The federal government has introduced comprehensive legislation aimed at addressing fraud, misconduct and exploitation within the National Disability Insurance Scheme, marking one of the most significant regulatory overhauls since the program’s establishment. The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Integrity and Safeguarding) Bill 2025, tabled in Parliament today, proposes substantial expansions to the enforcement powers of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and establishes a framework of strengthened penalties for provider violations. Key Legislative Provisions   The bill introduces a substantially revised penalty structure for serious contraventions by NDIS providers. Offences resulting in death or significant harm would carry maximum financial penalties exceeding $16 million—a more than fortyfold increase from the current $400,000 cap. The legislation also establishes criminal sanctions, including potential imprisonment, for breaches of registration requirements and non-compliance with banning orders. The proposed amendments include several additional regulatory mechanisms: Expanded compliance and enforcement authority for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, including enhanced monitoring capabilities Extension of banning order provisions to encompass auditors and consultants associated with non-compliant practices Introduction of anti-promotion orders designed to prevent marketing of products or services that compromise scheme integrity A 90-day cooling-off period for participant exit requests from the NDIS, establishing a standardized notification process with the National Disability Insurance Agency Mandatory electronic submission of claims to reduce fraudulent activity The reforms target what the government describes as systemic vulnerabilities that have enabled exploitation of both scheme resources and vulnerable participants.   Minister Defends Reform Necessity   NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister framed the legislation as essential to preserving the scheme’s financial sustainability and participant safety. “Every single dollar spent on the NDIS should go to providing the highest quality care and safe support and services for people with disability,” Minister McAllister stated. “Through our investments, we have uncovered rorts committed by shonks, bad actors and criminals who have exploited and neglected vulnerable Australians.” McAllister emphasized the connection between financial misconduct and participant harm, noting that fraud investigations frequently reveal concurrent instances of abuse and neglect. The minister characterized the reforms as overdue measures that address known vulnerabilities while acknowledging that continued oversight will be necessary to ensure scheme effectiveness.   Parliamentary Consideration   The bill now proceeds to parliamentary debate, where it will face scrutiny from both coalition and crossbench members. The government is seeking bipartisan support for passage of the legislation during the current sitting period. If enacted, the reforms would represent the most substantial enhancement of NDIS regulatory powers since the scheme’s transition to full implementation in 2020.

Elara, a specialist in construction management—a sector facing critical workforce shortages in Queensland—sat reviewing the various pathways that could lead her to the Sunshine State. Queensland welcomes talent from around the world to fill critical skills shortages that support its diversified economy and vibrant communities. She knew Migration Queensland aimed to fill these requirements by nominating people with relevant qualifications. Elara was considering regions outside of the metropolitan areas, such as the Gold Coast and Hinterland, or perhaps Townsville and North Queensland, where the need for skilled workers was particularly acute. Elara had two primary visa subclasses to choose from for state nomination: The Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190), which allows nominated skilled workers to live and work in Queensland as permanent residents. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), which allows nominated skilled workers to live and work in regional Queensland. She had initially reviewed the eligibility criteria for the subclass 491 visa, which had pathways specifically for skilled workers living offshore. She had submitted a Registration of Interest (ROI) for the 491 subclass. Then came the announcement for the 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program. Elara learned that the allocation was now open with a total of 2,600 places available, an allocation that was more than double the previous year’s numbers. The 2024-25 financial year had provided a nomination allocation of 1,200 (split evenly: 600 for subclass 190 and 600 for subclass 491). The new, increased allocation aimed to help address critical workforce shortages in key sectors like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing, and to support skills shortages across a range of industries in regional areas. Analyzing the breakdown, Elara noted a significant shift in prioritization: There were 1,850 places for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). There were 750 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Seeing the much larger allocation for the permanent subclass 190 visa, Elara reviewed the nomination pathways again. She confirmed she met the subclass 190 visa requirements. Since candidates are encouraged to review the Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists and nomination pathways to determine their visa subclass eligibility, Elara quickly acted. Because she had already submitted an ROI for the subclass 491 visa, she now submitted a new ROI for the subclass 190 visa. She knew this was crucial because selection rounds would only consider the candidates’ most recently submitted ROI. With her new Registration of Interest for the permanent subclass 190 successfully submitted, Elara’s fate lay with Migration Queensland. She now awaited the selection rounds, hoping her skills and qualifications—needed by Queensland’s growing economy and communities—would earn her the nomination. This story follows the journey of a skilled migrant seeking nomination to live and work in Queensland, relying strictly on the administrative and allocation information provided in the sources.

The news spread through ambulance stations across Queensland like a rapid dispatch call. More than 6,700 frontline Queensland Ambulance Services staff—a dedicated group including paramedics, patient transport officers, and Emergency Medical Dispatchers—had cast their vote on the new Certified Agreement. The result was clear: an overwhelming 85 per cent of those balloted voted in favor of the deal. The Honorable Tim Nicholls, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, confirmed the successful outcome, stating that the Crisafulli Government was committed to delivering health services when you need them by ensuring the workforce is valued and respected. “We are proud to reward our hardworking paramedics, patient transport officers and Emergency Medical Dispatchers with increased wages,” Minister Nicholls announced, promising that these frontline heroes will receive their pay rise by Christmas Eve. The new agreement secured a well-deserved wage uplift for the employees. Staff will receive an eight per cent increase to wages and allowances over three years, structured as 3%, 2.5%, and 2.5%. Additionally, the agreement includes the potential for supplementary wage increases through a CPI Uplift Adjustment if it is triggered. Beyond the pay packet, the Certified Agreement reflected a strong focus on staff wellbeing. Acting Queensland Ambulance Services Commissioner Ray Clarke emphasized that as the service grows and evolves, staff’s wellbeing and safety must be at the heart of what the QAS does. The new deal includes additional staff wellbeing measures. Key features of the agreement are designed to support the diverse needs of the frontline workers: It introduces allowances to recognize staff working night shifts. It includes attraction and retention incentives for those working in rural and remote locations. The Crisafulli Government’s offer also features initiatives specifically designed to further support frontline staff to finish work on time, wherever possible. Key features of the agreement are designed to support the diverse needs of the frontline workers: It introduces allowances to recognize staff working night shifts. It includes attraction and retention incentives for those working in rural and remote locations. The Crisafulli Government’s offer also features initiatives specifically designed to further support frontline staff to finish work on time, wherever possible. The process now moves forward swiftly, with the QAS preparing to seek an expedited certification hearing in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to ensure the increases are delivered as quickly as possible. Looking ahead, the Crisafulli Government is investing significantly in the future of the QAS. The 2025-26 record Health Budget is delivering more than $1 billion for the service. This historic investment includes funding for more paramedics and marks the first multi-year uplift for critical ambulance infrastructure since 2008-09. These efforts are part of a broader strategy aimed at getting ambulances back on the road sooner and reducing ambulance ramping to below 30 per cent by October 2028. For the thousands of dedicated QAS officers, the delivery of the promised pay increase just before Christmas Eve represents not only a monetary reward but a formal recognition that their service is valued and respected.

The company acknowledges that meeting this mandate will require significant, ongoing effort, and it has issued statements detailing its compliance process, the complexities of age verification, and operational instructions for affected users and advertisers. Meta Executives on Compliance, Technology, and Policy Antigone Davis, vice president and global head of safety, Meta, discussed the challenges of the new regulation: “While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by 10 December, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process”. Davis highlighted the difficulty of accurately confirming age for this specific group and advocated for industry-wide technical solutions: “Though we are committed to compliance, we must also acknowledge the findings of the Age Assurance Technology Trial, which recognises the particular challenges of age assurance at the novel 16 age boundary”. “We believe a better approach is required: a standard, more accurate, and privacy-preserving system, such as OS/app store-level age verification”. She concluded that this external verification, combined with Meta’s existing investments in age assurance and features like Teen Accounts, “offers a more comprehensive protection for young people online”. Mia Garlick, regional policy director, Meta, provided instructions for users aged 15 and under who are impacted by the ban: “For all our users aged 15 and under, we understand the importance of the treasured memories, connections, and content within your accounts”. Garlick directed these users to protect their history across platforms: “Look out for our official notifications and follow the instructions to safely preserve and download your digital history across Instagram, Threads, and Facebook”. She offered reassurance that their content will be protected for future access: “When you turn 16 and can access our apps again all your content will be available exactly as you left it”. She also emphasized the crucial role of parents in ensuring accurate data on children’s accounts: “We also ask parents to work with their children to ensure the correct birth date is registered on their social media accounts. Parents remain important partners in promoting the appropriate use of technology within their households as platforms such as ours work to comply with the law”. Will Easton, VP and managing director, Meta Australia, commented on the policy implications and business impact: Easton affirmed that Meta supports the overall goal of creating safer online experiences, but expressed reservations about the “blanket ban” approach: “We share the government’s goal of creating safer, age-appropriate online experiences, however blanket bans bring their own set of challenges”. He confirmed Meta’s ongoing commitment to protective measures and balancing different needs: “We have invested in tools and protections to help keep young people safe online, and we will continue to advocate for solutions that balance safety, privacy, and the positive connections young Australians find on our platforms”. Regarding advertising partners, Easton projected minimal disruption due to existing targeting limitations: “For advertisers, we offered limited opportunities to target younger audiences and expect minimal to no impact on ad performance for most customers following the ban”. He finished by stressing Meta’s dedication to responsible commercial practices: “We’re proud to offer advertising solutions that prioritise the safety and well-being of young people, while helping businesses connect with their audiences responsibly”.

Fresh data has exposed a stark affordability crisis gripping Brisbane’s housing market, with buyer budgets falling dramatically short of seller expectations across the city’s most sought-after suburbs. The disparity, which reaches as high as $800,000 in inner-city locations, signals a fundamental disconnect between market aspirations and financial capacity. Quantifying the Divide The Domain Matching Demand Report, which benchmarks buyer search budgets against seller listing prices, reveals the extent of the mismatch. Within the Brisbane Inner SA3 statistical region, prospective purchasers are searching with an average budget of $1.3 million—a staggering $800,000 below the median listing price of $2.1 million. The affordability challenge intensifies with proximity to the CBD: Within a five-kilometre radius of Brisbane’s central business district, the typical buyer budget of $1.3 million falls $450,000 short of the $1.75 million median listing price for detached homes In the five-to-ten-kilometre band, buyers face a $250,000 shortfall against the $1.25 million median listing price Dr. Nicola Powell, Domain’s chief of research and economics, describes the disconnect as unmistakable. “This mismatch of aspiration versus reality in Brisbane is clear and reflective of the strong rates of price growth seen in the city, even over the past 12 months,” she noted. Brisbane and Sydney stand alone among Australian capitals in exhibiting consistent price gaps across inner, middle, and outer suburban rings. With chronic supply constraints and sustained price appreciation continuing to exert upward pressure, Dr. Powell warns the gap shows no signs of narrowing. “Buyers in inner Brisbane are simply priced out,” she stated. Market Realities on the Ground Industry practitioners report the theoretical gap translating into tangible challenges at the coalface. Nick Kouparitsas of Ray White Clayfield has observed the mismatchbecoming increasingly pronounced throughout premium inner-north suburbs, where buyer budgets routinely fall $600,000 below market expectations. Blue-chip postcodes including Clayfield, Wilston, Wooloowin, and Stafford exemplify this escalating divide. Construction economics compound the challenge. Agents cite cases of buyers allocating $2 million budgets for new builds in suburbs such as Kedron, only to discover the figure barely covers construction costs before factoring in land acquisition. Domain data substantiates these observations, with the inner-north median listing price now sitting at $1,977,500—significantly above the median search price of $1.2 million. The phenomenon extends beyond the inner north. In the Sherwood-Indooroopilly corridor, properties are listed at an average of $1,745,625 against buyer search budgets of $1.2 million. Ann-Karyn Fraser of Place New Farm reports buyers frequently falling half a million dollars short of requirements, particularly interstate migrants who “don’t understand the true cost of buying this close to the city now” or within prestigious school catchments. Demand pressure in amenity-rich locations—driven by educational access, lifestyle infrastructure, and CBD proximity—has created pronounced gaps in suburbs including Chelmer, Graceville, Sherwood, and St Lucia. Strategic Recalibration: The Pivot to Density and Distance Priced out of traditional house markets in inner and middle rings, buyers are executing strategic pivots toward alternative property types and locations. This recalibration has manifested in two distinct patterns: Dual Search Strategy: Buyers unable to stretch budgets to house price points are expanding searches to include townhouses, creating what agents describe as a “dual search” approach to market participation. Budget Reversal Phenomenon: In the townhouse segment, the conventional price gap inverts entirely. Buyer budgets for higher-density properties now exceed listing prices, reflecting the migration of house hunters into the townhouse market with relatively substantial budgets. In outer suburban markets, this dynamic has become particularly pronounced. Beyond the five-kilometre ring, in areas such as Springwood-Kingston, buyer budgets exceed median listings by up to $153,000. Townhouse searches in these locations average $650,000 against median listings of $497,000. Rebecca Cuderman of NGU Real Estate attributes the outer-ring surge to accumulating buyer frustration and fear of missing out. Properties marketed last week with asking prices above $650,000 attracted offers reaching $720,000. Cuderman notes dramatic acceleration in townhouse valuations, observing $70,000 appreciation over just two months—a trajectory she links partly to government deposit assistance schemes. Two-bedroom, one-bathroom units in Woodridge that commanded $400,000 to $500,000 a month prior are now transacting at $600,000. Editor’s Note: The Domain Matching Demand Report analyzes seller listing prices and buyer search budgets rather than final transaction prices, and does not capture instances where properties ultimately sell at variance to advertised guides.

Australian lawmakers have greenlit stringent new security measures to fortify national cyber defenses following an escalation in digital threats—with high-profile platforms including Roblox emerging as targets—according to the latest Annual Cyber Threat Report issued by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD). The ASD’s 2024-25 threat assessment documents a marked spike in cyber incidents targeting Australian entities across the public and private sectors, with attack vectors encompassing ransomware operations, data exfiltration campaigns, and compromises affecting widely-used services such as the Roblox gaming platform. Critical infrastructure and essential services remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Responding to the threat landscape detailed in the report, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has prioritized expedited passage of the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024. The legislative framework introduces mandatory incident disclosure requirements for ransomware attacks, strengthens cross-sector security protocols, and establishes enhanced threat intelligence sharing mechanisms between government and industry—extending protections to consumer-facing platforms including gaming services like Roblox. Committee officials emphasize that hardening defenses for high-traffic platforms such as Roblox represents a strategic imperative for both national security and economic stability. The regulatory overhaul imposes stricter security obligations on organizations managing internet-connected devices and fortifies safeguards protecting critical infrastructure against both domestic and nation-state threat actors. Security officials are urging Australian enterprises, gaming communities, and families utilizing Roblox and similar online platforms to maintain heightened security awareness, adhere to government-issued cybersecurity guidance, and actively support coordinated threat mitigation efforts. The Australian government, in collaboration with private sector partners and law enforcement agencies, continues to advance a whole-of-nation approach to cyber resilience capable of countering the full spectrum of digital threats in the current and emerging threat environment.

The Minns Labor Government has opened applications for the latest round of the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants. This initiative is designed to support NSW councils in hosting large multicultural festivals that unite communities and celebrate the rich diversity of the state. A total of $3 million in funding is available, reflecting the Government’s firm commitment to fostering and highlighting NSW’s vibrant multicultural landscape. Councils can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $250,000, helping them create inclusive events that promote understanding between cultures and honour the many traditions, stories, and contributions that make local communities unique. Past recipients have made a significant impact with their festivals. For example, in October, Wagga Wagga City Council energised the community with the FUSION BOTANICAL Multicultural Festival — an event filled with music, food, art, and culture. Attendees enjoyed live performances, interactive art exhibits, storytelling, and a Latin silent disco walking tour that brought the city’s gardens to life. Looking forward, the City of Parramatta will use its grant to expand its 2026 Lunar New Year Festival. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, the festival will feature traditional workshops, delicious street food, and cultural activities, with new events planned in Epping to involve even more residents and visitors. The grants are managed by Multicultural NSW, and applications close on Friday, 19 December 2025. All local government councils in NSW are encouraged to apply via the Multicultural NSW website. Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, commented: “The Minns Labor Government is pleased to continue supporting multicultural communities through this new round of festival grants, ensuring councils have the resources to create memorable events that bring people together. Multicultural festivals are vital—they showcase our shared traditions and values, building strong connections among residents and fostering a sense of belonging. These special occasions empower communities to share their culture, heritage, and experiences, strengthening the bonds throughout the state.”

The government’s flagship housing policy is failing to keep pace with demographic reality, industry figures warn, threatening to deepen Australia’s affordability crisis ahead of a looming federal election. The Albanese government’s centrepiece housing pledge—to deliver 1.2 million new homes by 2029—is already obsolete, according to peak industry body warnings that will intensify political pressure on Labor’s economic credentials. Fresh analysis from the Housing Industry Association reveals the target, unveiled with fanfare just two years ago, has been overtaken by accelerating population growth that renders the commitment inadequate before a single additional dwelling reaches fruition. The findings deliver an unwelcome blow to a government banking on housing policy to neutralise Coalition attacks on cost-of-living pressures. HIA economists now project the nation requires 1.9 million new homes to restore affordability to median income earners—a shortfall of 700,000 dwellings that threatens to leave the government exposed on a defining electoral issue. With national median house prices surging to $773,803—demanding 1.7 times the average salary to service mortgage repayments—home ownership is slipping further from reach for working Australians, particularly younger voters Labor cannot afford to alienate. The political headache deepens with HIA projections suggesting the government will miss its own target by nearly 200,000 homes, undermining ministerial assurances the policy would arrest spiralling prices. Senior HIA economist Tom Devitt attributes the policy failure to underestimated migration figures, with net overseas arrivals reaching 423,000 in the year to March 2025—well above Treasury forecasts that underpinned the original housing commitment. The mathematics are stark: even achieving the 240,000 annual dwelling construction rate required to meet the 1.2 million target would merely stabilise the crisis, not reverse it. Current trajectories suggest completion could stretch to 2035, beyond two electoral cycles. State responses have fractured along familiar partisan lines. Western Australia’s Cook Labor government is accelerating approvals, while New South Wales Liberal-National coalition has unveiled apartment construction incentives. Yet the critical eastern seaboard markets of Sydney and Melbourne—where housing stressis most acute—are falling behind, storing up problems for whichever party holds power federally. The housing shortfall threatens to cascade into related policy failures: strained infrastructure in regional centres absorbing overflow demand, declining urban amenity as density increases without planning, and widening wealth inequality that entrenches generational disadvantage. Industry groups are intensifying lobbying for structural tax reform, particularly abolition or reduction of state-imposed stamp duties and land taxes they argue throttle supply. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers faces competing pressures to intervene while managing inflationary pressures and a deteriorating budget position. With the opposition seizing on cost-of-living vulnerabilities and minor parties pushing more aggressive interventions, housing has crystallised as the policy battleground that could determine the next election. The consensus among housing economists is unambiguous: without dramatic policy recalibration—potentially including controversial measures such as planning deregulation, developer incentives, or direct government construction—Australia’s home ownership crisis will intensify, with profound consequences for social cohesion and political stability.

Australian governments are reportedly wasting $1.2 billion a year on avoidable spending within public hospitals, funds which currently do nothing to improve patient care. This efficiency gap comes at a critical time, as Australian hospitals are described as approaching breaking point. The amount of money currently wasted could, if redirected, pay for an extra 160,000 hospital visits each year. The strain on the hospital system persists despite significant investment. Public hospital spending has increased by $3 billion every year on average over the past decade. Furthermore, demands on hospitals are only expected to grow as Australians become older and sicker. Public hospital spending per person is projected to increase by a third in the next decade, rising from $2,500 to $3,300 each. The strain on the hospital system persists despite significant investment. Public hospital spending has increased by $3 billion every year on average over the past decade. Furthermore, demands on hospitals are only expected to grow as Australians become older and sicker. Public hospital spending per person is projected to increase by a third in the next decade, rising from $2,500 to $3,300 each. The Efficiency Gap The key to unlocking this $1.2 billion in savings lies in addressing stark efficiency differences between facilities. Some hospitals are significantly more expensive than others. For example, the average cost of a knee replacement procedure varies dramatically across states: In Victoria, the variation between high- and low-cost hospitals is $13,600. In Queensland, the difference is $11,000. In NSW, the cost variation is $9,000. This disparity is observed for other procedures and across every state and territory. Taxpayers could save $1.2 billion annually if costly hospitals simply achieved the middle level of efficiency within their respective states. Achieving Savings Without Sacrificing Quality Cutting costs, according to the sources, does not necessarily mean cutting the quality of care. There are numerous ways hospitals can safely deliver care for less: Preventing Complications: Some Australian hospitals are proficient at preventing complications, such as pressure sores and falls, which otherwise keep patients in the hospital for longer periods. Technological Adoption: In England, doctors utilize AI notetakers to reduce time spent on paperwork, allowing them to spend more time engaging with patients. Modern Procedures: In Canada, one in three individuals who receive a hip or knee replacement safely go home the same day, thereby freeing up valuable hospital beds. The Problem of “Bogus Budgets” A significant barrier holding back hospitals from adopting best practices and achieving efficiency is the existing funding model, characterized by “bogus budgets”. State governments are known to set unrealistically low budgets at the start of the year. When hospitals inevitably run deficits, the state governments provide bailouts or “top-ups,” which are destabilizing and large, averaging six percent of spending. This cycle is described as the annual “budget rollercoaster of hospital blowouts and bailouts” that needs to end. Essential Reforms to Fix the Broken System To ensure public hospitals spend smarter and provide more care, the broken funding system must be fixed. The danger of inaction is that Australia could make the same mistakes as the UK, which resorted to “brutal austerity” to control costs, leading to devastating impacts for patients. The sources suggest a multi-pronged reform agenda: End Bailouts and Impose Consequences: Scot-free bailouts must cease. There should be serious consequences for hospital deficits, including the potential loss of jobs for CEOs and boards.  Funding Alignment: The federal government’s contribution to public hospital funding should increase in line with the growing demand for care. It should fully fund the cost of care, provided that states commit to reforming their systems to enhance efficiency.  System Reform: State governments need to change how they fund care to promote shorter stays, encourage hospitals to buy in bulk, consolidate some procedures into specialized centers, and facilitate the adoption of best practices. By implementing realistic budgets, funding reform, and better system management, smart spending can ensure every dollar goes further, potentially reducing the need for tax hikes or cuts to other public services.

The Gold Coast’s most beloved festive event is returning bigger than ever this year, with the Mayor’s Christmas Carols set to light up HOTA, Home of the Arts, across two spectacular nights on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. For the first time, the event will feature back-to-back shows, doubling the Christmas cheer for families and visitors across the city. Headlining both evenings are homegrown pop star Ricki-Lee and children’s entertainer and ‘Toddler Techno’ creator Lenny Pearce, leading a program of live performances, fireworks, and festive fun. “This is my favourite event of the year, and I’m thrilled we can bring double the Christmas spirit to the Coast with two nights of carols, dazzling performances and spectacular fireworks,” said Mayor Tom Tate. “Santa himself will make an appearance, and the Warner Bros. Movie World Looney Tunes Christmas Show will return to delight the crowd once again.” Free tickets for seating on the HOTA Outdoor Stage will be released in two rounds, opening at 9 am on Monday 17 November and again at 6 pm on Tuesday 18 November. Both nights will also be live-streamed to big screens at the HOTA Parklands, where residents can enjoy the show picnic-style without bookings. Presented by the City of Gold Coast and Village Roadshow Theme Parks, the carols are supported by 7NEWS, 1029 Hot Tomato, and HOTA. Village Roadshow Group CEO Clark Kirby said the partnership reflects the company’s strong connection with the local community. “Our theme parks bring joy and excitement to families every day, and we’re delighted to once again deliver unforgettable entertainment for one of the city’s most loved festive celebrations,” Mr Kirby said. This year’s event will be hosted by 7NEWS presenters Amanda Abate and Billy Bentley. Families can expect a packed evening from 6 pm to 8:30 pm (with gates opening at 4 pm), along with four hours of free parking and Auslan interpreters available for accessibility. Tickets and further event details are available at hota.com.au, and more information about the city’s full line-up of free December festivities can be found at the What On Gold Coast website.