The Fin

Paul Karp, NSW political correspondent at The Australian Financial Review, and Michael Bleby, its deputy property editor, dive into the escalating war on NIMBYism in Australia. They discuss the urgent housing crisis, revealing a staggering shortfall of 1.2 million homes looming by 2029. The conversation highlights how local resistance impacts development efforts, particularly in Willara. Labor shortages and shifting demographics complicate the landscape further. Both guests provide insights into potential solutions, including tax reform, to tackle these pressing issues.

Sam Buckingham-Jones, Media Reporter at The Australian Financial Review, dissects Lachlan Murdoch's monumental $5 billion settlement, securing control of the family’s media empire. He walks listeners through the tumultuous legal battles that shaped this outcome and the complex family dynamics within the Murdoch clan. Buckingham-Jones explores the implications for News Corp and Fox, the emotional toll on family relationships, and how these changes might influence the future of media under Lachlan's leadership.

David Marin-Guzman, a workplace correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, dives into the alarming case of a company using employee laptops as covert listening devices. He unpacks the tension between remote surveillance and personal privacy, emphasizing how such practices can erode trust. Discussions also touch on proposed legislation to secure the right to work from home in Australia and the evolving implications of AI technology in monitoring. The conversation raises vital questions about the future of worker rights and the balance needed between oversight and privacy.

Phillip Coorey, the political editor for the Australian Financial Review, delves into pressing issues affecting Australia. He discusses the looming debt crisis and the challenges it poses for future generations. Coorey sheds light on the 'Braveheart' situation in parliament, highlighting shifts in power dynamics following recent elections. He also addresses Iran's influence in Australia, particularly how ASIO's revelations have forced government action. Furthermore, he critiques the lack of innovative solutions in economic reforms and explores tensions surrounding electric vehicle road charges.

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.