A house of cards

Good morning AusCorp. It’s crazy to think we are just about in November and there are only a couple of months until Christmas and the end of 2024!

As an update, TAC x HH Jackets have been shipped for customisation! Keep your eyes peeled for those jackets hitting the streets. Separately, Flat White has finally hit over 10,000 readers so thank you for all your support these crazy couple of years.

Every morning at 8AM, we’ll send you an email with everything you need to know across Australian business, global and company news in a 2-minute read.

💡 Brain’s Trust

1. The kid from public housing

A mere fortnight ago we mentioned how Qantas might have enjoyed some reprieve as Coles and Woolworths were thrust into the wrongdoing spotlight. However just like an NRL player post season, they’re back in the spotlight, and not necessarily for the right reasons. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s parents may not be clipping his recent front-page appearances for the scrapbook. It’s been a rough few weeks for the Australian Prime Minister, following his property portfolio expansion and his overly close relationship with former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.

Albanese’s lifestyle upgrade—purchasing a $4.3 million oceanfront home—hasn’t sat well with many voters who are struggling with cost-of-living pressures. While there’s no doubt Albanese has worked hard for his money, and there are suburbs in Australia with median house prices above $4.3 million, it still feels a bit like a friend booking a holiday while owing you rent money—not quite right. To top it off, he used the narrative of being “the kid from public housing,” claiming he understands hard times, which surely the summer PR intern could have advised wasn’t the best line to use right now.

Just a week after this property purchase, Albanese was back on the front page, facing questions about his relationship with Qantas. It was revealed that he would message former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce for personal and official upgrades on Qantas flights. Albanese claims everything was declared, but recent government decisions, like the rejection of Qatar Airways’ request to expand flights into Australia, once again look questionable.

For Albanese, this moment has been dubbed his “Hawaii moment,” echoing Scott Morrison’s infamous holiday during Australia’s bushfire crisis. With an election looming, any more PR missteps could leave him with plenty of time to enjoy that beachfront home or a first-class flight to Hawaii, without needing to book time off.

2. A Current Affair

Nine Entertainment has been making its own news headlines although none that they will be proud of. The company is facing serious scrutiny after an independent review uncovered widespread issues of workplace harassment, bullying and abuse of power across its divisions. While Nine was producing shows such as 60 Minutes and A Current Affair, snooping into other peoples faults, nearly half of Nine’s staff reported witnessing or experiencing misconduct from within the network.

Staff shared stories of being sidelined for speaking up, with some describing managers who allegedly assigned roles based on “f---ability” ratings. One employee recounted a time they were “put on ice” and sent to "Punishment Island" for daring to challenge management. In the broadcast division, 66% of staff reported bullying, and 32% said they had experienced sexual harassment.

In a move to address the findings, Nine’s board has accepted all 22 recommendations from the report. Matt Stanton, Nine’s interim CEO, has promised change, transparency and “cultural reform” which feels like the bare minimum requirement for one of Australia’s biggest TV networks.

3. House of Cards

This year, the US election has brought storylines that feel more suited to House of Cards or The West Wing than real life. With less than a week to go, new headlines emerged this week after a Donald Trump rally, where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe took aim at Puerto Ricans, referring to Puerto Rico as “a floating pile of garbage.” Following the event, the Republican Party quickly tried to distance itself from the comment, aware that one million Puerto Ricans live in key swing states. However, unlike an outdated remark from your grandparents, someone in the GOP approved this speech, leaving them in full damage control.

These comments are the latest in an increasingly personal and polarising election season. Kamala Harris recently labelled Trump a “fascist,” while Trump has retaliated with terms like “mentally impaired” and allowed his surrogates to call her the “antichrist.” Democrats are betting these recent controversies will sway undecided voters in their favour, though some argue that anyone still undecided has likely already heard worse, and the impact may be minimal.

At this stage, anything could happen—even the notoriously unreliable polls are still uncertain. Adding to the drama, ballot boxes in Washington State have been set on fire, destroying votes already cast. Whichever way it lands, the rollercoaster is nearly over, or for about 50% of the population, it’s just beginning.

 🗞️ Workplace Watch

1. Australians send and receive 8.1 billion emails a day, 10th in the world - with most of them a waste of time. LINK

2. 12 EY UK staff have been fired for streaming multiple zoom training sessions at the same time. LINK

3. The Australian National University is requesting staff to voluntarily forgo a pay rise, to help cut costs due to a decline in foreign student revenue. LINK

4. Amazon AWS CEO stated that employees who oppose the new 5-day-per-week in-office policy, which is supported by 90% of those he has spoken with, are welcome to leave the company. LINK

5. CBA has warned staff that failure to meet the requirement of working at least 50% of their time in the office could result in reduced bonus payments and a formal warning. LINK

6. As CEOs increasingly push for a return to in-office work, there is a new divide between executive preferences and research findings on hybrid work models. LINK

7. Having numerous browser tabs open may indicate a multifaceted intellect, as research suggests that such individuals are perceived as more attractive and likelier to achieve notable accolades. LINK

8. This year’s most despised corporate jargon includes phrases like "ducks in a row" and "low-hanging fruit". LINK

 🗞️ On Your Minds

🇦🇺 TOP AUSTRALIAN NEWS RECAP

1. An IT professional tried to claim $11,420 in tax deductions for chores performed by his wife, bandaids and his council rubbish bin. LINK

2. Small businesses are imposing excessive debit and credit card surcharges on customers to accumulate Qantas Frequent Flyer points. LINK

3. The finance sector is on track for its worst year since 2017, with nearly 30,000 job losses due to cost-control pressures and major restructures by some of the industry's largest employers. LINK

4. Richard White, the billionaire CEO and founder of WiseTech Global, has stepped down immediately amid damaging revelations about his personal life and accusations of bullying. LINK

5. CBA flags ‘very challenging’ conditions for households as high rates bite. LINK

🌏 TOP GLOBAL NEWS RECAP

1. Commonwealth Games 2026 cuts iconic sports, sparking shock as rugby, hockey and diving miss out. LINK

2. Luxury fashion retailer Harrolds has collapsed after nearly 40 years in business, entering liquidation while reportedly owing millions to various local and global fashion brands. LINK

3. The UK government plans to provide weight-loss injections to unemployed individuals as part of an initiative to improve their health and help them return to work. LINK

4. Queenstown, New Zealand, is becoming increasingly appealing to Australian investors, particularly for luxury holiday homes that often come fully furnished. LINK

5. Japan is implementing initiatives like special visas and networking events to attract digital nomads who seek flexible remote work opportunities. LINK

Like what you’re reading? Pick & Scroll does it every day.

🙊 Community Bantz - AusCorp Subreddit highlight

Coffee Badging Now Monitored

As companies steadily move toward a return to office life, a new anti-RTO trend has emerged — “coffee badging.” Coined to describe employees making brief, strategic office appearances, coffee badging is where workers pop in for a meeting, grab a coffee, chat with colleagues, and then head out, giving the impression of being present without committing to a full office day.

Amidst a relatively tougher labour market for job-seekers, and as RTO requirements such as these increase, we will no doubt see increasing pressure from (some) companies looking to enforce their desire to see employees back in the office.

🩺 Health Check - health tip/reminder

Watch Your Back!

In today’s fast-paced work environment, most of us are spending more hours sitting at our desks than ever before. With deadlines looming, emails piling up, and constant Zoom calls, it’s easy to overlook the importance of how we’re sitting and the impact it has on our bodies. If you don’t want to end up with Text Neck or Prawn Spined, then read on!

How can you start?

Achieving an ergonomic workspace can be simple with a few key adjustments:

1. Chair and Posture: Ensure your chair is at a height where your feet rest flat on the floor or a footrest. Adjust the backrest to support your lower back's natural curve. Aim for a slight recline of about 100 to 110 degrees, which eases the pressure on your spine.
   

2. Desk and Monitor Height: Position your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. This encourages a neutral neck position. Keep the screen about an arm’s length away to minimise eye strain.
   

3. Keyboard and Mouse Placement: Your keyboard should be flat or tilted slightly away from you to maintain a neutral wrist position. Keep it close enough so your elbows remain close to your body at about a 90-degree angle. Use a mouse pad with a wrist support to prevent unnecessary strain.
   

4. Frequent Movement: Stand up and stretch every 30 minutes, even if it’s just for a minute or two. This small change can reduce muscle stiffness and boost blood circulation.

Want more?

If you want more, bagile.com.au has a self-assessment you can run on yourself and comes highly recommended from several Aussie Corporates, touting it actually saved them from becoming a corporate prawn.

👴🏻 Old is Cool - meme throwback (31 October 2023)

💻 Made in Australia - showcasing Aussie start-ups

Making Private Jets “Accessible”

Airly is a Melbourne-based start-up making private air travel more accessible through its innovative membership model. The company’s goal is to offer a simpler and more efficient flying experience for frequent travelers between cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.

A flight from Sydney to Melbourne runs from $10,168 and Sydney to Gold Coast comes in at $10,676. Whilst this offers a way for busy professionals to avoid the typical challenges of commercial air travel, such as long security lines and flight delays​, it does come at a steep price.

What is it?

Airly offers a membership plan where members pay a monthly fee to access private flights. Bookings can be made through their app with just a 24-hour notice, reducing the stress and waiting times typically associated with regional flights. The service is particularly popular among business professionals and frequent travelers who need a convenient and time-saving alternative to commercial airlines​.

By bridging the gap between commercial air travel and luxury aviation, Airly is redefining regional travel for Australian corporate professionals and frequent flyers. The point is not so much about luxury but rather to provide a more practical way to travel —combining comfort, efficiency, and ease.

Maybe something to pitch to your boss for that next work trip?

If you know (or are creating) a great Aussie product, we'd love to hear from you!

👍 The Nook - AusCorp recommendations

📺 The Office Australia (TV Show, Prime Video | IMDb 4.4/10) - "Not well reviewed but it is Aussies having a go at a iconic TV series."

📺 Deadloch (TV Show, Prime Video | IMDb 7.5/10) - "A dark comedy set in a small Tasmanian town where two detectives with clashing personalities investigate a series of mysterious crimes. A witty blend of humor and drama."

📺 The Diplomat (TV Show, Netflix | IMDb 8.0/10) - "A political thriller following the challenges of a newly appointed US Ambassador. An engaging mix of diplomacy and personal drama."

📺 Yes Theory (YouTube Channel) - "A channel all about seeking discomfort and pushing boundaries, inspiring viewers with unique challenges and positive life experiences."

🎧 The Mentor with Mark Bouris (Podcast) - "Mark Bouris shares valuable insights from Australia’s top business leaders, perfect for professionals looking to sharpen their entrepreneurial edge."

🎧 The Briefing (Podcast) - "A sharp and informative daily podcast that covers the most pressing news and issues in Australia. Great for staying informed on the go."

☕️ Single O (Café, Sydney Surry Hills) - "Known for its specialty coffee and simple, satisfying breakfast dishes. A solid spot for a casual meeting or remote work session."

🍽 Aalia (Restaurant, Sydney CBD) - "A contemporary Middle Eastern dining experience that takes classic flavours and elevates them with modern techniques. Great for a stylish business lunch or dinner."

🍽 Arkhé (Restaurant, Adelaide) - "A new restaurant centered around open-flame cooking, offering creative dishes and an inviting atmosphere. Ideal for a unique dining experience."

🍽 Frederic (Melbourne) - "An elegant French-inspired restaurant offering refined dishes and an impressive wine list. Perfect for a refined dining experience with a cozy touch."

🚗 Under the Hood - what we're working on

AusCorp Jobs Update

We’ve hit over 200+ job listings and have also started listing in-house roles.

Our vision is to become the number 1 dedicated legal jobs board in Australia, so if you share this ambition, hit us up for a chat!

WFH Survey Refresh

We have launched our 2024 WFH Survey and received more than 2,200 submissions!

We will be closing the survey shortly, so if you want your company to make the list, please submit your answers HERE.

New IG Broadcast Channel - The Boardroom

We have activated a new IG feature on our page which allows the community into our Boardroom broadcast channel.

If you missed our announcement on socials and want to join, here’s the LINK.

Merch, merch, merch

Our Helly Hansen Jackets are in production! We will contact anyone who purchased a jacket (thank you!) with further details.

Excited to see this one hit the streets!

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