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 June 8 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

Recession Fears Grip Australians

Perth, June 9: Millions of Australians are concerned the country could enter a recession before the end of 2026, according to new research from Finder.
A survey of 1,017 Australians found 48% believe a recession is likely by year’s end, while a further 16% say it is certain, equating to an estimated 13.7 million Australians expecting an economic downturn within months.
The findings come as separate Finder research reveals 42% of Australians have less than $1,000 in savings, highlighting ongoing financial pressures facing households.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said Australians are stressed about the state of the economy.
“Families all over the country are feeling a big financial squeeze, and many are worried things will get worse before they improve.
“While a recession isn’t guaranteed, the fact that so many people expect one shows just how anxious they are.”
Megginson said fears of a downturn were already influencing spending habits.“Families are becoming more cautious about spending money and taking on new debt.”
Finder’s research found 15% of respondents were unsure whether a recession was looming, while 18% believed one was unlikely and just 3% said it certainly would not happen.
Megginson encouraged Australians to focus on reducing debt, building emergency savings, reviewing household budgets and consolidating multiple superannuation accounts to improve their financial resilience during uncertain economic conditions.
“Economic uncertainty is scary, but taking a few proactive steps today can help you feel much more in control of whatever comes next.”

NTT DATA Expands AI Partnership

Perth, June 9: NTT DATA has expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud to help enterprises move from AI pilots to large-scale deployment of agentic AI solutions powered by Gemini Enterprise.
The partnership will see NTT DATA establish a dedicated Gemini Enterprise practice and train 5,000 certified experts globally. The companies also plan to co-develop and deploy up to 500 AI agents across industry and business use cases, including banking, insurance, manufacturing, retail, software development and cloud migration.
“Enterprises need a practical way to scale AI adoption, strengthen governance, enable their workforce and create measurable business value,” said Abhijit Dubey, CEO and Chief AI Officer, NTT DATA, Inc. “This expanded partnership with Google Cloud and NTT DATA is helping clients move beyond pilots and embed AI into the way their organisations operate, creating a faster and lower-risk path to enterprise-wide transformation.”
“We are seeing massive demand for AI agents that can fundamentally transform core business workflows,” said Matt Renner, President and Chief Revenue Officer, Google Cloud. “This expanded partnership combines Google Cloud’s leading AI platform with NTT DATA’s delivery strength.”
According to NTT DATA, 99% of enterprises say AI is driving greater demand for cloud investment, while 88% report current cloud spending levels are putting AI and modernisation initiatives at risk.

Healthcare Data Fuels Cybercrime

Perth, June 9: New research from TrendAI™ has revealed that stolen healthcare data is being traded through a sophisticated underground economy involving ransomware groups, access brokers, credential sellers and fraud marketplaces.
Over a 12-month period, researchers analysed 7,779 underground forum posts, 21,813 marketplace listings and 95 ransomware leak sites, finding that healthcare information remains one of the most valuable forms of stolen data due to its sensitivity, permanence and potential for repeated criminal use. Ransomware-related data sales accounted for more than 36% of marketplace activity, while attacks targeting electronic health record (EHR) and electronic medical record (EMR) providers continue to rise.
“Patient data is a lucrative target for cybercriminals. Health data is permanent, deeply sensitive and highly reusable, with a single breach creating long-term consequences for individuals, healthcare providers and the wider health ecosystem. The 2024 MediSecure cyber security incident alone saw private data from 12.9 million Australians breached,” said Andrew Philp, Field CISO ANZ, TrendAI™.
The report also highlights the growing industrialisation of healthcare cybercrime, with marketplaces offering access to hospital networks, insurance records and fraudulent medical documentation. “Healthcare data has evolved from stolen information into a long-term criminal asset class,” said Stephen Hilt, Principal Threat Researcher. “Unlike a credit card, a patient’s diagnoses, treatment history or biometric data cannot simply be cancelled and reissued, which makes healthcare organisations uniquely attractive to ransomware groups and data brokers.”

New Hub Supports MBC Patients

Perth, June 9: Australia’s first dedicated information and support hub for people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been launched by MBC Action Australia following new estimates showing around 21,000 Australians are living with the incurable disease.
The MBC Information & Support Hub was co-designed by people living with metastatic breast cancer, their families, clinicians and expert advisers to address gaps in information and support. Unlike early breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer is incurable and requires lifelong treatment.
“People living with MBC often spend hours searching online for information that is confusing, frightening or just not relevant,” said Jill, who has lived with metastatic breast cancer for 11 years and contributed to the Hub’s development.
The Hub provides evidence-based treatment information, practical guidance and links to support services tailored to different stages of living with metastatic breast cancer. It is available at mbchub.au.

Pay.com.au Targets US Expansion

Perth, June 9: Australian fintech pay.com.au has surpassed 10 billion rewards points redeemed across its 70,000-strong customer base, marking a major milestone for the business.
The company has also appointed former Flippa executive Blake Hutchison as CEO of its North American business, PayRewards, as it prepares to expand into the United States market. Hutchison brings more than two decades of experience across small business, fintech and digital marketplaces, including senior roles at Flippa, Xero, Lonely Planet and Luxury Escapes.
In his new role, Hutchison will lead PayRewards’ US launch, with a focus on helping small and medium-sized businesses turn everyday operational expenses into rewards and benefits.

Check Mate for Prostate Health

Perth, June 10: ANZUP Cancer Trials Group has launched its new “Check Mate” awareness campaign ahead of World Prostate Cancer Awareness Day on 11 June, encouraging Australians to take a more proactive approach to prostate health and early detection.
The campaign comes as prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with around 79 people diagnosed and 11 deaths recorded every day. Despite this, PSA blood test screening rates have fallen significantly over the past two decades, dropping from 68 per cent of Australians aged 50–69 between 2005 and 2009 to 48 per cent between 2014 and 2018.
ANZUP said advances in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment have improved patient outcomes, with modern approaches allowing some low-risk cancers to be monitored through active surveillance rather than immediate treatment.
The organisation is urging Australians to discuss their risk factors with their GP and make informed decisions about testing. Current Australian guidelines support a risk-based approach, with Medicare funding PSA testing every two years for those at average risk and annually for higher-risk individuals.
Through the campaign, ANZUP hopes to improve awareness, encourage conversations about prostate health and support earlier detection of the disease.

Taiwan Seeks Global Health Ideas

Perth, June 11: Taiwan has launched the “Go Healthy with Taiwan 2026” Global Proposal Campaign, inviting governments, organisations, businesses and institutions worldwide to submit innovative health and wellness projects that incorporate Taiwan’s expertise in smart healthcare, sports technology and high-end bicycles.
Organised by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and commissioned by the International Trade Administration (TITA), the initiative aims to foster international collaboration and position Taiwan as a leading partner in global health solutions.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 campaign, which attracted 638 proposals from 55 countries, organisers are targeting more than 800 submissions from across five continents this year.
Applications are open until 5 August 2026, with the top three winning teams each receiving US$30,000. The campaign forms part of Taiwan’s broader efforts to strengthen the global presence of its health and wellness industries while promoting innovation in healthy living, precision healthcare and active lifestyles.

AI Cuts Adviser Admin

Perth, June 11: Australian fintech Xynon has launched an AI-powered client onboarding platform designed to reduce the administrative burden faced by financial advisers before advice is delivered.
The new capability automates data collection, identity verification, engagement documentation and meeting records within a single workflow, helping advice practices streamline compliance processes and reduce manual paperwork.
The launch comes as Australia’s financial advice sector continues to shrink, with adviser numbers falling from around 28,000 in 2018 to approximately 15,000 today. At the same time, advisers are facing increasing obligations under anti-money laundering regulations and the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) reforms.
“A lot of advisers are effectively doing admin work with financial services qualifications. A huge amount of adviser time disappears before the advice process has properly started. Highly qualified people are spending large parts of their day on administrative work, and across the industry, that adds up very quickly.”
According to Xynon, the platform creates a compliant client file from the first point of contact, reducing duplicate data entry, manual follow-ups and post-meeting administration.
“Onboarding should result in a complete record, not a backlog of work. Too often, practices are left pulling information together manually after meetings have already happened. What we are trying to do is tighten that process from day one, so advisers can spend more time with clients and less time chasing paperwork.”
The AI-powered onboarding capability is available now to Australian financial advice practices and licensees.

Noosa Forum Tackles Energy Transition

Perth, June 11: More than 300 energy industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and business executives will gather in Noosa next week for the 2026 Noosa Power & Energy Conference (NoosaPEC), where discussions will focus on Australia’s energy transition, renewable investment, data centre growth and public trust in climate policy.
Hosted by the Cleantech Network on 15–16 June, the conference comes as Australia records a renewable energy share of 43 per cent of electricity generation, while investment in new renewable generation projects has slowed significantly. Key discussions will examine the challenge of achieving the federal government’s target of 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.
“The 2.3 gigawatts of new utility-scale renewable energy generation capacity that reached financial close in 2025 represents about half what is needed to meet the government’s 82% target by 2030 and, of greater concern, creates potential supply shortfalls if ageing coal plants close as anticipated. Australia has targets for the energy transition, but we do not have comprehensive policies or plans to meet them. A lot now has to go right in the next three to five years to avoid electricity supply disruptions.”
Conference sessions will also explore the rapid growth of data centres, misinformation surrounding climate and energy projects, Indigenous-led approaches to energy development, and opportunities arising from the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda.
“The picture is not all doom and gloom. Private households have invested almost $10 billion in just 11 months to deploy over 400,000 home battery systems. It is amazing to see the scale of deployment, showing we can mobilise the skilled workforce needed at speed when the pricing and incentives align. Australia simply needs to go faster.”

AI Streamlines Adviser Onboarding

Perth, June 11: Australian fintech Xynon has launched an AI-powered onboarding platform designed to reduce the administrative workload faced by financial advisers and advice practices.
The platform automates client data collection, identity verification, engagement documentation and meeting records, bringing these processes into a single workflow. Xynon says the technology is aimed at helping advisers spend less time on compliance-related administration and more time serving clients.
The launch comes as Australia’s financial advice sector continues to contract, with adviser numbers falling from around 28,000 in 2018 to approximately 15,000 today. At the same time, increasing obligations around know-your-customer (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) reforms have added to administrative pressures across the industry.
“A lot of advisers are effectively doing admin work with financial services qualifications. A huge amount of adviser time disappears before the advice process has properly started. Highly qualified people are spending large parts of their day on administrative work, and across the industry, that adds up very quickly.”
According to the company, the onboarding capability creates a compliant client file from the first point of contact, reducing manual follow-ups, duplicate data entry and post-meeting paperwork.
The AI-powered solution is available now to Australian financial advice practices and licensees.

11:11 Earns Workplace Honour

Perth, June 11: Managed infrastructure solutions provider 11:11 Systems has been awarded the 2026 Great Place To Work Certification™, with employees in Australia reporting exceptionally high levels of workplace satisfaction.
The certification is based entirely on employee feedback, with 95 per cent of Australian staff describing the company as a great place to work — 35 percentage points higher than the national average. The company also earned certification across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and India.
Australian employees highlighted strong workplace culture, ethical leadership and a sense of belonging, with all respondents agreeing that management acts honestly and ethically, colleagues care about one another and their work makes a difference.
11:11 Systems said the recognition reflects its ongoing investment in employee wellbeing, community engagement and workplace culture, including volunteer programs that support charitable organisations and social causes around the world.
“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience.”
The company said the certification reinforces its commitment to creating a supportive and values-driven workplace for employees across its global operations.