The Fin

This week, resources reporter Peter Ker on the challenges ahead for Australia’s iron ore industry, why copper is booming and what miners are doing to ensure the country remains a resources powerhouse. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Iron ore giants face billion-dollar hit from China-backed price switch A new index for the country’s most lucrative export has been lower than the long-time benchmark for the vast majority of days since it was launched this year. Size counts in mining’s game of relevance, but not that much Glencore BHP and Rio shares are at record highs and their bosses are being courted at the White House. So how can Glencore boss Gary Nagle say they’re irrelevant? Copper displaces iron ore as BHP’s best earner, supercharging profits The Big Australian, like its rivals, pivoted towards commodities critical to the energy transition, with production of the red metal to grow 25 per cent by 2035.

This week Technology editor Paul Smith and Chanticleer columnist James Thomson on why financial markets are suddenly spooked, which businesses are most at risk from AI disruption and whether the concern is overblown. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: WiseTech drops Australia’s first AI jobs bomb Rapid, large-scale deployment of artificial intelligence is happening, with the companies most at risk of disruption leading the charge. AI comes for the software giants, and Australia is no safe haven One venture capitalist warns there will be “roadkill”. Another says the market is “schizoid”. Artificial intelligence is making tech increasingly turbulent. Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei warns AI has the potential to tear society apart Dario Amodei’s Anthropic is behind the most popular AI platform for businesses worldwide, but he has serious worries about the technology tearing society apart.

Political editor Phillip Coorey and former Labor adviser and columnist Lidija Ivanovski on Angus Taylor’s big move, the threat from One Nation and why this might not be the last leadership contest before the next election. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: It’s Timmy v Jimmy, with CGT the first battleground Jim Chalmers and Tim Wilson both harbour leadership ambitions. Treasury will be their sparring ring, and both will be determined not to come off second best. Taylor’s big advantage could be 35pc of voters don’t know who he is The new opposition leader is standing at the bottom of a mountain and there is doubt among many in his own party that he can climb it. Jane Hume has become the Liberals’ woman problem by tearing down Ley The new deputy leader might be able to charm some with her confidence and presentation, but her record does not look like that of a champion for working women.

This week on The Fin podcast: journalist Lucy King on the global scam operators targeting Australian investors, how the brother of Olympic breakdancer Raygun came to be working for them and why they are so hard to shut down. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: Raygun’s brother linked to global scam network with nearly 40,000 Aussie victims An AFR investigation unravels corporate registries to link Brendan Gunn, brother of “Raygun”, with a global network that has fleeced victims of millions. ‘Devastated’: How I lost $500k in a crypto ATM scam Mary, 85, is one of thousands of victims of Australia’s boom in crypto ATM’s, which suck in $275 million a year, and are the “getaway cars” for scammers. Modern money laundering explained: Inside a $2.2b crypto heist The washing of money through digital tokens is fuelling global crime. We trace the funds from the robbery to its final “integration” and explain why Australia needs stronger international rules.

This week, James Eyers on why key executive and eldest son Peter Fox has taken an unexpected break from the company, what it means for the Linfox succession plan and why handing over mult-billion dollar family fortunes is so hard to do. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: Peter Fox’s long absence puts Linfox succession plan in the spotlight For seven decades, billionaire businessman Lindsay Fox has loomed large over the empire he built from one truck. Who will succeed him is an open question. Peter Fox on extended leave at Linfox as non-family directors step up The son of the trucking magnate has been on sabbatical since December, with others outside the family appointed chairman of various logistics businesses. ‘We’re not going anywhere’: Peter Fox says Armaguard’s future assured The Linfox boss hopes an independent pricing model is swiftly approved by the competition regulator, so a new enterprise deal can be struck with the union.

This week, United States correspondent Jessica Gardner on Trump’s first year back in the White House and Mark Carney's viral speech. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading: Rudd’s replacement is no political animal. That’s a good thing Many believe the role of US ambassador requires a sharp politician, but Greg Moriarty is the technocrat that Australia needs to meet the challenges of the times. Trump softens on Minneapolis, but Dalio warns of slide to civil war The US president has signalled a shift in strategy on immigration after the deadly chaos, but global investor Ray Dalio says the “United States is now a tinderbox”. Carney declares rules-based order dead as Greenland row escalates The Canadian prime minister warned the world order was breaking, and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed not to give in to “bullies”.

This week, health editor Michael Smith on why baby-making is such big business and how private equity firms are reshaping the IVF sector. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading: Ill-conceived: Inside Australia’s IVF money-making machine The commercialisation of the industry as private equity owners take over from pioneering doctors has many people very worried. Monash IVF rejects $300m takeover bid from Genesis Capital as too low Shares in the fertility group have fallen more than 40 per cent since mistakes were disclosed earlier this year, prompting the PE-led consortium to swoop. Monash IVF says market share, patients down since embryo mix-ups Stiff competition and pricing pressure in Victoria has hurt the fertility group’s performance so far this fiscal year.

Rear Window columnists Mark Di Stefano and Hannah Wootton look back on the action-packed year that was and ahead to what 2026 might bring. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading: Cannon-Brookes now travels by private jet Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian co-founder and leading climate change crusader, has recently picked up a private jet. Dutton left ‘very serious’ cyclone area for Hemmes’ Sydney mansion The opposition leader said people wanted the prime minister “governing, not campaigning” as Queensland braced for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Billionaires, boardrooms and office romances: Rear Window’s 2025 year-in-review There was no shortage of hypocrites in corporate and political life in 2025, and a veritable surfeit of illicit office romances.

This week on The Fin podcast political editor Phillip Coorey and NSW political correspondent Paul Karp on the carnage at Bondi, what is being done to make sure it never happens again and whether it’s enough. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading:  ‘When is the shooting gonna stop?’ 9 minutes of terror on Bondi Beach At first, the crowd thought it was fireworks; but as the bloodied bodies dropped around them, they realised this was a shooting and they were the targets. Minns wants new laws to block protests after terror attacks The NSW government has recalled parliament to legislate caps on gun ownership and new protest restrictions, despite federal Nationals rejecting a gun crackdown. Just like that, the nation grew accustomed to antisemitism The government did act to ward off “the long shadows of the past” for Jews, but not enough. And for that, it is exposed.

This week on The Fin podcast: Greg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenz on what’s behind Australia’s retail crime wave, why Victoria is ground zero and whether facial recognition technology is the answer.  This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading: We met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime’s popularity Retailers are contending with a new type of player in their industry. Here’s how such offenders became a nationwide phenomenon and scourge of the country. Facial recognition tech vital to protect staff and shoppers: retailers Business leaders are ramping up efforts to combat surging crime rates, but their use of new tech is running up against privacy concerns. Victoria accounts for half the rise in crime at Woolworths stores The supermarket giant is the latest retailer to use profit season to highlight an increase in crime and aggression against staff.

Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and technology editor Paul Smith on the multi-trillion dollar AI investment boom, where the opportunities are for Australia and what happens if it goes wrong. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda  Further reading:  OpenAI in Australian blitz as it woos start-ups, corporates The Silicon Valley giant behind ChatGPT will offer free services to major venture capital-backed tech companies as it attempts to steal a march on rivals. Burry, Buffett and boomers: How markets drive our ugly generation gap While investors love the contrarian wisdom of Michael Burry and Warren Buffett, capital-soaked markets mean the world they won in is gone, creating deep societal problems. Reasons the AI bubble doesn’t look like the dotcom crash (yet)It’s the biggest spending spree in history. Is the AI boom a bubble, and what does it mean for investors and the Australian economy if it bursts?

Senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on the rise of DroneShield, why its CEO just dumped all his stock and whether the company can restore the faith. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  Oleg Vornik defends $50m DroneShield share sale, citing risk to life While the businessman has been circumspect about the reasons for offloading his entire stake, privately he has given an explanation to some investors. Inside the two-week unravelling of high-flying tech stock DroneShield A $70 million share sale by the chief executive, chairman and a third director has opened up a Pandora’s box of questions about its products, and accounts. DroneShield dream run comes to abrupt end after CEO dumps $50m stake Shares in the defence technology business crashed almost 30 per cent after Oleg Vornik and two directors sold considerable holdings with little explanation.

Phillip Coorey and Tony Barry on the decision to dump net zero, the Coalition’s existential crisis and whether Sussan Ley’s leadership can survive. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  Andrew and Angus who? Leadership rivals a blank canvas, says poll More than a third of voters have never heard of Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor, the men who could challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership. One Nation seen as party best suited to handle immigration: poll While cost of living remains the most important issue for voters, they believe One Nation is the party best suited to deal with immigration policy. ‘Lowest since Federation’: Dire poll for Liberals and Ley as One Nation surges Voters are more disillusioned than ever with the Coalition after a week of infighting over climate policy, and as support for One Nation hits a new high.

John Kehoe and Michael Bleby on the RBA’s inflation dilemma, why the next interest rate move might be up and how that will affect the property market. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Investors are flocking back to the property market Three interest rate cuts, double-digit price rises and tepid new housing supply have convinced investors that property is once again a sure bet. If you’re waiting for another rate cut, read this first The lower speed limit means the economy cannot afford as much income growth for people, and that living standards will increase by less than in the past. Housing market tipped to cool as rate cut hopes diminish Home prices grew 1.1 per cent in October, the fastest monthly pace in two years but some of the heat may come out soon as borrowing costs stay on hold.

Health editor Michael Smith discusses CSL’s remarkable story, why investors have lost faith in the healthcare giant and what Trump has to do with it. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: How CSL went from 'bloated bureaucracy' to $145b global behemoth When Brian McNamee took on the top job at Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, the government-run entity was barely worth the land it was built on. McNamee vows to stay CSL chairman despite growing investor disquiet The pharmaceutical giant has avoided a board spill, but a market bloodbath arising from declining US vaccine rates has investors seething. ‘We have to fix this’: Brian McNamee on turning around CSL CSL was once a market darling, now it’s out of favour and pressure is on board and management to convince sceptical investors of a plan to restructure the business.

This week on The Fin, Lucy King and James Eyers on Australia’s crypto ATM boom, how they are being used for investment scams and why Australia is being targeted. This podcast is sponsored by Salesforce Further reading: ‘Devastated’: How I lost $500k in a crypto ATM scam Mary, 85, is one of thousands of victims of Australia’s boom in crypto ATM’s, which suck in $275 million a year, and are the “getaway cars” for scammers. Consumers, banks urge outright ban on crypto ATMs Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will give AUSTRAC powers to restrict the machines, but consumer groups say this won’t stop the danger to older Australians. Labor to crack down on crypto ATMs amid scam surge New powers will be handed to regulators to restrict the use of crypto ATMs, which have become a hub for scams and illegal money laundering.

This week on The Fin podcast, Edmund Tadros and Paul Karp on Deloitte’s stuff-up, why it became a global story and what it means for the way we use, and value, AI. This podcast is sponsored by Salesforce Further reading:  ‘Oversight was not followed’: Deloitte apologises for AI report The firm will discipline personnel over a report that had to be reissued after they failed to vet incorrect AI-generated material in the document.  Deloitte’s AI scandal shows consultants need a new strategy The saga also raises existential questions: for consultants, AI is both a major opportunity and a threat that directly undermines their premium fees. Deloitte to refund government, admits using AI in $440k report Deloitte will issue a partial refund to the government after admitting that artificial intelligence had been used in the creation of a report littered with errors.

This week, senior writer Greg Bearup and Lowy Institute senior fellow Richard McGregor on China's dominance of the local EV and battery market and why that's a security risk. This podcast is sponsored by Salesforce Further reading: Is your Chinese EV a ‘ticking time bomb’? The rapid uptake of electric cars and home batteries from the Asian nation has put Australia’s energy infrastructure at risk of foreign hijack, experts warn. China could disable or detonate Aussie EVs, warns top cyber expert Malcolm Turnbull’s former cybersecurity tsar says Australian government officials should not ride in Chinese-made EVs because of the surveillance risk. ‘Crying shame’: Inside the demise of Australia’s only battery maker Brian Craighead spent a decade trying to build an industry. He blames a cash crisis, a glut of Chinese product and shambolic federal policies for its failure.

Andrew Hobbs and Tony Boyd on how investors lost $1.2 billion in Shield, First Guardian and Australian Fiduciaries, and how the gatekeepers let it happen. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: The ‘easy peasy’ approval: Shield exposes $850b super wrap industry These funds told us they were toxic: how did Macquarie miss it? How Macquarie ignored its own advice on Shield (and lost $100m)

Senior reporters Jonathan Shapiro and Primrose Riordan on what ASIC's crackdown on LaTrobe Financial and the Jon Adgemis saga tells us about the private credit market, the risks for super investors and whether the golden run is over. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: Private credit faces tougher regulation after damning report La Trobe investment products hit with stop orders by ASIC Deutsche Bank appoints receivers for Adgemis pubs

Canberra bureau chief Nicola Smith and Washington correspondent Jessica Gardner on the Pacific defence deals and what to expect when Albanese sits down with Donald Trump. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading:  Trump and Albanese meet, as PM finally lands White House visit Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese met at a UN reception in New York as it was confirmed they would finally sit down together at the White House next month. China looms large over PM’s embarrassing setback Australia faces a diplomatic setback after failing to secure PNG defence treaty, but what it really signals is a growing influence of China in the Pacific. Tears, forgiveness and fury: Kirk remembered as martyr for free speech Allies of Charlie Kirk have vowed to carry on his mission to defeat leftist ideology at a packed service that at times looked more like a campaign rally.

Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and banking reporter Angira Bharadwaj on ANZ’s overhaul, why banks are cutting jobs and whether management has lost control of the message. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: ANZ’s pragmatic deal for ‘betraying’ Australia deserves no applause ANZ has stitched up a pragmatic settlement with ASIC to give Nuno Matos room to launch his reset. But it shouldn’t distract from what has been shabby governance. ‘It’s long overdue’: The cull wiping out thousands of bank jobs After a spike in staff numbers since the royal commission, three of the big four banks are wielding the axe, with more than 5000 people exiting the industry. It’s the age of turbulence as Nuno Matos turns ANZ upside-down Known among some staff as El Nuno, the Lisbon-born chief executive is attracting fear, intrigue and admiration as he cuts staff and overhauls the bank.

NSW political correspondent Paul Karp and deputy property editor Michael Bleby on the political leaders declaring war on NIMBYs, whether it will help the country meet its housing supply target and why the bigger problem might be a tradie deficit. This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading: How the Woollahra development could redraw politics in Sydney’s east Urban infill doesn’t just reshape the local environment; it can change the political landscape as well. NSW planning minister says NIMBYs ‘vying to create childless suburbs’ Paul Scully has been pushing for higher densities in Sydney, creating a backlash from residents. He says resistance to housing has become “institutionalised”. Property supply chief targets capital gains tax breaks in housing ‘war’ As the country begins a discussion about tax, the property industry veteran says the crucial role of housing also demands a big-picture review.

Rupert Murdoch's eldest son has finally secured control of the family’s sprawling media empire in a multi-billion dollar settlement with his siblings. Media reporter Sam Buckingham-Jones gives his take on the deal that ends a bitter succession battle. This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading: Lachlan Murdoch takes family media empire, paying siblings $5b to exit The deal brings to an end almost two years of bitter legal wranglings over control, cementing Rupert Murdoch’s eldest son’s leadership at News Corp and Fox.6:42Lisa MurrayWendi Deng emerges on Rupert and Lachlan’s side in Murdoch split Unlike three of their older half-siblings, the businesswoman’s two children with the billionaire patriarch will keep a stake in the family media empire.

This week on The Fin, workplace correspondent David Marin-Guzman discusses the test case of a compliance company that has been spying on its staff, what it means for work from home and how AI will affect the future of surveillance. This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading: Company turned laptops into covert recording devices to monitor WFH Safetrac says it needed to track work-from-home staff for underperformance, but some employees say the surveillance went too far and police are now investigating. WFH surveillance case is a wake-up call The Safetrac case shines a spotlight on the issue of employee surveillance versus the right to personal privacy when staff work from home. Safetrac surveillance installed without staff agreement: HR manager The firm, which turned staff laptops into covert listening devices, should have updated its surveillance policy beforehand, its own people manager told WorkCover.

Political editor Phillip Coorey on the debt bomb facing the next generation, the ‘Braveheart ’situation in parliament and the Iran-led attacks in Australia. This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading:  The VW, the tobacco kingpin, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Sloppy criminals who reused a stolen car for arson attacks on a synagogue and nightclub led spies to uncover a state-sponsored campaign of terror. PM had no choice but to act after explosive Iran revelations After years of rejecting overtures to sever ties with Iran, the government was left with no other option. Talkfest hasn’t started yet. Jim Chalmers says it’s already a win The treasurer says the build-up to Tuesday’s summit has entrenched the productivity crisis in the political psyche.

This week on The Fin podcast: senior writer Greg Bearup on why the Mormon Church is buying up vast tracts of Australian farmland and whether it’s in the national interest. This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading:  Mormon church’s $490m spending spree exposes trade deal blind spot Farmers fear the American church could change the face of Australian agriculture. The chequebook of Mormon: $500m on Australian farms in six months With its immense resources, the US-based Mormon church is buying up vast tracts of Australian farmland. Is this in our national interest? Wagyu Rich Listers fatten outback portfolio with Qld deal Peter and Jane Hughes, already among the world’s biggest producers of wagyu beef, have added a central western Queensland cattle property to their operation.

This week on The Fin podcast: senior writer Myriam Robin on how worried we should be about declining fertility rates, whether they could and should be reversed and why politicians in Australia are so reluctant to talk about it. This podcast is sponsored by CMC Markets Further reading: Can Australia escape the global fertility crisis? Not too long ago, the world was worried about runaway population growth. But with birth rates falling too fast, the scramble is on to avoid the demographic crunch. How to fix the economy to make Aussies richer – from people who did Jim Chalmers’ economic roundtable risks history being repeated because a cautious prime minister has no electoral mandate for sweeping change. Why Australia is far from full but no one wants to talk about it Angst over house and rental prices is fracturing the fragile bigger-Australia consensus. Yet walking away from a larger population is not an option

This week on The Fin podcast: senior reporter Jemima Whyte and associate editor Joyce Moullakis on whether Macquarie has lost its edge, who might be in line to take over the top job and what happens when you threaten the pay packets of a millionaires’ factory. Further reading:  Macquarie scrambled to lobby proxy firms ahead of fraught AGM The company made the highly unusual move to understand if major investors would reject executive pay plans as it dealt with a backlash. Glenn Stevens feels the burn from Macquarie’s worried investors The former RBA governor has seen off a global financial crisis and angry borrowers. Can he turn around an undercurrent of anxiety at the Millionaires Factory? Macquarie investors deliver wake-up call with strike on executive pay Investors deliver an embarrassing rebuke to the Millionaires Factory over bonuses amid regulatory woes and the surprise exit of its CFO.

This week on The Fin, Technology editor Paul Smith talks about his interview with Altman and reveals what it would take for the AI chief to pull the plug. Further reading:  What OpenAI’s Sam Altman suggests you do to keep your job The race is on to build machines that can outthink humans. The tech founder in charge of ChatGPT says there is one thing that would make him stop. ‘Try the future’: New ChatGPT AI agents promise to do your jobs Drawing on three pre-existing OpenAI products, ChatGPT Agent lets users ask AI to take control of multi-step and fairly complex tasks. OpenAI wants AI tax breaks, promises $115b annual windfall OpenAI chief economist Ronnie Chatterji has conducted a whirlwind set of meetings in Canberra as the company prepares to launch an AI blueprint for Australia.

This week on The Fin, North Asia correspondent Jessica Sier and Lowy Institute senior fellow Richard McGregor on whether Panda diplomacy works and why Beijing needs a succession plan. This podcast is sponsored by Workday. China ordered this Aussie flower farm to grow rice. Then they found a solution In a country of 1.4 billion people, keeping everyone fed can be the difference between stability and chaos. The Lynch Group nearly had to tear down its greenhouses. Beyond the Wall: Albanese’s high-stakes China play As the prime minister is criticised over the extent of his China sightseeing, the government insists it is playing the long game and that face time matters. Rumours of Xi’s downfall distract from China’s real challenges The notion that Xi Jinping is about to be toppled is a distraction from the real cleavages in Chinese politics.

This week on The Fin podcast, economics editor John Kehoe and senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on the RBA’s shock decision on interest rates, what it means for the economy and whether the next generation could be the first to be worse off than their parents. This podcast is sponsored by Workday. Further reading:  Gen Z will be richer than their parents. But here’s the catch Sluggish productivity and tax policies rigged against young people mean many are missing out on financial comfort precisely when they need it most. RBA rate call extraordinaire Rory Robertson makes his last prediction The economist has spent three decades trying to interpret the smoke signals emanating out of Martin Place. He’s giving up the game as it’s profoundly changing. Which RBA board members voted for a rate cut? At least two Labor appointees to the Reserve Bank monetary policy board almost certainly voted for a cut on Tuesday, former insiders believe.

This week on The Fin podcast, workplace correspondent David Marin-Guzman on what has been done to stamp out a culture of fear and intimidation in the CFMEU and whether it's working. This podcast is sponsored by Workday. Further reading: High Court leaves CFMEU administrator with no more excuses The failed High Court challenge to the CFMEU administration has cleared a path to cleaning out the union. But the administrator still has to walk it. High Court ruling on CFMEU a ‘line in the sand’ moment for cleanout The CFMEU administrator has declared the High Court backing of the administration will make way for systemic industry reforms. ‘Let’s make some money together’: Inside the CFMEU’s bribery scandal Sometimes it was a foot tap, other times a little kick, but either way cash was passed under the table to the union boss.

This week on The Fin, Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and Wealth reporter Lucy Dean on the surge in inherited wealth, what’s behind it and what can, or should, be done about it…. This podcast is sponsored by Workday. Further Reading: You're probably part of Australia's new inheritocracy How inheritance is upending the marriage market How do the 1pc find love? With these high-end matchmaking services The maths that makes SMSFs a tax reform target for Chalmers  

This week on The Fin podcast: senior reporter Ayesha de Kretser and Chanticleer columnist Anthony Macdonald on Virgin’s return to the market, why it will struggle to stay in its lane and whether Australia can ever sustain more than two airlines. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  Virgin prepares for IPO take-off in a test for Bain – and the market Five years after collapsing into administration, the country’s second-largest airline will finally return to the ASX on Tuesday. There is a lot at stake. IPO market cracks open as Virgin, Greatland shares soar on debut Fund managers rushed into the airline’s stock in a major win for Bain Capital, which has worked on turning around the business for five years. Virgin’s future is now in the hands of the markets gods The problem with listing ceremonies is they look backwards, but investors look forward. The airline did what it must to relist, but now it’s over to the ASX.

This week on The Fin, professional services reporter Maxim Shanahan on why King & Wood Mallesons is struggling to manage risk and conflicts across its jurisdictions. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  ‘We didn’t have a hope in hell’: KWM’s cautionary China tale A corrupt wind farm deal in Montenegro, a controversial Russian legal conference and the financial problems of one of its most senior executives have thrown the spotlight on the Sino-Australian law firm. Calls for tougher rules amid KWM drama The senators who led the inquiry into the PwC tax leaks scandal say King & Wood Mallesons’ troubles expose flaws in the governance of top law firms. KWM sues former global chief operating officer King & Wood Mallesons is suing a former member of its international management committee for debt relating to loans worth more than $1 million.

This week on The Fin, technology editor Paul Smith discusses the AI future and whether it is more likely to be utopia or dystopia. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading:  Waymo’s robot driver was too scared to take us where we wanted to go The self-driving taxis are an experience to remember but their post LA-riot nerves rendered them unable to use human logic, and left us stranded. Apocalypse or a four-day week? What AI might mean for you If you’re “AGI-pilled” and you believe artificial intelligence will soon surpass humans, you’re probably worried about your job. But insiders reckon that might be the least of our problems. From ‘lucky country’ to ‘left-behind country’: Matt Comyn’s AI warning Executives say Australia is in danger of falling behind as the rise of artificial intelligence creates a profound change in the way people and businesses work. Save 50% or more on unlimited access to the Australian Financial Review in our EOFY sale, ending June 30.

This week on The Fin podcast, Joanna Mather and Michelle Bowes on how the super tax will work, why it’s so controversial and what people are doing to get ready for it. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: 7 ways the wealthiest will beat the $3m super tax Investment bonds, an early inheritance for the kids or just cop it on the chin? Affected taxpayers are weighing their options. ATO puts wealthy families on notice over $3m super tax The new tax is not yet law but the ATO wants to understand the “behavioural responses” to the planned tax that might already be occurring. There is a case to reform super tax breaks. But not this way Australia’s tax breaks on retirement balances are generous. But the treasurer is going about reform the wrong way, experts say. Save 50% or more on unlimited access to the Australian Financial Review in our EOFY sale, ending June 30.

This week on The Fin podcast, economics correspondent Michael Read on why the Reserve Bank is cutting rates and what it means for people like him trying to buy a house. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: Australia on verge of house price boom: economist History suggests that once the RBA starts cutting, property fever hits quickly. One prominent expert says a 10 to 15 per cent price rise is coming. Bullock flags more rate cuts as RBA slashes growth forecasts Donald Trump’s trade war has forced the RBA to lower its projections for growth in investment, household spending and exports, as it cut the cash rate again. House price risk won’t stop another rate cut: Bullock Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock expects state and federal governments to do the heavy lifting on housing affordability.

This week on The Fin, political editor Phillip Coorey and former Labor adviser and AFR columnist Lidija Ivanovski talk about the decimation of the Opposition, the uphill battle facing Sussan Ley and the fierce debate over the Super Tax. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: The longer the split, the harder it will be to reconcile Sussan Ley, who used to hold her own in shearing sheds, is playing hard ball. It took five days for the Coalition to fall apart Negotiations between the two parties fell at the first hurdle. When parliament resumes, the Liberals will hold all 30 shadow ministries and the Nationals will be on the crossbench. How Albanese learnt from Labor losers and won big on Saturday For six months, he has been privately telling his supporters that he had the plan to deliver Labor a second-term majority, and the skill to pull it off. 

This week on The Fin podcast: senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on Buffett’s legacy and whether his catchphrase ‘never bet against America’ still stands. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  Fear, loathing (and hope) as finance’s elite gather in LA Private equity titans and dealmakers converging at the Milken Institute Global Conference this week were relentlessly optimistic in public, but the tone was different behind the scenes. US billionaire’s Sydney taxi ride sparks $6.2b super-like initiative Michael Milken is gathering support for a plan to emulate the Australian superannuation system and give every child a $US1000 share account. Warren Buffett steps down, delivering a parting shot against tariffs The disciples of legendary investor Warren Buffett gathered in Omaha seeking reassurances of America’s future, instead they got a bombshell about his future.

This week on The Fin, James Thomson and Joyce Moullakis on James Hardie’s latest controversy, why shareholders don’t get to vote and what they want to change. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  The great ASX investor uprising delivers very hollow victory The hated James Hardie takeover of a US group is going ahead, but investors have at least won some important concessions. Inside the biggest investor uprising in three decades Investor anger over the James Hardie deal is being compared to 1993’s investor rebellion against Murdoch’s plans for “super voting shares”. Now the ASX is in the gun. ASX compliance chief rejects rule gaming suggestion Daniel Moran likened the ASX’s role in the controversial James Hardie transaction to that of a referee on a sporting field.

This week, political editor Phillip Coorey, economics editor John Kehoe and economics correspondent Michael Read on what the Labor Party will do with its mandate and who the Coalition should put in its new leadership team.

This week on The Fin podcast: Mark Di Stefano talks about the rise of one of Australian sport’s most powerful men and takes us inside the battle to control the future of racing and rugby league. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Inside the plot to ‘get rid’ of Peter V’landys In his climb to the top of racing and rugby league, Peter V’landys has broken the rules and challenged the system. But now some in the system are fighting back. How Peter V’landys built a property empire Over two decades under the leadership of Peter V’landys, Racing NSW and the NRL have splurged millions of dollars on residential and commercial real estate. Racing royalty launch broadside against V’landys leadership Champion trainers Gai Waterhouse and Chris Waller are among the authors of a scathing letter about racing governance.

Phillip Coorey and the panel on the seats that will decide the election, whether the AAA credit rating is really under threat and what Labor and the Coalition aren’t telling us.

This week on The Fin podcast, Financial Review columnist and former ambassador to China, Geoff Raby on the US-China trade war, what it means for Australia and why Washington and Beijing will do a deal. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading:  Australia faces hit from Trump’s trade war The IMF has cut its growth forecast for the country by half a percentage point, in a sign it won’t be immune from a global slowdown triggered by US tariffs. Japan eyes pact with China, South Korea as trade war hedge Tokyo signals renewed interest in negotiations with a personal letter from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Chinese President Xi Jinping. China hits back at US with 125pc tariffs Beijing escalated the trade war with the United States by again raising tariffs and accusing the Trump administration of “unilateral bullying and coercion”.

This week's podcast guests are Canberra Bureau Chief Tom McIlroy and Foreign affairs and Defence correspondent Andrew Tillet. They join Lisa Murray and Phil Coorey to discuss the coalition's plan to increase defence spending, the erosion of trust in institutions and the potential risks of following American political trends in Australia.

This week on The Fin, senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro and Chanticleer columnist James Thomson on what's going on in markets, how Australia is more exposed than ever, and why the Trump chaos is changing the world.  This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: Trump’s crisis is only beginning. It will make you question everything Chalmers is determined not to waste Trump crisis. But it will get ugly Viktor Shvets fears ‘Lehman Bros moment’ amid fresh tariff chaos The bond market teaches Trump the art of the squeal

This week, political editor Phillip Coorey, deputy editor, news, Jessica Gardner, economics editor John Kehoe, and senior writer Myriam Robin take apart Labor and the Coalition’s housing policies, discuss why tax reform is so hard and unpack the battle for Kooyong.

This week on The Fin, Health editor Michael Smith on the battle to save Healthscope, the war between insurers and hospitals and whether private equity is messing up the healthcare system. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading:  Tensions build between David Di Pilla’s HMC Capital and Healthscope When the hospitals group ran out of money to pay its rent this year, its landlord responded with a bid to buy the company. Hedge fund interest in Healthscope triggers break-up concerns The country’s second-largest private hospital operator is negotiating with lenders to stave off insolvency in the middle of a federal election campaign. Di Pilla spruiks Healthscope bid, says he’ll keep hospitals running The veteran dealmaker’s HMC Capital has been eyeing the country’s second-largest operator of private hospitals, and says his proposal is “a serious one”.