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Tow Truck Driver Johnathan Doyle Baikie Disqualified

NSW Fair Trading disqualified tow truck driver Johnathan Doyle Baikie from holding a licence or drivers certificate for 3 years and 6 months after convicting him of common assault, stalking with intent to cause fear, and soliciting work at accident scenes. His Tow Truck Driver Certificate was revoked and he was reprimanded.

Australia merger regime succeeds, 50 notifications, 39 approved

The ACCC released performance data for Australia's new mandatory merger control regime covering its first quarter of operation (January-March 2026). The ACCC received 50 merger notifications and 108 waiver applications, approving 39 notifications in phase 1 and progressing 2 to phase 2 detailed review. Average decision times were 18 business days for phase 1 approvals and 11 business days for waivers, with 91 percent of acquisitions decided within the 20 business day commitment.

CCCS Consultation on Singapore Airlines-Vietnam Airlines Joint Venture

CCCS is seeking public feedback on the proposed joint venture between Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines covering five overlapping routes between Singapore and Vietnam. The cooperation would involve coordination on scheduling, pricing, sales, marketing, and expanded codesharing, forming a metal-neutral alliance for services between the two countries.

Tow Truck Driver Brett David Shearer Disqualified for 3 Years

NSW Fair Trading has disciplined tow truck driver Brett David Shearer by reprimanding him and disqualifying him from holding a tow truck licence or driver's certificate for 3 years. The action follows Shearer's guilty plea to two offences: intimidation with intent to cause fear, and larceny involving theft of 5 sets of car keys in connection with his tow truck business. NSW Fair Trading determined Shearer is no longer a fit and proper person to hold a Tow Truck Drivers Certificate.

IG4 GROUP / PETROBRAS / BRASKEM Merger (M.12316)

The European Commission notified and reviewed a proposed merger between IG4 GROUP, PETROBRAS, and BRASKEM under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The Commission issued a clearance decision under Article 6(1)(b) on 7 April 2026 via the simplified procedure, indicating the transaction does not raise competition concerns. The case was notified on 11 March 2026 with a provisional deadline of 20 April 2026.

SCDCA Offers Fuel Efficiency Tips to Save Money

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs published consumer advisory tips on maximizing fuel efficiency amid rising gas prices. The guidance offers practical advice including avoiding rapid acceleration and braking, driving under 50 mph, combining trips to reduce cold starts, minimizing AC use, and utilizing fuel rewards programs and price-tracking tools to help consumers reduce fuel costs.

FuelCheck $2.2 Million Upgrade and Fuel Price Compliance Blitz

The NSW Minns Labor Government announced $2.2 million in funding to upgrade FuelCheck, the state's real-time fuel price transparency platform covering approximately 2,400 service stations. The funding will improve data collection, data analysis, and user experience. NSW Fair Trading also intensified its statewide fuel price compliance blitz, inspecting nearly 1,800 service stations (75% of NSW stations) and issuing 93 penalty infringement notices, with 24 fines issued based on consumer intelligence alone.

Joshua Tesolin and Tesolin Consulting Pty Ltd Banned Ten Years for Underquoting

NSW Fair Trading has imposed a 10-year ban on Joshua James Tesolin and Tesolin Consulting Pty Ltd following findings of serious and deliberate misconduct affecting more than 100 property transactions. The action addresses underquoting, advertising properties below estimated selling price, falsifying regulatory documents, and improper supervision. The disciplinary decision has taken immediate effect.

California Board of Accountancy celebrates 125 years protecting consumers

The California Board of Accountancy (CBA) issued a news release celebrating its 125th anniversary of consumer protection through regulation of the public accountancy profession. The Board, created by the California Legislature on March 23, 1901, now licenses over 116,000 CPAs and accounting firms, the largest number of licensees of any state board of accountancy in the nation. The release also notes upcoming licensure changes under Assembly Bill 1175 effective January 1, 2027.

Fuel Retailers Must Register with Fuel Finder

The CMA issued an open letter on 2 April 2026 reminding road fuel retailers of their obligation to register with Fuel Finder and report fuel prices. Retailers must submit price updates within 30 minutes of any price change. The CMA will begin using enforcement powers from 1 May 2026 to prioritise action against non-compliant retailers.