The Economy, Stupid

With tax income from lucrative trade routes and finance from countries such as China or Pakistan, how insulated are the Taliban from the western threat of sanctions and the freeze of international funds? Plus, accounting for climate change — latest research on translating climate data into financial risk.Guests:David Mansfield, independent consultant, author of A State Built on Sand: How opium undermined Afghanistan @mansfieldintincDr Tanya Fielder, accounting lecturer, University of Sydney @TanyaFiedler

Australia's move to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and the scrapping its $90 billion submarine program with France has had diplomatic consequences – but what can be assumed about the costs, timeframes and local involvement? Plus, shipping costs, stock delays and supply chain stresses as the pandemic continues.Guests: Dr Marcus Hellyer, Senior Analyst specialising in defence economics and military capability, Australian Strategic Policy InstituteElizabeth Jackson, Senior Lecturer, Curtin University

Last year in the pandemic a lot of people withdrew their superannuation under the Early Release Scheme. For many, it was a lifeline to cover food, rent and pay down debt in case things got worse. For others, it was about replacing an ageing car, or trying to save or even start a business. And surprise, surprise, overall it's worked out worse for women than for men. Plus, cuckoo smurfing — what it is, how to spot it, how to make sure it doesn't happen to you.Guests:Shane Oliver, Chief Economist, AMP CapitalMelissa Birks, General Manager, Advocacy, The Australian Institute of Superannuation TrusteesGillian Kilgour, MetalSmiths Jewellery CollectiveTamika Hicks, Manager and Founder, Cardinia lakes Early Learning CentreMarcus Erikson, Director of Intelligence, AUSTRAC

Could we have a travel bubble with Singapore and what are the advantages of getting it done? Plus, the economic consequences of something that affects so many of us — loneliness. And the massive financial intelligence trove gained from the Trojan Shield sting against organised crime should leave convicted criminals "broke".Guests:Nathan Lynch, Asia-Pacific Manager, Regulatory Intelligence, Thomson ReutersClaryn Kung, Research Fellow, Monash University, Centre of Health EconomicsSimon Baptist, Chief Economist, The Economist Intelligence Unit

COVID disaster payments for Melbourne residents who are unable to work will be part of a new national scheme available to other states if lockdowns last for more than a week. The latest blow to Victoria's economy follows GDP figures which show that Australia's economy has bounced back from the pandemic recession. Plus, the economic costs of racism and Australian researchers find that business leaders are more optimistic about their company's profit outlook when the sun is shining - investors might want to check the weather forecast before making financial decisions.Guests:Danielle Wood, CEO, Grattan InstituteAssociate Professor Edward Podolski, Deakin University Business SchoolAmanuel Elias, Alfred Deakin Institute, Deakin University

Meet an award winning, Aboriginal-owned construction and maintenance services business that’s part of the booming $4.8 billion Indigenous business sector. Plus, Newcastle City Council’s program to attract talented, community-minded workers. And the tough cost of Victoria’s latest lockdown.Guests: Gerard Matera, Director, building services company MarawarProfessor Michelle Evans, University of Melbourne Indigenous Business Research Group Felicia Mariani, CEO, Victoria Tourism Industry CouncilMajed Traboulsi, New Move applicantBuzzy Gray, New Move applicantDeclan Clausen, Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle

A stake in the famed New Zealand All Blacks is to be sold to a US private equity firm - with Rugby Australia in a dire financial situation, will private equity also offer the Wallabies a lifeline? Plus, as the International Energy Agency calls time on fossil fuel exploration and investment, and sets out the roadmap for a global energy transition, Australia fires-up plans for a gas led economic recovery.Guests:Hamish McLennan, Chair, Rugby AustraliaJohn Stensholt, business reporter, The AustralianSimon Chadwick, Professor of Eurasian Sport, Emlyon Business School, FranceNicki Hutley, economist, The Climate CouncilSamantha Hepburn, Director of the Centre for Energy and Natural Resources Law, Deakin Law School, Deakin University

How low will unemployment have to go before Australians get a wage rise? Analysis of Federal Budget housing measures for single parents, first home buyers and older people thinking of selling the family home. Plus, beer, Superbowl tickets and a million-dollar lottery - can incentives boost rates of vaccination in the United States?Guests:Sarah Hunter, Chief Economist, BIS Oxford EconomicsProfessor Rachel Ong ViforJ, Curtin UniversityLloyd Edge, buyer’s agent, Director of Aus Property Professionals

The economic implications of India's second COVID wave. Plus, revenue is up at Netflix Australia after we binged on shows during pandemic lockdowns. Despite the boost in revenue, the streaming giant paid only $553,705 in local income tax. It’s legal but there may be tax changes on the way. And the power of quotas and why Australia needs them.Guests:Gabriela D’Souza, Senior Economist, Committee for Economic Development of AustraliaRodney Brown, UNSW Business SchoolProfessor Alison Pullen, Macquarie Business School

Most Australians use a tax agent or accountant to manage their returns and sort out complex deductions – it’s a deductable cost. What if everyone was entitled to a $3000 annual standard tax deduction? Plus, an unlikely coalition of parenting, union and business groups call on the Federal Government to prioritise economic security for women in next month's budget. And the value of trust in digital retail.Guests:Michelle O’Neil, President, Australian Council of Trade UnionsSteven Hamilton, Chief Economist, Blueprint Institute Emma Beal, Researcher, Blueprint InstituteProfessor Michael Rosemann, Director, QUT Centre for Future Enterprise