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 March 23 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

Payday Super Warning

Perth, March 23: More than half of Australian employers are not confident their business is ready for Payday Super, according to new research from MLC, which is urging businesses to prepare ahead of the changes taking effect on July 1, 2026.
MLC said 55 per cent of employers do not feel ready for the reform, while separate research conducted by McCrindle found 80 per cent of employees are unaware of Payday Super and 85 per cent do not know when it will begin. From July 1, 2026, employers will be required to pay Superannuation Guarantee contributions at the same time as salary and wages, rather than quarterly.
According to Dave Woodall, CEO, MLC Super: “Payday Super is a major shift in payroll processes for Australian businesses – and it’s fast approaching, so preparation is essential. “We know for many employers, the shift to real-time Superannuation Guarantee (SG) payments will require substantial operational adjustments. They’ll need to update payroll systems, review internal processes, verify employee super fund details more frequently and prepare for more regular SG payment cycles.”
“Employers should also be aware that SG contribution payments must be received by super funds within seven business days of each payday for existing employees, and within 20 business days for the first payment to a new employee or a new fund. More frequent contributions will also require businesses to revisit their cash flow planning and ensure they have processes in place to manage returned or unallocated contributions.”
MLC said employers should start preparing now by reviewing payroll systems, updating employee super fund details, understanding qualifying earnings, monitoring cash flow, tracking the maximum contribution base and preparing for compliance.

Fuel Panic Spreads

Perth, March 23: Nearly one in four Australians admit they are stockpiling petrol or buying more than usual as fuel prices surge and supply fears grow amid the Middle East conflict, according to new research from Money.com.au.
The survey of more than 1,000 Australians found 24 per cent of respondents had increased petrol purchases, while 3 per cent said they had faced purchase limits when trying to buy larger quantities. The remaining 76 per cent said they had not changed their buying habits. Money.com.au said NSW FuelCheck data showed unleaded prices had risen 34 per cent and diesel 55 per cent since the conflict began on February 28, with some of the steepest increases recorded in regional areas.
Money.com.au’s Finance Expert, Sean Callery, says surging fuel prices and supply fears are fuelling a wave of reactive behaviour at the pump.
“Panic buying at the bowser is a knee-jerk reaction to uncertainty over fuel supply and skyrocketing prices, particularly as the conflict in the Middle East continues and there’s no clear timeline for when conditions will stabilise,” he says.
“With petrol prices pushing towards $3 per litre in some areas, it’s a real financial pressure point for households, and commuters have no choice but to absorb the cost. Some Aussies are turning to stockpiling petrol or filling up more often in an attempt to get ahead of further price increases.”
“But what many don’t realise is that panic buying can actually exacerbate the problem, because when demand spikes suddenly, it puts additional pressure on already tight supply and can push fuel prices even higher.”
The research found younger Australians were the most likely to panic buy petrol, led by Gen Z at 39 per cent, followed by Millennials at 30 per cent, Gen X at 18 per cent and Baby Boomers at 10 per cent. New South Wales recorded the highest level of panic buying at 25 per cent, ahead of Victoria at 22 per cent and Western Australia at 21 per cent.

Hearing Aid First

Perth, March 23: Hearing Australia has become the first organisation in the world to use NAL-NL3, a new Australian-developed hearing aid fitting system designed to better tailor hearing aid settings to individual needs and improve speech clarity in noisy environments.
Developed by the National Acoustic Laboratories, the research division of Hearing Australia, NAL-NL3 is expected to become the new international standard for hearing aid fittings and has been licensed to more than 90 per cent of the global hearing aid manufacturer market. The system builds on NAL-NL2, which is currently the most widely used hearing aid fitting prescription globally.
David McMaster, a Hearing Australia Centre Manager with hearing loss, was the first person in the world to be fitted with NAL-NL3. “The sound was immediately comfortable,” says David. “I’m noticing better awareness of people talking to me – I’m catching what’s being said straight away. Speech is clear and crisp and at a really good volume. I’m looking forward to trying my hearing aids in a variety of situations.”
Dr Brent Edwards, NAL Director, says the new system marks a shift towards more personalised hearing care. “We’re moving away from a one-size-fits-all prescription to a system that can continue to grow and adapt over time,” explains Brent. “The NAL-NL3 Fitting System allows clinicians to better tailor hearing solutions to individual listening needs and real-world situations.”

Fanfix Hits Milestone

Perth, March 23: Creator monetisation platform Fanfix says it has paid out more than $250 million to creators as it marks its fifth anniversary, with the company reporting more than 6.3 million users on its subscription-based, non-explicit platform.
Fanfix said it launched in 2021 and is now on track to reach $300 million in creator payouts in the coming months. The company also said 38 creators have earned more than $1 million on the platform, while comments have risen by 2 million per cent since launch.
Dylan Harari, Co-CEO of Fanfix, states, “When I joined Fanfix, it was a team of four and about ten creators on the platform. Over the past five years, we’ve paid out over $250 million, but what stands out are the creators behind that number. People who’ve been able to go all in, leave their 9-to-5 jobs, support their families, and completely change their path. Today, thousands of creators are earning on Fanfix, and we’re focused on continuing to expand into more categories so even more creators, artists, and businesses can build something real.”

TeamViewer Launches Tia

Perth, March 24: TeamViewer has introduced Tia Reporting at the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit, adding a new conversational AI capability to TeamViewer DEX that can generate real-time dashboards from natural-language prompts.
The company said the tool is designed to help IT teams speed up decision-making, resolve issues faster and improve digital employee experience by reducing reliance on static and manual data analysis.
TeamViewer said Tia Reporting uses its proprietary DEX data, including device telemetry, application performance and employee experience signals, to give administrators a broader view of their IT environments.
Users can also adjust filters, timeframes and visualisations through what TeamViewer described as a no-code AI interface, allowing teams to drill into issues in real time.
“IT teams are accountable for outcomes they have historically struggled to measure with speed and confidence,” said Adrian Todd, Vice President, Product Management at TeamViewer. “Tia Reporting changes that dynamic. It democratises access to insight, empowering every IT professional to create their own reports and dashboards without relying on analysts or BI teams. Live, actionable data is now in the hands of the people who need it, when they need it. This is a significant milestone in our AI roadmap as we prepare for our AEM launch this summer.”

ACCC Fines PhotobookShop

Perth, March 24: PhotobookShop has paid $39,600 in penalties after the ACCC issued two infringement notices over alleged misleading influencer reviews posted on Instagram.
The regulator said the online photobook business asked influencers not to disclose they had been given free products in exchange for reviews, and on one occasion reposted a commissioned review without making that arrangement clear.
“Businesses must not mislead consumers by posting misleading reviews or failing to disclose when an influencer has been paid to create social media content, whether that payment is free gifted products or services, or money,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“Influencers can be a powerful marketing tool, and the Australian Consumer Law applies as much to the digital world as it does to bricks and mortar retailers.”
The ACCC also alleged PhotobookShop edited another influencer’s video to remove negative comments about its AI assistant tool without disclosing the changes.
“When a business posts a review on social media, consumers would reasonably assume that the post genuinely reflects the review. In the case of PhotobookShop, we consider the review it posted did not reflect the overall impression of the influencer’s review, and appeared more favourable to PhotobookShop,” Lowe said.

Australia Losing Events

Perth, March 25: Australia has secured 366 international business events for the future, representing 1,791 event days, 1,249,027 delegate days and an estimated $743.5 million in delegate spend, according to new data from the Australian Business Events Association.
The findings in ABEA’s International Forward Calendar 2026 show a strong pipeline of international events, but warn Australia’s future competitiveness is at risk without stronger Bid Fund support.
The report also found 67 per cent of confirmed upcoming association conferences include a trade and exhibition component, while healthcare and social assistance leads the current pipeline.
“Business events deliver high-value visitors, global connections and long-term economic impact. This is not just about filling hotel rooms. It is about attracting international decision-makers, investment, research collaboration and trade opportunities into Australia,” said chief executive officer Melissa Brown.
“Right now, the pipeline is strong. But future wins are getting harder. With our limited Business Events Bid Fund Program (BFP), delivered through Tourism Australia, other countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Singapore – real competitors to our market – are gaining ground.
Their governments are backing this sector with stronger bid support, and Australia is at risk of losing events we should be winning.”

Stripe Powers Checkout

Perth, March 25: Stripe has announced a new checkout experience for Facebook that allows buyers to purchase products from businesses such as Fanatics and Quince in just one click, either from a business website or within the app after clicking on an ad.
Businesses can opt in through the Stripe Dashboard by linking their Meta ads account. Once enabled, buyers who tap the “Buy now” button on a Facebook ad are taken to a native checkout powered by Stripe, using saved credentials from their Meta wallet. Stripe said the purchasing flow is underpinned by its Agentic Commerce Protocol, with plans to expand similar checkout experiences across other Meta surfaces, including Instagram ads.
“At Fanatics, we’re obsessed with the fan experience, which means meeting fans wherever they are and making it easy to shop across their digital journey. Agentic AI is opening up new ways for us to do that. With Stripe’s Agentic Commerce Suite powering checkout within Meta’s platforms, fans can move from discovery to purchase in just a few taps, unlocking faster, more seamless ways to shop the gear they love,” said Sashanka Vishnuvajhala, SVP of technology at Fanatics.
“At Quince, we’re focused on making it easier for customers to shop with us wherever they are. Stripe’s Agentic Commerce Suite allows us to reach customers across emerging AI-powered platforms through a single integration, while keeping the experience seamless,” said Steve Neola, VP of product at Quince.
“Reducing the steps between discovery and purchase is great for both consumers and businesses. We’re thrilled to partner with Meta to bring a new checkout experience to Facebook, powered by Stripe’s infrastructure for commerce in the AI era,” said Kevin Miller, head of payments at Stripe.

Getac Launches CommandCore

Perth, March 25: Getac has launched its new CommandCore rugged drone control solution for defence, public safety and utilities in Australia and New Zealand.
The company said CommandCore combines its rugged hardware with industry-specific accessories, payloads and software to create a customisable UAV, USV and UGV control solution for demanding operating environments. At the centre of the system is Getac’s Ground Control Station, which is designed for real-time data processing, drone control in extreme conditions and management of operational parameters.
Getac said customers can choose from a range of devices for their Ground Control Station, including rugged tablets, laptops and workstations, with customisable form factors ranging from integrated controls to mobile command suitcase designs with dual displays.
“As the use of drones becomes increasingly widespread throughout numerous industries around the world and demand for comprehensive remote-control solutions in Australia and New Zealand is also growing significantly,” says James Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation. “CommandCore answers this demand, providing professionals who work in challenging environments every day with a highly customisable rugged control solution they can rely on to get the job done when it matters most.”

Native Flavours at Uluru

Perth, March 26: Creative Native Foods has partnered with Voyages Tourism Australia to supply native Australian ingredients for the Field of Light dining experiences at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru.
The partnership, announced as Field of Light marks its 10th anniversary, will see native ingredients featured across the Field of Light Dinner and Star Pass buffet menus, which are available to guests year-round.
Field of Light opened in April 2016 and has since attracted more than 750,000 visitors. The installation, featuring more than 50,000 solar-powered spheres, will remain at Uluru until at least the end of 2029.
“Field of Light is now one of the most loved and photographed experiences in Australia. This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the artwork, the landscape and the cultural stories that make this place so special,” said Matt Cameron Smith, CEO, Voyages Tourism Australia.
Creative Native Foods said it worked with Voyages’ culinary team to shape the menus and supply native ingredients including smoked kangaroo blini, barramundi with Geraldton wax coconut crust, coastal rosemary lamb cutlets and desert lime macadamia cheesecake.

Cirrus Sales Soar

Perth, March 26: Cirrus Aircraft delivered 691 SR Series aircraft and a record 106 Vision Jets in 2025, according to the latest annual report from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
The company said the SR Series remains the best-selling high-performance single-engine piston aircraft for the 24th consecutive year, while the Vision Jet has led the general aviation jet market for eight years in a row.
During the year, Cirrus introduced the SR Series G7+ with Safe Return Emergency Autoland, making it the first single-engine piston aircraft with an FAA-approved autonomous emergency landing system that can guide the aircraft to a safe landing at the push of a button.
“Cirrus continues to create momentum in Personal Aviation through its leadership in product innovation, ownership offerings and new services,” said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus. “Owning and operating a Cirrus unlocks opportunities and grows economies. These milestones reflect Cirrus’ dedication to continuous innovation in Personal Aviation.”
Cirrus said it is also investing in expanding its manufacturing and training facilities while developing new ownership services and upgrade programs to support demand for its aircraft.

Dreame Backs Swans

Perth, March 26: Dreame Technology has signed a partnership with the Sydney Swans as part of its expansion in the Australian market, with the collaboration already active at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The global technology company said the deal will help showcase its growing product range beyond home cleaning, with a stronger focus on personal-care and smart ecosystem products for Australian consumers.
“As we continue to evolve from a category leader in home cleaning into a fully-fledged ecosystem-driven technology brand, Australia is one of our most important strategic markets,” said Stella Qu, Head of Marketing Australia, Dreame Technology. “Partnering with the Sydney Swans – a club that embodies performance, innovation, and community – allows us to connect with Australians in a more local, authentic way while we introduce a broader range of Dreame products to everyday life.”
The partnership includes branding at Swans home games, in-stadium activations and joint fan experiences, including a Swans fan day event on 28 March at Sydney Swans HQ in Moore Park.
“We’re thrilled to have Dreame on board as a partner for the 2026 season,” said CEO Matthew Pavlich Sydney Swans.
“We look forward to working with the team to create unique moments for our members and fans this season, including at our Fan Day at Sydney Swans HQ this weekend.”

Dell Revamps PCs

Perth, March 26: Dell Technologies has introduced a refreshed commercial portfolio spanning Dell Pro notebooks, Dell Pro Precision workstations, desktops, monitors and client peripherals.
The company said the new range focuses on thinner, lighter and more powerful devices, with updated designs aimed at improving portability, battery life and on-device AI performance for business users.
The notebook lineup includes Dell Pro Premium, Dell Pro 7, Dell Pro 5 and Dell Pro 3, while the desktop range adds the new Dell Pro 5 Micro, which Dell describes as its first Copilot+ PC mainstream desktop.
Dell has also revived its Precision branding under Dell Pro Precision, with new mobile and desktop workstations designed for AI workloads, simulations, rendering and other demanding professional applications.
The broader launch also includes new Dell Pro P monitors and peripherals, with the company saying the lineup is designed to support modern hybrid work environments such as hot-desking, remote work and video collaboration.

Fuel Prices Continue to Rise

Perth, March 26: Retail petrol and diesel prices in Australia increased in the week to 25 March, with diesel prices rising faster than petrol, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) weekly fuel price monitoring update. The data shows that increases in retail prices followed further rises in international refined fuel benchmark prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global fuel markets.
Across Australia’s five largest cities, the average retail diesel price reached 303.5 cents per litre on 25 March, which represents an increase of 27.8 cents per litre, or 10 per cent, from the previous week. In comparison, the average price for regular unleaded petrol increased to 252.2 cents per litre, rising by 18.1 cents per litre, or 8 per cent. Similar trends were observed in regional areas, where diesel prices increased to 307.6 cents per litre, up 28.6 cents per litre from the previous week.
The ACCC attributed the price increases to movements in international benchmark prices. The benchmark price for diesel, Singapore Gasoil 10 ppm, rose by about 17 per cent during the week, while the benchmark price for refined petrol, Singapore Mogas 95, increased by about 9 per cent. These international price changes have a direct impact on wholesale fuel costs in Australia, which then flow through to retail prices.
“We’re continuing to watch the fuel market very closely and are engaging with the fuel industry, Government, state and territory regulators and consumers through this very volatile period,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said. “We remain concerned about supply issues for both petrol and diesel impacting a range of locations, including capital city suburbs, regional towns and remote areas.”
The ACCC also reported receiving more than 3,000 contacts from consumers and small businesses about fuel prices during March, with complaints including rapid price increases, fuel shortages and volume limits at service stations. The regulator stated that it will continue to monitor the market closely and assess any potential breaches of competition and consumer laws during the current period of supply disruption.