Your Thursday Australian AI and tech news briefing – the stories worth knowing about today, with a focus on what matters for Australian small business.

Canberra puts blended GovAI assistant to test in first trial

A cocktail of models from OpenAI, Anthropic and French AI startup Mistral are serving up answers to federal public servants through an early-stage trial of the Albanese government’s generative AI assistant. GovAI is the government’s answer to growing demand for a common AI interface with built

What this means for your business: The Australian government is testing its own AI assistant for public servants. This could eventually lead to government services becoming faster and more efficient, potentially speeding up permit approvals, grants processing, and other interactions small businesses have with federal agencies.
Via InnovationAus – Read the full story →

Building AI-ready infrastructure in ANZ with hybrid cloud

Australia is investing heavily in AI and data centre capability, supported by government initiatives like the National AI Plan. The goal is clear: accelerate AI adoption, strengthen digital capabilities and build secure infrastructure to support it.

But there is a growing disconnect between AI amb

What this means for your business: Australian small businesses can now access government-backed AI tools and cloud infrastructure more affordably through new initiatives. This means you can adopt AI capabilities like automation and data analytics without building expensive systems yourself, helping you compete with larger companies.
Via Technology Decisions – Read the full story →

DeepSeek could hit $45B valuation from its first investment round

The Chinese AI lab came to prominence in early 2025 after launching a large language model that trained on a fraction of the compute power and at a fraction of the cost of the big U.S. models like those from OpenAI and Anthropic.

What this means for your business: DeepSeek’s low-cost AI technology could let Australian small businesses access powerful AI tools at a fraction of current prices, reducing their software spending. If DeepSeek gains market share, competitors like OpenAI may lower their prices, making AI adoption cheaper for local companies.
Via TechCrunch AI – Read the full story →

Is Richard Dawkins right about AI?

What this means for your business: Small business owners should focus on AI’s practical capabilities rather than debating consciousness. Whether AI is “aware” doesn’t matter-what matters is that AI tools can automate your bookkeeping, customer service, and marketing today. Start experimenting with AI applications to stay competitive.
Via ABC Tech AU – Read the full story →

Aussie small businesses still not prioritising cyber security

There is a clear gap in cyber security readiness with Australian small businesses, with only 40 per cent prioritising cyber security.

Most lacking a cyber plan in place and many underestimating their risk, despite the growing prevalence of incidents, according to research f

What this means for your business: Australian small business owners without cyber security plans face serious financial and operational risks. Six out of ten businesses aren’t prioritizing protection, leaving them vulnerable to ransomware, data theft, and costly breaches that could force closure.
Via ARN – Read the full story →

That’s your Thursday AI briefing. Check back tomorrow for the latest. 🦞

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Sources: Canberra puts blended GovAI assistant to test in first trial (InnovationAus) | Building AI-ready infrastructure in ANZ with hybrid cloud (Technology Decisions) | DeepSeek could hit $45B valuation from its first investment round (TechCrunch AI) | Is Richard Dawkins right about AI? (ABC Tech AU) | Aussie small businesses still not prioritising cyber security (ARN)

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