AU Engine

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

JB Hi-Fi Group has started a process to refund more than $250,000 to about 200 consumers after the ACCC raised concerns that the company may have misled consumers with pricing claims in advertisements for several products including two laptops, a VR headset and a gaming monitor.

The ACCC monitored JB Hi-Fi’s online product pricing from March to September 2025 as part of an investigation, and was concerned that JB Hi-Fi may have misled consumers with some of the listed promotional prices.

“Businesses must not mislead consumers with incorrect pricing displays, including listing incorrect “was” prices when advertising promotions, whether online or in store,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

“It is critical that businesses ensure that pricing information provided to consumers is accurate, and that discount deals are genuine. We will not hesitate to take appropriate action when we see evidence of breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.”

It is alleged that JB Hi-Fi promoted 17 products as discounted from a previous higher price, when the products were either never offered for sale at the higher price, or only offered at the higher price for a short period, or only offered at the higher price long before the promotion.

“JB Hi-Fi’s conduct deprived consumers of the opportunity to make informed purchasing decisions based on accurate information, as they may have decided not to buy the products if they knew the claimed discount was not genuine,” Mr Woodward said.

A total of 206 consumers bought one of the products when they were advertised with an allegedly misleading ‘was’ price. There were sales of 11 of the 17 products with allegedly misleading pricing displays, and no sales of the other six, during the relevant promotion. The 11 products purchased by consumers during the promotion are listed below, together with the time periods of the alleged conduct for each product.

The company has already provided some refunds automatically, and contacted affected customers directly to arrange a refund. Customers do not need to initiate contact with JB Hi-Fi.

The allegedly misleading “was” prices were largely due to system errors or human error, some of which JB Hi-Fi proactively took action on prior to the ACCC’s investigation. JB Hi-Fi also cooperated with the ACCC’s investigation and has taken steps to prevent similar issues in the future. In light of this, and JB Hi-Fi’s compensation to affected consumers, together with the small number of affected products, the ACCC has decided to resolve this matter administratively without taking further formal enforcement action.

Background

JB Hi-Fi is a large national retailer with a focus on technology and consumer electronics. It has over 220 physical stores across Australia and also has a major online presence.

Misleading pricing practices in the retail and supermarket sectors are an ACCC compliance and enforcement priority.

Other recent work by the ACCC on misleading pricing include last year’s Black Friday sweep. As a result, the ACCC is continuing to investigate several retailers about the claims they made.

Coles was also recently found to have made misleading representations about ‘Down Down’ discounts in ACCC proceedings in the Federal Court.

Products involved:

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

A new Artists on View exhibition explores the symbolism of traditional tarot cards through a collection of modern artworks.

Nineteen artists with different art practices have come together for Arcana, a free exhibition at Dudley House, View Street.

Each artist reimagines one or more of the 22 Major Arcana cards, transforming traditional designs into evolving modern artworks inspired by mythology, folklore, and human emotions.

The exhibition includes a wide range of art forms, such as illustrations, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media. The styles vary from whimsical and playful to dark and gothic.

Together, the artworks create a rich visual story. Visitors to the exhibitions are invited to feel as though they are stepping inside a living tarot deck where every image tells a story and every card reveals a new idea or perspective.

Tarot card images have long fascinated artists and storytellers for centuries. Famous symbols like Fool’s journey, the Wheel of Fortune, the Tower’s collapse, and the Star’s quiet promise come from old European myths and stories. They are still meaningful today, as they reflect common human experiences like change, fate, strength, and hope.

Exhibition curator Dale Harris said Arcana builds on the rich history of tarot while giving it a fresh, modern twist.

“By blending mysticism, symbolism and contemporary art practices, the exhibition reimagines tarot as a living, evolving art form while pushing beyond tradition. Audiences are invited to find their own personal meaning and reflection within each of the artworks,” Dale said.

“Arcana brings together a range of artists with different disciplines to explore a unifying theme. I hope audiences will be engaged to discover personal meaning, storytelling, and symbolism through the extraordinary visual art collection.

“Ultimately, Arcana seeks to connect visitors with centuries-old tradition while presenting fresh, contemporary interpretations that feel relevant today.”

Artists who contributed to Arcana include Dale Harris, Emily Fisher, Cheryl Bailey, Amy Woodward, Amy Bailey, Leah Hartley, Stephen Stanley, Sara McQueenie, Mr. Dimples, Ivan Sun, Ella Bailey, Narsha Kang, Chris Duffy – HaHo Art, Kate Smith, Rhayven Jane, Bridie O’Toole, Kara Vena Cava, JoBird Art, Peta Tron.

Arcana is open daily from 10am to 5pm from Thursday June 11 to Tuesday June 23.  An official opening is on Saturday June 13 at 2pm and all are welcome to attend.

This exhibition complements the Artist Market on View Street this Saturday June 13, featuring live demonstrations, talks and stalls from 10am to 2pm with Eat.Drink.Art program participants.

Artists on View is a City of Greater Bendigo program to support local artists presenting new work at Dudley House.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City is calling for local community groups and organisations to hold a free or low-cost event or activity as part of the 2026 Greater Bendigo Seniors Festival which takes place from October 4 to October 11.

City of Greater Bendigo Director Healthy Communities and Environments, Jess Howard said the City wants to hear from local community groups and organisations who are interested in showcasing their group through an event or activity that will provide entertainment, activities and a chance for older adults to connect with others.

“We are looking for groups to hold activities and events that older people will enjoy,” Ms Howard said.

“This could be things like craft and gardening activities, tours, morning teas, entertainment, information sessions, learning opportunities, come and try days, exercise programs or anything that really promotes positive ageing.

“The annual Seniors Festival recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution of older adults to our community and encourages them to discover new activities and interests in our community.

“It’s a great way for groups and organisations to connect with older adults who make up a large part of our population.

“If you think your group or organisation can host a great event for older adults in the spirit of the festival then we really want to hear from you.

“While there is limited space in the printed program we would love to include as many events as possible that meet the broad needs of the community.

“Community events and activities registered by July 10, 2026, where possible, will be listed and promoted in both the printed and online festival program.” 

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

he Albanese Government is delivering a record amount of funding for Arthritis by establishing a new Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Research Mission.

We will invest $100 million over 10 years to deliver the Mission that will boost research into arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.

The Mission will be established through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and will bring together key researchers, health professionals, industry partners and patients to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the debilitating condition.

More than 7 million Australians are living with Arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. They are complex, lifelong diseases which can strike at any age.

The new research mission is part of the Albanese Government’s record investments to transform health and medical research in Australia.

It will be funded through the 26-27 Budget commitment to spend $508.5 million over four years to increase MRFF investments from $650 million to $1 billion a year by 2030-31.

Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister

“For millions of Australians, living with Arthritis isn’t just an ache or pain, it affects their ability to work, to stay active and to enjoy everyday life.

“My Government’s $100 million investment will be a gamechanger for Australians living with Arthritis.

“It will back Australian researchers to develop better treatments, improve diagnosis and help find the breakthroughs patients have been waiting for.

“My Government is investing in medical research because it is an investment that changes lives and strengthens our nation’s health.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler 

“Our Government’s investments in health and medical research are about improving the lives of Australians.

“We have world class researchers in Australia whose ideas could transform health outcomes for future generations.

“This mission is another way our Government is boosting research to deliver innovative, equitable health outcomes.”

Quotes attributable to Arthritis Australia CEO Louise Hardy

“This is a truly historic day for our community. The announcement of a gives hope to millions of Australians of all ages living with the pain of arthritis.

“We are deeply grateful to the Albanese Government for listening to our community and making this commitment.

“This Mission will drive the research breakthroughs we so urgently need — from earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, to the hope of cures.”

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged over Epping Forest incident

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 – 8:06 pm.

A man has been charged following an incident at Epping Forest earlier today.Police were called shortly before noon on Wednesday 10 June after reports a man was driving dangerously in the area before allegedly fleeing on foot.Significant police resources were deployed, including helicopter resources, and the man was safely taken into custody about 2.30pm.The 45-year-old Avoca man has since been charged with multiple offences including Common Assault, Evade Police (Aggravated Circumstances), Reckless Driving & Drive whilst not the holder of a license.He was detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Thursday 11 June 2026.Anyone with information about the incident or dash cam footage of a red Toyota Camry or a red Commodore flat tray ute driving erratically in the area at the time should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au and quote ESCAD job 148.

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

AREEA has warned that the escalation of protected industrial action at INPEX’s Ichthys LNG operations reflects a deliberate union strategy to maximise disruption, not any breakdown in the employer’s willingness to reach agreement.

The Offshore Alliance has notified a further, more severe period of industrial action from tomorrow (11 June), extending stoppages and imposing new bans that affect the ability to maintain and restart the facilities.

The escalation comes after weeks of constructive, Fair Work Commission-facilitated interest-based bargaining in which substantial progress has been made and multiple offers have been put forward by the employer.

INPEX has applied to the Fair Work Commission under section 424 of the Fair Work Act for orders to bring the action to an end so that bargaining can continue.

AREEA Deputy Chief Executive Tara Diamond said the facts of the negotiation did not match the union’s public account of an immovable employer.

“This is not a case of an employer refusing to move,” Ms Diamond said.

“This dispute has been through weeks of bargaining facilitated by the Fair Work Commission. The majority of terms have been resolved. The employer has put forward a range of offer options – different pathways to a substantial pay increase, structured around the things employees have said matter most, whether that’s base pay, allowances or career progression.

“Employees covered by this agreement are already among the highest paid workers in the country. Under every option put forward by INPEX, they would receive pay increases well above the national average. The outstanding differences are now limited to a defined set of items. What has escalated is not the gap between the parties, but the union’s irresponsible tactics.”

Ms Diamond said an employer that had both tabled multiple offers and asked the independent umpire to help bring the dispute to a resolution was plainly not the party walking away from the table.

“Applying under section 424 is a legitimate and responsible step. It is a recognised mechanism in the Act for exactly these circumstances, and INPEX has been clear that its purpose is to allow bargaining to continue. You do not put a range of pathways to an improved agreement on the table, and ask the Commission to help resolve the dispute, if your intention is to refuse to bargain.”

AREEA said the defining feature of the dispute was not the content of the union’s claims, which had shifted over the course of the campaign, but the method being used to pursue them.

“The specifics of a claim can change week to week in a campaign like this. What hasn’t changed is the method – ambitious demands backed by escalating disruption, rather than genuine engagement with the offers in front of them,” Ms Diamond said.

“Declaring ‘war’ on an employer and resorting to inflammatory public messaging while a facilitated bargaining process is still on foot is not how reasonable agreements are reached. It is an irresponsible pressure campaign, coming at a challenging and dangerous time for Australia’s energy security, economic resilience and international trade.”

AREEA said the consequences of a disruption on this scale extended well beyond a single enterprise and fell first on the Northern Territory.

“Ichthys is the most reliable source of power for Darwin and supplies around half the Northern Territory’s domestic gas. A prolonged shutdown does not just affect exports – it threatens the energy that Territory homes, hospitals and essential services depend on,” Ms Diamond said.

“Beyond that, Australia’s value to its trading partners rests on being a stable and reliable supplier. Deliberately disrupting that supply at a moment of acute global tightness does lasting damage – not only to one operator, but to Australia’s standing as an energy partner.”

AREEA noted the INPEX negotiations are the first in a new offshore bargaining cycle extending to other major operators over the next two years.

“What is being tested here is whether disruption pays. The resolution of this dispute will shape bargaining conduct across the offshore sector for years to come – which is exactly why a return to genuine, good-faith negotiation matters so much.”

Click here for a full PDF of the media release, including media contact details.

Source: Government of Western Australia

The City of Wanneroo is seeking community feedback on its proposed 2026/2027 Differential Rates.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Local businesses are encouraged to sign up for the City of Greater Bendigo’s new Lucky Local voucher giveaway campaign to boost local spending and support Greater Bendigo businesses this winter.

Businesses across the region are invited to submit an expression of interest by Sunday June 14 to appear as Lucky Local participants on the City’s website. It is open to local independent businesses located in Greater Bendigo.

The Lucky Local campaign will begin in July, giving residents the chance to win vouchers every day.

Customers can enter the Lucky Local draw by spending $20 or more in a single transaction at a participating local business and uploading their receipt via the City’s website.

Funded by the City, the vouchers are redeemable at participating local independent businesses who have been randomly selected from the City’s Lucky Local list. This is to encourage shoppers to discover new local shops, venues and experiences.

Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said the major campaign aims to bring many benefits to businesses and residents.

“The Lucky Local campaign has been developed to boost local spending and support local independent businesses across the region,” Mr Myatt said

“With vouchers up for grabs every day in July, there’s a strong incentive for residents to shop locally.

“There is no cost to businesses. All participating businesses will go into a draw to be randomly selected to be a voucher provider. The City will purchase the vouchers, helping to kickstart local spending and support local businesses.

“Participating businesses also benefit from being part of the Lucky Local campaign with the opportunity to attract new customers and be listed on the City website.”

The campaign will be promoted across digital platforms, radio, and in-store from Monday June 22.

More details on the giveaway for customers will be announced soon. It is an initiative as part of the City’s successful Love your Local campaign. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 16-year-old female and a 35-year-old male following two separate assaults in Alice Springs yesterday evening.

Around 6:30pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report that a female aged in her 60s had been physically assaulted by a 16-year-old family member at a residence on Head Street in Braitling. It is alleged the 16-year-old female kicked the victim multiples times to the head and body during the assault. The victim was subsequently conveyed to hospital by St John Ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.

Upon police arrival to Head Street, a member of the public reported witnessing a female youth being assaulted by an adult male in front of a nearby restaurant. The youth involved was identified as the offender in the previous matter and had allegedly been physically assaulted by a 35-year-old male not believed to be known to her.

The 16-year-old was conveyed to hospital by police for assessment, before being charged with recklessly endangering serious harm and aggravated assault in relation to the first incident. She is due to appear in court today.

A 35-year-old male was arrested in relation to the second assault and was charged with aggravated assault. He is also scheduled to appear in court today.

If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to family or domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.

Source: Prime Minister of Australia

or the second time in just three days, the mighty MCG belongs to the memory of Neale Daniher.

In footy’s tribal world of fierce loyalties, there are very few people who have had this whole stadium barracking for them.

Neale Daniher was one.

In a place that has known its fair share of champions and legends, we come together today to remember someone who was so much more than that.

Neale Daniher was a hero.

When confronted with an adversity that most of us cannot imagine, facing odds that could not be beaten, Neale chose to fight.

In doing so, he gave new hope to thousands of Australians living their own struggle against Motor Neurone Disease.

And he inspired all of us with his courage and his determination, his humour and his invincible optimism.

On behalf of all Australians, I offer our nation’s heartfelt condolences to those who knew and loved Neale best.

To Neale’s beloved wife Jan, to his mother Edna, your children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben and all the members of the remarkable Daniher family.

And his army of friends.

I hope you have been able to take a measure of comfort from the fact that right across our great country, so many people who never had the privilege of knowing, or even meeting, this wonderful man, loved him and admired him so deeply.

Over the last 12 years, as Neale threw himself into making each Big Freeze bigger than the last, all of us could see how much his battle against the Beast was stealing from him.

Yet none of it diminished him – it enlarged him.

When he lost his voice – his words became more powerful.

When he could no longer walk – more and more Australians put on their beanies and marched at his side.

Because what that brutal disease could never touch, what it could not take away, what remained clear for all to see was the very essence of Neale Daniher.

His incredible mental toughness.

His unshakeable positivity.

And his selflessness.

In 2013, Neale was told to measure his future in just months, yet he dedicated every day of what would turn out to be 13 years to the search for a cure.

Beyond the extraordinary feat of endurance and resilience that represents, the most remarkable thing about the battle Neale fought so bravely, was that it was not for him.

He was truly one of the most positive people I have ever had the honour of meeting, yet not even he imagined that a cure would be discovered in time to save his own life.

Finding a cure was always about saving the lives of others.

It was the same when he was awarded Australian of the Year in 2025.

Neale didn’t see that as an accolade for what he had done – he treated it as a platform to continue his work and share his call to action. He asked us to, in his own words:

“Imagine a world where families don’t lose their loved ones to this cruel disease. 

And imagine the power of what we can achieve together, when we each take small steps to make a difference.” 

That is the world Neale Daniher wanted us to imagine.

It is the future he gave everything to try and bring into being.

And it is the final gift of inspiration he leaves us with.

A choice each of us can make.

A fight that all of us can win.

We will play on, for him. 

May this great Australian rest in eternal peace.