Written by Kotori Tayama-Gannon

Closing the gap between AI followers and leaders 

A recent Gartner CEO Survey, featured in HR Leader, reveals that while 77 per cent of the c-suite expect AI to be the biggest industry influence over the next three years, only a small number of Chief HR Officers feel their current technology supports business goals effectively. Many cite facing challenges, like limited budgets, past adoption issues, and exclusion from key strategic discussions.  

Despite this, HR leaders are eager to engage with AI and digital initiatives. Gartner identifies three key profiles and the opportunities for each to grow their digital impact. By fostering curiosity, self-awareness, and cross-team collaboration, HR leaders can increase their influence and lead meaningful AI-driven transformation. 

Gartner is an IMPACT client.   

Australia introduces world-first AI chatbot safety reforms 

Australia has introduced world-first reforms to regulate AI chatbots and online platforms, aimed at protecting children from harmful, sexual, and violent content. 

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has registered six new industry codes under the Online Safety Act. These apply to AI chatbots, social media platforms, app stores, and tech manufacturers, requiring them to use age assurance tools to restrict underage access to harmful content. 

The reforms follow reports that 10 and 11-year-olds are spending up to six hours a day on AI companions, with some students using the software to create pornographic images of classmates. This comes as the ban on social media access for under 16s is due to begin on 10 December. 

The Good Guys land in court for misleading consumers 

The Federal Court has fined electronics retailer, The Good Guys, $13.5 million for misleading promotional conduct between July 2019 and August 2023. The ACCC brought the legal action in 2024, after the retailer failed to properly disclose the short expiry periods against 116 in store credit promotions. 

In many cases, customers could only receive the credit if they opted into marketing emails, a condition not made clear in advertising. The ACCC said these offers may have influenced customers to buy from The Good Guys over competitors, potentially affecting purchasing decisions. 

In addition to the fine, the Court has ordered the retailer to compensate affected customers by reissuing store credits with longer expiry dates. 

Queensland Government criticised over wind farm plans 

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has condemned the Queensland Government’s recent decisions to block major wind farm projects, calling them “shortsighted” and damaging to Australia’s clean energy goals. 

Premier David Crisafulli passed legislation allowing local communities to veto renewable energy projects in state forests, leading to the cancellation of a wind farm in Gympie, which was set to power 500,000 homes. A separate $1 billion wind farm in Central Queensland was also rejected earlier this year.

Speaking at the Smart Energy Queensland Conference, Watt said these decisions undermine both economic growth and Australia’s net-zero commitments. He announced plans to reform federal environmental laws to streamline approvals, help fast-track clean energy projects, and protect ecosystems. 

Keys to Murdoch dynasty secured 

Lachlan Murdoch has been confirmed as the successor of the Murdoch media empire after a $5 billion buyout deal, ending years of family dispute over who would sit at the helm of News Corp and Fox Corp. 

The legal battle concluded with Lachlan gaining control over the family trust’s voting rights until 2050. His half-sisters Grace and Chloe retain financial interests, while siblings Prudence, Elisabeth, and James are now permanently removed from the trust and barred from repurchasing shares.  

Each sibling will receive about $1.7 billion as compensation, funded by the sale of millions of shares from both companies. Had Rupert died before 2030, the original trust would have given all four eldest siblings equal voting rights – potentially allowing them to remove Lachlan.