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Economists have long known that people work harder when someone is watching, a phenomenon called the Hawthorne effect.
Pick & Scroll News
March 06, 2026
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Good morning. Economists have long known that people work harder when someone is watching, a phenomenon called the Hawthorne effect.
It turns out productivity spikes simply because workers know they’re being observed.
Which raises an uncomfortable question: are meetings useful, or do they just function as very expensive supervision?
All the headlines and more below...
AUSTRALIAN & GLOBAL NEWS
Daylight robbery as petrol price rises hit motorists
Fuel prices have surged in Australia following geopolitical tensions, sparking accusations of war-profiteering despite warnings against price-gouging by the Albanese government. LINK
Rising inflation led a modest 0.3% increase in Australian household spending in January, with essential needs driving this instead of discretionary spending. LINK
Young Australians' trust in democracy is waning as less than half believe it's preferable. LINK
Car park profits at major Australian airports soared to $402M while record investments and increased aeronautical spending risk impacting future airfares. LINK
Australia is witnessing its largest intergenerational wealth transfer as families face challenges in balancing asset division with stewardship responsibilities. LINK
Australia's gender pay gap data shows disparities in fast fashion and mid-range apparel retailers, as men are paid more despite women forming the workforce majority. LINK
China's government has set a decreased growth target of 4.5-5% for 2026, reflecting a shift to sustainable methods beyond debt-driven investments. LINK
Australia's government is considering scaling back the $7B home battery subsidy scheme while costs have dramatically exceeded initial budgets. LINK
COMPANY NEWS
Woolworths trials new anti-theft security gates leading to customer complaints
Woolworths' trial of new anti-theft security gates has led to customer complaints whilst concerns about child safety and accessibility issues are raised. LINK
Amazon in Australia faces potential strike action led by the Transport Workers' Union, protesting against poor pay conditions and industry undercutting. LINK
With escalating Middle East conflicts affecting air travel, Virgin Australia crews are staying in Doha as cancellations continue affecting regional airspace. LINK
Morgan Stanley is laying off thousands of employees across key divisions while a shift towards AI is transforming the workforce landscape. LINK
Real estate fund Hale Capital Partners is investing $800M in Australia's last-mile logistics sector as investor appetite for logistical assets grows. LINK
The Lottery Corporation announces a new operating model to enhance focus on growth and digital initiatives as it becomes effective mid-2026. LINK
BHP has shifted its earnings drivers from iron ore to copper as a strategic pivot reflecting booming demand despite iron ore's historic contribution to Australia's economic growth. LINK
Qatar Airways cancelled its planned hospitality event for the Melbourne Formula 1 as regional conflicts impacted its flight operations. LINK
Monash IVF settled lawsuits related to embryo mix-ups, addressing legal challenges and reputational impacts from procedural errors. LINK
Merivale faces regulatory challenges over Club Rose Bay's outdoor dining area, raising issues about land use approvals. LINK
CBA suggests that increased AI use could boost the economy's growth to 3% annually without sparking inflation. LINK
Experience Co is reviewing its Skydiving Australia division due to financial underperformance as a slow recovery of Chinese tourism impacts it. LINK
Former Westpac CEO Gail Kelly a Senate inquiry into Optus' Triple Zero outage. LINK
ONE MORE SCROLL
Editor’s Pick: Microsoft Is testing AI-generated video ads that instantly personalise marketing to individual viewers.
Draft Pick: The F1 season is back on track in Melbourne with the 2026 season set to kick off on Sunday.
Odd Pick: Finland has started training citizens for war and even primary schools now include national defence lessons.
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