Australia’s multicultural and faith leaders have united in grief and solidarity after the Bondi Beach Chanukah by the Sea attack, vowing that Australia “will not be divided by hate or violence.” Muslim, Jewish and political leaders are calling for calm, compassion and practical support across communities as the nation confronts one of its deadliest mass shootings in decades.​   Cross-faith solidarity after Bondi attack   In the days following the Bondi Beach shooting, leaders from different faiths and communities have emphasised that the only acceptable response is unity, not fear or division. The attack, carried out during a Jewish festival gathering by the sea, has shaken Australians far beyond the Jewish community, prompting vigils, interfaith messages and calls for a renewed commitment to social cohesion.​   Faith representatives have stressed that the actions of two gunmen must not be allowed to define relationships between communities who have lived, worked and worshipped side by side for decades. Community organisations are urging Australians to reach out to neighbours, colleagues and friends of all backgrounds, offering support to those affected and reinforcing the message that every community’s safety and dignity matters.​   Imams condemn antisemitism and extremism   The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the peak body representing imams and the Muslim community, issued a strong statement condemning the Bondi attack and any form of antisemitism. The council said antisemitism expressed through hate, harassment or violence against Jewish Australians has no place in the country, and affirmed its solidarity with the victims, their families and the Jewish community.​   ANIC reiterated that Islam unequivocally rejects terrorism and the targeting of civilians in all its forms, noting that Muslims themselves have often been victims of extremism and understand the pain such violence causes. The statement urged Muslim Australians to reach out directly to Jewish neighbours and colleagues, offering comfort and support, and described an attack on one community as an attack on all.​   ‘Australia will not be divided’   Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the cross‑faith calls for solidarity, declaring that “Australia will not be divided by hate or violence.” He pledged that the country would confront extremism “head on” and stand together with Jewish Australians and with one another, framing the attack as a deliberate act of antisemitic terror that struck at the heart of the nation’s values.​ The federal government has signalled it will examine tougher measures on hate speech, security and gun control as part of the response, following criticism that authorities have not done enough to stem rising antisemitism. At the same time, leaders across politics have warned against collective blame, insisting that Australia’s strength lies in its diversity and its refusal to turn on minority communities.​   Details of the Bondi Beach tragedy   The Bondi Beach shooting unfolded during a Chanukah celebration at Archer Park, beside the famous promenade, in what authorities have described as the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since Port Arthur. Police say the alleged gunmen were a 24‑year‑old man and his 50‑year‑old father, who arrived heavily armed before opening fire on the crowd gathered for the festival.​   Sixteen people were killed, including a child, and more than 40 others were injured, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87. One of the attackers was shot dead at the scene and the other taken into custody, after bystanders and police intervened during several terrifying minutes in which over a hundred shots were fired.​   A call for unity, vigilance and care   Across civil society, there is a growing recognition that the Bondi tragedy is both a test and a turning point for Australia’s multicultural democracy. Jewish leaders have described it as the single most violent act of antisemitism in the country’s history, while also acknowledging the outpouring of support from other communities as a source of strength in a moment of deep trauma.​   Community groups are urging a dual response: stronger policies against hate and extremism, and renewed investment in the everyday relationships that hold a diverse society together. The message emerging from Sydney’s beaches to suburbs across the nation is clear – in the face of violence that seeks to divide, Australians are being called to stand together, protect each other, and reaffirm a shared commitment to respect, safety and dignity for every Australian.​  

  Australia has welcomed the first group of Tuvaluan climate migrants under a landmark mobility pact, marking a historic new chapter in the relationship between the sinking Pacific nation and its larger neighbour.   Landmark Tuvalu–Australia climate deal   Under a bilateral agreement signed two years ago, Tuvaluans can apply for special climate visas that allow them to live, work and study in Australia as rising seas threaten their homeland. More than one-third of Tuvalu’s roughly 11,000 citizens have applied, although the intake is capped at 280 visas a year to avoid a severe “brain drain” from the small island state.   Tuvalu is made up of low-lying atolls between Australia and Hawaii and is among the countries most at risk from sea-level rise. NASA projections suggest that by 2050, daily high tides could inundate half of Funafuti atoll, where about 60% of Tuvalu’s population lives, and a worst‑case scenario could see up to 90% of the main atoll underwater.   The first Tuvaluan families arrive   The first intake includes a cross-section of Tuvaluan society, from skilled workers to community and spiritual leaders. Among them are Tuvalu’s first female forklift driver, a dentist and a trainee pastor, all hoping to support families back home while building new lives in Australia.   Trainee pastor Manipua Puafolau, from the main island of Funafuti, has moved to Naracoorte in South Australia, where several hundred Pacific Islanders already work in agriculture and meat processing. He says the move is about more than jobs and safety, stressing the need for spiritual guidance and community support for Tuvaluans adjusting to life far from their ancestral land.   New lives in Australian cities   Forklift operator Kitai Haulapi, recently married, will settle in Melbourne and hopes to continue working in logistics while sending remittances back to her family in Tuvalu. She represents a generation of Tuvaluan women taking on new roles in both domestic and international labour markets.   Dentist Masina Matolu, who has three school‑aged children and a seafarer husband, is relocating with her family to Darwin in northern Australia. She plans to work with Indigenous communities and says she wants to bring skills and knowledge gained in Australia back to Tuvaluan culture, even as physical ties to the islands become harder to maintain.   Preserving culture as seas rise   On Funafuti, the physical vulnerability is stark: in many areas the atoll is barely wider than the road, families still live under thatched roofs, and children play football on the airport runway because of limited open space. As climate pressures intensify, Tuvaluan leaders are focused on ensuring that migration does not mean cultural erasure.   Prime Minister Feleti Teo recently met Tuvaluan communities in Melbourne, urging them to maintain strong ties to language, customs and community networks across borders. For many new arrivals, church, extended family and Tuvaluan community groups across Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland and regional centres will be central to keeping identity alive in diaspora.   Australia’s role in “mobility with dignity”   Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has framed the climate visa pathway as offering “mobility with dignity”, recognising that Tuvaluans should not be forced into chaotic displacement as their islands become less habitable. The federal government is establishing support services in Melbourne, Adelaide, Queensland and regional hubs like Naracoorte to help families with housing, employment and settlement.   For Australia, the arrival of Tuvalu’s first climate migrants is both a humanitarian responsibility and a regional test case. As more Pacific nations confront severe climate impacts, the Tuvalu–Australia pact may become a model for managed, rights‑based climate mobility – one that protects people, skills and cultures, not just borders.  

NSW faith leaders have united in a strong show of solidarity with the Jewish community following Sunday’s terrorist attack targeting a Chanukah event in Bondi, condemning the violence and vowing to work together to combat antisemitism and hatred across the state. ​ Emergency meeting after Bondi attack   On Monday 15 December 2025, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper convened an emergency meeting of the Faith Affairs Council and senior religious leaders from some of the state’s largest denominations in response to the Bondi attack. Council members and faith leaders expressed their deepest sympathies to those killed in the “horrific attack”, reiterated their solidarity with the Jewish community, and unanimously reaffirmed a joint Faith Affairs Council and Multicultural Advisory Board communiqué issued on Sunday night. ​ Minister Kamper conveyed the NSW Government’s heartbreak, encouraged leaders and their communities to reach out directly to Jewish counterparts, and stressed that Australians of all faiths must work “unambiguously” together to restore confidence in the state’s multicultural model. ​ Jewish community voices and calls to action   Senior Jewish clergy addressed the gathering, including Rabbi Benjamin Elton of Sydney’s Great Synagogue and Rabbi Nochum Shapiro of Chabad House of the North Shore, who also serves as President of the Rabbinical Association of Australasia. Rabbi Shapiro urged fellow faith leaders to encourage their communities to take tangible steps of solidarity, such as lighting a Chanukah candle or engaging in acts of charity “to fight the darkness with light.” ​ Faith leaders at the meeting acknowledged that many in the Jewish community feel increasingly isolated and called on congregations across traditions to embrace and accompany Jewish Australians in their grief. They agreed to work collaboratively on concrete actions to address antisemitism and broader forms of hatred in NSW. ​ United condemnation from faith leaders   Right Rev Dr Michael Stead, Chair of the Faith Affairs Council and Anglican Bishop, described the gathering as “a demonstration of our faith communities at their best,” marked by shared grief, compassion for “Jewish brothers and sisters” and an unequivocal, united condemnation of “this evil terrorist attack.” Dr Stead said that by continuing to work together “in love and respect”, faith communities would help build peace and harmony in the nation. ​ Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, President of the Australian National Imams Council, said the Muslim community’s “heart went out” to Jewish Australians, characterising the incident as a targeted attack on their community that “also cut to the heart of every Australian.” Archbishop Kanishka Raffel of the Anglican Church of Australia relayed accounts from Jewish leaders that their community had felt increasingly alone, urging those present to stand with them collectively. ​ Personal impacts and shared concerns   Andrew Harper from Australian Christian Churches shared a personal reflection from his family, recounting how his young daughter had asked on Sunday night if she was safe, a fear he said was being felt “tragically” across the Jewish community. His comments underscored broader concerns about safety and belonging among faith communities in the wake of the attack. ​ Leaders around the table pledged that their communities would “stand firmly in solidarity” with Jewish Australians and continue joint efforts to tackle antisemitism and all forms of hate-fueled violence. Meeting vision has been made available publicly, and the statement lists 25 attending leaders spanning Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish communities, along with representatives from Multicultural NSW and interfaith organisations.  

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced an urgent package of security, mental health and anti-extremism measures to support Jewish Victorians in the wake of a targeted antisemitic terror attack that has shocked communities across Australia. The Victorian Government says it is determined to ensure Jewish families can gather, worship and celebrate Hanukkah in safety and without fear.​   Victoria moves quickly to protect Jewish community   The Victorian Government will invest nearly $2 million in immediate security upgrades and community support so Jewish Victorians can attend events, school holiday programs and youth camps with greater protection in place. Victoria Police is also ramping up its presence around key Jewish neighbourhoods and communal sites, with extra resources backing a strong, visible response.​   Central to the package is $900,000 for the Community Security Group (CSG), which plays a frontline role in safeguarding Jewish life in Victoria, including synagogues, schools and major community gatherings. A further $250,000 is being directed to boost security at Jewish youth summer camps, giving parents reassurance that their children can participate in communal life and return home safely.​   Mental health, outreach and community care   Recognizing the emotional toll of the attack, the Government is also funding targeted mental health and wellbeing services for Jewish Victorians. The Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Rabbinical Council of Victoria will each receive $100,000, while JewishCare has been allocated $280,000 to expand counselling, casework and outreach.​   These supports will focus on young people and more vulnerable or isolated parts of the community, including Orthodox Jews, who may be feeling the impact of the attack particularly acutely. Services will include mental health case management, expanded youth engagement and tailored outreach programs to help people process trauma and rebuild confidence in public life.​   Tackling extremism and preventing violence   As part of a broader push to confront violent extremism, Victoria is putting $250,000 into a therapeutic intervention program designed to help at-risk individuals disengage from radical ideologies. The program aims to reconnect people with their communities, build personal resilience and reduce the likelihood of future violence driven by hate.​   This sits alongside ongoing national work through National Cabinet, where leaders have agreed to strengthen gun laws and accelerate the National Firearms Register. Proposed reforms include tighter limits on the number and type of firearms individuals can hold, greater use of criminal intelligence in licensing, and maintaining a permanent national firearms amnesty to reduce unregistered weapons.​   Stronger laws against hate and antisemitism   Victoria points to earlier “nation-leading” anti-vilification and social cohesion reforms, which have created tougher offences for serious hate conduct and expanded police powers to act against those who incite hatred based on race or religion. The government has also established the Local Escalation and Help (LEAH) group and is implementing recommendations from the Lekakis Review to ensure institutions are better equipped to confront division and antisemitism.​   These measures build on recent changes to Firearm Prohibition Orders, tougher bail laws for firearms offences and expanded powers for police to pursue those attempting to evade service of prohibition orders. Together, the legal reforms are intended to send a clear message that hate-fuelled violence and threats against faith communities will not be tolerated in Victoria.​   Leaders pledge solidarity with Jewish Victorians   Premier Jacinta Allan said Victorians are “horrified” by the targeted antisemitic act of terror and emphasized that Jewish people “belong here” and have the right to feel safe and secure in their own state. She stressed that the new funding is about backing words with action by delivering more security across the community and ensuring support is available to anyone who needs it.​   Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny underlined that the investment is focused on protecting the Jewish community’s right to practice its religion freely in Victoria. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said authorities are doing “everything in our power” with Victoria Police to ensure Jewish Victorians are safe and stay safe. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt highlighted the special significance of Hanukkah and vowed that “no act of hatred” will be allowed to diminish the festival’s message of light and renewal.  

  Bupa HI Pty Ltd (Bupa) has been ordered to pay a $35 million penalty by the Federal Court for engaging in unconscionable conduct and making false or misleading representations concerning private health insurance benefits. The penalty stems from Bupa’s incorrect assessment of claims and advice provided to thousands of members, hospitals, and medical providers between May 2018 and August 2023.   The Federal Court declared that Bupa engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct by incorrectly advising members they were not entitled to benefits for any part of their claim, despite the fact that these members were entitled to coverage for certain treatment under their policy. Furthermore, the Court declared that Bupa engaged in unconscionable conduct between June 2020 and February 2021 in connection with its incorrect assessment of specific claims.   Incorrect Rejection of Mixed Coverage Claims   The core issue involved “Mixed Coverage Claims,” primarily for hospital treatment where two or more procedures were performed at the same time. In scenarios where part of the treatment was covered by a member’s policy but part was not, Bupa incorrectly rejected the entire claim.   ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe stated that Bupa’s conduct impacted thousands of consumers who suffered significant harm, including financial loss, pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Due to being incorrectly told they were ineligible for benefits, some Bupa members chose to cancel, delay or forego necessary treatment, potentially leading to medical risks or complications. Hospitals and medical providers were also impacted by not receiving entitled payments for certain members’ claims.   “We consider this to be extremely serious conduct, and this is reflected in Bupa’s admission that it engaged in unconscionable conduct, which is one of the most serious types of misconduct under the consumer laws that we enforce,” Ms Lowe said.   Court Orders and Remediation Program   In addition to the $35 million penalty approved by the Federal Court, the Court also imposed an injunction restraining Bupa from engaging in the contravening conduct for a period of five years.   Bupa acknowledged the Federal Court’s orders in response to breaches of the Australian Consumer Law. The health insurer cooperated with the ACCC during the investigation and agreed to make joint submissions to the Court regarding liability and penalties.   “We remain deeply sorry for these errors and have apologised to our affected customers for the impact this has had on them and their families,” Bupa stated, confirming that they have accepted the Federal Court’s decision.   Bupa commenced a remediation program prior to the court action and provided the ACCC with a court enforceable undertaking in June this year to complete the process. This program compensates affected members, hospitals, and medical providers, covering the amount members were entitled to but did not receive, plus interest. To date, Bupa has already paid back a total of $14.3 million covering more than 4,100 affected claims, as of November 5, 2025.   The ACCC emphasized that the outcome should serve as a strong reminder to all health insurers regarding their obligations to correctly assess claims and ensure members receive their entitled benefits.

  By Juliano Moreira Oliveira   In the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks in Bondi, Australians have responded with an extraordinary outpouring of kindness and solidarity. Across the country, blood donors have set new benchmarks for generosity, breaking two national donation records in a single day.   Nearly 50,000 donation appointments were booked—more than double the previous record—while 7,810 donations of blood, plasma, and platelets were made nationwide. This unprecedented surge has led to record numbers in Queensland and New South Wales, underscoring the enduring Australian spirit of unity and compassion during times of crisis.   Speaking to MAN TV, Liam Richardson, Relationship Manager at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, reflected on the incredible public response.   National Response and Rising Demand   “Following the tragedy in Bondi, there has been a significant increase in blood donations across Australia, with record numbers in Queensland and New South Wales,” Richardson said. “People have been booking appointments weeks in advance, and the need for blood continues—especially for O-negative and O-positive types.   “Lifeblood is experiencing high demand and even some website issues due to the volume of interest. We encourage continued donations and emphasize the importance of booking appointments so staffing and resources can be planned effectively. We do welcome walk-ins,” he added, “but bookings help ensure availability and smooth operations.”   Richardson expressed admiration for how quickly the public united:   “I think that in terms of when a tragedy happens in Australia, Australians band together, and they do whatever they can to honour the people that experience that tragedy, and also want to do something very practical for the community as well, to to get to absolutely to do something very practical and very worthwhile for the community. And we see that in times of great national tragedy… that the Australian public have really banded together, and one way that they do that is through donating blood. So we saw some incredible scenes yesterday up here in Queensland, but especially in New South Wales, around where the event took place, where people lined up for hours to donate.”   He added that the response has been remarkable across Australia:   “We’ve seen an incredible response all across the country, not just in Sydney. Here in Brisbane, we saw record numbers across several donor centres. And what we’ve also seen is people booking in for weeks ahead. We saw as many people as we possibly could yesterday, but now we’re seeing appointments coming in right through to the new year. I think people are starting to understand that blood only lasts outside the body for a maximum of 42 days.”   Richardson noted that the tragedy placed particular pressure on O-negative blood:   “During the tragedy, a large volume of our O-negative blood—being the universal donor—was used. In emergencies, O-negative is vital because it’s safe for anyone to receive when their blood type is unknown. Our O-negative stocks were significantly depleted, and we sent blood from other states to New South Wales to ensure supply . “We urgently need O-negative and O-positive donors, but all blood types are absolutely essential,” he emphasized.   Donors Share Their Stories   The tragedy has inspired both regular donors and those returning after a long break to roll up their sleeves.   Joyce, a 35-year-old regular donor, shared her routine and reflections:   “I donate blood every month. I’m always booking in advance because I want to make sure I’ll have the day available for this. I’m pretty shocked after seeing what happened in Bondi. No one would ever expect to see something like this. However, I’m glad to witness the kindness of so many people who came here today.”   Sam, 44, spoke of his personal motivation for donating again:   “My father-in-law unfortunately died of leukaemia six months ago. So you’re just trying to kind of give that to the community that gave us the extra time.”   It was his first donation in a decade, but Sam urged others to make donation a habit:   “Don’t stop donating. It’s easy and quick.”   A Tradition of Generosity   This extraordinary wave of donations follows an already record-breaking start to 2025, with January marking the biggest donation month on record—more than 150,000 donations nationwide.   Australia’s generosity remains vital to meeting the immense demand for blood products. So far this year, 580,324 donors have contributed over 1.6 million donations, amounting to 1,069,721 litres of blood, plasma, and platelets for patients nationwide.   In the face of tragedy, Australians continue to prove that unity, compassion, and action are the nation’s greatest strengths.

The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) has become the first hospital in Queensland to roll out a groundbreaking translation trial, introducing a 24/7 on-demand video and phone interpreting service in its adult Emergency Department (ED). The initiative aims to break down communication barriers and deliver faster, safer care for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.   Accessed via a simple iPad app, the service connects staff to certified interpreters around the clock — providing almost instant language support at the bedside or triage desk.   Cutting Wait Times from Hours to Seconds   Metro North Health Senior Multicultural Officer Madi Hope said the new system was designed to address one of the emergency department’s most pressing challenges — delays in accessing interpreters during critical situations.   A similar program trialed interstate recorded an average connection time of 36 seconds across all languages, with the most commonly used languages achieving connections in as little as 20 seconds. These languages include Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, AUSLAN, Korean, and Spanish.   “Providing in-language care and information from the moment patients enter the ED is essential,” Ms. Hope said. “It reduces confusion, enhances safety, and ensures patients can understand and participate in their own care.”   Meeting Queensland’s Multicultural Needs   With more than 200 languages spoken across Queensland and one in five Metro North residents speaking a language other than English, the demand for rapid, reliable interpreting services is high. Emergency care environments — operating around the clock — have traditionally faced challenges in securing in-person interpreters due to logistical, spatial, and infection-control constraints.   The new trial directly tackles these challenges, giving clinicians the ability to connect instantly with professional interpreters “at the touch of a button.”   Quality and Reliability at the Core   The system, provided by a Queensland-based company, ensures that all interpreters are NAATI-certified to maintain high professional standards. If a video interpreter is not available within 20 seconds, the system automatically offers to switch the session to an audio call, expanding access and ensuring seamless connection.   Ms. Hope said the initiative is expected to make a significant impact: “We are confident this trial will reduce communication errors and improve patient outcomes at The Prince Charles Hospital.”   If successful, the trial could serve as a model for hospitals across Queensland, improving access and equity in care for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.  

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched separate Federal Court proceedings against home meal delivery services HelloFresh and Youfoodz, alleging they misled consumers about how to cancel subscriptions and avoid being charged for their first order.   Both companies are owned by German parent HelloFresh SE, with HelloFresh offering weekly meal kits and Youfoodz providing ready‑made weekly meals through websites and smartphone apps.   Alleged “subscription traps”   The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh and Youfoodz breached the Australian Consumer Law by advertising that new customers could easily cancel subscriptions through their online account settings before a specified cut‑off time.   In reality, the regulator claims, many consumers who cancelled online before that deadline were still charged for and received their first delivery.   “Despite being able to sign up easily through the websites and apps, consumers were only able to cancel the first delivery if they spoke with a customer service representative,” the ACCC said.   ACCC Commissioner Luke Woodward said the cases were brought because the conduct involved “a suite of confusing and unclear subscription practices” that breached Australia’s consumer laws.   “Despite what HelloFresh and Youfoodz represented to new Australian subscribers, tens of thousands of consumers were charged for their first order, even though they cancelled their subscription before the cut‑off date,” Mr Woodward said.   Tens of thousands charged despite cancelling   The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh’s conduct occurred between 1 January 2023 and 14 March 2025, while Youfoodz’s alleged conduct ran from 1 October 2022 to 22 November 2024.   During those periods, 62,061 HelloFresh customers and 39,408 Youfoodz customers were charged a fee despite cancelling their subscription before the cut‑off time for the first order.   The ACCC began its investigation in October 2024 after receiving a large number of consumer complaints about the companies’ subscription and cancellation processes.   Specific claims against HelloFresh   The ACCC alleges that HelloFresh required consumers to provide payment details simply to view and select meals from the full menu.   During the sign‑up process, the company allegedly represented that customers would not be charged unless they actively selected meals. However, the ACCC claims that when consumers clicked the button to move to the meal selection screens, they were automatically entered into an ongoing subscription and charged for the first delivery.   Many HelloFresh customers were reportedly unaware they had been subscribed until they received a delivery or a payment notification.   In one example cited by the ACCC, a consumer entered payment details on the HelloFresh website to view the menu but decided not to proceed. They later received a PayPal notification that they had been charged and found it difficult to contact HelloFresh about the payment.   Specific claims against Youfoodz   The ACCC alleges that Youfoodz told consumers who had taken steps to cancel their subscription in their online account settings that the first delivery was cancelled and they would not be charged.   However, the regulator claims the first delivery could not actually be cancelled through that method, and customers were still charged.   In another example, a consumer signed up for a Youfoodz subscription and cancelled online within minutes. They later received a text stating their delivery would arrive the next day and that they had been charged. After multiple calls, they were eventually offered only a 50 per cent refund.   What the ACCC is seeking   The ACCC is seeking a range of orders from the Federal Court, including: Compensation orders for affected consumers Civil penalties Declarations that the companies breached the Australian Consumer Law Publication orders (requiring the companies to publish corrective notices) Implementation of a compliance program Costs   Mr Woodward stressed that businesses must clearly communicate when consumers are signing up for a subscription and how they can cancel and avoid being charged.   “Businesses using confusing and complicated subscription cancellation policies is a matter of significant public concern and, where there is evidence of breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and consumer harm, the ACCC will take enforcement action when appropriate,” he said.   Festive season warning   The ACCC also urged consumers to carefully review contract terms before paying for any subscriptions, particularly when purchasing gift subscriptions during the festive season.   Consumer and fair trading issues in the digital economy are among the ACCC’s key enforcement priorities for 2025–26.  

Australia is facing a prolonged shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) transdermal patches, with supply disruptions expected to continue until at least July 2026. The shortage is affecting patients managing menopause and perimenopause who rely on these vital treatments.   Pharmaceutical companies Sandoz and Juno Pharmaceuticals have advised the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of difficulties supplying both estradiol and combination estradiol/norethisterone (norethindrone) patches. The problem stems from global manufacturing constraints and an unexpected surge in demand.   In response, the TGA has fast-tracked approvals for several overseas-registered HRT patches to help meet patient needs. These alternative products will be subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), ensuring continued affordability and access. Pharmacists can order them through the Section 19A approvals database, where contact details for approved suppliers are listed.   To minimise disruption, pharmacists are now authorised to substitute approved alternatives without requiring a new prescription. This measure allows patients to continue treatment even if their regular brand is unavailable, though some may need to switch between brands during the supply shortage.   The TGA acknowledged the “concern and frustration” caused by the ongoing shortage and said it remains difficult to predict when Australian-registered patches will return to full supply. Patients are advised to consult their pharmacists for up-to-date information and guidance on obtaining their medication during this period.

A young koala has survived a heart‑stopping dash across a busy Brisbane road and ended up clinging to the grab rail of a city bus, in what rescuers say is one of their most unusual call‑outs.   Peri’s wild night out   The male koala, later nicknamed “Peri”, was spotted on Saturday night crossing a traffic‑heavy street in Camp Hill, in Brisbane’s inner east. A Brisbane City Council CityGlider bus driver saw the animal narrowly avoid being hit by a car before scrambling up a metal pole on a traffic island. Fearing the koala could slide back down into oncoming traffic at any moment, the driver gently covered its head with a jacket, removed it from the pole and brought it onto the bus to keep it safe. Peri then took refuge on the bus’s internal grab rail, turning a standard suburban service into an impromptu koala shuttle.   Rescue and health check   Koala Rescue Brisbane South’s rescue lead, Brianne Barkla, said she was stunned when she received a report of a koala actually inside a public bus. She described it as the first time the group had been called to retrieve a koala from a council bus, despite years of inner‑Brisbane rescues.   When Barkla arrived, Peri appeared healthy but was transported to the RSPCA for a precautionary veterinary assessment. By the following day, vets confirmed the young “sub‑adult” koala, estimated to be more than 12 months old and old enough to be independent, had no injuries and was cleared for release.   Safe release and festive name   On Sunday afternoon, Peri was released into Seven Hills Bushland Reserve, the closest patch of suitable habitat to where he was found in Camp Hill. Rescuers say koala sightings in that reserve are relatively uncommon, making Peri’s late‑night city adventure both encouraging for the local population and worrying in terms of how far he wandered.   In a nod to the festive season, the rescue team chose the name “Peri” after workshopping Christmas‑themed ideas, drawing inspiration from the classic “partridge in a pear tree” line in The Twelve Days of Christmas. Barkla said the rescue highlighted how young koalas continue to move through urban areas, especially towards the end of the breeding season.   Urban pressures and safety warnings   Koalas in south‑east Queensland face growing threats from vehicle strikes, dog attacks, disease and the gradual loss of habitat as development pushes further into bushland. Barkla said the organisation receives relatively few calls from around Seven Hills Reserve but expects koalas to be more visible on roads and in backyards at this time of year.   She urged the public not to attempt hands‑on rescues, warning that koalas are both delicate and capable of inflicting serious scratches with their claws. Instead, residents who see a koala in trouble are advised to keep their distance, monitor the animal if it is in immediate danger and contact dedicated wildlife rescue services.   Brisbane’s “most Australian” bus ride   Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised the driver’s quick thinking and compassion, saying the incident showed council drivers go “above and beyond” to look after both passengers and wildlife. He quipped that he often describes Brisbane as “the most Australian place on earth, and a koala on one of our buses just proves it”.   The Lord Mayor also reminded residents to call wildlife professionals rather than intervening themselves if they encounter distressed native animals. For MANtv viewers, Peri’s unlikely bus ride is a feel‑good reminder that even in a fast‑growing city, Australia’s most iconic marsupial is still very much part of everyday urban life.