Industry News

Qantas, Sydney Airport and Ampol, supported by Qantas’ SAF Coalition partners, have today marked the largest ever commercial importation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into Australia, with nearly two million litres of unblended SAF arriving this week. Sustainable Aviation Fuel has the greatest near-term potential to help decarbonise the aviation industry. The fuel was imported by Ampol from Malaysia to its Kurnell facility on Wednesday 7 May and is currently being blended with conventional aviation fuel before testing and certification so that it can be distributed into the Sydney airport supply chain. It will then be used on flights departing from Sydney Airport over the coming weeks. Once blended at a ratio of approximately 18%[i], the fuel could power the equivalent of 900 flights from Sydney to Auckland on Qantas and Jetstar’s 737 aircraft, reducing the resulting carbon emissions from those flights by a total estimated 3,400 tonnes[ii]. This is…

Advertisements for ham and salad sandwiches will soon be banned from buses and trains in South Australia. Here’s why. Advertisements for ham salad sandwiches will soon be banned from public transportation in South Australia in a fresh push to roll back childhood and adult obesity. The ban, set to come into effect from July 1, prohibits a range of junk food items from being displayed on Adelaide’s buses, trains and trams, including processed meats like ham. Chocolate, lollies, confectionary, desserts, ice creams, soft drinks and chips will all be banned from display alongside processed meats, with the measure designed to limit children’s exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising. But the Australian Association of National Advertisers is up in arms about what it calls a “blanket ban”. “As it stands, this policy bans all processed meats, which means a simple ham salad sandwich can’t be advertised.” AANA CEO Josh Faulks…

Queensland has seized the nation’s largest ever haul of illegal cigarettes and vapes by a health authority, under Queensland Health-led Operation Appaloosa. More than 30 locations were raided, with 76,000 vapes, 19 million cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose tobacco seized. The raids come as more than $5 million in fines were issued in the first week of the Government’s nation-leading fines – over $1 million more than in the final four months of Labor.  Queensland has stepped up the war against illicit tobacco and dangerous vapes, with the nation’s largest ever haul of illegal products by a health authority, in an effort to keep them out of the hands of kids. More than 76,000 vapes, 19 million illicit cigarettes and 3.6 tonnes of loose illicit tobacco – with a combined estimated street value of $20.8 million – were seized during the record-breaking Operation Appaloosa in March. Queensland Health raided…

From payday super, to cash mandates, new payment system designations and a possible ban on debit card surcharging, the new-look Albanese government has a big payments reform agenda that could kick off almost immediately parliament resumes. By Warwick Ponder, Managing Editor Proposed reforms to the Payment Systems (Regulation) Act 1998 are likely to hit parliament quickly, providing the Treasurer the power to designate payments systems for regulation – possibly including fintechs and big platforms like the New Payments Platform (NPP), Apple, PayPal, AMEX and Google, Square and Stripe. These powers may also enable the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the ACCC to take action on issues such as blended debit and credit card fees, which they claim are currently beyond their powers. In October 2023, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the Bill “is addressing the risks posed by new digital payment services, which are currently unregulated, to protect consumers, promote competition and spur…

IGD has released a Global Convenience Trends Report 2025 which reveals significant changes ahead for the convenience retail sector. Sales are projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2029, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%. Retailers need to embrace new convenience models, enhance store formats, and integrate digital tools, while suppliers need to adapt product strategies to emerging food trends and convenience needs. The report outlines five key global trends shaping the future of convenience retail: Tech evolution: Convenience retailers must use technology to streamline operations, enhance the customer experience, and drive growth. Areas to look at include retail media, loyalty apps, and creating a seamless omnichannel experience. Food mission: Convenience retailers can differentiate themselves by showcasing a range across both food-to-go and food for later propositions. They should explore different dayparts and global cuisines. Shifting space: Convenience stores must strategically allocate space to differentiate with non-grocery…

BP Armidale has officially reopened following a $1 million redevelopment, becoming the second site in Australia to feature the company’s new retail concept, the Local Hub. The upgrade is the result of five years of planning by BP joint partner Lowes Petroleum, aiming to offer enhanced services to regional communities. First trialled in Lauderdale, Tasmania in 2023, the Local Hub model was brought to Armidale due to the initial success of the prototype. Mark Eather, who has worked at the station for 25 years, said the reopening has drawn strong interest from the community. “The Local Hub allows Lowes Petroleum to provide locals and tourists with services not often available in regional centres. “As the name suggests, we’re here to support the local community and create a space that feels like your neighbourhood hub. We’re creating a hub where people can get together: whether they come for coffee, to grab…