The Bloomberg Australia Podcast

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s six-day visit to China was a diplomatic reset that marks the full restoration of trade ties after years of friction. While the trip was framed around economics, the stakes were far broader, as tensions simmer over Taiwan, defense, and Australia’s balancing act between its biggest trading partner and its key security ally, the US. This week on the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Rebecca Jones speaks with Beijing-based reporter James Mayger about how the visit played out inside China and what wasn’t said in the official statements. They also explore what China wants next from the relationship — and how much Canberra is actually willing to give.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RBA shocked markets this week by keeping interest rates on hold at 3.85%, despite widespread expectations for a third cut in five months. That decision left millions of mortgage holders disappointed and raised new questions about the central bank’s strategy as inflation continues to ease.This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with economy reporter Swati Pandey about why markets misread the RBA, what Governor Michele Bullock’s signals mean for future moves, and what could prompt the next cut. They also unpack the impact on housing and how global risks like President Trump’s tariff threats are complicating the outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians have enthusiastically embraced rooftop solar panels. Now the government has introduced a A$2.3 billion rebate plan to get more people to install batteries at their homes, to store all of that solar power to smooth out supply at times of peak demand. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to energy reporter Keira Wright about why the government wants more batteries, how much people stand to save under the rebate scheme, and what it all means for the country’s power supply.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virgin Australia is back on the ASX after a five-year absence, marking the biggest IPO so far this year. Once grounded by the pandemic, the airline is now making money again and flying under new leadership. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones talks to Angus Whitley about the airline’s financial reboot, its rivalry with Qantas, the risks of private equity ownership, and whether this new Virgin can deliver for both investors and travelers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has announced a review of the Aukus defense deal, casting fresh doubts on whether the country will follow through on its pact with Australia and the UK.This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones asks reporter Ben Westcott to explain what’s behind the review and what the potential consequences are for Australia, the Asia Pacific, and China’s increasing presence in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Australians are already subject to a 15% tax on their superannuation profits, but the wealthiest are facing another levy on top of that. This week on the podcast, Chris Bourke asks cross-asset reporter Richard Henderson to explain how the tax will work, who will be affected, and if Australia’s super system is becoming a wealth accumulation vehicle for the rich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia scrapped its version of the golden visa last year, after concerns the scheme was being rorted. Meanwhile, New Zealand has just revamped its own system, and is preparing to welcome wealthy expats with open arms.This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to wealth editor Ainsley Thomson in Wellington about why golden visas are making a comeback in some parts of the world and where you can still get one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2015, Chinese company Landbridge was awarded a 99-year lease over the Port of Darwin. Now, Australia wants to take it back and put it into local hands. This week on the podcast, Rebecca Jones speaks to government reporter Ben Westcott and senior editor Chelsea Mes about why Beijing is speaking out against that decision, and what role the US might play.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia this week cut rates by 25 basis points, for the second time this year, while pulling off a post-Covid economic crisis soft landing for the local economy that few central banks have been able to execute.This week on the podcast,  Rebecca Jones speaks to Bloomberg Economics’ James McIntyre about the outlook for interest rates, how that could be affected by Trump’s tariff war, and what it all means for the housing market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s finance industry is beset by a raft of compliance lapses, from data reporting breaches to trader misbehaviour. Macquarie was targeted yet again this week in a civil action filed by the Australian Securities & Investment Commission.This week, Chris Bourke asks Bloomberg finance editor Adam Haigh: What’s going wrong with some of our biggest banks, and how did they fare in the latest reporting season?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.