News

Ombudsman gets new powers to avoid Robodebt repeat

Agencies face a new post-Robodebt statutory duty next year to cooperate with Ombudsmen and could be forced to hand over records under legislation that passed the House of Representatives...

Esper aims high with low-cost hyperspectral imaging

Victoria-based remote sensing startup Esper secured $1 million from a Northern Territory-based venture capital fund for winning the local Croc Pitch event with its hyperspectral imaging technology. Mounted on...

Victorian govt commits $21m to eHealth record rollout

The Victorian government will roll out connected electronic medical record systems to more hospitals and health services, streamlining access to patient information and replacing paper-based systems. Health minister Mary-Anne...

Future Fund mandate targets under-investment in net zero

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says changes to Australia’s $230 billion sovereign wealth fund will help plug a gap in funding for green projects amid the country’s transition to net zero....

Social media ban bill lifts online safety fines to $50m

Tech giants face fines of up to $50 million for breaches of Australia’s online safety laws under legislation introduced to give rise to a world-first social media ban for...

Modern cars are surveillance devices on wheels

New research reveals serious privacy flaws in the data practices of new internet connected cars in Australia. It’s yet another reason why we need urgent reform of privacy laws....

Algorithm safeguards proposed to prevent Robodebt repeat

Systems used to automate welfare, migration and other federal governments decisions could be subject to a spate of new obligations under changes being considered in the wake of the...

Industry dept falls short on regional grants and services

The Industry department missed its target for delivering grants and services to regional businesses last year, reflecting the shuttering of the flagship Entrepreneur’s Programme, according to its latest annual...

Bill to split energy regulator from consumer watchdog arrives

The Australian Energy Regulator will be separated from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission under new legislation that entered parliament more than a year since the split was approved...

Australia sees first drop in cybercrime reports

Reports of cybercrime to national authorities fell for the first time last year, ending a half decade of surging known incidents as the Albanese government ploughs $20 billion into...

AUKUS hypersonics pact to boost ‘collective ability’

Australia will conduct a series of hypersonic vehicle tests with its AUKUS partners under a new agreement designed to accelerate the development of the dual-use technology. The agreement, announced...

First NRF deal keeps mining company in Qld

The head of Australia’s $15 billion manufacturing fund says a pipeline of innovation investments will follow its debut equity deal for a Queensland mining equipment maker, and that its...

$160m in export grants allocated within hours

A new digital portal built for Austrade’s reformed ‘first-come, first-served’ export grants program processed hundreds of submissions for funding within hours of applications opening, frustrating some users. The speed...