News In Brief

Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs.
Below are snippets of all the media releases we received from Aug 25 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

NAB Adds Selfie Checks

Sydney, Aug 25: NAB will introduce facial identification checks for new customers opening accounts online as part of its scam prevention strategy. The process requires customers to take a selfie, scan an ID document such as a driver’s licence or passport, and match the image to their face on their mobile device.
The initiative will roll out in September across select products before expanding further. It follows other measures including confirmation of payee, removal of links from text messages, and payment alerts.
NAB Group Chief Operating Officer Les Matheson said the step adds protection against fraud and identity theft, making it harder for criminals to open fake accounts using stolen documents. The facial biometric initiative is part of the bank’s wider scam strategy and the industry’s Scam Safe Accord launched in 2023.

Right to Disconnect Falters

Sydney, Aug 26: One year after Australia’s Right to Disconnect law was introduced for large employers, only 30 per cent of workers feel confident exercising it, according to new research from HR platform HiBob.
While 54 per cent of employees are aware of their rights, a third still receive work messages outside hours and one in five feel pressured to respond. Only 40 per cent say their employer has communicated a clear policy, contributing to burnout and disengagement.
Anna Volkova, Head of People & Culture APJ at HiBob, said legislation alone is not enough without supportive company culture and trained managers to enforce it.

Hugh Jackman Backs Acting Degree

Sydney, Aug 26: Western Sydney University and Actors Centre Australia (ACA) are reviving the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) after an 18-year hiatus, with classes to commence in Semester 1, 2026 at the University’s Kingswood campus.
Building on the legacy of Theatre Nepean, whose alumni include Joel Edgerton and Yvonne Strahovski, the new program will deliver conservatory-style training in partnership with ACA, known for producing actors such as Hugh Jackman, Harriet Dyer, and Daniel Henshall.
Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams AO said the program would produce highly skilled graduates ready for the demands of today’s creative industries. ACA Chairman David Chiem highlighted its focus on creativity and adaptability in the age of AI.
ACA Patron Hugh Jackman described the partnership as a “game changer” for arts education, combining two powerhouse institutions to prepare students above industry standards.
The degree will feature 20 core performance subjects and four electives, with audition-based entry, internships, mentorships, and industry collaborations included.

Employees Drive Workplace Change

Sydney, Aug 27: A new report from Great Place To Work® surveying more than 158,000 Australian workers shows employees are driving workplace transformation, demanding flexibility, fairness, trust, and a genuine voice.
“The future of work isn’t coming. It’s already here; and it’s employee-led,” said Rebecca Moulynox, General Manager of Great Place To Work® Australia and New Zealand.
The 2025 list of Australia’s Best Workplaces™ highlights 100 organisations leading in culture and engagement. Hilton topped the large category, followed by Cisco and REA Group. Swisse Wellness won in the medium category, while The Man Cave led in the small category.
The report found flexibility strongly linked to retention, frontline voices crucial for engagement, and trust as the foundation of long-term commitment. Gen Z in particular expects growth, inclusion, and purpose.

Adobe appoints Meredith O’Ryan to senior ANZ and JAPAC marketing role

Sydney, Aug 27: Adobe has named Meredith O’Ryan as Director of Enterprise Marketing for Australia and New Zealand, and Flagship Events for Japan and Asia Pacific. O’Ryan, who has been with Adobe for nearly four years as Director of JAPAC Integrated Campaigns, brings more than 20 years’ experience in integrated B2B marketing, strategic partnerships, and event leadership.
She will be responsible for leading Adobe’s enterprise marketing strategy in ANZ and overseeing flagship events across the wider region, reporting to Duncan Egan, Vice President of Enterprise Marketing JAPAC.
Duncan Egan said: “Meredith’s track record of building innovative, high-performing campaigns and delivering impact through flagship events positions her perfectly for this new role. Her leadership will be key in deepening relationships with our enterprise customers and advancing awareness of Adobe as the world’s best marketing and AI platform for customer experience orchestration.”
Meredith O’Ryan said: “I’m thrilled to take on this new challenge, helping to shape the future of marketing as AI transforms the industry. As the only organisation to bring together world-class tools for creativity, customer data, content velocity and AI orchestration, Adobe has a unique brand story. I look forward to amplifying that story while we also celebrate and empower marketers and creative professionals across the region.”