Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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JBL Wave Buds 2, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Active Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient, 4 mics for Crisp, Clear Calls, Water and dust Resistant, Black
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Recently, Services Australia has been assigned the responsibility of recording the business rules of its longstanding Income Security Integrated System (ISIS) after a federal audit uncovered notable overpayments due to an unresolved IT system flaw. This flaw, which emerged in 2010, led to $19.8 million in overpayments regarding aged pension benefits.
The audit pointed out that the flaw went unchecked for a decade because of the system’s highly automated environment. Employees were advised to place their trust in the system’s calculations, receiving limited training on manual verification techniques. This reliance on automated processes without adequate oversight resulted in the prolonged problem.
Considering the age and intricacy of the mainframe-based ISIS, the documentation concerning the business rules was found insufficient. In 2024, Services Australia recognized the lack of such documentation, which is vital for precise pension computations and risk evaluations.
The federal auditor suggested documenting the existing business rules within ISIS, a proposal that Services Australia has consented to execute. This move is crucial for guaranteeing accurate and uniform processing of aged pension claims.
A decade prior, a substitute for the ISIS system was contemplated. Although segments of the system were updated via the welfare payments infrastructure transformation (WPIT), completed in mid-2022, ISIS continues to function. The intricacy of replacing such a deeply embedded system presents persistent challenges.
Services Australia is embarking on a significant effort to document the business rules of its aging ISIS system. This initiative follows the discovery of a major overpayment issue stemming from reliance on automated calculations. While some modernisation efforts have occurred, the core system is still operational, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive documentation and oversight.
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pocobob SP Sports Headphones with Ear Hooks, Bluetooth 5.0 in-Ear, Microphone, Touch, IPX7 Waterproof, 30h Battery, USB-C – Wireless Earbuds for Fitness, Jogging, Training & Outdoor (Beige)
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Woolworths Group has strategically selected Jon Alferness, a digital commerce specialist, to serve as a non-executive board member. This strategy aims to fill the technology leadership void left by Tracey Fellows, the previous chief executive of Microsoft Australia.
With two decades of expertise in digital product management, Alferness has occupied key positions at leading technology firms including Pinterest, Google, Lyft, and Varo Bank. His recent role as Walmart’s chief product officer and governance board member of a San Francisco food insecurity non-profit aligns closely with the aims of Woolworths.
Scott Perkins, chairman of Woolworths Group, highlighted Alferness’ mission to guide the organization toward a digitally-oriented future in consumer food marketing. His skills in digital, media, and ecommerce will be pivotal to Woolworths’ ongoing strategic evolution.
The exit of Tracey Fellows creates a significant experience deficit that Alferness is set to address. Fellows’ prominent career featured critical roles at Microsoft Australia, Australia Post, and REA Group. Her contributions established a high benchmark for the new director.
Alferness’ appointment will undergo confirmation at Woolworths Group’s annual general meeting in 2026, marking an essential milestone in the company’s strategic digital evolution.
Woolworths Group is fortifying its board through the hiring of Jon Alferness, introducing vital digital knowledge. As the corporation adapts to a shifting market, Alferness’ experience with leading tech companies will be crucial in steering through the transforming environment of digital consumer engagement.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds Core True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Secure Fit with Wingtip, Easy Pairing, Auto Switch, Touch Control, Black (UAE Version)
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CMF by Nothing Buds Wireless Earbuds Light Grey, with 42dB ANC, Transparency Mode, Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, HD Audio by Dirac, IP54 Dust and Water Resistance and Dual Device Connection
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has faced a considerable upsurge in its VMware licensing expenses, with a new three-year contract totaling $12.2 million. This constitutes a significant jump from the earlier $4.9 million contract arranged through Kirra Services. The rising costs align with wider trends affecting federal bodies in Australia, triggered by modifications in VMware’s commercial and licensing framework.
The transition of VMware to a subscription-based licensing framework has been a crucial element in the rising costs. After its acquisition by Broadcom, VMware declared that it would phase out perpetual licenses, entirely embracing subscription services. This alteration has left numerous organisations, including BOM, dealing with elevated expenses despite constant consumption trends.
Although several Australian organisations have contemplated alternative virtualisation solutions, the shift away from VMware is frequently intricate. The software is deeply woven into numerous IT frameworks, rendering migration complex and potentially disruptive. This intricacy serves as a deterrent for organisations like BOM, which may find it impractical to transition before the expiration of their current licenses.
The Bureau of Meteorology is not the sole entity experiencing these rising costs. The Australian Defence Department has similarly reported a notable increase in its VMware licensing expenditures, escalating from $82 million to $178 million. Despite attempts to streamline consumption, the move to a subscription model has considerably increased expenses.
Government entities in Australia, including the Bureau of Meteorology, are enduring climbing VMware licensing costs due to a shift to subscription models. This transition, instigated by VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom, has resulted in significant financial repercussions for organisations that heavily depend on virtualisation software. The difficulties of shifting to alternative solutions leave many entities absorbing these increased costs.
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In a scenario highlighting the effects of extreme climate on contemporary infrastructure, Victoria has established a new peak for electricity demand, surpassing a 17-year-old record. An unyielding heatwave has escalated energy use to extraordinary heights as residents depend increasingly on air conditioning to manage rising temperatures.
The previous maximum energy demand was noted during the heatwave of January 2009. With a growing population and heightened dependence on electric cooling systems, this record has now been exceeded. The surge in demand is due to residents returning home in the afternoon and activating air conditioning units, straining the grid to its maximum capacity.
Despite the grid managing to hold up under tremendous pressure, the extreme heat has triggered considerable unplanned power outages. More than 35,000 customers are currently experiencing power cuts, especially in the eastern and western suburbs and regional Victoria. Key areas like Werribee and Geelong are particularly impacted.
The extreme heat combined with electrical demand has resulted in physical stress on the infrastructure, leading to overheating transformers and poles. Recovery crews are working around the clock to restore power, but some residents might remain without electricity until the early hours.
As Victoria moves forward with its energy strategy, the State Electricity Commission (SEC) is concentrating on improving grid resilience. Renewable sources such as solar and wind are fundamental during daylight hours, but challenges continue in managing peak demand in the evening. A higher uptake of household batteries and virtual power plants is expected to ease some of the load on the grid.
For those facing outages, it is recommended to consult official outage maps for the latest updates. Keeping fridge and freezer doors shut helps maintain food freshness. It’s also wise to check on neighbours who may be vulnerable without air conditioning.
Even though the peak demand has passed, elevated temperatures are projected to continue, sustaining strain on the grid. Authorities encourage residents to utilize energy judiciously without jeopardizing their health, such as by keeping blinds closed during the day to minimize heat entry.
Victoria has set a new record for electricity demand, breaking a 17-year milestone amid a severe heatwave, leading to widespread outages and stressing energy infrastructure. While renewable energy plays an essential role, the state still faces hurdles in managing peak demand. Residents are advised to consume energy thoughtfully as high temperatures persist.
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The Singapore government has unveiled a major investment exceeding S$1 billion ($1.14 billion) in public AI research, aimed to be executed by 2030. This program seeks to enhance the country’s capabilities and competitiveness on a global scale within the rapidly progressing AI domain.
The Ministry of Digital Development and Information has specified key focus areas, such as the creation of responsible and resource-efficient AI technologies. The investment will also concentrate on developing AI talent from pre-university levels to academic faculty roles. This holistic strategy ensures a continuous flow of skilled individuals ready to advance AI innovation.
A portion of the funding has been set aside for enhancing capabilities that facilitate AI adoption and application across a variety of sectors. This strategic initiative aims to boost the practical use of AI, promoting economic growth and technological development within Singapore’s industrial arena.
In 2024, Singapore earmarked S$500 million ($569 million) for high-performance computing facilities, providing crucial infrastructure for AI growth in both public and private sectors. This funding demonstrates the nation’s dedication to sustaining a robust and enabling environment for AI advancement.
AI Singapore, a national program focused on creating advanced AI capabilities, has received significant funding of over S$500 million. In 2023, AI Singapore researchers launched an open-source large language model called the Southeast Asian Languages in One Network (Sea-Lion), supported by S$70 million in funding. The model has been effectively adopted by companies, including GoTo from Indonesia.
In October 2025, an improved version of Sea-Lion was released, featuring enhancements in languages such as Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Malay, Tamil, Thai, and Vietnamese. These developments underline Singapore’s commitment to fostering AI accessibility and innovation in the region.
Singapore’s substantial investment in AI research highlights its strategic commitment to evolving cutting-edge technologies and developing talent. With a strong focus on responsible AI, industrial application, and solid infrastructure, the country is well-positioned to enhance its global competitiveness and stimulate innovation across Southeast Asia.
