The Fin

This week on The Fin podcast, Australian Financial Review contributor and former diplomat Geoff Raby on Trump’s world and what it means for Australia and why China and Russia are less close than you might think.This podcast is sponsored by UNSWFurther reading: Xi is thumping Putin in the Great GameFormer Australian ambassador to China Geoff Raby takes a deep dive into the “Chussia” partnership. His conclusions about a rising Sinostan would not please the Kremlin.Civil servants to flee as Trump ‘drains the swamp’ (again)Everyone knew Trump’s cabinet picks would be provocative and a purge of government workers was coming. But they have arrived with stunning speed.G20 goes soft on Russia as Putin threatens to use nuclear weaponsThe G20 has ended with a whimper with watered-down statements on Russia, climate change and the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, investigative reporter Neil Chenoweth and Rear Window columnist Mark Di Stefano on how Chris Ellison’s secret deal with the tax office came to light, why some investors want the founder to stay on and whether Mineral Resources can draw a line in the sand. This podcast is sponsored by UNSWFurther reading:Inside the two-week unravelling of Chris Ellison’s hold on MinResMonday’s attempt to draw a line in the sand still leaves unanswered questions for shareholders and investigators about the goings-on at Mineral Resources.Meet Chris Ellison’s personal accountantYenna Ong, the number cruncher who managed the Mineral Resources founder’s private affairs, rapidly gained great power. Then just as suddenly, she was gone.MinRes paid a 70pc mark up to rent Chris Ellison-owned propertiesIndependent valuations that the owners of the four industrial facilities commissioned themselves indicated that the leases were well in excess of market rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporter Simon Evans and Rear Window editor Myriam Robin on Sanjeev Gupta’s flashy property purchase, his financial troubles and the South Australian town caught in the middle.This podcast is sponsored by UNSWFurther reading:Whyalla steelworks running out of options as taxpayer rescue resistedThe SA premier says it’s time Sanjeev Gupta took some action, with governments wary of taxpayer funds being siphoned off to overseas parts of GFG Alliance.The town bearing the brunt of Sanjeev Gupta’s financial nightmareThe British industrialist’s steelworks looms over Whyalla, population 21,900. There’s plenty at stake if things go south.Sanjeev Gupta buys on Sydney waterfrontThe steel magnate is cutting jobs and salaries at the Whyalla steelworks one week, and splashing out for prime Sydney waterfront property the next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, Joe Aston, former Rear Window editor and author of The Chairmain's Lounge, discusses what went wrong for the Qantas, its oversized influence in Canberra, and the extraordinary perks of a Qantas board seat.Editors note: On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied ever contacting Alan Joyce to seek a flight upgrade.This podcast is sponsored by UNSW Further reading:The incredible financial value of a Qantas board seatThe lavish and fudged flight perks of the airline’s executives are revealed in this extract from Joe Aston’s “The Chairman’s Lounge”.The zombie chairman: How Goyder let Joyce trash Qantas’ reputationAn exclusive extract from Joe Aston’s book The Chairman’s Lounge tells the inside story of how Richard Goyder and his board allowed Alan Joyce to fly Qantas into a reputational disaster.Albanese faces calls for probe into flight upgradesDavid Pocock and Peter Dutton have both called for a probe into whether Anthony Albanese breached the ministerial code of conduct while he was transport minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, International editor James Curran and US correspondent Matthew Cranston on how Trump has managed to claw back Harris’ lead in the final weeks of the campaign and what Canberra is worried about.This podcast is sponsored by IGFurther reading:Trade wars, market jolts: What a Trump win means for AustraliaThe tax and economic policies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will have profound effects for Australian investors, exporters and US subsidiaries.Trump works a McDonald’s fry station as election goes off colourThe former president served up fries in an apron as he poked fun at rival Kamala Harris’ story of working there in the 1980s.America’s new Asian alliance network will survive beyond TrumpNo matter who is in the White House after November 5, the US’ carefully structured latticework of alliances that underpins its regional primacy will continue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporters Jonathan Shapiro and Jemima Whyte discuss the rise of an unusual tech billionaire, what happens when personal matters become public, and what it means for his listed company, Wisetech. This podcast is sponsored by IG Further listening: How I Made It Podcast: Why Richard White avoids risk at all costs Further reading:Richard White’s alleged lover claims he expected sex for investmentIn documents filed with the Federal Court, the wellness entrepreneur said a business trip to New York changed when the billionaire booked only one hotel room.WiseTech board decides White’s alleged affair strictly ‘personal’The legal stoush between software billionaire Richard White and Sydney wellness entrepreneur Linda Rogan is a “personal” matter according to WiseTech’s board.Billionaire Richard White attempts to bankrupt alleged former loverLawyers acting for Double Bay wellness entrepreneur Linda Rogan say WiseTech Global founder’s legal claim against her is an “abuse of process”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, economics correspondent Michael Read and political correspondent Tom McIlroy discuss whether winding-back the two big tax advantages to buying property – negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount – will help solve Australia’s housing crisis. This podcast is sponsored by IGFurther reading:These Australians are most likely to negatively gear their propertiesThe housing policy choices facing votersWe’re more nuanced on negative gearing than five years agoA quick guide to the politics of housing tax breaksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, political editor Phillip Coorey and AFR Magazine editor Matthew Drummond discuss what was behind this year's power moves. And AFR cartoonist David Rowe tells us who is his favourite prime minister to draw.This podcast is sponsored by IGFurther reading: Election season and rates angst are behind this year’s power shifts Someone wasn’t happy to be on this year’s Power list. But even Power listers have no say in the process. Power list reveals diminished influence of Australia’s corporate sector This year’s list reflects the fading voice of CEOs and the growing size, scale and power of the superannuation sector. The Gaza conflict ripped through the arts and ripped it apart The conflict in Gaza hangs heavily over theatres and galleries, as animosities lead to a wave of resignations, donor withdrawals and boycotts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, BOSS deputy editor Patrick Durkin and senior reporter Max Mason discuss the legal fight over the Pratt packaging fortune. This podcast is sponsored by IG Further reading: Family trust: Inside the Pratts’ legal soap opera Richard Pratt carefully designed a succession plan for his three children, Anthony, Heloise and Fiona. But even the best-laid plans can wind up in court. Anthony Pratt a witness to father’s love for half-sister: court claim Billionaire Anthony Pratt and his sisters were witness to the “bonds of love and affection” between their late father and his “love child” Paula Hitchcock, claim new court documents. Pratt played Trump better than most, new recordings reveal Despite privately comparing Donald Trump to the mafia, Anthony Pratt entered an administration whose policies lowered his taxes and benefited his business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, senior writer Neil Chenoweth and media and marketing reporter Sam Buckingham Jones on why Lachlan’s position as successor is in doubt, what Rupert is trying to do about it and whether he can win. This podcast is sponsored by IG Further reading:The three headaches of Rupert Murdoch in his battle for controlA bombshell lawsuit between Rupert, Lachlan and his other children begins in Reno, Nevada, next week. Meanwhile, shareholders want change and Foxtel’s for sale.The Murdoch succession saga is far from overTwo weeks after turning 52, Lachlan Murdoch is facing the worst of worlds. After three difficult decades he’s finally won the race to be Rupert’s successor at the head of News Corp and Fox Corporation. At last, he has the reins, he’s finally the man. Except that his father is still around.Trouble in the Murdoch trust fundIf you think you’re doing it tough in the COVID-19 lockdown, spare a thought for Rupert Murdoch’s family – they really don’t get on but they’re locked together in a family trust … forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, Technology editor Paul Smith and Chanticleer columnist Anthony Macdonald discuss the rise of AirTrunk, whether Robin Khuda can grow it to a $100 billion business and what might get in his way. This podcast is sponsored by IG Further reading:Robin Khuda is the ringleader of this year’s biggest M&A dealThe founder of AirTrunk has cashed in on the inexorable rise in demand for processing power and built a vast fortune on the rise of cloud computing.Inside Project Amidala: AirTrunk’s $24b dealFour years ago, Blackstone missed its chance to buy up the data centre giant. It wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice, even if it cost $24 billion.Khuda sets $100b valuation target for AirTrunk’s next trickBillionaire Robin Khuda has praised his own foresight in investing in data centres tailor-made for tech giants after creating a $24 billion business in less than a decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin, deputy property editor Michael Bleby and luxury property writer Bonnie Campbell discuss why property listings are up as the Spring selling season takes hold and address the all-important question - is now a good time to buy?This podcast is sponsored by IGFurther reading:https://www.afr.com/property/residential/a-5m-sydney-home-that-failed-to-sell-shows-level-headedness-is-back-20240818-p5k39yhttps://www.afr.com/property/residential/first-look-inside-the-50m-sirius-penthouse-20240828-p5k63fhttps://www.afr.com/property/commercial/how-construction-failures-push-up-costs-for-builders-and-consumers-20240826-p5k5hsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporter Ronald Mizen and media and marketing reporter Sam Buckingham-Jones on the case for and against gambling ad reform, what the government is likely to do and whether it will be enough. This podcast is sponsored by Team Global ExpressFurther reading:Rowland wins some, loses more in gambling advertising debatePointless non-disclosure agreements, an agitated backbench – miscalculations have marred long-overdue reform to wagering advertising rulesTV ad ban but not jerseys and field signs is ‘illogical’: bookies Sportsbet, Entain and Pointsbet say they won’t put their logos on sports jerseys or around the stadium during live sportGambling ad ban MPs to go over Rowland’s head and lobby PM direct The direct approach over the head of the communications minister illustrates growing frustration in Labor ranks over the party’s position on gambling advertisingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, United States correspondent Matthew Cranston and International editor James Curran on why the presidential race has been turned on its head, how the candidates and their running mates match up and what they would mean for the world if they make it to the White House.This podcast is sponsored by Team Global ExpressFurther reading: Obamas ignite Harris campaign but warn of tight raceThe former president told a roaring crowd the vice president would not be a self-centred leader like Trump, but instead focus on improving Americans’ lives. Kamala Harris’ big test this week: Policy or personality All eyes will be on the vice president at the Democratic National Convention as she tries to keep momentum going in the race for the White House. Democrats now the American dreamers Democrats have become the true believers in the American mission. Republicans will be more prudential in assessing foreign policy capacities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, professional services editor Edmund Tadros on the rise of a sales-driven culture at PwC, why the firm bungled its response to the tax leaks scandal, and why it has failed to move on. This podcast is sponsored by Team Global Express Further reading: ‘We couldn’t believe it’: Insiders reveal how PwC unravelled as scandal broke The inside story of how PwC transformed from dull accountant into a sales-driven firm that would tear itself apart.‘I’ll make you more money’: Inside Seymour’s CEO pitchThe candidates had unofficial campaign managers and developed manifestos. Lobbying was done in the office, over drinks, during the weekend. And like any good election, the voters’ main concern was what was in it for them.‘Nerds gone wild’: Inside PwC’s last party before it all blew upIt is the days-long party now described as the last hurrah before the storm of the tax leaks. Within six months, the scandal would change the firm forever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on ANZ’s bond trading scandal, whether the bank lied about its market activity to get on the deal in the first place and who should be accountable. This podcast is sponsored by Team Global Express Further reading:ANZ bond trading scandal ‘risks unknown’: MacquarieMacquarie analysts have run the numbers on what ANZ’s bond scandal could do to its profits whilst conceding some costs are hard to measure.ANZ says bond trading scandal fallout could extend to the very topThe ANZ board may be forced to take action against the bank’s chief executive Shayne Elliott and other senior managers over the misleading trading data submitted to the federal government and investigations into its workplace culture.The ANZ scandal is a bombshell in two actsThe issues engulfing the bank’s trading team are not about complicated bond trades. It’s about an alleged double act of deceit and manipulation of the taxpayer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, resources reporter Peter Ker discusses whether Andrew Forrest's green hydrogen dream was a fantasy and what his retreat means for the government’s green energy plans and Fortescue’s future. This podcast is sponsored by Team Global ExpressFurther reading: Green hydrogen too ‘expensive and inefficient’: Finkel Former chief scientist Alan Finkel – who devised Australia’s first clean hydrogen strategy – now says we are “unlikely to use hydrogen for storage of electricity”. Forrest says Element Zero execs burned bridges ‘like Nazis’ Fortescue chairman Andrew Forrest has distanced himself from surveillance tactics used against former employees, but fully supported the IP lawsuit against them. Labor’s hydrogen dream stalls as Fortescue slims down H2 vision Fortescue will cut 700 jobs and slow its push into green hydrogen in a blow to the Albanese government’s plan to make Australia a hydrogen superpower supported by more than $8 billion of taxpayer funded incentives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin, Financial Review workplace correspondent David Marin-Guzman on what was uncovered in his nine-month investigation into the CFMEU, why the response shocked union insiders and whether this time, there might be lasting change. This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet. Further reading: ‘The dam is breaking’: Setka resignation blow to culture of fear The CFMEU boss’ departure was a shock even to his own officials, but it is a watershed moment for the culture of silence and intimidation that has ruled the construction industry. Caught on film: How Setka and the CFMEU wield their power Videos show John Setka delivering a suitcase message to a rival’s home, and other officials issuing threats and boasting of the union’s total control. Albanese to push aside CFMEU bosses The Albanese government will seek to appoint an external administrator to clean up the CFMEU, sidelining its national and state leaders. The MUA is also considering whether to split from the CFMEU. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of The Fin, United States correspondent Matthew Cranston on why Joe Biden pulled out of the presidential race, what happens next and whether Kamala Harris is the candidate to take on Donald Trump. This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet.  Further reading: Harris is younger and fitter than Biden, but that’s the easy bit The vice president is a more physically and mentally capable campaigner who might cut through to some voters who Biden didn’t reach, but is that enough to beat Donald Trump? Biden urges unity to beat Trump after stunning race exit The US president ended his re-election campaign after fellow Democrats lost faith in him. Kamala Harris, 59, immediately accepted his endorsement. Trump skips reset moment, doubles down on MAGA magic Donald Trump had the chance of a lifetime to reinvent himself following an assassination attempt. But why on earth would he do that? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin, economics correspondent Michael Read explains why inflation has proved stickier than expected and raised the stakes for the Reserve Banks's big policy gamble. This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet.  Further reading:https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/inflation-hits-six-month-high-raising-risk-of-a-rate-rise-20240626-p5jot7Investors say there is now a one-in-three chance of an August interest rate rise after inflation accelerated to its highest rate in six months and economists warned price pressures remained too strong. https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/rba-won-t-be-influenced-by-europe-and-canada-on-rate-cuts-20240607-p5jk4zThe Reserve Bank of Australia will not be swayed by interest rate cuts in Canada and Europe, says deputy governor Andrew Hauser, as he warns that high inflation is having “toxic” effects on households and preventing businesses from expanding. https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/rba-board-split-in-doubt-as-libs-dig-in-20240509-p5in16Treasurer Jim Chalmers could be forced to shelve his signature plan to create a specialist interest rate-setting board at the Reserve Bank of Australia after a breakdown in talks with the Coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.