Victorian employers who fail to protect workers from falls at construction sites will face on-the-spot fines under new WorkSafe inspector powers from 31 March. The fines cover failing to control fall risks, starting high-risk construction work without a Safe Work Method Statement, and failing to keep required safety records. The changes do not create new safety obligations but allow faster penalties for existing laws. Prosecution remains available for serious breaches. Failing to manage fall risks carries fines of up to $418.20 for individuals and $2,091 for companies.
Geelong council has urged dog owners to dispose of their pets' waste properly after receiving more complaints about bags left on the ground, hanging from trees or thrown over fences. Councillor Elise Wilkinson said dog owners should carry a bag or device and use public bins or take waste home. Anyone caught leaving animal waste or not carrying bags or a device may be fined $418. Mayor Stretch Kontelj said most owners already act responsibly and that leaving bags behind simply moves the problem elsewhere.
Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been suspended one game without pay by the NFL after he appeared to spit at Las Vegas Raiders player Brock Bowers in Week 6. He was ejected from the game. Gardner-Johnson said he was out of line and criticised himself for not acting like a better veteran, but said the incident had nothing to do with Bowers. The suspension adds to a long list of disciplinary issues across his career, including fines and on-field clashes with other players.
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Council says illegal dumping harms the parks, reserves and open spaces that everyone shares, and officials expressed disappointment at such conduct. A person was recently caught leaving mulch in the Chelsworth Park car park, a seemingly minor act that still required clean-up, restoration and an investigation. Council's Local Laws team traced the repeat offender, who received a fine of more than $10,000. Because dumped mulch may be contaminated, it cannot be reused or handed out. Residents are urged to report dumping.
Zac Kade Fitzpatrick has been sentenced to 14 months in gaol by the Hay Local Court. The court also handed down driver disqualifications and fines in several cases last week. Judge Clisdell warned repeat traffic and criminal offenders, and described one driver as rude, crude and entirely undesirable. A 20-year-old woman facing multiple larceny and break-in charges had her sentencing deferred until April, giving her time to show rehabilitation.
The Greens will push Labor to make major changes to planned digital duty of care laws aimed at reining in big tech. They want individuals to have the right to take platforms to court and win compensation. The Greens also want fines set as a percentage of global revenue rather than fixed amounts. The Coalition opposes the plan, which gives the Greens leverage in negotiations. Labor plans to introduce the laws into parliament this week.
Queensland police issued over 13,400 traffic fines during the September school holidays, including 6,800 for speeding. A 19-year-old Flagstone man was charged after allegedly driving at 179km/h in an 80km/h zone. Police also detected more than 1,000 drink and drug drivers, with one man recording a breath alcohol content of 0.254 per cent. Acting Assistant Commissioner Timothy Partrige urged motorists to remain vigilant around school zones as children return to class.
