Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Airservices Australia

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today released a Consultation Paper as part of its Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging. This follows an extensive public consultation process since the release of an Issues Paper in October 2024. The Payments System Board has reached the preliminary view that it would be in the public interest to:

• remove surcharging on eftpos, Mastercard and Visa cards. Consumers currently pay around $1.2 billion in card surcharges each year. Surcharging is no longer achieving its intended purpose of steering consumers to make more efficient payment choices: avoiding surcharges has become harder as cash usage has declined, businesses are increasingly charging the same surcharge rate across debit and credit and there are significant challenges with enforcing the current surcharging rules. Removing surcharging would make card payments simpler, more transparent and help to increase competition in the card payments system.
• lower the cap on interchange fees paid by businesses. This could save businesses around $1.2 billion in interchange fees a year. Around 90 per cent of Australian businesses are estimated to be better off under the proposed policies. The proposed reductions to interchange caps would benefit small businesses the most, as they tend to pay fees closer to the existing caps. Introducing caps on foreign interchange fees would help to lower fees for all businesses accepting international cards.
• require card networks and large acquirers to publish the fees they charge. Improving transparency and competition will help all players better understand the fees they are charged and make it easier for businesses to shop around for a better deal.

The RBA invites feedback on the proposed policy options and draft standards by 26 August 2025. The RBA will draw on this feedback to finalise reforms that are in the public interest in line with its objectives of a safe, competitive and efficient payments system. The RBA intends to publish these conclusions and an implementation timeline for any regulatory steps by the end of the year.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC is urging consumers to be alert to a growing list of recalled wireless power banks, which have the potential to cause serious burns and property damage.

Power banks, also known as portable battery packs, are portable battery chargers commonly powered by rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.

They are designed to charge mobile phones and other portable electronic devices on the go.

Since 2020, there have been 17 power bank recalls published on ACCC Product Safety website. Of these, 9 were recalled in the last 16 months.

The ACCC is concerned about these recalls because together they include around 34,000 recalled power banks that are still with consumers.

“Some consumers have suffered serious burn injuries, and some have had their property damaged because of power banks overheating and catching fire,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Most incidents have occurred when the power bank is charging a phone or other device, which makes it more likely that they will be close to the user when they fail, increasing the likelihood of injuries.”

The ACCC urges consumers who own a recalled power bank to stop using it immediately and follow the instructions on the recall notice to receive a remedy. You can check if your power bank is subject to a recall by visiting the ACCC Product Safety website.

“Consumers who own a recalled power bank shouldn’t be concerned about being left out of pocket. Suppliers are offering a full refund or free replacement under these recalls,” Ms Lowe said.

The ACCC encourages anyone using any power bank that contains lithium-ion batteries to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and to store the devices in a cool, dry place.

Lithium-ion batteries can be highly flammable. Incorrectly manufactured, handled, stored or disposed of products can catch fire, explode or vent toxic gas. 

“It’s important that people use the correct charger to charge their power bank and check that it is in good condition,” Ms Lowe said.

“We urge consumers not to charge power banks on flammable materials such as beds, sofas or carpet, and to never use power banks that are damaged, overheating, swelling, leaking or venting gas.”

“Setting timers as a reminder to unplug devices may help monitor device charging times, as it’s important to disconnect products from chargers when they are fully charged,” Ms Lowe said.

Check the ACCC’s Product Safety lithium-ion batteries guide for more safety information.

Recalled power banks that the ACCC is monitoring closely

Anker Power Bank Model: A1257, A1647, A1681, A1689 – Anker Innovations Limited

Published: 8 July 2025

Reason for the recall: The power bank may overheat and catch fire.

Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries and/or property damage if the power bank catches fire. Incidents have occurred overseas, resulting in property damage.

Baseus power bank 65W 30000 mAh (model number: BS-30KP365) – Shenzhen Baseus Technology Co., Ltd

Published: 23 May 2025

Reason for the recall: The power bank may overheat when charging or being used, posing a fire hazard.

Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries and property damage if the lithium-ion battery in the power bank overheats and catches fire.
Baseus has received 76 reports of incidents involving the portable chargers, including 72 reports of bulging and four reports of fire, including three reports of property damage.

SnapWireless PowerPack Slim (Gen 1) – SnapWireless

Published: 21 May 2025

Reason for the recall: The power bank can overheat and catch fire when used.

Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries or death and property damage. Incidents have occurred.

Quad lock MAG battery pack – Annex Products Pty Ltd trading as Quad Lock

Published: 12 Nov 2024

Reason for the recall: The battery pack can overheat and catch fire.

Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of serious injury, damage to property or both if the battery pack overheats and catches fire. This can occur even when the product is not in use. Battery packs have overheated and caused property damage.

BoostCharge Pro fast wireless charger for Apple watch + power bank 10K – Belkin Ltd

Published: 6 Nov 2024

Reason for the recall: The lithium-ion cell may overheat and catch fire.

Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of serious injuries, burns and property damage if the cell overheats and catches fire.

Anker power bank A1647 – Anker Innovations Limited

Published: 2 Oct 2024

Reason for the recall: The battery in the power bank can overheat and catch fire.

Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of serious injury from burns and/or property damage if the power bank overheats and melts or catches fire. Two incidents have caused injuries and property damage, which occurred overseas.

Baseus magnetic wireless charging power banks 6000mAh 20W – Shenzhen Baseus Technology Co. Ltd

Published: 12 July 2024

Reason for the recall: The power banks contain a lithium-ion battery that can overheat, swell and/or bulge posing a fire hazard.

Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of injury from burns and/or property damage if the battery starts a fire. There have been incidents resulting in injury and damage to property.

MagMove 5K Power Bank – Cygnett Pty Ltd

Published: 26 March 2024

Reason for the recall: The battery pack can overheat and catch fire.

Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries or property damage. People have been seriously injured and property has been damaged from power banks overheating and catching on fire.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 14 Jul 2025

Targeted patrols conducted in the Curtis Island National Park in August 2024 led to the discovery of an illegal hut and evidence of significant illegal activity.

Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) identified the people who built the hut in a remote area of the park.

Regional Director Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Region Tina Alderson said it is illegal to build any structure in a protected area and rangers will have the hut removed.

“Building an illegal structure in a protected area essentially excludes others from the area and causes damage to the environment. This hut was also used as a base for other illegal activities,” Ms Alderson said.

“People who want to build a hut for their own personal use for activities such as fishing, hunting and vehicle-based activities can do so on private land but not in a national park.

“Multiple fines and warnings have been issued for illegal activity within the protected areas of Curtis Island, and eighteen offenders have been identified.

“QPWS is serious about compliance and anyone who builds an illegal structure in a protected area will be caught.

“So far we have issued 22 penalty infringement notices totalling $7606, which includes two people receiving fines of more than $1000 each for their role in the offending.”

The illegal activities include:

• Illegal fires in a protected area putting rangers, neighbours and other park users at risk
• Bringing domestic dogs into a protected area impacting the environment and native wildlife
• Hunting, including the use of firearms and other weapons putting rangers, neighbours and other park users at risk.
• Multiple driving offences including driving in restricted access areas, use of unregistered vehicles and traveling with unrestrained people.
• Illegal clearing and harvest of trees to construct the hut.

Anyone with information about illegal activities in Queensland’s protected areas is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Motorcyclist dies following single vehicle crash in Hobart

Tuesday, 15 July 2025 – 12:25 am.

Sadly, a motorcyclist has died following a single vehicle crash in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

Police and emergency services were called to the MyState Bank Arena carpark near the Brooker Highway about 9pm last night following a report of a serious crash.

The motorcyclist was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition but sadly died a short time later.

Forensics and Crash investigators attended the scene, and police are preparing a report for the Coroner.

Anyone with information should contact Police on 131444.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police are investigating a fatal helicopter incident that occurred in Gapuwiyak this afternoon.

Around 2:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a helicopter carrying two occupants had made an emergency landing at the Lake Evella airstrip after the aircraft struck a bird. The impact allegedly caused the bird to fatally strike a 44-year-old male passenger.

The pilot was able to land the aircraft safely and was uninjured.

Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene; however, the 44-year-old male was declared deceased.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

NT WorkSafe and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A 64-year-old hiker has been rescued from near Ellery Creek after NT police received notification from a satellite distress alerting device yesterday evening.

Around 7:15pm, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) contacted the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) after it received a distress message from near Ellery Creek. The 64-year-old man had suffered a medical incident while hiking in a group of experienced bushwalkers about 12km north of Ellery Big Hole.

The group had established camp and requested urgent medical assistance and extraction of the man.

The Search and Rescue Section (SRS) was deployed and established a recovery plan. The group was able to stay in contact with emergency service personnel via satellite messaging throughout the evening.

The recovery team, consisting of NTPF, St John Ambulance, and Parks and Wildlife Rangers accessed the location via 4WD and a 2km hike, and reached the victim around 2am.

He was extracted via stretcher and was conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital in a stable condition.

SRS Sergeant Karl von Minden said, “Being able to communicate with the group throughout the rescue operation was crucial to the successful recovery, and I commend them for being adequately prepared for their hike.

“I also want to acknowledge and thank our police members, St John Ambulance personnel, and the rangers involved for their professionalism in executing a safe rescue in very cold conditions overnight.

“The positive outcome of this rescue is testament to all parties, and a timely reminder to anyone thinking of exploring the Territory to ensure you are travelling with enough food and water, and are equipped with a PLB, EPIRB, or satellite communication device for those unforeseeable circumstance.”

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating multiple aggravated burglaries that occurred in Alice Springs overnight.

Around 2am, police received reports that two male youths unlawfully entered a residence on Ptilotus Crescent in Sadadeen. The offenders allegedly gained entry through the front window, before stealing personal items from a 66-year-old male victim. They fled the scene in the victim’s white Holden Commodore sedan with NT registration CB25VV.

At 2:15am, police were notified of an unlawful entry at a residence in Chewings Street in East Side. The victims reportedly woke to an offender in their bedroom, who subsequently fled the scene with a second offender who was in the backyard. It is unknown if any items were stolen at this stage.

Around 2:30am, police received reports that two male youth offenders unlawfully entered a residence on Raggatt Street in East Side. The offenders were disturbed by the four victims who were home at the time. A male victim followed the offenders outside and observed them entering his vehicle, before allegedly challenging him and throwing rocks at him. He retreated inside the residence and the offenders fled in his silver Ford Territory with NT registration CG03EJ.

Police are investigating if the incidents are linked, and the offenders and stolen motor vehicles remain outstanding at this time.

Strike Force Viper have carriage of the investigation and urge anyone with information, including CCTV footage or dash cam footage, to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.