Written by Sophie Babic

Political debates and policy shifts

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen has resigned following her use of a ministerial driver for a private “long lunch” in the Hunter Valley over the recent long weekend. In response, Minns signalled potential changes to ministerial driver rules.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to cut “wasteful” government spending if elected, but has yet to reveal details. Labor has pushed back, warning that the Coalition’s plan to reduce the public service could delay essential payments, like pensions.

In tech policy, a government review led by Delia Rickard has recommended that tech platforms take legal responsibility for preventing harmful content. While the government supports a duty of care, it remains undecided on proposed penalties and has no plans to legislate before the federal election. 

Meta faces increasing scrutiny 

Meta is once again under fire, accused of “shadow-banning” U.S. non-profits that provide medication abortion. Groups like Aid Access have responded by operating in all 50 states under ‘shield laws’, which protect providers in states with abortion bans. Meta claims enforcement was largely accurate but admits some posts were mistakenly blurred due to over-enforcement and a technical glitch. 

 Meanwhile, Meta has been ordered to pay USD $25 million to settle a lawsuit over its ban on Donald Trump. The company suspended his accounts in 2021 but later lifted the ban after two years. Following Trump’s election in November, Meta later donated $1 million to his inauguration fund, signalling a possible shift in their strained relationship. 

On the tech front, Meta defended its $65 billion AI investment after Chinese AI app DeepSeek’s rapid rise sent shockwaves through the market. 

MECCA’s ‘50-cent face’ sparks debate 

Australian influencer Jill Clark has called out MECCA’s 50-Cent Face campaign in a viral video,, questioning whether the suggested usage amounts were realistic. Launched last November, the campaign positions the retailer’s makeup products as offering great cost-per-wear value. Clark has pointed out that some products might expire before their full claimed usage.

While MECCA’s value-focused message makes sense in today’s cost-conscious world, beauty lovers appreciate transparency. Making sure claims hold up in real-world use can go a long way in building and maintaining trust.  

A win for women 

In more positive news, women dominated the Grammys this year, with Beyoncé finally winning Album of the Year for the first time. Rising star, Chappell Roan, a firm favourite in the IMPACT office, took Best New Artist and used her speech to call out the industry, saying she felt “betrayed by the system” after being dropped from a record deal she signed as a minor. It was a bold moment of accountability. Meanwhile, Doechii made history, winning Best Rap Album and highlighting that since the category’s 1989 debut, only two women, Lauryn Hill and Cardi B, had won before her.