Ken Henry

In this discussion, Michael Yabsley, a former political adviser, shares his fascinating insights on Gina Rinehart's political maneuvers, stemming from her father Lang Hancock's legacy. He paints Gina as a complex figure, both driven and controversial. Ken Henry, a former Treasury Secretary, elaborates on the Resource Super Profits Tax and its disastrous political fallout. The conversations delve into how Gina's early experiences and her father's strategies shaped her approach to influencing politics, culminating in the modern mining lobby's challenges.

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.