Origin Energy has been fined 17.6 million dollars for failing to meet Victoria’s energy regulations, affecting nearly 670,000 customers, including some on life support.

The breaches occurred between December 2021 and May 2023 and included inadequate customer notifications, insufficient support for those in financial hardship, and improper billing practices.

The Victorian Essential Services Commission took legal action, resulting in the largest financial penalty in the state’s energy sector history.

The Supreme Court also ordered Origin to improve compliance measures, provide additional staff training, and publish public notices about its breaches.

Justice Michael Osborne emphasised that significant penalties were necessary to deter future non-compliance.

The commission stated that energy retailers must uphold consumer protections, rather than treat penalties as business costs.

Origin has since implemented a new customer service system and has committed to improving regulatory compliance.

The Australian government is planning a new alcohol safety campaign, after the tragic deaths of Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles in Laos, linked to methanol poisoning.

Starting next month, the Smartraveller initiative will aim to educate young Australians on alcohol risks, methanol poisoning signs, and safety tips, through social media, texts, and airport messaging.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced the upcoming advertising push for the safety of young travellers, and a June launch of a resource website for schools and parents.

The campaign will collaborate with airlines, educational institutions, and NGOs like Red Frogs and the Nicole Fitzsimmons Foundation.

Diplomatic efforts for transparency in the investigation in Laos continue, amid concerns from affected families and international authorities.

The Australian government has finalised a nationwide agreement to fully fund public education, with Queensland being the last state to sign on.

The deal will provide an additional 2.8 billion dollars in federal funding over 10 years, raising the Commonwealth’s contribution to Queensland’s public schools from 20 per cent to 25 per cent by 2034.

Public schools, which serve many socially disadvantaged and Indigenous students, will benefit significantly.

The funding is tied to education reforms, including individual student support.

The agreement aligns Queensland with other states, such as NSW and Victoria, which secured similar deals earlier in 2025.