11 August 2026

PEP lines up $600m-plus in debt as FleetPartners M&A battle heats up

Downunder Voices Newsroom

Element’s emergence in the auction leaves rival suitors with less than eight hours to make their next move – and puts FleetPartners’ board in a tricky position.

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Premier Ben Carroll promises to ‘close every loophole’ used by high-profile accused and convicted criminals to hide their identities in the courts if re-elected The use of suppression orders by convicted rapists will be banned in Victoria, premier Ben Carroll has announced, with his government committed to “closing every loophole” accused people currently “abuse and exploit” to hide their identities in the state’s courts. Carroll and the state’s attorney-general, Sonya Kilkenny, made the commitment to amend the states Open Courts Act to limit the use of suppression orders if re-elected in November.

Source: The Guardian WorldOriginal source

Australia

11 August 2026

It might be tempting, but can you pick fruit from someone else's garden in Australia?

Walking through an Australian suburb, you might spot everything from curry leaves and lemons to tomatoes and herbs growing in front gardens or on verges. But is it legal to pick it? This guide explains when it's legal to pick produce, why permission matters, and how community gardens offer another way to grow your own food.

Source: SBS NewsOriginal source

At least 111 people killed after powerful earthquake strikes Colombia

Australia

11 August 2026

At least 111 people killed after powerful earthquake strikes Colombia

The casualties appeared most concentrated in the western province of Risaralda, in Colombia's coffee-growing region.

Source: SBS NewsOriginal source

Alabama heads into a second primary election after redistricting

World

11 August 2026

Alabama heads into a second primary election after redistricting

Alabama voters are again selecting candidates for four Congressional districts after the state changed the district map to favor Republicans. The redistricting is causing confusion among voters.

Source: NPR NewsOriginal source

PEP lines up $600m-plus in debt as FleetPartners M&A battle heats up

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