Wednesday Headlines: 

• Australia’s big four banks pass on interest rate rise 
• Donald Trump calls out Australia in scathing post
• Potential jail time for displaying banned Islamic symbols in NSW
• Pauline Hanson fails to properly declare Gina Rinehart flights
• Matildas book spot in Asian Cup final

Deep Dive: Mass layoffs are sweeping through the tech sector, with one of Australia's biggest success stories cutting hundreds of local jobs in the name of efficiency.  
 
Across the industry, artificial intelligence is being pointed to as part of the explanation - raising questions about whether AI is genuinely reshaping work or simply becoming the most convenient scapegoat in corporate history.  
 
In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with AFR senior columnist James Thomson about “AI washing,” what the new wave of tech layoffs signal and whether Australia’s economy is ready for what’s next. 

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