Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has paid penalties totalling $792,000 after the ACCC issued it with four infringement notices for alleged breaches of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) Rules.

The ACCC alleges that CBA did not comply with the rules by failing to enable data sharing for certain accounts for business consumers and partnerships. 

This meant affected consumers were unable to share their data to access CDR-enabled products and services, such as those used for business accounting. The ACCC received complaints from consumers reporting difficulties accessing CDR and impacted customers had to either perform manual workarounds or revert to less secure methods of data sharing.

CDR is an economy-wide data sharing reform that empowers Australians to use the data businesses hold about them for their own benefit. Since November 2021, the four major banks, including CBA, have been required to enable consumer data sharing of in-scope products for non-individual CDR consumers.

“This is the highest total penalty to date for an alleged breach of the CDR Rules,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We will continue to focus our compliance and enforcement efforts to enable the benefits the CDR system delivers for consumers including more choice and greater access to better deals on products and services.”

Insufficient data quality and failure to meet compliance dates are enforcement priorities for the ACCC.

CDR delivers many benefits to business owners, such as enabling them to use products and services, such as accounting services, to manage their finances more efficiently and securely. It also allows them to easily compare products, leading to savings and potentially reduced operational costs.

“In the first half of 2025, the number of CDR participants increased by 55 per cent from the previous six months, and we expect this number to continue to grow as the CDR expands to the non-bank lending sector from mid-2026,” Ms Lowe said.

Earlier this year, National Australia Bank Limited paid penalties totalling $751,200 for alleged contraventions of the CDR Rules relating to data quality issues.

“Banks have now had a few years to understand and implement their CDR obligations,” Ms Lowe said.

“This penalty against CBA should serve as a reminder to all CDR participants that failing to comply with the Rules may result in the ACCC taking enforcement action.”

CBA to provide redress to consumers and accredited providers

CBA cooperated with the investigation and has made several commitments as part of an administrative resolution with the ACCC, including enabling consumer data sharing for remaining Trading Entity Business Name (TEBN) accounts by 19 December 2025 and providing remediation to customers and accredited data recipients affected by the conduct.

The remediation includes a goodwill payment to affected business customers who meet the relevant eligibility criteria, and additional payments to business customers who can substantiate further financial and non-financial loss.

The remediation program will begin in the week commencing 19 January 2026 and CBA will email affected customers and publish a notice on its website outlining how affected customers can submit remediation claims. For further information on the remediation program, consumers and accredited data recipients should refer to the Open Banking section of CBA’s website.

Note to editors

The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the CDR Rules.

The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain provisions of the CDR Rules.

More information on the obligations of data holders can be found in the Compliance guide for data holders.

Penalty amounts for infringement notices are calculated by reference to the value of a penalty unit set in the Crimes Act 1914. This value is regularly indexed. It was most recently increased on 7 November 2024.

Background

The ACCC alleges that CBA failed to provide an Accredited Person Request Service that enabled consumer data sharing for non-individuals whose customer profile was set up with a TEBN in the account holder field to allow accredited data recipients to request data on behalf of these consumers.

This prevented affected consumers from utilising the CDR to share their data, limiting the ability of accredited data recipients to deliver products and services to consumers using CDR data and restraining the potential growth of the CDR.

The infringement notices relate to CBA’s alleged failure to enable consumer data sharing for four separate consumers whose customer profiles were set up with a TEBN.

The CDR gives consumers the right to safely transfer data about themselves from data holders to accredited persons, potentially to access new products and services, including better deals on everyday products and services.

The CDR is an economy-wide reform that is being rolled out sector by sector. The CDR has been rolled out to banking (from July 2020) and energy (from November 2022), with the non-bank lending sector to follow from mid-2026.

The transfer of consumer data occurs between data holders and accredited persons, or accredited providers. The Australian Government has designed and oversees the system to ensure it is safe and secure for consumers. Accredited providers must go through a rigorous process to become accredited by the Data Recipient Accreditor to provide services to consumers using CDR data. A list of current providers, along with further information about the CDR, is available on the CDR website.

The ACCC, together with its co-regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, is responsible for ensuring CDR participants, including accredited providers and data holders, comply with their CDR obligations.

The Treasury leads CDR policy, including development of rules and advice to government on which sectors the CDR should apply to in the future. Within Treasury, the Data Standards Body develops the standards that prescribe how data is shared under the CDR.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 20-year-old male in relation to a domestic violence incident that occurred yesterday evening.

Around 5:40pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received multiple reports that a female had been forced into a vehicle by a male known to her.

It is alleged the male attended a residence on Hawkins Court and kicked the front door until he was able to gain access. Once inside, he threatened the female and other residents with a blunt weapon before physically assaulting the female. The male then forced the female into a vehicle and fled the area for a short period before returning to the residence.

Police deployed and established a cordon at the residence. Upon police approach, the alleged offender attempted to flee to a neighbouring property, where he physically resisted police before being arrested without further incident.

The victim was located inside the residence with non-life-threatening injuries and did not require further medical assistance.

The 20-year-old alleged offender remains in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference number NTP2500121537. Anonymous 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.

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

09 December 2025

Who does this notice affect?

All importers and customs brokers who will be required to lodge imported cargo documentation to the department for biosecurity assessment during this planned maintenance period.

All users of the Cargo Online Lodgement System Business to Government (COLSB2G) system during this planned maintenance period.

All shipping agents or operators of maritime conveyances who will be required to report pre-arrival information during…

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

09 December 2025

Who does this notice affect?

Importers and brokers of CBIS eligible:

• Mushroom spawn and cultures for propagation (0602.90.00)
• Processed nuts (0801.21, 0801.22, 0801.31, 0801.32, 0802, 0811.90, 0812.90, 0813.50, 20.07.99 and 20.08.19)

What has changed?

The department is incorporating 2 new plant pathways onto the Compliance-Based Intervention Scheme (CBIS). The pathways and intervention points are as follows:

…

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo is proud to be supporting 11 free community-led events this festive season through the Community Funding Program.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested and charged a third male in relation to a in Tennant Creek over the weekend.

Yesterday morning, officers from Tennant Creek Investigations and the Territory Safety Division attended a residence in Village Camp and arrested a 17-year-old male.

He has since been charged with multiple offences including Ram Raid, Aggravated Burglary, Theft and Driving Motor Vehicle Without Consent.

He was remanded to appear in court today.

Investigations into the incident remain ongoing. 

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Very high demand for domestic air travel in September and October 2025 put additional pressure on seating capacity, and led to higher airfares for travellers in October, the ACCC’s latest Domestic Airline Competition report has found.

Domestic airlines carried over 5.5 million domestic passengers in October 2025. This was 3.8 per cent higher than October 2024 and was the second highest passenger numbers recorded for any month since January 2019, the earliest month for which the ACCC has monitoring data on the domestic airline industry.

“While September and October are typically very busy months for domestic air travel, both the AFL and NRL featured interstate teams in their finals this year which led to additional demand for travel to Melbourne and Sydney,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

Combined, the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia reportedly added over 45 additional flights to their networks to service the high demand in late September and early October. These additional flights contributed to overall seating capacity for domestic routes increasing in October 2025 by 4.5 per cent compared to October 2024.

Despite this increase to seating capacity, the high demand for domestic travel meant that flights were still fuller than normal. In October 2025, 84.4 per cent of available seats on flights were filled by passengers, compared to the 12-month average of 81.6 per cent. This contributed to average airfares in October 2025 being higher than any month since December 2022 and 3.2 per cent higher than they were in October 2024.

“Airfares are typically elevated during peak demand periods, but the higher passenger levels in October 2025 placed additional pressure on seat capacity which pushed up airfares for consumers,” Ms Brakey said.

Air T’s acquisition of Rex set to preserve regional connectivity

The announcement of Air T’s intention to purchase Rex provides reassurance to communities that regional connectivity provided by the airline will continue.

“Rex provides important connectivity and competition across many regional communities, and Air T’s purchase of Rex is an important milestone in preserving this,” Ms Brakey said.

Rex entered voluntary administration in July 2024. Air T has announced plans for Rex to continue operating services on existing regional routes and rebuilding the full network of regional routes that it was operating before the pandemic.

“This will not only offer consumers continuity for the routes where Rex is the sole operator, but it will preserve competitive tension on routes where Rex competes with other airlines, leading to better outcomes for consumers,” Ms Brakey said.

On-time performance declines in October due to adverse weather

The on-time performance for domestic flights declined in October 2025 due in part to adverse weather events such as cross winds in Sydney. Only 74.1 per cent of flights arrived on time, compared to the long-term industry average of 80.6 per cent.

The industry cancellation rate was 2.1 per cent, which was consistent with the long-term average of 2.2 per cent.

“We expect the airlines to improve their service reliability across all routes to give consumers a better experience when they travel,” Ms Brakey said.

Qantas Group and Virgin Australia’s financial results demonstrate strong passenger demand and lack of domestic competition

This quarter’s report analysed the 2024-25 financial results for the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia. Both carriers have sustained three consecutive years of profitable earnings, marking a period of consolidation and strength for the two major airline groups.

The Qantas Group’s earnings were largely driven by growth in Qantas’ Loyalty program and the Jetstar arm of its business. Jetstar Domestic recorded 55 per cent growth in earnings since 2023-24, benefiting from strong demand for domestic leisure travel and its position as the only low-cost carrier in Australia.

Virgin Australia has similarly benefited from strong passenger demand and growth in its Velocity Frequent Flyer program.

“The high barriers to entry into the domestic aviation sector have helped to stave off competition from new entrants, particularly since Rex withdrew from routes between major cities,” Ms Brakey said.

Combined, the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia service about 98 per cent of the domestic airline market, which has become increasingly segmented in recent years with the major airline groups targeting different types of travellers.

In 2020, Virgin Australia shifted its focus to mid-market customers and committed to maintaining a one-third passenger market share. Meanwhile, the Qantas Group’s dual brand strategy has enabled it to target customers opting for a full-service experience via Qantas and budget conscious travellers via Jetstar. This distinction between two different customer bases has allowed the Qantas Group to consolidate approximately a two-thirds share of the domestic airline market.

“More competition in the domestic airline industry is essential to ensure consumers can enjoy lower airfares and more choice,” Ms Brakey said.

Background

On 6 November 2023, the Treasurer directed the ACCC to recommence domestic air passenger transport monitoring. Under this direction the ACCC is to monitor prices, costs and profits relating to the supply of domestic air passenger transport services for a period of three years and to report on its monitoring at least once every quarter.

The ACCC collects data from Jetstar, Qantas, Rex and Virgin Australia for monitoring purposes.

Rex entered voluntary administration in July 2024 but continues to operate its regional services. The government is guaranteeing regional flight bookings for Rex customers throughout the voluntary administration process.

Source: Government of Australia Capital Territory

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Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 8 Dec 2025

Four islands in the northern Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park are now closed to campers and day-trippers as part of an annual push to ensure migratory birds can nest and raise their chicks without being disturbed.

Woody Island, Sisters Island and Taylor Cay will remain closed until 1 March 2026, while Eagle Island will be closed until 1 April 2026.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation has asked boaties and campers to respect the annual breeding season closures.

Part of Barnard Island Group National Park, Sisters Island supports globally significant numbers of bridled terns and the second largest nesting colony of lesser crested terns in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Woody Island, part of Low Isles off Port Douglas, provides nesting sites for globally significant numbers of pied imperial-pigeons and other seabirds and shorebirds.

Taylor Cay, on Taylor Reef offshore from Mission Beach, provides an important roosting location for thousands of seabirds.

In the last few years, rangers have noticed Taylor Cay is also being used by more birds due to its increasing size, with some even starting to nest here.

For the first time, Eagle Island has been closed to protect a variety of nesting seabirds including crested, lesser crested, bridled, roseate and black-naped terns.

Located on Eyrie Reef, Eagle Island is part of Lizard Island National Park and is also used by resident andmigratory shorebirds.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Conservation Officer Julie Dutoit said the annual closures are part of the islands’ management plans.

“These birds can fly thousands of kilometres to nest on the reef islands, and we need to protect them at the most crucial breeding times,” Ms Dutoit said.

“The closures allow the birds to raise their chicks without human intervention, which provides a significant boost to nesting success rates.

“The islands are incredibly important for nature conservation, and the seasonal closures also help protect areas of the marine park.”

The islands will be open in time for the Easter holidays in 2026. Fines can be issued to people who disregard the closures.

For more information, please check our park alerts.

Source: Resmed Inc

Technology uses real-world sleep data and machine learning to help people with sleep apnea start and stay on therapy 

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), the leading health technology company focused on sleep, breathing and care delivered in the home, today announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for Personalized Therapy Comfort Settings (PTCS), to be marketed as Smart Comfort.

Smart Comfort is the first FDA-cleared AI-enabled medical device that recommends personalized comfort settings to help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) start and stay on CPAP therapy. Smart Comfort will launch in early 2026 in a limited U.S. beta version for new users of myAir™, Resmed’s consumer sleep companion app, paired with a Resmed AirSense™ 11 device. It will be followed by a broader U.S. rollout to new myAir users later in 2026.

CPAP therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Addressing common therapy issues, like comfort and mask fit, early can promote long-term adherence. Smart Comfort leverages Resmed’s proprietary machine-learning algorithms, drawing on more than 100 million nights of de-identified, real-world sleep data and user information, such as age, gender and Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), to recommend individualized comfort settings for CPAP therapy delivered by Resmed’s market leading AirSense 11 devices. These include settings that help ease users into therapy, adjust how gradually an AirSense 11 increases pressure and reduce pressure on exhale. Smart Comfort was developed with clinical oversight and ethical data use in compliance with privacy laws, considering quality and patient safety at every stage.

“For people new to CPAP therapy, personalized comfort settings can help them adjust faster and more comfortably, improving confidence and overall health,” said Justin Leong, Chief Product Officer at Resmed. “Smart Comfort’s FDA clearance marks an important milestone for the future of personalized, data-driven care. It’s another example of how we’re using technology and real-world evidence to make sleep health more personal, accessible and effective.”

The FDA submission was supported by retrospective real-world evidence showing that Resmed AirSense 10 and 11 users whose comfort settings matched Smart Comfort recommendations had higher engagement and sustained therapy adherence compared to those using default settings. These findings demonstrate that personalized comfort adjustments can help improve the therapy experience without compromising efficacy.

In the U.S., OSA impacts an estimated 61 million people and is expected to rise to nearly 77 million by 2050.¹ Left untreated, OSA can significantly impact health and quality of life, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.² CPAP therapy, the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea, can significantly reduce the risk of death in people with OSA.³

For healthcare providers, Smart Comfort offers a solution to help streamline user setup and follow-up and reduce manual adjustments so clinicians can devote more attention to clinical decision-making and patient support. By getting people engaged in their therapy from day one, Smart Comfort helps standardize the comfort settings workflow and builds user confidence that their settings are personalized for them. These non-prescription comfort settings are designed to support CPAP therapy device usage – not alter prescribed therapy settings or therapy efficacy.

Smart Comfort is part of Resmed’s connected, personalized sleep-health ecosystem – combining AI, cloud-connected Resmed devices and digital tools to help make sleep health more personal and support therapy efficacy. Together with other myAir features, including Dawn™, Therapy Control and Streaks, these innovations demonstrate Resmed’s commitment to responsible, data-driven innovation that helps more people start and stay on therapy.

About Resmed

Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) creates life-changing health technologies that people love. We’re relentlessly committed to pioneering innovative technology to empower millions of people in 140 countries to live happier, healthier lives. Our AI-powered digital health solutions, cloud-connected devices and intelligent software make home healthcare more personalized, accessible and effective. Ultimately, Resmed envisions a world where every person can achieve their full potential through better sleep and breathing, with care delivered in their own home. Learn more about how we’re redefining sleep health at Resmed.com and follow @Resmed.

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¹ Boers E, et al. Lancet Respir Med. 2025;13(12):1078–1086.
² Yeghiazarians Y, et al. Circulation. 2021;144(3):E56–E67.
³ Benjafield AV, et al. Lancet Respir Med. 2025;13(5):403–413.

Source: Resmed, Inc.

Released December 8, 2025