Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has granted an urgent interim authorisation to the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP), its members, and other relevant industry participants to coordinate in managing impacts to Australia’s fuel supply chain stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.

The interim authorisation means the companies can discuss, exchange information about, and coordinate on the supply of fuel in locations across Australia to alleviate shortages without risking a breach of competition laws.

Authorisation has not been sought, or been granted, for fuel suppliers to share information about or reach agreement on price.

“We have urgently assessed and granted this interim authorisation, received late Wednesday, because we recognise the impact of the current situation on consumers, businesses, and farmers,” ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

“We recognise how critical it is that industry is able to quickly and efficiently coordinate and respond to the supply chain disruptions we are experiencing.”

“However, allowing the major fuel companies to coordinate raises real risk of harm to competition. We are granting the urgent interim authorisation with conditions to mitigate this risk,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

It is a condition of the authorisation that each applicant must take actions consistent with direction or advice of the Commonwealth, states and territories in relation to prioritising and facilitating the supply of Fuel Products to independent distributors and wholesalers.

In addition, the ACCC has imposed conditions to the authorisation that seek to maintain independent fuel distribution.

“We note that independent suppliers are part of their local, regional communities and have established relationships in their areas. They are a crucial part of supply chains in this market and need to be part of the solution to the fuel supply issues, including by receiving adequate allocations from the major suppliers,” Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.

The ACCC will shortly commence public consultation on the application for a final authorisation.

More information, including a copy of the application for authorisation, and the ACCC’s interim authorisation decision, will be available on the ACCC’s public register.

Fuel prices rise as international price volatility continues

Today, the ACCC also published its second weekly petrol and diesel price monitoring update which showed petrol and diesel prices continued to rise in the past week but less sharply than at the start of the current Middle East conflict. Consumers continued to experience shortages in some locations as demand increased.

The ACCC has increased its monitoring of the fuel industry from its usual quarterly reporting to weekly reporting.

In last week’s update, we observed average retail petrol prices in many cities increasing as fast as indicative wholesale prices. Some fuel businesses have told the ACCC that, rather than setting retail prices based on the cost of fuel in their storage, they have moved to prices based on what it will cost them to restock at current prices, given the risk and volatility in international markets.

“Our latest analysis shows that while retail prices continued to rise, very sharply in some areas, the size of the increases has reduced during the past week,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“In many cities, over the last week the difference between daily average retail petrol and diesel prices and indicative wholesale prices (terminal gate prices) narrowed.”

“We know that households and businesses are feeling the impact of these disrupted and volatile market conditions. We urge fuel retailers to be honest and fair with their customers. Consumers can access information on our website, and we encourage them to use fuel apps to find retailers with lower prices and reward them for offering a better deal,” Ms Brakey said.

International crude oil and refined fuel prices continued to move higher, particularly benchmark prices for refined diesel (Singapore Gasoil 10 ppm). The benchmark price is up 18 per cent from the previous week, influenced by tighter diesel supply and reduced availability of suitable Middle Eastern crude oil.

Weekly average international crude oil and refined fuel benchmark prices

Source:    ACCC calculations based on data from Argus Media.

The international benchmark price for refined petrol, Singapore Mogas 95, was around 127 Australian cents per litre (cpl) in the week to 18 March, an increase of around 21 cpl from the previous week.

In the week to 18 March, weekly average Gasoil 10 ppm prices, in Australian cents per litre, were around 165 cpl, an increase of around 25 cpl from the previous week.

Capital city petrol and diesel price movements

Across the five largest cities, daily average retail petrol prices on 18 March were 234.1 cpl, an increase of 14.4 cpl from the previous week.

On 18 March, Perth had the highest daily average retail petrol prices among the eight cities (240.1 cpl) and Canberra had the lowest (232.0 cpl).

For diesel, retail prices across the five cities were 275.7 cpl on 18 March, an increase of 35.4 cpl from the previous week.

On 18 March, Melbourne had the highest daily average retail diesel prices among the eight cities (277.6 cpl), and Perth had the lowest (273.0 cpl).

Fuel prices in regional locations

The new weekly report also includes retail regular unleaded petrol and diesel prices in over 190 regional locations giving a more comprehensive picture of fuel prices across Australia.

Most regional locations across Australia have also experienced sharp retail price increases. The size of increases in regional locations has varied, due likely to a range of factors, including local supply stability and unexpected demand.

The ACCC’s first report covering the period since the start of the conflict is available on the ACCC website. The next weekly fuel price monitoring report is due to be published next Friday.

The ACCC also this week met with executives from major fuel companies to set out its expectations and to discuss the impact of price spikes and supply issues for consumers and businesses.

Note to editors – Authorisation

ACCC authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA).

Section 91 of the CCA allows the ACCC to grant interim authorisation when it considers it is appropriate. This allows the parties to engage in the proposed conduct while the ACCC is considering the merits of the substantive CCA authorisation application.

The ACCC may review a decision on interim authorisation at any time, including in response to feedback raised following interim authorisation.

Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.

Notes to editors – Fuel monitoring

The international benchmark price for refined fuel is the largest component of retail fuel prices. The international benchmark for Australian retail petrol prices is Singapore Mogas 95 (Mogas 95). The international benchmark for Australian retail diesel prices is Singapore Gasoil 10 with 10 parts per million sulphur content (Gasoil 10 ppm).

Both petrol and diesel are refined from crude oil, and their prices generally tend to follow similar movements over the long term. However, the different fuels have their own supply and demand characteristics (for example, compared with petrol, diesel also has remote energy generation and industrial uses) and the different refined fuels have their own international benchmark prices. It is these benchmarks that drive retail diesel and retail petrol prices.

Australian retail fuel prices are largely determined by movements in international benchmark refined fuel prices (which are driven by international crude oil prices), and the AUD-USD exchange rate. International benchmark prices movements drive domestic wholesale prices, which then influence retail fuel prices.

Additionally, in the five largest capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth), retail petrol prices move up and down in regular patterns, known as petrol price cycles. The ACCC website has more information on these price cycles. Retail diesel prices do not move in cycles.

Terminal gate prices are prices that wholesalers charge for petrol and diesel in the spot market. The major wholesalers post these prices on their websites on a regular basis. Although few wholesale transactions occur at terminal gate prices and actual costs can vary across brands and cities, they are typically indicative of average wholesale prices. Terminal gate prices are indicative of the wholesale price of petrol or diesel only, and exclude transport and other retail operating costs. The ACCC recently heard from market participants that some transactions have been quite different to published terminal gate prices.

Background

The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australia’s peak consumer protection and competition agency.

The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act and the Australian Consumer Law.

The AIP is a representative body of the Australian petroleum industry. Its members are the largest four oil companies, Ampol Limited, BP Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, and Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch has arrested and charged a 48-year-old male in relation to drug offences.

A search warrant was executed around 11.30 at an address on Giles Street, Katherine yesterday which resulted in the seizure of:

• 6 kilograms of Cannabis
• More than $20,000 in Australian Currency.
• Prescription medication and other documentation
• Mobile phone
• Indicia of dangerous drug supply

The alleged offender was charged with:

• Supply Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug – Commercial Quantity;
• Possess Schedule 2 Dangerous Drug – Commercial Quantity;
• Receive or Possess Property Derived from the Commission of an Offence; and
• Resist Police

He was remanded in custody to face court on 2 April.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Ordelman said it was another example of the Katherine community notifying Police of commercial drug enterprise. The Northern Territory Police Force can ensure anyone involved in the supply of dangerous drugs will be held accountable.

“The supply of illicit drugs causes irreparable harm and we will continue to enforce these laws in partnership with the community.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two people following an aggravated assault in Darwin City early this morning.

Around 1:15am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a staff member had been assaulted at a licensed premises on Edmunds Street.

A 30-year-old male is alleged to have thrown a pint glass at a member of security, striking her to the head and rendering her unconscious.

It is alleged the offender kicked the female victim to her head while she laid unconscious on the ground, before producing an edged weapon and fleeing the scene.

A second offender, a 31-year-old male, is alleged to have assaulted male security staff before also fleeing the scene.

Police CCTV operators tracked the direction of travel of the offenders and the pair were arrested. They remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Both offenders are believed to have been involved in an earlier assault of a female on Mitchell Street.

The victims were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Detective A/Senior Sergeant Andrew Kren said “The Serious Crime Squad have carriage of this investigation, and we are calling for any witnesses with information to contact police on 131 444.

“Investigations are ongoing”.

Anyone with information, including dash cam or CCTV footage, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P26082073. Reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 25-year-old male in relation to a dangerous driving incident that occurred last night in Alice Springs.

Around 7pm on Thursday evening, Road Policing members attempted a traffic apprehension on a black Nissan X-Trail on Gregory Terrace after it allegedly committing a traffic offence.

The vehicle allegedly failed to stop, and a police pursuit commenced. The vehicle lost control while attempting to negotiate a corner and crashed into a fence on Harvey Street in Braitling. The driver fled the scene on foot but was arrested a short time later on Elliott Street.

The 25-year-old subsequently returned a positive result for alcohol and dangerous drug. He did not suffer any injuries as a result of the crash.

He has since been charged with:

• Drive vehicle in a manner dangerous
• 2 x Damage to property
• Drive a motor vehicle without consent
• Learner driver driving without L plates displayed
• Driver with prohibited drug in body
• Drive medium range blood alcohol content
• Not stop at a stop sign
• Not stop after a crash
• Fail to obey the direction of a police officer
• Drive a vehicle in a dangerous manner in a pursuit

He was remanded to appear in Alice Springs Local Court today.

Acting Senior Sergeant Aaron Evans of the Territory Road Policing Division said, “In a coordinated operation involving our road policing units, general duties officers and drone support, this individual has been safely taken into custody.

“The Northern Territory Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to targeting dangerous driving behaviour on our roads and ensuring serious offenders are held accountable before the courts.”

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Make the most of the 2026 Bendigo Easter Festival from April 3-6 with traditional cultural activities, entertainment, family fun, community events and special celebrations to mark the Bendigo Easter Fair Society’s 100th anniversary.

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said the final preparations were underway for the spectacular homegrown event.

“The unique festival is a major highlight in the calendar for both residents and visitors with something for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Myatt said.

“I encourage you to start planning your visit to the festival as the online program has many cultural performances along with plenty of fun activities for all ages.

“This year will be extra special with the 100-year celebrations for the Bendigo Easter Fair Society.”

The Society began in 1926 as a volunteer-led organisation to oversee the event each year. The City took over operations in 2003 and the Society continues to play an important advisory role.

Special attractions for the 100th anniversary:

• A six-metre fibreglass Kewpie doll named Violet will return to the festival after 24 years and will be on display in the piazza in Rosalind Park. She was one of 12 figures created for the 2000 Olympic Games closing ceremony
• A multimedia exhibition, 100 Years of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society – Custodians of the Grand Fair, will be shown at the Living Arts Space, Bendigo Visitor Centre, from April 2 to May 2
• Queen Rhapsody Concert, 5pm–7pm, Rosalind Park is a tribute to Queen’s greatest hits
• Wadaiko Rindo Japanese Drummers will bring a spectacular display of stamina, strength and humour on Good Friday in Rosalind Park

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

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Source: Government of Western Australia

Work has been completed on a new 1.5-kilometre section of 3.5-metre-wide asphalt shared pathway along the western side of Hartman Drive, from Ocean Reef Road to Gnangara Road, in Wangara.   

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

NDIS registered provider of healthcare equipment, Aidacare, has admitted it likely made false or misleading representations to some customers about their consumer guarantee rights. It has also admitted to using terms in standard form contracts that were likely to have been unfair as they limited consumers rights and remedies in relation to faulty products.

Aidacare sells and hires healthcare equipment to aged care facilities, hospitals, wholesale traders and individual consumers.

In a court-enforceable undertaking given to the ACCC, Aidacare has admitted that its conduct likely contravened the Australian Consumer Law.

As part of the undertaking, Aidacare has agreed to remediate affected consumers and provide interim solutions to customers who experience extended delays when assessing faulty or defective goods. It has also undertaken to stop using or relying on the unfair contract terms and making false or misleading representations about consumer guarantees. Aidacare will also establish an Australian Consumer Law compliance program for its employees.

“Under the Australian Consumer Law, consumer guarantees automatically apply when consumers buy products or services, giving them a range of rights, including where the product is faulty. These rights cannot be taken away by anything a business says or does,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“As part of their consumer guarantee rights, consumers may be eligible for a repair, refund or replacement for faulty goods, even after the express warranty period given by the supplier or manufacturer has expired.”

The ACCC was concerned that in responding to consumer requests for repairs, replacements or refunds for faulty or non‑conforming products, Aidacare represented that consumers were required to pay for repairs or replacements, or were not entitled to a repair, replacement or refund, outside of a warranty period, when statutory consumer guarantees applied or may still have applied.

Aidacare has admitted that from 1 January 2022 to 21 May 2025, it likely made false or misleading representations to some consumers about their consumer guarantee rights.

“Aidacare’s actions may have stopped consumers from accessing their consumer guarantee rights. This is unacceptable, and may have led to consumers not seeking remedies they were legally entitled to,” Ms Lowe said.

“Given the essential nature of the healthcare equipment it supplies, Aidacare’s failure to comply with its consumer guarantee obligations may have created risks to consumer safety and physical wellbeing and resulted in inconvenience and financial loss for its customers.”

Aidacare entered into standard form contracts with its customers between 9 November 2023 and 21 May 2025 which it admitted likely contained unfair contract terms. The terms limited consumers’ rights and remedies in relation to faulty products, including by imposing short timeframes (24-72 hours) for consumers to report product faults, restricting consumers’ rights to reject defective goods, and included broad limitations of liability.

“We will not hesitate to take appropriate action against businesses that seek to limit or deny a consumer’s right to seek a remedy for a faulty product or service. Whilst consumer guarantee rights cannot be contracted away, we know that the presence of contract terms that purport to have this effect can have a chilling effect on consumers taking action. This is why the removal of these terms is an important part of the resolution we have achieved,” Ms Lowe said.

Further information about consumer rights and guarantees is available on the ACCC website.

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

A copy of the undertaking is available at: Aidacare Pty Ltd

Background

Aidacare is a provider of healthcare equipment and services and is a registered provider under the NDIS. It has 66 retail stores across Australia.

Note to editors

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability. Since 2024, the ACCC has prioritised improved compliance with the Australian Consumer Law by businesses that supply NDIS-funded supports, known as providers.

The ACCC has taken proactive enforcement action in this period, instituting legal proceedings against a provider for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law in 2024. In addition, in 2025 Bedshed and Thermomix paid infringement notices issued by the ACCC for allegedly making misleading claims about NDIS endorsements.

In 2025, support provider Mable Technologies provided a court-enforceable undertaking to the ACCC after admitting using unfair contract terms, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

In February 2026, the ACCC published a report that found NDIS participants are being targeted by NDIS providers’ deceptive advertising practices and other behaviours banned by consumer law. The report identified key issues in NDIS markets, including providers failing to honour consumer guarantee protections and using unfair contract terms.

The Australian Consumer Law applies to all transactions between NDIS participants and providers. The ACCC and other Australian Consumer Law regulators can investigate NDIS related dealings where there is a potential breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

On 17 December 2023, the government established the Fair Pricing and Australian Consumer Law Taskforce consisting of the ACCC, the NDIA, and the NDIS Commission. The Taskforce was established to address harms affecting participants, including potentially paying higher prices for goods or services compared to non-NDIS consumers, and conduct by providers that may breach the Australian Consumer Law.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating an aggravated assault that occurred early yesterday morning in Alice Springs.

At 5:10am on Thursday 19 March, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received reports of a group fighting, allegedly armed with bottles, on Lyndavale Drive in Larapinta.

On police arrival the group dispersed. A male aged in his 40s was conveyed by St John Ambulance to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to his face.

The offender remains outstanding at this stage and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information, including dash cam or CCTV footage, is urged to contact police. Please quote reference number P26080987. Reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 24-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence aggravated assault that occurred in Millner yesterday morning.

Around 11:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report that a female aged in her 20s had been assaulted by a male believed to be known to her at an address in Millner.

Police attended and located the victim with serious injuries to her head. It is alleged the 24-year-old male had physically assaulted her and stabbed her to the eye. She was immediately conveyed to the Royal Darwin Hospital where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

The offender was arrested a short time later and remains in police custody.

A crime scene was processed and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police. Please quote reference number NTP2600026771. Reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.