In a move set to reshape how millions of Australians shop online and in-store, the federal government has announced sweeping new regulations targeting the booming Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) sector. Services like Afterpay, Zip, and Klarna—once the darlings of easy consumer credit—will soon face tighter rules that align them more closely with traditional credit products.

Under the proposed changes, BNPL platforms will be regulated under the Credit Act, meaning they’ll need to run proper credit checks, provide clearer disclosures, and meet responsible lending obligations—just like banks and credit card providers. This marks a significant departure from the current self-regulation model that critics say allowed young consumers to rack up debt with minimal oversight.

According to Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones, the overhaul is designed to protect Australians from falling into debt traps. “Buy Now Pay Later should not mean Buy Now Suffer Later,” he said in a public statement. The Minister emphasized that while the government isn’t looking to ban BNPL services, it is committed to ensuring they are “safe, transparent, and fair.”

The reforms come amid growing concern over the financial stress linked to BNPL usage, especially among Australians aged 18 to 35. Reports from consumer advocacy groups like CHOICE and Financial Counselling Australia indicate that many users are missing payments, incurring late fees, or using multiple BNPL platforms at once—creating a snowball effect of invisible debt.

BNPL providers have responded with cautious support. Afterpay and Zip issued statements acknowledging the need for consumer protections but warned that over-regulation could hinder innovation and limit access for low-risk users. The sector has grown explosively in the past five years, now used by over 7 million Australians, and plays a major role in the retail economy.

So what does this mean for you? If you’re someone who relies on BNPL for everyday purchases or big-ticket items, expect more rigorous checks before approval. Your ability to spend using these services may decrease, but you’ll also benefit from greater transparency and accountability. For others, these changes could spell the end of impulse-driven, interest-free shopping sprees.

The new laws are expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year and could take effect as early as 2026. In the meantime, Australians are being urged to review their BNPL usage, read the fine print, and prepare for a shift that might bring both pain and protection to how they manage their money.

The Australian Government has issued an updated travel advisory for the Maldives, urging citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to increased risks of civil unrest and terrorism. This advisory comes in light of recent incidents and ongoing security concerns in the region.

Smartraveller, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel advice platform, highlighted that public demonstrations can occur in the greater Malé area and other inhabited islands, which may escalate into violence without warning. Travellers are advised to avoid areas where protests are taking place and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

The advisory also notes that terrorism remains a threat in the Maldives. Since February 2020, there have been several terrorist incidents, including a stabbing attack on three foreigners in Hulhumalé, where an Australian was injured, an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan, and the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Malé in May 2021, which injured a high-profile politician and bystanders.

While resort islands are generally considered peaceful and secure, the advisory emphasizes that terrorism can occur anywhere at any time, and tourists should remain vigilant.

In addition to the risks of civil unrest and terrorism, the advisory warns of drug-related crime and gang-related violence in urban areas, including greater Malé and other inhabited islands. Travellers are encouraged to take standard safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas, securing valuables, and staying informed about local developments.

Approximately 34,000 Australians visited the Maldives in 2023, drawn by its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Despite the allure, the Australian Government advises travellers to stay informed and prepared for potential security challenges.

For the latest updates and detailed travel advice, Australians planning to visit the Maldives should consult the Smartraveller website.

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.