Retailers accepting trade ins for old gadgets as Aussies turn to refurbished tech
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Old tech gadgets could be the key to both making and saving money, a tech expert has advised. Australians are turning to refurbished technology to ease their cost of living burden and it has created a significant market for second-hand devices including tablets and smartphones. "There's a huge ecosystem now of refurbished products and we're finding that a lot of products actually hold their value," Stephen French from Tech Guide said. Australians are turning to refurbished technology to ease their cost of living burden and it has created a significant market for second-hand devices including tablets and smartphones. (Nine) In response to demand, major retailers like JB Hi-Fi, the Good Guys and Officeworks are streamlining the process, setting up online assessments for phones, laptops, smart watches, gaming consoles and more, allowing customers to send their old tech in free of charge. Brisbane mum Brittany Rogerson told 9News it was an appealing alternative to consumer-to-consumer sales through platforms such as Facebook Marketplace. "I really don't like Facebook Marketplace with all the scams that are happening right now, I also don't really like meeting up with people," Rogerson said. Fenech warned that selling direct to other consumers would likely be more lucrative. "You're gonna get a better experience through a store when you do the trading but you're gonna get less money than you would if you sold it privately," he said. Devices in poor condition can still be eligible. Cost of Living
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Sky News AU
4 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Trump advisor encourages Australia to further invest in defence to show US it takes threats to national security 'seriously'
A senior advisor to President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Australia over its defence spending, suggesting it needed to improve in order to strengthen its relationship with the United States. Sebastian Gorka, who serves as the deputy assistant to the president and the senior director for counterterrorism in the Trump administration discussed Australia's defence investment during an exclusive interview with Sharri Markson on Sky News on Wednesday. Australia's investment in defence has come under the spotlight in the past week, after it was highlighted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) that the government risks falling behind in its military preparedness amid rising global threats. In the report, former home affairs deputy secretary Mark Ablong concluded "the failure of this year's budget to meet that responsibility will make all Australians less secure". "Without urgent, coordinated and well resourced responses to those challenges, Australia risks a brittle and hollowed defence force, diminished industrial sovereignty, and compromised national security in a volatile Indo Pacific region," he wrote. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese brushed off the report, sticking by Labor's investment in defence, but the US has sent the message it is not satisfied with Australia's commitment. Mr Gorka said his relationship with Australian representatives had been positive so far, describing Australia as one of America's "closest partners in national security". "I think what (President Trump's) said to NATO nations, what he did in the first administration to get those who weren't paying enough into the collective defence alliance that is NATO and how he got them to do so speaks for itself. only been here for, what, four months. And I've had several meetings with our colleagues, our Australian counterterrorism, national security colleagues. It has been a delight," he said. However, he said Australia had to take national security seriously and the manner in which it responds to threats will determine how strong its relationship with the US will be. "I say to you what I say every nation. You are measured by how seriously you take the threats to your citizens, to your sovereignty. And if you wish to be understood as friends, as allies, and partners, that requires certain traits and certain behaviours to be met," Mr Gorka said. "Committing to your own defence so we are stronger together is clearly one of them So the people of Australia, the government they choose will decide the exact percentages of GDP, but I think the President will have an opinion when he meets with his Australian counterpart." Mr Gorka's comments come after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth last week flagged Australia needed to lift its investment to about 3.5 per cent of GDP to his counterpart Defence Minister Richard Marles during a meeting in Singapore. The Deputy Prime Minister later said Mr Hegseth raised the issue of defence spending after the US had asked its NATO allies to raise their spending. "I wouldn't put a number on it. The need to increase defence spending is something that he definitely raised and you have seen the Americans in the way in which they have engaged with all of their friends and allies asking them to do more and we can completely understand why America would do that," he told ABC's Afternoon Briefing. "What I made clear is that this is a conversation that we are very willing to have and it is one that we are having already... but we want to make sure that we are contributing to the strategic moment that we all face. "We have done a lot already, but we are absolutely up for having this conversation and we want to calibrate our defence spending to meet the strategic moment that we all face."
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Create your perfect coffee station with Nespresso's up to 30 per cent off EOFY sale
These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Australian coffee is bleeding our wallets dry - which may explain why more of us are falling in love with the ritual of making it at home. And with Nespresso offering 30 per cent off selected coffee machines and 25 per cent off accessories - including their milk frothers - until June 25, this EOFY sale is the perfect time to make the switch from takeaway to homebrew. In 2025, the median price of a cup of coffee rose by 37.5 per cent from pre-pandemic levels, moving from $4 to approximately $5.50. Global supply chain issues, climate volatility in growing regions, and rising labour and transport costs have pushed coffee prices up - and it seems that consumers are starting to notice, with more people turning to home coffee machines (65 per cent of Australians) and pod machines (48 per cent) like the Nespresso, to get their daily caffeine hit. Considering I spend way too much money on my daily takeaway coffee habit, I've made it my humble mission to start making a few more home-brewed coffees. And doing it with intention. I've seen so many dreamy coffee corners on TikTok - shelves of colourful mugs, soft lighting, and small art objects that set the scene. I noticed that people online were not just making coffee. They were creating a ritual that they could look forward to in the mornings, and even entertain guests with on the weekend. Espresso martinis, anyone? I already have a cream-coloured Essenza Mini Nespresso machine, which is crying out for love. It sits on the corner of the bench, looking very cold and lonely, which is why I've decided to leverage this Nespresso sale and some online inspiration to start turning it into a proper cosy coffee corner this winter. Here's how. Nespresso coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact and lightweight Essenza Mini (was $219, now $153.30) to the exceptionally snazzy Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30), which has 11 temperature settings and can froth milk into eight different textures. If you're new to Nespresso, a great machine to start with is the CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30), a sleek machine that contains a fitted milk frother and can brew both hot and cold drinks in small and tall coffee cups. The CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30) is ultra-compact, making it perfect for fitting in even the smallest coffee corners in your kitchen or living room. Available for $328.30 on sale, it also exists on the lower end of the price spectrum. If, on the other hand, you're the kind of person who likes to customise your daily brew - with temperature, milk frothing and coffee types (e.g. ristretto, cappuccino, long black) - then the Creatista Plus (was $949, now $664.30) or Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30) are both strong options. On these devices, use the built-in screen to view maintenance tips and instructions, and personalise your coffee recipe with adjustable settings. Plus, try 11 different milk temperatures and 8 milk froth settings with the steam wand for the perfect silky flat white or frothy cappuccino. As someone who loves a milky, chocolate powder-covered coffee, I believe a coffee station is not complete without a milk frother - whether that's a milk frother that's built-in or an accessory attachment like the Nespresso Barista Milk Frother (was $279, now $195.30). If you've ever walked into a Nespresso store for a complimentary coffee tasting, you will know of their double-walled, tempered glass coffee cups. These are a great addition to any coffee display unit, whether you use them daily or simply bring them out on special occasions. But perhaps the best accessory for your display unit is the sleek and contemporary Nespresso Barista Cocktail Shaker (was $45, now $31.50) is a premium shaker that helps keep your crema smooth with every pour with the built-in half-filter. Even if it doesn't get as much use as your coffee machine, it adds a bit of intrigue to the coffee station and can help you build out the space into a fun coffee/bar setup. Feeling decadent? A stylised ceramic pot or Bonbonniere Glass Container (was $40, now $28) filled with your favourite coffee pods or Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Squares is a welcome addition to coffee on a frosty winter morning. Keeping with a cool, contemporary coffee station theme (as seen in the above videos), you may also want to add some amber cups, small silver spoons, textural ceramic mugs, saucers, and stone or chrome art objects that you can find at local retailers or op shops. If you like to add vanilla or caramel syrup to your coffee, consider finding a uniquely shaped glass pourer and funneling your syrup into this vessel. Add a handmade label for a thoughtful touch. One of the simplest ways to elevate your coffee corner is to play with soft, ambient lighting. A cosy lamp, a warm-toned globe, or even a battery-powered LED light tucked under a shelf can lift the whole mood from functional to inviting. The idea is to create the kind of glow that makes you want to linger a moment longer - and lean into the experience of making your morning coffee. Incorporating soft colours and textures is an easy way to elevate the aesthetic of your coffee station and make it feel more intentionally styled. A vase of seasonal flowers, a patterned tray or a small art print can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Even muted tones - dusty rose, olive and ochre - can bring warmth and texture. -- A coffee corner may not fix the economy (or your coffee addiction). But it might make your morning a little softer. It might give you a reason to pause - to light a candle, to savour the taste of the last bite of breakfast - and make something just for you. Even if it's just coffee. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Australian coffee is bleeding our wallets dry - which may explain why more of us are falling in love with the ritual of making it at home. And with Nespresso offering 30 per cent off selected coffee machines and 25 per cent off accessories - including their milk frothers - until June 25, this EOFY sale is the perfect time to make the switch from takeaway to homebrew. In 2025, the median price of a cup of coffee rose by 37.5 per cent from pre-pandemic levels, moving from $4 to approximately $5.50. Global supply chain issues, climate volatility in growing regions, and rising labour and transport costs have pushed coffee prices up - and it seems that consumers are starting to notice, with more people turning to home coffee machines (65 per cent of Australians) and pod machines (48 per cent) like the Nespresso, to get their daily caffeine hit. Considering I spend way too much money on my daily takeaway coffee habit, I've made it my humble mission to start making a few more home-brewed coffees. And doing it with intention. I've seen so many dreamy coffee corners on TikTok - shelves of colourful mugs, soft lighting, and small art objects that set the scene. I noticed that people online were not just making coffee. They were creating a ritual that they could look forward to in the mornings, and even entertain guests with on the weekend. Espresso martinis, anyone? I already have a cream-coloured Essenza Mini Nespresso machine, which is crying out for love. It sits on the corner of the bench, looking very cold and lonely, which is why I've decided to leverage this Nespresso sale and some online inspiration to start turning it into a proper cosy coffee corner this winter. Here's how. Nespresso coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact and lightweight Essenza Mini (was $219, now $153.30) to the exceptionally snazzy Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30), which has 11 temperature settings and can froth milk into eight different textures. If you're new to Nespresso, a great machine to start with is the CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30), a sleek machine that contains a fitted milk frother and can brew both hot and cold drinks in small and tall coffee cups. The CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30) is ultra-compact, making it perfect for fitting in even the smallest coffee corners in your kitchen or living room. Available for $328.30 on sale, it also exists on the lower end of the price spectrum. If, on the other hand, you're the kind of person who likes to customise your daily brew - with temperature, milk frothing and coffee types (e.g. ristretto, cappuccino, long black) - then the Creatista Plus (was $949, now $664.30) or Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30) are both strong options. On these devices, use the built-in screen to view maintenance tips and instructions, and personalise your coffee recipe with adjustable settings. Plus, try 11 different milk temperatures and 8 milk froth settings with the steam wand for the perfect silky flat white or frothy cappuccino. As someone who loves a milky, chocolate powder-covered coffee, I believe a coffee station is not complete without a milk frother - whether that's a milk frother that's built-in or an accessory attachment like the Nespresso Barista Milk Frother (was $279, now $195.30). If you've ever walked into a Nespresso store for a complimentary coffee tasting, you will know of their double-walled, tempered glass coffee cups. These are a great addition to any coffee display unit, whether you use them daily or simply bring them out on special occasions. But perhaps the best accessory for your display unit is the sleek and contemporary Nespresso Barista Cocktail Shaker (was $45, now $31.50) is a premium shaker that helps keep your crema smooth with every pour with the built-in half-filter. Even if it doesn't get as much use as your coffee machine, it adds a bit of intrigue to the coffee station and can help you build out the space into a fun coffee/bar setup. Feeling decadent? A stylised ceramic pot or Bonbonniere Glass Container (was $40, now $28) filled with your favourite coffee pods or Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Squares is a welcome addition to coffee on a frosty winter morning. Keeping with a cool, contemporary coffee station theme (as seen in the above videos), you may also want to add some amber cups, small silver spoons, textural ceramic mugs, saucers, and stone or chrome art objects that you can find at local retailers or op shops. If you like to add vanilla or caramel syrup to your coffee, consider finding a uniquely shaped glass pourer and funneling your syrup into this vessel. Add a handmade label for a thoughtful touch. One of the simplest ways to elevate your coffee corner is to play with soft, ambient lighting. A cosy lamp, a warm-toned globe, or even a battery-powered LED light tucked under a shelf can lift the whole mood from functional to inviting. The idea is to create the kind of glow that makes you want to linger a moment longer - and lean into the experience of making your morning coffee. Incorporating soft colours and textures is an easy way to elevate the aesthetic of your coffee station and make it feel more intentionally styled. A vase of seasonal flowers, a patterned tray or a small art print can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Even muted tones - dusty rose, olive and ochre - can bring warmth and texture. -- A coffee corner may not fix the economy (or your coffee addiction). But it might make your morning a little softer. It might give you a reason to pause - to light a candle, to savour the taste of the last bite of breakfast - and make something just for you. Even if it's just coffee. These items are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. Australian coffee is bleeding our wallets dry - which may explain why more of us are falling in love with the ritual of making it at home. And with Nespresso offering 30 per cent off selected coffee machines and 25 per cent off accessories - including their milk frothers - until June 25, this EOFY sale is the perfect time to make the switch from takeaway to homebrew. In 2025, the median price of a cup of coffee rose by 37.5 per cent from pre-pandemic levels, moving from $4 to approximately $5.50. Global supply chain issues, climate volatility in growing regions, and rising labour and transport costs have pushed coffee prices up - and it seems that consumers are starting to notice, with more people turning to home coffee machines (65 per cent of Australians) and pod machines (48 per cent) like the Nespresso, to get their daily caffeine hit. Considering I spend way too much money on my daily takeaway coffee habit, I've made it my humble mission to start making a few more home-brewed coffees. And doing it with intention. I've seen so many dreamy coffee corners on TikTok - shelves of colourful mugs, soft lighting, and small art objects that set the scene. I noticed that people online were not just making coffee. They were creating a ritual that they could look forward to in the mornings, and even entertain guests with on the weekend. Espresso martinis, anyone? I already have a cream-coloured Essenza Mini Nespresso machine, which is crying out for love. It sits on the corner of the bench, looking very cold and lonely, which is why I've decided to leverage this Nespresso sale and some online inspiration to start turning it into a proper cosy coffee corner this winter. Here's how. Nespresso coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes, from the compact and lightweight Essenza Mini (was $219, now $153.30) to the exceptionally snazzy Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30), which has 11 temperature settings and can froth milk into eight different textures. If you're new to Nespresso, a great machine to start with is the CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30), a sleek machine that contains a fitted milk frother and can brew both hot and cold drinks in small and tall coffee cups. The CitiZ&Milk (was $469, now $328.30) is ultra-compact, making it perfect for fitting in even the smallest coffee corners in your kitchen or living room. Available for $328.30 on sale, it also exists on the lower end of the price spectrum. If, on the other hand, you're the kind of person who likes to customise your daily brew - with temperature, milk frothing and coffee types (e.g. ristretto, cappuccino, long black) - then the Creatista Plus (was $949, now $664.30) or Creatista Pro (was $1,399, now $979.30) are both strong options. On these devices, use the built-in screen to view maintenance tips and instructions, and personalise your coffee recipe with adjustable settings. Plus, try 11 different milk temperatures and 8 milk froth settings with the steam wand for the perfect silky flat white or frothy cappuccino. As someone who loves a milky, chocolate powder-covered coffee, I believe a coffee station is not complete without a milk frother - whether that's a milk frother that's built-in or an accessory attachment like the Nespresso Barista Milk Frother (was $279, now $195.30). If you've ever walked into a Nespresso store for a complimentary coffee tasting, you will know of their double-walled, tempered glass coffee cups. These are a great addition to any coffee display unit, whether you use them daily or simply bring them out on special occasions. But perhaps the best accessory for your display unit is the sleek and contemporary Nespresso Barista Cocktail Shaker (was $45, now $31.50) is a premium shaker that helps keep your crema smooth with every pour with the built-in half-filter. Even if it doesn't get as much use as your coffee machine, it adds a bit of intrigue to the coffee station and can help you build out the space into a fun coffee/bar setup. Feeling decadent? A stylised ceramic pot or Bonbonniere Glass Container (was $40, now $28) filled with your favourite coffee pods or Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Squares is a welcome addition to coffee on a frosty winter morning. Keeping with a cool, contemporary coffee station theme (as seen in the above videos), you may also want to add some amber cups, small silver spoons, textural ceramic mugs, saucers, and stone or chrome art objects that you can find at local retailers or op shops. If you like to add vanilla or caramel syrup to your coffee, consider finding a uniquely shaped glass pourer and funneling your syrup into this vessel. Add a handmade label for a thoughtful touch. One of the simplest ways to elevate your coffee corner is to play with soft, ambient lighting. A cosy lamp, a warm-toned globe, or even a battery-powered LED light tucked under a shelf can lift the whole mood from functional to inviting. The idea is to create the kind of glow that makes you want to linger a moment longer - and lean into the experience of making your morning coffee. Incorporating soft colours and textures is an easy way to elevate the aesthetic of your coffee station and make it feel more intentionally styled. A vase of seasonal flowers, a patterned tray or a small art print can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. Even muted tones - dusty rose, olive and ochre - can bring warmth and texture. -- A coffee corner may not fix the economy (or your coffee addiction). But it might make your morning a little softer. It might give you a reason to pause - to light a candle, to savour the taste of the last bite of breakfast - and make something just for you. Even if it's just coffee.
Sky News AU
10 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Crypto ATM provider Harro's Empires boss lost life savings, separated from partner over distress from AUSTRAC crackdown
An Australian owner of cryptocurrency ATMs whose business was shut down this week had lost his life savings and separated from his partner amid constant pressure from the nation's financial crimes agency. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) on Tuesday refused to renew the registration of Adelaide-based Harro's Empires, which owned and provided crypto ATMs, and forced limits on other providers over mounting concerns of scam, frauds and illegal activity. Aussies have reported losing $3 million on scams involving crypto ATMS over the past 12 months, with AUSTRAC raising concerns that older Australians were disproportionately targetted. After AUSTRAC cancelled Harro's Empires registration, the company's director Michael Harrison said the decision was 'devastating' after he had spent two years working with the agency to counteract fraud. 'I complied with every request, spent tens of thousands of dollars upgrading our systems, and enhanced our already existing anti-money laundering/counter terrorism financing controls (AML/CTF),' Mr Harrison said in a statement. 'We always had strict ID verification, reporting thresholds, and monitoring in place — but we made them even stronger at AUSTRAC's direction. "Every audit, every amendment, every compliance review — we met it head-on.' He claimed the company was 'never formally told' its machines were linked to criminal use or given a chance to address crimes concerns before being shut down. 'This wasn't just a business. It was built from the ground up with everything I had. I poured my life into it — financially and emotionally,' Mr Harrison said. 'The constant pressure and scrutiny from AUSTRAC took a serious toll. I've lost my life savings, my future plans, and I separated from my partner — largely due to the stress this fight placed on our family.' Harro's Empires is reviewing legal options and Mr Harrison said the company will 'ensure an orderly wind-down' after AUSTRAC de-registered it. The financial crimes agency said Harro's Empires crypto ATMS were at risk of being exploited and took severe action in a move likely to raise concerns for other crypto ATM providers. 'This action draws a clear line in the sand and serves as a warning to other digital currency exchange providers that aren't meeting their responsibilities under the AML/CTF Act,' AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas said. He also noted the high amount of Australians aged 60-70 using the crypto ATMs raised alarm bells as a disproportionate number of people in this demographic are victims of scam activity. AUSTRAC Cryptocurrency Taskforce said it obtained data from nine ATMs showing the majority of users were over 50 and account for almost 72 per cent of transactions by value. It also noted 60-70 year olds accounted for 29 per cent of all transactions by value. AUSTRAC has enforced a $5000 limit on cash deposits and withdrawals, implemented mandatory scam warnings and enhanced customer protection obligations. 'The conditions are designed to help protect individuals from scams by deterring criminals from directing them to a crypto ATM, as well as to protect businesses from criminal exploitation,' Mr Thomas said. The CEO of Australia crypto trader Swyftx, which does not accept cash, said crypto ATMs were not offering consumers as much protection as exchanges. 'Most banks and large Australian crypto exchanges have advanced security systems in place to protect customers and that's left scammers scrambling around for alternatives,' Swyftx CEO Jason Titman told Sky News Australia. 'At the moment Crypto ATM's don't offer enough protection and it means Australians who use them are vulnerable to scammers.' Once cash is converted to a digital wallet, it is incredibly difficult to retrieve. AFP assistant commissioner for cyber command Richard Chin told ABC News he was aware of an elderly man who had been scammed $1.4m. He was reportedly instructed to make bank withdrawals and deposit the funds into a crypto ATM.
