Queensland faces a sharp rise in e-mobility injuries, with new data showing a record 2,000 people hospitalized in 2025—a 23% jump from 2024 and 45% more than 2023. Experts say urgent reforms are needed as the state prepares for a pivotal Parliamentary Inquiry report. RACQ and partners are urging the government to address enforcement, retail, education, infrastructure, and hire schemes to stem the surge in injuries. Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit data shows 2,000 e-mobility injuries presented at Emergency Departments in 2025, up from 1,626 in 2024 and 1,380 in 2023. With data covering just 25-30% of hospitals, the real number is likely far higher. RACQ’s Dr Michael Kane called it a “rapidly worsening situation” and urged immediate action. “Queensland’s e-mobility crisis has reached tipping point,” Dr Kane said. He welcomed the Premier’s promise of a strong response, given Queensland’s rising hospitalisations. “At least 2,000 Queenslanders were admitted to hospital in 2025 due to e-mobility injuries, but as emphasised during the inquiry last year, these figures represent real individuals whose lives have been upended.” Case studies include a person struck by an e-scooter at 50km/h, suffering serious spinal injuries, and another cyclist hit by an e-scooter who spent eight weeks in hospital. RACQ and partners want the Parliamentary Committee’s report to deliver strong, immediate safety measures. They’re calling for a crackdown on illegal e-devices, safer retail practices, a revamp of hire schemes, improved data transparency, statewide education, and investment in safer paths. “We’re also callin12g for better data transparency, statewide education campaigns, and major investment in safer footpaths, shared paths and separated bike lanes.

Two Queensland residents are set to appear in court today, following allegations they purchased a fishing trawler with suspected illicit funds to facilitate drug importation into Australia. A 32-year-old man is scheduled to face Mackay Magistrates Court, while a 37-year-old woman will appear before Beenleigh Magistrates Court. The charges come after authorities flagged a suspicious voyage, prompting an investigation into the purchase of a fishing trawler reportedly used in the scheme. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the man allegedly established a trawl fishing company in December 2024. Within a month, suspicious deposits totaling approximately $500,000 were made into the company’s accounts. Investigators believe that about $230,000 of those funds were used to purchase the trawler in February 2025. Police allege that the bank transactions linked to the man were inconsistent with the operations of a genuine fishing business. Authorities further allege that the vessel served as the couple’s primary residence until January 2026 and was acquired with illicit funds to support the importation of illegal drugs. Yesterday, the AFP executed four simultaneous search warrants on properties in South-East Queensland and Mackay, seizing multiple electronic devices and documents for examination. Both suspects have been charged with one count each of dealing with money and property worth $100,000 or more, intending for the property to be used as an instrument of crime—namely, the importation of border-controlled drugs. The charge, under section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Shane Scott emphasized the agency’s commitment to community safety and the ongoing effort to disrupt drug trafficking operations. “The AFP is committed to defending Australia from drug trafficking and disrupting anyone attempting to profit at the expense and suffering of the community,” he said. He added, “Illicit drugs attack the fabric of a safe society, so no matter how small a part a person plays in the importation of drugs, know that the AFP and our law enforcement partners will make sure you face your day in court.”

Tabcorp Holdings Limited has been hit with a $158,400 penalty after the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found the company had illegally accepted online in-play sports bets, in breach of Australian law. An ACMA investigation revealed that Tabcorp had taken 426 in-play bets across 32 tennis matches between February 2024 and June 2025. In-play betting—placing wagers after a sporting event has commenced—is prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. According to the ACMA, all the illegal bets were voided and customers were refunded. The authority accepted Tabcorp’s explanation that the breaches were due to systems and communication issues with a third-party provider. ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood noted that this is the third time since 2021 that Tabcorp has breached the rules on in-play betting. “The law is clear and wagering services must have processes in place to prevent illegal in-play bets from being accepted,” Ms Lidgerwood said. She added, “While we understand that most wagering operators rely on third-party providers to close betting on sporting events, they cannot outsource their legal responsibilities. The length of time it took Tabcorp to identify and then fix the problem was concerning and we expect Tabcorp to do better in the future.” Along with the financial penalty, Tabcorp has entered into a comprehensive enforceable undertaking, requiring the company to review its systems and processes around closing betting on tennis matches and to report regularly to the ACMA. Any further non-compliance could result in proceedings through the Federal Court.  

A bill to cap petrol price increases to a maximum of 5 cents per day, and to lock in 50c public transport fares forever has been introduced into Parliament. Bart Mellish, Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads, published a post on Facebook with the question: “Will the Government support our bill, or will they ignore Queenslanders struggling under volatile petrol costs?” The Transport Affordability Amendment Bill 2026 aims to tackle sudden price hikes and promoting transparency in fuel pricing, according to the Minister. With data covering just 25-30% of hospitals, the real number is likely far higher. RACQ’s Dr Michael Kane called it a “rapidly worsening situation” and urged immediate action. “Queensland’s e-mobility crisis has reached tipping point,” Dr Kane said. In practice, Fuel retailers will have to submit a fuel price notice to the Queensland Commissioner before 2 pm on the day prior to selling fuel. Notices must state the price at which fuel will be offered without discounts during the ensuing 24-hour “relevant period.” Retailers are prohibited from increasing the price of a fuel type during its relevant period above the price stated in the notice. If a retailer offers fuel at a lower price within the relevant period, it must issue a reduced-price notice within 30 minutes, naming the retailer and service station. The bill also states that when setting a new fuel price notice, fuel retailers cannot state a price more than 5 cents per litre higher than the price in the previous notice (or last reduced price), preventing sharp spikes from day to day.

Brisbane’s public swimming pools have seen record attendance this summer, with more than 513,000 residents taking advantage of the $2 Summer Dips program across December and January. The initiative, introduced as part of the 2023/24 budget, offers $2 entry to 22 public pools across Brisbane. According to council figures, this has resulted in an estimated $2 million in savings for pool users during the two-month period. The program, now in its third year, has reportedly saved Brisbane families around $7.5 million to date, with a total of 1.9 million residents participating since its inception. Each pool offers something unique for swimmers of all ages and abilities – from wading pools, splash buckets and water play equipment, through to traditional 25-metre and 50 metre indoor and outdoor pools. So far this summer, Sandgate Pool has emerged as Brisbane’s most popular swimming spot, welcoming more than 65,000 visitors, followed closely by Newmarket Olympic Swimming Pool with 64,000 visitors and Musgrave Park Swimming Centre with 42,000 visitors. A new swim wall is set to be installed at the Newmarket pool, allowing the space to be converted into two 25-metre pools when required and improving flexibility for swimmers. Works are scheduled to begin in May 2026. Proposals to undertake a major expansion of the Chermside pool will soon begin to flow in, with those interested in the redevelopment of the pool invited to attend an industry briefing this month. The $2 Summer Dips program is scheduled to run until the end of February. TOP 5 MOST POPULAR POOLS THIS SUMMER: 1. Sandgate Aquatic Centre – 65,6032. Newmarket Olympic Swimming Pool – 64,8793. Musgrave Park Swimming Centre – 42,953 4. Yeronga Park Memorial Swimming Pool – 37,9915. Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool – 32,076

Canberra, the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of the Tibetan community were prominently showcased at this year’s National Multicultural Festival 2026, held in Canberra from 6 to 8 February. Organised as part of one of Australia’s most significant multicultural gatherings, the Tibetan Cultural Centre Ltd displayed highlighted traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual objects, colourful Thangka appliqués, prayer flags, and cultural artefacts that drew the attention of festival visitors. Central to the exhibit was the celebration of the Year of Compassion, a global initiative honouring the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and emphasising kindness, peace, and unity. Alongside the displays, members of the Tibetan community took part in the festival’s vibrant Cultural Parade. Participants, including students from Tibetan language schools in Canberra and Sydney, shared traditional dances and performances, delivering a mesmerising showcase of Tibetan cultural expression. Festivalgoers were also treated to an authentic taste of Tibetan cuisine, with the community’s momo stall proving particularly popular. The stall was visited by the ACT Chief Minister, the Honourable Andrew Barr, who sampled the traditional dumplings, a moment that underscored the event’s role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. This year’s festival provided a platform for the Nepalese, Bhutanese, and Tibetan communities, among many others, to share their heritage with visitors from around Australia. The displays and performances not only celebrated ancient traditions but also contributed to a broader understanding of compassion, harmony, and cultural diversity. As a cornerstone of Canberra’s cultural calendar, the National Multicultural Festival continues to reinforce Australia’s commitment to inclusive celebration, community connection, and intercultural dialogue.

Five students from Oxley High School in New South Wales have officially become Australian citizens, marking an important milestone in their personal and educational journeys. The students participated in citizenship workshops designed to support young people from multicultural backgrounds as they prepared for the citizenship process. The tailored sessions aimed to build understanding of Australian civic values, responsibilities, and community participation. School representatives said the workshops helped foster a strong sense of belonging and inclusion among the students, many of whom come from culturally diverse families. The initiative highlights the role schools can play in supporting young migrants and international families as they integrate into Australian society. The citizenship achievement was celebrated as both a personal accomplishment for the students and a reflection of Australia’s multicultural identity. Community leaders have emphasised that initiatives such as citizenship education programs strengthen social cohesion and help young Australians feel connected to their local communities. The milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of education, inclusion and opportunity in building a unified and diverse Australia.

The 2026 Perth Festival has officially opened, transforming the city with immersive installations, powerful storytelling, and large-scale cultural programming that places community and connection at its centre. A highlight of this year’s festival is Karla Bidi, meaning “fire trail” in the Noongar language. The installation stretches along the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), featuring illuminated gathering points that symbolise traditional First Nations practices of coming together around campfires. The light and sound experience invites visitors to reflect on culture, place, and shared history while engaging with Perth’s natural landscape. Festival organisers have positioned the river at the heart of this year’s programming, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and community participation. Among the featured works are interactive installations encouraging residents and visitors to share personal stories, creating a living tapestry of voices across the city. The Noongar-inspired elements underscore the importance of recognising ancient traditions and Country as a living part of Australia’s contemporary cultural identity. Through light, sound, and performance, the festival explores themes of resilience, belonging, and cultural memory. Running until 1 March, Perth Festival 2026 features events for all ages, including evening light displays, performances, and city-wide creative projects celebrating both local and international artists. As the installations illuminate the city each night, the festival continues to draw crowds to Perth’s public spaces, reinforcing the role of arts and culture in strengthening community connection and celebrating Australia’s diverse creative landscape.

Brisbane, The Queensland Government has announced a new suite of gun control measures aimed at tightening firearms ownership rules and bolstering public safety in the wake of rising community concerns. Under the proposed reforms, most firearm licences would be restricted to Australian citizens, limiting access for other categories of permit holders. The laws also introduce tougher penalties for criminal use of guns, including mandatory minimum sentences for offences such as drive-by shootings and serious weapon-related crimes. In addition to citizenship-based licensing restrictions, the legislation targets loopholes that may be exploited for illegal purposes, such as the creation or possession of improvised weapons, including those made with 3D printing technology. Police powers to seize unregistered firearms have also been strengthened under the reforms. The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the state government to address community safety risks and respond to national debates on gun control following a terror attack in Sydney late last year. Senior ministers have said the changes aim to strike a balance between responsible firearm ownership and greater protections for the public. However, the new measures have drawn criticism from some gun safety advocates and civil liberties groups, who argue that the reforms do not go far enough and could leave gaps in preventing firearm misuse. Opposition parties in Queensland have also signalled concerns about the potential impacts on lawful firearm owners, particularly those in rural and regional areas. Community leaders and victim support organisations have welcomed aspects of the reforms, noting the importance of preventing violent crime and reducing access to dangerous weapons. Public consultations and parliamentary debate on the legislation are expected in the coming weeks. The gun law reforms mark a significant step in Queensland’s approach to public safety policy, reflecting a renewed focus on reducing gun-related harm while balancing the rights and responsibilities of legal firearm holders.

The Australian share market enjoyed its strongest trading session since April 2025 on Monday, as investor sentiment improved and broad gains drove the S&P/ASX 200 index higher. The benchmark ASX 200 rose sharply, climbing by 1.85 per cent, marking its most robust performance in nearly a year and clawing back losses from recent sessions. All 11 main market sectors finished in positive territory, reflecting broad-based confidence among traders and investors. Technology stocks led the rebound, with major firms in the information technology sector posting significant gains. The real estate and financial sectors also delivered strong performances, contributing to the market’s overall upward trajectory. Market analysts said the rebound was supported by renewed optimism from global markets, particularly in technology shares, as well as positive sentiment ahead of a busy corporate earnings week. Local data showing softer household spending in December did little to dampen market enthusiasm, with investors focusing instead on momentum in key sectors. Mining and commodity prices were mixed, with iron ore prices trading lower, while gold continued to rise on sustained demand from central bank purchases. The Australian dollar remained steady against major currencies, supported by the market’s overall resilience. Notable individual stock movements, including gains among technology and infrastructure companies, further boosted investor confidence. Some real estate and financial stocks also attracted buying interest, contributing to the market’s broad gains. The strong performance on Monday provided a welcome rebound after a recent sell-off and offered early-week optimism for traders ahead of important economic data and upcoming company earnings reports.