, Auto & General, and Hollard will continue to compete in Queensland,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

The ACCC’s investigation also found RACQI has not been a particularly vigorous competitor in recent times and that it has been losing market share since 2019.

“While RACQI has strong brand recognition in Queensland, our review found that it does not differentiate in terms of price or coverage. Its prices are generally higher than many alternative suppliers, and that it does not meaningfully differentiate on coverage or service offering in the supply of home and contents insurance and motor insurance,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

The ACCC also closely considered the level of competition RACQI would provide in the alternative scenario where it is not acquired by IAG.

In particular, the ACCC considered the significant challenges faced by the insurance industry, including the growth in the number of extreme weather events over time and rising reinsurance and regulatory costs. The ACCC also considered how these challenges affected RACQI in particular.

“RACQI faces material challenges in continuing to provide competitive insurance due to it serving some areas of higher natural hazard risk, and limited access to capital as a mutual organisation. These challenges have placed limitations on its capacity to compete,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

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.

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

The ACCC is currently reviewing Allianz Australia Insurance Limited’s proposed acquisition of RAA Insurance Holdings Limited and is aware of IAG’s proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance from RAC WA. This decision in relation to IAG and RACQ should not be treated as being indicative of the ACCC’s decision or further consideration of these transactions. The competitive dynamics and issues in each transaction are unique and the ACCC is considering (or will consider) each transaction individually.

Further information can be found on the ACCC’s public register: IAG Limited – RACQ Insurance Limited

Background

As part of the proposed acquisition, IAG will acquire 90 per cent of the shares in RACQI from The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland Limited (RACQ), with an option to acquire the additional 10 per cent after two years. The proposed acquisition does not include RACQ’s membership-based business, which includes its roadside assistance business.

IAG is a general insurance company operating in Australia and New Zealand. IAG provides a range of personal and commercial insurance products under various brands, including NRMA Insurance, Swann Insurance, ROLLiN’, Cylo, and Lumley Special Vehicles.

IAG also underwrites insurance products and distributes them through agreements with third party brands, including Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, People’s Choice Bank, ANZ, and Coles (transitioning to Auto & General by October 2025).

RACQ is a Queensland based member-owned organisation that provides roadside assistance, insurance, banking, and member/community services. RACQ issues general insurance products to customers through its wholly-owned subsidiary RACQI.

RACQI also underwrites insurance products and distributes them through agreements with third party brands, including Honey Insurance (which provides insurance products to Aldi Insurance, Bank Australia, and Bank of Queensland) and Royal Automobile Club WA.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Yesterday, detectives from the Southern Drug Investigation Unit executed multiple search warrants at commercial premises resulting in three arrests and significant seizures of methamphetamine, ketamine and cannabis.

In the morning, police executed a search warrant at a hotel where they located and seized a less than commercial quantity of methamphetamine, a commercial quantity of ketamine and a less than traffickable amount of cannabis. A 47-year-old female was arrested and charged with:

• Supply Schedule 1 (Ketamine) – Commercial Quantity
• Supply Schedule 1 (Methamphetamine) – Less than commercial quantity
• Possess Schedule 1 (Ketamine) – Commercial Quantity
• Possess Schedule 1 (Methamphetamine) – Less than commercial quantity
• Possess Schedule 2 (Cannabis) – Less than traffickable

She was remanded to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court today.

In a separate incident that afternoon, detectives conducted searches at the airport where they located and seized several packages containing a significant amount of methamphetamine. A 44-year-old male and a 51-year-old male were arrested and charged with:

• Possess schedule 1 (Methamphetamine) – commercial quantity
• Supply schedule 1 (Methamphetamine) – commercial quantity

Both males were remanded to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court today.

Detective Acting Superintendent Deanne Ward said, “If these drugs had entered our regional township and communities, it could have had devastating impacts on people’s lives and social cohesion.”

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: Tasmania Police

Issued: 20 May 2025

A bold new collaboration is set to transform water quality monitoring, analysis and publication across the Great Barrier Reef and South-east Queensland (SEQ) catchments.

The Queensland Government is teaming up with leading universities to form the new Catchment Water Quality Alliance.

The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Reef Catchments Science Partnership and James Cook University’s (JCU) TropWATER will work with the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to safeguard precious waterways, undertaking water quality monitoring across Queensland.

The Alliance aims to assist communities and organisations take better care of Queensland ecosystems. This will be achieved by improving water quality monitoring, innovative data sharing platforms and engaging regional stakeholders.

The water quality monitoring data will be used for a range of purposes including reporting on the health of the waterways, rivers and reef and guiding best practice for improving catchment management initiatives across Queensland.

The collaboration will also allow for a deeper exploration of data that has been collected over the past 20 years.

The efforts of the Alliance will build on work already underway such as the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program (GBRCLMP) and the South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments Water Quality Monitoring Program.

GBRCLMP involves First Nations, industry and Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups as well as landholders to undergo comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to track long-term trends in catchment health, while fostering a deep understanding of local waterways.

The South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments Water Quality Monitoring Program is essential for identifying sediment and nutrient sources and guiding resource management.

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said this collaborative initiative will play a vital role in protecting Queensland’s iconic ecosystems and ensure the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef and SEQ catchments for generations to come.

“By harnessing scientific expertise from both government and academia, and using innovative approaches in Reef and SEQ catchment areas, it will help us to stay at the forefront of water quality assessment,” Professor Wilson said.

“The Alliance will help to provide the science and real-world data to inform environmental decision-makers.”

JCU TropWATER Director Professor Damien Burrows said TropWATER brings over three decades of experience working with growers, graziers and governments to monitor and improve water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.

“Being based in North Queensland, close to reef catchments, gives us a unique ability to respond quickly to local weather events to capture critical data that feeds directly into government datasets – building a clearer, more regionally informed picture of water quality issues,” he said.

“Our strength is not just in monitoring, but in how we work with communities. We focus on communicating the science clearly and directly to growers and regional groups, allowing the data to be understood and used where it matters most.

“With Alliance staff based in Townsville, we’re well positioned to connect local insights, water quality science and decision-making. This partnership will enhance how data, communication and collaboration can drive water quality solutions.”

University of Queensland Head of the School of Environment, Professor Steve Chenoweth said UQ is excited to be joining the Alliance.

“It’s a new model for how universities can work more effectively with government,” he said.

“Not only is it an opportunity to focus our world-leading scientific capability on delivering what’s needed for Queensland’s outstanding catchments and reefs, the Alliance also offers unique training opportunities for Queensland’s future environmental scientists who will be better equipped to understand how they can deliver real-world impacts.”

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Pedestrian in critical condition after Devonport crash

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – 4:56 pm.

A 75-year-old woman seriously injured when hit by a car in Devonport on Wednesday morning remains in a critical condition in Royal Hobart Hospital.
The crash happened about 8.55am at the intersection of William and Best streets, Devonport, with initial investigations indicating the female pedestrian was attempting to cross the intersection at the lights when she was struck by a black Lexus.
The crash was witnessed by a several people, who provided assistance at the scene.
The woman was initially transported to Launceston General Hospital for treatment however, her condition deteriorated and she was then transported by helicopter to RHH.
Any witnesses who saw the incident or drove past the area and may have dash-cam footage are asked to call police on 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information to Crime Stoppers can be provided anonymously.

Source:

CFA has further extended the Fire Danger Period (FDP) in parts of northeast Victoria as underlying dryness continues to elevate fire risk.

With an average rainfall of 41mm and only 2mm reaching the far northeast in April, the area is susceptible to fire ignition which could be challenging for firefighters to control.

As a result, the fire restriction has been extended for Towong Shire Council until 1:00am on 23 June 2025.

All other Victorian municipalities fire restrictions have been lifted.

District 24 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brett Myers said the decision to extend restrictions was necessary to protect communities while dry conditions persisted.

“While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control,” Brett said.

Residents within Towong Shire Council are reminded that burning off remains prohibited unless a valid permit is obtained.

Since 1 April to 20 May, CFA has responded to 178 escaped burn-offs across the state.

“Escaped burn-offs continued to cause significant concern,” Brett said.

“By extending the fire restrictions, we’re hoping to avoid preventable fires caused by complacency or misunderstanding.

“Escaped burns tie up our resources and present a real danger to both the community and our volunteers.”

Brett also urged landowners to help reduce unnecessary callouts, by registering their burn-offs.

“We’re asking all landowners in areas without fire restrictions to register their burn-offs online, to help prevent false alarms which divert resources from other emergencies,” Brett said.

Under the CFA Act, penalties for lighting an open-air fire without a permit during the Fire Danger Period can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.

Landowners can apply for a permit to burn off at firepermits.vic.gov.au.

Burn off safety checklist:

• Obtain a permit if required and check and monitor weather conditions – particularly wind.
• Postpone your activity if high fire risk conditions develop. 
• Notify your neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke. 
• Leave a three-metre fire break, free from flammable materials around the burn.
• Ensure you have enough water on hand (10 litres for small fires).
• Never leave a burn-off unattended – stay for its entire duration.
• Ensure there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn effectively.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source:

Nhill Fire Brigade has officially received the keys to their new light tanker and field command vehicle, celebrating the additions to the engine bay alongside fellow members.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

As the 30 June deadline for trust resolutions approaches, it’s crucial for trustees and their advisers to be clear about their obligations. Our end of financial year (EOFY) checklist will help you avoid basic trust errors that can arise if you don’t fully understand your obligations or take reasonable care to get things right.

1. Understand how income is defined for the trust estate.

Trustees must be familiar with their trust deeds and accurately determine the income of the trust estate for each financial year. Common errors include actions that are inconsistent with the deed, mistaking accounting profit for distributable income, and misinterpreting trustee powers. To avoid these errors, trustees should:

• review the trust deed and distribute income according to each beneficiary’s entitlements
• review the trust deed to understand how it defines income.

2. Identify the trust’s beneficiaries.

Trustees need to correctly identify the beneficiaries of their trust. Errors often occur when trustees fail to read the deed, distribute to non-beneficiaries, or distribute outside the family group when a family trust election (FTE) or interposed entity election (IEE) is in place. To prevent these mistakes, trustees should:

• identify beneficiaries as per the trust deed
• ensure all entitled beneficiaries quote their TFN and are notified of their entitlement.

3. Understand resolutions and present entitlement.

Trustees must make valid resolutions to appoint or distribute income to beneficiaries by

30 June of the relevant tax year. If resolutions aren’t made by this date, the trustee may be liable for all income of the trust and taxed at their marginal rates. Errors such as invalid resolutions and back-dated resolutions can be avoided by:

• reading the trust deed
• making clear and timely resolutions.

4. Identify any family trust elections (FTE) or interposed entity elections (IEE).

A family trust is a trust where the trustee has made a valid FTE. Family trusts can access tax concessions but, distributions made outside the family group will trigger family trust distributions tax (FTDT). This is a specific 47% tax payable by the trustee on the distribution. The Commissioner has no discretion with FTDT once it is triggered. Therefore, trustees should be vigilant about existing FTEs or IEEs in place and maintain accurate records.

We’re seeing an increase in trustees distributing outside the family group triggering FTDT. To limit FTDT risks, trustees should:

• be aware of all FTE or IEEs made and their family group
• keep copies of all elections.

5. Maintain clear and accurate records.

Poor record keeping is the most common cause of issues related to trusts. Trustees need to understand that they’re personally liable for the debts of the trusts they administer. Keeping complete and accurate records can prevent unforeseen tax liabilities falling upon the trustee.

More resources

You can also use our Trust tax-time toolkit for more useful information, checklists and tips to ensure you correctly meet your trust tax obligations.

We also recommend you favourite or bookmark our comprehensive web Trustscontent so you can access it whenever you need it.

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Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Bendigo Airport is buzzing with excitement as it celebrates a major milestone – over 100,000 passengers have enjoyed the QantasLink Bendigo to Sydney flight service.

To mark this incredible achievement, Bendigo Airport is launching an exciting competition with four Qantas return flight tickets to Sydney up for grabs.

Bendigo Airport Manager Vicki Bayliss said the 100,000-passenger milestone illustrated the growing success of the regional airport service.

“In April 2019, the city welcomed the arrival of QantasLink and regular passenger flights between Bendigo and Sydney,” Ms Bayliss said.

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the airport’s growth for a time, the community returned when borders opened to support this important service, and I would like to thank you for contributing to the airport’s continuing success.

“It is clear word is out about the advantages of flying from Bendigo Airport’s new terminal.

“It is a stress-free experience when you choose Bendigo Airport, with ample cheap parking close to the new terminal building, a seamless and quick check-in, and great customer service from our dedicated staff.

“The service is proving popular with the business community and holidaymakers.

“There were just over 5,000 passengers when the service first started in 2019 and six years on it has increased to 100,000 which is significant growth.

“To have an airport in central Victoria is so convenient and important for Greater Bendigo residents and for people living in surrounding shires.

“It means less time commuting to Melbourne and more time enjoying your trip. Flying direct to Sydney from Bendigo Airport takes less than two hours and provides connection access to more than 100 destinations across Australia and internationally.

“Flights between Bendigo and Sydney can now carry more people with a faster flight time after the introduction of Qantas’s expanded Dash 8-400 fleet last October.”

To celebrate the milestone of 100,000 passengers, Bendigo Airport, in collaboration with Qantas, is launching an exciting competition in the City of Greater Bendigo’s free GB magazine. The autumn edition is hitting mailboxes this week. There is also a digital version on the City’s website for residents who do not have access to a printed copy.

For your chance to win one of four return flight tickets from Bendigo to Sydney on QantasLink, complete the entry form and enter a code. The competition is open until 11:59 PM (AEST) Friday, May 30. Terms and Conditions apply.

“Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity. Enter the GB magazine competition now and you might be one of four lucky GB magazine readers who will soon be flying up and away from Bendigo Airport,” Ms Bayliss said.

To view the digital version of GB magazine, visit:

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

Australian solar pioneer 5B has been selected as the first project to receive funding from the Australian Government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program to help expand Australia’s solar manufacturing industry.  

Funding of up to $46 million will go to the Australian based company to increase manufacturing capacity of its highly innovative ‘Maverick’ – an automated solar deployment system using prefabricated, prewired panels. The technology has the potential to drastically speed up and scale up the roll out of solar farms, reducing the cost and labour intensity of current methods.  

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said ARENA is excited to be announcing 5B as the first project under the Solar Sunshot Program to support solar manufacturing in Australia to accelerate the renewable energy transition.   

“This project represents the best of homegrown Australian technology and innovation in solar and we are proud to support 5B’s goals of making solar deployment faster, cheaper, safer and more efficient.  

“ARENA has a vision of reaching 1 terawatt of installed solar PV in Australia by 2050 to achieve our renewable energy ambitions. Projects like this are what we need to get there.” 

“Today represents a step towards building Australia’s resilience in the solar value chain as the global demand for renewable energy technologies, products and knowledge intensifies.”  

5B CEO David Griffin said this funding would drive down 5B’s Australian production costs by 25% and accelerate 5B’s ability to offer large customers lower cost energy alongside the safety, speed and land efficiencies unique to the 5B Maverick solution.  

“It means we can further strengthen our team, creating opportunities from the factory floor, in our field deployment crews, and specialists working on gigawatts of solar farm designs.”  

The funding will support the expansion of 5B’s Australian manufacturing capacity in solar to produce at least 200 MW of Maverick units at their Adelaide manufacturing facility over the next three years. The Maverick systems will support the demand for increased deployment of large-scale solar across Australia. 

About Solar Sunshot  

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is delivering the $1 billion Solar Sunshot Program to support innovation in Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry.   

Solar Sunshot was announced by the Australian Government in March 2024 and aims to uncover and support innovation to drive scale and diversity in a critical industry.    

Australia benefits from strong renewable energy potential, high-quality, abundant raw materials, and a long track record of excellence in research and development.   

Solar Sunshot aims to harness these advantages so that Australia can strengthen and diversify its supply chains and create economic opportunities.    

Round 1A offers $500 million of capital and production-linked funding for solar PV manufacturing innovation, with a focus on modules, inputs to modules and deployment systems (closed). 

Round 1B offers $50 million of funding to support solar PV manufacturing studies, including feasibility and engineering studies (remains open).  

Funding to 5B has been awarded under Round 1A of the Program. 

Learn more at https://arena.gov.au/funding/solar-sunshot/   

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 151KB)

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

21/05/25