The ACCC's New Powers To Stop Mergers

CONSUMER LAWS REFORM
Australia's consumer watchdog is about to get much more powerful, with big new changes coming to laws on company mergers. They're the biggest reforms to merger and acquisition settings in 50 years. Sometimes, two businesses who do the same or similar things might decide to become one business. And this is what's called a "merger". But by gobbling up their competitors and giving consumers nowhere else to go, businesses can get a bit greedy and start cranking up their prices. Last year there were more than 1400 mergers recorded and about half of those were the top 1% of businesses buying up the smaller guys. Lots of people think that's not fair! Including the ACCC. The ACCC or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is in charge of making sure things stay fair for customers and businesses, too. Until now, they haven't had a lot of power to stop dangerous mergers. But under some proposed law changes which would kick into gear in 2026, companies planning to merge with deals above a certain price point will have to give the ACCC a heads up. They'll also need to convince them that the merger won't cause harm and wait for the green light before they can move ahead. And while some companies aren't fans, the ACCC is confident it'll be good for Aussie businesses and those who buy from them.
YOUTH CURFEW
The Northern Territory government has extended the youth curfew in Alice Springs. It'll mean until Tuesday next week, kids under 18 have to stay out of the Alice Springs CBD between 6pm and 6am, unless they have a good reason to be there. The curfew was brought in after a rise in youth crime in Alice springs and some violent incidents last month and while some people say it has made things safer, most agree its not a long term solution
DISNEY LAND DANCERS
Now we're about to meet some young Dancers from Arnhem Land, who have been asked to perform at Disney Land! Yep, right at the tippy top of Australia, this talented bunch are preparing to make the trek from Nhulunbuy, a remote town in Arnhem Land, all the way to Disneyland. They've been asked to perform at Disneyland and Universal Studios, and then aboard a cruise to Mexico! A lot of these kids have never been overseas, so this trip is a pretty big deal, and for Katy here it's a step toward fulfilling her dream of performing on Broadway. All up the trip is set to cost around $200,000 for the dance school, which is stopping some families from going. So, these guys have been washing cars, hosting sausage sizzles and bake sales in an effort to raise enough money so that everyone can go.
OLD MAN
First up, to Peru! Where the oldest person in the world has just turned 124. Now, there is a caveat here. Nobody's 100% sure when here was born. Up until a few years ago, he was living off the radar in the Andean mountains, when authorities found him and realised he didn't have a government ID. Now they're trying to get his age verified, because if he is 124, that'd make him officially the oldest person in the world.
OLD TURTLE
Now to an aquarium in the US. Where Myrtle, the very old turtle, is going in for her yearly checkup. Myrtle has been living at the zoo for the last 50 years and is thought to be as old as 95!
BRAZIL GIRL PAINTING
And finally to Brazil, where 10-year-old budding artist Sophia is getting the opportunity of a lifetime. Her work has been chosen to be featured at an art gallery in Paris right next to the world's biggest museum, the Louvre. Sophia's family is now trying to raise enough money to go to France later this year when the artworks will be put on show.
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For the past 55 years, Behind the News has been helping to break down current issues and events for young people all around the world. The program is a high-energy, fun way for people to learn about the stories we see in the news while providing background information that isn’t usually given by other news bulletins.