Ken Henry

Michael Yabsley, a former advisor to mining mogul Gina Rinehart, and Ken Henry, ex-Treasury Secretary, dive into the profound political influence of wealth. They discuss Rinehart's strategic opposition to the mining super profits tax and how she learned from her father, Lang Hancock, a pioneer of the iron ore industry. The conversation also tackles the push for Western Australia's secession, personal rivalries in mining, and the complex interplay of politics and economics that shapes Australia's future.

Ken Henry, former Treasury secretary and seasoned economist, dives into the urgent need for reforming Australia's environmental laws. He discusses the long delays and inefficiencies of the EPBC Act, advocating for a balance between environmental protection and quick approvals for vital projects. Henry weighs the potential risks of ministerial overrides while stressing the integration of climate policy. He highlights the importance of safeguarding standards in bilateral approvals, urging swift reform to enhance productivity and tackle pressing issues like deforestation.

Join former New South Wales parliament member Michael Yabsley and former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry as they dive into the powerful legacies of Gina Rinehart and her father, Lang Hancock. They discuss Lang's groundbreaking efforts that reshaped Australia's iron ore industry and Gina's fierce campaigns against government taxation. The conversation highlights the intense public relations battle over the mining superprofits tax and how media ownership intertwines with political influence, shaping contemporary Australian politics.