Interview with Bridget Brennan, ABC News Breakfast

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

Bridget Brennan, Host: Well, as more details come out about the men behind Sunday’s terror attack, there are calls for urgent change. And Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlethwaite joins us now from Sydney. Good morning, Minister. Thanks very much for joining us on News Breakfast.

Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade: Good morning, Bridget.

Brennan: Understandably, there is so much anguish in the community right now and there’s starting to be some anger as well directed towards your government. Is it true that you didn’t do enough to prevent this attack?

Assistant Minister: Look, we certainly appreciate that Australians, and particularly members of the Jewish community are angry. They’re mourning, they’re grieving. And I’m certainly there to support the Jewish community in my electorate. I’ve had several meetings with Jewish leaders. I’ve been attending events with them and vigils. We have strengthened our laws to try and combat antisemitism in Australia. But we do know that there is more work to do and over the coming days and weeks, there will be a package of measures that we will look to introduce that will strengthen our laws that will fight antisemitism and ensure that we protect not only the Jewish community, but all Australians into the future.

Brennan: So, let’s get some more information on that package of measures, because I think what the community is really after is specific responses, concrete responses and more information about what the government is planning. Can you outline any of the measures you plan to take?

Assistant Minister: Well, we’ve already strengthened hate speech laws in Australia, particularly those that lead to violence. We’ve criminalised the use of Nazi symbols, criminalised doxing. We’ve taken measures to upgrade security at Jewish institutions throughout the country. We’ve implemented some of the key points in the Jillian Segal report, but there’s more to do with that and that will be the foundation of the further work. The Prime Minister has already announced that work’s begun on gun law reform that will be an important part of it. And of course, we’ll have a look at our migration settings to make sure that they’re appropriate and that they can weed out and stop people who have antisemitic or racist views that may incite violence into Australia and ensure that people like that can’t migrate to our country.

Brennan: Just turning back to the Segal report, obviously when it came out, there was emphatic support for the report from some Jewish organisations, from other sectors and some other organisations. There was some reticence as to some of the recommendations. Do you anticipate that you will adopt that full report recommendations in full, or are you going to have to go, you know, line by line recommendation, recommendation? It has been six months, so it’s been a while since there’s been a proper response?

Assistant Minister: Yeah, we’ve already adopted many of the recommendations, particularly the law reform recommendations, some of the educational recommendations and certainly the security measures. There are a number that we’re working through at the moment and some of them do require the cooperation and support of the states and territories. For instance, the changes to the education curriculum they require the support of the states and territories. So, we’re working to achieve that and ensure that early in the new year that we’re implementing some of those changes that are recommended. But aside from that, if there’s anything further that we need to do, we’re certainly working with Jewish community leaders at the moment to look at what further needs to be done to ensure that we bolster our antisemitic laws, laws that combat antisemitism in Australia and ensure that we’re protecting not only the Jewish community, the Australian community as well.

Brennan: Do you agree with former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s comments that the Prime Minister needs to take direct responsibility for this attack?

Assistant Minister: Look, Josh is a mate. We entered the Parliament at around the same time. We served on committees together. I’ve got a lot of respect for Josh, and as a leading member of the Jewish community, I understand, certainly understand his grief and his anger at the moment. And I want to work with Josh. My message to Josh is, mate, let’s try and work together. I want to reach out to members of the Coalition on the package of reforms that we’ll bring to the Parliament around all these measures to try and work together. I think that we owe that to the Jewish community to bring national unity and to work in the interests of them and all Australians so this never happens again.

Brennan: I’ll just return to the question, Minister. Do you think the Prime Minister needs to take direct, personal responsibility for the attack, as Mr. Frydenberg suggested?

Assistant Minister: Well, the Prime Minister certainly has been showing leadership and support for the Jewish community. He was the Prime Minister that led the motion in the Parliament in the wake of October 7th that strongly condemned the attacks by Hamas that supported Israel’s right to defend itself and said that we stood with the people, Jewish people of Australia. That’s never changed. The Prime Minister I’ve known for 30 years, he is a man that is deeply committed to combating antisemitism and to combating racism in Australia. And he’s led a government that have delivered the strongest laws that we’ve ever had to try and stop that. But of course, we know that there is more work to do and that is why we are working with the leadership of the Jewish community to understand what they want and to ensure that we put in place the laws that ensure that this never happens again in Australia.

Brennan: Alright, we’ll leave it there. Thank you very much, Matt Thistlethwaite, for your time this morning.

Assistant Minister: Thanks, Bridget.

Danger Period to begin in final municipalities

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

  • Yarra Ranges 

  • Maroondah  

  • Manningham  

Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP). This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.    

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 13, David Renkin, said there is lots of fuel available which could see intense fires should one start. 

“We had some spring rain bring new growth which is drying very rapidly and turning into flammable fuel,” he said.  

“There is above average fire potential and we are urging everyone to ensure they have their properties prepared and have a bushfire plan in place. 

“Grass and bushfires can impact you even if you think you live close to metropolitan Melbourne, please don’t be complacent.” 

Those needing to burn-off around their properties are reminded to check weather conditions are suitable before lighting up. 

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511. 

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. 

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au. 

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au. 

Fire Danger Period information: 

  • A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. 

  • Campfires are permitted under certain conditions, for a full list please visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can 

Honouring the Life and Legacy of Roger Walker AFSM

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The CFA community is mourning the loss of a dedicated and influential member, Roger Walker AFSM, a man whose name is imbedded in both the history of Kyneton Fire Brigade and the wider Coliban Group.

Roger’s journey with CFA began in 1961 and what followed was more than sixty years of unwavering service to his community, marked by leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to protecting lives and property.  

Over the decades, Roger held a range of roles including Kyneton Group Officer, Kyneton Brigade Captain, Kyneton Fire Brigade Chairman, CFA Board Member, Asset Manager, Strike Team Leader, Incident Controller, Crew Leader, and Operations Officer within Incident Management Teams.  

Roger played a critical role in many of Victoria’s most significant emergencies, including the Western District Fires (1977), Ash Wednesday (1982), Maryborough (1985), Spring Hill (1998), the Victorian High Country Fires (2006), Black Saturday (2009), and the Lancefield Fire (2015). 

Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 02, Archie Conroy, said his steady presence and thoughtful leadership shaped the culture and capability of Kyneton Fire Brigade and the Coliban Group for more than half a century. 

“Whether on the fireground or coordinating efforts from the Incident Control Centre, Roger was known for his calm approach, deep experience, and unwavering commitment to the safety of his community,” he said. 

His impact extended far beyond emergency response, recognising the need for a safer and more functional station to support a growing and modernising brigade, Roger and his wife, Ronda, championed the redevelopment of Kyneton Fire Station.  

Completed in 2016, the extension delivered improved safety, dedicated facilities for female firefighters, increased storage, and a purpose-built hazmat trailer area.  

Roger also played a pivotal role in shaping Kyneton’s members, instilling professionalism, teamwork, and discipline in every member he trained.  

His exceptional service was recognised with some of the highest honours available within the fire services, including the Australian Fire Service Medal (1989), National Medal with 4 Clasps (2018), 60 Year Service Medal (2021), National Emergency Medal (2014), Brigade Life Membership (1998), and CFA Life Membership (2017).  

Even after decades of service, Roger continued working on both the front line and in leadership roles. 

“He was known for his professionalism, good conduct, and the example he set for others always encouraging members to train, improve, and strive to be their best,” said Archie. 

“Roger’s legacy is profound and his influence will continue to be felt across the brigade, across CFA, and throughout the Kyneton community he served so faithfully.  

“His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations of CFA members.” 

Submitted by CFA Media

Bendigo Showgrounds not available as a Place of Last Resort if bushfire threatens this summer

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Due to major upgrade works being undertaken through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, the Bendigo Showgrounds in Holmes Road North Bendigo will be unavailable as a Bushfire Place of Last Resort (also known as a Neighbourhood Safer Place) should bushfire threaten this summer.

Other Bushfire Places of Last Resort in Greater Bendigo are located at:

  • Axedale Primary School Oval, 81 High Street Axedale
  • Lansell Square Shopping Centre car park, Calder Highway Kangaroo Flat
  • Queen Elizabeth Oval, View Street Bendigo
  • Canterbury Park car park and events area, Simpsons Road Eaglehawk
  • Maiden Gully Primary School, basketball courts, Carolyn Way
  • Lord’s Raceway, McIvor Highway Junortoun
  • Strathfieldsaye Community Hub – Club Court (JG Edwards Oval east of cricket pitch to Uxbridge Street)
  • Dower Park, Station Street Kangaroo Flat
  • Redesdale Recreation Reserve oval, Corner Moylans Road and Kyneton-Heathcote Road
  • Holy Rosary Primary School oval, 18 Pohlman Street Heathcote

City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said people who would normally choose the Bendigo Showgrounds as a Place of Last Resort should instead consider using the Queen Elizabeth Oval in View Street Bendigo or the Canterbury Park Car Park off Simpsons Road Eaglehawk.

“These two sites are the closest to the Bendigo Showgrounds,” said Ms Wyatt.

“Bushfire Places of Last Resort are a place of last resort in a bushfire emergency and should only be used if all other plans have failed.

“They should not be considered as places to relocate to when leaving early and Emergency Services and other support agencies will not be in place to provide assistance.

“If you choose to shelter at a Bushfire Place of Last Resort you will need to take your own food and water, protective clothing, pet food, a mobile phone, radio, first aid and medications.”

Community members appointed to advise government on new board of inquiry

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government




Community members appointed to advise government on new board of inquiry – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.


Released 18/12/2025

The ACT Government has appointed seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberran’s, including a representative from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, to a new community advisory committee to help shape the establishment of a Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in the Alexander Maconochie Centre.

The committee members will help shape the inquiry by advising on the scope and objectives for the terms of reference, and desirable skills, experience, qualities and in potential board members.

Minister for Corrections Dr Marisa Paterson thanked the new committee members for their willingness to assist with the foundation of the Board of Inquiry.

“This is important progress in the establishment of the Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody in the Alexander Maconochie Centre,” Minister Paterson said.

“The selected committee members each bring unique perspectives and experiences to help shape this Board of Inquiry.”

After an expression of interest process, the government has appointed six community members – Carl King, Fred Monaghan, Selina Walker, Tyron Day, Tahlia-Rose Vanissum, and Wayne Applebee – to join Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body member Kaylene McLeod on the seven-person advisory committee. The committee will be facilitated by Geoff Richardson PSM.

The committee has a cross-section of community members, including those who have been directly impacted by the death of a family member in custody, community leaders and those with experience in justice, health, community services and governance.

The advisory committee will meet in the new year to begin the work of advising Government on the Board of Inquiry.

– Statement ends –

Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Wholesaler Golf Imports admits to engaging in resale price maintenance

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has accepted a court enforceable undertaking from Golf Imports Pty Ltd after the golf equipment supplier admitted to engaging in resale price maintenance by prohibiting retailers from selling its products below a set price, in breach of Australian competition law.

Golf Imports is an Australian importer and wholesaler that supplies well-known brands such as Callaway to prominent golf retailers including Drummond Golf, GolfBox, and Golf World.

Golf Imports admitted that between April 2022 and July 2025, it included clauses in documents published on Golf Imports’ website that prohibited retailers from advertising their products below Golf Imports’ specified price.

Under Australian competition law, it is illegal for suppliers to prevent, or attempt to prevent, resellers from advertising or selling goods or services below a specified minimum price. This conduct is known as resale price maintenance.

“Price competition is a fundamental part of our market economy, and central to that is retailers being able to set their prices as they see fit,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said. 

“Resale price maintenance can keep prices higher than they otherwise would be and cause significant consumer harm, particularly at a time of increased cost of living pressure.”

“Suppliers should be aware that any attempt to engage in resale price maintenance could result in ACCC enforcement action, including court proceedings where appropriate,” Ms Lowe said.

The illegal clauses that prohibited retailers from advertising the price of products for an amount that was less than the price Golf Imports had specified were contained in Golf Imports’ Online Policy and Supply Agreement. 

These clauses stated that Golf Imports would suspend or terminate the retailer’s  ability to advertise or sell any goods supplied by Golf Imports if the retailer did not comply with this pricing restriction.  Golf Imports did not take further steps to enforce those clauses after they were published on its website.

Golf Imports’ undertaking, which is in effect for three years, requires it to remove all relevant clauses from its online policy and supply agreement, communicate these changes to its customers, and implement a compliance program. 

A copy of the undertaking is available at here: Golf Imports Pty Ltd

Background

Golf Imports was established in 2006. Its product guide contains over 100 pages of products, stocking several well-known golf brands including Callaway. Golf Imports is the exclusive Australian distributor of products by Izzo Golf, Infiniti Golf and Golf Pride.

It is illegal for businesses of any size to impose minimum prices for the resale of their goods or services. For example, suppliers must not:

  • set minimum prices in formal policies or agreements;
  • offer retailers a discount if they sell at or above a minimum price;
  • refuse to supply retailers that sell below a minimum price; or
  • punish retailers for selling below a set price, for example, by taking away a discount or sending a warning.

In December 2023, the Federal Court ordered power tool supplier, Techtronic, to pay penalties totalling $15 million after it admitted it had engaged in resale price maintenance conduct.

Further information relating to minimum resale prices can be found on the ACCC’s website: Minimum resale prices

Interview with Julia Bradley, Sky News First Edition

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

Julia Bradley, Reporter: Also joining me now is Matt Thistlethwaite. He’s the Assistant Immigration and Foreign Affairs Minister. Matt, thank you for joining us on Sky News. You’re well aware of this, there is white hot anger in the community about the Albanese Government’s moves so far on the issue of antisemitism. People say not enough has been done and Jewish Australians have been failed here. What is your response to that?

Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade: Well, I respect the Jewish community. I’ve got a very strong Jewish community in my area that I’m working very closely with. We’re wrapping our arms around them at the moment and trying to support them as much as we can. Our government’s strengthened laws to combat antisemitism, but we know that we’ve got more work to do. And in the coming days and weeks we’ll bring some new measures to Parliament to combat antisemitism, to reform gun laws, to look at migration, to make sure that we’re doing all we can to ensure that this never happens in Australia again.

Bradley: The Prime Minister chose the antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segel. She put out recommendations to fix this issue. They haven’t all been adopted. Why?

Assistant Minister: We’ve adopted many of them —

Bradley: Why not all of them?

Assistant Minister: The strengthening legal aspects of that recommendations have been adopted. The educational changes are being adopted and we’re working through the remaining recommendations. But in the coming days and weeks we will provide an update and we’ll get onto working through the Parliament to adopt as many of those key points in that document as possible.

Bradley: Why the lag on this? I mean, she’s been appointed as the expert in this area. We’ve seen the worst terror attack in Australia’s history. Now, why the delay?

Assistant Minister: Well, we haven’t delayed. We’ve been. We’ve been adopting those recommendations and there’s —

Bradley: Been a delay in implementing them in full.

Assistant Minister: We’ve been implementing them. Many of them require the cooperation of the states and territories and we’re working through that, particularly the changes to the education system, the national curriculum, to ensure that we’re educating children about the Holocaust, about antisemitism and what it looks like and how to combat it. They take time because you’re changing the education curriculum and you need to do that with the state. So, we’re working through that and we’re delivering those outcomes on another front.

Bradley: One of the recommendations was antisemitism needs to be rooted out if you’re going to make someone a citizen here in Australia, need to be implemented as a priority.

Assistant Minister: Yeah. We’ll certainly look at the migration settings to make sure that no one who has antisemitic views comes to Australia and migrates to Australia. The challenge is how you identify that. And we’ll make sure that we’re working to strengthen those laws to ensure that people who hold antisemitic views or even racist views generally don’t come to Australia.

Bradley: We know that one of those alleged gunmen, Naveed, was being looked at by ASIO a long time before all of this happened, and a long time before his dad was also granted a gun licence. Has ASIO failed here? Should they take some of the blame? Has there been a weakness here?

Assistant Minister: Well, I have every confidence in our security and intelligence services. They got the largest budget that they’ve ever had. They did identify one of the gunmen in 2019. They cast some scrutiny over him in association with others that he was consorting with —

Bradley: Why did that fall through the cracks? Why wasn’t an eye kept on him?

Assistant Minister: Well, ASIO make these decisions and they make decisions based on the intelligence that they have. But we remain confident in the work of ASIO. I think it’s important to point out through Operation Avalite that when ASIO indicated to our government that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was involved in antisemitic attacks here in Australia, our government acted within hours to expel the Iranian ambassador and to proscribe that group a terrorist organisation.

Bradley: Does there need to be a bolstering of ASIO’s resources?

Assistant Minister: Well, ASIO has the largest budget that it has ever had. So, we’ve bolstered ASIO’s resources to make sure that they have the tools and the staff and the personnel to make sure that they identify these things in the future.

Bradley: On the Prime Minister, I’ve seen some chatter on social media about people being angry. He hasn’t gone to visit the victims of this Bondi tragedy. We saw him in hospital with Ahmed Al Ahmed, that hero who stepped in to disarm one of the gunmen. Why hasn’t he visited the people who’ve been injured in this massacre?

Assistant Minister: Well, I understand that the Prime Minister has visited victims in hospital and I’ve spent the last two nights with the Prime Minister at events with the Jewish community. We met with leaders of the Jewish community at a Chanukah vigil at the Governor-General’s residence on Tuesday evening. Last night we were at ecumenical service at St. Mary’s Cathedral where the Prime Minister spoke of his support for the Jewish community and said that all Australians stand with the Jewish community. So, we’re working as hard as we can with the Jewish community to make sure that they get the support that they need to get through this difficult time.

Bradley: Police in the UK are moving to ban “globalise the intifada”. Is that something Australia would do?

Assistant Minister: Yeah. We’ve certainly strengthened the hate speech laws, particularly where they incite violence. And I think people need to realise that comments such as that the river to the sea, they’re antisemitic and they have to stop. And particularly over the coming months. I think the Premier’s right. We need a summer of calm and people shouldn’t seek to use this conflict in the Middle east to drive division and hatred here in Australia.

Bradley: So, we can expect more arrests in Australia regarding those chants of that nature?

Assistant Minister: We’ve certainly strengthened the laws. We’ve made it a crime now to chant things that incite violence here —

Bradley: Will those laws be enacted? Are you confident there will be arrests?

Assistant Minister: Yeah. Well, there’s been arrests that have been made and we’ll make sure that the police have the necessary resources to ensure that they’re combating anti Semitism and any race in our community when it comes to hate speech.

Bradley: Last question. I know you’ve got to go. Hate preachers. There are allegations that one of those, you know, alleged gunmen was influenced by hate preachers. What is the Albanese Government going to do about this?

Assistant Minister: Well, we’ve already strengthened those laws to make it a crime to preach hate that incites violence. And we’ll provide the resources to the security and intelligence agencies, to the police to make sure that people are arrested and prosecuted if they do spew and preach hate that incites violence here in Australia.

Bradley: Matt Thistlethwaite, thank you for your time.

Assistant Minister: Thank you.

Television interview, Today Show

Source: Australia Government Statements 2

Karl Stefanovic, host: The despair and heartbreak of the Bondi massacre was laid bare yesterday with the funerals of three slain victims. But at the service it was the absence of the Prime Minister that shed plenty on how the community feels about him. Right now, joining us to discuss today’s headlines is Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite. Good morning, guys. Nice to see you. Look, Matt, you first up, the PM wasn’t invited, he’s not welcome. There can be no clearer message that the Jewish community has broken right now.

Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade: G’day, Karl. The PM obviously said that he is willing to attend any of the funerals but respects the wishes of the families. Funerals are deeply personal things and will of course respect their wishes. Today the funeral of young Matilda, the 10-year-old student that was unfortunately and needlessly killed and murdered on the weekend, will take place. She was a student at one of the public schools from my electorate and I will attend that funeral. I was at the school on Tuesday consoling the students and the teachers, there will be another memorial service at the school tomorrow. Peter ‘Marzo’ Meagher from the Randwick Rugby Club, deeply beloved in our community, he was killed on Sunday. I attended a vigil with members of the Randwick Rugby Community on Monday at Coogee Oval where we came together to remember him. And there’ll be further funerals, but they’re deeply personal affairs and we’ll respect the wishes of the families.

Stefanovic: There were a bunch of other dignitaries there yesterday and I will say this to you, I’m very sorry for what you’re going through in your local electorate. That is very, very tough. But it is a sign also that the PM is not welcome, that they have had enough, that he hasn’t done enough and they’re over him?

Assistant Minister: Yeah, we certainly respect the wishes of the families. I understand that the Jewish community is hurting at the moment and they’re grieving and I want them to know that we’re here to support them. I grew up in Maroubra, a couple of hundred metres from the local synagogue. Our neighbours were Jewish as kids, I went to a Jewish preschool, I was one of a few non-Jewish students. I’ve been very close to the Jewish community all my life. And I’m working as hard as I possibly can to support that community in our area at the moment, they’re grieving, they’re hurting, and we’re here for them.

Stefanovic: Okay, well said. Bridget, let’s talk about the PM, though. I mean, it’s not a great idea to show up. You just can’t show up to a funeral not invited. So, there are other dignitaries, I think you’re at one yesterday, there is a deep feeling against him right now.

Bridget McKenzie, Senator for Victoria: Well, we’ve seen the Jewish communities have seen an explosion of antisemitism over the last two years under the Prime Minister’s watch. And his lack of action on a range of fronts, despite being warned by the community that this tragic outcome of a terrorist, Islamic terrorist act in our suburbs on iconic Bondi Beach would be an outcome. I attended Rabbi Schlanger’s funeral yesterday. I wasn’t invited. I think it is a sign of respect to show up and stand up. And the Prime Minister’s refusal to do that says more about him as a leader, I think, than anything else. Karl, Matt is demonstrating so much leadership in his own community —

Stefanovic: I get that.

McKenzie: That the Prime Minister as leader of our country is refusing to do. To my knowledge, there’s reports in the papers today that he has not visited victims fighting for their lives in the hospital whilst he’s, you know, visited emergency service responders. He’s visited Ahmed, the hero of the situation. The reports are that he’s failed to visit the victims fighting for their lives. So, that says that this guy —

Stefanovic: I don’t know if that’s entirely true —

McKenzie: Well, that’s one of the reports —

Stefanovic: He has certainly visited Ahmed Al Ahmed. And look, I don’t know who else he’s visited, to be honest with you, but he’s. He certainly visited Ahmed Al Ahmed.

McKenzie: But you know what he hasn’t done, Karl? He hasn’t shut down the factories of hate that are spewing Jew hate now.

Stefanovic: We’ll get onto that now. But Matt, do you, does he accept any responsibility for the rise of antisemitism? I mean, you live it, you breathe it, you see it, you hear it. And they’re blaming him.

Assistant Minister: Karl, I’ve known the Prime Minister for 30 years. He’s a man that’s always stood up against racism, particularly antisemitism. He abhors that sort of thing. He despises it. And he’s worked hard, try and create national unity and to call on all Australians to show respect for each other. In the wake of October 7, the Prime Minister led a moving tribute in the Parliament —

McKenzie: Oh, Matt, everyone is sick of the words —

Assistant Minister: That called out antisemitism and put in place measures to combat antisemitism and we will continue to do that.

Stefanovic: Alright, Matt, the point is the governments can act very quickly in the public interest when they need to. So, quickly, I mean, in the last couple of weeks you’ve stopped under 16s accessing social media. Before you throw everything you possibly can at antisemitism, is it just not politically convenient for you?

Assistant Minister: No, that’s not the case at all. We’ve strengthened laws to combat antisemitism. We’ve got the strongest laws the country has now ever seen to combat anti Semitism, including strengthening hate speech laws. We’ve made sure who’s been prosecuted under arrest behaviours. We’re running through, we’re running through, there’s been a —

Stefanovic: This is the same thing you’ve said, this is the same thing you’ve said now for a couple of days. I do want to get onto these pro-Palestinian groups who are saying that they still have the right to protest no matter how the laws are tightened. So, Matt, is that okay with you, for pro Palestinians to protest now?

Assistant Minister: Well, I agree with the Premier. I think we need a summer of calm. I think that these protests have got to stop and we’ve got to allow the Jewish community in particular to mourn and to heal. So, the leaders of these groups, I think, need to show some respect. And it’s got to stop. We’ve got to give the Jewish community the respect that they deserve.

Stefanovic: Okay, it’s a good start. Bridget, I wanted to talk to you about this hero cop as well, Cesar Barraza, he’s the officer believed to have stopped the shooters this shot with a Glock. There he is right there from 100 metres. I mean, you know how difficult that is. But the courage they showed in lining them up, right?

McKenzie: Yeah, absolutely. Carl, when you pull the Glock out, you want to make sure you get it right. And he was a magnificent shot and downed this shooter. That was, you know, carnage right throughout Bondi Beach. Karl, when we talk about the protests on Sydney Harbour Bridge, the courts let our Jewish community down by allowing that Sydney Harbour Bridge protest to go across the globe. We now know that our most three iconic sites have been used in a global Islamic terrorist PR campaign. We had the Opera House celebrating October 7, the Sydney Harbour Bridge where people were marching with terrorist sympathisers. And then Bondi Beach in a mass terrorist attack. And the Prime Minister has not acted enough to shut down these factories of hate that are in our suburbs to deport the perpetrators. And, Matt, you can use all the weasel words you like, but not just Jewish Australians are angry, Australians are angry at this Prime Minister’s inaction.

Stefanovic: We’ve got to run. Look, we’re calling for the summer of calm. Let’s hope it goes beyond that. Appreciate your time today, guys.

CAMHS Cottage to transition to purpose-built facility in Erindale

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory




CAMHS Cottage to transition to purpose-built facility in Erindale – Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

















As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.


Released 18/12/2025

The ACT Government has today released the first images of the new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) facility to be built at Erindale Business Park.

CAMHS programs will be relocated from the North Canberra Hospital campus to Erindale by early 2027 as part of the Government’s investment of more than $1 billion in the new Northside Hospital.

A new community-based facility at Erindale will provide a welcoming, purpose-built environment that reflects the needs of young people, their families and staff.

“The relocation of these vital youth services to Erindale is an important step in enabling the delivery of the new Northside Hospital while ensuring continuity of education for young people and families,” Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said.

“Erindale offers an adaptable site as an established community hub with improved access to public transport, nearby green spaces, ample parking, and capacity for future expansion. It is well suited to meet the current and future needs of young people and families.”

The new facility will be developed within the Erindale Business Park which hosts a mix of community services and businesses.

Planning and design work has been undertaken in partnership with Architects, Billard Leece Partnership Pty Ltd, with construction expected to start in early 2026 subject to statutory planning approvals.

“Staff and students have played a key role in shaping the design of the new Cottage, ensuring it reflects the needs and experiences of those who use this service,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“The current CAMHS Cottage at Bruce will remain fully operational until the new facility is complete, ensuring continuity of support for young people and families.”

The Cottage programs support young people to build confidence, make functional gains and transition back to school or vocational programs.

The new facility will continue to provide these services in a calm and therapeutic setting, with further opportunities for co-design with staff, families and young people to guide the detailed design of both indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Development Application for the new CAMHS facility at Erindale has been lodged this week and is available to view.

For more information, visit Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services relocation – Built for CBR

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

ACCC warns major retailers to not mislead or deceive consumers during Boxing Day sales

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has written to a number of major retailers ahead of the Boxing Day sales to remind them of their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law when advertising sales and promotions.

These letters follow a Black Friday Sales sweep by the ACCC to identify misleading or deceptive sales advertising by retailers.  

Initial findings from the ACCC’s sweep indicate that retailers are still using a range of potentially misleading strategies during promotions, including misleading time representations (such as the use of countdown timers that may not align with the full duration of the sale), and promotions that may misrepresent the true scope of discounts available to consumers.

The ACCC will continue to assess the results of its sweep and will take next steps as appropriate.

“All retailers must ensure that any sales or discount claims they make during the Boxing Day sales are accurate, clear and not likely to mislead or deceive consumers,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We are concerned that despite many warnings, some retailers are still using a range of tactics to misrepresent the size or scope of discounts and the duration of sales to consumers.”

“Misleading pricing practices in the retail sector is a compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC, and we will continue to closely monitor any sales or discount claims made, particularly by large retailers,” Ms Lowe said.

Retailers should review the ACCC’s guidance on advertising and promotions to ensure they are complying with the Australian Consumer Law.

“If a retailer is found to be in breach of the law, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action,” Ms Lowe said.

Sales and discounts are persuasive techniques used by retailers to influence consumer purchasing decisions.

“As sales periods become longer and more frequent, we want to ensure that the discounts being advertised to consumers are genuine,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC encourages consumers to be wary of broad claims about discounts or savings during sales periods and to check for any disclaimers or conditions in sales advertisements.

“We encourage consumers to shop around, compare, and keep an eye on prices before big sales events like Boxing Day, particularly if you have been waiting to make a significant purchase. Focus on the final price, not the advertised discount or promotion, to assess whether you are getting a good deal,” Ms Lowe said.

The best way for consumers to report any potentially misleading or deceiving sales representations is by the ACCC website, where images and specific detail can be provided.

Background

The ACCC expects retailers to not make the following representations in any sales promotions:

  • Misleading time representations, including, the use of phrases such as ‘3 days only’ and devices such as countdown timers that don’t align with the true duration of the sale.
  • Claims of store-wide or site-wide sales, when in fact the sales involve exclusions.
  • Fine print or disclaimers that seek to limit headline claims about the sale, including member-only deals or excluding a range of products.
  • ‘Up to X% off’, where the ‘up to’ text is not prominently displayed, or where few or very few products are on sale at X% off.
  • Misleading ‘was/now’ or ‘strikethrough’ pricing representations.

In 2024, the ACCC conducted a sweep of sales advertising by Australian retailers online and in store to target the Black Friday and Boxing Day sale periods. The 2024 sweep uncovered a range of concerning practices, including those listed above.

Following the sweep, the ACCC launched a number of investigations into specific retailers and wrote to those retailers where the most concerning conduct was identified and asked them to justify their claims.

In June 2025, Michael Hill, My House and Hairhouse online paid penalties for allegedly making false and misleading representations about their Black Friday sales. The ACCC has a number of other investigations relating to misleading and deceptive sales practices underway.

Examples of advertising that may raise concerns

Above: Example of the use of a countdown time which, if not accurate, can create a false sense of urgency.

Above: Example of a retailer that advertises a ‘sitewide’ sale when in fact there are a range of products which are excluded from the sale.

Above: Example of an ‘Up to’ X% off claim, where ‘up to’ text is easily missed by consumers.