News, views and analysis from the A/NZ tech sector
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Hi there,
A recent PwC survey showed 60 percent of Australian respondents were worried that automation is putting jobs at risk. It’s a fair concern. Technology, particularly automation, is making some jobs redundant. But it’s also leading to new, better, faster, stronger jobs.
So it’s good to see companies like Woolworths Group – where technology such as automation is already playing a significant role for the business – investing in reskilling their staff.
The digital skills issue is a problem not just for the government and education sector, but for every business which wants to see a vibrant, modern, globally competitive economy. The fact that Woolworths is promising to share their learnings with others across the retail sector should be applauded and, more than that, seen as a role model for other sectors, and businesses too.
Of course, there’s one other topic we can’t fail to mention this week: Facebook.
When the social media platform chose to throw its toys out of the cot over Australia’s planned Media Bargaining Code, it did so in spectacular fashion. Grab the gin and nibbles and sit back for this show, because it’s guaranteed to have plenty of twists to come.
In other news:
- Will AI wreak dystopian havoc without regulation?
- Online sales data signals fast-changing behaviours
- Musk's satellite internet opens for business across A/NZ
- Fusion5 injects private equity
And lastly (because it's important to us) the readership survey is coming to a close. If you haven't yet, please take a moment to send us your views.
Enjoy the read,
Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.com.au
TRAINING
Woolworths rings up $50m digital upskilling
Tech transformation needs staff to match…
Woolworths Group, and its Kiwi subsidiary Countdown, have launched an AU$50 million Future of Work fund to upskill staff, with the learnings to be shared across the wider retail and service market.
“While these changes push our industry forward, they’re also changing the nature of work.”
NEWS MEDIA DISRUPTION
Facebook’s Aussie news content ban
Going, going, gone…
Facebook’s threat to ban news content for Australians has come to fruition – but it’s also impacted dozens of other organisations, including charities and the Bureau of Meterology.
"Publishers willingly choose to post news on Facebook.”
[Read more]
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LEGISLATION
Is AI really going to run amok?
And if so, who’s responsible for regulating it?…
As the tech around AI evolves ever faster, surpassing human decision-making in unexpected and perhaps dangerous ways, can industry take accountability for its role in those emerging AI hazards?
“All surveyed industries see trouble ahead for AI governance and regulation that do not go far enough”
[Read more]
RETAIL
Unpacking the online shopping boon
Savvy retailers get second Christmas…
Last year was a record breaking year for online shopping with the forced move to online shopping resulting in lasting changes in consumer spend – and it’s a change businesses are gearing up to capitalise on long term.
Consumers are no longer seeing it as online vs instore, but a seamless experience that spans both.
AEROSPACE
Elon Musk’s satellite service hits A/NZ… nearly
Starlink pre-orders open…
Elon Musk’s Starlink low-orbit satellite service has opened for pre-order for Australia and NZ, with the local service expected to launch before the end of the year.
“Every new satellite constellation in history has gone bankrupt. We hope to be the first that does not.”
PRIVATE EQUITY
Fusion5 takes up private equity deal
Waterman targeting tech sector growth…
IT services provider Fusion5 says it’s in ‘serious growth mode’ after gaining new majority owners.
It enables us to grow more quickly and take advantage of high growth opportunities.
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