Source: European Commission – Justice
European Commission Press release Brussels, 26 Mar 2025 The Commission is proposing to mobilise €8 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to support 2,400 workers dismissed after the bankruptcy of Belgian coach manufacturer Van Hool.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has further charged a 72-year-old male in relation to child exploitation offences in Darwin.
Since the 72-year-old was arrested in January, three more victims have come forward. All four victims, including the original victim, were known to the male.
A total of 21 charges in relation to child abuse offences have been laid against the alleged offender.
He has been further remanded to face Darwin Local Court 7 May 2025.
Anyone affected by child abuse and exploitation or who has information that may assist police are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au/.
An online report can also be made via the Australian Centre of Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested five males in relation to a crime series across the Greater Darwin Region overnight.
Earlier in the night, a group of alleged offenders attended a residence on Westralia Street in Stuart Park, where they gained entry whilst armed via a dog door and subsequently stole two vehicles.
About 1:15am, police received reports of one of the vehicles ramming a residential gate in Moulden whilst brandishing a machete and hammer, allegedly threatening residents. A short time later the group attended a government facility where the group attempted to damage the gate and security screens.
The second stolen motor vehicle was recovered in Coconut Grove.
Around 3am, the group were observed by police CCTV operators within one of the stolen motor vehicles nearby a commercial premises in Fannie Bay. Strike Force Trident members were nearby and a pursuit was initiated after the group failed to follow police directions. The vehicle lost control a short time later and crashed into a power pole at the intersection of Nadpur Street and Dickward Drive. All of the offenders self-extracted from the vehicle and fled by foot into the mangroves whilst additional Strike Force Trident, Darwin general duties and Dog Operations Unit members set up a cordon.
Patrol Dog Fitzy tracked three of the offenders with the first located hiding up in a tree who surrendered to police without incident. The second was found lying in a pool of water in an attempt to conceal himself and again surrendered upon being discovered. The third was located hiding in thick vegetation and was apprehended by PD Fitzy.
Patrol Dog Drax deployed from the cordon in a different direction and located articles of clothing from the offenders and as Drax was indicating direction of travel the offender surrendered to a member of Strike Force Trident.
Patrol Dog Cheeko was also deployed and tracked the fifth offender into thick grassland where he was located hiding in the verge of the mangroves.
This is another great example of the effectiveness of the Dog Operations Unit in tracking and apprehending offenders involved in violent criminal offending and the close working relationship with SF Trident.
The five males arrested, aged 13, 14, 15, 16 and 19-years-old were all transported to the Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment.
Strike Force Trident have carriage of the investigations and charges are expected to follow.
Source: US State of California 2
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of King City Police Department Sergeant Ryan Kenedy:
“Jennifer and I mourn alongside the King City community over the sudden passing of Sergeant Kenedy. Our hearts are with his loved ones and colleagues.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
On March 25, 2025, Sergeant Kenedy experienced a medical emergency while on-duty and passed away. Sergeant Kenedy began his career with the King City Police Department in 2014 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to Police Sergeant in January 2020.
He is survived by his wife and parents.
In honor of Sergeant Kenedy, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.
Source: European Parliament
The implementation of the EU environmental legislation is primarily the responsibility of the national authorities, which should ensure that permits for projects are fully compliant with EU law.
According to the available information, on 31 January 2025 the General-Director of Environmental Protection (GDEP) issued a decision[1] amending the decision[2] of the Regional Director of Environmental Protection (RDEP) in Szczecin setting the environmental conditions for development of the container terminal in the port of Świnoujście. The decision of the GDEP sets, among others, further environmental obligations for the project.
According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report[3] and additional clarifications provided to the Commission by the Polish authorities before the Commission issued its opinion pursuant to Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive[4], possible impacts of the project were analysed also in relation to the marine Natura 2000 sites[5].
It was concluded, however, that the project would have significant negative effects only on the terrestrial habitat types within the site PLH320019 Wolin i Uznam. Based on provided evidence the Commission had no reasons to question the findings of the authorities.
According to information provided by the authorities the construction of the waterway is a separate project as it will serve not only the new container terminal but all ports in the Świnoujście area.
According to the authorities[6], the project will be subject to an EIA including on the Natura 2000 sites. The Commission has published guidance documents[7], which may be used by the national authorities to ensure application of the Habitats[8] and EIA Directives[9] in conformity with the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the EU.
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of the recent reports on the use of Paragon. Its position on the use of spyware is clear: any attempts to illegally access citizens data, including journalists and political opponents, is unacceptable, if confirmed.
The Commission closely followed the Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of the Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA).
Based on the PEGA report and recommendations, as well as its own fact-gathering exercise, the Commission will decide on the most appropriate way forward.
The data protection and privacy acquis offers comprehensive protection to the confidentiality of communications and users’ personal data.
EU data protection law is applicable to the processing of personal data by private entities, even where such processing is required for national security purposes.
Under the ePrivacy Directive[1], the interception or surveillance of communications is prohibited without the consent of the user. While restrictions are permitted for important public objectives, they are subject to conditions and safeguards.
The Law Enforcement Directive[2] is also applicable when competent authorities process personal data for law enforcement purposes. Supervisory authorities also have effective powers to examine any allegations of misuse, and data processed can also be subject to judicial review.
On 8 August 2025, Article 4(3)(c) of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)[3] will become applicable. This and other safeguards in EMFA should ensure free and independent media across the EU and protect them against interference. The Commission will use all the tools at its disposal to ensure effective compliance with this provision.
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001073/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)
On 4 March 2025, the trial in relation to case 36/6835 started in Tunisia. This case concerns the prosecution of 40 individuals, including political opponents, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders, who stand accused of several serious charges, including ‘conspiracy against the internal and external security of the State’. Some of these individuals have been in pre-trial detention since 10 February 2023. Experts refer to the case as ‘the conspiracy case’ and have expressed concerns about the instrumentalisation of judicial institutions for political purposes by the Tunisian authorities and the lack of independence of the Tunisian courts. Human Rights Watch expressed concerns[1] about the lack of evidence and several major legal flaws.
Submitted: 12.3.2025
Source: European Parliament
The last meeting of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT) took place on 24 March 2025.
It was mainly focused on Security and Justice in Latin America and the Caribbean: state of play, prospects and European cooperation in this field with the participation of representatives of El PAcCTO, Europol and Eurojust.
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
March 19, 2025
In response to media inquiries regarding China’s recent joint combat readiness patrols near the Taiwan Strait, the United States Department of State reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Taiwan across decades and administrations. It stressed that the United States would continue to support Taiwan in the face of China’s military, economic, information, and diplomatic pressure campaigns, as well as reiterating that the United States, along with international partners, staunchly supported cross-strait peace and stability and opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. It also pointedly noted that China could not issue brazen and irresponsible threats toward Taiwan and still expect the international community to believe in China’s self-proclaimed role as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world.
Regarding China’s comments on the 20th anniversary of its so-called “Anti-secession Law,” the US State Department cited public remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which he indicated that the United States would not alter its long-standing position of opposing any unilateral, forced, compelled, or coercive change to the status of Taiwan. The United States further emphasized that what had changed was the threat that China posed to Taiwan, including what Beijing referred to as a set of 22 judicial guidelines to impose criminal punishments on diehard Taiwan independence separatists, issued last year. In particular, the US State Department added that over the past 20 years, China’s intimidation campaign against Taiwan and Taiwan’s supporters in the United States and elsewhere had gone global, threatening free speech, destabilizing the Indo-Pacific region, and eroding norms that had underpinned the cross-strait status quo for decades. The US State Department said that in the face of such provocative and irresponsible actions by China, the United States remained committed to maintaining its ability to deter aggression and resist any use of force or other forms of coercion to protect the Taiwanese people from intimidation and harm.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the US State Department for reaffirming the United States’ staunch commitment to Taiwan, opposing the use of force or coercion to alter the status quo, and explicitly calling out China’s brazen and irresponsible threats, as well as its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo.
Recent actions have repeatedly proven that it is China that causes trouble across the Taiwan Strait and around the globe and seeks to unilaterally change the status quo. The international community sees through China’s ruse of attempting to deflect attention away from its own disruptive behavior and hypocrisy to bolster its reputation.
Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work with the United States to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the region. Taiwan urges nations worldwide to demonstrate collective concern over China’s military threats, lawfare and other gray-zone tactics, and unilateral actions that escalate regional tensions.
Source: Scottish Greens
Austerity is a choice.
The UK Government’s Spring Statement will be a test of Labour’s morals, says Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater MSP.
Ms Slater has urged the party to tax the super-rich with wealth taxes to boost our green industries, undo the cruel cuts that have been inflicted and build a fairer society for people and planet.
According to research from the Tax Justice Network, a 1% annual wealth tax on net assets over £10 million could raise almost £10 billion a year while only impacting the richest 0.4% of the population.
Polling from Oxfam shows that two-thirds of Scots back increasing taxes for the rich, which would raise far more money than any ‘savings’ made through cuts.
Ms Slater said:
“The assault on social security and public services is not inevitable. It is a political choice.
“Labour is choosing to punch downwards and punish the most vulnerable rather than taxing the super-rich who have seen their incomes soaring while millions of people have been unable to make ends meet
“This is one of the wealthiest societies there has ever been, but so much of that wealth is being hoarded by a small number of very rich people and corporations.
“By properly taxing wealth, we can do far more to tackle poverty, improve healthcare, invest in public services and create better, happier and healthier communities.”
Ms Slater added:
“Labour promised change, but it was one of the most dishonest election campaigns in history.
“You can’t undo the catastrophic impact of 14 years of Tory rule with even more cuts.
“Every Labour MP faces a moral test. Will they back wealth taxes on the super rich, or will they back plans which they know will plunge even more of their constituents into poverty?”
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
In the six months since the opening of the Moscow-on-the-Wave fish market in the Mitino district, almost half a million people have visited it. They bought fresh products, participated in tastings and watched culinary shows, reported Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.
The most popular products were lightly salted herring, live carp, seaweed salad and pink salmon caviar.
The market has repeatedly hosted city festivals such as “Golden Autumn”, “Journey to Christmas”, “Chinese New Year in Moscow” and “Moscow Maslenitsa”. For each of them, the site was decorated in a corporate style, themed events were held, and promotions were launched. Thus, at Maslenitsa, you could try pancakes with a variety of seafood fillings.
“The first modern fish market opened in the capital in the fall of 2023. Now there are two of them – in the Mitino and Kosino-Ukhtomsky districts. The new format is very popular with Muscovites and tourists. Over the past year and a half, two million people have visited the sites. They purchased about 1.5 thousand tons of products,” noted Natalya Sergunina.
In total, the assortment includes over 600 types of fish and seafood from 13 seas and three oceans, which are brought directly from fishermen from all over the country. The geography of deliveries covers 17 regions of Russia, including the Astrakhan and Murmansk regions, Kamchatka and Khabarovsk territories, the republics of Karelia and Crimea.
The markets have an open kitchen where you can cook any purchased fish and seafood for free, and there are also areas with cafes and restaurants. The gastronomic program is complemented by weekly performances by musicians – spectators are welcome from Friday to Sunday.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/151771073/
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:
Police have arrested and charged a man following extensive enquiries into an aggravated burglary in Miramar.
At around 2am on Monday 17 March, Police were called to a Darlington Road address, where the occupants located an intruder inside their home. After an alleged altercation with the occupants of the house, the alleged offender fled.
One person in the house received minor injuries and the other three were uninjured.
Today, Wednesday 26 March, Police arrested and charged a 28-year-old man.
The man is due to appear in Wellington District Court on Thursday 27 March, charged with aggravated burglary and aggravated injury.
Wellington Police continue to investigate the death of 63-year-old Abdul Nabizadah and are working to establish if there is a link between the aggravated burglary and Mr Nabizadah’s death.
We are grateful for the assistance so far from the public and continue to appeal for information to assist in our enquiries.
At 12.28am, a man was seen walking down Camperdown Road from Totara Street and turned right in to Darlington Road from Camperdown Road. The man was wearing a light-coloured top and dark pants.
We know Mr Nabizadah arrived in Totara Street in his silver-coloured Toyota Aqua, registration NQE681, at 12.25am, so this man may well have seen Mr Nabizadah and or his vehicle. We urge this person, or anyone who may know them, to come forward as soon as possible.
At 1.30am, a man in fitness clothing or activewear was seen running south on Darlington Road, before crossing the Camperdown Road intersection. He was wearing a blue shirt, and we also need to hear from him.
We understand these incidents are upsetting and concerning for the community and the investigation team are working tirelessly to determine the circumstances around Mr Nabizadah’s death and to bring closure for his family.
If you have any information that could help the investigation teams, please update us at 105 online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Conference Opening
On March 24, the V National (All-Russian) Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation “Reconstruction and Restoration of Architectural Heritage” (RRAN-2025) started at SPbGASU.
The partners of the conference are the Government of St. Petersburg, the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St. Petersburg, the Non-Commercial Partnership “Russian Association of Restorers (Rosregionrestavratsiya)” with the participation of the companies “Friedlander Paints”, REMMERS LLC and RUNIT LLC.
Nadezhda Akulova, member of the conference organizing committee, associate professor of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage of SPbGASU, reported that these conferences have been held within the walls of our university for more than 10 years. For the last five years, they have been held with international participation and are called “Reconstruction and Restoration of Architectural Heritage”, which corresponds to the official names of the federal state educational standards, according to which specialists in the restoration industry are trained. Professionals from St. Petersburg, Moscow, Baku, Tashkent, Kazan, Vladivostok, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Pskov, Vladimir, Tomsk, Astrakhan, Karelia, Irkutsk, Crimea and many other cities and regions of Russia and abroad have participated and are participating in the conferences.
“I am glad to see specialists of various restoration specialties, representatives of state protection agencies, restoration architects, restoration process managers, restoration work producers, managers of restoration materials organizations and managers who train personnel at the level of higher and secondary education. Such symbiosis has a beneficial effect on the preservation of our restoration industry,” said Nadezhda Akulova.
At the plenary session on March 25, Svetlana Golovina, First Vice-Rector of SPbGASU, addressed the participants with a greeting. Svetlana Gennadyevna outlined a wide range of topical issues that will be at the center of discussion for five days: monumental restoration, engineering aspects of restoration, construction restoration materials, preservation of cultural heritage sites, as well as training of specialists – both in basic and additional professional programs, retraining and advanced training programs.
Andrey Ermakov, Head of the Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for the Northwestern Federal District, shared his point of view that restoration is a branch of culture, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites is a necessary component of self-identity.
Vladimir Tsoi, Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Government and Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, made a welcoming video address. Vladimir Olegovich wished the conference participants fruitful work and acquaintance with the monuments of the Leningrad Region and St. Petersburg.
The welcoming message from Alexey Mikhailov, Chairman of KGIOP, was read by Yulia Bogacheva, Deputy Chairman of the Committee. Alexey Vladimirovich noted the high level of involvement of SPbGASU in current issues of urban development and adaptation of cultural heritage sites and the importance of exchanging practical experience.
Tatyana Chernyaeva, Chairperson of the Russian Association of Restorers, Acting Director of the State Autonomous Cultural Institution of the Leningrad Region “International Restoration Center”, emphasized the need to involve the scientific community in the development of legislative initiatives. Events such as the conference are necessary to develop a common consolidated opinion and promote it to the state level.
Sergey Semenov, professor of the Department of Urban Development at SPbGASU, expressed confidence that at least two thousand architect-restorers need to be graduated annually for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, and another thousand for the rest of the North-West. Sergey Vladimirovich also reminded that the professional standard “Architect-restorer” expires in 2028, and it is time to start preparing its new version.
Ekaterina Voznyak, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at SPbGASU, invited colleagues from Russian universities and representatives of the professional community to collaborate.
Rufat Guliyev, a practicing architect and lecturer at the Department of Restoration of Architectural Monuments of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, shared his joy that he could not only participate in the conference, but also admire the unique beauty of St. Petersburg.
Mikhail Mamoshin, chief architect and project manager of OOO Architectural Workshop Mamoshin, called for not differentiating between restoration, reconstruction and new construction. In his opinion, this is a single process, and graduates of architectural specialties need to have restoration skills.
The conference will last until March 28. The program includes sections, round tables, master classes, and excursions.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: New Zealand Government
Legislation passed today will support the continued safe operation of shooting clubs and shooting ranges, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.
“This is an important step towards modernising our firearms laws and ensuring shooting clubs and ranges are fairly regulated in a manner that supports public safety.
“The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2025 was developed as part of the Government’s four phased approach to firearms reform. It provides regulatory relief to the operators of shooting clubs and ranges; while making sure the necessary tools remain in place to ensure public safety,” Mrs McKee says.
The Act introduces several key changes to Part 6 of the Arms Act which include:
“The changes made to the Act simplify the regulatory requirements on shooting clubs and ranges, while maintaining public safety requirements. This will provide relief to club and range operators, who have struggled to comply with the unnecessary extra regulatory burden.”
The Act was developed following consultation with members of the clubs and ranges community, firearms safety experts, and community stakeholders, as well as valuable input from the wider public through the Select Committee process.
Updates to the Arms Regulations 1992 to reflect the changes made in the Act are expected to come into effect once the Bill comes into force in three months’ time.
“We have listened to the concerns of New Zealanders and worked to create a law that prioritises safety while ensuring responsible licenced firearms owners are treated fairly.
“This Act forms the second phase of the Government’s four phase approach to firearms reform, which will culminate in a complete rewrite of the Arms Act 1983,” Mrs McKee says.
Source: New South Wales – News
Police are investigating a death at Christie Downs this morning.
About 10am on Wednesday 26 March, police and paramedics were called to a unit at Rufus Crescent, Christie Downs after a woman was found collapsed at the property.
Police and paramedics located the woman at one of the units. Sadly, the 43-year-old Christie Downs woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A 54-year-old Christie Downs man at the scene was arrested after allegedly assaulting officers. He is currently in hospital undergoing treatment and will appear in court at a later date.
Southern District CIB detectives and forensic officers attended and examined the scene and are conducting further investigations.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are ongoing.
Anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity or has any information, dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation into the woman’s death is asked to speak to police at the scene or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au
Further information will be provided when known.
Source: United Nations MIL OSI b
The UN human rights chief on Thursday told a conference in the Ukrainian capital that in the face of Russia’s continuing full-scale invasion, they must unite and keep faith in democratic institutions.
Addressing the conference in Kyiv on reclaiming human rights and preserving dignity, High Commissioner Volker Türk once again voiced his “full solidarity” with the Ukrainian people and concern over the latest wave of attacks on energy facilities as temperatures plummet.
“Children, older people and those with disabilities will suffer most,” he added.
“From relentless drone attacks to the occupation of territory, from the suppression of culture to the abuse of prisoners of war – the human rights of Ukrainians are under siege. And this must end.”
He said it was more important than ever for unity, “moment to recommit to human rights and human dignity, and to build and maintain trust in each other and in democratic institutions.”
He added that the UN human rights office he leads, OHCHR, is doing its part to ensure accountability and justice by creating a public record of rights violations occurring during Ukraine’s war of national survival, which has already informed cases before the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice.
“I commend Ukrainians for coming together around human rights and around human dignity and assure you of our full commitment and support,” he concluded.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the 80th anniversary of the signing of the convention that opened the way to mass civilian air travel, by praising the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a testament to global cooperation.
“Across the decades, your organization, which the Convention established, has expanded dramatically, from 54 nations gathered in Chicago in 1944 to a membership of 193 today,” he noted.
Mr. Guterres highlighted the significant challenges facing the aviation industry today, particularly its role in addressing the climate crisis.
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN Tourism agency, global travel is on track for a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024, with 1.1 billion international tourists recorded in the first nine months of the year. However, this resurgence brings about sustainability challenges.
“Accounting for around 2 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, aviation is one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise. But with innovation and investment, it can be done,” Mr. Guterres noted.
ICAO’s new Long-Term Strategic Plan outlines its commitment to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
The Secretary-General commended ICAO’s leadership for aligning its efforts with the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that all countries benefit from sustainable aviation advancements.
Enforced disappearances remain a daily occurrence in Colombia, not just a historical legacy of the past, according to findings released on Thursday by the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) following their two-week mission to the country.
The preliminary findings painted a grim picture of disappearances including children, journalists, social leaders and migrants.
With estimates ranging from 98,000 to 200,000 missing persons, the exact scope of the crisis remains unclear due to fragmented record-keeping and institutional inefficiencies.
“Although enforced disappearances started in Colombia around the 1940s, they are not just a crime of the past. They continue to occur daily across the country in diverse circumstances,” the delegation reported after visiting six cities and meeting with 80 authorities, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
The investigation exposed a bureaucratic system where victims’ families face challenges in seeking justice.
One victim told investigators, “We don’t know where to turn. We’re tossed between institutions, no end in sight”.
The situation is further complicated by overlapping mandates among various agencies, with officials reporting that coordination efforts often result in endless meetings rather than concrete action. A single search process may require coordination with up to 60 different national and territorial authorities.
The Committee emphasised that immediate action is needed to streamline institutional responses and improve coordination. They noted that marginalised individuals, face additional obstacles in reporting disappearances, particularly in areas controlled by armed groups.
“Families of the disappeared deserve clarity, justice and accountability. Every disappeared person represents a family waiting for answers, a community torn apart and a society grappling with unresolved pain,” the delegation said.
Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)
Whether it be consumer guarantees or vehicle emissions, the automotive sector continues to be highly regulated, and the target of scrutiny from regulators and private litigants alike. In this Insight, we reflect on some of the key issues facing the sector.
In recent years, the automotive sector has been a prominent target of class actions, with multiple claims filed each year. However, the rate of new claims noticeably stalled in mid-to-late 2023. Although there were eight claims in 2023, seven of these were filed by May.
In our 2024 Class Action Risk Report, we suggested that class action promoters may have been adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach, pending the High Court’s guidance in the Toyota and Ford proceedings on the availability of ‘reduction in value damages’ for breaches of the acceptable quality guarantee under section 272(1)(a) of the Australian Consumer Law (the ACL). This form of damages has been a mainstay in previous automotive class actions and a substantial driver of significant damages awards.
The High Court provided that guidance late last year. As reported previously, it held that reduction in value (RIV) damages are a ‘performance based remedy’, reflecting the monetary difference between the value of what the consumer bargained for and what they ultimately received. The majority found that RIV damages are to be calculated as the amount by which the value of the goods was reduced by the failure to comply with the guarantee at the time of supply, with regard to ‘all that is known at the time of trial about the “state and condition of the goods”‘. Accordingly, the assessment includes consideration of both the nature of the defect, and the likely availability, timing, effectiveness, cost and inconvenience of any repairs.
Automakers can find welcome relief in this decision because the High Court’s approach gives recognition to ‘field actions’ carried out by manufacturers in reducing their liability. However, depending on the seriousness of the defect and/or how long it takes to repair, manufacturers’ potential exposure to damages may still be considerable.
It remains early days in assessing how class action promoters may respond to the High Court’s decision. Even so, there are initial signs that automotive class action filings may be regaining momentum, with two new claims filed in the past few months.
Recent years have seen a number of Australian automakers consider, and implement, changes to their distribution models—away from a traditional dealer structure and towards an agency arrangement. Under this change, instead of dealers purchasing cars from automakers and onselling them to customers at a mark-up, they act as agents and sell cars on the automaker’s behalf (generally at an agreed price and in exchange for commission).
While an agency approach gives automakers far more control over pricing and margins, the transition has been opposed by many franchisees, who fear a loss of profitability and goodwill in their business. Following Mercedes-Benz’s implementation of an agency model between 2016 to 2020, 38 of its 49 dealers commenced a class action alleging the loss of A$650 million in expropriated goodwill.
We have now seen two distribution model changes litigated through the Australian courts—Mercedes-Benz (referred to above) and Honda Australia, which restructured its dealership network in 2020. While Mercedes-Benz emerged (relatively) unscathed, Honda had mixed success before different courts, and the two cases provide a helpful illustration of the current state of the law. Importantly, the decisions confirm that:
With that said, in implementing any changes to distribution models, automakers should be very careful to honour existing contractual relationships and avoid misrepresentations or inaccurate statements. Compensation may be available where automakers eg :
The Mercedes-Benz and Honda cases concerned restructures that occurred before 2021, when the Franchising Code was amended to codify a compensation mechanism in circumstances where a motor vehicle franchisor terminates dealership agreements early. This regime will continue to apply under the new Franchising Code (see below). It will be interesting to see—in light of these decisions and the reforms to the Code—whether other automakers decide to follow in Mercedes-Benz and Honda’s footsteps.
The Federal Government has now legislated a new Franchising Code of Conduct, which will take effect on 1 April 2025 and replace the current version of the Code, which is due to ‘sunset’.
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For motor vehicle franchisors, the changes in the Code will start applying on the following dates:
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Automakers will need to make some changes to the standard form of their dealership agreements, and a new form of disclosure document is required to be created.
The new Code contains very few surprises for industry players who have been following its progress, as it largely aligns with the recommendations of the Independent Review released in February 2024 and the Exposure Draft released in October 2024.
For automakers, it is important to note that the new Code has retained, without substantive changes, the provisions relating to compensation where a franchisor terminates dealership agreements early (with the changes proposed in the earlier Exposure Draft not implemented). The new Code also retains the obligation on motor vehicle franchisors to ensure that dealership agreements give franchisees a reasonable opportunity to make a return on their investment.
The following reforms in the new Code are relevant to automakers who distribute through dealership or agency networks in Australia:
This change aligns the statutory definition with judicial interpretation of the Code in the AHG v Mercedes-Benz case.1 It is broadly designed to prevent franchisors from structuring contracts with dealers so as to exclude service and repair work from the Code’s application, while ensuring that pure service and repair franchise businesses are not subject to obligations specific to ‘motor vehicle dealerships’.
Outside of the new Code, the Government has legislated to empower the ACCC to issue infringement notices with penalties at the upper end of what is currently available under the ACL (ie $19,800 for a body corporate).
With the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024 (Cth) (the NVES Act) taking effect at the start of this year, and the accumulation of the associated units and penalties commencing on 1 July 2025, the new standard is now kicking into gear.
The NVES Act forms a central part of the Government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy, which aims to promote Australia’s transition to a decarbonised transport system by providing a national framework to enhance the supply of, and access to, electric vehicles. Under the NVES Act, suppliers are incentivised to uptake more fuel-efficient, low or zero emission vehicles (including electric vehicles) through the following mechanisms:
If the supplier’s IEV has not been fully offset at the end of this period, the supplier will be liable for a civil penalty calculated at the scale of $100 for every gram of CO2 per kilometre of the supplier’s IEV that has not been offset. As the penalty regime applies to each covered vehicle, there is potential for significant fleetwide penalties, presenting a substantial new regulatory risk for automakers importing new vehicles into Australia.
We continue to see non-government organisations (NGOs) playing an increasingly prominent role in highlighting alleged instances of greenwashing by automakers, often with the dual aims of raising public awareness and agitating for regulatory enforcement action.
Recent examples of this phenomenon are widespread. In 2023, the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), an Australian environmental legal centre, published a report assessing climate-related claims made by the largest automotive companies in Australia. Most significantly, the report alleged that almost all automakers had made exaggerated climate-related claims, particularly by misleadingly comparing hybrid vehicles to ‘lower emitting electric vehicles’.
To similar effect, United States-based advocacy group Ekō published a report in 2024 reviewing one automaker’s online marketing of its electrified vehicle line. The report surveyed 23 jurisdictions, including Australia, and alleged (among other things) that the automaker had misled consumers by using words such as ‘electrification’ on its website to describe hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The automaker was said to have capitalised on growing electric vehicle demand to sell more of its hybrid (and allegedly polluting) vehicles.
Ekō urged regulators worldwide, including the ACCC, to investigate its findings and those contained in EDO’s 2023 report, highlighting the growing relationship between NGOs and regulators in the enforcement of greenwashing claims.
In May 2024, it was reported the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner had commenced an inquiry aimed at ensuring that connected vehicles purchased in Australia protected sensitive personal data.
While details of the inquiry have not been released, the Privacy Commissioner, Carly Kind, has stated that ‘cars are now [a] kind of computers on wheels’ that collect a lot of personal information and there is ‘not a lot of transparency or understanding about how that data is being used’.
Whether this inquiry becomes public remains to be seen, but it contributes to growing public and media attention on the auto industry regarding privacy and data security issues, following several recent high-profile data breach incidents—as well as various studies released over the past several years that have been highly critical of the privacy compliance of connected vehicles. Privacy advocates have also raised concerns around intrusive surveillance made possible through connected services.
These trends in the auto sector reflect the broader scrutiny being placed on privacy and large-scale data use, in the context of a number of pieces of law reform in late 2024, such as:
We anticipate that car manufacturers and auto financiers will come under increasing privacy and cyber scrutiny, given the volume and potential sensitivity of data collected at scale through connected vehicles. We will be providing an in-depth look into these issues in a future Insight.
There is momentum building for consumer law reforms that, if introduced, could significantly affect the automotive sector. Among other things, the Government signalled its commitment late last year to a suite of reforms including to the consumer guarantees in the ACL, and the introduction of a prohibition on unfair trading practices.
The proposals to strengthen the consumer guarantees were set out in a Consultation Paper released in October 2024 for feedback. The paper cited evidence that for high-value goods, and vehicles in particular, consumers find it difficult to obtain a remedy for breaches of the consumer guarantees. The proposed reforms include:
Treasury is expected to publish a Decision Regulation Impact Statement that will set out the Government’s preferred options in relation to these proposals.
Separately, the Government has outlined proposals for a new prohibition on unfair trading practices. This prohibition would target conduct that might not meet the ACL thresholds for misleading or unconscionable conduct, but nonetheless causes consumer detriment through the distortion or manipulation of consumer choices (eg online pressure tactics). A Consultation Paper from November 2024 set out proposed general and specific prohibitions in this regard, and a Decision Regulation Impact Statement is now also anticipated, furthering these proposals.
Source: New South Wales – News
A southern suburbs man was arrested today charged with two counts of disseminating child exploitation material and two counts of possessing child exploitation material.
On Wednesday 26 March, Investigators from the South Australian JACET, a joint taskforce between South Australia Police and Australian Federal Police, attended a southern suburbs address as a result of an online conversation between the accused and a covert online police officer.
Investigators and Digital Evidence Specialists arrested a 43-year-old man from the address.
Initial forensic digital examinations allegedly located child exploitation material on the man’s two mobile phones.
Further forensic examination will be conducted, and additional charges may be laid.
The arrested man was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Tomkins, Investigations Manager of JACET, stated, “Alongside our partner agencies, we are absolutely committed to prosecuting anyone who goes after our community’s most vulnerable.
“We maintain our online presence with an unwavering dedication to identify those who would prey on our children, who quite innocently are utilising the internet for a variety of reasons.
“It is confronting and challenging for the investigators to engage with such persons however the officers are relentless in their pursuit of those who believe they can operate on the internet and prey on our children.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report
If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on Triple Zero (000).
CO2500012584
Source:
Crews responded just before 7pm and after a long and careful operation to remove Roxy from the rocks that create the breakwater for the entrance to Martha’s Cove, the crews were then faced with the challenge of getting the injured dog off the rocks.
Roxy was unable to walk after her ordeal, the crews had the options of carrying Roxy over the rough terrain or waiting for a boat to arrive from Marine Rescue or Coast Guard to take her by sea.
Light was fading quickly as a Jet Ski operator passed by slowly, allowing firefighters to ask his assistance.
He was happy to help however, the sore Roxy didn’t much like the idea of getting on board.
Eventually a boat returning to the dock came along, hoping to be in by dark they were swept willingly into the rescue operation.
With surgeon like precision, the boat’s captain manoeuvred his craft close to the rocks near the rescuers.
Roxy, safely in a stretcher, and her owner were then able to board the vessel and return safety to dock.
“This is a great example of the community coming together to assist strangers, without question or hesitation” Commander Tony Ford said.
“We really would like to thank the boat and Jet Ski operators for coming to the assistance of the rescue operation” he said.
“And the good news is the Roxy was able to walk off the boat and jump in the family wagon waiting at the end of the pier.”
| Submitted by | CFA Media |
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William van Caenegem, Professor of Law, Bond University
The Labor government used this week’s budget to announce it plans to ban non-compete agreements for employees on less than A$175,000 per year, a move that will affect about 3 million Australian workers.
Describing them as “unfair”, a media release by federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said non‑compete clauses “are holding back Australian workers from switching to better, higher‑paying jobs”. Banning non-compete clauses could lift the wages of affected workers by up to 4%, the government has said.
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry quickly called the measure “heavy-handed”, arguing that very few employees, according to businesses, turn down employment due to non-compete clauses.
However, research I did with colleagues from Melbourne and Monash universities showed very few employees signing a new job contract ever think about the end of the relationship and what might happen after.
Workers often accept non-compete clauses with little understanding or regard for their practical implications.
The current law says contractual clauses that stop departing workers from taking a new job in their preferred line of work, often for long periods of time, are – in principle – unenforceable.
That is, however, unless a court says a particular non-compete clause is “reasonably required” to protect a “legitimate interest”.
Therein lies the problem: it is hard to predict when, where or under what circumstances a court will find a particular clause is “reasonably required”.
Our research concluded this uncertainty favoured employers with greater nous and resources.
These employers have the advantage over employees, who are rarely willing or able to go to court arguing their non-compete clause is invalid.
This has a chilling effect on the mobility of employees. In other words, these clauses make it harder for workers to change jobs.
That’s detrimental to labour market competition and can hold back knowledge-sharing and economic growth.
In California, non-compete clauses have long been banned. Many economists have identified this as among the key reasons for the success of the Californian knowledge economy. This example also featured in a submission I made (with researcher Caitlyn Douglas) to a 2024 Treasury review into non-compete clauses in Australia.
US research from 2021 also found non-compete clauses can hinder labour mobility. They can impede fundamental freedoms such as freedom of employment and freedom of general competition.
In 2024, under President Biden, the US Federal Trade Commission banned non-competes clauses across the US.
However, the ban has been blocked due to legal challenges in the US Federal Court. It’s also been reported the Trump administration may kill off these reforms altogether.
The UK government proposed in 2023 limiting non-competes to a maximum of three months.
Unlike in some countries, Australian law does not require employers to compensate their ex-employee for loss of income during their non-compete period.
This means that if workers comply and do not work in the field they’re most skilled for, they will take a serious financial hit for months or more.
This is another detrimental effect of non-compete clauses. They really hurt if the worker in question is lower paid and has very specific skills (such as hairdressers or dental assistants).
In that respect, Labor’s mooted ban on such clauses for employees on less than $175,000 is well conceived.
Courts will usually only enforce a non-compete clause if its terms are reasonable to protect a legitimate interest, such as trade secrets an employee has learned during their employment.
However, it’s mostly higher-ranked employees that have access to really significant trade secrets, such as technical information, confidential business plans or pricing structures.
Higher paid employees are also more often the “public face of the business”. A court might decide it’s fair to say such workers can’t leave and the next day turn up as the main face of a competing business.
And the new government proposal won’t leave employers without any recourse against employees who take their genuine trade secrets and pass them on to their new employers. They will still be able to sue for breach of confidence.
The proposed reforms are well supported by authoritative legal and economic research.
The federal government will have to consider carefully how to make sure the prohibition cannot be easily circumvented.
And they’ll have to ensure these reforms don’t make it more likely judges will find restraints valid for those on more than A$175,000. Labour and knowledge mobility remain crucially important for them too.
Another key challenge will be ensuring a ban doesn’t encourage practices or clauses restricting competition to emerge or become too prevalent.
That could include “garden leave” clauses. These give a departing employee a long notice period, during which they are paid but do not work and are isolated from their employment (and instead “doing the gardening” at home).
The risk is that if employers can no longer include non-compete clauses in contracts, they might use long garden leave provisions more often.
Although it is good that “garden leave” employees get paid during that period (unlike during a non-compete term), they are still isolated from their work, stagnating in their skills and unable to move to new employment.
William van Caenegem received funding from the Australian Research Council a decade ago for some of the research referred to in this article.
– ref. Non-compete clauses make it too hard to change jobs. Banning them for millions of Australians is a good move – https://theconversation.com/non-compete-clauses-make-it-too-hard-to-change-jobs-banning-them-for-millions-of-australians-is-a-good-move-253101
Source: New South Wales Community and Justice
Police investigating after man taken into custody at Goodwood
Wednesday, 26 March 2025 – 3:04 pm.
Police are continuing to investigate after a man was taken into custody at Goodwood earlier today.
About 9.30am police were called to a disturbance at a private residence at Claremont where a man was behaving erratically while in possession of an edged weapon.
The man then allegedly stole a vehicle and fled the scene before police arrived. Nobody was physically injured.
Police will allege the man then drove to Goodwood where he crashed into a building in the Technopark area and entered the premises.
Police arrived within minutes and the man was quickly taken into custody.
A woman, believed to have been known to the man, received minor injuries during an altercation with him.
She was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
The building at Goodwood was evacuated and declared a crime scene.
A second crime scene was declared at the Claremont residence before police were called to a residence at West Moonah following reports of a fire.
That property has also been declared a crime scene, and police are investigating whether the fire is connected to the incidents at Claremont and Goodwood.
Nobody was home at the time of the fire.
Inspector Jason Klug said the suspect -– a 55-year-old West Moonah man – remained in custody.
“This is a concerning incident, involving a private workplace, and we recognise the impact this may have on staff as well as the broader community,” he said.
“However, we’d like to reassure the public the suspect was quickly taken into custody and there is no ongoing threat.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
Senator Rosen Was Also Recently Reaffirmed As One Of The Most Bipartisan Senators
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) was named one of the top ten most effective Democratic Senators in the 118th Congress, according to a non-partisan study by the Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University released today. Senator Rosen was the ninth most effective Senate Democrat and the third-most effective first-term senator, making her one of only four first-term senators who “exceeded expectations” as above-average effective lawmakers.
“Nevadans know that I’m an independent voice for them in the U.S. Senate who works across party lines to get things done,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m honored to have been recognized once again as one of the most effective senators for my work to deliver for the people of Nevada. I’ll continue to be a strong, effective advocate for our state and will work tirelessly to help hardworking families thrive.”
Since arriving in Congress, Senator Rosen has worked across party lines to deliver for Nevada. She has been consistently named and reaffirmed as one of the most bipartisan members of the Senate. She has also been recognized as one of the most independent senators for being willing to break with her own party to deliver for Nevada.
The Center for Effective Lawmaking at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University legislative effectiveness scorecard can be found here.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, issued the following statement condemning President Donald Trump’s harmful executive order that threatens to disenfranchise millions of American voters and undermines Congress’ authority over the administration of federal elections and the independence of the Election Assistance Commission:
“As former California Secretary of State and Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, I know full well that President Trump’s executive order does nothing to improve the safety of our federal elections — what it would do is disenfranchise millions of eligible American voters.
“President Trump is a notorious election denier. He lacks the authority to implement many of the changes laid out in this illegal executive order, which also ignores the requirements set forth in the bipartisan Help America Vote Act.
“Free and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy and attempts by the President to make it harder for eligible voters to participate hurts all Americans, regardless of party. I stand ready to work with anyone on responsible solutions to improve election security and increase voter participation, but this sham order is not the answer. I will keep fighting against the Trump Administration’s brazen attempts to undermine our elections, and will work to protect American voters.”
As Ranking Member of the Rules Committee, which has oversight over federal elections, Senator Padilla has fought against President Trump’s unprecedented attacks against election security. Last week, Padilla and Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) led 29 Democratic Senators in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to continue the essential work of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force, which directs the Department’s efforts to protect election officials from rising threats and acts of violence. Last month, he pressed senior officials at CISA for answers after they fired employees who have worked to combat election misinformation. During his first business meeting as Rules Committee Ranking Member, Padilla highlighted threats to election security and the importance of free and fair elections. Additionally, Padilla expressed serious concerns about the dangerous implications for elections following President Trump’s executive order purporting to bring independent regulatory agencies under total control of the White House. Padilla previously denounced the illegal firing of Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Ellen Weintraub and led 10 Democratic Senators to demand President Trump rescind his attempt.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police have taken a third young person into custody in relation to an aggravated robbery in Invercargill.
At around 3.30am on Monday 24 March, Police were alerted to four people entering a store on North Road. The group targeted cigarettes and tobacco before fleeing in a vehicle.
Today, Police located the youth and took them into custody without incident.
The young person appeared in Invercargill Youth Court today.
Police continue to investigate the aggravated burglary and further arrests are likely.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: South Australia Police
Take part in the City’s annual Community Waste Drop-Off Weekend on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April 2025 at the Ashby Operations Centre.
Open from 8am to 4pm all weekend, this event offers an easy and environmentally friendly way to dispose of bulky and hard-to-recycle items including:
Last year, more than 900 residents took part in the event, which saw an impressive amount of waste collected, including:
Mayor Linda Aitken said the annual event helped reduce waste to landfill and tackle illegal dumping
“The community waste drop-off weekend is the perfect opportunity to clear out unwanted, bulky items and make sure they’re disposed of responsibly,” she said.
“Recycling isn’t just about disposing of waste, it’s about coming together as a community to protect our future.
“Together, we’re creating a cleaner, greener community, and this event is just one way to help reduce waste.”
Can’t get down to drop off your bulky waste? You can always check out more info on the City’s bookable bulk service or head to nearby recycling centres like Wangara Greens Recycling Facility, Tamala Park or Balcatta Recycling Centre.
Event details:
After dropping off your recycling, tree’t yourself!
The City will also be giving away free native shrubs and tree seedlings as part of the City’s Wannagrow program for the WA Tree Festival. These will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday 5 April until stocks last.
For more details including what you can and can’t drop-off, visit the Community Waste Drop-Off Weekend event page. Limits and conditions apply.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.
Released 25/03/2025
The ACT Government welcomes the wide range of initiatives in the 2025-26 Commonwealth Budget that will benefit Canberrans and our city.
Continued cost of living relief for all Canberrans
The ACT Government welcomes new relief for Canberrans who need it most, with tax cuts across the board including a further exemption for low-income earners with increases to the Medicare levy low-income thresholds.
We also know that Canberra households have faced significantly rising costs over the past two years, which thankfully have started to moderate. The $150 Energy Bill Relief for every household in the ACT will provide much needed relief for nearly two hundred thousand Canberra households as well as small businesses.
Across the five jurisdictions in the National Electricity Market, the ACT is expected to have the lowest standing offers in 2025-26 – the future is renewable.
Additionally, the Commonwealth Government’s largest investment in Medicare since its inception will help take some of the pressure off our hospital system and continue to ensure Canberrans get the care they need when they need it.
Canberrans deserve to be able to access bulk-billed GPs and appropriately funding primary care is critical to address the complexities of demand in our health system.
Funding for an additional urgent care clinic in Woden is delivered through the budget, as is a boost to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme that will benefit all Canberrans.
Canberrans are more likely than any other Australians to have a tertiary qualification and so will disproportionately benefit from further reductions in HECS-HELP debts; we want more Canberrans to attain tertiary qualifications for the jobs of the future and for more Australians to choose our great universities as their preferred place of study.
Housing
The ACT Government remains committed to delivering on the targets set out in the National Housing Accord and we are working to deliver above our per capita share of the national target of 1.2 million homes. We know that increasing housing supply will improve housing affordability, access and choice for Canberrans.
The ACT Government welcomes the increased income and property price caps under the Government’s Help to Buy scheme which will support more Canberrans to enter the housing market with lower deposits and smaller mortgages. Purchase of homes of up to $1 million in Canberra will now be supported under the scheme, up from $750,000.
The ACT’s apprentices in residential construction will benefit from $10,000 in cost of living completion payments, which will support the construction industry to build more homes.
National Capital Investment Framework
The ACT Government welcomes this additional investment into major transport infrastructure across our city.
We will continue to work in partnership with the Commonwealth Government to deliver projects that create local jobs and strengthen our economy.
This pipeline of investment supports our broader strategic objectives for transport planning including unlocking land for more housing, new public transport routes and improving connections with our surrounding region.
The Budget commits another $53.5 million as part of the 2025-26 to support the next stage of growth and ensure projects across the territory can actually be delivered. This includes:
The Budget also provides a $30 million boost over five years for the ACT under the Roads to Recovery program, which will go directly to maintaining the ACT’s existing road network. This includes $8.6 million for resurfacing the Kings Highway near Kowen.
Under the previous Commonwealth Government, Commonwealth infrastructure investment for Canberra lagged behind the rest of the country.
Public Service
A strong Australian Public Service is crucial to Canberra’s economy and local businesses. The ACT Government welcomes the continued strong support for the Public Service by the Commonwealth Government which has supported continued low unemployment and strong wage growth across the broader economy.
Over this term of government, the Commonwealth Government has supported this growth in the APS across every part of our city. The ACT Government welcomes the continued investment in the National Security Office Precinct which started construction earlier this year.
An alternative approach of severe and prolonged cuts to the Australian Public Service would be an attack on Canberra’s economy and local businesses.
National Broadband Network
The ACT will be the largest proportionate beneficiary from a $3 billion investment the National Broadband Network. This investment will see 100,000 more Canberrans connected with faster and more reliable internet by upgrading remaining fibre-to-the node (FTTN) network.
– Statement ends –
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
Former investment manager sentenced for creating false documents for investors following ASIC investigation and CDPP prosecution
Ben.PetersJones
On 20 December 2024, Brett Trevillian was convicted and sentenced in the NSW District Court to three years’ imprisonment, to be served by way of an intensive correction order, following a plea of guilty to two charges of making a false document to obtain a financial advantage, contrary to s 253(b)(ii) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).
Mr Trevillian was an investment manager and the sole secretary and director of a company called Metal Alpha Pty Ltd (Metal Alpha).
Mr Trevillian, through Metal Alpha, was contracted as the investment manager for a company called AlphaThorn Pty Ltd. AlphaThorn was controlled by Gabriel Yakob and offered investment products to private clients/investors (‘high net-worth individuals‘). Two such products AlphaThorn offered were the ‘Secured Service’ and the ‘Enhanced Service’. Both these products were based on Mr Trevillian’s purported trading strategy, which he called ‘The Gold Method’.
In March 2019, Yakob and AlphaThorn instructed Mr Trevillian to retain an accountancy firm to verify the returns on investments that Mr Trevillian purportedly had been traded in the past using The Gold Method. The report was, ultimately, to be used as a form of advertisement for AlphaThorn, to show prospective investors the high return on investments that had been achieved in the past and induce future investment. Mr Trevillian knew the purpose of the reports was to provide the report to prospective future investors.
Mr Trevillian never went to an accountancy firm to obtain such a report. Instead, during the period 22 April 2019 to 2 October 2019, Mr Trevillian created four forged documents, each called a ‘Portfolio Performance Verification – Report of factual findings’ (PVR). He then provided the PVRs to AlphaThorn and claimed he received them from the accountancy practice, Bell Partners Advisors Auditors Pty Ltd (Bell Partners).
The forged PVRs falsely verified or claimed a history of successful investment returns and falsely claimed that trading had been conducted through a particular broking firm and that the reports had been produced by an external firm of accountants who had verified actual trading – including forging the signature of an accountant.
On 14 July 2020, Bell Partners learnt of the forgery and subsequently reported the matter to ASIC.
Following an ASIC investigation and referral to the CDPP, Mr Trevillian was charged with four offences contrary to section s 253(b)(ii) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), to which he entered early pleas of guilty at committal to two rolled up offences. The maximum penalty for each offence was imprisonment for 10 years.
The sentence hearing was heard before Judge Neilson in the Downing Centre District Court on 23‑25 September 2024, with judgment handed down on 8 November and 20 December 2024.
His Honour sentenced the offender to three years’ imprisonment to be served by way of an intensive correction order (ICO).
His Honour noted the offender’s good character, found him to have good prospects of rehabilitation and noted the onerousness of a custodial sentence. His Honour also applied a 25% discount for the early guilty pleas.
ASIC Media Release (11 November 2024) – Former investment manager Brett Trevillian sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for forging reports for investors
Source: South Australia Police
We’re pleased to welcome 12 local primary schools into the 2025 City of Wanneroo School Leadership Program.
Since 2019, the program has fostered leadership, teamwork and community connection among young people in our community and has helped nearly 500 students develop confidence and skills to lead positive change within their community.
As part of the program, participating students band together to create a community action project that focuses on improving the environment, safety, advocacy, inclusion or health in their neighbourhoods.
Mayor Linda Aitken said the program played an important role in shaping the future leaders of our communities.
“The School Leadership Program empowers young people to make a real difference in their own backyard, and investing in our young people is investing in the future of the City of Wanneroo,” she said.
“Through this program, we are not only developing leadership skills but also fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility that will benefit our community for years to come.”
This year’s participating schools are:
The program kicks off with the Youth Leadership Forum on 8 May, where students will engage in interactive workshops, hear from inspiring leaders and start developing their Community Action Projects.
Stay tuned as these young changemakers embark on their leadership journey.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
New Zealand Police will host the latest dog graduation on Thursday 27 March at 1pm.
Handlers and their dogs will be celebrating in front of whānau and friends and members of the New Zealand Police executive and the New Zealand Army.
Graduating from the police patrol dog course are ‘Delta’ teams from Auckland, Waikato, Eastern, Central, and Wellington Districts.
Also graduating from their Explosives Detector Dog (EDD) course are three handler and dog teams from No 2 Field Squadron.
Media are invited to attend the prizegiving which starts at 1pm at the Police Dog Training Centre, Dante Road, Trentham.
Please arrive at 12.45pm and RSVP attendance to: media@police.govt.nz
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
