NewsMatch Alert: Press Release Summary | 4 March 2025
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Today's highlights
Audit Committee recommends whole of government framework for AI use
The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has today released its report on public sector artificial intelligence (AI) use. The Committee examined the current policy settings for AI use across the Commonwealth Government to determine if they were fit for purpose. Committee Chair Linda Burney stated that ”these policy and governance frameworks must be equipped to adequately assess the great promise that AI brings but also understand the inherent and significant risks that accompany its use”.
Media Release – Minister Keogh – Funding now available to support veteran advocacy
Ex-service organisations (ESOs) can now apply for a share in over $4.8 million through the Albanese Government’s Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Grants Program.?This funding will help ESOs to advocate for veterans and their families as well as assist with their entitlements and compensation claims.
Extending secrecy exceptions risks damaging integrity of our tax system
The federal government’s proposal to extend tax regulator secrecy exceptions risks permanently damaging the integrity of Australia’s tax system, says CPA Australia. Treasury believes there are circumstances where it would be in the public interest for information obtained by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to be shared with other bodies or agencies in an attempt to prevent and investigate allegations of fraud and other misconduct.
Parker Blackwood Advisers reports Australian economy showing signs of recovery
PBA Corporation Pty Ltd
Parker Blackwood Advisers analysts highlight Australia’s modest economic recovery, with GDP expected to rise but still lagging historical trends. Key risks include weak capital expenditure, sluggish productivity, and uncertainty around future RBA policy moves.
Mates, Mullets, and Mental Health – Australia, it’s time!
Black Dog Institute is calling on Aussies everywhere to show they’re all ears by growing a mullet to support the 1 in 5 Australians who experience a mental illness each year. Back and bolder than ever, Mullets for Mental Health is the national fundraising challenge that brings together Australians of all hair types to shape and grow their mullets in the name of better mental health.?
“It’s about gaining health, not just losing weight”: peak GP body’s new obesity position
Access to affordable general practice care is critical to improving the health and wellbeing of patients and turning around rising rates of obesity in Australia, says the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP). Australia’s peak general practice body has used World Obesity Day to release a new position statement on obesity prevention and management, which calls for more government funding to address inequities in access to care.?
Monash Expert: World Obesity Day – healthier lives
Today is World Obesity Day and the focus is on changing systems for healthier lives, as experts predict that one in four people globally will live with obesity by 2035. Monash University Professor Wendy Brown can discuss obesity generally, the success and relative safety of bariatric surgery in Australia as systems improve, and moves to improve the definition of obesity. ?
Free interactive video guide to support people living with dementia at home
Dementia Australia has launched a free interactive video guide, The Dementia-Friendly Home, to support people with dementia to live independently in their home. Two in three people with dementia live in the community, so supporting and enabling them to make their home environments as safe, engaging and accessible as possible is vital.
Cyclone Alfred approaching: How to protect your business now
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is set to hit Queensland and NSW tonight, bringing destructive winds and flash flooding. Businesses in its path must act now. "Extreme weather events are unavoidable in Australia, but preparation can reduce downtime, damage and financial loss," says Terrence Daniel , general manager at PSS Distributors. “If your business operates in a cyclone-prone area, taking the right steps now ensures that it remains resilient, protecting infrastructure, employees and critical operations.”
Tropical Cyclone Alfred could drive up insurance premiums in southern Queensland, experts warn
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches landfall in southern Queensland, physical climate risk analysis company Climate Valuation (part of the Climate Risk Group) is raising concerns that homeowners in affected areas may face more costs than just repairing damage to property from flood, wind and coastal inundation. Insurance premiums could rise as well.?
Farmers for Climate Action update: Cyclone Alfred
The thoughts of Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) are with our farmer members and all the people of Lismore, northern NSW and Queensland as the region faces a cyclone just three years after being devastated by extraordinary floods. FCA CEO Natalie Collard , representing 8,400 farmer members and 80,000 community supporters, said repeat disasters were extremely hard to live through.
Visa Tap to Phone Adoption Soars: 200% Year-over-Year Growth Worldwide
Tap. Pay. Done. This simple, secure, and increasingly mobile action has transformed the shopping experience and unlocked opportunities for small businesses worldwide. Today, Visa announced that Tap to Phone has experienced a 200% increase over the past year, supporting millions of sellers of all sizes. In the highest Tap to Phone countries - the U.S., UK, and Brazil - adoption rates have surged, showing a combined growth rate of 234%.
PayPal launches its biggest online sales event in Australia, PayPal Frenzy
Bargain hunting Aussies can get ready to grab some fabulous discounts, with PayPal today announcing its biggest online sales event in Australia to date, PayPal Frenzy, with deals from more than 200 leading brands from 4-10 March. PayPal, Australia’s most trusted way to pay online, is partnering with Click Frenzy, to launch a seven-day online sale event, which will offer customers deals of up to 80% off, across leading fashion, beauty, home and tech brands.?
Breaking barriers: How digital tools are empowering women in Australia’s construction industry
The construction industry in Australia has long been characterised by a significant gender imbalance. Women make up just 13.2% of the workforce, with fewer than 2% in skilled trades. While these figures are slowly improving, attracting and retaining female talent remains a major challenge. Addressing this disparity is not just about diversity—it’s about securing the future of the industry. With a shortfall of 250,000 skilled workers expected by 2026, broadening recruitment beyond traditional talent pools is critical.
16-year-old Australian girl takes pole position as the youngest 2025 F1 Academy driver
Joanne Ciconte is the youngest and latest driver to be announced for this year’s Formula 1 Academy, marking Australia’s first-ever participation in the prestigious series which is an F1 initiative led by Susie Wolff. This milestone is considered to be nothing short of remarkable. Ciconte started karting at the age of nine, and since this time she has secured multiple State Championship podiums including the title of 2023 Australian Ladies Pink Plate Champion. She transitioned into Formula 4 (F4), making an immediate impact.?
The Friends (TM) Experience: The One in Sydney set to extend until 27 April
Due to popular demand, The FRIENDS? Experience: The One in Sydney is extending its stay at the Fullerton Hotel, No. 1 Martin Place, remaining open until 27 April. Created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Original X Productions , Warner Bros. Television Group , and in partnership with TEG Life Like Touring .
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