From Australia: The latest in tech and innovation
In recent news, we see increased efforts from the Government to attract and retain girls in STEM, the first Big Four bank has been named a CDR data recipient, and big tech companies advise on R&D tax incentives.
STEM pipeline proving hard to build
Millions of dollars have been dedicated to attracting more young women into the pipeline of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)—as well as retaining female representation in these fields. And while figures from the 2016 census showed this has been a fruitless task, the government is determined to change this.
CBA becomes first Big Four data recipient under CDR
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has recently become one of eight data recipients to receive sign off under the Consumer Data Right scheme. Under the scheme, CBA will be able to receive relevant consumer data from an accredited data holder and use it to provide enhanced products and services.
13 Australian tech firms jointly approach ATO to ‘workshop’ R&D tax incentive
Some of Australia’s largest tech firms have attempted to provide recommendations on where software development should fall within the eligibility criteria of the R&D tax incentive (R&DTI). A letter signed by 13 CEOs and founders of Australian tech firms was sent to the commissioner of taxation Chris Jordan last Friday morning in an attempt to improve the understanding of software innovation within the tax office.
Miners’ passwords found for sale on the dark web
According to Israeli intelligence company KELA, more than 90,000 login details linked to employees of Australia’s top mining companies have been found for sale on dark web marketplaces. Threats such as this have the potential to expose mining company systems to ransomware, which could significantly disrupt processes and prevent mining companies from continuing operations until a ransom is paid.
CleanTech sector welcomes NSW emissions push
The NSW Government has revealed a $750 million program aimed at reducing the state’s emissions by promoting low emission technology and low carbon industries. The program represents a key step toward the state’s commitment of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with a short-term goal of a 35 per cent reduction by 2030.