Squiz Today A Squiz at August: Tabling an economic plan, and some brilliant brownies
Dec 30, 2025
Dive into a review of August's top stories, including the intriguing peace talks involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky. Discover the challenges Zelensky faced during his White House visit as he sought security guarantees from the U.S. The discussion also highlights a major roundtable aimed at boosting productivity in Australia. And for a tasty twist, listen as the hosts rave about Donna Hay's delightful molten choc chunk brownies, complete with a recipe to try at home!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
High‑Stakes Peace Push Falters
- Trump convened Putin and Zelensky in August to push for peace after three and a half years of war.
- The talks produced few gains as territorial demands and security guarantees remained major sticking points.
Productivity Roundtable Produces Priorities
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers ran a three‑day productivity roundtable with industry, unions and business on 19 August.
- The forum produced 10 priorities focused on regulation simplification, training for future jobs and housing reform.
Skepticism Over Rapid Policy Promises
- The government pitched the roundtable as a quick path from ideas to policy, but scepticism remained about real reform.
- Whether those priorities turn into meaningful change was left uncertain by the hosts.