FEAR & GREED | Business News CEOs attack red tape; James Hardie crashes 28pc; workers back WFH, 4 day week
Aug 20, 2025
Business leaders vocally criticize government red tape, urging action for productivity improvements. James Hardie faces a staggering 28% stock drop linked to the US market slowdown. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Albanese counters international criticism regarding Australia's political stance. Australian workers express strong support for flexible work arrangements and a four-day week. In pop culture, a Taylor Swift podcast achieves record viewership, raising eyebrows about advertising strategies. Meanwhile, investments in the non-alcoholic beverage sector are booming.
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Regulation Is Costing Competitiveness
- CEOs warned that red tape and slow approvals are eroding Australia’s competitiveness and capital attraction.
- Industry leaders linked regulatory delays directly to lost investment and falling productivity.
Productivity Hit By Spending And Red Tape
- Former Productivity Commission chair Gary Banks argued government spending and regulation have driven productivity to 60-year lows.
- Parallel rival roundtables amplified criticism and highlighted bipartisan fracturing on reform approaches.
James Hardie Share Collapse Explained
- James Hardie shares plunged about 27% after June quarter net profit fell 60% amid a US market slowdown.
- CEO Aaron Erter dismissed the hit as a blip and defended the US AZEC decking business.