The event is running throughout the week, with Yellowjackets fans securing seats via a competition hosted on NEL Restaurant’s website. The collaboration highlights how streaming platforms like Paramount+ are leveraging experiential activations to engage audiences, turning exclusive content into immersive, real-world experiences that generate buzz and deepen fan engagement.
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Meta slams YouTube exemption in Australia’s social media ban for under-16s
Meta has hit back at the Australian Government’s decision to exempt YouTube from its new social media ban for under-16s, calling it unfair and inconsistent. The tech giant, which owns Facebook and Instagram, says the government’s secretive consultation process has undermined proper debate and transparency.
A Meta spokesperson told Mediaweek, “We are concerned the government’s rapid, closed-door consultation process on the minimum age law is undermining necessary discourse. The government has proposed that YouTube be exempt from the law, despite its own research showing YouTube is the most popular social media service for under 16-year-olds in Australia.”
Meta demands a level playing field
Under the Online Safety Act (Social Media Age Limits) 2024, social media platforms must stop under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts, or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($31 million). But YouTube has been given a free pass on the grounds that it provides educational content, something Meta and other platforms argue makes no sense.
Meta isn’t holding back. In a blog post, the company pointed out that YouTube has all the same features the government has used to justify the ban, algorithmic recommendations, autoplay, social interaction tools, and notifications.
“A young person with a YouTube account experiences the very features cited by the government to justify the law… YouTube’s exemption is at odds with the purported reasons for the law, and we call on the government to ensure equal application across all social media services.”
Tech giants unite against ‘irrational’ decision
Meta isn’t alone in its frustration. TikTok has slammed the move, calling it “illogical, anticompetitive, and short-sighted” in a submission to the government, even likening it to “banning the sale of soft drinks to minors but exempting Coca-Cola.” Snapchat weighed in too, saying no single company should get special treatment and that the law should be “fair and impartial.”
The platforms claim the government has given YouTube a “sweetheart deal” and reverse-engineered its rationale to justify the decision. TikTok’s statement suggested the government started with the assumption that YouTube must be exempt and then “attempted, half-heartedly, to reverse-engineer defensible supporting evidence.”
Concerns over harmful content and enforcement
Experts in online safety and mental health have also questioned why YouTube is being let off the hook, with research showing that the platform exposes young users to harmful content, from misinformation to extremist material and addictive short-form videos. A February report from the eSafety Commission Behind the Screen found that YouTube was the most popular platform among children aged 13 to 15, with 73% of that age group using it in 2024.
The report also found that YouTube is the most-used service by under-13s in Australia, with nearly 12.9% of 8- to 12-year-olds surveyed reporting that they had their own account.
Dr. Grace Hancock, a clinical psychologist, has emphasised the need for protective measures for children online, advocating for devices that enable safe monitoring of phone use to safeguard children’s online experiences.
Experts from the University of Sydney argue that while exempting YouTube from the ban acknowledges its educational value, the platform should still adhere to the highest safety standards under Australia’s Online Safety Act.
Meanwhile, confusion remains over how the ban will actually be enforced. The government is trialling an age-verification system, but details are scarce, and privacy concerns linger over whether Australians will have to provide additional personal data to comply with the new rules.
What YouTube and the government say
YouTube is standing its ground, arguing that it provides valuable educational content and has strong parental controls in place. It also says its moderation systems are becoming more robust.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland previously stated that exemptions would be given to services that serve a “significant purpose to enable young people to get the education and health support they need”, including Google Classroom, ReachOut’s PeerChat, and Kids Helpline’s MyCircle. However, critics argue that YouTube’s primary function is entertainment, not education.
So far, the Australian Government hasn’t publicly responded to Meta’s criticism or explained why YouTube is getting special treatment. With the law set to take effect by December 2025, social media companies are under pressure to make changes, while the government is under growing scrutiny to ensure the rules are applied fairly across the board.
Brands face scrutiny over partnerships with Married at First Sight
Some of the nation’s most respected brand experts have issued a stark warning to advertisers of Nine’s Married at First Sight (MAFS) after the show became embroiled in a domestic violence incident involving two contestants.
NSW Police have been called in to investigate, after a complaint was lodged with SafeWork NSW regarding workplace health and safety concerns on set.
The allegations centre upon claims that contestant Paul Antoine acted violently in an altercation with his on-screen partner, Carina Mirabile. The incident, which aired last week, saw Antoine allegedly punch a wall following an argument with Mirabile.
Nine has released a statement on the incident saying: “We would always cooperate with authorities in any investigation, we will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Paul Antoine is alleged to have acted violently in an altercation with his on-screen partner, Carina Mirabile.
The network also added that “Nine and Endemol Shine take their obligations in respect to the health and wellbeing of the participants of this program extremely seriously.
“All participants have access to the show psychologist and welfare resources during filming, during broadcast and once the program has ended. Nine also have an additional service for participants should they like or need further individual and confidential psychological support. This service gives participants access to clinicians to support those involved in the program in relation to their experiences. This service is available to all participants for as long as they need it, it does not end.”
The incident now sparking a wider conversation as to how brands choose to align themselves, especially during a scandal.
Broader implications
While the program continues to deliver strong ratings, industry experts argue that brands need to reassess their alignment with reality TV formats that generate attention through controversy, particularly in light of growing public discussions around domestic violence and harmful behaviour.
Brand safety and domestic violence expert Amanda Stevens questions why major advertisers continue to support a show that, she argues, promotes toxic behaviours. She points to the disconnect between brands championing social responsibility in their marketing while simultaneously investing in programming that may be at odds with those values.
Brand safety and domestic violence expert Amanda Stevens
“The hypocrisy is glaring,” she says, emphasising that brands today need to consider more than just audience reach. The conversation has also highlighted concerns about how networks handle troubling content, with critics arguing that failing to address problematic on-screen behaviour effectively condones it.
“I am surprised at the brands that are still supporting shows like this,” she says. “Putting the domestic violence concerns aside for a moment, just the toxicity and the unhealthy patterns that these shows reinforce – especially when we look at issues like young girls seeking external validation – it’s flabbergasting that brands continue to sponsor them purely because of their reach.”
Matt Thomas, founder of Stake Reputation, took a different view, telling Mediaweek that brands need to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to these partnerships. “For brands considering reality TV advertising, the real question isn’t about controversy – it’s about audiences,” he says.
“Most brands are already being more careful about where they align, but history has shown that trying to control or sanitise reality TV content doesn’t always work. Viewers see through it,” he said.
Outdated
Stevens believes many of the brands are making decisions based on outdated metrics. “I’ve been in this industry a really long time. I used to have an agency, and I am shocked that so many big brands are still making media strategy decisions based on the very ancient, one-dimensional metric of numbers,” she says. “Sure, you’re hitting some great vanity metrics on your demo, but the real question is, how is your brand being perceived? It goes beyond just getting your message out there,” she said.
She also points to the broader implications of brand partnerships with controversial programming. “Brands today need to think about more than just placement. It’s not just about the 30-second spot anymore,” she explains. “With integrated campaigns, brands are actively aligning themselves with the content, the values, and the principles of a show. And when a program is repeatedly called out for problematic behaviour, brands that ignore that and continue to invest purely for numbers are being irresponsible. I think there will be a backlash,” she added.
Matt Thomas, founder of Stake Reputation.
‘Mind-blowing hypocrisy’
Stevens is particularly critical of the network’s handling of the show’s most recent controversy, saying that ignoring concerning behaviour effectively condones it. “When you’ve got clear domestic violence episodes happening on a show for the whole country to see, and the network is doing nothing about it, that is a problem,” she says. “One of two things should have happened: they should have never aired the episode, or they should have aired it and then played out the consequence of that contestant being removed. But to just turn a blind eye is playing straight to the heart of the domestic violence crisis that we have in this country,” she said.
The issue of hypocrisy is another sticking point. “The hypocrisy blows my mind,” she adds. “You’ve got a network rubbing their hands together because of MAFS ratings, yet they’re also airing serious investigative segments about the domestic violence crisis on their current affairs programs. Take a look at yourselves,” she said.
Paul Antoine and Carina Mirabile.
Thomas meanwhile warns that while MAFS has always thrived on controversy, this particular case is different. “This isn’t just reality TV drama – it’s a conversation about community standards and how brands, broadcasters, and audiences respond to male violence and harmful behaviour,” he explains. “If a show starts repelling viewers instead of attracting them, no ratings success will justify the association,” he said.
He argues that the real risk for brands isn’t controversy itself, but failing to have a clear stance. “Brands that navigate these moments well have thought through their values already and know who they are,” he says. “The biggest mistake is getting caught without a position. It’s not just about knowing your customers – brands also need to keep a watching brief on the broader cultural environment. If public attitudes shift – even subtly – what was acceptable yesterday may be a liability today. And when that happens, brands won’t have to make the decision to leave; culture, competitors, and customers will make it for them,” he said.
Current brands
The 2025 sponsorship lineup remains strong for the show, with KFC marking its ninth year as a key partner. Other returning sponsors include Nestlé (3 seasons), Stan (4 seasons), Chemist Warehouse (2 seasons), Uber (2 seasons), and HBF (2 seasons).
Brands like Youi Insurance, Snooze, Cocobella, Palmer’s Skincare, BIC, Garnier, Maybelline, Simon Curwood Jewellers, Domain, Finder, KenoGO, and Snaffle are also back.
A wedding taking place on Married at First Sight 2025.
A balancing act
Thomas also questions whether the line is shifting on MAFS itself. “The real issue isn’t whether MAFS has crossed a line – it’s whether the line itself is moving,” he says. “If the appeal of the show is its edge, softening it won’t work. But if the culture moves on – and I would argue that on this matter, it is – brands will too.”
For brands caught in the debate, Thomas advises staying grounded in core values. “Stay ahead of audience sentiment. What was acceptable a few years ago might not be today – keep monitoring real-time shifts,” he says. “Lead with values, not reactions. If controversy hits, brands with clear positioning won’t have to backtrack.”
Ultimately, Stevens and Thomas agree that brands must take a more nuanced approach to partnerships with reality TV. While MAFS continues to attract massive audiences, the risk of backlash is growing, and advertisers who fail to anticipate shifting public sentiment may find themselves facing difficult decisions down the track. “If worse comes to worst, the pathway while hard is generally fairly simple,” Thomas adds. “Say you’re sorry, communicate what you’ve done to fix it, and then demonstrate how you’ve changed.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence know that help is always available – call 1800RESPECT or visit 1800RESPECT
‘There’s still more to do’: Media companies respond to WGEA
Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) data revealed some of Australia’s media companies have quite a way to go in achieving equal pay. Mediaweek asked media companies to share their responses to the data found and what actions they are taking to make improvements for the future.
ARN
Angela Ewers, ARN chief people officer, said: “ARN is committed to closing the gender pay gap and has made progress by continuing to leverage a robust, companywide remuneration framework, reviewing employee pay within this framework, and ensuring no gender-based pay inequity exists.
“We recognise that lower female representation in key management roles continues to contribute to a gender pay gap. As we focus on building a more balanced gender profile across all levels of the organisation, we’re pleased to see that in 2024, gender pay gaps have narrowed in several areas, including most managerial roles. We’re also proud that ARN’s Executive Leadership Team now has an equal gender split, with 50% men and 50% women.
“However, there’s still more to do, and we will continue to use data to guide our efforts to achieve gender balance and ensure ARN is a diverse, inclusive and equitable employer.”
IPG Mediabrands
Mark Coad, IPG Mediabrands CEO Australia, said in a statement: “IPG Mediabrands is proud of the work we continue to do to close the Gender Pay Gap in our Company and in our Industry. We are committed to supporting and celebrating a fair and equitable workplace across several touch points to ensure lasting, sustainable change.”
IPG Mediabrands also noted its commitment to fostering a gender-equitable workplace by ensuring our benefits are accessible and utilised by men and women equally.
It’s commitments include People Policies such as Parental Leave Review, a remuneration process, a period and menopause mates policy, a flexible working policy, learning and development opportunities and foster and kinship policy support.
News Corp Australia
“Aligned to WGEA reporting requirements, News Corp Australia continues to make reducing the gender pay gap a priority. Our pay gap continues to reduce year on year and remains significantly lower than the average for employers in our industry. While this is a continuing positive trend, we remain committed to additional efforts that will result in further reductions.
Foxtel Group
A Foxtel Group spokesperson said: “The Foxtel Group has long been taking deliberate action on gender pay equity including proactive investment in leadership, recruitment and growth programs to ensure our workplace is one of fairness and inclusivity. We continue to prioritise our work in this area in a way that drives positive change for women.”
Nine
In its 2024 Gender Pay Gap Report, Nine said: “At Nine, we are committed to gender equality and have a long track record of advocating for women. Nine continues to build a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for our employees, while actively championing diversity in all forms. We strongly support initiatives that help reduce the gender pay gap.
“Nine operates at a group level, with employees from all our legal entities collaborating across business units and teams across every state and territory across Australia. Teams and departments can include employees from up to six different legal entities but in line with WGEA reporting guidelines these entities are reported separately.
“Nine has conducted an internal ‘like-for-like’ gender pay gap analysis at a more granular level using salary grades and job family information. The analysis confirmed the major factor contributing to the broader gender pay gap within our organisation is the under-representation of women in senior leadership or higher-paying senior roles, combined with the higher representation of women in the typically lower-paying roles. This is consistent with the broader WGEA results.
“While Nine is making good progress on an organisation-wide cultural transformation, the company recognises improvement on the gender pay gap requires a strong understanding of contributing factors and active leadership at all levels of the business to drive improved outcomes for women. The publication of gender pay gap data is an important part of the process, helping to promote awareness and insights across the community.”
Val Morgan Group
“Our commitment to gender equity stems from our belief that a diverse, inclusive workplace drives innovation, creativity, and success. We’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive, contribute unique perspectives, and reach their full potential.
“We acknowledge that our current gender pay gap is above the industry average. While we are proud of many aspects of our organisational culture, including the stability, experience and results of our senior leadership team, we also recognise that we have work to do to close our gender pay gap.
“Our approach to achieving gender equity is guided by action within each of the Gender Equality Indicators across our organisational structure, policies, and culture. We’re taking deliberate and ongoing steps to regularly assess, and address pay disparities, analyse equal opportunities for professional development, refine our policies to eliminate biases and promote inclusivity, and actively gather feedback from our team to foster a culture where diverse voices are heard and valued.
“We know that closing the gender pay gap is a long-term commitment, and we are prepared to do the work necessary to make meaningful progress. By leveraging the strengths of our leadership tenure while continuing to drive inclusivity and equity in leadership pathways, we aim to create a more balanced and fairer workplace for all.”
Yesterday, Lydia Feely, general manager of TrinityP3, said significant work still needs to be done in the industry. Freely said: “This is the second year where we have seen the WGEA pay gap numbers come out and clearly there are businesses who have spent the past 12 months working on addressing issues in their businesses around the gender pay gap.”
“That being said, the numbers put the problem front and centre. What is clear is that many adland and media businesses have a significant difference in how they pay their staff, based on gender, and we need to do more to close the ongoing pay gap.”
Darren Woolley, CEO of TrinityP3, added: “If the industry is committed to being fair and inclusive, then closing the ongoing gender pay gap should be a high priority year round—not just the day the WGEA report lands. For real change to occur this needs to be an ongoing effort by everyone from the board, C-Suite and shareholders down.”
Why Joe Aston’s RAMPART is a perfect match for premium advertisers
Joe Aston is a man who knows how to get people talking.
From his Rear Window column in the The Australian Financial Review, to his explosive book The Chairman’s Lounge, Aston is fearless in his commentary, all while managing to inject his meticulously researched copy with a wry wit and sarcasm, allowing his writing to transcend demographics, appealing not only to hard-nosed entrepreneur, but also to the occasional investor …. and everyone and anyone in between.
After stepping down from his role at the AFR in October 2023, Aston returned earlier this year announcing that he will rejoin the publication as a monthly columnist while running his new venture – RAMPART.
Priced at $65 per month or $680 annually, RAMPART will provide business insights and analysis via a paywalled website and direct-to-subscriber emails. Perpetual Equities Team has signed on as the corporate launch partner.
“I think it’s a pretty simple offering. It’s going to be me writing the stuff that I’m well known for writing about, and I’m going to do that a couple of times a week,” Aston said. He also plans to expand the venture with a weekly podcast later this year. “I just think it’s a bit dangerous to try and launch everything at once. There’s so much new technology to manage, and throwing in a podcast from day one would be too much. I want to do everything well.”
A unique proposition in the Australian market
While independent journalist-led publications have gained traction in the US, RAMPART is among the first of its kind in Australia. “At the moment, in Australia, this is a unique offering,” Aston noted. “High-profile journalistic talent has more influence than it used to. The audience is more engaged with individual journalists than with a masthead, and that’s objectively the case.”
Aston believes RAMPART’s target audience – professionals with a strong interest in business and finance -makes it an attractive proposition for advertisers. “It’s sort of fairly logical that an audience that is prepared to pay $700 a year for a subscription to read one journalist is quite affluent. It’s an audience of very influential people with a lot of discretionary income. I think that’s appealing to my advertisers.”
Nine’s partnership with RAMPART
Despite leaving AFR, Aston has maintained a connection with his former employer through a strategic partnership with Nine. While RAMPART remains independent, Nine is providing pre- and post-publication legal support in exchange for a share of revenue. AFR does not hold an equity stake in the venture.
“Well, it is a partnership. And I don’t think we cannibalise each other – I wouldn’t have done the deal otherwise, and neither would Nine,” Aston said. “The AFR audience still gets a taste of me, and I have a really deep connection with that audience built over 13 years. At the same time, Nine gets the opportunity to experiment in partnership with a business like mine, which is out there on the innovative end of things.”
Aston also emphasised his ongoing respect for AFR. “I’m glad to be staying as a friend of AFR, because I love AFR. I loved working there. I think it’s the best newspaper in Australia, and I think it made sense for us to be in an alliance because their audience is interested in what I have to say, and I am interested in what AFR is writing about.”
Joe Aston
Building something new
Aston sees RAMPART as both a creative and business opportunity. “The opportunity to start my own business and potentially grow something of value is super exciting. To do that and also, at the same time, get to do what you love – I feel lucky,” he said.
He acknowledges that RAMPART benefits from its focus on business and finance, where readers are willing to pay a premium for insights. “It’s only luck that I happen to write about business and finance. Business and finance news consumers have more money, and they’re prepared to pay higher prices for content because it helps them make money or prevents them from losing money.”
As Rampart rolls out, Aston is focused on delivering high-quality content and gradually expanding its offerings. “I want the quality of everything to be exceptional, and so I’m going to do it properly,” he said. “I hope RAMPART grows – I don’t know exactly what that looks like, but how could I, at the start of the journey?”
Pictured: Joe Aston
ghd appoints Labelium Group to drive media strategy and growth in Australia and New Zealand
Leading global haircare brand ghd has selected Labelium Group as its full remit media agency Australia and New Zealand, following a competitive review and pitch process.
The appointment, which started in January 2025, grants Labelium full responsibility for media strategy, planning, and buying across all channels, including paid search, paid social, and programmatic advertising.
The account will be managed through a collaboration between Labelium Sydney and Ryvalmedia Brisbane – both part of Labelium Group in Australia. The partnership will leverage Labelium’s global beauty experience and Ryvalmedia’s strong local presence, ensuring a tailored and data-driven approach to ghd’s media strategy in the region.
ghd (good hair day) has been at the forefront of heat styling technology for more than 20 years. The brand holds the title of Australia’s number one hair tool brand, boasting over 500 global beauty awards and a presence in more than 50,000 salons worldwide.
Labelium Managing Director Australia, Adrien Bouteilleis said he was looking forward to growth for ghd following the appointment.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to partner with ghd, an iconic brand synonymous with innovation and excellence in the haircare industry,” he said. “This win underscores Labelium’s deep understanding of the beauty landscape and our ability to deliver holistic, data-driven media strategies.
“At Labelium, we share ghd’s ambition for market leadership, and by combining our global expertise with Ryvalmedia’s strong local presence, we’re confident we can drive significant growth and brand impact for ghd across Australia and New Zealand.”
ghd Head of Marketing, Karen Cox, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the brand’s strategic ambitions for the partnership.
“We are excited to bring Labelium on board to enhance our paid media strategy across Australia and New Zealand,” she said. “This partnership marks an exciting opportunity to refine our holistic media approach, and we look forward to maximising the impact of ghd’s innovative launches that we have coming up in 2025 and beyond.”
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Australian marketers to increase AI budgets as adoption continues to ramp up: Canva data
Australian marketers are leading the way in AI adoption, with 87% saying they had allocated for AI in 2024, while 79% said budgets for AI would increase this year, according to “The State of Marketing & AI Report”, from Canva.
The report examined the trends in GenAI adoption, investment, and impact across the global marketing landscape. It also found 50% anticipate budget increases of at least 25%, while 81% see AI becoming an essential part of their long-term strategies.
The research was, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult and surveyed 2,400 marketing and creative leaders across Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain to provide a deep understanding of why organisations are doubling down on AI to stay ahead of the curve and to uncover gaps hindering its full potential.
In the past, there was excitement about AI’s potential, but concerns about privacy and stifling creativity were strong and measuring its impact seemed far off. Since then, the adoption of GenAI has gained significant momentum across the marketing industry and usage within teams is now widespread.
Canva’s latest report confirms a clear shift in mindset that’s moving from cautious experimentations to strategic investment. Among the drivers of the mindset shift toward AI is efficiency with 87% of respondents saying they are reclaiming the equivalent of a full workday every two weeks and saving at least four hours per week thanks to GenAI tools.
The report noted that about 15% are saving 10+ hours a week. But only 64% consistently measure AI’s impact, leaving more than a third (36%) without a clear understanding of what the technology can fully unlock for marketing and creative teams.
While the majority of respondents (94%) trust GenAI tools, 95% still apply human oversight, reviewing and refining outputs in ways that ensure accuracy, quality, and brand consistency. However, 29% cite limited customisation options for adhering to brand guidelines as a major frustration. Overall, concerns about brand safety (23%), data privacy (23%), and impact on creativity (11%) are most pressing, leading 82% to implement AI use case policies to guide responsible adoption.
The Canva report noted that while AI has an increasing significance, marketers believe the AI market is highly saturated, with 68% saying there are too many GenAI tools available. Nearly half (46%) feel pressured to adopt new tech, it’s difficult for them to land on the right solutions.
The report noted that even after adoption, 60% struggle to integrate new AI tools into their existing workflows. In addition, more than a quarter (28%) admit they don’t know how to measure the success of GenAI initiatives or determine ROI, despite investing significant resources. This contrast underscores a key reality: marketers see AI as essential but many are still figuring out how to maximise its application and value.
AI literacy is also seen as a critical skill. As adoption accelerates and integrations deepen, marketers are leading this transformation with the vast majority (93%) open to letting their teams experiment with AI tools. Looking ahead, 95% believe AI literacy will be a must-have skill in the next two to four years.
Marketers are enticed by the prospect of unlocking new avenues for innovation, productivity and creativity, according to the Canva report. The top applications attracting the most interest from autonomous agents are tracking brand sentiment and flagging potential issues. Campaign monitoring, measurement and optimisation and personalisation for diverse audience segments are also top of mind.
“AI in marketing is no longer an experiment—it’s an essential strategy. If you’re not leveraging GenAI to drive creativity, efficiency, and measurable results, you’re already behind,” said Zach Kitschke, CMO of Canva.
“The shift from exploration to execution is happening fast. Marketing leaders need to move beyond incremental AI adoption and integrate it as a core pillar of their strategy. That means choosing the right tools, empowering their teams with AI literacy, and measuring impact. Those who get this right will not only unlock new creative possibilities but also drive real business outcomes.”
Adobe taps Omnicom as global agency of record for digital experience and enterprise solutions
Adobe has appointed Omnicom as its global agency of record for marketing its digital experience and other enterprise solutions.
The media agency will partner with the software company’s Enterprise Marketing team responsible for executing DX and DMe campaigns targeting enterprise accounts. Omnicom will offer strategic support in campaign development and customer journey creation, including messaging, personalisation, and media engagement and insights.
It will also support the creation and global deployment of Adobe’s core content, high-value offers and promotional assets. In addition, it will assist with Adobe’s key events such as Adobe Summit.
Omnicom will create integrated teams to service this account with a flexible model that will ensure the best talent and capabilities are leading the engagement. Precision marketing, production and strategic consulting services will be key disciplines supporting the account, with the ability to expand disciplines to meet business needs.
Luke Taylor, CEO, Omnicom Precision Marketing Group, said: “Omnicom has always shared Adobe’s ambition for personalisation at scale, and this common objective is what will drive our work as we bring tailored omnichannel experiences to more Adobe enterprise customers.
“We plan to put our passion and knowledge of Adobe’s enterprise toolset into practice on this account, and we look forward to deepening our relationship with Adobe in this new capacity.”
Omnicom’s appointment comes Adobe appointed Dentsu Creative the creative and content agency last year.
The creative agency is responsible for Adobe’s product and release marketing, as well as local campaigns for its B2B and B2C creative products and services. Dentsu Creative will create the software company’s first “glocal” go-to-market model across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and Japan, which aims to drive relevance, effectiveness and efficiency across local and global markets.
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Wavemaker wins Health Partners
Wavemaker Adelaide won back Health Partners in the South Australian market after the account was managed interstate for over a decade.
The GroupM agency will oversee media strategy, planning, and buying for the health insurance provider, and will work closely with Health Partners to expand market share, boost brand awareness across key demographics, and drive customer acquisition.
The partnership marks a significant achievement for Wavemaker Adelaide, reinforcing its reputation for delivering smart, integrated media solutions and its strong approach to connecting with target audiences through data-driven insights and innovative channel planning.
“Bringing this account back to South Australia is a huge win, both for us and the local industry,” Phil Mumford, managing director at Wavemaker Adelaide, said.
“We’re excited to collaborate with a values-driven organisation like Health Partners and are confident in our team’s expertise and fearless approach to deliver exceptional results, positively provoking growth for the business.”
Wade Stokes, Health Partners head of marketing, added: “Choosing Wavemaker was an easy decision. Their deep understanding of the South Australian market, combined with their strategic thinking and results-driven approach, made them a perfect fit. We’re excited about this partnership and what we can achieve together – reaching more members and delivering even greater value to them.”
This win strengthens Wavemaker Adelaide’s momentum and commitment to providing best-in-class media solutions for its clients.
The return of Health Partners’ media business to South Australia is a positive development for the local media landscape, underpinning the state’s role as a thriving hub for business and innovation.
This win for Wavemaker comes after the agency’s Sydney office welcomed the recent appointments of Summer Treseder and Kate O’Loughlin who joined from Initiative and stepped into the roles of associate strategy director and strategy director, respectively.
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BINGE launches new campaign featuring NRL star Jarome Luai
BINGE has unveiled the latest phase of its It All Happens Here campaign, featuring four-time NRL Premiership winner Jarome ‘Romey’ Luai. The new ads, carrying the tagline Come For The Latest. Stay For The Greatest, highlight the platform’s mix of live and on-demand content.
The campaign spotlights BINGE’s diverse programming, including global hits like The Day of the Jackal and The White Lotus, Australian series such as Colin from Accounts and Selling Houses Australia, and a broad selection of movies, lifestyle, news, music channels, and sports – including AFL, NRL, and netball.
A central 30-second ad plays on Luai’s four championship wins to introduce a promotional offer for new and returning subscribers – BINGE for $4.99 per month for 12 months.
Annabelle Greene, director of marketing at BINGE, said: “We wanted this new creative to highlight that regardless of what brought you to BINGE, our extensive and diverse content has your next watch sorted – shows, movies, live news, lifestyle, music channels, even sport – BINGE has something for everyone and every day.
“And we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have Romey back on screen. His comedic timing is on point – he absolutely nails the tone of the brand and creative campaign,” she said.
Credits
Marketing: BINGE
Creative / Production: BALBOA
Media: Mindshare, Foxtel Group
Mamamia expands into health content with ‘Well’ launch
Mamamia has announced the launch of Well, its latest content initiative aimed at addressing the gender health gap. The announcement was made at a breakfast event in Sydney on 4 March, ahead of International Women’s Day.
The initiative is based on Mamamia’s research, which found that 82% of Australian women feel they are their own health advocates, while 76% find the health and wellness industry overwhelming.
Well is Mamamia’s most extensive content expansion to date, designed to provide accessible and relevant health information for women. The platform aims to simplify complex health topics and offer resources that reflect the needs and concerns of its audience.
Launching on 27 March, and hosted by Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam Chalaan with a panel of experts, the Well content ecosystem will deliver a range of health-focused content tailored to women’s experiences.
Host of Well, Claire Murphy.
Murphy, who has spent six years hosting Mamamia’s daily news podcast The Quicky, brings a strong background in asking the questions that matter to Australian women. While Dr. Chalaan, a GP specialising in women’s and family health, advocates for evidence-based preventative medicine and holistic, personalised care.
The podcast will aim to deliver a number of features including:
• Full length episodes in video, which will be available on YouTube.
• An on-site Well health hub, with expert deep-dives and downloadable fact sheets, that Australian women can take straight to their doctor.
• A weekly newsletter to make sense of medical jargon.
• Topics will include: Pelvic health, mental health, fertility, sleep, anxiety, peri-menopause, menopause, skin and more.
“Australian women are desperate for reliable health information from a known and trusted source,” said Zara Curtis, chief content officer at Mamamia. “
As the brand that has earned the trust of Australian women with more than 17 years worth of receipts in this space, only Mamamia can deliver this with the heart, help and humour that our audiences know and love,” she added.
Chemist Warehouse has been named as the podcast’s presenting partner, with Mamamia’s chief revenue officer Georgie Nichols saying the partnership aligns with the retailer’s mission to make healthcare accessible, noting the brand’s strong connection with Australian women.
Mamamia’s chief revenue officer, Georgie Nichols.
“Women trust them daily for reliable, expert health advice, making them an ideal fit for this Well journey with us,” Nichols said.
Alongside Chemist Warehouse, Well has secured several topic sponsors, including Ostelin, Procter & Gamble, Medibank, and Metagenics. The platform will deliver a mix of health content designed to address women’s medical concerns in an informed and approachable way.
Sefiani tapped as communications agency for Greensteel Australia
Sefiani, part of Clarity Global, has been appointed as the strategic communications agency for Greensteel Australia, the company planning to build Australia’s first hydrogen–fuelled, emissions-free steel plant.
The company announced last year it had placed an order with Italian steel group Danieli for infrastructure to support 100% emissions-free steelmaking in Australia, using hydrogen produced from renewable energy to fuel electric arc furnaces. It is the only Australian company to have ordered a steel rolling mill in many years.
Greensteel’s sister company, Reosteel, based in Sydney, is a well-established downstream supplier of finished steel products to the construction industry.
Romany Ibrahim
Romany Ibrahim, Greensteel’s CEO, said: “The collapse of the Whyalla steelworks in February presented a unique opportunity to develop a modern and genuinely competitive steel manufacturing capability in South Australia.
“We needed an expert communications agency to come on board quickly, immerse themselves in our business, understand our green technology and stakeholders, and help convey our vision for Whyalla 2.0,” he said.
“Sefiani was the obvious choice for us and we’re delighted to be working with Robyn Sefiani, Nick Owens and Alice Spraggon as an extension of our leadership team,” he added.
Robyn Sefiani
Robyn Sefiani, the agency’s President ANZ & Reputation Counsel, said: “It’s not every day that a new client walks in your door with the ambition and plans-at-the-ready to directly contribute to Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability with zero-emmission steelmaking.
“The opportunity to work with Greensteel’s entrepreneurial leaders Romany and Mena Ibrahim excited us immediately. Their commitment to future-proofing Australia’s steel industry, protecting jobs for Whyalla steelworkers and contributing to the South Australian economy fits perfectly with Sefiani’s goal to work with positive changemakers,” she said.
Sefiani’s remit encompasses a comprehensive communications program across all channels.
Los Angeles Tourism launches “We Love LA” in Australia
The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) has launched its “We Love LA” campaign in international markets, including Australia, France, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
The campaign features new commercial and corresponding campaign assets that pull back the curtain on the authentic LA experience to invite visitors to immerse themselves in LA’s breadth of attractions, vibrant culinary scenes, outdoor adventures, and world-class sports and entertainment offerings, and features a nod to Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”
“The beginning of the year was incredibly challenging for the Los Angeles community, and as we look ahead to recovery, we remain committed to the 543,000 Angelenos and more than 1,000 local businesses who depend on tourism for their livelihoods,” said Adam Burke, president and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism.
“The best way that individuals can help our community recover, keep businesses open, and sustain our community in this time of need is by booking a trip to our City of Angels for leisure, business, or meetings & events.”
Tapping into a familiar tune to Angelenos, the “We Love LA” campaign takes viewers through a perfect day in LA, drawing inspiration from Newman’s song, which has become synonymous with home team post-game celebrations.
The campaign will run across paid media platforms in domestic markets, including New York, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia, DC, Boston, and Seattle, as well as international markets.
In Australia, unique experiential activations such as “Taste of LA”, will take over Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter from 1 May to 11 May 2025, with venues hosting LA-themed events as well as LA-style food and drink offerings, bringing LA vibes to Sydneysiders.
“‘We Love LA’ isn’t just a tagline – it highlights the passion, optimism, and commitment we have for our community,” Burke continued. “As one of the primary gateways to the United States, our City of Angels is ready to roll out the red carpet for visitors from around the globe and help our community to heal.”
The ad was created by Los Angeles Tourism’s creative director, Shelley Leopold, and director Matt Baron, with the award-winning production company Partizan. Known for his signature cinematic style, Baron masterfully captured the vibrant essence of Los Angeles, inviting visitors in to experience and share the deep love Angelenos have for their city.
“Los Angeles is one of the world’s most inclusive and welcoming communities, where visitors instantly feel at home,” said Bill Karz, senior vice president, brand and digital marketing, Los Angeles Tourism.
“The ‘We Love LA’ campaign celebrates the authentic experiences and everlasting civic pride that define our city. From its unique culture to unforgettable moments, LA’s essence is woven into every local and visitor experience. This campaign is truly a heartfelt love letter to the City of Angels, and we’re so proud to share it with the world.”
Aligned with Los Angeles Tourism’s community-centred mission, the campaign features local Angelenos as brand ambassadors, showcasing the city’s iconic attractions as stunning backdrops, including:
• Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Basketball legend and Los Angeles Dodgers Co-Owner
• Lil Buck, Dancer
• Mister Cartoon and his son, Leftye, artists
• Tonantzin Carmelo, Tongvan actress
• Javier Cabral, Food journalist and editor of LA Taco
• Robert Vargas, muralist
• Raul Ortega, owner of food truck Mariscos Jalisco
CommBank brings NYC hot dogs to Melbourne for the launch of Travel Booking via M&C Saatchi Group
M&C Saatchi Group Australia to unveil an experiential campaign marking the launch of Travel Booking, available via the CommBank app.
CommBank teamed up with M&C Saatchi Group Australia to unveil an experiential campaign marking the launch of Travel Booking, available via the CommBank app.
The campaign, which took place in Melbourne’s Flinders Street, centred on an immersive walk-through billboard bringing New York City closer than ever, with wider integrated comms across social, influencer, PR, Out of Home (OOH) and digital media running nationally.
The Commonwealth Banks walk in NYC in Flinders st Melbourne. New York Hotdog vendor Johnny G in the activation.
At the heart of the experience was ‘Johnny G’ of John’s Famous Hot Dogs, Times Square street food vendor, in Australia for the first time who served 2,000+ NYC-style hot dogs for free.
Johnny has been a beloved fixture in Times Square for over 46 years, earning the admiration of the US media, and street food lovers – locals and tourists alike – not through a flashy social media presence, but by serving up unforgettable hot dogs with his signature charm.
The Travel Booking platform, via the CommBank app, simplifies travel planning for Australians, offering access to thousands of airlines and hotels around the globe and provides seamless booking options along with exclusive features like a Price Prediction tool and, for a limited time, 10% back in travel credits on all flight and hotel bookings.
The Commonwealth Banks walk in NYC in Flinders st Melbourne.
New York Hotdog vendor Johnny G in the activation.
Picture by Wayne Taylor 27th February 2025
CommBank executive general manager consumer finance Marcos Meneguzzi said CommBank customers consistently list holidays as one of their top savings goals.
“CommBank iQ’s latest Cost of Living Insights Report revealed Australians are spending 22% more on online travel. Travel Booking via the CommBank app helps make planning a trip easier with access to thousands of flights and hotels across the globe and the ability to pay using CommBank Awards points.”
Daniel Borghesi, creative director at M&C Saatchi, said: “When CommBank asked us to help showcase the new Travel Booking service available via the app, the obvious answer was to bring NY’s greatest hot dog vendor to Australia to serve hot dogs from inside a billboard. But it’s about much more than Johnny G’s signature recipe leaving the States for the first time, it’s about bringing the world closer than ever – to all Aussies with a travel bug.”
CREDITS:
Client: CommBank
Creative Agency: M&C Saatchi Group Australia
PR, Activation & Influencer: M&C Saatchi Sports & Entertainment Australia
Production: Lenzo
Content: Monster & Bear
Today the Brave promotes client services director from within
Today the Brave has promoted Cosmo Haskard as client services director.
Since joining the independent agency, Haskard has played a pivotal role in leading accounts including Carnival Cruise Line, News Corp Metro & Regional Mastheads, StrangeLove Beverage Co. and Wendy’s.
Haskard’s has been integral to building strong relationships and driving impactful creative for the agency. He brings over a decade of adland experience from across three continents, including Zulu Alpha Kilo in Toronto, Canada, and adam&eveDDB in London, UK.
“I’m eager to continue TTB’s growth in the indie space,” Haskard said of his promotion. “We have an amazing team here delivering memorable work punching above its weight. So I want to say a big thank you to them, and of course to our fantastic client partners. Buzzing for what we have in store next.”
Jaimes Leggett, managing partner at Today the Brave, said: “Cosmo is a gun. He cares about the team, our work and clients in equal measure. There is no better person to step up to the plate.”
Haskard’s promotion doubles down on Today the Brave’s commitment to growing their team to best service an expanding roster.
The promotion follows significant new business wins for the independent agency, including Wendy’s and to further support their existing roster of client partners, including News Corp, University of Sydney, and Carnival Cruise Line.
Last year, the agency also welcomed the appointment of Cyndall McInerney as senior copywriter, to partner with art director, Kate Idle.
McInerney joins from The Monkeys, Part of Accenture Song, bringing her quirky tone has earned her a range of international awards from her time working in both Sydney and London with both large networks and small independent agencies.
Top image: Cosmo Haskard
R/GA returns to being privately owned after 23 years as part of IPG
R/GA will return to being a privately owned company after 23 years as part of IPG, following a new partnership between the creative agency’s global management and private equity firm Truelink Capital.
Robin Forbes, R/GA’s Global CEO and Tiffany Rolfe, chair and global chief creative officer are two of the global leaders, among others, who are investing in the company as part of the deal.
R/GA’s next chapter will be fueled out of the gate by a $50M innovation fund, enabling the company to invest in new skillsets and talent, and acquire new capabilities, emerging tools and platforms. Additionally, R/GA has established a Strategic Advisory Council of senior marketing and technology executives to support emerging AI client transformation opportunities across multiple sectors.
As an independent company, R/GA is activating an AI-enabled model to better serve clients, unburdened by the restrictions and overheads of traditional corporate structures. New remuneration models based on outcomes, agile new team structures, and scaling up its flexible talent model ‘R/GA Associates’, are among the initial changes being implemented.
“Today is a landmark moment for R/GA, as we enter an exciting new chapter as a private company supported by our new partners at Truelink Capital,” Forbes said.
“This announcement also signals a stark contrast to a wider trend towards consolidation in the agency business. Most agencies will struggle to make the pivot in this new age, especially at a time when they’re operating within complex agency structures, saddled with legacy business models.”
“There’s never been a better time and there is no better company than R/GA to implement a new model for this new environment.”
Rolfe added: “At R/GA change is a feature, not a bug, and we believe in the power of brands to transform – which is what we do for clients, and now we’re doing it for ourselves.”
“The dominant industry narrative around AI has focused largely on efficiency gains in the traditional marketing approach, which is only part of the equation. We are leaning into the creative potential to help brands differentiate themselves and exceed rising customer expectations through new kinds of intelligent experiences that haven’t been possible before. To us, it’s an opportunity to accelerate our world-class creative work through technology and design.”
Luke Myers, co-founder and managing partner at Truelink Capital, said: “We see the growth of AI enabled experiences playing an increasingly important role in unlocking value in marketing services.”
“R/GA is both designed and perfectly positioned to help seize that new opportunity for clients. Which is why we’re so excited to back R/GA’s global leadership team through our strategic investment.”
Truelink has earmarked a minimum of $50M to R/GA’s Innovation Fund to enable the company to further build generative technology capabilities that will unlock new growth opportunities for brands. R/GA also plans to leverage this Fund to invest in new kinds of skillsets, talent, product development and future acquisitions. R/GA’s newly established Strategic Advisory Council brings together a select group of high-profile experienced external perspectives across specific sectors to help support transformation opportunities with the greatest returns for clients.
This sale marks another milestone in R/GA’s well known history of reinvention. Throughout its 48 years the company has continuously iterated and evolved its own business model alongside the biggest technology shifts, previously under founder Bob Greenberg, and now once again as it enters a new era.
R/GA plans to make further people and capability announcements linked to its new Innovation Fund and Advisory Council in the coming months. Houlihan Lokey, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as financial advisors and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP provided legal representation to IPG and R/GA.
Top image: Robin Forbes and Tiffany Rolfe
AiMCO partners with ALLKND to offer mental health support for the creator community
The Australian Influencer Marketing Council (AiMCO) has partnered with mental health charity, ALLKND, providing critical mental health training for its growing creator community.
The strategic partnership, set to run throughout 2025, will see ALLKND provide its unique ‘Good Mate’ peer-to-peer mental health training sessions for AiMCO creators in Sydney and Melbourne. The digital training module will also be offered across Australia, along with post-training follow-up.
ALLKND is the brainchild of award-winning Gen Z specialist Milly Rose Bannister, who founded the charity in 2020 to provide digital mental health education to young Australians. The organisation’s mission is to teach young Aussies how to safely and effectively provide mental health support to others, via its digital training course, Good Mate Training – Australia’s first, free, digital 60-minute peer-to-peer mental health first aid course.
ALLKND’s work is particularly relevant for AiMCO’s growing creator community – almost 80% of influencers will suffer burn-out at some stage in their career* as they navigate the balance between audience and brand expectations, and the growing demand to share their personal experiences.
Patrick Whitnall, AiMCO managing director, said: “The mental health of our creators, talent managers and SME members has been a top priority for AiMCO in the last 12 months. We want to ensure our members have the tools to look after their own mental health and the mental health of their peers while also feeling empowered to use their platform to help combat mental health stigma and misconception in the community.
“This new partnership with ALLKND is an opportunity for our members to access critical training in mental health first aid and education, providing guidance on making content in the mental health space, and also tools to manage burnout. ALLKND is redefining mental health education in Australia – I am certain its Good Mate training courses will be invaluable for our community.”
Bannister said: “This partnership is an acknowledgement of the importance of mental health care in the social media space, both for users and content creators. ALLKND’s mission has been to equip Gen Z with the skills to support each other’s mental health, particularly in an increasingly digital-first world.
“Partnering with AiMCO is recognition that our creator community also needs to have the tools to look after their mental health. Many influencers struggle to find the balance between sharing personal details of their day-to-day life and being able to switch off and recharge when necessary. Our Good Mate Training aims to give them strategies to navigate their own mental health and be able to help and support their fellow creators.”
The ALLKND partnership is the latest in a series of collaborations for AiMCO, designed to offer unique professional development and training opportunities for its members. Last year, AiMCO announced a partnership with leading Australian insurance provider Maple for a group insurance deal.
Universal Music Australia and New Zealand announce leadership transition
Universal Music Australia and New Zealand has announced a leadership transition, with longtime Universal Music New Zealand managing director and chairman, Adam Holt, set to retire on April 30, 2025. Holt has led the company for 24 years and spent a total of 34 years with Universal Music Group and its predecessor, Polygram.
Following his departure, Myra Hemara and Matt Kidd will step into the roles of co-managing directors, effective May 1, 2025. They will report directly to Sean Warner, president and CEO of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand.
Universal Music Australia & New Zealand President and CEO, Sean Warner
Internal promotions
Hemara has been with UMNZ since 2006, playing a key role in establishing the company’s digital strategy. She was appointed general manager in 2017, expanding her focus to include international artist marketing and audience development.
Speaking about her new role, Hemara said that “being given this opportunity to lead Universal Music New Zealand alongside Matt is a great privilege and honour”.
She continued: “The legacy Adam has created for our artists and staff has provided an incredible foundation for Matt and I to build on”.
Kidd, who has been with the company for 12 years, started in promotions and public relations before leading UMNZ’s domestic repertoire and business development teams. Since 2017, he has been focused on expanding New Zealand talent to global audiences.
Kidd thanked Warner for “giving Myra and I the opportunity to lead this great company”.
“It’s exciting to take on this new role at a thrilling point in the business, where the landscape and scope for how we can work with and develop our artists is changing dramatically,” Kidd said.
Company commitment
Warner acknowledged Holt’s contributions to the company and the wider New Zealand music industry, highlighting his tenure in shaping both internal culture and artist relations.
“Adam’s commitment to our company, our artists, our people, and the greater New Zealand music industry has been nothing short of exemplary. Throughout his tenure he consistently promoted a positive culture of both UMNZ and UMA garnering him enormous respect from both employees and artists alike.
“Adam is a passionate music man, caring mentor and consummate professional, who led from the front and made lifelong friends across the UMG, the artist community artists and with our partners around the world,” Warner said.
Speaking about his future Holt said: “Leading the New Zealand company for UMG has been the experience of my life. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and the challenges we have successfully navigated over the years, but it’s time for me and the company to start the next chapter.
“A big thank you to Sir Lucian Grainge and Sean for trusting me with UMNZ for so long, and a huge thank you to the entire Universal Music team across New Zealand and Australia. You are an amazing group of people and I will miss you immensely. Most importantly, thank you to all the artists I have had the honour to serve in my time at Universal. I remain in complete awe of you all,” Holt said.
Paramount+ partners with NEL Restaurant for Yellowjackets Season 3
Paramount+ Australia has teamed up with Sydney’s NEL Restaurant to launch Eat Your Heart Out, an 11-course degustation inspired by the upcoming third season of Yellowjackets.
The partnership blends streaming entertainment with experiential marketing, offering an immersive fine-dining event that reflects the show’s themes of survival and primal instinct.
Held at NEL’s Surry Hills venue, and curated by chef Nelly Robinson the experience transformed the restaurant into a setting reminiscent of the series, complete with foraged botanicals, flickering candlelight, and atmospheric details. Special guest Simone Kessell, who plays adult Lottie Matthews in Yellowjackets, attended the event, engaging with guests as they explored a menu designed to echo the escalating tension of the show.
Chef Nelly Robinson, Beverley McGarvey Simone Kessell and Louise Crompton.
Dishes progressed from delicate, foraged bites to more intense flavours, with names like “Ear au Jackie,” “Queen of Hearts,” and “Head of the Table” reinforcing the show’s survivalist themes.
‘Agency village’
Tech
Tech giants push back on Australia’s under-16 social media ban
As Paul Sakkal reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the backlash comes just weeks after former US President Donald Trump threatened penalties for nations targeting American digital firms.
Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, claims the government is crafting rules behind closed doors, shutting out key stakeholders. “This goes against commitments made to parents, safety groups, and tech companies that public consultation would take place,” the company said in a statement.
Apple speeds up iPad Air refresh as AI race heats up
As Mark Gurman reports in The Australian Financial Review, with performance nearly doubling compared to M1-powered models, the refreshed iPad Air is designed to handle Apple’s AI-powered features, dubbed Apple Intelligence, up to 60% faster.
The update comes just 10 months after the last version, signalling Apple’s push for quicker hardware cycles to stay ahead in the AI-driven device market.
Television
ABC cracks down on political ad footage use
As James Madden writes in The Australian, Dyson’s ads included an interview with Peter Small, a former Liberal branch president, who criticised his party’s neglect of rural voters and called for Wannon to become a more contested seat. While Dyson credited the Four Corners footage in his ads, he did not seek ABC approval before repurposing it.
After being alerted by the media, the ABC swiftly contacted Dyson’s team, demanding the footage’s removal.
Wilkinson pushes back on court ruling over rape allegation broadcast
As Amanda Meade reports in The Guardian, the move comes as Lehrmann prepares for his appeal after losing his high-profile defamation case last year.
Lehrmann, a former Liberal staffer, was found on the balance of probabilities to have raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. At the heart of the dispute is whether Wilkinson and Ten acted “reasonably” under section 30 of defamation law when The Project aired Higgins’ allegations in 2021.
Business
Macquarie Bank CEO calls out gender gap in executive pay
As Lucy Dean and Paul Karp write in The Australian Financial Review, the figures were released as part of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency’s latest report on pay gaps across businesses with more than 100 employees.
Wikramanayake also acknowledged that the bank’s gender pay gap stems from a lack of women in senior roles. “We’re still up for a heck of a lot of work attracting women applicants,” she said, pointing to the challenges of shifting long-standing industry dynamics.
Coalition vows to end work-from-home for public servants
As Cameron Carr writes for the SBS, Speaking at the Menzies Research Centre, Hume criticized Labor’s approach, which, she claimed, has turned work-from-home into an individual right rather than a practical arrangement. “This is about restoring a culture of public service that respects the funding it receives by ensuring maximum productivity,” she said.
With approximately 185,000 federal public service employees – including Australian Defence Force and Federal Police staff – the proposal would mark a major shift in workplace flexibility.
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