Tuesday July 7, 2026
Woolies ad selling Indian food gets backlash: 'Never buying from them'
One would think Indian food is part of ‘Aussie culture‘, but according to some on the internet, it has no right to be consumed on Australian soil.
Woolworths doesn’t agree.
The grocery giant has long departed from an ‘Asian aisle’ in stores, offering an increasingly wide range of products from many cultures – such as ingredients specific to Indian cooking.
To promote their offerings, Woolies has engaged Indian social media influencers in Australia. But while normal people have responded by claiming hunger pangs, and posting the ‘drool’ emoji, a minority have bizarrely been outraged.
Happily, a TikTok user has called them out.
A man using the handle @speakwithme365, posted a clip asking, “Has anyone seen the Woolworths ad where there’s this Indian lady who obviously has an accent, and is recounting how Woolies is so great because it has all the favourite Indian snacks that they have back home?”
He continues, “It’s an ad that Woolies is pushing out the comments go as expected,” referring to the growing anti-Indian immigrant movement in Australian.
“People are saying they will never buy from Woolies again, and that Woolies needs to be ‘Australian’.”
@speakwithme365 Day 178 of public speaking. Imagine being pressed about this 💀 #publicspeaking ♬ original sound – speakwithme365
The creator zealously tackles such obtuse comments, using two examples: “Will never buy from Woolies anymore” and “Not shopping at Woolies anymore.”
“I’m sorry to break your bubble but Woolies also sells halal foods,” he says. “And I hope that this completely fries your brain.
“Woolies has a cultural section, and international sections that have seasonings from different countries. It is what it is.
“One thing that I’ve noticed about people who hate on this is that they love to talk about their freedoms in general, and they love to live in a free society. But if other people want to practice their freedoms by buying things they want to eat, or if a company wants to cater to a certain group, all of a sudden they want to stop them.”
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PR guru Adam Ferrier says we should ‘thank them’
Co-founder of Thinkerbell agency Adam Ferrier told Mediaweek about the backlash:
“The minority of can express themsleves if they want. It won’t change anything.
“Marketing is getting more sophisticated about product lines and distribution. They are simply servicing the needs for the community.
Ferrier added, “Maybe the good thing about the minority’s comments is that it elevates the conversation – we should thank them.”
Comment from a Woolworths spokesperson on the backlash
“We’ve seen the demand for popular international foods rapidly accelerate over recent years, and our Indian food range is a fantastic example of this.
“Our International Food team works hard to keep up with emerging food trends and continues to evolve and tailor the international range based on the needs of local communities and changing customer demand.”
Main image: A screenshot from @speakwithme365 on TikTok
Blocked by his own alter ego: Karl Stefanovic freezes out impersonator
For someone building a career on the importance of free speech, Henry Bretz admits he’s a little perplexed as to why Karl Stefanovic has blocked him on social media. Ironic, really, for a warrior of the First Amendment – even the Australian, unofficial kind.
You see, Bretz is a Stefanovic impersonator, and has been poking fun at the former Today host without so much as a raised eyebrow from the man himself.
That is, until now.
One half of the Sunshine Coast radio duo Archie & Bretz now believes he’s been blocked by Stefanovic – after initially winning a follow, and even a like, from the man himself.
“He followed me after my first video, and he actually liked the first video,” Bretz told Mediaweek.
“Then the next day I posted another satirical video going on about how he’s trying to stay calm, but he came back from a week away, and he and his wife watched Anthony Albanese’s national address and his wife got so angry that she threw her sausage sandwich at the television.
“He unfollowed me after that,” Bretz said.
Bretz said Stefanovic’s profile has since disappeared from his view entirely.
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From follow to block
“I clicked on it, and I couldn’t go to it – it just said it was a blank account, user not found,” Bretz said.
“I searched him up and I cannot find him anywhere, and I’ve been reliably informed by people [who are] still on social media [that he’s gone dark].
“It’s ironic for a warrior of free speech,” he said.
Fans project their own politics
Bretz said the reaction to his videos has cut both ways politically, despite his intentions being purely comedic.
“It’s funny because when you operate in the satirical space, people are pretty quick to transplant their own agendas onto you,” he said.
“I’ve had a lot of people message me saying, ‘thank you for fighting for the progressive left,’ and I’ve had people from the right saying, ‘you’re just a Labor stooge.’ I can honestly say I was just doing it to be funny.”
READ MORE: Karl Stefanovic exits Nine immediately over podcast conflict
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A ‘clumsy’ rebrand
Bretz said the satire was partly inspired by what he sees as a shift in Stefanovic’s public persona.
“I thought it was such a clumsy rebrand for Karl – from the lovable larrikin of morning TV, who in the past has genuinely been, if not central in politics, occasionally progressive,” he said.
“There’s his famous stunt where he wore the same suit for a year with Lisa Wilkinson, to point out gender inequity. This was a guy who was, if not overtly political, known to be on the progressive side of things.
“It just felt like an overnight flick of the fingers to become Australia’s Joe Rogan.”
Stefanovic’s free speech stand
The blocking episode lands not long after Stefanovic exited Nine immediately over his independent podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, which had published – then swiftly scrubbed – an interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Nine confirmed on 26 June 2026 that Stefanovic would leave Today at once, with CEO Matt Stanton telling staff “it’s the right time for Karl to move on.”
Stefanovic has since hit back at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who had warned against straying “further and further out on the edges of what is mainstream political debate.”
Speaking on his podcast with guest Piers Morgan, Stefanovic doubled down: “I think it’s important that I keep campaigning and I keep driving forward with freedom of speech.”
It’s a stance that makes Bretz’s blocking all the more pointed.
Main image: Karl Stefanovic and Henry Bretz
Chemist Warehouse underpaid staff by millions despite government subsidies
Retail giant Chemist Warehouse failed to raise workers’ pay, despite receiving Commonwealth subsidies to train them at higher qualifications, a tribunal has found.
The failure could lead to the company paying more than $10 million in backpay claims.
The Financial Review reported that in a major test case, the South Australian Employment Tribunal found that four Chemist Warehouse stores in Adelaide underpaid seven workers who had a Certificate III in community pharmacy, by classifying them at lower levels- even after they gained the qualification.
The Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association brought the action. The secretary secretary Josh Peak said the ruling it “has serious implications for Chemist Warehouse stores right across the country”.
He added, “This is a systemic problem at Chemist Warehouse. It’s not isolated to a few pharmacies doing the wrong thing, it is a nationwide issue.”
“Chemist Warehouse workers could be owed tens of millions in backpay if they’ve been directed to work above their assigned classification.”
He said, “the fact that the employer was pocketing government subsidies but didn’t give workers a pay rise is outrageous”.
The stores in question had subscribed to a federal government training scheme to upgrade their pharmacists’ qualifications to a Certificate III.
But a store manager told the tribunal this was “driven by financial incentives offered by the government, rather than by any expectation that pharmacy assistants would need the Certificate III (or its competencies) to perform their role”.
The staff received $250 of the subsidy to up skill, while the Chemist Warehouse store received a certain undisclosed amount for encouraging them to do so.
The issue arose when the staff members’ duties weren’t increased, meaning that they could still be paid at a lower rate.
Workers were underpaid $1.57 an hour, or about $60 a week, as a result.
Main image: A Chemist Warehouse store
Because they're worth it: WPP Media retains L'Oreal media account
WPP Media has retained L’Oreal’s media planning, buying, advocacy and influence account following a competitive review, beating Publicis Groupe and Omnicom Media Group.
dentsu withdrew from the pitch in earlier rounds of the process.
Wavemaker, part of the WPP Media network, has held media buying and planning duties for the cosmetics giant since 2021, when it won the business from Carat.
L’Oreal’s stable includes CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, L’Oréal Paris, Kiehl’s, YSL, Lancôme, NYX, Maybelline and Redken.
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Beauty Tech Labs
Last year, WPP created Beauty Tech Labs, a bespoke team drawing on talent from Wavemaker, WPP Media and Ogilvy PR, to handle L’Oreal’s advocacy and influencer marketing. Social creative agency The Content Works also sits within L’Oreal’s agency village.
The new bespoke structure mirrors the model used for Suncorp’s Open Era team.
Speaking at the time of the original Beauty Tech Labs appointment last year, GroupM Australia and New Zealand CEO Aimee Buchanan said Wavemaker’s remit had grown alongside the account.
Pictured: Aimee Buchanan.
“Wavemaker has worked on the L’Oreal media business since 2021, and we are thrilled to expand our remit with them into the fast-growing world of influencer marketing,” Buchanan said.
“WPP Beauty Tech Labs is designed to connect L’Oreal’s impressive suite of brands with audiences in authentic and relevant environments. Our technology-driven approach, combined with the expertise of our team and a holistic view of the overall media strategy, will provide unparalleled opportunities for influencers, creators and talent agents to collaborate with L’Oréal’s iconic brands across the region.”
Ogilvy appointed agency of record for Lite n' Easy
Ogilvy has been appointed agency of record for Lite n’ Easy, following a competitive pitch.
The remit covers the full breadth of brand services, spanning strategy, creative, customer experience (CX), social and influencer. Ogilvy will draw on its multicultural, health and behavioural science expertise as part of the partnership.
The appointment lands as Lite n’ Easy marks 40 years in the Australian market.
Australian-owned and operated since 1986, the brand supports weight management and healthy eating for consumers nationwide.
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What they said
Nathan Hayman, CEO of Lite n’ Easy, said the brand had sought a partner across strategy, consumer channels, influencer and commerce.
“As we celebrate 40 years of helping Australians lead healthier lives, we were looking for a partner who understood both our heritage and the ever-changing health landscape. The integrated approach across brand building, consumer channels, influencer, and commerce felt right for our future ambitions,” he said.
Nathan Hayman
Kirsty Muddle, Ogilvy Network ANZ CEO, said the agency was looking forward to working closely with the Lite n’ Easy team on its next phase of growth.
“Lite n’ Easy is one of Australia’s great health brands, and a company that has helped countless Australians eat well and feel their best for many decades. We’re excited to help it navigate this transformative moment.
“Our deep expertise in health gives us a strong understanding of the broader ecosystem surrounding weight management and healthy eating, from consumers through to healthcare professionals and emerging healthcare channels, and beyond,” she said.
Kirsty Muddle
Lite n’ Easy has operated in the Australian health and wellbeing sector for four decades.
The brand says it continues to support sustainable, healthy eating and nutrition as the health landscape evolves.
Federal Court imposes $24.24 million in penalties for illegal online poker services
The Federal Court has ordered $24.24 million in penalties against providers and promoters of prohibited online poker services operated under the names PPPfish, Shuffle Gaming and Redraw Poker, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said.
The orders bring total penalties imposed in the proceedings to $29.24 million, including a $5 million penalty imposed on Diverse Link Pty Ltd in March 2023.
The penalties
The Court ordered the following pecuniary penalties for contraventions of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA):
• Brisbane Poker Pty Ltd – $15 million
• Rhys Edward Jones – $9 million
• Brenton Lee Buttigieg – $240,000
ACMA welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant outcome in its work to disrupt prohibited online gambling services.
“This decision sends a clear warning that offering online poker to Australians is illegal and there are serious consequences for those who breach the law,” said ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin.
“Illegal gambling services put Australians at risk, and the ACMA will continue to take action against those who target these services at Australian consumers.”
Background
The penalties follow Federal Court findings in November 2025 that Jones and Brisbane Poker Pty Ltd provided prohibited interactive gambling services in contravention of section 15(2A) of the IGA.
The Court also noted that Buttigieg had admitted to contravening section 15(2A) by aiding and abetting the provision of the services.
The Court found the services allowed members of the public to play online poker against other players using virtual chips that could be purchased and sold for real money.
The proceedings were commenced by ACMA in April 2022 following an investigation into online poker services offered to Australians.
Additional orders
In addition to the penalties, the Court made orders restraining Jones from providing a prohibited interactive gambling service and restraining Buttigieg from aiding or abetting the provision of such a service for a period of five years.
Jones and Brisbane Poker were ordered to pay ACMA’s costs for the proceedings.
'Lacks consistency, lacks foresight': RyanCap boss torches HoldCo revolving door
RyanCap founder Simon Ryan has taken aim at leadership instability within Australia’s global media holding companies, arguing that rapid CEO turnover at the parent level is a key driver of record growth for independent agencies.
Speaking on the latest episode of Mediaweek’s Newsmakers, Ryan pointed to the churn as a symptom of networks struggling to execute consistent strategy while under pressure to consolidate.
“It’s not surprising to have three CEOs in five years, which in my view lacks consistency, lacks foresight and lacks the ability to execute a strategy,” Ryan said.
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Ryan didn’t name specific networks or executives, but the comments land as global holding companies continue to fold brands and businesses together amid consolidation drives – activity he says is opening the door for independents to pick up talent, clients and market share.
RyanCap, which Ryan built out of a capital business focused on acquisitions across media, tech, data, and consultancy, was sold to Paris-based Cosmo Five after what he described as three years of rapid growth.
“The takeaway is that it’s a very healthy thing to do,” Ryan said of the current wave of dealmaking hitting local agencies, pointing to valuation gaps between Australian and overseas markets as one factor drawing acquirers in.
On what comes next for the independent sector, Ryan was similarly measured. “I still think there’s a lot of room to grow,” he said – leaving the finer detail of how, and at whose expense, for the full conversation.
The episode draws on new data from the Trinity P3 New Business Report and the IMAA Census, which show that independents captured 64.4% of all pitch wins in Australia, up from 47.4% in 2024.
You can listen to the full episode with Simon Ryan here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Bastion appoints Nicole Speers as chief people officer
Bastion has appointed Nicole Speers as chief people officer, reporting to Group CEO, Cheuk Chiang.
Speers will lead the people agenda across Bastion globally as the independent marketing and communications agency continues to develop its integrated model for clients.
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She brings more than 20 years of experience across HR strategy, organisational transformation and leadership development. Most recently, Speers was chief people officer at Adore Beauty Group, where she led people strategy and organisational development.
Before joining Adore Beauty Group, Speers held senior HR leadership roles at Meridian, Powershop and Telstra. In those roles, she worked with executive teams and led transformation across corporate functions.
Strengthening people and culture
Chiang said the appointment was an important step in strengthening Bastion’s approach to people and culture.
“Nicole has a proven ability to build organisations that are not only high performing, but structurally aligned to deliver consistent commercial outcomes,” Chiang said.
“As we continue to grow, the way we design, enable and lead our teams becomes a real point of difference. Nicole’s experience across transformation, leadership and organisational design will ensure we are set up to move faster, operate more effectively and continue delivering work that puts our clients in a position of strength.”
Chiang said Speers’ experience would support Bastion as it enters its next stage of growth.
“Her perspective is grounded in execution, not theory. She understands what it takes to embed capability, drive accountability and build cultures that translate directly into business performance. That’s exactly what we need at this stage of our growth.”
Scaling Bastion’s global model
Speers said she was joining Bastion at a time of momentum and opportunity.
“Bastion is a business with clear ambition and a strong foundation, and I’m excited to join at a point where there is real opportunity to scale that further,” Speers said.
“I’ve always believed that high-performing cultures are built deliberately, where people, capability and strategy are aligned to drive meaningful outcomes. I’m looking forward to working with teams across the business to continue building an environment where people can do their best work and where that translates into stronger outcomes for our clients.”
Bastion is Australasia’s largest independent full-service marketing and communications agency, with more than 350 staff across Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington, Los Angeles and New York City.
Its client list includes L’Oréal, Kellanova, TAB, Cancer Institute NSW and Whittaker’s.
Top image: Cheuk Chiang & Nicole Speers
Delicious. and Harvey Norman announce 2026 Produce Awards
Delicious. and Harvey Norman have announced the 2026 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards, marking 21 years of the national program recognising Australia’s leading primary producers, with winners to be revealed at an event at Aria, Sydney, in August.
The awards celebrate the growers, harvesters and fishers who supply produce to the nation’s leading chefs, restaurants and hospitality venues.
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The judging panel
The 2026 National Judging panel comprises Alex Prichard, Alla Wolf-Tasker, Andrew McConnell, Jo Barrett, Josh Niland, Karena Armstrong, Lennox Hastie, Matt Moran and Matt Stone.
The panel will determine the 2026 Trophy Winners and Producer of the Year.
Comments from the partners
Delicious. content director Krysia Bonkowski said the program remained the only national one of its kind dedicated to spotlighting Australia’s finest producers.
“For more than two decades, the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards has been the only national program of its kind to seek out and spotlight Australia’s finest producers – the people who work tirelessly to provide our chefs, restaurants and markets with some of the best produce in the world,” Bonkowski said.
“A key aim of the awards is to acknowledge and champion the producers leading the way in the agricultural industry through their dedication to sustainability, transparency and innovation.”
Bonkowski also acknowledged Harvey Norman’s role as naming rights partner and thanked the state and national judges.
Harvey Norman executive chairman Gerry Harvey said the awards’ longevity reflected the standard of Australian primary producers.
“Twenty-one years of the delicious. Produce Awards is a remarkable enduring achievement, but no surprise knowing they are underpinned by the sheer excellence of the people who farm our land and waterways,” Harvey said.
“Harvey Norman is incredibly proud to stand alongside delicious. in championing the absolute backbone of our country – our primary producers.”
Harvey congratulated the 2026 finalists and thanked the judging panels, past and present, for their contribution across the awards’ history.
What’s next
The full list of winners will be published in a special delicious. gloss lift-out available in The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail and The Advertiser.
Event partners for 2026 include Four Pillars Gin, Marionette, Printhie Wines, QT Hotels and Dinosaur Designs.
Better Homes and Gardens launches Amazon Australia storefront ahead of Prime Day
Better Homes and Gardens has launched a dedicated Amazon Australia storefront, becoming one of the first Australian publishers to bring editor-curated shopping recommendations directly onto the platform ahead of Amazon Prime Day.
The storefront consolidates editor-curated product picks, seasonal shopping guides and household favourites into a single destination, giving Better Homes and Gardens’ audience a direct path from content to purchase.
“The Amazon storefront is a natural extension of the Better Homes and Gardens shopping ecosystem,” said Megan Osborne, editor, Better Homes and Gardens.
Megan Osborne
“Our audience comes to us for trusted advice across home, garden, food and lifestyle, and increasingly they’re looking for guidance on what to buy and where to buy it.
“This storefront bridges the gap between inspiration and purchase, making it easier for our audience to discover products they can trust in a seamless and convenient shopping experience,” Osborne said.
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Commerce push extends beyond the storefront
Alongside the Amazon launch, Better Homes and Gardens is expanding its commerce offering with dedicated shoppable email edits, delivering curated product recommendations, buying guides, exclusive offers and expert advice directly to subscribers.
“Commerce is no longer confined to a single article or channel,” said Sammy Preston, Are Media head of affiliate.
“Our strategy is to build shopping ecosystems around our brands, meeting audiences wherever they’re researching and purchasing. The Better Homes and Gardens Amazon storefront is a natural extension of that strategy, creating another touchpoint for consumers to discover trusted recommendations while delivering measurable value for our retail partners.”
The numbers behind the move
According to Are Media, 96% of the Better Homes and Gardens audience takes action after engaging with its content. The brand’s commerce revenue has grown 277% year-on-year, with average order values exceeding $320 for retail partners.
The Better Homes and Gardens Amazon storefront is now live and will continue to expand throughout the year with seasonal collections, expert recommendations, and exclusive shopping content.
QMS launches The Jewel in Brisbane CBD
QMS has launched The Jewel, a new digital large-format site at 240 Queen Street in Brisbane’s CBD.
The site sits in a pedestrian precinct linking the city’s luxury retail and financial hubs. QMS said the screen gives advertisers visibility among professionals, corporate decision-makers and retail consumers in one of Brisbane’s busiest areas.
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The Jewel features a portrait screen with full-motion and 3DOOH capability. According to QMS and MOVE data, campaigns on the site can deliver more than 800,000 impressions across a week.
Building QMS’ digital large-format network
The launch expands QMS’ premium Digital Large Format network across Australia.
The network includes The Emporium in Victoria, The Queen in Queensland, Manly Wharf and Victoria Cross Station in New South Wales, and Rundle Mall in South Australia.
Sara Lappage, Chief Operating Officer at QMS, said: “The Jewel is set to become one of Brisbane’s most iconic and in demand Digital Out of Home assets. Its scale, location and advanced digital capability allow us to offer clients a truly premium creative canvas in the heart of the CBD.
“As Brisbane continues its evolution toward 2032, with the city’s profile set to grow nationally and globally, The Jewel provides brands with a powerful platform to build presence with valuable audiences at scale, in one of the city’s most important commercial and cultural precincts.
“Importantly, it strengthens our national network of high-impact digital locations giving brands greater flexibility to deliver bold, creative and contextually relevant campaigns across multiple cities. Much like The Emporium in Melbourne, this site sets a new benchmark for creative impact in the Brisbane market.”
QMS said the addition reflects its continued investment in premium digital out-of-home infrastructure.
Top image: The Jewel at 240 Queen Street in Brisbane