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.  

The Federal Government has confirmed that Australia’s Permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will maintain its total intake at 185,000 places, emphasizing a continuing focus on skilled migration to fill workforce shortages and support regional development.   Skill Stream Dominates Migration Intake   The Skill Stream remains the cornerstone of the program, accounting for approximately 71% of the total intake, or 132,200 places.   This strong weighting toward skilled workers signals the Government’s ongoing efforts to target labour gaps in critical industries such as health care, construction, engineering, and technology.   Key allocations within the Skill Stream include:   Employer Sponsored visas: increased to 44,000 places, giving Australian businesses greater access to overseas talent to address persistent shortages. State/Territory Nominated visas: 33,000 places, supporting local workforce planning and regional development strategies. Regional visas: another 33,000 places, ensuring migrants are encouraged to settle in communities outside metropolitan centres, contributing to sustainable population growth and economic expansion.   Family Stream Strengthens Community Ties   The Family Stream has been allocated 52,500 places, with the majority being Partner visas (40,500) to reunite families and support community cohesion. The Government maintains a balanced approach to family migration while ensuring processing remains efficient for applicants waiting to join loved ones in Australia.   New Visa Settings Reflect Evolving Priorities   From 1 July 2025, several critical policy changes have taken effect to support Australia’s evolving migration priorities:   The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been lifted to $76,515, ensuring that salary levels for sponsored workers reflect fair market standards and reduce the risk of exploitation. The introduction of the National Innovation Visa represents a major reform, replacing previous global talent visa streams. This new visa will attract highly skilled professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs who can drive innovation and technological advancement across Australia’s key growth sectors.   Focus on Regional and Economic Balance   Migration Ministerial statements highlight that these settings align with broader objectives to boost economic productivity, strengthen regional communities, and manage sustainable population growth.   Regional governments welcome the renewed emphasis on decentralisation, with higher allocations for skilled and regional visas expected to bring both talent and investment to smaller cities and towns.   Implications for Migrants and Employers   For migrants, these updates mean increased opportunities for skilled professionals, particularly those willing to settle in regional areas or contribute to innovation industries. For Australian employers, the policy creates a pathway to recruit and retain overseas talent under competitive and ethical salary conditions.   As the new migration year approaches, industry experts advise applicants and sponsors to monitor upcoming Department of Home Affairs announcements for further details on application processing times and program requirements.

Australia is entering 2026 with renters facing unprecedented challenges, as the income required to secure a typical capital-city house has soared to $112,667. This figure represents a staggering 51% increase from the $74,533 needed in 2019. The crisis is defined by a “widening gap” between the incomes required for housing and the suburbs Australians aspire to live in.   With rents rising faster than wages across every capital city, location has become the dominant factor determining lifestyle, choice, and affordability. Individual average annual earnings currently sit at $80,200, which is “well below what is needed in most inner- and middle-ring suburbs”. As a result, renters are preparing to navigate some of the toughest trade-offs seen in a decade.   Sydney remains the least affordable capital, requiring approximately $135,200 to rent a typical house. The financial strain varies widely across the country; while a two-person household earning average wages across the combined capitals would spend 21.1% of their income on rent, that burden increases sharply to 24.5% in Sydney. Melbourne and Hobart require incomes closer to $100,500.   The Shift to the Outer Ring   For those seeking relief, affordability increasingly lies in outer-suburban communities. Entry-level affordability starts at required incomes between $69,000 and $85,000. These outer-ring areas continue to offer genuine lifestyle appeal, opportunities, and more space without imposing overwhelming financial strains.   Examples of these more affordable communities include Melton in Melbourne’s west, Russell Island in Brisbane’s bayside region, and Willmot in Sydney’s outer west. In Brisbane, specifically, costs range significantly, requiring $190,667 in the inner suburb of Ascot versus $76,267 in Russell Island, with the most affordable suburbs generally found in the Logan-Beaudesert and Ipswich areas.   Rents are typically highest in inner-city areas, reflecting the premium placed on access to lifestyle amenities, transport, and jobs. Across the capitals, the most affordable areas are generally located 30 to 40 kilometers from the Central Business District (CBD). However, in cities like Sydney and Brisbane, required incomes can sometimes rise again beyond the 40-kilometer mark due to larger family homes and lifestyle suburbs attracting higher rents, despite the necessity of longer commutes.   Measuring Financial Strain   Affordability is often measured using the benchmark of spending more than 30% of pre-tax income on rent, a rule used by organizations like the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). However, this measure has crucial limitations. It fails to account for essential household costs such as childcare and transport.   Furthermore, because this rule relies on gross (before tax) income, it can significantly “overstate affordability” for lower-income renters. While high-income households might comfortably exceed the 30% threshold, low-income renters may struggle severely even if their rent falls below that benchmark.   The rental market’s increasing reliance on location to define affordability is acting like a financial drawbridge, pulling up access to inner-city areas and forcing middle-income earners to look further afield for relief.

Queenslanders are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES), a milestone that honors the commitment of thousands of volunteers who have supported communities in times of need. The SES was officially established in 1975, evolving from the former Queensland Civil Defence Organisation, which had operated since 1961. The creation of the SES was partially a direct response to the devastating 1974 Queensland floods.   The journey over the past half-century has been marked by a significant evolution in technology and operational capacity. In the early days, the SES fleet consisted of a patchwork of vehicles, often repurposed and adapted to meet emergency demands, including helicopters, panel vans, single-cab Jeeps, and even a Mini,. Today, the organization operates a diverse, modern fleet that includes flood boats, purpose-built trailers, and vehicles equipped for road crash rescue, storm damage response, and incident management.   Technological transformation has redefined how the SES operates, moving beyond hand-drawn maps and land-line phones. While analogue radios remain an essential tool in many areas, the SES has embraced innovations such as GPS, drones, digital tasking systems, and advanced communication technologies, which enable responses with greater precision, efficiency, and adaptability.   The familiar orange overalls worn by SES members today were not always standard. The organization adopted the orange uniform in the mid-1970s, transitioning from the dark blue worn under its previous identity as the Civil Defence Organisation,.   On this special occasion, Disaster and Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner Chris Stream offered profound gratitude to the volunteers. “On behalf of the Queensland Police Service, thank you to thousands of SES volunteers who have been there when Queenslanders need them most,” Stream stated. He described the volunteers as “everyday people, doing extraordinary things”.   To mark the anniversary, the SES is hosting a celebration on 11 December 2025. The organization is releasing a special video, available in one or four parts, which serves as “More than a celebration of history—a tribute to the spirit of service and the people who make it possible”. The video aims to share the experiences and perspectives of SES members.   The SES is encouraging the public to join the conversation and celebrate the tens of thousands of selfless volunteers. Community members can get involved by following the SES on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn; watching and sharing the celebratory video; using custom social media tiles; and sharing their own stories about times the SES provided help,. They are also encouraged to show appreciation using hashtags such as #SES50Years, #QldSES, and #ThankYouSES.   The history of the SES, marked by its continuous evolution from using adapted personal vehicles to high-tech digital systems, is a testament to its dedication to overcoming growing disaster response challenges across the state,.

 The Queensland Government, in conjunction with the Queensland Police Service (QPS), has launched a state-wide road safety operation, Operation Mistletoe, ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year period. Officially designated Operation X-Ray Mistletoe, this high-visibility police operation is designed to reduce road fatalities and targets a specific crackdown on speeding and impaired driving, including both drink and drug driving on roads and waterways.   Operation X-Ray Mistletoe begins this Saturday, December 13, and will continue throughout the entire holiday season. The operation sees an increased number of police patrolling Queensland roads as authorities work to crack down on the “Fatal 5”.   The operation comes in response to a tragic toll of 289 lives already lost on Queensland roads in 2025,. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie highlighted the devastating impact, stating that 289 families have had their lives “torn apart and forever changed,” with every holiday now a constant reminder of their loss,.   Targeted Enforcement Across State   Police will conduct thousands of roadside and on-water drug and alcohol tests throughout the operation. These efforts will be supported by specialist officers, mobile patrols, and targeted enforcement activities focusing on high-risk locations.   The Crisafulli Government is delivering more police to the frontline to restore safety across Queensland, having bolstered frontline police numbers by 472 officers in just 12 months.   Minister Purdie urged Queensland motorists to make smart choices and follow road rules during the busy period. He delivered a clear warning to those who might break the law: “If you don’t follow the rules – our police will be out in force, as part of Operation Mistletoe, with a targeted crackdown on speeding and impaired driving. We will not tolerate drivers who disregard the Fatal 5 and put the lives of other road users at risk”.   Commissioner Appeals for Responsibility   Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg implored Queenslanders to remain alert and never drive under the influence, stressing the importance of doing the right thing whether on the busiest highways, back roads, or suburban streets,.   Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski emphasized the human cost of the road toll, noting that 289 families are without a loved one this Christmas. “These are not just numbers – these represent a parent, child, partner, mate,” Commissioner Gollschewski said. He urged Queenslanders to take responsibility for the choices they make when driving or taking to the water.   The Commissioner warned potential offenders, “Whether you’re heading to a Christmas party, driving to a holiday destination or out on the water, expect to see police. If you choose to speed, drink or drug drive, or take risks, you will be caught.” He concluded by urging citizens to “make the choices that save lives”.   Road Policing and Regional Support Commands’ Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Guild thanked most Queenslanders who “do the right thing” and make responsible choices. However, he reiterated the stern warning for those who put others at risk: “Police will be ready to respond the moment you make that choice”. Authorities aim for every Queenslander to arrive home safely this holiday season and every day.

The major exhibition ‘Presence’ by Berlin-based Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson is now on display at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Running from 6 December 2025 through 12 July 2026, this significant show is exclusive to Brisbane. Eliasson, globally renowned for installations that challenge how we perceive ourselves and the world around us, has previously created works such as transporting melting Arctic ice to European capitals and installing an all-encompassing ‘sun’ in the cavernous Turbine Hall at London’s Tate Modern.   ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’ occupies GOMA’s ground floor with major installations, sculptures, and photo series. The exhibition invites visitors through shifting environments, including immersive works that manipulate light and colour and a meticulously constructed riverbed. Informed by Eliasson’s expansive interests in architecture, design, science, the environment, psychology, and wellbeing, the work investigates how we give shape to our experience of the world. The exhibition embodies the artist’s belief in the audience as co-creators, with the understanding that each visitor will experience the artwork uniquely as they move through and interact with the exhibition. The show encourages visitors to explore light, land, and life, and to reflect on how they connect with one another and the world around them, reminding us that we each perceive the world differently, even when standing side by side.   The exhibition features iconic early works alongside new commissions. Iconic pieces brought together for ‘Presence’ include the shimmering, touchable rainbow Beauty 1993 and the immense literal landscape of Riverbed 2014. Also featured is QAGOMA’s much-loved interactive installation, the ever-evolving Lego city of The cubic structural evolution project 2004.   Three major new works were created specifically for the exhibition, including Presence 2025. The new polarisation works, Your negotiable vulnerability seen from two perspectives 2025 and Your Truths 2025, utilize warped colour and shape to focus our attention on perception itself.   To enhance the visit, ‘Presence’ is complemented by QAGOMA’s interactive mobile companion. This companion includes a sense trail that offers gentle sensory prompts for selected artworks, an exhibition guide with curatorial insights, images, and behind-the-scenes videos. An expansive publication accompanies ‘Presence’, produced in collaboration with Eliasson and his studio, featuring contributions from celebrated writers Ceridwen Dovey and Robert Macfarlane. Visitors receive access to the mobile companion immediately upon purchasing their ticket to ‘Presence’, suggesting they bring their headphones to fully enhance their visit.

  A new community-driven campaign has been launched calling for a fully funded, purpose-built Multicultural Centre in Canberra, amid growing frustration that the nation’s capital continues to miss out on the kind of social infrastructure being delivered in other parts of Australia.   ACT Independent Senator David Pocock today announced the campaign, saying Canberra’s vibrant multicultural community still lacks an appropriate facility for large cultural events, festivals and community gatherings, despite longstanding promises and clear community need.   More than a quarter of Canberra’s residents were born overseas and there are over 200 active multicultural community organisations across the territory. Community leaders say this diversity is one of Canberra’s greatest strengths – but it is not being matched by investment in suitable infrastructure to support it.   Broken Promises And Missed Opportunities   At the 2020 ACT election, the then Labor–Greens governing coalition committed to “construct a large new multicultural events venue at EPIC for cultural performances and available for hire for large private functions, such as weddings.”   Instead, the ACT Government opted to refurbish the existing Fitzroy Pavilion at EPIC. Multicultural community organisations, the ACT Opposition and the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum criticised the move as a broken election promise, arguing the pavilion simply does not meet the specific needs of the community.   Community concerns have centred on the difficulty of booking the venue, the absence of a commercial kitchen and the lack of purpose-built facilities to support large cultural events. Despite those concerns being clearly raised, the refurbished Fitzroy Pavilion opened without a commercial kitchen, offering only a small kiosk – a major shortcoming for communities where food is central to cultural celebration and hospitality.   Senator Pocock wrote to Chief Minister Andrew Barr in 2023 outlining these issues and highlighting the dissatisfaction with both the proposal and the level of consultation. The Chief Minister’s response referred to limited consultations – involving six community organisations and nine individuals – and pointed to a separate commitment for a broader community centre in Gungahlin. Community groups say this falls far short of a dedicated, central multicultural facility for all of Canberra.   Canberra Left Off The Funding Map   Community frustration has been sharpened by recent federal funding decisions that have benefited other regions but not the ACT.   In the lead-up to the last Federal election, federal Labor pledged: $106,000 to upgrade multicultural centres in Queanbeyan and Goulburn $5 million for a regional multicultural centre in the Illawarra $4 million for a multicultural centre in South Dandenong   No comparable commitments were made for Canberra, despite its size, diversity and status as the national capital.   Senator Pocock said it was unacceptable that the ACT kept missing out on the kinds of projects other electorates routinely receive.   “Like many Canberrans, I hate seeing the ACT continually missing out on the kind of projects that other electorates receive federal funding for,” he said.   Social Infrastructure Amid Competing Priorities   The Senator acknowledged that governments at all levels are grappling with tight budgets and multiple pressing priorities, including housing, health – particularly hospitals, GPs and out-of-pocket costs for scans – and education.   But he argued that key social infrastructure like a Multicultural Centre cannot be sidelined, especially when there is clear precedent for federal funding of such projects elsewhere.   “Governments need to genuinely listen to the community, deliver what they commit to rather than some lesser version and keep promises made in the lead up to elections,” Senator Pocock said.   “So much of celebrating culture revolves around food and the absence of a commercial kitchen in the Fitzroy Pavilion refit renders it inadequate for its intended purpose.”   Community-Driven Campaign Begins   To put the issue firmly back on the agenda, Senator Pocock is backing a community-led push for a new, purpose-built Multicultural Centre for Canberra that meets the practical needs of multicultural communities and reflects their contribution to the city.   As part of the campaign, he is launching: A dedicated website to explain the case for a Multicultural Centre and track progress A petition calling on both the ACT and Federal Governments to commit to and fully fund a new, purpose-built facility A community survey to gather detailed input on what the centre must include to be fit for purpose, from layout and capacity to kitchen, performance and meeting spaces   Feedback from the survey will shape a detailed community-informed proposal that Senator Pocock plans to take into upcoming federal budget negotiations and ongoing discussions with the ACT Government.   Town Hall Launch In Belconnen   The campaign is being officially launched at Senator Pocock’s fourth and final booked-out community Town Hall event for the year in Belconnen.   There, community leaders, multicultural organisations and local residents are expected to share their experiences of trying to host large cultural events in Canberra and outline what they need from a dedicated Multicultural Centre.   For many, the campaign represents not just a push for bricks-and-mortar infrastructure, but a call for recognition and respect.   They argue that a well-designed, accessible Multicultural Centre – with proper performance spaces, flexible halls, meeting rooms and a fully equipped commercial kitchen – would become a focal point for cultural celebration, social cohesion and community connection in Canberra for decades to come.   After more than ten years of advocacy and repeated disappointments, community leaders say it is time for both the ACT and Federal Governments to commit and deliver.   As the campaign slogan puts it: It’s time to put a Multicultural Centre for Canberra back on the agenda – and this time, to get it done.  

Queensland is set to benefit from more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy under new legislation passed by the Crisafulli Government, which promises to strengthen the state’s energy foundations and deliver long-term cost savings for households.   The Energy Roadmap Amendment Act 2025 marks a major policy shift in how Queensland plans, manages, and invests in its energy future. The Act aims to enhance existing public energy assets, support private sector investment, and ensure clear economic direction for both traditional and renewable energy projects. According to the government, the legislation will prevent the average Queensland household from paying an extra $1,035 per year on energy bills compared to projections under the former Labor Government. The roadmap is also forecast to save taxpayers $26 billion by 2035, driven by streamlined processes and market-led investment strategies.   Building the Future of Queensland Energy   Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the reforms deliver on the government’s election commitment to provide Queenslanders with a “fresh start and a stronger economy.”   “These new laws support affordable and reliable energy for all Queenslanders,” Mr Janetzki said. “Unlike Labor’s unrealistic plan to close coal units arbitrarily, we’re focusing on asset integrity, economic viability, and the right balance between renewables and traditional sources.”   Under the new roadmap, the Crisafulli Government is introducing several major initiatives:   A $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund and QIC’s Investor Gateway to drive private investment in generation and firming projects. A $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee to upgrade and improve existing energy assets. A $10 million community battery program to enhance solar energy storage in local areas. A 400MW gas-fired generation tender for Central Queensland. Continued development of the Copper String transmission line, linking North and North West Queensland to the National Electricity Market. Creation of Regional Energy Hubs, promoting efficient, market-driven infrastructure development. Introduction of a new code of conduct for renewable energy developers to ensure responsible engagement with local communities.   Strengthening Public Ownership and Industry Confidence   The Act also reinforces Queensland’s 100 per cent public ownership of existing generation assets, preserving key operational control while improving frameworks for coordinated energy infrastructure across the state.   It replaces broad renewable targets with a more flexible, market-responsive Energy System Outlook, allowing faster adaptation to changing energy demands without compromising affordability or reliability.   “This roadmap provides clarity for the future of coal and gas while keeping Queensland open to private investment in renewables and firming technologies,” Mr Janetzki added. “We’re unlocking new energy opportunities and ensuring our state remains competitive in a global economy.”   The Job Security Guarantee Fund has also been retained under the new legislative framework, supporting Queensland workers as the state transitions toward a modern, diversified energy system.   For more information on the Queensland Government’s Energy Roadmap, visit www.treasury.qld.gov.au/energy-roadmap.