The Fin

Edmund Tadros, a professional services editor, and Paul Karp, a political correspondent, dive into the global fallout from Deloitte's AI fiasco. They discuss how errors in a government report were uncovered, revealing the risks of relying on AI without proper oversight. The conversation highlights Deloitte's delayed admissions, the implications for consulting expertise, and the public's reaction to AI's potential threats. They also debate whether the incident is a cautionary tale for the industry or just the tip of the iceberg for future AI blunders.

Greg Bearup, a senior writer at the Financial Review, sheds light on China's dominance in Australia's EV market, emphasizing security vulnerabilities. Richard McGregor, a China expert at the Lowy Institute, dives into the geopolitical implications of Chinese-made tech. They discuss alarming risks like potential remote detonation of EVs and the surveillance concerns tied to data access. The duo also touches on the closure of local battery manufacturing and assesses strategies Australia can adopt to balance climate goals with national security.

Andrew Hobbs, a wealth reporter who investigates superannuation scandals, joins financial columnist Tony Boyd to delve into a $1.2 billion investment crisis. They discuss how online recruitment funneled retirees into risky funds, exploring the rapid growth and subsequent collapse of the Shieldmaster fund. Highlighting emotional investor stories and the failures of gatekeepers and trustees, they assess the regulatory landscape and recommend urgent reforms to protect future investors from similar pitfalls.

Join Jonathan Shapiro, a senior reporter at the Australian Financial Review, as he delves into the changing landscape of private credit in Australia. The discussion centers on ASIC's crackdown on La Trobe Financial and its implications for super investors. Shapiro emphasizes the risks involved, including the issues with La Trobe's disclosures and the high percentage of subprime mortgages. The conversation also explores whether non-bank lenders are essential or too risky, highlighting the balance between opportunity and caution in the private credit market.

Nicola Smith, a Canberra bureau chief specializing in Australian politics, and Jessica Gardner, a Washington correspondent focused on US relations, discuss the implications of Anthony Albanese's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump. They examine Australia’s diplomatic setbacks in securing defense treaties with PNG and Vanuatu, highlighting growing Chinese influence in the Pacific. The duo also offers insights into the strategic stakes of these issues, emphasizing how they could shape regional power dynamics and Australia's role in Pacific security.

James Thomson, a banking expert from the Australian Financial Review, teams up with Angira Bharadwaj, a savvy reporter on financial services, to discuss the seismic shifts at ANZ. They delve into the sharp job cuts affecting thousands of employees and analyze the bank's recent $240 million settlement with ASIC. Angira reveals how CEO Nuno Matos is making waves with a controversial overhaul, and they ponder whether the banking sector is teetering on the edge of a major transformation as cost pressures mount and new leaders emerge.

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.