Nicholas Kinports

NSW Auditor Calls for More Agency-Led AI Regulations

Nicholas Kinports on November 3, 2025

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Assessing the Necessity for Agency-Specific AI Regulations in NSW

NSW auditor: 'additional agency-specific AI regulations needed'

Brief Overview

357 AI solutions are presently utilized across 21 out of the 26 largest departments and agencies in NSW government.
Applications of AI encompass workflow improvement, customer engagement, fraud identification, and beyond.
Fewer than half of these agencies have established formal AI policies.
The audit indicates that policies at the agency level are essential for effective management.
15 agencies have initiated documentation of their AI tool deployment, which enhances transparency and accountability.

The Expanding Influence of AI in NSW Government

The New South Wales (NSW) government is progressively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as evidenced by a recent audit that disclosed the employment of 357 distinct AI tools across 21 of the state’s largest departments and agencies. These tools serve multiple functions, such as improving workflows, enhancing customer service, detecting fraud, and providing cybersecurity support.

Existing Governance Issues

The NSW audit office has pointed out a critical necessity for more customized governance structures within these agencies. While every agency is obligated to comply with the state’s overarching AI regulations, the audit suggests these may not be sufficiently detailed for agencies implementing advanced AI systems. The report emphasizes that a uniform approach is insufficient, advocating for agency-specific policies that cater to unique obstacles.

Customized AI Regulations: An Imperative

Fewer than half of the 21 largest departments and agencies possess formal AI policies or have woven AI into their existing frameworks. Several are still assessing their policies, while some depend entirely on the statewide AI ethics guidelines. The audit suggests agencies create their own inventories to catalog the aims, applications, and limitations of AI technologies.

Enhancing Accountability with Centralized Inventories

To bolster government accountability, the report advocates for the establishment of centralized inventories that document the purposes, applications, and limitations of AI tools. At the time of the audit, 15 agencies had initiated this process, reflecting an increasing commitment to transparency and ethical AI application.

Conclusion

The NSW government is experiencing a considerable rise in the deployment of AI tools throughout its departments and agencies. While these technologies offer the potential for improved service delivery and operational efficiencies, the NSW audit office has stressed the importance of developing more sophisticated, agency-specific governance regulations. This strategy aims to guarantee ethical AI utilization and enhance accountability via improved documentation and transparency.

Q: What primary issue has the NSW audit office raised concerning AI implementation?

A: The audit office is apprehensive that the current overarching state AI regulations may not sufficiently cater to the specific requirements of agencies with advanced AI practices, thereby necessitating more customized, agency-level regulations.

Q: What is the total number of AI tools used across NSW government agencies?

A: There are 357 AI tools active across 21 of the 26 largest NSW government departments and agencies.

Q: What functions do AI tools serve in NSW?

A: AI tools in NSW are utilized for workflow improvement, customer engagement, fraud detection, cybersecurity support, compliance oversight, capability enhancement, and service provision.

Q: What does the report recommend for improving AI governance in NSW agencies?

A: The report advises the development of agency-specific policies and the creation of centralized inventories to record the purposes, applications, and limitations of AI tools to boost transparency and accountability.

Samsung Firmware Problem with Triple Zero Set to Intensify as Investigation Nears

Nicholas Kinports on November 2, 2025

Samsung Firmware Problem with Emergency Calls: Inquiry and Feedback

Overview

Samsung smartphones are facing a firmware glitch that obstructs emergency calls.
Telstra identified the issue, impacting several carriers.
TPG Telecom was recently made aware of the situation.
Telecom companies are restricting affected devices unless rectified within 28 days.
The parliamentary investigation will explore the performance of the triple zero service.
New regulations by ACMA mandate more rigorous testing for emergency call functionality.

Samsung’s Firmware Predicament

Samsung firmware emergency call issue investigation

Samsung smartphones configured with firmware that inhibits the ability to make emergency calls are expected to increase. Telstra’s recent finding of this issue has uncovered a major concern that had gone unnoticed by TPG Telecom for more than a year.

Effect on Australian Telecom Providers

TPG Telecom had previously flagged issues related to emergency dialing on Samsung devices, especially regarding VoLTE emergency calls, since 2024. However, these concerns were distinct from the firmware issue identified by Telstra, which impacts all mobile networks utilizing the affected devices. Certain phones might become unusable due to hardcoded configurations.

Technical Issues and Reactions

The malfunctioning firmware locks Samsung devices to Vodafone’s discontinued 3G network, hindering their ability to switch providers for emergency calls. Telstra and Optus have stated intentions to block impacted devices if they are not updated or substituted within 28 days. The number of Samsung mobiles affected by the firmware issue currently totals 71 and is on the rise.

Parliamentary Investigation and Industry Oversight

The parliamentary inquiry will assess the telecommunications sector’s performance regarding the triple zero service. Executives from Optus, Telstra, and others will face difficult inquiries about emergency call breakdowns, including a recent incident tied to fatalities. The inquiry will accept submissions until late November, with reports anticipated by early next February.

ACMA’s Updated Guidelines for Emergency Calls

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has rolled out new guidelines requiring providers to perform specific tests for handsets’ emergency calling capabilities. These rules aim to guarantee that devices can transition between networks for emergency calls, particularly during service disruptions.

Conclusion

The complications surrounding Samsung’s firmware settings that obstruct emergency calls have underscored major issues for the Australian telecom landscape. With a parliamentary inquiry underway and new testing regulations introduced by ACMA, the sector is facing close examination to ensure dependable emergency call services.

Q: What is the primary concern regarding Samsung devices?

A: Samsung devices are encountering a firmware flaw that prevents them from making emergency calls.

Q: Which telecom provider identified the firmware issue?

A: Telstra identified the firmware issue during comprehensive testing.

Q: How are telecom providers addressing this issue?

A: Telstra and Optus have declared they will restrict affected devices unless they are rectified within a 28-day timeframe.

Q: What function does the parliamentary inquiry serve?

A: The inquiry will scrutinize the performance of the telecom sector in delivering stable triple zero services.

Q: What new regulations has ACMA implemented?

A: ACMA has established stricter testing protocols for mobile devices to ensure their effectiveness in making emergency calls.

Q: When are the results of the inquiry expected to be released?

A: The inquiry outcomes are anticipated to be released early next February.

Cyber Assault Hits Tasmanian Government Departments

Nicholas Kinports on October 29, 2025

Tasmanian Government Agencies Cyber Attack

Quick Read

Tasmanian government agencies utilizing the VETtrak system have come under a cyber attack.
ReadyTech, the creator of the system, informed the ASX about the event.
A few documents with personal information have been exposed.
The Australian Federal Police have been made aware of the incident.
The Tasmanian government advises caution regarding possible fraud attempts.

Cyber Attack on VETtrak System

The government of Tasmania has recently verified the compromise of its VETtrak vocational student management system, vital to various state agencies. This platform, crucial for the Department for Education, Children and Young People, fire services, and health departments, was created by ReadyTech.

Tasmanian government agencies impacted by cyber attack

Incident Response and Notifications

ReadyTech alerted the ASX regarding the cyber event on October 17. At first, the Tasmanian government indicated there was no indication of sensitive student data being accessed. However, by October 24, ReadyTech confirmed the release of several documents containing personal data from the system.

The Australian Federal Police have been notified of the incident, and ReadyTech has cautioned against seeking out leaked data to prevent aiding cybercriminals.

Government and Public Response

The Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet has cautioned that malicious individuals may take advantage of the stolen information for fraudulent purposes, urging the public to stay alert and report any unusual activities.

Summary

The cyber attack on Tasmania’s VETtrak system underscores the weaknesses in government digital frameworks. While immediate data leaks seem minimal, this situation highlights the urgency for strong cybersecurity protocols across public systems. Both ReadyTech and Tasmanian officials are proactively managing the breach, stressing the importance of public awareness and vigilance.

Q&A

Q: What is the VETtrak system?

A: VETtrak serves as a vocational student management system employed by multiple Tasmanian government departments for overseeing educational and administrative data.

Q: Has any sensitive data been compromised?

A: According to the most recent updates, only a limited number of documents with personal information have been released.

Q: What actions are being taken to address the breach?

A: ReadyTech has notified the Australian Federal Police and is working alongside the Australian National Office of Cyber Security to mitigate the situation.

Q: What should the public do in response to this incident?

A: The public is advised to remain vigilant, watch for any suspicious activity, and report such occurrences to the relevant authorities.

F5 Notifications: Security Incident Influencing Government Worries to Impact Revenue

Nicholas Kinports on October 28, 2025

F5 Security Incident: Effects on Government Worries and Revenue

Quick Summary

F5 has adjusted its annual revenue forecast downwards after a security incident.
The incident involved hackers likely supported by a state, reportedly from China, breaching F5’s systems.
There were potential risks to US and UK government systems, leading to federal alerts.
Several BIG-IP clients were affected, requiring prompt system updates.
F5 expects short-term sales interruptions but has not seen an immediate impact on demand.
Annual revenue growth is expected to be between zero and four percent.

Details of the Security Incident

F5 has recently reported a security breach that has affected its anticipated yearly revenue, which is now below Wall Street forecasts. The breach comprised long-lasting access to the company’s systems, including the compromise of source code for a crucial cybersecurity product.

F5 indicates that breach alarming governments will affect revenue

Allegations of State-Sponsored Hacking

The breach has been linked to state-sponsored hackers, allegedly from China, according to sources familiar with the investigation. This has raised concerns among US officials, who have verified that federal government networks were potential targets, prompting urgent security warnings.

Effects on BIG-IP Users

The security event primarily impacted users of F5’s BIG-IP systems. CEO Francois Locoh-Donou noted that these clients had to swiftly upgrade to the latest software versions. A limited number of users experienced data exfiltration, although the information was reported to be non-sensitive.

Financial Outlook and Market Effects

F5 forecasts a full-year revenue growth between zero and four percent, falling short of the 4.8 percent growth expected by analysts. The revenue projection for the first quarter, estimated to be between US$730 million and US$780 million, also comes in below expectations due to potential disruptions, including a US government shutdown.

Conclusion

The recent security breach at F5 carries significant consequences, not just for the company but also for its customers and potentially affected governmental systems. Although immediate demand impacts have not been observed, the incident has raised concerns regarding systemic vulnerabilities and the necessity for improved cybersecurity protocols. The financial impacts are expected to be realized in the first half of the fiscal year, with aspirations for stabilization by the end of the year.

Questions & Answers

Q: What caused the security breach at F5?

A: The breach was allegedly initiated by state-supported hackers from China who accessed F5’s systems, including the source code for a vital cybersecurity service.

Q: How have clients been affected by the incident?

A: Users of F5’s BIG-IP systems were required to upgrade their software swiftly, and some encountered limited data exfiltration, although the data was not deemed sensitive.

Q: What impact will the breach have on F5’s financial situation?

A: F5 expects revenue growth between zero and four percent, which is lower than analysts’ predictions, with anticipated disruptions occurring in the first half of the fiscal year.

Q: What role do government systems play in this breach?

A: The breach triggered concerns due to the possible risks to US and UK government systems, resulting in federal alerts and swift measures.

Jemena Improves Month-End Efficiency with Innovative Finance Automation System

Nicholas Kinports on October 27, 2025

Revolution in Finance Automation at Jemena

Quick Overview

With BlackLine, Jemena automates its month-end financial processes, cutting over 24 hours from manual work.
There are 10 use cases in place, with an additional 25 under development.
The automation emphasizes journal entries that are complex and labor-intensive.
Jemena partners with Deloitte and BlackLine to advance automation efforts.
Finance teams are motivated to explore more automation possibilities.

Revolution in Finance Automation at Jemena

Jemena enhances finance automation for month-end operations

Optimizing Month-End Operations

Jemena, the owner of the electricity network assets, has made significant progress in modernizing its financial operations. By leveraging BlackLine’s software, Jemena has achieved the automation of crucial month-end finance workflows, greatly enhancing efficiency and reducing manual workload by more than 24 hours. This development signifies a crucial transition toward adopting technology for managing intricate and time-consuming tasks.

Widening Automation Applications

After effectively implementing 10 initial automation use cases, Jemena is now working on launching an additional 25 use cases. This growth aims to further optimize the management of complex journal entries, minimizing human error and freeing essential time for finance teams to concentrate on strategic pursuits.

BlackLine’s Contribution to Finance Automation

Since 2015, Jemena has been utilizing BlackLine, primarily for account reconciliations to ensure the integrity of reporting. The recent extension to cover month-end journals signifies a strategic refinement of their current system, enabling automatic data matching from different sources and effective classification of work-in-progress (WIP) items.

Partnership with Deloitte and BlackLine

This initiative is a joint venture with Deloitte and BlackLine, aiming to discover and apply additional automation possibilities across Jemena’s financial operations. The incorporation of these modern technologies represents a proactive stance towards financial management.

Conclusion

Jemena’s move to automate month-end finance operations showcases the increasing trend of utilizing technology for operational efficiency. By collaborating with industry frontrunners like Deloitte and BlackLine, Jemena is setting benchmarks for innovation in financial management within the energy sector.

Q: What is the primary aim of Jemena’s finance automation?

A:

The main objective is to boost efficiency by minimizing manual processing time, particularly for intricate journal entries, thereby enabling finance teams to redirect efforts towards more strategic initiatives.

Q: In what ways has BlackLine’s software been employed by Jemena?

A:

Originally utilized for account reconciliations and ensuring reporting accuracy, BlackLine’s software is now being extended to automate month-end financial processes, including managing complex journal entries.

Q: What are the anticipated results of the expanded automation initiative?

A:

By broadening the range of automation use cases, Jemena aims to further decrease manual workloads, improve data precision, and motivate finance teams to pursue additional automation possibilities.

Q: Who are the primary collaborators in this initiative?

A:

This project is a collaborative effort with Deloitte and BlackLine, both of which are instrumental in pinpointing and executing automation solutions for Jemena’s financial operations.

Q: What technologies are being utilized in Jemena’s automation process?

A:

Jemena employs BlackLine’s software to automate financial processes, supported by data integration and matching functions to efficiently manage journal entries and reconciliations.

Vocus Obtains Three Federal Government Contracts

Nicholas Kinports on October 26, 2025

Vocus Wins Federal Government Contracts

Quick Overview

Vocus has been awarded three federal government contracts, with a combined value of around $6 million over a three-year period.
Contracts are associated with the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
The DTA agreement includes significant upgrades to infrastructure for enhanced security and control of network traffic.
New contracts have been established with DFAT and ACIC, not just renewals.
Vocus is broadening its network presence following the acquisition of assets from TPG Telecom.

Vocus secures government contracts for internet services

Vocus Expands Government Portfolio

The Australian federal government has entrusted Vocus with three critical telecommunications contracts, totaling approximately $6 million over the next three years. This strategic initiative involves collaborations with the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), aimed at delivering reliable internet services to these agencies.

Upgrades for Improved Security

The updated agreement with the DTA, valued at $707,000, includes a noteworthy infrastructure upgrade. DTA’s Chief Operating Officer, Tom Gilmartin, noted that Vocus will enhance the agency’s network equipment, strengthening network traffic management and boosting security protocols. This upgrade is scheduled to commence in November, representing a vital advancement in the DTA’s digital infrastructure.

New Partnerships with DFAT and ACIC

Vocus’s contract with DFAT, worth $2.7 million, marks a fresh engagement as opposed to a renewal of previous contracts. A spokesperson from DFAT confirmed that this contract covers the delivery of internet and carriage services to local facilities, focusing on infrastructure and bandwidth improvements.

Likewise, the $2.3 million arrangement with ACIC is a new contract as well. Although specific details remain confidential due to agency guidelines, this agreement signifies a noteworthy expansion of Vocus’s involvement across federal bodies.

Strategic Growth and Market Influence

In January 2024, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) divided its telecommunications services between Optus and Vocus, establishing Vocus as the new contractor for internet and data carriage. This change disrupted Optus’s long-held supremacy in delivering network services to DHA.

Furthermore, Vocus is undergoing a considerable expansion by integrating infrastructure from its $5.25 billion acquisition of TPG Telecom’s enterprise, government, wholesale fixed-line, and fibre resources. The final governmental approvals obtained in July have permitted Vocus to advance with this ambitious growth plan, further enhancing its footprint in the Australian telecommunications market.

Conclusion

Vocus’s recent acquisition of three federal government contracts highlights its strategic growth within the Australian telecommunications industry. With significant investments in infrastructure improvements and new agency collaborations, Vocus is well-positioned to provide enhanced internet services to essential government entities, signifying a significant transformation in the competitive environment.

Q: What are the new contracts Vocus has obtained?

A: Vocus has obtained contracts with the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).

Q: What does the DTA contract involve?

A: The DTA’s contract encompasses a $707,000 arrangement for internet services, including a network appliance upgrade for better traffic control and security, set to begin in November.

Q: Are the contracts with DFAT and ACIC new or renewals?

A: Both the DFAT and ACIC contracts are new agreements instead of extensions of existing contracts.

Q: How is Vocus extending its network presence?

A: Vocus is extending by incorporating infrastructure from its $5.25 billion acquisition of TPG Telecom’s assets, improving its capabilities across enterprise, government, wholesale fixed-line, and fibre services.

AWS Outage Caused by Uncommon Automated Systems Interaction

Nicholas Kinports on October 25, 2025

Quick Read

AWS encountered a significant outage in North Virginia due to an uncommon software malfunction.
The outage resulted from a dormant race condition within the DynamoDB DNS management framework.
This malfunction stemmed from an improbable interaction between automated elements.
Human intervention was required to rectify the problem.
AWS has globally suspended specific automated systems temporarily.
The incident impacted various AWS services reliant on DynamoDB.

AWS Outage Examination

The recent outage of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in North Virginia has been linked to a software defect within an automated DNS management framework. This defect resulted in an unexpected interaction where one automated element unintentionally eliminated the work of another.

AWS outage caused by unlikely DNS interaction

Comprehending the Primary Cause

AWS has indicated in a report following the incident that the outage stemmed from a “latent race condition” in the DynamoDB DNS management system. This resulted in an incorrect empty DNS record for the service’s regional endpoint, which automation failed to rectify.

The Function of DNS Planner and Enactors

The DNS management system consists of two essential components: the DNS Planner and DNS Enactors. The Planner formulates new DNS strategies, while the Enactors implement these strategies at endpoints. Usually, these components function smoothly to ensure DNS states are current.

Chain Reaction of Events

During this event, one DNS Enactor experienced unusual delays, necessitating several attempts to refresh DNS endpoints. At the same time, another Enactor executed a more recent plan, instigating the race condition. The delayed Enactor overwrote the recent plan, leading to the removal of IP addresses for the endpoint.

Manual Intervention and Preventative Steps

Ultimately, human intervention was crucial to address the issue. AWS has disabled both the DNS Planner and DNS Enactors on a worldwide basis. Prior to re-enabling these systems, AWS intends to correct the race condition and introduce additional measures to avert future issues.

Impact on Dependent Services

The outage in the US-EAST-1 region affected other AWS services dependent on DynamoDB, including EC2 instances. These disruptions occurred because subsystems became unable to connect to the service, resulting in cascading effects throughout the AWS ecosystem.

Synopsis

The AWS outage in North Virginia highlights the intricacies of automated cloud management systems and their potential weaknesses. AWS is actively working to address the problems and avoid similar incidents in the future. This event serves as a reminder of the significance of robust system architecture and the necessity for human oversight in critical scenarios.

Q&A

Q: What led to the AWS outage in North Virginia?

A: The outage was triggered by an uncommon software defect involving a dormant race condition in the DynamoDB DNS management system.

Q: How did the race condition impact AWS services?

A: It resulted in the deletion of DNS records for a regional endpoint, affecting multiple AWS services that rely on DynamoDB.

Q: What measures is AWS implementing to prevent future outages?

A: AWS has suspended certain automated systems globally and plans to rectify the race condition while establishing safeguards against erroneous DNS plans.

Q: Was human intervention needed during the outage?

A: Indeed, manual operator intervention was essential to alleviate the situation and restore services.

Q: What additional AWS services were impacted by the outage?

A: EC2 instances and other services reliant on DynamoDB experienced disruptions during the occurrence.

Federal Court Moves CourtPath to Microsoft Azure Cloud

Nicholas Kinports on October 22, 2025

Quick Overview

The Federal Court of Australia is migrating its CourtPath system to Microsoft Azure.
This change aims to incorporate cloud-based AI services into CourtPath.
The migration is part of a broader cloud transformation strategy at the Court.
Objectives include enhancing case management functionalities through 2026.
The transition will also set the stage for overhauling the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
An AI-driven record management solution is projected for late 2025.

Shifting CourtPath to the Cloud

The Federal Court of Australia is advancing technologically by shifting its CourtPath case and document management system to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. This transition is a tactical move to upgrade the system with sophisticated AI functionalities available through Azure.

Federal Court transitions CourtPath to Azure cloud

Boosting Efficiency with Cloud Technologies

Initially designed to unify various digital tools within the court system, CourtPath offers a consolidated platform for the upload and retrieval of documents pertinent to legal cases. The ongoing transition to cloud infrastructure aims to enhance operational efficiency and incorporate new AI tools.

Wider Cloud Transformation Efforts

Chief Information and Digital Officer of the Federal Court of Australia, Nathan Price, has stated that the shift of CourtPath to the cloud is a primary objective for the remainder of 2025. This effort is part of a larger initiative to evaluate and migrate additional court systems to the cloud, thus capitalizing on the vast AI and cognitive services provided by Microsoft Azure.

Upcoming Developments and AI Integration

Besides current updates, there are plans to utilize the cloud transition as a basis for the redevelopment of the Commonwealth Courts Portal. This portal is vital for external stakeholders, including law firms, to engage with and monitor legal cases. Additionally, an AI-enabled record management solution is expected to be launched by late 2025, improving adherence to record-keeping regulations.

Conclusion

The transition of the CourtPath system of the Federal Court of Australia to Microsoft Azure represents a major milestone in updating its technological infrastructure. By embracing cloud-native AI services, the Court seeks to enhance efficiency and establish a foundation for future improvements in case management and document access.

Q: What is CourtPath?

A: CourtPath is an internal case management platform that facilitates the consolidated upload and access of documents related to legal proceedings within the Federal Court of Australia.

Q: Why is the Federal Court migrating CourtPath to Azure?

A: The migration to Azure is intended to integrate advanced cloud-based AI services to improve the capabilities and efficiency of the system.

Q: What future initiatives are planned after this transition?

A: After the transition, plans include the redevelopment of the Commonwealth Courts Portal and the introduction of an AI-enabled record management solution by late 2025.

Q: How will the AI integration benefit the CourtPath system?

A: AI integration will enhance the system’s case management features, increase efficiency, and ensure compliance with record-keeping standards.

Gozney Introduces Dome Gen 2 and XL, Enhancing Australian Backyard Pizza Adventure

Nicholas Kinports on October 20, 2025

Quick Read

Gozney has introduced Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL Gen 2 in Australia.
Features notable enhancements in cooking space and technology.
Includes a state-of-the-art digital console for accurate temperature management.
Offers two sizes to meet diverse cooking requirements.
Hybrid-fuel ovens capable of utilizing wood, charcoal, and gas.
Constructed with commercial-quality insulation for resilience.
Accompanied by a selection of accessories to boost functionality.

Gozney Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL: A New Chapter in Outdoor Cooking

Gozney, a pioneer in the realm of outdoor pizza ovens, has revealed its newest products, the Dome Gen 2 and the larger Dome XL Gen 2, now accessible in Australia. Renowned for delivering restaurant-quality pizza to domestic kitchens, Gozney’s latest models are set to elevate backyard culinary experiences.

Gozney Dome (Gen 2)

The Gozney Dome Gen 2 provides an impressive 40% boost in cooking area compared to the previous version, enabling home cooks to bake two 10-inch pizzas or one 16-inch pizza at the same time. This additional space is perfect for family gatherings or intimate parties.

Gozney Dome XL (Gen 2)

The Dome XL Gen 2 is tailored for dedicated entertainers, featuring a remarkable 90% expansion in cooking area compared to the original Dome. With space for three 10-inch pizzas or an 18-inch pizza, it is capable of preparing entire meals, including steaks and veggies, all at once.

Features

Intelligent Cooking with Complete Control

The innovative digital console is a highlighted feature, supplying real-time temperature readings and regulation of the oven’s ambient air and stone floor. It includes a timer and connections for two meat probes, guaranteeing precise cooking.

Rolling Lateral Flame

Gozney’s signature lateral flame technology guarantees uniform heat distribution, ideal for achieving the perfect pizza crust.

One Oven, Three Fuels

The Dome series embraces hybrid-fuel cooking, giving users the option to choose among wood, charcoal, and gas. This versatility allows for a variety of culinary techniques with ease.

Constructed for Longevity

Featuring commercial-grade insulation and a serviceable component design, the Dome Gen 2 series is built for durability and flexibility, presenting a worthwhile investment for cooking aficionados.

Accessories and Setup

A diverse range of accessories complements the Gen 2 series, including the Dome Stand, Dome Mantel, Neapolitan Arch, and multiple peels and cutters, enhancing the overall cooking experience.

Price and Availability

The Gozney Dome Gen 2 is priced at A$2,999, while the Dome XL Gen 2 is listed at A$3,999. Both models can be ordered through the Gozney Australian website and select retailers.

Summary

Gozney’s Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL Gen 2 revolutionize the outdoor cooking scene in Australia with their advanced features, increased cooking capability, and adaptable fuel options. Ideal for both amateur and professional chefs, these ovens are designed for outstanding performance and longevity.

Q: What are the key differences between the Dome Gen 2 and Dome XL Gen 2?

A: The primary distinction is in cooking space. The Dome XL Gen 2 provides 90% more space compared to the original, while the Dome Gen 2 offers a 40% increase. This impacts the quantity of food that can be cooked at one time.

Q: In what manner does the digital console enhance cooking?

A: The digital console offers accurate temperature control and real-time displays, facilitating improved cooking outcomes. It also includes a timer and ports for meat probes to monitor multiple dishes.

Q: Am I able to use various fuels in the Dome ovens?

A: Absolutely, both models accommodate wood, charcoal, and gas, providing versatility for different cooking styles and preferences.

Q: Are the Dome ovens appropriate for professional usage?

A: While intended for home use, their construction quality and features make them suitable for semi-professional chefs seeking high-performance outdoor cooking appliances.

Q: Where can I find the Gozney Dome Gen 2 ovens for purchase?

A: They can be purchased through the Gozney Australian website and at select premium retailers throughout Australia.

Westpac Sets Ambitious Strategy for Broad AI Integration in Business Banking

Nicholas Kinports on October 17, 2025

Brief Overview

Westpac is incorporating AI throughout its business lending framework, enhancing credit evaluation and customer engagement.
The bank has joined forces with RDC.ai and AWS to create AI solutions, which include explainable credit evaluations.
AI is projected to simplify operations, diminish fraud, and enhance clarity for customers and regulators.
AI functionalities will be integrated into Westpac’s BizEdge tool to minimize documentation and refine lending processes.
Westpac seeks to harness AI to better utilize its extensive data assets for superior customer experiences.

Westpac’s AI Integration Journey

Westpac is committed to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) at every stage of its business lending operations. This project is part of a larger initiative to boost efficiency and clarity in credit evaluations and customer relations. The bank’s advancements build upon previous achievements in AI-driven credit assessments.

Westpac looks to broad AI integration within the business bank

(L-R) RDC.ai’s Gordon Campbell and Westpac’s Dr Martin Anderson.

Collaboration with RDC.ai and AWS

Westpac’s partnership with RDC.ai, previously recognized as Rich Data Co, initiated in 2021 and has broadened to include generative and agentic AI technologies. The bank highlighted this collaboration at the AWS financial services symposium in Sydney, showcasing how AI could revolutionize business banking activities beyond credit evaluation.

AI’s Contribution to Credit Evaluation

The inclusion of AI enables Westpac to render well-informed and transparent credit evaluations. By analyzing customer data, the bank can rationalize its choices and strategies in customer management, aiding in adherence to regulatory standards.

Enhancing Business Processes with AI

Westpac envisions an overhauled business lending process, utilizing AI to improve effectiveness and decision-making. AI is set to not only streamline credit evaluations but also enhance document handling, communication with customers, and risk management.

Maximizing Data Value

With extensive datasets at its command, Westpac intends to derive insights to refine customer experiences and decision-making. The collaboration with RDC.ai and AWS propels AI trials, unlocking data potential for competitive benefits.

AI in BizEdge and More

Westpac plans to embed AI in its BizEdge tool to cut down on loan application paperwork and elevate customer service. AI will support new bankers in navigating intricate policies and processes, ensuring they achieve high service standards.

Conclusion

Westpac is actively integrating AI into its business banking functions, aiming for comprehensive process optimization and enhanced customer interaction. Through collaborations with RDC.ai and AWS, the bank is poised to transform its lending approach, utilizing AI to extract data insights and streamline operations.

Q: What is the primary goal of Westpac’s AI integration?

A: The objective of Westpac is to enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision-making within its business lending operations through AI integration.

Q: Who are Westpac’s collaborators in AI development?

A: Westpac has established partnerships with RDC.ai and AWS to design and implement AI solutions within its business banking services.

Q: In what way will AI enhance Westpac’s credit evaluation process?

A: AI will empower Westpac to make knowledgeable and transparent credit decisions, ensuring compliance and improved customer management.

Q: What advantages does Westpac anticipate from AI in BizEdge?

A: AI in BizEdge is expected to decrease paperwork, streamline operations, and assist new bankers in navigating policies, thereby improving overall service delivery.