In a verdict that has left grieving families devastated, a Tasmanian magistrate has found Rosemary Anne Gamble, owner of Taz-Zorb, not guilty of breaching workplace health and safety laws in connection with the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy. The incident, which occurred during end-of-year celebrations on December 16, 2021, resulted in the deaths of six children and serious injuries to three others when a sudden gust of wind lifted the inflatable structure into the air.

Magistrate Robert Webster acknowledged that Gamble had “in some respects” failed to comply with her health and safety duties. However, he concluded that these failures were not a substantial cause of the risk that led to the children’s deaths. He attributed the tragedy to an “unforeseeable” and “unprecedented” weather event, specifically a dust devil, stating that even full compliance with safety protocols would not have prevented the outcome.

The court heard that Gamble had used only four pegs to anchor the jumping castle, despite manufacturer guidelines recommending eight. Her defense argued that the pegs provided by the Chinese manufacturer were insufficient and that the instruction manual was inadequate. Mechanical engineer Roderick McDonald testified that the anchoring system was inadequate for high wind conditions, suggesting that proper anchoring could have prevented the inflatable from becoming airborne.

The verdict has been met with anger and disbelief by the victims’ families. Georgie Burt, mother of 12-year-old victim Zane Mellor, expressed her anguish in court, stating, “This outcome does not reflect the weight of our loss, nor the reality we live with every single day.”

In a statement read by her lawyer, Gamble expressed deep remorse, saying, “I never meant for something like this to happen. And I am just so sorry that it did.” She added that she is a mother herself and can only imagine the pain the other parents are enduring.

While the criminal case has concluded, the legal battle is far from over. A coronial inquest is set to proceed, and a class action lawsuit has been launched against both Taz-Zorb and the state of Tasmania. These proceedings aim to seek further accountability and justice for the families affected by this tragic event.

As Australians prepare for the King’s Birthday long weekend, police across the nation are intensifying road safety measures in response to a concerning increase in traffic-related fatalities. In Victoria, authorities have launched Operation Regal, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing road trauma during this high-risk period. The operation, running from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9, will see heightened police presence on major arterials and highways, particularly those leading to holiday destinations and alpine regions. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are key focus areas, with officers conducting random breath and drug tests to deter dangerous behaviors.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by alarming statistics: Victoria has recorded 136 road deaths in 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year and reaching a 16-year high. May alone saw 37 fatalities, the worst for that month since 2004. Particularly concerning is the rise in deaths among vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and pedestrians.

In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, double demerit points are in effect from June 6 to June 9. Offences such as speeding, illegal mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts, and helmet violations will incur double the usual demerit points, increasing the risk of license suspension for repeat offenders.

While states like South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory do not implement double demerits, they are conducting their own safety campaigns. Tasmania Police, for instance, are urging caution during the Dark Mofo festival, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety in low-light conditions.

Authorities nationwide are appealing to all road users to prioritize safety, adhere to traffic laws, and remain vigilant. With increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns, the goal is to prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely during the holiday weekend.

As the 2025 tax season approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is issuing a stern warning to taxpayers: personal expenses disguised as work-related deductions will not be tolerated. The ATO has identified a surge in questionable claims, with some Australians attempting to write off items ranging from luxury yachts to engagement rings.

One particularly audacious claim involved a taxpayer attempting to deduct the cost of a luxury yacht, justifying it as necessary for conducting business on an island. Another individual tried to claim an engagement ring as a donation on their tax return. These examples underscore a broader trend of taxpayers stretching the boundaries of legitimate deductions.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson emphasized the importance of adhering to strict criteria when claiming deductions. “Work-related expenses must have a close connection to your income-earning activities, and you should be prepared to back it up with records like a receipt or invoice,” he stated. “If your deductions don’t pass the ‘pub test’, it’s highly unlikely your claim would meet the ATO’s strict criteria.”

The ATO has also highlighted common misconceptions, such as the belief that commuting costs and childcare expenses are deductible. “Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can claim expenses like travel to and from work and childcare costs,” Thomson warned. “These expenses are personal in nature and cannot be claimed.”

To assist taxpayers, the ATO recommends using tools like the myDeductions feature on the ATO app, which allows users to keep records of their work and general expenses. This can simplify the process of lodging tax returns and ensure that claims are accurate and substantiated.

Taxpayers are encouraged to consult the ATO website or seek advice from registered tax professionals to ensure compliance. “If you’re not sure what you can or can’t claim, check the ATO website for detailed guidance, or ask your registered tax professional,” Thomson advised. “Don’t just claim it and hope for the best, as penalties and interest may apply.”