
The Readout
The Readout is a podcast hosted by the Development Intelligence Lab.At the Lab, we’re tackling the big issues of development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. We take one gnarly issue at a time, gather the best of the best from the region, Government, and academia, and dive deep to unpack the issue – and find the way forward.And our favourite part of these projects is the conversations we have along the way. So here on The Readout, we take you behind the scenes to let you in on the phone calls, the coffees, and the lightbulb moments that shaped each project.To learn more about The Readout and the work of the Development Intelligence Lab, head over to devintelligencelab.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Oct 16, 2024 • 21min
Gordon Peake x People-watching in Port Moresby
What can a tour of Port Moresby's coffee shops and hotels reveal about the state of Australian development and diplomacy in Papua New Guinea? With Gordon Peake, analyst and author of recent article "People-watching in Port Moresby," we unpack Australia's engagement with its closest neighbour. Gordon reflects on the disconnect between official narratives and realities on the ground, the pressures on development workers to demonstrate success, and the value of listening to a range of perspectives to understand PNG's challenges.We also explore Gordon's insights on the importance of humility when practicing the great game of statecraft, and his advice for newcomers to the Pacific diplomatic scene.Read Gordon's piece "People-watching in Port Moresby" here: https://insidestory.org.au/people-watching-in-port-moresby/The Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2024 • 15min
Dr Mercy Masta x Gender Equality, The Pacific Way
Dr. Mercy Masta, a Research Fellow at ANU's Department of Pacific Affairs, offers unique insights into gender equality in the Pacific. She argues for involving men as allies in discussions about women's rights, highlighting that they shouldn't just be seen as obstacles. Mercy emphasizes understanding cultural dynamics and revisiting traditional practices to empower women. She provides actionable advice for Australian development managers, advocating a more context-sensitive approach for meaningful change in gender relations.

Sep 19, 2024 • 14min
Martina Zapf x Lessons for Australia’s Civil Society Partnerships Fund
How can Australia’s Civil Society Partnership Fund enhance civic space in the Indo-Pacific region? With Martina Zapf, General Manager at the Lab and expert in peacebuilding, we discuss the recent announcement of $35 million over four years for the fund, aimed at supporting civic space amidst rising concerns over shrinking civil liberties. Martina delves into the fund's objectives, the importance of strategic design, and the risks involved in supporting civil society in restricted environments.Martina emphasises the need for targeted, impactful support rather than playing it safe, and offers practical advice for diplomats on making the most of the fund.Finally, Martina tackles the Lab’s standing hypothetical, offering insights into how diplomats can effectively utilise this new tool to foster open and resilient civic spaces.Read the Lab’s policy brief on the Civil Society Partnership Fund here: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/analyses/lessons-for-australias-civil-society-partnerships-fundThe Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 4, 2024 • 14min
Dr Salmah Eva-Lina Lawrence x The Majority World – what’s in a phrase?
How can we shift the language of international development to better reflect global realities? With Dr Salmah Lawrence, a leader in development thought and practice, we talk about her influential article that challenges the terms "developing world" and "Global South." Salmah explains the concept of the "Majority World" and argues for a new approach to development that includes social and cultural factors, not just economic ones.Salmah shares her vision for Australian development policy, by tackling the Lab’s standing hypothetical.Read Salmah’s piece “The Majority World – what’s in a phrase?” here: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/the-majority-world-whats-in-a-phrase/Find more of Salmah’s work here: https://www.drsalmah.com/The Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 21, 2024 • 40min
The Hon Pat Conroy x Australia's International Development Policy Anniversary Event
Australia’s International Development Policy Anniversary Event. In this special episode, we take you behind the scenes of the key anniversary event with Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP. Held a few days ago, the event celebrated one year of the policy, bringing together around 50 Australian-based development stakeholders and leaders from government, academia, and civil society to reflect on the policy's progress and it’s future.Minister Conroy shares his reflections on the achievements and challenges faced, emphasising the importance of listening to and respecting the needs of our neighbours.He also announces funding for the new Civil Society Partnerships Fund and hears pitches and ideas from Matt Darvas of Micah, Serena Sasingian of Digital Foundation and Darren Lim of ANU.Finally, Minister Conroy answers Lab hypothetical; “imagine yourself in 10 years’ time, what was the most critical change you made or direction you gave, during that time. What would you love to be able to say?”Read our analysis of the International Development Policy: One Year On here: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/analyses/international-development-policy-one-year-onRead the documents and policies mentioned by the Minister here:International Development Policy: https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/international-development-policy.pdfPerformance and Delivery Framework: https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/performance-delivery-framework.pdfAustralian Development Cooperation Report: https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/performance-of-australian-development-cooperation-report-2022-2023.pdfThe Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 24, 2024 • 17min
David Young x Lessons learnt for fragile and conflict-affected states
David Young, Deputy Director of the Lessons Learned Program at SIGAR, shares insights from his experiences in Afghanistan that are crucial for understanding local fragilities in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasizes the need for tailored strategies in foreign assistance, the importance of strong domestic institutions, and the long-term commitment necessary for effective development. Young also touches on the geopolitical challenges posed by China and offers key advice for Australian foreign affairs leaders to enhance their impact in fragile contexts.

Jul 10, 2024 • 22min
Aidan Craney and Yeshe Smith x Racism, Colonialism and Whiteness in Development
How did the exodus of Australian development workers during COVID-19 impact projects in the Pacific? And what lessons can be drawn for future development assistance? With Aidan Craney of La Trobe University and partnership broker Yeshe Smith, we discuss their research into locally led development and the importance of addressing systemic issues in the field. They highlight how embracing local leadership and confronting entrenched biases can improve outcomes for all involved.Finally Aidan and Yeshe pitch their ideas to an Australian development program manager.Read Aidan Craney and Yeshe Smith’s paper, ‘Racism, Colonialism, and Whiteness in Development: Insights from Pacific Professionals Following Repatriation of White Staff during COVID-19’ here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01436597.2024.2356608The Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 27, 2024 • 15min
Therese Faulkner x International Development Contractors Community Policy Priorities
How can Australia transition from an austerity mindset to a growth mindset in its development program? With Therese Faulkner, founder of the International Development Contractors Community (IDCC), we discuss policy priorities. Therese emphasises the importance of embracing innovation in delivering high-impact development assistance. She explores how a changed mindset, broader community engagement, and maintaining focus on locally led development, gender, and disability inclusion can enhance Australia’s development efforts.Finally, Therese pitches her ideas to ministers.Read the IDCC’s submission here: https://idcc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IDCC-New-International-Development-Policy-Submission.pdfRead the IDCC’s budget reaction here: https://idcc.org.au/idcc-reaction-to-the-2024-25-development-budget/The Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 13, 2024 • 14min
Dr Darren Lim x Australia’s Reassessment of Economic Interdependence with China
How can Australian policymakers untangle the intricate threads of the nation's relationship with China? With Dr. Darren Lim, Senior Lecturer at the ANU, we discuss his piece on ‘Australia’s Reassessment of Economic Interdependence with China.’ Darren navigates the convergence of economics, national security, and geopolitics, shedding light on Australia's evolving statecraft while emphasising the significance of development cooperation in the region.Finally, Darren pitches his ideas to policymakers, including to Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific.Read Darren’s piece here: https://www.nbr.org/publication/australias-reassessment-of-economic-interdependence-with-china/The Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 30, 2024 • 17min
Heather Murphy x Navigating the competing purposes of Australian development
How can Australian policymakers better navigate the competing objectives of Australia’s development program? With Heather Murphy, Head of Analysis and Engagement at the Development Intelligence Lab, we discuss her recent policy brief ‘Navigating the competing purposes of Australian development.’ Heather lays out the importance of looking beyond the binary, and explores how Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded activities can, and do, produce both geostrategic and development outcomes - but not without some costs.Finally, Heather pitches her idea for what should be on the radar of Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jan Adams AO PSM.Read the policy brief here: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/analyses/navigating-the-competing-purposes-of-australian-developmentThe Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysisThe Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.