Optus outage brings investigations  

Optus has revealed the cause of the recent nationwide outage that affected 10.2 million Australians and 400,000 businesses. In a statement released on Monday, Optus said its network was affected by a routine software outage.  

Many have criticised the major telecommunications company’s disaster recovery plan and the lack of communication with its customers.  

Optus is now facing several investigations, including a Senate inquiry that will hold its first public hearings on Friday. CEO, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin has confirmed her attendance.  

Independent MPs take aim at political lies and lobbyists 

Independent MP Monique Ryan has introduced a private member’s bill designed to limit undue influence on policymakers. The legislation would seek to regulate and register lobbyists and put in place a code of conduct, with the intention to increase transparency and integrity within government.  

Fellow Independent MP, Zali Steggall, has introduced a bill that would try to prevent lies in political advertising. The legislation would fill a gap in Australia’s current electoral law by amending the Commonwealth Electoral Act to prohibit misleading and deceptive political advertising.  

Media groups adapt to evolving landscape 

News Corp has launched a review of its structure, despite the media group’s better-than-expected September quarter results announcement. The board and management have alluded to simplifying the group since its split from Twenty-First Century Fox over a decade ago. Although digital subscriptions have increased, the media giant wants to be less dependent on advertising as a revenue stream.  

In other media news, Network 10 has axed its morning show, Studio 10, after a decade of low ratings, budget cuts, and changes to its lineup. The network attributed the decision to changes in daytime television viewing habits. The final episode will air on Friday, 22 December.  

Australia’s GOATs clear the way for success 

The Matildas have secured a record pay deal, making them some of the highest paid female athletes in the country. The new collective bargaining agreement brings the Matildas’ salary and conditions in line with their male counterparts, the Socceroos. In addition to the increase, both teams will also receive parental benefits and allowances for children up to age four at camps when travelling to matches.  

Queensland Rail (QR) has added actual goats to their fleet to tame overgrown weeds and grass near railway lines that pose a fire risk. In a trial run, 15 goats were given a deadline of eight to 12 weeks to finish the task, which they achieved in a third of the time! While the goats are not suitable for mowing every part of the QR network, they are great for hard-to-reach terrain and permanently reducing vegetation, allowing for native flora to be planted.