AU Engine

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Good afternoon. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Napat and his delegation on what is his first visit to Australia as Prime Minister. Australia and Vanuatu are of course members of the Pacific family, with connections built over generations. And that close relationship has allowed us to progress and today to sign a landmark new treaty, the Nakamal Agreement. It’s not lost on my Government the naming of this agreement. In Vanuatu, the Nakamal is the traditional meeting place where the community and its leaders consult and make decisions with mutual respect, trust and understanding. And this is the bedrock of the relationship between our two nations and of this agreement. Mutual respect, trust and understanding.

Our agreement reflects and confirms Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s largest and most comprehensive economic, security and development partner. A responsibility that we take seriously. Above all, it is built on an equal partnership. We have concluded a balanced agreement that will protect our collective and individual security and our sovereignty. And it will support our interest in a stable, prosperous and secure region that we both call home. Importantly, this agreement advances the consensus that security is the shared responsibility of the Pacific family, the members of the Pacific Island Forum. It encapsulates Vanuatu’s sovereign decision not to permit its territory to be used for any foreign military base or infrastructure and that Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure remains free from militarisation.

Under Nakamal, Vanuatu has committed to continuing to look to Pacific Island Forum members to support its policing needs, including Australia as Vanuatu’s longstanding primary policing partner. Both our countries recognise the threat posed by climate change, particularly in our region. And Australia of course, will play a lead role in the Conference of the Parties that will be held later this year and in the pre-COP meeting that will be held in Fiji and Tuvalu in October. The Pacific is our home and together with Vanuatu, we want a resilient, sovereign and connected region that benefits us all.

I invite Prime Minister Napat to say some remarks and then we have a couple of questions.

< JOTHAM NAPAT, PRIME MINISTER OF VANUATU

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< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE

< PRIME MINISTER NAPAT

< PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE

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Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Online travel agency Vacaciones eDreams, S.L, trading as eDreams, has paid $59,400 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for allegedly making misleading pricing claims about its subscription-based memberships and failing to prominently display the total cost of an annual subscription.

The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from eDreams in which it admits its conduct contravened or likely contravened the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). As part of the undertaking, eDreams has committed to providing refunds or credits to eligible consumers.

eDreams charged consumers subscription fees during the ‘free’ trial period

eDreams admitted that from at least November 2021 to July 2025, it told consumers at the checkout that the price of its Prime Subscription Service membership would cost “$0.00” and/or was “FREE” for a 15-day trial period without adequately stating that the free trial was only available to first-time subscribers.

By doing so, eDreams represented that the Prime Subscription Service was free during the trial period. However, from May 2024, eDreams conducted eligibility checks after the checkout process and immediately charged consumers identified as ineligible.

“Businesses should be clear about any eligibility criteria when offering consumers a free trial.  Consumers may have been misled into subscribing to a membership they might not have signed up for, had they known they were ineligible for the free trial,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

Failure to clearly display the total minimum cost of an annual subscription

eDreams also admitted that, from approximately 29 January 2025 to July 2025, it published monthly prices for its annual subscription service on its website without also prominently displaying the lowest total cost over 12 months, which was the minimum period consumers had to sign up for.

Under the ACL, businesses must not advertise a price for part of a subscription (e.g. a monthly price for an annual subscription) without also prominently displaying, as a single amount, the total minimum cost payable for the duration of the subscription.

“The law requires businesses to be upfront about the total price consumers have to pay for goods or services. Businesses must be clear about the minimum total amount consumers must pay for a subscription,” Mr Woodward said.

eDreams will refund or credit eligible consumers

In the undertaking given to the ACCC, eDreams has committed to providing refunds or credits to eligible consumers who signed up from 1 November 2021 and were charged membership fees during the ‘free’ trial period.

Current eligible subscribers will be provided with a refund or receive a credit to be applied to their existing account. eDreams will email consumers who no longer have a subscription, directing them to a secure form on its website to provide their details for a refund. Consumers may also contact eDreams via its website.

eDreams has updated its website to address the concerning conduct and will also implement an ACL compliance program.

The undertaking is available at Vacaciones eDreams, S.L. 

Background

eDreams is an online travel agency that has been operating in Australia since 2009. It is a subsidiary of eDreams ODIGEO S.A, an entity registered in Spain. It provides comparison, search and booking engine services for flights and hotels through the eDreams app and website.

Note to editors

The ACCC can issue an infringement notice when it has reasonable grounds to believe a person or business has contravened certain consumer protection provisions in the ACL.

A person or business is not regarded has having contravened the ACL merely by paying the penalty specified in an infringement notice.

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo will take another step towards a smarter and more sustainable waste future when its new Wangara Waste Transfer Station begins operating in July.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Supplied by Werribee Fire Brigade

In their ninth year of collaboration, Werribee Fire Brigade has once again teamed up with Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police to train and enhance road crash rescue capabilities.

The interagency training took place at Werribee Fire Station on Thursday (18 June), where 25 CFA volunteers hosted 24 paramedics, guiding them through two road crash rescue training scenarios.         

Werribee Fire Brigade Training Coordinator and 2nd Lieutenant Rohan Rizzoli said multi-agency training nights are incredibly important in improving outcomes for the community and for any patients involved in road crash incidents.

“These practical exercises are designed to familiarise paramedics with road crash rescue operations, strengthen interagency coordination, and improve the way emergency services work together at car crashes and high-trauma incidents,” Rohan said.

“It was great to have Victoria Police in attendance too, to assist in creating a realistic simulation for what we experience out on the road – their involvement is invaluable.”

Werribee Fire Brigade’s Rescue Team Leader Daniel May said this year’s exercise was the biggest in terms of the scenario, but also in attendance.

“We had a record number of paramedics and firefighters attend, alongside Victoria Police, with brigade members from Epping joining us too,” Daniel said.

“Overall, the night went really well and there was some great feedback off the back of it too. The scenarios involved a front underrun and the requirement to lift a bus off the front of a car. It had a degree of technical difficult about it.

“Typically, we have had a couple of cars, but we introduced a heavy vehicle this year with a mass casualty complexity with a large number patients requiring immediate care.

“Half the group completed a theory workshop inside, understanding each other’s roles, then swapped with the group outside to partake in the practical exercise.”

Daniel said the exercise has been instrumental in strengthening interagency connection.

“There is huge collaboration between all three agencies, not only on the night, but during the year as well and it’s a great networking opportunity,” Daniel said.

“That then spills out onto the road too when we’re out on jobs, as we can put a face to a name and get to know who is who. It helps enhance working relationships and cross-agency exposure.

“It gives them an understanding of what we’re capable of doing, and what we can do as a rescue provider, but also allows us to understand their needs and what their requirements are.

“We’re all there for the patient, and these training exercises we’re working hard to get better patient outcomes, quicker extrication times and better working relationships at time-critical events.”

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a draft Lawn Bowls Facilities and Participation Plan and is now inviting the community to provide feedback on the plan.

City of Greater Bendigo Active and Healthy Communities Manager Deb Simpson said the Greater Bendigo Lawn Bowls Facilities and Participation Plan provides a strategic framework to guide the future development, management and sustainability of lawn bowls across the municipality.

“We want to check that we’ve got it right and understand any issues or opportunities that we may have missed,” Ms Simpson said.

“In Greater Bendigo there is 13 lawn bowls clubs with a total of 30.5 greens.  The Plan recognises and aims to address the current limited insight into club and facility capacity, restricting the ability to plan, develop, maintain and manage bowls effectively

“The draft Lawn Bowls Facilities and Participation Plan captures the needs of the bowls community, assesses the condition and capacity of existing facilities and highlights the short and longer-term aspirations of clubs.

“Through audits and analysis, the plan outlines constraints and opportunities for participation growth and provides evidence-based recommendations to prioritise facility investment.

“Key actions in the draft plan include further work towards the feasibility of a regional standard bowls venue with a covered synthetic green. This has been identified as a significant gap in the provision of a regional bowls venue for the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields (BCG) Bowls Region that was previously identified in the Bowls Victoria Strategic Facilities Plan (2020–2030).

“The plan aims to assist the City in supporting clubs to increase participation, strengthen governance, fundraising and long-term sustainability, and ensure facilities provide broader community benefit.

“It positions the Greater Bendigo bowls community within the wider regional and state context and aligns local priorities with broader strategic directions.

“It also builds on the State of Play Report for lawn bowls, which preceded this work and included all background information, detailed analysis of club engagement, facility audits, needs assessment and bowls participation trends.

Feedback received from the community will be considered and used to refine the draft plan before it is presented to Council later this year.

Members of the community can review the plan and complete the online survey on the City’s community engagement website Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo until Sunday August 2, 2026.

To provide feedback, visit:

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking legal action against a South Yarra estate agent over trust account audits.  

Patrick James O’Callaghan, the sole director and Officer in Effective Control of POC Commercial Pty Ltd, allegedly failed to arrange audits for the business’ trust accounts between 2018 and 2024. 

Estate agencies hold money in trust accounts on behalf of clients, including rental income and sale deposits. Under Victorian law trust accounts must be audited every financial year to help ensure client funds are properly managed and protected.  

The alleged failures were identified through a Consumer Affairs Victoria compliance project focusing on industry trust account audits. 

Disciplinary proceedings against an estate agent for trust account audit failures can lead to reprimands, penalties and suspension or loss of licence. 

The matter will be heard at VCAT on 1 July 2026.  

If you’re an estate agent, it’s your responsibility to manage client funds properly. Read more about your obligations with trust accounts, including arranging audits, on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Consumer Affairs Victoria is taking legal action against a South Yarra estate agent over trust account audits.  

Patrick James O’Callaghan, the sole director and Officer in Effective Control of POC Commercial Pty Ltd, allegedly failed to arrange audits for the business’ trust accounts between 2018 and 2024. 

Estate agencies hold money in trust accounts on behalf of clients, including rental income and sale deposits. Under Victorian law trust accounts must be audited every financial year to help ensure client funds are properly managed and protected.  

The alleged failures were identified through a Consumer Affairs Victoria compliance project focusing on industry trust account audits. 

Disciplinary proceedings against an estate agent for trust account audit failures can lead to reprimands, penalties and suspension or loss of licence. 

The matter will be heard at VCAT on 1 July 2026.  

If you’re an estate agent, it’s your responsibility to manage client funds properly. Read more about your obligations with trust accounts, including arranging audits, on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

A unique sculpture from renowned artist Ronnie van Hout has made its mainland debut and can be seen perched on the top of a building on View Street in Bendigo.

Quasi is a five metre sculpture of a giant hand featuring the artist’s own likeness. The giant hand was installed early yesterday morning on the building that houses Peachy coffee shop.

While Bendigo Art Gallery is undergoing redevelopment, Quasi will serve as a key activation for View Street and the city centre, inviting residents and visitors to see it for themselves.

The best place to snap and share photos with others is on the opposite side of View Street, near Trades Hall.

The sculpture draws inspiration from the tragic hero and fellow roof dweller Quasimodo in Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, who was persecuted and ridiculed for his appearance. From his belltower in the Notre Dame cathedral, Quasimodo overlooked Paris during a period of dramatic transformation and modernisation.

The artist Ronnie van Hout, who was born in New Zealand and lives in Melbourne, is well known for his artworks that often spark curiosity and debate.

After a stint at Mona’s Dark Mofo festival in Tasmania in 2025, this is the first time the sculpture has been seen on mainland Australia. Quasi was commissioned in 2016 by Christchurch Art Gallery as part of a series of outdoor art projects in the years following the 2011 earthquake in the city and it caused a sensation. Quasi has also appeared at the top of Wellington Art Gallery.

Bendigo Art Gallery Curatorial Manager Lauren Ellis said Quasi will be an extraordinary activation not seen before in Greater Bendigo, inviting people to look up and assess the sculpture for themselves.

“Ronnie van Hout is a widely celebrated artist, known for his playful, uncanny, and sometimes polarising works. He is known for his unsettling blend of humour and tragedy. His works never fail to elicit a response from people, sometimes repulsion, sometimes empathy, always curiosity, and this makes him one of Australia’s most compelling and sought-after artists,” Lauren said.

“In New Zealand and around the world, Quasi has attracted plenty of media controversy, but many locals and visitors loved him. The fact the artwork was discussed so widely was important. Quasi’s presence in the Bendigo skyline will be a reminder of the power of art in creating conversations and provoking emotional responses.

“It is also important to bring a high-profile artwork to the View Street precinct while the Gallery is closed for redevelopment, to be alongside our creative neighbours and community in the street.

“People will be keen to share their personal opinions about Quasi. Love it or loathe it, the giant uncanny hand will draw people to View Street and the city centre and that helps to support local businesses while the Gallery is closed for redevelopment.”

Quasi complements the front wall hoarding of the Gallery building site which features a selection of historic and contemporary portraits by legendary Australian artists, including Tom Roberts, Sidney Nolan, Gordon Bennett, and Patricia Piccinini.

CURIOSITY: Building Breakthroughs in LEGOR Bricks is another popular offsite project presented by Bendigo Art Gallery in collaboration with the Discovery Science & Technology Centre until Sunday November 19. Tickets are available on the Discovery Centre website.

Bendigo Town Hall will be the host venue for the Gallery’s next offsite programs, opening in late August. More details on the free exhibitions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Source: Tasmania Police

Three people charged with trafficking following separate operations at Ravenswood, South Launceston

Monday, 29 June 2026 – 11:39 am.

Three people have been separately charged with trafficking after recent targeted operations in Launceston.Members from both Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit and Criminal Investigation Branch arrested a 42-year-old Ravenswood man on Friday (26 June) and seized a significant quantity of methylamphetamine (ice) at a property in South Launceston.The man was detained to appear in court where he was remanded further.On Sunday (27 June), members of Taskforce Raven executed a search warrant at a separate Ravenswood address, locating and seizing quantities of illicit substances including methylamphetamine (ice) and liquid GHB as well as a significant quantity of stolen property and cash believed to be proceeds of crime.A 29-year-old Ravenswood woman and 49-year-old Rocherlea man were each charged with trafficking and will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in September.Anyone with information about illicit substances should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Tasmania Police

Nominations for Keith Smith Community Policing Award now open

Monday, 29 June 2026 – 10:35 am.

Nominations are now open for an important award recognising outstanding community policing in honour of the late Tasmania Police officer Constable Keith Smith.Calling for nominations, Commissioner Donna Adams said that Constable Smith was a well-respected and dedicated police officer who was committed to providing meaningful support to individuals while building lasting relationships founded on trust and service.“These values – of service and support – defined his 25-year career,” Commissioner Adams said.“In honour of Constable Smith, we want to ensure his memory lives on and that the legacy of his community spirit continues to be recognised through the presentation of this annual award.”The award seeks nominations from within Tasmania Police and members of the Tasmanian community for a currently-serving police officer who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to community-focused policing and engagement.“We’re looking to recognise a serving police officer whose service to the community reflects the compassion, service, and trust that Constable Smith embodied throughout his 25-year career,” Commissioner Adams said.Members of the community are invited to submit a nomination for a police officer who has made a significant impact or contribution through community policing, or who has demonstrated sustained or outstanding community-focused policing efforts within Tasmania.The recipient of the award will be announced at our medal and award ceremonies later this year, and will be presented with a citation by the Commissioner.Nominations close on Friday, 31 July 2026.To find out more about the Keith Smith Community Policing Award and how to make a nomination, please visit: Keith Smith Community Policing Award – Tasmania Police