The Fin

Greg Bearup, a senior writer at The Australian Financial Review, investigates the Mormon Church's staggering $500 million investment in Australian farmland. He dives into the church's motivations and the potential impact on local agriculture. The discussion highlights concerns over transparency and ethics, revealing fears among farmers about foreign influence on food production. Bearup also shares stories of disillusioned former church members who grapple with the church’s corporate practices, raising important questions about community interests versus institutional greed.

Myriam Robin, a senior writer at The Australian Financial Review, dives into the pressing issue of declining fertility rates in Australia. She discusses the potential economic consequences, like labor shortages, and the societal challenges they pose. Robin examines the reluctance of politicians to tackle this topic and explores the controversial idea of reinstating baby bonuses. The conversation touches on historical perspectives on population growth and innovative policy responses that could encourage higher birth rates for a sustainable future.

Jemima Whyte, a senior reporter at The Australian Financial Review, and Joyce Moullakis, an associate editor at the same outlet, dive into the tumult at Macquarie Bank. They discuss the bank's struggle with executive pay and investor dissatisfaction amid increasing scrutiny and a controversial AGM. Speculation about leadership succession arises while the impact of a recent remuneration strike on company culture and employee morale is examined. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing growth with accountability in an ever-competitive financial landscape.

In this discussion, Paul Smith, Technology editor at The Australian Financial Review, interviews Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, known for leading innovations like ChatGPT. They delve into the dramatic events of Altman’s firing and quick rehiring, exploring the broader implications for the AI landscape. Altman shares insights on what would prompt him to pull the plug on AI projects and discusses the potential risk of AI to white-collar jobs. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of AI development and the necessity for distributed control in the tech industry.

Join Richard McGregor, a seasoned analyst from the Lowy Institute, and Jessica Sier, North Asia correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, as they dissect the nuances of Australia-China relations. They delve into the implications of Prime Minister Albanese’s trip to China, spotlighting the significance of personal diplomacy. The duo explores broader themes like panda diplomacy, Xi Jinping's political stability, and the challenges Australia faces with its strategic balancing act amid rising U.S.-China tensions. It’s a captivating examination of global dynamics!

John Kehoe, the Economics editor at The Australian Financial Review, and Jonathan Shapiro, a senior reporter at the same outlet, dive into the Reserve Bank of Australia's unexpected decision to keep interest rates steady. They discuss how this surprising move reflects deeper economic issues, particularly for Gen Z facing stagnant productivity and high debt. The duo also unpacks the implications of recent global events on local policies and market reactions, shedding light on the precarious financial landscape for future generations.

In this insightful discussion, David Marin-Guzman, workplace correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, dives into the murky waters of the CFMEU's corruption crisis. He reveals shocking details from a year-long inquiry, exposing entrenched criminal ties and the fallout from leadership resignations. Marin-Guzman explores the dangerous instability in the building industry, including violent turf wars and the impact of a recent High Court ruling. The conversation underscores the challenges of reforming a powerful union amidst a culture of fear and intimidation.

Join James Thomson, a prominent columnist for The Australian Financial Review, and Lucy Dean, a wealth reporter, as they explore the emergence of 'inheritocracy' in Australia. They discuss how inherited wealth is reshaping social mobility and innovation, particularly for younger generations. The conversation delves into how financial status is influencing modern relationships, with more individuals scrutinizing their partner's wealth. They also tackle the growing wealth gap and the urgent need for discussions on tax reform to address housing and economic challenges.

Join Ayesha de Kretser, a Senior reporter at The Australian Financial Review, and Anthony Macdonald, a Chanticleer columnist, as they dissect Virgin Australia’s dramatic return to the stock market. They delve into the challenges of operating in a volatile industry, exploring why Australia seems stuck with only two main airlines. The discussion highlights Virgin’s impressive IPO amid a tumultuous market and examines the future of domestic aviation, raising questions about competition and investor confidence in an industry still recovering from recent upheavals.

Maxim Shanahan, a professional services reporter at The Australian Financial Review, uncovers the dramatic struggles of King & Wood Mallesons, from governance failures to chaotic mergers. He discusses the challenges of navigating legal ethics in a complex geopolitical landscape, including controversial dealings in countries like Montenegro. Shanahan also highlights how internal conflicts and accusations of corruption put the firm under scrutiny, echoing broader concerns about law firm governance in a globalized world.