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 15 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week

Experts Split on Negative Gearing

Perth, June 15: Australia’s leading economists are divided over whether the federal government’s proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT) concessions will improve housing affordability for first-home buyers.
According to Finder’s latest RBA Cash Rate Survey, 52% of experts believe the reforms would help aspiring homeowners by reducing investor demand, while 48% said the changes would have little impact because they fail to address Australia’s underlying housing supply shortage.
The survey also found that 36% of Australians do not believe they will ever be able to afford their own home. Meanwhile, 63% of experts said the proposed tax changes would be bad for small businesses, and 68% argued start-ups should be exempt from the CGT reforms.
Finder Home Loans Expert Richard Whitten said reducing tax advantages for investors could improve competition for first-home buyers, but warned the reforms alone would not solve affordability challenges.
Property prices are forecast to soften over the next 12 months, with experts predicting average falls of 4.2% in Sydney and 3.7% in Melbourne. Perth is expected to remain resilient, with prices tipped to rise by 0.5%.
Almost all panellists (97%) also expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.35% at its June meeting.

Wellness Programs Mask Safety Risks

Perth, June 15: Australian employers may be relying too heavily on workplace wellness programs while overlooking their legal obligations to manage psychosocial safety risks, according to new research from Citation Group.
Its Workforce Pulse 2026 report, based on a survey of 510 Australian business owners and leaders, found that while 89% of organisations are confident managing physical safety risks, only 25% strongly agree they can confidently identify and manage psychosocial hazards such as burnout, excessive workloads, workplace conflict, poor leadership and toxic behaviours.
The report suggests many businesses continue to focus on wellbeing initiatives such as employee assistance programs, wellness days and meditation apps without implementing the structured risk management processes required under workplace health and safety laws
The report also found that 61% of businesses say managing safety obligations contributes to their own stress levels, while a significant number continue to operate without documented safety processes.
Citation Group warned that unresolved psychosocial risks are becoming easier for employees to identify and escalate, particularly as AI tools help workers better understand their rights and prepare workplace complaints.

Aussies Buying Vehicles They Rarely Adventure In

Perth, June 16: Australians are spending big on 4WDs, SUVs and utes built for adventure, but most are using them for everyday commuting, according to new research from Club 4X4.
The Australia Unlocked Report found that 94 per cent of owners primarily use their vehicles for suburban driving, while nearly two-thirds have cut back on road trips over the past year.
Almost seven in ten blamed fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures.
Despite the financial squeeze, the desire to travel remains strong, with almost eight in ten Australians saying they would take their dream road trip within a year if money was not a factor.
The Great Ocean Road topped the national road trip bucket list, followed by an East Coast coastal drive and a lap of Tasmania.
In Western Australia, nearly one in five 4WD owners reported cancelling road trips altogether, highlighting the growing gap between the dream of adventure and the cost of making it happen.
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Insurance Risks Outpace Coverage

Perth, June 16: The global insurance industry is facing a growing gap between rising risks and available coverage, according to NTT DATA’s Insurtech Global Outlook 2026 report.
Cybersecurity has emerged as the largest source of uninsured business risk, with uninsured losses projected to climb from US$171 billion in 2023 to more than US$700 billion by 2030. Climate-related uninsured losses, including those linked to floods, wildfires and extreme weather, now total US$180 billion globally, while liability claims have increased by 57 per cent.
The report also found insurers are struggling to scale artificial intelligence despite growing adoption among employees. While 66 per cent of the insurance workforce is using AI tools, only 22 per cent of insurers have successfully deployed AI at scale, with governance, trust and operating model challenges identified as the main barriers.
Meanwhile, investor interest in the sector remains strong, with US insurance IPOs reaching a 20-year high and debt financing rising to US$9.5 billion, surpassing equity funding.
“The insurance industry is facing structural shifts in the face of unprecedented market volatility and uncertainty. There are, however, clear opportunities for insurers to embrace AI-driven solutions to bolster trust and resilience,” said Bruno Abril, Global Head of Insurance, NTT DATA, Inc. “In this report, we identify the key shifts that are shaping insurance in 2026 and translate them into actionable imperatives that can help insurers build long-term value for their businesses, their customers and society.”

Young Aussies Redefine Success

Perth, June 16: Younger Australians are redefining what it means to be successful, placing greater value on financial control, work-life balance and quality of life rather than traditional milestones alone, according to new research from Ubank.
Data from the digital bank shows Australians aged 18 to 35 are three times more likely to set savings goals and twice as likely to plan ahead for upcoming bills compared to older customers. They also engage with their banking apps more frequently, logging in around 20 times a month and making greater use of tools such as savings targets, alerts and spending trackers.
Ubank’s Financial Wellbeing Study found 54 per cent of younger Australians associate wealth with achieving a better quality of life, while 52 per cent define success as maintaining a balance between work, study and leisure. Nearly one-third said working in a job they are passionate about is a key measure of success.
Despite shifting attitudes, financial goals remain important, with Australians aged 18 to 25 estimating they would need around $1.4 million to feel wealthy.
“We’re seeing a shift towards more active money management, where people are checking in more often, setting goals and staying on top of their spending and bills, with those small, regular actions adding up over time,” said Andrew Morrison, Ubank Chief Digital and Customer Officer.
“With wealth and success being defined differently by younger Australians, it’s becoming less about a single financial milestone and more about feeling in control day-to-day. That’s where regular app use plays a key role, helping people clearly see and manage their money so they can build habits that support both their long-term goals and the way they want to live today.”

Check Mate Against Prostate Cancer

Perth, June 17: ANZUP has launched its new “Check Mate” campaign ahead of World Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, urging Australians to prioritise prostate health and speak with their GP about testing.
The campaign comes as prostate cancer remains Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, with around 79 people diagnosed and 11 deaths recorded each day. ANZUP said PSA testing rates have fallen significantly over the past two decades, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment.
ANZUP Chair and Medical Oncologist, Professor Ian Davis, said improved screening tools and treatment options mean people can make more informed decisions about testing and care.
Recent Australian research found PSA testing rates declined by around five per cent annually between 2009 and 2018, while diagnoses of advanced prostate cancer increased by approximately 5.4 per cent each year. ANZUP said the campaign aims to encourage Australians to understand their risk, have conversations with their GP and take action when appropriate.

Block Earner Loses Appeal

Perth, June 17: Australia’s High Court has ruled that Block Earner’s former Earner product was a financial product under the Corporations Act, overturning an earlier Full Federal Court decision.
The court found the now-defunct Earner product, which was voluntarily closed in 2022, was both a financial investment facility and a derivative. The matter will return to the Full Federal Court to determine whether Block Earner should face penalties.
Block Earner said the case relates only to the former Earner product and does not affect its current or future offerings, including its crypto-backed lending products operated under its recently granted Australian Credit Licence.
The company noted there has been no finding of customer loss, dishonesty or misconduct. Block Earner said it will continue working with regulators while progressing plans to expand its regulated digital asset lending business and pursue an Australian Financial Services Licence ahead of Australia’s proposed Digital Assets Framework.

Victoria Proposes Work-From-Home Right

Perth, June 17: Victorian employees could gain a legal right to work from home for up to two days a week under the proposed Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026.
The legislation would establish a framework outlining when employers can refuse requests to work remotely and how disputes over those decisions would be resolved. If passed, the scheme is expected to commence on 1 September 2026.
According to workplace law firm Holding Redlich, the proposed changes could lead to increased workloads for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which would be responsible for hearing disputes alongside the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Holding Redlich Partner Charles Power said the legislation would create a right for eligible employees to work from home while also setting out exclusions, employer obligations and dispute resolution processes.
The Bill excludes employees who are already eligible to request flexible working arrangements under the federal Fair Work Act, potentially creating different work-from-home rights within the same workplace.
Employers would be able to refuse or limit requests based on factors including productivity, supervision, professional development, customer service and workplace safety. The legislation would also require employers to cover reasonable costs associated with working from home, including essential equipment and secure access to workplace systems.
The proposed framework would allow employees to seek interim orders permitting remote work while disputes are being resolved, potentially making challenges to employer decisions more accessible than traditional workplace litigation.

Finder Acquires Mozo

Perth, June 17: Financial comparison platform Finder has acquired fellow Australian comparison website Mozo, expanding its presence across banking, insurance and utilities.
Founded in 2008, Mozo has built a reputation helping Australians compare products including home loans, credit cards, savings accounts, term deposits, personal loans, bank accounts, utilities and insurance.
Finder said the acquisition will allow it to reach more consumers and strengthen its position in key financial comparison categories. The company plans to leverage its data, technology and product expertise to enhance the experience for Mozo users.
Finder CEO Frank Restuccia said Mozo’s trusted brand and long-standing reputation for independent comparison services made it a natural fit for the business.
Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Finder confirmed the merger will not result in any redundancies.
The acquisition further strengthens Finder’s position in Australia’s competitive comparison market, where Canstar remains one of its major rivals.

Review Health Cover Now

Perth, June 17: More than 2 in 5 Australians with private health insurance rarely or never review their cover, according to new Finder research.
The survey found 18% have never reviewed their policy, while 23% only check it every few years, despite annual premium increases and changing health needs.
The findings come as health insurers roll out EOFY promotions, with Finder offering eligible customers up to $500 cashback for switching to selected providers before June 30.
Taylor Blackburn, personal finance and insurance specialist at Finder, said too many Australians are paying for health cover on autopilot.
“Australians are paying their health insurance premium month after month without stopping to ask if they’re still getting value for money.”
Finder’s May 2026 survey of 535 Australians with private health cover found 40% review their policy annually, while 19% check it every six months or more often.

TikTok Launches Cyber Safety Song

Perth, June 19: TikTok Australia and New Zealand has launched its first commercial song, Catch, Check, Choose, as part of a new campaign aimed at helping Australians identify scams, misinformation and AI-generated content online.
Written, produced and performed by creator Dom Littrich, the song promotes a three-step framework encouraging people to pause before reacting online: catch yourself before responding, check the facts and choose what to do next. The campaign also includes a music video and dance routine designed to educate users through entertainment.
The initiative comes as TikTok-commissioned research found more than a third of Australians share information before verifying its accuracy, while 56% say being misled online has made them more cautious about the information they encounter.
The campaign was developed in consultation with cyber safety experts and features a range of Australian creators sharing their experiences with misinformation and scams. TikTok has also partnered with organisations including the Australian Medical Association, banks, telecommunications providers and police agencies to help amplify the message.

NDIS Ad Lands WeFlex Penalty

Perth, June 19: NDIS provider WeFlex Pty Ltd has paid a $19,800 penalty after the ACCC alleged it misled consumers by advertising that personal training services were automatically covered by NDIS funding.
The social media advertisement, which ran on Facebook and Instagram between November 2025 and February 2026, stated “If you have NDIS funding, it’s covered” when funding approval depends on the individual participant’s NDIS plan.
“Businesses must not make general statements that their goods or services will be approved, funded or endorsed by the NDIS, because that is not how the scheme works. The NDIS does not automatically approve funding for products or services for all participants, nor does it approve or endorse products or services. Suitability is assessed based on the unique needs and goals of individuals,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.
The ACCC said it will continue taking action against false or misleading claims about access to NDIS funding.