Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of Seven West Media Limited (ASX:SWM) by Southern Cross Media Limited (ASX:SXL).

Seven owns and operates free-to-air TV broadcaster the Seven Network, as well as the publishers of The West Australian, the Sunday Times, 11 suburban newspapers and 19 regional publications in Western Australia. Seven does not own any radio licences or assets.

Southern Cross operates 104 FM, AM and digital commercial radio stations through the Triple M and HIT brands and holds 88 radio licences in metropolitan areas and regional areas of Australia. Southern Cross also produces over 800 podcasts, 50 music stations and live sports coverage, but does not publish any newspapers or own any TV licences or assets.

The ACCC’s review considered how closely Seven and Southern Cross compete across different markets, including in the supply of advertising opportunities, the supply of media content to consumers and the acquisition of media content from producers in Australia.

In its investigation, the ACCC focussed on various local markets in regional Western Australia where Southern Cross and Seven are the main traditional media outlets offering advertising opportunities for local businesses.

“We found that Southern Cross and Seven attract different advertisers and are not close competitors for the supply of advertising opportunities in these regions,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“Local businesses and media agencies seeking to advertise in regional areas will continue to have a range of options in these local markets, including online and social media advertising with geo-targeting capabilities.”

The ACCC also considered whether the proposed merger could lessen competition in markets for the supply of media content to consumers or for the acquisition of media content from producers.

“The ACCC’s investigation found that Southern Cross and Seven are not close competitors for content. Southern Cross is primarily focused on radio and audio entertainment, while Seven is focused on print news and general TV,” Mr Keogh said.

Also important in the ACCC’s decision was the impact of broader industry trends on competition, including the rise of streaming services and the significant growth of online advertising.

“Australian media markets are being transformed by consumers’ growing preference for digital media,” Mr Keogh said.

“This shift is leading advertisers to invest more heavily in online and digital channels.”

“Owners of traditional media platforms such as radio, free-to-air television and newspapers will continue to face strong competition from digital media. Southern Cross will be no exception, even after the acquisition,” Mr Keogh said.

“Ultimately, we found that the acquisition would be unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any market.”

Further information can be found on the ACCC’s public register: Southern Cross Media Limited- Seven West Media Limited.

Notes to editors

In considering the proposed acquisition, the ACCC applies the legal test set out in section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act.

In general terms, section 50 prohibits acquisitions that would have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

The “substantial lessening of competition” test focuses on the extent to which the merger parties constrain each other, and the effect of removing this competitive constraint on prices, quality or choice. It is not the same as a diversity (range of views) or plurality (number of voices) test and is not a public interest test.

This acquisition is also subject to approval from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 which regulates the number of independent media ‘voices’ in a market.

The ACMA’s ‘voices’ assessment considers the number of suppliers of commercial television and radio broadcasting services, and certain types of newspapers within particular geographic regions. The ACCC’s competition assessment is not restricted to particular media types and therefore can consider a broad range of outlets and advertising options, including streaming and online search.

Questions about the ACMA’s voices requirements are best directed to the ACMA.

The ACCC’s decision not to oppose this transaction under the Competition and Consumer Act is not an indication on how the ACMA will assess this transaction under the Broadcasting Services Act.

Background

On 30 September 2025, Southern Cross and Seven announced that they had entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed, pursuant to which Southern Cross agreed to acquire all issued shares in Seven by way of a scheme of arrangement. Under the proposed acquisition, Southern Cross shareholders will own 50.1% of the combined entity with Seven shareholders owning the remaining 49.9%.

Southern Cross is an ASX-listed Australian media and entertainment company (ASX: SXL). It is the parent company of Southern Cross Austereo.

Southern Cross operates 104 FM, AM and digital commercial radio stations through the Triple M and HIT brands and holds 88 radio licences in metropolitan areas and regional areas of Australia. Southern Cross also provides national sales representation to 56 regional radio stations through affiliation agreements with seven radio networks and a joint venture.

In addition to broadcast radio, Southern Cross produces over 800 podcasts, 50 music stations and live sports coverage. Its digital audio services are available primarily on its LiSTNR platform.

Seven is an ASX-listed Australian media and entertainment company (ASX: SWM).

Seven owns and operates the free-to-air TV broadcaster the Seven Network, including its affiliate channels 7two, 7mate, 7flix 7Bravo, and Racing.com (among others). Seven also operates the 7plus online platform, a free ad-supported BVOD1 platform offering live streaming of the Seven Network and ‘on-demand’ access to a range of TV shows, movies and sporting events, as well as the online news publication 7NEWS.com.au. 

Outside of the Seven Network and its affiliated brands, Seven operates West Australian Newspapers, which publishes print newspapers The West Australian and The Sunday Times, online newspapers The Nightly, PerthNow, thewest.com.au, 11 suburban newspapers and 19 regional publications, and offers digital platforms including sports tipping platform The Game and sports streaming platform Streamer.com.au. 

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence has released a calendar of events and activities for the community to get involved in during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which runs from Tuesday November 25 through to Wednesday December 10.

Copies of the calendar of events are available at Library branches or you can download a copy from the City’s website.

Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence Committee Chair, Margaret Singe said 16 Days of Activism encourages community to work together to prevent gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence takes many forms—physical, emotional, psychological, and economic—and remains a serious issue in our community,” Ms Singe said.

“In Greater Bendigo, police respond to six or seven incidents daily, but we know many more go unreported.

“This campaign is about raising awareness and encouraging action. Whether it’s attending an event, learning where to get help, or supporting someone you know – every step matters.

“Gender based violence is prevalent in our community. It is preventable and something seen or heard at one of our events could be a step towards prevention.  We all have a role to play in building a future where everyone is safe, equal and respected.”

On Friday November 28, community members are invited to Playing Our Part: A Community Conversation on Equality, Respect and Leadership at the Bendigo Regional Tennis Centre. This event will feature speakers from the Carlton Respects Program, along with former AFL player Ben Brown, this event explores how sport can help build a culture of respect, equality and safety.

“Respect is” displays will be located throughout the community including Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, Peter Krenz Leisure Centre, Libraries, neighbourhood houses and Red Energy Arena.

Many of the events and activities are free to attend and held in a range of locations across Greater Bendigo. They include Storytime at Bendigo Library, webinars, coffee with a cop events, pop up stalls and craft activities.

The campaign will end on Wednesday December 10, which marks the global Human Rights Day.

Join the 16 Days of Activism and help build a safer, more respectful Greater Bendigo. It all starts with respect.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has published a recall notice over children’s sand products that may contain asbestos and were sold at various retailers including Officeworks.

The recall was issued by supplier Educational Colours for colourful children’s sand products sold at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art that may contain asbestos.

The sand is brightly coloured and designed for children to play with and for educational purposes and, as set out in the recall, is labelled as Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg).

The products were recalled because they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, which was detected in some samples after laboratory testing. Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia.

The products were sold throughout Australian between 2020 and 2025.

“We have engaged with Officeworks who is a major supplier of these products and they advised that the products have been removed from sale. We expect they will take all the necessary steps to alert their customers,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We continue to engage with suppliers and expect all to provide appropriate support to consumers including responding to queries, and providing advice about arranging a refund.”

“We urge customers who own any of the products to stop using them immediately and place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” Ms Lowe said.

“When doing so, in an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as a wearing disposable gloves and a mask.”

The ACCC will continue to monitor developments in relation to the products and the recall notice may be updated as new information emerges.

Customers are urged not to dispose of the product in general waste.

Information on the disposal of Asbestos waste, including disposal facilities in your state or territory can be found on The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website.

Contact recalls@educationalvantage.com on disposal and for seeking a full refund.

A voluntary recall was issued today in New Zealand regarding the same products.

Images of products 

Background

If a supplier finds that a product they supply is unsafe, the ACCC expects the supplier to follow our guidelines and recall the product remove it from the market.

Importing or exporting asbestos or goods containing asbestos is prohibited under Australian law, except in very limited circumstances where permission to import and/or export can be granted. More information can be found on the ABF website.

Work Health and Environment laws in all states and territories prohibit the unauthorised supply, transport, use (including manufacturing), or handling of asbestos and require that any materials containing asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities. There may be costs associated with disposal.

Source: South Australia Police

Police and emergency services were called to Hillier Road, Hillier just before 8pm on Tuesday 11 November after reports a man was hit by a car. The involved vehicle allegedly failed to stop after the crash and left the scene.

A 25-year-old man from Andrews Farm was seriously injured in the crash and was rushed to hospital but sadly died shortly after.

Major Crash investigators attended the scene overnight.

Following investigations by Barossa Police, a 21-year-old Stockport woman was arrested and charged with cause death by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

A 19-year-old Munno Para West man was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated affray and possess firearm without a licence, after a search of the man’s house uncovered a firearm in his bedroom today (Wednesday 12 November).

Both suspects were arrested in the early hours of this morning.

They are expected to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court tomorrow.

A Holden sedan was seized by investigators for forensic examination.

Investigations are continuing.  Anyone with information who hasn’t yet spoken with police to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.

Source: Tasmania Police

P-Plater caught almost 50km/h over the limit

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 – 5:04 pm.

A teenage P1 licence holder has been caught travelling almost 50km/h over the provisional speed limit near Hobart today.
Shortly after 12pm, a police motorcyclist detected the teenager driving at 147km/h on the Tasman Highway at Cambridge.
Acting Inspector Penny Reardon said the driver’s provisional licence carries strict conditions, including a maximum speed of 100km/h.
“The teenager was also in breach of other licence conditions, including failing to display a rear P plate and exceeding the posted speed limit of 110km/h,” she said.
“This type of reckless driving not only puts this inexperienced driver at serious risk, but also endangers other Tasmanian road users.”
“Excessive speed combined with inexperience can have tragic consequences and change people’s lives in an instant.”
The driver now faces a $1305 fine, eight demerit points and a three-month licence disqualification.
Tasmania Police reminds all P1 licence holders of their legal obligations:

Always carry your licence
Display P plates front and rear
Do not exceed 100km/h, even where higher speed limits apply
Maintain a blood alcohol content of 0.00
Do not use a mobile phone while driving
Follow peer passenger restrictions (limit of one passenger aged 16–21)
Comply with all Tasmanian Road Rules

Incidents of speeding can be reported to police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Footage can also be uploaded to the dangerous driving portal at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/report/

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
12 Nov 2025 16:27

Issued for
MANGALO approximately 35km South of Kimba in the Eastern Eyre peninsula.

Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions

Action
Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes.

At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested five offenders in relation to an aggravated robbery that occurred in Bakewell overnight.

Around 11pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a group of four females and one male had entered a service station in Bakewell and threatened an employee with a knife before stealing cash.

During the incident, the employee suffered a laceration to his hand. The group all fled the scene on foot into nearby parkland.

Members from Strike Force Trident began investigations and earlier today, four females aged, 11, 13, 16, 17 and one male aged 14, were all arrested.

Further investigations indicated that the some of the offenders were involved in another robbery at a service station in Durack on Sunday night.

Investigations into the incidents remains ongoing.

Anyone with information, including with CCTV or dash cam, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P25304732. Anonymous 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 five youths in relation to property offending committed in Durack over the weekend.

Around 3:30am on Sunday, police received a report that a group of offenders were walking through a local golf course before cutting a fence on Sherringham Court and stealing a golf buggy. The buggy was seen driving around the course before being abandoned a short time later.

Strike Force Trident began investigations and throughout yesterday afternoon, four male youths aged 13, 16, 16 and 14 were arrested.

Another 14-year-old male youth was also arrested this morning.

All of the youths are expected to be charged with:

• Damage to property
• Trespass
• Drive / Ride / Use/ Motor vehicle without consent
• Theft

Police would like to thank the community for contacting police immediately and would urge them to continue to report crime to 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

A Total Fire Ban (TFB) has been declared for the Mallee tomorrow, Thursday 13 November 2025.

Tomorrow’s conditions in parts of the Mallee will be dry and windy with northerly winds 25 to 35 km/h shifting west to southwesterly 25 to 35 gusting to 50 km/h in the early afternoon.

A Total Fire Ban means no fire can be lit in the open air or allowed to remain alight from 12.01am to 11.59pm on the day of the Total Fire Ban. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the TFB has been declared due to the expected conditions across the Mallee region tomorrow.

“Harvesting has commenced and we have already seen harvest fires occurring in the last two weeks. With the anticipated very low humidity and high wind speeds there is significant risk for fires tomorrow,” Jason said.

“I am very cognisant of the consequences of Total Fire Bans on harvest operations however our farmers have had enough challenges with recent drought conditions to risk been burnt out with what sparing crops they may have.

“We’re asking people to follow the strict conditions associated with the Total Fire Ban declaration.

“Understand the how the increased fire risk will impact you and ensure your fire plan covers all possible contingencies.”

Victorians can find out if it is a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au, where it is usually published by 5pm the day before a Total Fire Ban.

For more information on what you can and can’t do visit the Can I or Can’t I page on the CFA website. 

Victorians should also make sure they have access to more than one source of information.

They include:

• ABC local radio, commercial and designated radio stations of Sky News
• The VicEmergency App
• The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au
• The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
• CFA or VicEmergency Twitter or Facebook

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

We are pleased to announce Dr Polly Stanton as the 2025 Australian Antarctic Arts Fellow.

Polly is an artist and filmmaker. Her films and installations focus on contested sites and extractive zones, presenting landscape as a politically charged field of negotiation, entangled with history, technology and capital.
Polly will document and record the unique rhythms and dynamics of Antarctica’s remote landscapes and settlements through sound and moving image, creating a new large-scale audiovisual work and accompanying publication.
2023 Arts Fellow Leila Jeffreys will also travel with Polly to Casey station in Antarctica in November.
Leila is a contemporary artist working across photography, moving image and installation. She is best known for images of birds, photographed at human scale, that explore and subvert the conventions of portraiture.
Leila will research and photograph Antarctic birdlife for her forthcoming book Seabird – to be published by Thames & Hudson – with exhibitions of the work planned for Sydney and London. Her work is featured in two recently released Thames & Hudson photography titles, Aviary and Exposure.
This content was last updated 26 minutes ago on 12 November 2025.