The Economy, Stupid

Loyalty programs in the airline industry have evolved into significant financial assets, affecting consumer behavior since the 1980s. Discover how airlines monetize points and the psychological appeal driving customer loyalty. Dive into the complexities of Qantas and Velocity, and explore savvy strategies for maximizing rewards. There's also a focus on the implications of data privacy, examining how airlines harvest consumer information and the potential risks. Join experts as they highlight the need for clearer regulations and consumer awareness.

Guests Peggy Hollinger, a Space Industry Editor, Professor Anna Moore from a prominent space research institute, and Ryan Brukardt, a consulting expert, dive into the booming space economy projected to hit $1.8 trillion. They discuss the construction of the Lunar Gateway and how advancements in satellite technology are revolutionizing agriculture and disaster response. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for regulations to manage space congestion and debris, as well as the geopolitical dynamics of revitalized lunar ambitions.

The Paris Olympics were designed to be 'infrastructure light' to avoid outlandish construction costs,  yet the overspend is estimated at $US1 billion. Since the 2016 Rio Olympics' budget overrun by 352 per cent, many cities withdrew their bids in the face of strong public opposition.  So should Olympic Games be held in one permanent location every four years?  And how are plans for Brisbane's 2032 Olympic Games progressing? Andrew Zimbalist, Professor of Economics at Smith College, Massachusetts. Author of Circus Maximus and Boston Olympics: How and Why Smart Cities Are Passing on the TorchMichael Bleby, Deputy Property Editor at the Australian Financial Review 

How have CEO bonuses reached such stratospheric levels? What do chief executives have to do to get them and how does getting them influence how they run the business?Researchers have found that CEO bonuses can lead to some sneaky corporate behaviour. And the incentives often don’t align the interests of the boss and the shareholders.Anna Bedford, Associate Professor at UTSGeoff Martin, Professor of Strategy at Melbourne Business SchoolDr Rebecca Bachmann, Lecturer, Department of Account and Corporate Governance, Macquarie University Ed Johns, Executive Manager, Australian Council of Superannuation Investors 

Exploring the vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure due to lack of vendor diversity, the importance of effective risk management and maintaining risk registers, challenges of balancing risk and performance measurement in organizations, implications of globalization trend in the digital world for businesses, risks of IT dependencies and data privacy, and discussions on the value of social media platforms and product market traps.

Shopping malls are very big business globally and Australia's no different, with the twelve largest centres earning over $1 billion annually.  Initially designed in the 1960s to accommodate hundreds of cars, targeting the suburban housewife, today they come in all sizes - from the big guns, to mini guns - and are much more responsive to diverse cultural needs, changing consumer trends, and the latest in entertainment.  

Indigenous business and home ownership is on an upward trajectory. The role played by Indigenous owned and operated businesses in Australia's economy has expanded, contributing over $16 billion to the economy, and over $4.2 billion in wages. And Indigenous Business Australia has helped tens of thousands purchase their own home.  No mean feat during this cost of living crisis.Laura Thompson, Co-Founder, Clothing the GapMichelle Evans, Director of the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership at Melbourne University and Melbourne Business School Kelly Keane, Associate Director, Indigenous Business Australia

Explore how people plan to use extra money from Stage III tax cuts and the benefits of cutting tariffs on imports with guests Kristen Sobeck, Matthew Bowen, and Alex Robson. From tax bracket adjustments to savings and investments, the podcast uncovers the impact and implications of these financial changes.

Experts discuss the impact of immigration on Australia, addressing housing market issues and the need for skilled immigrants. They explore improving English skills, recognizing overseas qualifications, reducing discrimination, and a successful immigrant program in Ararat.

Investigative journalist Geoff White delves into how criminals launder dirty money using techniques like cash businesses, casinos, properties, cryptocurrencies, and the dark web. The podcast discusses cases of using cryptocurrency for money laundering, the rise and takedown of AlphaBay, cyber heists involving online games, the controversy of tools like Tornado Cash, and the parallels between tech companies and money launderers in operating environments.