The Fin

Michael Smith, Health editor at the Australian Financial Review, discusses the looming crisis facing Healthscope, Australia’s second-largest private hospital operator. He highlights the complex battle between health insurers and private hospitals, exploring the financial struggles exacerbated by the pandemic. Smith addresses how private equity could disrupt healthcare infrastructure and the implications of potential ownership changes. With urgent calls for government intervention, he underscores the need for a balanced approach to sustain both public and private healthcare sectors.

Lidija Ivanovski, a former Labor advisor and AFR columnist, and Paul Karp, NSW political correspondent, dive into the shifting political landscape as the 2025 elections loom. They discuss how Trump's tariff decisions have unexpectedly reshaped campaign strategies, influencing voter sentiment and betting markets. The pair analyze the Liberal Party's challenges and Labor's rising momentum in polls. They touch on the significance of local engagement and forecast the impact of upcoming debates and campaign tactics on election outcomes.

In this discussion, North Asia correspondent Jessica Sier shares insights into the rapidly growing Chinese EV market, emphasizing BYD's remarkable rise and its recent revenue triumph over Tesla. Motoring expert Tony Davis dives into Tesla's current struggles, linking declining sales to public discontent with Elon Musk's political views. They also explore the potential game-changer of a five-minute battery charge and evaluate the future investment prospects for both Tesla and BYD in a fiercely competitive landscape.

Political experts dive into the fierce election landscape as both major parties strategize their approaches. The discussion revolves around economic challenges and how Trump’s tariffs might sway voter sentiment. Insights reveal Labor’s narrow lead in the polls and the possibility of a minority government. The campaign bus provides a humorous backdrop to the unfolding drama, underscoring the unpredictable nature of political narratives. New South Wales emerges as a crucial battleground, shaping the electoral outcome.

As the federal election heats up, the latest political insights are front and center. Key issues like the rising cost of living and party strategies are dissected with expert analysis. Voter sentiment and global influences on the election are also explored. Tune in for updates from the campaign trail and a look into the essential battlegrounds that will shape the electoral outcome.

Join professional services reporter Maxim Shanahan, who keeps a close eye on scandals, and Hannah Wootton, a columnist skilled at humanizing the news, as they unravel the chaos at Slater and Gordon. They discuss a shocking, all-staff email that exposes internal strife and serious allegations of employee underpayment. The episode dives deep into the scandal's implications for workplace culture, revealing the involvement of a mysterious figure with a troubled past. Don't miss their insights into restoring trust amid controversy!

This week on The Fin podcast, political editor Phillip Coorey and economics editor John Kehoe on how both sides of politics are planning to spin the budget, who’s ahead in the polls and why the most important person in this election race might not be Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton.Further reading:Chalmers concedes Labor won’t keep its $275 power bill pledgeJim Chalmers has effectively raised the white flag on the election promise to lower power bills by $275, but says it will be worse under Dutton’s nuclear energy plan.Dutton coming off the boil as election nearsPeter Dutton’s personal ratings and voter expectations of a Coalition victory have fallen sharply, suggesting Labor attacks on the opposition leader are working.We wasted a $400b windfall, and now we’ll all have to payAn audit of federal finances finds Australia has never seen rivers of gold like this, but the hangover will be brutal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin podcast, foreign affairs and defence correspondent Andrew Tillett and international affairs expert James Curran on how Donald Trump has disrupted the world order and why we are headed for a khaki-tinged election.Further reading:Trump’s tariffs were inevitable. But Albanese could have done moreLevies on Australian steel and aluminium to the US starting on Wednesday will have domestic political fallout.Albanese rebuffs Trump over call to lift to defence spendingWhile Labor comes under fire over military readiness, figures show defence spending as a share of the federal budget is at highest in almost a decade.Richard Marles’ mindless talking points ignore Trumpian changeElsewhere, Donald Trump’s return is being noticed, and acted upon with decisive swiftness. But it is not happening in Australia yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard White, the founder of WiseTech Global and a billionaire with a controversial past, discusses his tumultuous journey back to leadership after allegations of misconduct and a boardroom crisis. He reveals the complexities of his personal life, notably a strained marriage that has raised eyebrows among his peers. White's return raises critical questions for investors facing the delicate balance between his influence and corporate governance. Tune in for insights on personal relationships affecting business ethics and the future of WiseTech.

This week on The Fin podcast, senior writer Myriam Robin and author Neil Chenoweth on the bitter fight for control of the Murdoch empire and why the election of Donald Trump couldn’t have come at a worse time for Rupert’s succession plans. Further reading:The Murdochs go to war – through the mediaRupert and Lachlan have failed, for now, to take control of the family trust. But that outcome is by no means the end to hostilities between the media scions.‘Self-interested people’: Why Murdoch and Trump are back in businessRupert Murdoch is known for aligning his business interests with the politician of the hour. His appearance with Donald Trump this week was no different.Logan Roy’s death morphed into a real life Murdoch succession dramaShortly after the fictional patriarch died on television, the family behind the News and Fox empires began to plot life after their patriarch, Rupert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.