Authorities are uncovering a worrying trend where organised crime networks are using the names of genuine small Australian businesses to sneak large amounts of illegal tobacco through major ports. How the Scam Works Smugglers have been attaching their shipments to the identities of trusted traders in a process known as “piggybacking”. These shipments often arrive disguised as regular manufactured goods and can weigh several tonnes. When cleared, they can be worth close to one million dollars on the street. The businesses whose names are being used have no idea it is happening. Investigations show numerous attempts at both Sydney and ...

Concerns are growing about Australia’s limited fuel reserves, with new figures showing the nation continues to fall well below international energy security standards. Fuel Supplies Far Below Global Benchmarks As a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Australia is expected to maintain at least 90 days’ worth of key fuel supplies, including petrol, diesel, and jet fuel. However, the latest data shows the country currently holds less than one-third of that amount, with just 28 days of petrol, 25 days of diesel, and 20 days of jet fuel in reserve. Experts have warned that the situation leaves the country ...