AU Engine

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Government is taking strong action to protect Australians, particularly children and young people, from the harms of gambling.

New reforms include restrictions on gambling advertising and a crackdown on dodgy operators to protect vulnerable Australians.

The reforms will minimise children’s exposure to gambling harm by stopping the deluge of advertisements through:

• Restricting gambling advertising on broadcast television to no more than three ads each hour between 6am and 8.30pm, with a complete ban during live sport broadcasts within those hours
• Banning gambling ads on the radio during school drop off and pick up times (8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm)
• Banning gambling ads through online platforms, unless people have a logged in account, are over 18 and have the option to opt-out of gambling advertising
• Banning the use of celebrities and sports players in gambling ads, along with odds-style ads targeting sports fans
• Banning gambling ads in sports venues and on players’ and officials’ uniforms. 

Complementing this strong action on gambling advertising, the Albanese Government will:

• Crackdown on harmful and emerging online lottery products, as well as banning online keno “pocket pokies”
• Make match-fixing criminal offences consistent across Australia, improving the integrity of Australian sport and lessening its appeal as a target for criminal infiltration
• Boost enforcement against illegal offshore gambling providers
• Continue work to strengthen BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register, following the recent statutory review
• Expand financial counselling support for gambling and work to increase public awareness of online gambling harms.
  The Government will develop legislation to implement these measures, with reforms to begin from 1 January 2027.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Government is taking decisive action to tackle the community and public health concerns associated with gambling.

“We’re getting the balance right here, letting adults have a punt if they want to but also making sure Australian children don’t see betting ads everywhere they look.

“What we don’t want is kids growing up thinking that footy and gambling are the same thing.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek

“Every Australian knows someone hurt by gambling. Gambling harm doesn’t just hurt individuals – it can have a devastating impact on families and communities.

“We’re making sure a new generation of kids don’t grow up thinking having a punt is a vital part of enjoying sport.

“Gambling is increasingly recognised as a contributing factor in domestic violence. Young men are particularly vulnerable to gambling harm.

“These reforms will put the welfare of young Australians first and play a critical role to help prevent family and domestic violence.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport Anika Wells

“Gambling addiction is a serious public health issue and this announcement represents strong reform to reduce gambling harms in Australia’s history.

“From 1 January next year Australians will be able to sit down with their families and cheer on their favourite team without being bombarded by gambling advertising.

“Our reforms will break the connection between wagering and sport, minimise children’s exposure to wagering advertising and reduce its saturation across the internet, radio and TV channels.

“Australian parents, families and sports fans have been calling for action, and we thank all those involved for their continued engagement and advocacy as we’ve worked continuously to get the settings balanced and right.”

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Labor Government is bringing forward $6.15 billion in concessional capital to support Australian businesses affected by global disruptions.

This accelerated delivery of funds will help protect local manufacturing and supply chain businesses from market disruptions, and support investments in increased production capability, capacity and decarbonisation efforts.

The $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, $5 billion Net Zero Fund, and $150 million in concessional finance under the Forestry Growth Fund will open shortly to provide a greater scope of support and concessional finance to Australian businesses.

The Economic Resilience Program (ERP) will provide zero interest loans to fuel, fertiliser and other critical supply chains businesses to support Australia’s domestic industries and supply chains impacted by market disruptions.

This will help keep our trucks, trains and planes moving, and our critical production activities online when we need them most.

Originally on track to open mid-year, the $5 billion Net Zero Fund will open sooner to support new manufacturing investment and improvement of energy efficiency in hard-to-abate sectors. This includes scaling domestic manufacturing capabilities in clean energy supply chains – such as wind, solar and energy storage solutions – and the production of low carbon liquid fuels.

The $150 million Forestry Growth Fund will support timber processing for use in housing construction and investment in mills and processing facilities to move up the value chain.

These programs are all sub-funds under the Government’s $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund.

To find out more, subscribe to the NRF’s newsletter for updates https://www.nrf.gov.au/subscribe.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Today we are unlocking billions in capital to keep our economy moving forward.

“Unprecedented events overseas continue to disrupt businesses here at home – the Economic Resilience Program is about investing in more production for fuel, fertiliser and logistics.

“We are serious about backing Australian jobs, businesses and industries. And today we are taking action to get this money flowing well ahead of schedule.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:

“Investing in Australian industry is about making Australia stronger.

“Businesses right across the country in dozens of industries are under severe pressure because of unprecedented events overseas.

“By bringing forward $6.15 billion in capital, the National Reconstruction Fund can more quickly support businesses to increase production, capability and capacity.

“This will help them to navigate global supply chain disruption and make sure Australia has more of the things it needs.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Campaign focus to keep Tasmanian roads safe this Easter 

Thursday, 2 April 2026 – 1:14 pm.

Tasmania Police’s Easter road safety campaign, Operation Safe Arrival, starts today (Thursday, 2 April) and will be conducted statewide for six days through the Easter holiday period.
Commander Marco Ghedini said enhancing road safety and disrupting dangerous driving behaviours were a priority for police.
“Easter is a time to be cherished with family, friends and loved ones and Tasmania Police will be actively looking out for everyone on our roads across the holiday,” he said.
“It’s also a timely reminder that road safety is not just about police activities and enforcement. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and for safer roads, we need safer road users.”
Operation Safe Arrival will feature high-visibility roadside activities, mobile patrols and covert policing on Tasmania’s highways, main roads, rural routes and back streets.
“Sometimes you’ll see us, and sometimes you won’t, as police use overt and covert measures to intercept unlawful and dangerous drivers,” Commander Ghedini said.
Tasmania Police remain determined to reduce road trauma in the state.
There have been nine (9) fatalities in Tasmania to April 1 this year because of road crashes. There have been 77 serious injuries.
This compares with eight (8) fatalities and 93 serious injuries to the same time last year.
Five of the fatalities in 2026 have been vulnerable road users – three (3) ATV users, one (1) cyclist and one (1) motorcyclist. There have been 48 serious injuries involving vulnerable road users.
Sadly, during the Easter period last year, there were three deaths on Tasmanian roads.
Commander Ghedini said weather conditions across Tasmania at Easter could present an extra challenge to motorists.
“Easter in Tasmania means cooler and wetter weather is likely and extra caution is essential to prevent crashes.
“As a driver, reduced visibility and slippery roads demand slower speeds and an increased awareness of what’s going on around you.
“Play your part by adapting your driving to match changing weather conditions and obey the road rules.”
Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving behaviour should report it to police on 131 444. If it is an emergency or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
Video footage of dangerous driving can be submitted to the police evidence portal online at www.police.tas.gov.au/report/

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) has awarded Master Planner, Environmental Impact Assessor, and Cost Planner contracts for the Macquarie Island Station Project (MISP).

These contracts are an important milestone for the Project and will play key roles in the planning and design of the new research station on Macquarie Island.
Master Planner
AECOM Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded the Master Planner contract.
Environmental Impact Assessor
GHD Pty Ltd has been awarded the Environmental Impact Assessor contract.
Cost Planner
North Projects Pty Ltd has been awarded the Cost Planner contract MISP.
Upgrades to support high priority science
In 2024, the Federal Government allocated $370 million over nine years for the construction of the new research station, securing the future of Australia’s presence on Macquarie Island in support of high priority science.
The new research station will provide safer, more sustainable, and resilient facilities for critical science. This will improve expeditioner wellbeing, and reduce disruptions to station operations, maintenance requirements, and the overall station footprint.
The AAD has commenced critical planning and assessment to support the construction of the new research station. Alongside this, the AAD is undertaking critical sustainment (workplace health and safety) works to allow for the continued safe operation of the existing research station over the new research station construction period.
The Macquarie Island Station Project is scheduled for completion in 2033.
This content was last updated 13 hours ago on 2 April 2026.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The ACCC has decided that MicroStar Logistics LLC’s (MicroStar) acquisition of the assets of Konvoy Holdings Pty Ltd (Receivers and Managers Appointed) (Konvoy) could substantially lessen competition in the market for keg pooling services and requires an in-depth Phase 2 review.

MicroStar, which operates under the name Kegstar in Australia, and Konvoy are the only suppliers of keg pooling services in Australia. These services enable brewers to rent kegs on a short-term basis to supply alcoholic drinks on tap to licensed venues, without needing to arrange for collection of empty kegs.

“Keg pooling services are particularly important in the independent brewing industry as many smaller brewers do not own their own fleet of kegs,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

“We’re concerned that the acquisition could substantially lessen competition in the supply of keg pooling services by removing MicroStar’s closest competitor.”

The ACCC has not reached a conclusion on the issues and will continue to consider the acquisition in Phase 2.

The ACCC invites submissions in response to its Phase 2 Notice by 20 April 2026. Parties can contact the ACCC via mergers@accc.gov.au.

More information and the Phase 2 Notice are available on the ACCC’s acquisitions register: MicroStar Logistics – Konvoy 

Background

MicroStar is a limited liability company incorporated in the United States and is indirectly wholly owned by MStar Holding Corporation. MicroStar entered the Australian market in 2021 via the acquisition of Kegstar Pty Limited (Kegstar) from Brambles.  

In Australia, MicroStar operates under the name Kegstar and primarily offers keg pooling services. It also offers longer-term keg leasing. 

Keg pooling is a service where the provider delivers empty kegs to a customer such as a brewer. The brewer then cleans, fills and delivers the kegs to licenced venues using their own choice of logistics provider. The keg pooling service provider then organises the pick-up of empty kegs from the venues and delivers them to a brewer, using either its own vans or third-party logistics providers. Brewers pay for this service based on the number of kegs refilled.   

Konvoy operates a keg services business in Australia and New Zealand. It offers keg pooling services, longer-term keg leasing, and keg maintenance and repair services. 

Konvoy is in voluntary administration and receivership. On 11 March 2025, FTI Consulting was appointed as the administrators and McGrathNicol was appointed as the receivers of Konvoy. McGrathNicol undertook a sales process of Konvoy’s assets in 2025, selecting MicroStar as the buyer. 

Merger control regime

Since 1 January 2026, it is mandatory for businesses to notify the ACCC of any acquisition that meets the notification thresholds set by the Minister. They must wait for ACCC approval before they can proceed. 

Once notified, the notification is listed on the ACCC’s Acquisitions Register and stakeholder consultation is invited. The ACCC is required to make a decision in 15 to 30 business days in its Phase 1 assessment, subject to any extensions, to either approve the acquisition or decide it is to be subject to a Phase 2 review.

The ACCC can decide a notification is to be subject to a Phase 2 review if the ACCC is satisfied that the acquisition to which the notification relates, if put into effect, could, in all of the circumstances, have the effect, or be likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in any market.

Under the Competition and Consumer Act, a Phase 2 assessment can take up to 90 business days, unless extended under specific circumstances.

More guidance on the new merger regime can be found on the ACCC’s website: Guidance documents for the merger control regime

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Victoria’s fire agencies are encouraging residents to test their smoke alarms when they wind their clocks back this Sunday, as data shows more than half of serious house fires start in the bedroom or living room.

Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning if a fire breaks out, but only when they are installed and working properly.

On average, 18 people die in preventable house fires in Victoria each year, with two in every three fatalities occurring in a bedroom or living area. 

Preventable fatalities are those that could have been avoided through safer practices, maintenance or education.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said the figures are a timely reminder that in the event of a fire, every second counts.

“Using the end of daylight saving is a simple way to remember to check your smoke alarms are in working order as we head into the cooler months,” Alen said.

“Smoke alarms save lives and provide you and your family the opportunity to escape danger. Fires can engulf an entire room in just minutes, and smoke will not wake you up.”

Alen said it was important not only to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas and hallways, but to test them regularly.

“To test your smoke alarm, simply press the ‘test’ button for about three seconds. If you don’t hear three beeps, it’s a clear sign the battery or the unit itself needs replacing,” Alen said.

“All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and those with replaceable batteries should be changed annually.”

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Deputy Commissioner Community Safety and Operational Training Joshua Fischer said that testing your smoke alarm should be part of your annual Easter Sunday activities.

“Only working smoke alarms save lives, so taking a moment to crack open your Easter long‑weekend by cleaning and testing your smoke alarm could be the most ‘egg‑cellent’ fire safety step you take for your home,” he said.

“There are plenty of smoke alarms available to suit every budget and living arrangement, and interconnected smoke alarms are a good option to ensure everyone in your home is alerted if a fire takes hold.

“It’s essential to have working smoke alarms installed in your home, but it’s just as important to give them a test regularly to make sure they continue to protect you, your loved ones, and your home – make no ‘egg‑scuses’.”

When checking, installing, or replacing your smoke alarms, CFA and FRV recommend.

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area.
• Smoke alarms must be located between each bedroom area and the rest of the house. Install a smoke alarm on each level of the house.
• Recommend the use of smoke alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery.
• All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
• Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at least 30cm from the wall.
• Smoke alarms should be tested monthly. Press the test button until the alarm sounds.
• Smoke alarms should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner at least once a year.
• Replaceable batteries in a smoke alarm need to be changed yearly.

Submitted by	CFA

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged in relation to incident at Sheffield where vehicle crashed into a house

Thursday, 2 April 2026 – 10:34 am.

Police have charged a man in relation to an incident at Sheffield last night where a vehicle crashed into a house.
About 6.40pm, police and emergency services responded to reports of a vehicle crashing into a house on Station Street.
A black Ford Falcon sedan had entered the house and destroyed multiple structural walls.
Luckily the resident inside the house was not injured.
The driver of the vehicle left the scene and was allegedly located by police a short time later.
The 24-year-old man from Sheffield has been charged with multiple offences including reckless driving, fail to have proper control of a vehicle, and driver involved in a crash and failing to stop.
He will appear in court at a later date.
Anyone who witnessed the vehicle in the area prior to the crash is asked to contact Devonport Police on 131 444 and quote ESCAD 358-01042026.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Most households are receiving internet speeds close to those promised in their NBN plans, however some problematic high-speed and fibre to the node services (FTTN) continue to fall short, the ACCC’s latest Measuring Broadband Australia report has found.

During December 2025, average download speeds across NBN fixed‑line services reached 98.5 per cent of plan speeds in the busy hours of 7pm to 11pm on weekdays.

“While slightly lower than previous reports, it’s still encouraging to see Australians on NBN fixed-line connections typically receive the speeds they have paid for.” ACCC Commissioner Ian Oppermann said.

In September 2025, NBN Co increased the maximum wholesale plan speeds on selected plans for FTTP and HFC connections. This included increasing the plan speed on the NBN Home Fast plan from 100/20 Mbps to 500/50 Mbps, which is now the most popular plan among services monitored in this report.

Services on this Home Fast plan recorded an average download speed of 493.7 Mbps during busy hours. While this result was close to 100 per cent of the plan speed, 6.3 per cent of services on this plan were classified as underperforming – failing to reliably achieve speeds close to 500 Mbps or even exceed the previous plan speed of 100 Mbps in many cases.

Underperformance on high‑speed plans can often be caused by in‑home equipment and setup issues rather than the NBN network itself. For example, consumers may be using an older home router that cannot support download speeds above 100 Mbps after migrating to the new 500/50 Mbps plan.

“We encourage consumers to contact their retailer if their broadband speeds do not reach the maximum speeds of their selected plan, so any issues can be promptly diagnosed and resolved,” Mr Oppermann said.

“High-speed plans can deliver big benefits for households with high internet usage, but many consumers may receive better value from cheaper, lower‑speed plans depending on their needs.”

FTTN connections continued to underperform, with 11.8 per cent of FTTN services underperforming in the latest report.

NBN classified almost all underperforming fibre to the node services (FTTN) services as impaired, meaning that NBN Co has measured a maximum attainable download speed for those connections that is lower than the plan speed purchased by the consumer.

“Retailers need to inform customers if their FTTN connection cannot achieve their selected plan speed so the customer can consider if they would be better off on another plan.” Mr Oppermann said.

The fastest plan download speed available to purchase on FTTN and Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) connections remains 100 Mbps, and these technologies cannot access the upgraded 500/50 Mbps NBN Home Fast plan.

“Consumers on FTTN or FTTC who are seeking faster speeds should speak to their preferred internet provider to check whether their connection is eligible for an upgrade to fibre to the premises.” Mr Oppermann said.

Figure 1. Underperforming services per fixed-line technology, split by plan download speed

Background

Data for the Measuring Broadband Australia program is provided by UK-based firm SamKnows using methodology based on speed testing programs delivered in the UK, US, Canada and New Zealand.

The report defines an underperforming service as one that records a speed above 75 per cent of the plan speed in fewer than 5 per cent of download speed tests.

“Busy hours” refers to tests measured between 7 and 11pm on weekdays, when networks experience higher user activity that may affect service performance.

NBN services may exceed their maximum plan download speed due to overprovisioning. This is where NBN Co provides a slightly higher data rate than the wholesale plan download speed to accommodate for the portion of a connection’s data rate lost in retrieving information that enables a download to occur.

NBN Co does not currently overprovision the uplink for NBN fixed-line connections.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

With free public transport announced for V-Line trains and buses in Victoria, make the most of the 2026 Bendigo Easter Festival and enjoy a variety of events, live music, and entertainment over the long weekend – all for free.

City of Greater Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said the Bendigo Easter Festival was the perfect way to kickstart the school holidays for residents and visitors.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is proud to present a fantastic festival program with so many free activities available that appeal to people of all ages. Enjoy for free spectacular parades, vibrant cultural performances, family entertainment, live music, and popular community events.

“Leave your car at home and take advantage of free public transport that is operating over Easter weekend, including V/Line trains and buses, and head to the Bendigo Easter Festival for plenty of free entertainment.

“The City has received confirmation from Public Transport Victoria that more six-carriage train services are scheduled this weekend from Melbourne to Bendigo to cater for people travelling to the festival.

“Residents and visitors are encouraged to check out the Public Transport Victoria website so you can plan your trip.

For cyclists travelling to the festival, there’s bike parking in Rosalind Park at the View Street end from 10am to 5pm on Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

The Park ‘n’ Ride Tram Shuttle Service will run every 20 minutes from 9.30am to 5pm from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Tickets are valid all day, $5 per person, children aged 15 and under travel for free. The tram stops to and from the city: Central Deborah Gold Mine, Charring Cross, Tramways Depot and Café, Tramways Depot and Café, Lake Weeroona and The Joss House Temple.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

y fellow Australians.

By nature, we’re an optimistic country.

But I understand that right now it’s hard to be positive.

The war in the Middle East has caused the biggest spike in petrol and diesel prices in history.

Australia is not an active participant in this war.

But all Australians are paying higher prices because of it.

I know that you’re seeing this at the servo and at the supermarket.

And I understand farmers and truckies, small businesses and families are doing it tough.

And the reality is, the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months.

Tonight, I want to speak directly with you about what the Government is doing to shield Australia in these uncertain times.

And also, what all of us can do to help our country and help each other in the period ahead.

On Monday, National Cabinet adopted the National Fuel Security Plan.

Leaders from both sides of politics, from right around the country, working together to keep Australia moving.

Making sure that we are prepared.

So that if the global situation gets worse and our fuel supplies are seriously disrupted over the long term, we can co-ordinate the next steps together.

Today, we cut the fuel excise in half.

Cutting the tax on every litre of petrol, by 26 cents.

Those savings have started showing up at your petrol station.

For our truckies, we have cut the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero.

Both these measures will be in place for the next three months.

We are working to bring the price of fuel down.

To make more fuel here and to keep it onshore.

And get more fuel here – using our strong trading relationships with our region to bring more petrol, diesel and fertiliser to Australia.

Now, it’s the Australian way that people want to do their bit – and there are simple ways that you can.

You should go about your business and your life, as normal.

Enjoy your Easter.

If you’re hitting the road, don’t take more fuel than you need – just fill up like you normally would.

Think of others in your community, in the bush and in critical industries.

And over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so.

That builds our reserves and it saves fuel for people who have no choice but to drive.

Farmers and miners and tradies who need diesel, every single day.

And all those shift workers and nurses, who do so much for our country.

The months ahead may not be easy.

I want to be upfront about that.

No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing.

I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it.

These are uncertain times.

But I am absolutely certain of this: we will deal with these global challenges, the Australian way.

Working together – and looking after each other.

As we always have.

Thank you and good evening.