Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Razer Hammerhead True Wireless Earbuds, Mercury
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Beyond Bank is undergoing a notable leadership change as Stevie-Ann Dovico, who held the Chief Information Officer (CIO) position, resigns after a fruitful two-year period. Her exit signifies a realignment in the bank’s strategic approach, entailing the creation of a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) position to supplant the traditional CIO role.
CEO David Marshall declared that the hiring process for the CTO role is currently active, with applicants being considered from both the existing workforce and outside. Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer Wendy Den Hartog will temporarily manage the technology sector.
Dovico’s period at Beyond Bank resulted in notable enhancements in the organization’s technology strategy. Her leadership was crucial in advancing the bank’s technology infrastructure and optimizing its data usage strategies. With her direction, Beyond Bank fortified its cybersecurity capabilities and aided essential service provision teams.
Dovico’s achievements were acknowledged as she was honored as the finance technology leader of the year at the 2026 TechBest Benchmark Awards. Beyond Bank itself was recognized as a finalist in the 2026 awards for its innovative contributions towards an enterprise knowledge and change management system.
The exit of Stevie-Ann Dovico from her CIO role at Beyond Bank signifies a strategic transformation with the introduction of a CTO position. Her leadership facilitated considerable technological advancements and recognition throughout her service. The bank is now concentrating on appointing a CTO to sustain this momentum.
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Kinglucky ClipFree Open-Ear Headphones, Jewelry-Inspired Ear-Cuff Design, Stylish & Comfortable Clip-On Fit, Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Earbuds for Women, Long Battery Life, Great for Gifting, Rose Gold
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The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has conducted negotiations for whole-of-government technology contracts without input from large federal bodies, such as the Defence and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This exclusion has sparked worries about the efficacy of these contracts, with some agencies believing they might secure superior deals independently.
Although the DTA claims an estimated $1.6 billion in cost avoidance over a five-year span, the real savings are challenging to measure. The lack of transparency and the absence of key stakeholders in negotiations have been pointed out as major concerns.
Agencies have voiced their need for more straightforward and transparent contracts. The prevailing complexity complicates the assessment of deal value for purchasers. The report advises that negotiations should encompass the entire lifecycle of technology, including continuous support and upgrades.
The report proposes several enhancements, such as incorporating new vendors like Google and Adobe into contracts and including emerging technologies. It also recommends introducing standardized cybersecurity clauses and clarifying sovereign hosting requirements.
The DTA’s current strategy regarding government technology contracts has faced backlash for sidelining major purchasers from negotiations, prompting calls for increased inclusion and transparency. While cost avoidance has been recorded, the real value of these contracts remains uncertain. The report delineates several recommendations for enhancement, seeking to improve the effectiveness and transparency of future initiatives.
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Aptkdoe Bluetooth Headphones Sports Headphones Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 with ENC Microphone, 75 Hours HiFi Stereo Bluetooth Headphones in Ear, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones with Ear Hooks for iOS Android,
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Sydney’s Blacktown City Council is leading a trailblazing project utilizing artificial intelligence to streamline the development application process, particularly for individual residents. The AI tool, known as DAISY, was created to simplify and speed up the often intricate planning application procedure.
DAISY is designed to help residents with inquiries related to property planning regulations, the type of application needed, and essential documentation. It targets low-density residential developments, such as home modifications or secondary dwellings, and utilizes local and state planning directives for direction.
Since its initial availability in January, DAISY has been actively interacting with the community, answering over 450 inquiries weekly and facilitating more than 60 development applications. While the feedback thus far is encouraging, Blacktown City Council is concentrating on initial data to evaluate DAISY’s effect.
The AI tool is the result of cooperation between Sydney-based Gadali and Enterprise AI/Adaptovate. Gadali played a critical role in connecting DAISY with various data sources, such as flood mapping and the NSW Planning Portal. The AI operates securely on Microsoft’s Azure cloud, ensuring that no data is used for training third-party models.
The initiative received a $190,000 grant from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure’s Artificial Intelligence in NSW Planning – Council Early Adopter Grant Program. As the trial unfolds, the council remains hopeful about DAISY’s ability to revolutionize local planning processes.
Blacktown City Council’s AI endeavor with DAISY signifies a noteworthy advancement in modernizing development applications. Although still in its nascent stages, the project exhibits potential for minimizing delays and simplifying procedures for residents.
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Edifier TWS330 NB Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation Bluetooth 5.0 Earphones Earbuds – Microphone, AI Call Noise Technology, Touch Control, 20hr Playback, Dust/Water Resistance
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Bluetooth Headphones Sports Headphones Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 with 4 ENC Mic, 128H Playtime Wireless Headphones, Deep Bass Earbuds IP7 Waterproof Earphones LED Display USB-C Touch Control with Ear
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JBL Tune Beam 2 Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Headphones with Noise Cancelling, 48 Hours Playback Time, IP54 Water and Dust Proof, Multipoint Connection, Ergonomic Design, Ghost Black
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The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) is on the lookout for a digital governance and risk specialist to guide the newly formed whole-of-government AI oversight committee. This move responds to Labor’s pledge to strengthen AI governance within the public sector.
Overall, the DTA is aiming to fill eight vacancies to enhance its capabilities in AI policy formulation, data analysis, and training. This includes a senior AI policy officer who will assist in developing a framework to support the committee’s endeavors. The other positions will revolve around various AI-related competencies like data analysis, education, training, and strategic communications.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher revealed the oversight committee plan as a component of the government’s approach to ensuring secure AI implementation in the public service. The committee will target high-risk AI applications, with the intent of realizing notable productivity enhancements.
Home Affairs is amplifying efforts to devise security frameworks for utilizing generative AI with sensitive government data. This action is essential as AI begins managing increasingly sensitive information in governmental operations.
Although the government has not specified the committee’s structure, it is anticipated that candidates will be sourced from within the public service. Further information regarding the board’s composition is expected to be forthcoming.
The DTA’s initiative to create a federal AI oversight committee signifies a crucial advancement in AI governance within Australia’s public sector. By filling key roles, the agency seeks to ensure that AI technologies are adopted securely and efficiently, keeping up with private sector developments.
