Queensland authorities have carried out the largest ever coordinated enforcement action against illicit tobacco and vape retailers in Australia, closing 148 stores across the state in just 10 days.   The statewide blitz, known as Operation Major, resulted in 13,320 days of total closure orders under new 90‑day powers introduced through the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products (Dismantling Illegal Trade) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.   Officials say the operation seized more than $15.7 million worth of illegal products, including 11.8 million cigarettes, 1.7 tonnes of loose tobacco, 87,000 vapes, 4.2 litres of vaping liquid, and 270,000 nicotine pouches.   Health Minister Tim Nicholls credited the new legislation with giving enforcement agencies the authority to shut down illegal outlets without waiting for lengthy court processes. “These tough new laws are stopping dangerous vapes and illegal tobacco from reaching Queensland kids,” Mr Nicholls said. “In just ten days, public health officers and police have acted decisively to dismantle organised networks operating in our towns.”   The new closure powers—allowing stores to be shut for three months—represent a major increase from previous legislation, which permitted far shorter penalties. Officials noted that under older laws, the same set of closures would have amounted to fewer than 450 days combined.   Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie said the joint operation between Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service’s Taskforce Masher targeted criminal groups driving the illicit trade. “This coordinated action has dealt a major blow to organised crime infiltrating Queensland communities,” Mr Purdie said. “We are sending a clear message that those selling harmful, illegal products to our kids will face tough consequences.”   The enforcement campaign follows growing concern about the rapid expansion of the black market for unregulated nicotine-based products across Australia.   Queensland residents can report breaches of tobacco and vaping laws through official Queensland Health complaint channels.  

Most Australian voters now want a pause on immigration until the housing crisis eases, and the latest national polling shows this mood is reshaping the federal political contest.   Voters link migration and housing   A Resolve Political Monitor survey of 1,800 voters found that just over half believe Australia’s current immigration intake is too high, with the dominant concern being that housing supply has not kept pace with population growth and property has become unaffordable for many households. Among those who feel migration is too high, most nominated a shortage of homes as their main reason, while others pointed to growing pressure on health and education services.   Australia is currently admitting hundreds of thousands of new arrivals each year through temporary and permanent programs, including around 316,000 migrants annually and 185,000 people receiving permanent visas. In contrast, about one‑third of respondents felt the current intake is about right, a small minority believed it is too low, and around one in ten were undecided.   Political winners and losers   The poll suggests the housing–immigration link is hurting the federal Coalition more than Labor, with the Coalition’s primary vote sliding to a record low of about a quarter of voters. Labor’s primary support sits in the mid‑30s, while One Nation has reached a record high in the mid‑teens, reflecting growing backing for parties calling for tighter migration settings.   On a two‑party preferred basis, Labor holds a clear lead over the Coalition at roughly 55 to 45, representing a modest swing towards the government since November. This shift comes after weeks of internal Coalition turmoil, including disputes over climate and net‑zero policy that have dominated its recent political narrative.   Leadership and approval ratings   Despite economic pressures and cost‑of‑living anger, Anthony Albanese remains ahead as preferred prime minister, with support in the low‑40s compared with the mid‑20s for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Albanese’s personal approval has edged higher, with just under half of voters now rating his performance as good or very good.   Interestingly, Ley’s own approval rating has also improved despite her party’s slump, suggesting some voters distinguish between her leadership and broader Coalition infighting. Both major leaders are navigating a landscape in which voters are demanding practical solutions on housing and migration rather than internal party battles.   Implications for immigration policy   The polling intensifies pressure on both major parties to demonstrate how they will balance population growth with housing supply, infrastructure and essential services. While Labor currently benefits from stronger headline numbers, rising support for One Nation underlines the political risk if mainstream parties are seen as ignoring community anxiety about rapid migration.   The Coalition is expected to unveil a new migration policy within days as it tries to win back disillusioned voters and stem defections to right‑wing minor parties. For multicultural broadcasters and community leaders, these trends highlight the importance of nuanced public debate that recognises both Australia’s long history as a migrant nation and the urgent need to address housing and service pressures fairly for new arrivals and long‑term residents alike.  

A recent spike in e-scooter incidents between December 6 and December 7 resulted in at least 12 people being transported to hospital across Queensland,. Data compiled from the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) shows that patients required hospital transport in every reported case during this period. The frequency of these incidents highlights the growing number of e-scooter emergencies paramedics are attending across the state,.   The incidents spanned diverse locations, including major metropolitan and regional areas such as Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Townsville, Mackay, Ayr, Cannonvale, and Cape Tribulation.   Life-Threatening Head Injuries Reported   While most patients were reported to be in a stable condition,, one person suffered significant life-threatening head injuries following an incident in Aroona, on the Sunshine Coast, around 12:24 pm,. This critically injured patient was transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital. QAS data emphasizes that injuries stemming from these incidents range from minor falls to serious, life-threatening trauma.   Collisions with Vehicles and Pedestrians   Several incidents involved collisions, including those with vehicles and pedestrians.   On the Gold Coast, a stable patient was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital after an e-scooter crash in Surfers Paradise at 9:32 am,. Just 26 minutes later, another stable patient was transported to the same hospital following a collision between an e-scooter and a pedestrian in Biggera Waters,.   Vehicle collisions also accounted for multiple hospitalizations later that day. In Wavell Heights, a stable patient was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital following a vehicle and e-scooter collision at 4:47 pm,. Minutes later, at 4:58 pm, two stable patients were transported to Mackay Hospital after a similar vehicle-related crash in West Mackay,.   Statewide Incidents Detailed   The incidents continued across Queensland into the following day. In Brisbane, two incidents were recorded: one stable patient was taken to Mater Hospital following a crash in Brisbane City at 2:34 pm,, and another patient with a hand injury was transported to the same hospital following an incident in South Brisbane at 12:54 pm the following day,.   Other patients were hospitalized following falls in remote and regional areas. A stable patient was taken to Proserpine Hospital after falling from an e-scooter in Cannonvale,, and another stable patient was transported to Mossman Hospital following a fall on Cape Tribulation Road in Far North Queensland,. Incidents in the Townsville area included falls in Kirwan and a separate incident in Condon, with patients taken to Townsville University Hospital,.   Another stable patient was transported to Ayr Hospital following an e-scooter incident on Gibson Street at 5:05 pm,. This comprehensive snapshot of incidents reinforces that paramedics are seeing a high volume of e-scooter-related injuries.  

Holy Spirit Parish in New Farm has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first in the Archdiocese of Brisbane to successfully fundraise for and welcome a refugee family. This pioneering effort was carried out through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot, with New Farm being the first parish to officially support the Refugee Sponsorship Initiative program.   Parish priest Scalabrinian Father Luis Antonio Diaz Lamus credited the achievement to the parishioners who supported the decision to use previously raised funds to help a Catholic family from Latin America. Fr Lamus, whose Scalabrinian Missionaries order is dedicated specifically to migrants and refugees, noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with their charism.   The parish committed to providing robust support, funding the family’s rent, ongoing expenses, and a weekly allowance until they move onto government benefits. Fr Lamus emphasized the deep bond being formed, stating, “The idea is that for a year at least we are the family for them,” with hopes of continuing the friendship for a long time.     A ‘Christmas Miracle’ in New Farm   The family, who has been settling in for a few months, shared their immense gratitude. One of the children, Diana (whose name was changed to protect her identity), described their resettlement as a “Christmas miracle of their own”. She recalled the difficulty of life in their previous home, explaining, “The salary in the country that we used to be in before was really low, so we were not able to buy a Christmas tree”. Now, the family is eagerly looking forward to buying and decorating one this Christmas.   Diana noted that their journey to Australia had taken two years, and it was their faith that sustained them. “God will never let you be in the rain forever. We knew (there) was going to be a rainbow soon,” she said.   Diana is already integrating into the community, learning to navigate public transport, attending English lessons at TAFE, and completing a degree online. She previously participated in charity drives back home and hopes to become more involved with the Church in Brisbane. She added that the family now has “a home that we can call a home”.     Goodwill Extends Beyond the Parish   The effort benefited from significant community generosity. Fr Lamus oversaw the finding of the family’s first rental, aided by connections within both the Latin American and parish communities. All necessary household items were donated.   Evelyn Chapman, one of the five members on the resettlement committee, witnessed this immense goodwill firsthand. She recounted that when she went to buy new beds and mattresses, the shopkeeper gave them to her for free after learning they were for a refugee family. Similarly, when she went to pick up two used bikes, a neighbour learned of the cause and donated a table and a TV, all at no cost. There has simply “just been goodwill,” Mrs Chapman said.   Steph Jorna, Inclusion project officer, celebrated the parish’s success, highlighting the power of generosity to build relationships and transform communities. She hoped that other parishes and communities would be inspired by New Farm’s example to support refugee settlement in their areas. Fr Lamus shared this hope, urging other parishes to join the initiative.   This local achievement occurs as Australia prepares to welcome its one millionth refugee since the Second World War by the end of 2025. Church leaders have encouraged Australians to respond to the growing immigration debate with compassion and hope, reminding the public that social cohesion is central to making Australia “a good place”. Source: catholicleader.com

    A newly released study highlights the vital role played by Indigenous-owned businesses and corporations in national employment, finding that the Indigenous business ecosystem currently employs more than 135,000 people. Approximately 1 in 3 of these employees are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. The report, “Indigenous Business and Corporation Snapshot Study 4.0” (Snapshot 4.0), was led by the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership at the University of Melbourne. It underscores the significance of the sector in increasing workforce participation and driving economic empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.   Snapshot 4.0 data reveals the disproportionate impact of this sector: Indigenous businesses and corporations employ 20% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the workforce, despite these firms representing less than 1% of total firms trading in Australia.   Employment Opportunities and Scale   Professor Michelle Evans, report co-author and Director of the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership, emphasized the sheer scale of the sector’s contribution, stating: “The Indigenous corporate ecosystem isn’t some niche group of small businesses,” and noting that “It employs more Australians than the Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac combined”.   The research shows that Indigenous businesses are 12 times more likely to employ an Indigenous worker than non-Indigenous businesses across a diverse range of industries. Crucially, the research also found that Indigenous businesses are more likely to offer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people full-time and/or higher-skilled positions than non-Indigenous businesses.   The majority of these opportunities are available outside of major metropolitan centers. Professor Evans explained that almost two-thirds of the jobs available in the ecosystem are in rural and remote areas, which creates more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to work while living on country. Regarding the distribution of employment within the ecosystem, 54 per cent is with Indigenous businesses (companies, sole traders, and partnerships) and 46 per cent is with Indigenous Corporations (ORIC). Key sectors driving Indigenous employment within the ecosystem include:   Health care and social assistance: Over 11,000 jobs (23 per cent of employment). Administrative services: 6,535 jobs. Professional, scientific and technical services: 4,271 jobs. Public administration and safety: 4,429 jobs. Construction: 3,900 jobs.   A Path to Closing the Gap The report ties the sector’s strength to national policy goals, noting that the federal government committed to increasing the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 to 64 in employment to 62 percent under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Snapshot’s 2021 data showed this measure at 55.7 per cent.   Professor Evans pointed out that to achieve the 6.3 percentage points needed to close the gap on employment participation, policymakers must “understand what the economy looks like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders looking for work and encourage job creation in areas that meet the needs of the community”. Procurement Policy Impact   Snapshot 4.0 also quantified the effect of the national Indigenous Procurement Program (IPP) on the sector. The study found that since the Program’s implementation, the average annual number of Commonwealth contracts won by Indigenous businesses and corporations increased significantly, rising from 3,589 a year (between 2007/8 and 2014/5) to 8,197 a year (2015/16 to 2018/19), accompanied by a 21% increase in annual spend over the same period. An estimated 82% of recipients received their first Commonwealth contract under the IPP.   However, report lead author Associate Professor Cain Polidano noted that the Indigenous business and corporation ecosystem is “by no means reliant on the IPP or government contracts,” as the value of contracts won through the IPP represents only 4% of the total revenue generated by the sector. Polidano added a note of caution regarding the policy’s geographic equity, observing that the contracts are not being evenly divided across the sector, meaning the potential employment increases from the IPP are yet to be fully realized. “Our data shows we can’t rely on the IPP alone to close the employment gap,” he said, especially since 60% of working-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders live in rural and remote areas where employment rates are lower.   Data Infrastructure Advances   The broader objective of the Indigenous Economic Power Project (IEPP) is to fix the historical lack of an identifier for Indigenous ownership and quantify the economic, employment, and social contribution of these businesses. The project leveraged the Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment (BLADE)—an expansive collection of anonymized business data compiled by the Commonwealth—and, for Snapshot 3.0, incorporated the Person Level Integrated Data Asset, which expanded the sample size to 13,693 businesses, providing “the most comprehensive view to date”. The IEPP works in collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and six Indigenous business and corporation registries, including the Office for the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) registry and the Waalitj Foundation Aboriginal business list.

  Irene Lalana Muñoz, the Founder and CEO of Irela Aqua and Fitness, has been recognized as the Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year in QLD. This significant accolade celebrates a multicultural Brisbane business leader who has shown outstanding progress early in their career and business endeavors.   The award specifically acknowledges recipients for their notable success in business innovation, the introduction of new products or services, and a commitment to giving back to the community. Irene Muñoz’s journey to becoming a recognized leader is defined by personal growth and overcoming challenges. Born in Spain, she arrived in Australia in 2019 and achieved Australian citizenship in 2024. Although her childhood dream of competing in the Sydney 2000 Olympics as a swimmer was not realized, the principles of Olympism guided her path, leading her to complete a Bachelor’s in Sport Sciences and a Master’s in Sport Management.   Muñoz emphasizes that her multicultural background, which blends her Spanish heritage with the Australian way of life, forms a core strength of Irela Aqua and Fitness. This background shapes the business’s fitness programs, which support sustainable healthy lifestyle changes, and informs its swimming programs tailored for the migrant community. Building a Business from Scratch   Irela Aqua and Fitness specializes in serving adult learners, particularly migrant adults, who may not have had the opportunity to learn to swim during childhood. Muñoz explained that many migrants arrive in Australia and realize that swimming is a crucial skill, given that “so much of life here revolves around water”. As a sole trader, Muñoz serves as both a fitness coach and swimming instructor, focusing on providing these adults with the chance to learn how to swim while integrating fitness training.   The business began as a side project during the COVID-19 pandemic. With isolation leading to the closure of gyms and pools, Muñoz started providing personal training, building connections, and working with private clients through online teaching and coaching. She later decided to pursue this work as a full-time career and established her brand.   Reflecting on her win, Muñoz highlighted the theme of resilience. “It is a personal achievement, but it represents all the journey for many entrepreneurs and for me, many migrant people who are right in Australia,” she said.   She noted that migrant individuals arrive in Australia with “dreams, with passion, with knowledge, with experience,” but often “have to start from scratch, and we have to work hard to get recognised and to build our profession, professional path again”. She detailed the difficulties encountered, which include facing not only a different language but also a “different culture, a different tradition, a different work culture, everything that you have to learn, apply, and modify your habits”. The Road to Recognition   Muñoz’s journey to the award was supported by existing community initiatives. Her path began when she received a scholarship last year funded by the city council, designed to support multicultural individuals in business.   Attending the awards ceremony the previous year, where she witnessed about 300 attendees driven by dreams and passion, was incredibly inspiring. It was at this event that a friend pointed out the absence of finalists from the Latin community and urged Muñoz to apply, insisting she had to be there the following year.   Despite initial skepticism about whether a small local business like hers could compete, she completed the self-nomination process. The application required written answers detailing her work, the challenges faced, the business’s operational length, and how she promotes inclusivity, innovation, and community collaboration. Following the submission, she was shortlisted and interviewed by a judging panel. Muñoz described the suspense as “thrilling,” noting that finalists were invited to the ceremony and advised via email to prepare a one-minute speech, just in case they won. To her surprise, she was publicly announced as one of the finalists before claiming the top honor at the ceremony.  

Queensland teachers staged their second 24-hour strike of 2025 on Tuesday, November 25, as the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) escalated its campaign against the Crisafulli government, accusing the administration of ignoring teachers’ demands and facing a “credibility crisis”.   QTU President Cresta Richardson issued a statement thanking members and the broader community for their “overwhelming support” in the fight to protect free state education. The QTU calls on the department and the government to listen to school communities and “deliver meaningful change,” citing “unprecedented levels of member participation in the entire EB11 campaign”.   The strike action follows record voting numbers among the QTU’s 51,000 members throughout the campaign. The dispute centers on an ongoing standoff, with the government’s offer of 8 per cent over three years remaining largely unchanged.   Allegations of Misinformation and Punishment   Ms. Richardson criticized the Crisafulli government, stating it “seems intent on punishing our teachers with an unnecessary and punitive full arbitration”.   The QTU President leveled serious accusations of misinformation against the government, declaring it a government with a “credibility crisis”. Specific claims disputed by the QTU include:     The Minister’s assertion that all teachers would earn more than $100,000. Ms. Richardson called this “not true”. The Premier’s promise to step in and solve the standoff, which the QTU stated was “not true”. Reports that the Minister’s office contacted staff claiming the strike was unauthorized, which the QTU also labeled as “not true”. Department Ensures Safety and Minimizes Disruption   Despite the industrial action, the Department of Education informed the public that schools remained operational on Tuesday, November 25. The department stressed that it took necessary steps to ensure disruptions were kept to a minimum.   The department stated it is always concerned about the possible impacts of industrial action on students, particularly during the important final weeks of the school year, where it may disadvantage their learning outcomes and wellbeing. To counter this, schools communicated with students and families about any changed arrangements. They also worked with the department to support students with any changes to assessment so that they are not disadvantaged.   The Department confirmed that when industrial action occurs, arrangements are put in place to ensure the ongoing safety and supervision of students and, where possible, the continuation of learning programs. However, the Department also noted that employees who did not perform work as directed during a period of protected industrial action will have their salaries withheld under the Industrial Relations Act 2016.

Police are warning Queensland residents to remain vigilant following reports of traveling roof restoration scammers operating across the state. These criminal networks have been noted for targeting elderly and vulnerable residents, often resulting in significant financial losses. The scammers offer various services, including low-cost roof maintenance, cleaning services, or tile replacement. Signs that these scammers are active in an area may include flyers, signage, or door-to-door promotions advertising unusually cheap work. Recent Activity and Scope Authorities recently received a report from Manly West regarding a specific incident. A man, claiming to be from a roofing service, attended a resident’s home and offered to upgrade the roof. The resident declined the offer, and the man subsequently left without approaching neighbors. The male was identified as a passenger in a white Nissan Navara. The driver of the vehicle was not sighted. Investigations into the matter reveal that the vehicle and associated individuals have links to previous scam operations targeting elderly and vulnerable residents in multiple locations across QLD. These locations include Svensson Heights, Strathpine, Capalaba, Caboolture, and Woolloongabba. These earlier scams are associated with causing victims to incur significant financial losses Safeguarding Against Scams Police are encouraging residents to safeguard themselves against these schemes. Key steps include: Verifying business credentials before arranging any work. Being cautious of unsolicited offers. Avoiding opening doors to unknown visitors. Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information regarding the individuals or the white Nissan Navara involved in these incidents should contact Policelink and quote reference QI2502095926, or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Australian national home values recorded a 1.0% increase in November, marking the third consecutive month that values have risen by one per cent or more, according to Cotality’s national Home Value Index. However, the pace of growth is showing signs of moderation, easing slightly from the 1.1% gain recorded in October. The headline growth figure was significantly weighed down by Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, which are facing increasing affordability constraints. Meanwhile, mid-sized capitals are dramatically outperforming the larger markets, a trend similar to that seen in late 2023 and 2024. Mid-Sized Cities Surge Ahead Every capital city, apart from Sydney and Melbourne, recorded a value rise of at least 1.0% through November. Perth led the nation with a solid 2.4% surge in dwelling values. Brisbane also showed strong growth, recording a 1.9% rise.   Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, highlighted the significant skew towards the mid-sized capitals, noting that the surge in Perth is especially evident. In Perth, listings are holding more than 40% below average while buyer demand remains elevated. The 2.4% monthly rise in Perth added just over $21,000 to the median in November, which equates to roughly $5,000 per week.   In contrast, Sydney recorded a monthly rise of 0.5% and Melbourne was up 0.3%. The lower gain in Sydney is likely reflective of affordability constraints putting a ceiling on growth. Sydney’s monthly growth rate appears to have peaked at 0.9% back in August. Furthermore, Sydney has a smaller supply deficit than the capital city benchmark, with listings tracking only 2.2% below the five-year average, compared to the benchmark of about 16% below average. Affordability and Serviceability Remain Stretched The subtle easing in national growth coincides with several indicators pointing to headwinds for the housing market. Auction clearance rates have trended lower since peaking in mid-September, falling below the decade average by mid-November. Both Sydney and Melbourne saw clearance rates hold in the low 60% range through the second half of November.   A major factor is the record levels of housing unaffordability. Affordability metrics from the September quarter show a record high in the national dwelling value-to-household income ratio, where the median dwelling value is 8.2 times higher than the annual pre-tax household income. The income required to service a mortgage at the median value is near record levels, at 45.0%.   Mr. Lawless warned that these economic factors will likely affect housing sentiment going forward: “With inflation once again above the RBA’s target range and rates potentially on hold for the foreseeable future, it’s likely housing sentiment will suffer,” Mr. Lawless said. “With housing affordability already stretched and worsening, it stands to reason that fewer borrowers will be able to access credit as serviceability barriers become more prominent”.   The flow-through effect of stretched affordability and serviceability is already visible, with housing value growth skewed towards lower price points of the market. Over the past three months, most state capitals have seen values across the lower quartile rising the fastest. The exception is Melbourne, where affordability is slightly less stretched, and the broad middle of the market is experiencing the fastest lift in values.   Regarding future regulatory changes, the impact of the recent policy announcement from APRA—to limit high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio loans to 20% of new lending—is expected to be limited. Mr. Lawless noted that the majority of recent mortgage originations remain significantly below a DTI of six or more. Though the new credit policy is scheduled for implementation in February next year, Mr. Lawless believes it is only “likely to only affect the margins of borrowing activity”.  

  eSafety is urgently raising the alarm over the misuse of smart vehicles, which are emerging as a new tool for domestic violence perpetrators to monitor, track, and intimidate victims. The agency is urging Australians to recognize how modern smart car features can be exploited for technology-facilitated coercive control. This warning comes after eSafety received reports from frontline workers through its dedicated Technology-Facilitated Abuse Support Service, which assists staff in applying safety planning to digital devices. Exploiting Connectivity   eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlighted that as more Australians purchase cars connected to the internet and other smart devices, abusers are exploiting these features to spy on and gaslight their partners. Reports received by eSafety’s service detail several alarming scenarios, including abusers: Accessing trip histories to keep tabs on a partner’s movements. Remotely locking doors or changing the heating to intimidate victims. Using kill switches to prevent victims from traveling beyond certain distances. Ms. Inman Grant emphasized that a vehicle, which is often “crucial for escape,” is being used as a mechanism to trap and control in these situations. The source material notes that location tracking is one of the biggest risks to a victim-survivor’s safety when they are planning to leave a violent situation, which can lead to the violence escalating and taking new forms. The technical foundation of this abuse relies on the fact that most smart vehicles have built-in GPS systems and telematics platforms that record real-time location, trip histories, and geofencing alerts. This personal data can be accessed through companion apps on smartphones or web portals, or shared via synced accounts. A Broader Pattern of Technology-Facilitated Control The misuse of smart vehicles forms part of a broader pattern of technology-facilitated coercive control. Frontline services report that this abuse is becoming increasingly complex due to the interconnected nature of popular smart devices—the Internet of Things (IoT)—which collect and store personal data. These devices range from smartwatches and tablets with synced accounts to smart TVs, security cameras, and thermostats.   Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, called the weaponization of technology by perpetrators “a new frontier that we have to tackle”, noting that technology-facilitated abuse is one of the greatest and most rapidly evolving challenges in tackling domestic and family violence.   Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT CEO Sue Webeck added that technology is pervasive and its benefits can quickly become a “lethal risk factor” for someone experiencing domestic violence, noting that people are often not used to assessing their safety based on devices like smart bulbs or smart fridges. Commissioner Micaela Cronin stressed that it is vital to center people with lived experience to build understanding of how this abuse is enacted and how it can be prevented.   When a woman seeking help arrives at a shelter, frontline workers often perform a thorough check of their phone, car, smartwatch, and personal belongings to identify and destroy tracking devices and software.   Call for Urgent Industry Action   With estimates suggesting that more than 90 per cent of new cars sold in Australia by 2031 will have embedded connectivity, Ms. Inman Grant declared that there is a need for “urgent action to make them safer”. She likened the required safety improvements to the industry’s need for their “next ‘seatbelt moment’”, stating that these are “solvable design issues” if safeguards are built in from the start.   eSafety is calling on companies to embed safety into smart car devices and accounts, specifically demanding:   Emergency lockouts and safe transfers: Manufacturers must provide a simple, documented way to revoke all access and transfer ownership during separation without requiring contact with the other party. User-visible audit logs: These systems should offer a clear history of account access, location pings, and remote commands that can be exported for use as evidence. Retailer and dealership standards: Dealerships must always reset devices or accounts when cars are sold or change owners, and staff must be trained to do this safely for people experiencing abuse.   eSafety’s latest Online Safety Advisory focuses on smart devices and the Internet of Things to help victim-survivors and frontline workers understand these risks. Practical safety steps for victims, recommended to be taken with the support of a frontline service, include resetting account control on a ‘clean’ device (using private details and strong passphrases), revoking access everywhere (logging out of companion apps and unlinking shared IDs), and requesting that a dealer reset telematics and remove former users.