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A weekly podcast from The Australian Financial Review that examines the biggest stories in business, markets and politics, and why they matter, explained by the best financial journalists in the country.
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155 Episodes
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NSW political correspondent Paul Karp and deputy property editor Michael Bleby on the political leaders declaring war on NIMBYs, whether it will help the country meet its housing supply target and why the bigger problem might be a tradie deficit.This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading: How the Woollahra development could redraw politics in Sydney’s eastUrban infill doesn’t just reshape the local environment; it can change the political landscape as well.NSW planning minister says NIMBYs ‘vying to create childless suburbs’Paul Scully has been pushing for higher densities in Sydney, creating a backlash from residents. He says resistance to housing has become “institutionalised”.Property supply chief targets capital gains tax breaks in housing ‘war’As the country begins a discussion about tax, the property industry veteran says the crucial role of housing also demands a big-picture review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin, workplace correspondent David Marin-Guzman discusses the test case of a compliance company that has been spying on its staff, what it means for work from home and how AI will affect the future of surveillance.This podcast is sponsored by CMC MarketsFurther reading:Company turned laptops into covert recording devices to monitor WFHSafetrac says it needed to track work-from-home staff for underperformance, but some employees say the surveillance went too far and police are now investigating.WFH surveillance case is a wake-up callThe Safetrac case shines a spotlight on the issue of employee surveillance versus the right to personal privacy when staff work from home.Safetrac surveillance installed without staff agreement: HR managerThe firm, which turned staff laptops into covert listening devices, should have updated its surveillance policy beforehand, its own people manager told WorkCover.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Political editor Phillip Coorey on the debt bomb facing the next generation, the ‘Braveheart ’situation in parliament and the Iran-led attacks in Australia.This podcast is sponsored by CMC MarketsFurther reading: The VW, the tobacco kingpin, and Iran’s Revolutionary GuardSloppy criminals who reused a stolen car for arson attacks on a synagogue and nightclub led spies to uncover a state-sponsored campaign of terror.PM had no choice but to act after explosive Iran revelationsAfter years of rejecting overtures to sever ties with Iran, the government was left with no other option.Talkfest hasn’t started yet. Jim Chalmers says it’s already a winThe treasurer says the build-up to Tuesday’s summit has entrenched the productivity crisis in the political psyche.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast: senior writer Greg Bearup on why the Mormon Church is buying up vast tracts of Australian farmland and whether it’s in the national interest. This podcast is sponsored by CMC MarketsFurther reading: Mormon church’s $490m spending spree exposes trade deal blind spotFarmers fear the American church could change the face of Australian agriculture.The chequebook of Mormon: $500m on Australian farms in six monthsWith its immense resources, the US-based Mormon church is buying up vast tracts of Australian farmland. Is this in our national interest?Wagyu Rich Listers fatten outback portfolio with Qld dealPeter and Jane Hughes, already among the world’s biggest producers of wagyu beef, have added a central western Queensland cattle property to their operation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast: senior writer Myriam Robin on how worried we should be about declining fertility rates, whether they could and should be reversed and why politicians in Australia are so reluctant to talk about it. This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading:Can Australia escape the global fertility crisis?Not too long ago, the world was worried about runaway population growth. But with birth rates falling too fast, the scramble is on to avoid the demographic crunch.How to fix the economy to make Aussies richer – from people who didJim Chalmers’ economic roundtable risks history being repeated because a cautious prime minister has no electoral mandate for sweeping change.Why Australia is far from full but no one wants to talk about it Angst over house and rental prices is fracturing the fragile bigger-Australia consensus. Yet walking away from a larger population is not an optionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast: senior reporter Jemima Whyte and associate editor Joyce Moullakis on whether Macquarie has lost its edge, who might be in line to take over the top job and what happens when you threaten the pay packets of a millionaires’ factory.Further reading: Macquarie scrambled to lobby proxy firms ahead of fraught AGMThe company made the highly unusual move to understand if major investors would reject executive pay plans as it dealt with a backlash.Glenn Stevens feels the burn from Macquarie’s worried investorsThe former RBA governor has seen off a global financial crisis and angry borrowers. Can he turn around an undercurrent of anxiety at the Millionaires Factory?Macquarie investors deliver wake-up call with strike on executive payInvestors deliver an embarrassing rebuke to the Millionaires Factory over bonuses amid regulatory woes and the surprise exit of its CFO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin, Technology editor Paul Smith talks about his interview with Altman and reveals what it would take for the AI chief to pull the plug. Further reading: What OpenAI’s Sam Altman suggests you do to keep your jobThe race is on to build machines that can outthink humans. The tech founder in charge of ChatGPT says there is one thing that would make him stop.‘Try the future’: New ChatGPT AI agents promise to do your jobsDrawing on three pre-existing OpenAI products, ChatGPT Agent lets users ask AI to take control of multi-step and fairly complex tasks.OpenAI wants AI tax breaks, promises $115b annual windfallOpenAI chief economist Ronnie Chatterji has conducted a whirlwind set of meetings in Canberra as the company prepares to launch an AI blueprint for Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin, North Asia correspondent Jessica Sier and Lowy Institute senior fellow Richard McGregor on whether Panda diplomacy works and why Beijing needs a succession plan. This podcast is sponsored by Workday.China ordered this Aussie flower farm to grow rice. Then they found a solutionIn a country of 1.4 billion people, keeping everyone fed can be the difference between stability and chaos. The Lynch Group nearly had to tear down its greenhouses.Beyond the Wall: Albanese’s high-stakes China playAs the prime minister is criticised over the extent of his China sightseeing, the government insists it is playing the long game and that face time matters.Rumours of Xi’s downfall distract from China’s real challengesThe notion that Xi Jinping is about to be toppled is a distraction from the real cleavages in Chinese politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast, economics editor John Kehoe and senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on the RBA’s shock decision on interest rates, what it means for the economy and whether the next generation could be the first to be worse off than their parents. This podcast is sponsored by Workday.Further reading: Gen Z will be richer than their parents. But here’s the catchSluggish productivity and tax policies rigged against young people mean many are missing out on financial comfort precisely when they need it most.RBA rate call extraordinaire Rory Robertson makes his last predictionThe economist has spent three decades trying to interpret the smoke signals emanating out of Martin Place. He’s giving up the game as it’s profoundly changing.Which RBA board members voted for a rate cut?At least two Labor appointees to the Reserve Bank monetary policy board almost certainly voted for a cut on Tuesday, former insiders believe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast, workplace correspondent David Marin-Guzman on what has been done to stamp out a culture of fear and intimidation in the CFMEU and whether it's working. This podcast is sponsored by Workday. Further reading:High Court leaves CFMEU administrator with no more excusesThe failed High Court challenge to the CFMEU administration has cleared a path to cleaning out the union. But the administrator still has to walk it.High Court ruling on CFMEU a ‘line in the sand’ moment for cleanoutThe CFMEU administrator has declared the High Court backing of the administration will make way for systemic industry reforms.‘Let’s make some money together’: Inside the CFMEU’s bribery scandalSometimes it was a foot tap, other times a little kick, but either way cash was passed under the table to the union boss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2This week on The Fin, Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and Wealth reporter Lucy Dean on the surge in inherited wealth, what’s behind it and what can, or should, be done about it….This podcast is sponsored by Workday. Further Reading:You're probably part of Australia's new inheritocracyHow inheritance is upending the marriage marketHow do the 1pc find love? With these high-end matchmaking servicesThe maths that makes SMSFs a tax reform target for Chalmers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast: senior reporter Ayesha de Kretser and Chanticleer columnist Anthony Macdonald on Virgin’s return to the market, why it will struggle to stay in its lane and whether Australia can ever sustain more than two airlines.This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandFurther reading: Virgin prepares for IPO take-off in a test for Bain – and the marketFive years after collapsing into administration, the country’s second-largest airline will finally return to the ASX on Tuesday. There is a lot at stake.IPO market cracks open as Virgin, Greatland shares soar on debutFund managers rushed into the airline’s stock in a major win for Bain Capital, which has worked on turning around the business for five years.Virgin’s future is now in the hands of the markets godsThe problem with listing ceremonies is they look backwards, but investors look forward. The airline did what it must to relist, but now it’s over to the ASX.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin, professional services reporter Maxim Shanahan on why King & Wood Mallesons is struggling to manage risk and conflicts across its jurisdictions.This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandFurther reading: ‘We didn’t have a hope in hell’: KWM’s cautionary China taleA corrupt wind farm deal in Montenegro, a controversial Russian legal conference and the financial problems of one of its most senior executives have thrown the spotlight on the Sino-Australian law firm.Calls for tougher rules amid KWM dramaThe senators who led the inquiry into the PwC tax leaks scandal say King & Wood Mallesons’ troubles expose flaws in the governance of top law firms.KWM sues former global chief operating officerKing & Wood Mallesons is suing a former member of its international management committee for debt relating to loans worth more than $1 million.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin, technology editor Paul Smith discusses the AI future and whether it is more likely to be utopia or dystopia. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband.Further reading: Waymo’s robot driver was too scared to take us where we wanted to goThe self-driving taxis are an experience to remember but their post LA-riot nerves rendered them unable to use human logic, and left us stranded.Apocalypse or a four-day week? What AI might mean for youIf you’re “AGI-pilled” and you believe artificial intelligence will soon surpass humans, you’re probably worried about your job. But insiders reckon that might be the least of our problems.From ‘lucky country’ to ‘left-behind country’: Matt Comyn’s AI warningExecutives say Australia is in danger of falling behind as the rise of artificial intelligence creates a profound change in the way people and businesses work. Save 50% or more on unlimited access to the Australian Financial Review in our EOFY sale, ending June 30.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast, Joanna Mather and Michelle Bowes on how the super tax will work, why it’s so controversial and what people are doing to get ready for it. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: 7 ways the wealthiest will beat the $3m super taxInvestment bonds, an early inheritance for the kids or just cop it on the chin? Affected taxpayers are weighing their options.ATO puts wealthy families on notice over $3m super taxThe new tax is not yet law but the ATO wants to understand the “behavioural responses” to the planned tax that might already be occurring.There is a case to reform super tax breaks. But not this wayAustralia’s tax breaks on retirement balances are generous. But the treasurer is going about reform the wrong way, experts say. Save 50% or more on unlimited access to the Australian Financial Review in our EOFY sale, ending June 30.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast, economics correspondent Michael Read on why the Reserve Bank is cutting rates and what it means for people like him trying to buy a house. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: Australia on verge of house price boom: economistHistory suggests that once the RBA starts cutting, property fever hits quickly. One prominent expert says a 10 to 15 per cent price rise is coming. Bullock flags more rate cuts as RBA slashes growth forecastsDonald Trump’s trade war has forced the RBA to lower its projections for growth in investment, household spending and exports, as it cut the cash rate again. House price risk won’t stop another rate cut: BullockReserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock expects state and federal governments to do the heavy lifting on housing affordability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin, political editor Phillip Coorey and former Labor adviser and AFR columnist Lidija Ivanovski talk about the decimation of the Opposition, the uphill battle facing Sussan Ley and the fierce debate over the Super Tax.This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandFurther reading:The longer the split, the harder it will be to reconcileSussan Ley, who used to hold her own in shearing sheds, is playing hard ball.It took five days for the Coalition to fall apartNegotiations between the two parties fell at the first hurdle. When parliament resumes, the Liberals will hold all 30 shadow ministries and the Nationals will be on the crossbench.How Albanese learnt from Labor losers and won big on SaturdayFor six months, he has been privately telling his supporters that he had the plan to deliver Labor a second-term majority, and the skill to pull it off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast: senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on Buffett’s legacy and whether his catchphrase ‘never bet against America’ still stands.This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandFurther reading: Fear, loathing (and hope) as finance’s elite gather in LAPrivate equity titans and dealmakers converging at the Milken Institute Global Conference this week were relentlessly optimistic in public, but the tone was different behind the scenes.US billionaire’s Sydney taxi ride sparks $6.2b super-like initiativeMichael Milken is gathering support for a plan to emulate the Australian superannuation system and give every child a $US1000 share account.Warren Buffett steps down, delivering a parting shot against tariffsThe disciples of legendary investor Warren Buffett gathered in Omaha seeking reassurances of America’s future, instead they got a bombshell about his future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin, James Thomson and Joyce Moullakis on James Hardie’s latest controversy, why shareholders don’t get to vote and what they want to change.This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandFurther reading: The great ASX investor uprising delivers very hollow victoryThe hated James Hardie takeover of a US group is going ahead, but investors have at least won some important concessions.Inside the biggest investor uprising in three decadesInvestor anger over the James Hardie deal is being compared to 1993’s investor rebellion against Murdoch’s plans for “super voting shares”. Now the ASX is in the gun.ASX compliance chief rejects rule gaming suggestionDaniel Moran likened the ASX’s role in the controversial James Hardie transaction to that of a referee on a sporting field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Fin podcast: Mark Di Stefano talks about the rise of one of Australian sport’s most powerful men and takes us inside the battle to control the future of racing and rugby league.This podcast is sponsored by Aussie BroadbandFurther reading:Inside the plot to ‘get rid’ of Peter V’landysIn his climb to the top of racing and rugby league, Peter V’landys has broken the rules and challenged the system. But now some in the system are fighting back.How Peter V’landys built a property empireOver two decades under the leadership of Peter V’landys, Racing NSW and the NRL have splurged millions of dollars on residential and commercial real estate.Racing royalty launch broadside against V’landys leadershipChampion trainers Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller are among the authors of a scathing letter about racing governance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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great episode and insight. always told in a thrilling sorta way. love it