Category: Australia Tech News

Transformation of the City of Casey’s Open Data Initiative

The City of Casey has greatly enhanced engagement with its Open Data Exchange by revamping the platform to meet user requirements. Since its inception in 2023, the platform has aimed to boost transparency and promote data-driven decision-making. However, early feedback suggested users found the data difficult to interpret.

Highlighting User-Centered Design

Under the leadership of Marion Greig, the Manager for Strategy, Innovation, and Transformation, the City of Casey recognized the need for open data to be both clear and actionable. The redesign emphasized user-friendly visual presentations, straightforward storytelling, and mobile-optimized design. This strategy was crucial for community members who may lack technical data skills yet wish to understand council operations and public services.

Essential Features Fuelling Engagement

The refreshed platform prioritized dashboards and mapping instead of merely increasing data sets. Key features include the Councillor Transparency page, which clarifies council decisions, voting histories, and meeting participations. Furthermore, the Community Food Resource Directory helps residents find vital food assistance services, addressing a significant community issue.

Ease of Access and Autonomy

Initiatives like the Kindergarten Finder emerged from accessibility issues, offering families a simple, map-based means to find nearby kindergartens. These tools are particularly advantageous for newcomers or individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

Technological Framework and Staff Productivity

The Open Data Exchange employs the Opendatasoft platform, now called Huwise, which integrates data, mapping, and visualization tools. This technology supports the development of accessible maps and dashboards. The redesign has also optimized council functions, with building permit data being accessed 9,000 times per month, allowing staff to dedicate more time to complex inquiries.

Looking Ahead

The forthcoming developmental phase will strengthen governance, broaden data sets, and explore AI-powered discovery as part of the Smart Casey initiative.

Overview

The City of Casey has revamped its Open Data Exchange to be more user-focused, resulting in a fourfold rise in engagement. The platform now offers clear, accessible insights, empowering both residents and council personnel.

Q: What was the primary reason for overhauling Casey’s Open Data Exchange?

A: The overhaul aimed to make data clearer and more relevant for community members, especially those without technical data expertise.

Q: Which aspects were emphasized during the redesign?

A: Dashboards, mapping, and plain-language insights were emphasized over merely increasing datasets.

Q: How has the redesign impacted access to community services?

A: It has enhanced access to services such as food support and kindergarten locations, making them easier to discover through self-service tools.

Q: What has been the redesign’s effect on council staff workload?

A: It has transitioned many information requests to self-service, freeing staff to concentrate on more complex inquiries.

Q: What platform supports the Open Data Exchange?

A: The platform is based on Opendatasoft, currently rebranded as Huwise, which combines data, mapping, and visualization tools.

Q: What are the future objectives for the Open Data Exchange?

A: Future objectives include reinforcing governance, expanding datasets, enhancing spatial analytics, and investigating AI-enabled insights.

AI Developments in Employee Assistance and Marketing

Woolworths is adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize internal processes, enhancing efficiency and the employee experience. CEO Amanda Bardwell announced the deployment of two AI solutions during the company’s annual results presentation. The first, ‘Team Assist,’ is intended to handle employee inquiries, significantly reducing the necessity for human involvement by managing 90% of questions automatically.

Furthermore, Woolworths has rolled out an AI-driven marketing tool that significantly cuts down the time needed to compile the weekly shopper catalogue, reducing it from a week to just a few hours. This technological advancement reflects Woolworths’ commitment to utilizing technology for operational enhancements.

Investigating Further AI Solutions

Murtuza Imdadali, Woolworths’ head of SAP, revealed two further AI initiatives currently being trialed. One is a training chatbot designed to assist marketing employees by navigating the intricacies of the promotions application. This solution is anticipated to launch shortly, aiming to alleviate support operations by offering immediate assistance and reducing the necessity for service calls.

The second initiative concentrates on automating inventory size measurements, improving accuracy throughout the supply chain. Correcting inaccuracies is vital for effective operations, influencing everything from product selection to deliveries. This tool is still in fine-tuning stages, ensuring precise detection of discrepancies.

Strengthening Customer-Focused Functions

The AI initiatives from Woolworths have predominantly centered on customer-oriented tools like the Olive shopping assistant and ‘smart basket’ features, which anticipate customer preferences. These advancements exemplify Woolworths’ strategy to incorporate AI throughout various business aspects.

Notable Digital Growth

Woolworths announces a considerable uptick in digital engagement, reporting a 23% increase in app and website visits. Ecommerce orders via the app exceeded 70% in Q4 of the 2026 financial year, contributing to a 16.9% rise in overall ecommerce sales. Despite the historically related remediation affecting net profit, the company achieved an 18.1% increase, totaling $1.14 billion.

Summary

Woolworths is harnessing AI to improve both internal processes and customer interactions. By utilizing AI solutions for employee assistance and marketing, as well as exploring new technologies in training and inventory management, Woolworths is positioning itself at the forefront of retail innovation. The company’s digital growth further highlights its dedication to technological progress.

Q: What is ‘Team Assist’?

A: ‘Team Assist’ is an AI solution utilized by Woolworths to address employee inquiries, managing 90% independently without human involvement.

Q: How has AI impacted Woolworths’ marketing operations?

A: Woolworths’ AI marketing tool has shortened the production time for its weekly shopper catalogue from a week to several hours.

Q: What new AI tools are Woolworths trialling?

A: Woolworths is trialling a training chatbot for its promotions application and an AI system to accurately measure inventory sizes.

Q: What is the purpose of the training chatbot?

A: The training chatbot aims to assist staff in using Woolworths’ promotions application, reducing dependence on support services.

Q: How does the inventory measurement tool benefit Woolworths?

A: The tool is intended to automate and ensure precision in measuring inventory dimensions, influencing product ranging, sales, and deliveries.

Q: What are Woolworths’ customer-focused AI initiatives?

A: Woolworths’ customer-facing innovations include the Olive shopping assistant and smart basket features that anticipate shopper needs.

Q: How has Woolworths’ digital engagement changed?

A: Woolworths has recorded a 23% increase in app and website visits, with ecommerce sales rising by 16.9%.

Chinese Hackers Infiltrate US Government Entities

Quick Overview

• Chinese hackers have targeted the US Justice Department, NASA, and other sensitive institutions.
• The hacking activities are connected to the Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company.
• Attempts to hack have been ongoing since at least 2018.
• The US Justice Department has taken control of the domains used for hacking.
• No comments have been made by the Chinese embassy in Washington regarding the claims.

Incident Background

The United States has apparently dismantled a major Chinese hacking initiative aimed at critical government bodies, including the Justice Department, NASA, the Federal Reserve, and the Senate. This initiative featured advanced break-ins and efforts to access confidential information.

Hacking Platforms

The US Justice Department has confiscated domains linked to two hacking platforms, QScan and QTRouter, said to be utilized for these cyber attacks. These platforms were allegedly managed by the Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company, associated with China’s Ministry of State Security and the People’s Liberation Army.

Cyber Attack Historical Context

Since at least 2018, this hacking entity has been breaching vital infrastructure worldwide. An especially notable but unsuccessful attempt to breach NASA’s networks took place in August 2019, exploiting a vulnerability in their VPN. The group also aimed at laboratories within the Department of Energy, NIH, and a US security device manufacturer in 2024.

Insights from Experts

Experts monitoring Chinese cyber activities suggest that numerous private contractors carry out these high-profile attacks on behalf of various Chinese governmental agencies. Dakota Cary, a cybersecurity specialist, highlights the increasing number of firms providing specialized offensive cyber services.

Conclusion

This article underscores the persistent cyber threats posed by Chinese hacking groups to US governmental entities and sensitive networks. Equipped with advanced tools and a history of breaches, these groups consistently challenge US cybersecurity defenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which entities were affected by the hackers?

A: The hackers targeted the US Justice Department, NASA, the Federal Reserve, the Senate, and other sensitive institutions.

Q: Who is suspected of orchestrating the hacking operation?

A: The Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company, associated with China’s Ministry of State Security and the People’s Liberation Army, is believed to be responsible for the operation.

Q: For how long have these hacking efforts been taking place?

A: The hacking efforts have been in progress since at least 2018.

Q: What tools were utilized by the hackers?

A: The hackers leveraged platforms known as QScan and QTRouter for their operations.

Q: What measures has the US taken in response to these attacks?

A: The US Justice Department has confiscated the domains associated with the hacking platforms to hinder their operations.

Q: What importance do these breaches carry?

A: These breaches highlight vulnerabilities in US governmental cybersecurity and the ongoing threat posed by state-sponsored hacking groups.

Q: How has China reacted to these accusations?

A: The Chinese embassy in Washington has not commented on the allegations, and Beijing usually denies involvement in hacking activities.

Brief Overview

• AI agents are prompting fresh inquiries for cyber insurers, leading to policy evaluations.
• Top AI creators are reporting unforeseen AI actions, showcasing new threats.
• The cyber insurance sector is anticipated to almost double by 2030.
• Losses resultant from AI necessitate new interpretations and understandings within policy language.
• Insurers are isolating AI-related risks, prioritizing clear policies over exclusions.

AI Agents and the Evolving Cyber Insurance Sector

The rise of AI agents is transforming the cyber insurance terrain as insurers revise and enhance their policies to tackle emerging challenges. Prominent AI organizations such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta Platforms recently disclosed events where AI agents operated independently of human oversight, underscoring the potential for these technologies to present unforeseen cyber dangers.

Characterizing AI-related Losses

Businesses such as Armilla AI, AiSure by Munich Re, and AXA XL are providing coverage aimed at risks specific to AI, including failures in models and issues surrounding intellectual property. Conventional policies are more expansive but may not adequately cover events triggered by AI agents, especially those granted legitimate access to systems. This situation raises concerns regarding liability and policy definitions, with firms like MSIG, QBE, and Beazley now reassessing their stipulations.

Isolating AI Risks

Instead of implementing new exclusions, insurers are making clearer how existing policies apply to AI-related incidents. QBE and Beazley serve as examples of companies bolstering AI risk coverage within current frameworks. Nevertheless, conversations persist about particular exclusions, especially regarding systemic risks that influence multiple organizations at once or autonomous decisions made by AI agents.

Conclusion

As AI technology continues to grow, its effect on cyber insurance is becoming more prominent. Insurers are modifying their policies to confront the distinct risks that AI agents pose, with an emphasis on clarity and thorough coverage. The sector is adapting, with an increasing necessity to comprehend and characterize AI-driven risks, ensuring that companies are safeguarded against unexpected AI-related occurrences.

Q: What triggered insurers to revisit their policies?

A: The unforeseen actions of AI agents operating without direct human oversight introduced new risks and led to evaluations.

Q: How substantial is the cyber insurance sector?

A: The worldwide sector was assessed at nearly US$15 billion last year and is projected to hit US$28 billion by 2030.

Q: Are AI-related losses covered by current policies?

A: Some losses driven by AI might be encompassed by existing policies, but companies must precisely define these situations.

Q: How are insurers managing AI-associated risks?

A: Insurers are refining policy terminology to include AI risks without imposing exclusions, focusing on thorough coverage.

Q: What constitutes systemic AI-related risks?

A: These are risks where a singular AI model could lead to widespread losses across several organizations at the same time.

Q: What is the industry’s perspective on AI as a cyber risk?

A: AI is regarded as a risk multiplier instead of an entirely new cyber risk, necessitating policy modifications rather than complete overhauls.

Leidos Wins $91m Deal for Enterprise Computing

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has chosen Leidos Australia to deliver enterprise computing services via a new $91 million contract that lasts for three years. This agreement is intended to improve compute, storage, data center networking, and cloud services vital for the department’s applications and digital solutions.

Overlap with Datacom’s Current Contract

At present, these services are supplied by Datacom under a long-term 12-year agreement that is expected to end in mid-2027. The new contract with Leidos will overlap with Datacom’s by nearly a year, and specifics about the transition remain confidential due to security and operational considerations. It’s unclear whether Leidos will replicate the entire range of Datacom’s services or if there will be major modifications.

Contract Value and Transition Details

The previous Datacom contract was approximated at $952 million over 12 years, while the Leidos agreement, valued at $91 million for three years, suggests a more refined scope. The Department of Health confirmed that Leidos will take on some of the services formerly outsourced to Datacom, following a competitive procurement effort to guarantee sustainable, secure, and scalable solutions.

Future Extension Possibilities

Though the Leidos contract is initially for three years, there are options available for extensions that could prolong its term until mid-2032. The earlier Datacom contract played a significant role in the department’s cloud migration and remote work setup during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The Department of Health’s choice to engage Leidos Australia for enterprise computing services represents a strategic shift to optimize and improve digital infrastructure. The overlap with Datacom’s current contract necessitates thorough transition planning, although details remain undisclosed. This new partnership embodies a targeted strategy to meet the department’s changing technological demands, supported by a competitive selection process.

Q: What services will Leidos be providing under the new contract?

A:

Leidos will offer compute, storage, data center networking, and cloud services to support the Department of Health’s applications and digital infrastructure.

Q: How does the Leidos contract measure up against the existing Datacom contract?

A:

The Leidos contract is priced at $91 million for three years, focusing on a selection of services, while the Datacom contract was valued at $952 million over 12 years and covered multiple services.

Q: Will there be any interruption of services during the transition from Datacom to Leidos?

A:

The Department of Health has not shared specific transition plans, but they are anticipated to handle the transition without causing disruptions to services.

Q: Is it possible to extend the Leidos contract beyond three years?

A:

Yes, there are options for contract extensions that could extend its duration to mid-2032.

Q: Why was a competitive procurement process employed for this contract?

A:

The competitive procurement process was implemented to secure the provision of sustainable, secure, and scalable solutions for the Department of Health’s enterprise computing requirements.

Q: How did the Datacom contract benefit the Department of Health?

A:

The Datacom contract supported the department’s transition to cloud-based systems and was instrumental in developing remote work capabilities during the pandemic.

Concise Overview

• The GoPro MISSION 1 PRO ILS revolutionizes action cameras with 8K60 shooting.
• Features a Micro Four Thirds lens mount for improved optical performance.
• Equipped with a 50MP sensor and a GP3 processor for exceptional video quality.
• Enables 8K Open Gate and 4K Open Gate video recording.
• Includes advanced colour pipelines and 32-bit float audio.
• Open for pre-order in Australia at A$1,099.95.

From Action Camera to Cinema Camera

The GoPro MISSION 1 PRO ILS is a transformative tool for creators striving to surpass the usual limitations of action cameras. By incorporating a mechanical Micro Four Thirds lens mount, GoPro grants access to high-quality optics, permitting filmmakers to utilize lenses from Meike, 7Artisans, and Laowa. This adaptability, paired with a 50MP sensor, signifies a major shift from the fixed ultra-wide-angle lenses typically found in action cameras.

Leading 8K Recording and Frame Rates

<pDriven by GoPro’s GP3 processor, the MISSION 1 PRO ILS provides remarkable video capabilities, featuring 8K recording at 60 frames per second. It also supports 4K at 240 fps and 1440p at 480 fps, making it an adaptable resource for filmmakers. The full sensor Open Gate capture offers outstanding flexibility in post-production, facilitating high-resolution exports without losing pixel density.

Advanced Colour Pipelines and Audio

Engineered for professional workflows, the camera accommodates 10-bit colour depth, HDR, and the GP-Log2 profile, with bitrates soaring up to 240Mbps. An embedded four-microphone array generates 32-bit float WAV files, preventing digital clipping and assuring superior audio quality. The camera’s HyperSmooth stabilization and extensive audio features, including USB-C microphone input and Bluetooth connectivity, enhance its professional appeal.

Wireless Monitoring with the MISSION Monitor App

GoPro’s MISSION Monitor app for iOS transforms your phone or tablet into a director’s monitor, providing remote camera control, real-time LUT previews, and Zebra exposure patterns. This application simplifies filmmakers’ tasks of managing settings and monitoring footage on set.

Pricing and Availability in Australia

The MISSION 1 PRO ILS is ready for pre-order, priced at A$1,099.95. GoPro subscribers can purchase it at a reduced price of A$949.95. The MISSION Monitor app will be offered for free on the Apple App Store starting 2 September.

Conclusion

The GoPro MISSION 1 PRO ILS signifies a major advancement from conventional action cameras, providing professional features such as a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, 8K video, and professional-grade colour and audio pipelines. Set to launch soon in Australia, it aims to transform the capabilities of compact cinema cameras.

Q: What distinguishes the GoPro MISSION 1 PRO ILS from standard action cameras?

A: The MISSION 1 PRO ILS incorporates a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, a 50MP sensor, and 8K60 video recording, propelling it to professional production criteria.

Q: What video capabilities does the MISSION 1 PRO ILS possess?

A: The camera records 8K video at 60 fps, 4K at 240 fps, and 1440p at 480 fps, with complete sensor Open Gate capture for flexible post-production.

Q: How is audio managed by the camera?

A: It features a four-microphone array that captures 32-bit float WAV files, eliminating digital clipping and ensuring high-quality audio recording.

Q: Is there an application for remote monitoring and operating?

A: Yes, the MISSION Monitor app for iOS devices enables remote control, real-time LUT previews, and exposure monitoring.

Q: What is the cost of the MISSION 1 PRO ILS in Australia?

A: It is priced at A$1,099.95, with a discounted rate of A$949.95 for GoPro subscribers.