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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating reports of a firearm being discharged at a residence near Hermannsburg earlier today.

Around 9:30am, police were notified of a disturbance at Wallace Rockhole near Hermannsburg.

It is alleged a 38-year-old male had discharged a firearm into the air after a disturbance where a group of people had gathered around his residence.

Police deployed to the area and assisted with dispersing the group. The firearm involved was seized by police as well as an additional six firearms that were subsequently located at the property.

No injuries were reported and investigations are ongoing at this stage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference P26118847. 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 charged a 44-year-old man in relation to alleged historic child sex offences that occurred in 2008 in the greater Darwin area.

The Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch commenced investigations into the matter after the offending was reported to the Northern Territory Police in March 2026. 

At the time of the alleged offending, the female victim was aged between 13 and 16 and the alleged offender was 26-years-old at the time.

On 22 April 2026, the Fugitive Task Force intercepted and arrested the man.

He has now been charged with several historic offences:

– Sexual intercourse or gross indecency involving child under 16 years

– Attempts to procure child under 16 years

– Indecent dealing with child under 16 years

– Aggravated Assault – Indecent

He was bailed to appear before the Darwin Local Court on 3 June 2026.

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can also submit a report anonymously at https://crimestoppers.com.au

Source: Tasmania Police

Two arrested after drugs seizure

Friday, 24 April 2026 – 3:16 pm.

Two people have been charged with drug offences following a Taskforce Scelus investigation on Thursday at Somerset, in the state’s North-West.
The investigation stemmed from police attempting to intercept an unregistered motorcycle being ridden by a male youth on Pelissier Street, Somerset.
The rider allegedly failed to stop for police and was later seen riding into the driveway of a nearby private residence.
Taskforce Scelus members attended the property and located the motorcycle.
The alleged rider, a 14-year-old boy, will be proceeded against under the Youth Justice Act 1997.
During a search of the premises, police allege they located about 2kg of cannabis.
A 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, both from Somerset, were arrested and have since been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance.
Both were bailed to appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court at a later date.
Detective Acting Inspector Luke Negri said the result demonstrated the value of proactive policing by Taskforce Scelus.
“This matter began with police attempting to intercept an unregistered motorcycle being ridden unlawfully on a public street,” Detective Acting Inspector Negri said.
“That investigation quickly led police to the discovery of a significant quantity of cannabis and evidence consistent with the sale of illicit drugs.
“Taskforce Scelus will continue to target high-risk behaviour, repeat offending, and drug-related crime in the Western District.”
Anyone with information about illicit substances is urged to contact police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

The Federal Court has ordered Emma Sleep Pty Ltd and Emma Sleep Southeast Asia Inc to pay a total of $15 million in penalties for making false or misleading representations about the sale price of mattresses, bed frames, pillows, and accessories.

Emma Sleep Pty Ltd admitted in June 2025 that it made false or misleading representations by advertising all 74 of its products online showing a purchase price alongside a higher price with a ‘strikethrough’, and displaying a percentage discount (such as ‘50% OFF’) or indicating the sale price would represent a certain saving to the consumer (such as ‘Save as much as $3,531’).

In fact, of the 74 products, 58 products had not previously been for sale at the strikethrough price or without the discount or savings. The remaining 16 products had almost never been for sale at the strikethrough price or without the discount or savings.

Emma Sleep Pty Ltd also admitted that it had made misleading representations that the discount prices were available for a limited time, by using a countdown timer that would reset during a sale campaign, and using phrases such as “Ending Soon” when the products continued to be advertised at the same or similar discount.

The Court found that the conduct arose out of a deliberate marketing strategy and that senior management turned a blind eye to whether it contravened the Australian Consumer Law. The conduct was not inadvertent or caused by a system error.

“When marketing their products companies and their executives must ensure they do so honestly, responsibly and in compliance with the law,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

This conduct occurred between 15 June 2020 and 27 March 2023.

The Federal Court also found that Emma Sleep Southeast Asia Inc engaged in the same conduct.

“The Emma Sleep companies breached the Australian Consumer Law by making false or misleading representations which gave consumers the impression they were getting a bargain,” ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said.

“The ACCC was concerned that Emma Sleep’s conduct created a false sense of urgency about the offer by using a countdown timer that reset itself, and by making false claims suggesting to consumers that the sale was ending soon, which to may have pressured them into making a rushed purchase decision.”

The Court ordered Emma Sleep Pty Ltd to pay a penalty of $7.5 million, and Emma Sleep Southeast Asia Inc to pay $7.5 million.

The Emma Sleep website was visited more than 4.9 million times in the relevant period, and Emma Sleep’s social media posts had more than 10 million views. Emma Sleep also sent emails to more than 4 million consumers and SMS messages to nearly half a million individuals containing the misleading sales representations.

Nearly every sale made by Emma Sleep during the relevant time was advertised with a savings representation, leading to over $134 million in revenue, and involving over 243,000 individual products sold.

The Court also ordered that Emma Sleep publish corrective notices and implement a compliance program.

Image of Emma Sleep website showing countdown timer and alleged discount pricing

Example of Emma Sleep social media advertising

Background

Emma Sleep GmbH is a German bedroom furniture supplier based in Frankfurt that commenced trading in 2013. Emma Sleep GmbH operates in over 30 countries.

Emma Sleep Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of Emma Sleep GmbH which operates in Australia as a direct-to-consumer supplier of ‘bed-in-a-box products’, while also supplying beds and frames and other sleep accessories.

Emma Sleep Southeast Asia Inc (formerly Bettzeit Southeast Asia) is also a subsidiary of Emma Sleep GmbH which operates in the Philippines.

The ACCC instituted proceedings against Emma Sleep GmbH, Bettzeit Southeast Asia and Emma Sleep Pty Ltd on 14 December 2023.

Emma Sleep advertises its products on its website, its Facebook and Instagram pages, its comparison website https://www.top5bestmattress.com.au, TV, radio, print media, email, SMS and through third-party retailer websites such as Woolworths Marketplace and Bunnings Marketplace. These websites were visited more than 6 million times in the relevant period.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA is urging landowners to rethink burning-off activities tomorrow (Saturday 25 April), with above-average temperatures and moderate winds forecast for parts of Victoria.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

On 30 September 2025, Northern Territory Police received a complaint regarding the alleged unauthorised use of a company credit card by a former employee of a non-profit organisation supporting NDIS clients in Darwin.

Serious Crime Squad commenced investigations, conducting extensive enquiries into the alleged offending.

As a result, on 22 April 2026, a 51-year-old female was served with a Notice to Appear and is scheduled to appear before the Darwin Local Court on 4 June 2026.

The female has been charged with 27 counts of “Obtain Financial Advantage by Deception”.

NT Police have also referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police and the NDIS Fraud Fusion Task Force as part of a coordinated approach addressing NDIS fraud.

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA has welcomed a Victorian Government investment of $148.6 million into CFA’s fleet, and a funding boost for fire stations and critical equipment to help keep Victorians and volunteers safe.

Over ten years, an incredible $100 million will go toward building more tankers and pumpers to assist with firefighting efforts, while an additional $26 million will be allocated to help facilitate new, purpose-built facilities for CFA members.

Brigade members from Lakes Entrance, Barongarook West, Charlton, Nar Nar Goon, Beveridge, Dereel, Mirboo North, Kingston, Woodvale and Yarrambat will benefit from the budget expansion through new station builds, planning, land acquisition or upgrades.

A further $22.4 million will be dedicated toward CFA members’ wellbeing support, updating their personal protective equipment (PPE) and for training purposes.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the significant funding will not only improve conditions for brigade members right across the state but also help meet the needs of future generations of firefighters.

“This latest announcement represents an extraordinary investment by the Victorian Government and one that will make a substantial difference to the safety and comfort of our CFA members,” Jason said.

“It will ensure our hard-working volunteers are well-equipped with the most up-to-date, safe and modern facilities, vehicles, and equipment to help protect lives and property in their community now and well into the future.

“Victoria’s firefighters, both operational and those who play a role behind the scenes, deserve the best tools and protection, and this funding will only enhance their ability to respond more efficiently and effectively to emergencies.”

CO Jason Heffernan said this funding will be additional to what CFA already received last season.

“The $100 million over ten years will see us be able to get a better negotiation with industry to ensure we get the trucks that we need, when we need them and I look forward to starting that process,” Jason said.

“This will go a long way to replacing those single cab tankers where our volunteers are riding on the back.

“The $15 million investment into PPE will see next generation wildfire PPC for the new members that come into our organisation and some structural PPC so our volunteers are protected as much as they can be.

“That also includes money to roll out P3 masks initiative ensuring respiratory protection for our volunteers during bushfires as we saw in January.

“The remaining funds will benefit our wellbeing services with clinical psychologists and ensure we have the funding that we need.”

CO Jason Heffernan joined eager brigade members at Golden Square for the announcement (23 April), alongside Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward MP and Maree Edwards MP. 

Submitted by	CFA media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Bemm River Fire Brigade has welcomed a new medium tanker to their engine bay, boosting the brigade’s ability to protect the community well into the future.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Award recipients from left, Carolyn Archibold, Will Archibold, Vicki Pell, Col Wilson, Adam Gordon, Dave Gordon

Undera Fire Brigade members, along with family and friends, recently came together to recognise and celebrate the service of several of its members.

Special guests included former brigade members, neighbouring brigade members and District 22 Commander Rohan Taylor, who presented the awards on behalf of CFA.  

Awards presented on the night (17 April) included 5-year certificates to firefighters Vicki Pell, Carolyn Archibold and 3rd Lieutenant Will Archibold.

Col Wilson, Adam Gordon and Dave Gordon received 20, 30 and 55-year service awards respectively.

While presenting the awards, Commander Taylor noted that although the honours are worn by members, their families should also feel proud – recognising that their support and commitment to CFA and community are as equally acknowledged.  

In a special tribute, posthumous brigade life membership was awarded to ex member Ray Dealy who passed away earlier this year. The award was presented to Ray’s wife Jenny by ex-captain Dave Gordon, in recognition of Ray’s 40 years of service to the Undera Fire Brigade.

Firefighter and Ex Captain Stewart Pell, a stalwart of the Brigade and local community, was unfortunately unable to attend the dinner to receive his 50-year service award due to ill health.

Given the significance of the award, members of Undera and neighbouring Mooroopna brigade along with some of Stewart’s family and friends visited the Goulburn Valley Hospital in Shepparton to acknowledge his service through the presentation of the award and CFA life membership.

Instrumental in organising this important celebration, current Captain Brandan Reilly and grandson of Strewart, spoke highly of his dedication and is proud to be continuing in his footsteps.

Our sincere thanks go to GV Health for allowing our tanker to be parked where it was clearly visible from Stewart’s window during the presentation – a gesture that meant a great deal and reflected the immense pride he held in the truck and all it represents.

Submitted by	Dan Jones, Undera Fire Brigade

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Reports to the ACCC about consumer guarantees rose by 20 per cent to over 38,000 in 2025, compared to the previous year.

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) provides consumers with automatic rights when they purchase a product or service. These are called “consumer guarantees”. The exercise of these rights continues to be more difficult than it should be, especially for people who have contacted the ACCC about issues with whitegoods and electronics, the ACCC’s 2025 reports data shows.

About 70 per cent of people who contacted the ACCC in 2025 about an electronic product or whitegood raised issues relating to consumer guarantees. The electronics and whitegoods sector was also the sector for which the ACCC received the most reports in 2025.

Improving industry compliance with consumer guarantees, with a focus on consumer electronics, is an ACCC 2025/26 Compliance and Enforcement Priority.

“We are reminding consumer electronics and whitegoods retailers they must comply with their consumer guarantee obligations. We also encourage businesses in these sectors to review their policies and practices to ensure they are compliant with the Australian Consumer Law,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Consumers rely on products like TVs, fridges, mobile phones and washing machines every day, and when something goes wrong it can be a major disruption. Despite having these basic consumer rights, reports to us show some businesses are not honouring consumers’ rights to a refund, repair or replacement.”

Compliance with consumer guarantees has been a priority for the ACCC for several years and will continue to be a priority for 2026/27.

“We are very pleased the government has announced plans to reform the consumer guarantee provisions of the Australian Consumer Law, which will create stronger incentives for businesses to provide the remedies that consumers are already entitled to,” Ms Lowe said.

“The new laws will also make it easier for the ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies to take enforcement and compliance action where rights aren’t honoured.”

The proposal, supported by the ACCC, will introduce penalties for businesses which fail to comply with their obligations to provide remedies to consumers. It will also introduce penalties for manufacturers that fail to reimburse suppliers for remedies they provide to consumers, when the manufacturer is responsible for the consumer guarantees issue with a product.

Examples of issues reported to the ACCC

The reports to the ACCC included the following examples:

• A consumer was asked to pay for the repair of a high-end fridge because a component failed after the two-year warranty period.
• A consumer could not get a replacement TV after discovering a new TV screen was broken upon delivery.
• A consumer was charged for repairs to a three-month old smartphone that randomly restarted during normal use and had issues with the camera.

In 2025, the ACCC received over 3,000 reports about businesses who were telling consumers that they were not entitled to a remedy when products potentially failed to comply with the consumer guarantees, or that consumers had to deal with the manufacturer, which is not the case.

“It is illegal for businesses to rely on store policies or terms and conditions which deny these rights. For example, policies that say ‘no refunds’ or ‘no refunds or exchanges on sale items’ are likely to be misleading as consumer guarantee rights continue to apply in relation to major and minor faults,” Ms Lowe said.

“Businesses risk breaching the Australian Consumer Law if they mislead consumers about their right to a remedy. No matter what the business does or says, they cannot take away your consumer guarantee rights.”.

Consumers can find further information about their rights and how to enforce them on the ACCC website. 

Consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law – refund, repair or replacement

Under the ACL, products and services supplied to consumers automatically come with basic rights called consumer guarantees. These include that products must be of acceptable quality, match any description provided, and be fit for a particular purpose.

If a business fails to meet one of the consumer guarantees, a consumer is entitled to a remedy. This may be a refund, repair, or replacement, depending on the circumstances.

In some situations, a business may be classified as a consumer too under the ACL consumer guarantees. See our website for more detail.

These consumer rights apply separately from any warranty provided by the supplier or manufacturer, and can last for a longer time than the manufacturer’s warranty.

Some businesses offer “extended” warranties for an additional cost, but consumers should ask businesses to explain what, if any, additional benefits these provide.

Businesses may need to provide a remedy under the consumer guarantees even if the warranty has already expired. They should not mislead consumers about their automatic rights under the consumer guarantees, or the need to acquire any additional warranties.

Tips for consumers

Consumers can assert their rights under the consumer guarantees in the ACL and should not only rely on the manufacturer’s warranty or the retailer’s return policy when they have a problem with their electronics or whitegoods products. Consumer guarantees can provide more extensive remedies and for longer.

Consumers should be cautious about purchasing extended warranties, which may not offer any additional benefits to what is already automatically provided under the ACL. Before purchasing an extended warranty, consumers should:

• ask the business to explain what the extended warranty provides over and above the consumer’s automatic rights,
• read the terms and conditions of the extended warranty to understand what is excluded and if it offers any additional benefits, and
• consider whether the purchase is value for money.

If consumers can’t resolve their consumer guarantees issue directly with a business, they can contact their local state or territory consumer protection agency which may be able to directly assist consumers in resolving their dispute. They can also submit a complaint to the ACCC which will help the ACCC identify trends and inform our compliance and enforcement work.

The ACCC has important information and helpful tools such as letter templates on its website for both consumers and businesses about consumer guarantee rights and obligations.

Background 

In December 2025, the Government published a decision regulatory impact statement relating to proposed reforms to the consumer guarantee provisions in the ACL.

These include reforms which will make it illegal for:

• businesses to fail to provide a remedy for consumer guarantees failures, when they are legally required to do so under the consumer guarantees, and
• manufacturers to fail to reimburse suppliers for consumer guarantees failures that the manufacturers are responsible for.

In June 2025, Reebelo Australia, an online marketplace for new and refurbished electronics, paid $59,400 in penalties after the ACCC issued it with three infringement notices for allegedly making false representations about the effect of consumer guarantee rights in contravention of the ACL.

In April 2025, the ACCC accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from apparel business Hard Rock Enterprises Pty Ltd, in which it admitted to engaging in resale price maintenance and making false or misleading representations to consumers about the amount of time a consumer has to seek a remedy for a faulty product or return an incorrect product.

In February 2025, an ACCC sweep uncovered concerning online shopping return policies and terms and conditions. The sweep found numerous examples of practices that could potentially mislead or deceive consumers regarding their rights to exchange, refund or return a product.