Podcasts about Productivity Commission

In this episode of the Technology & Security podcast, host Dr. Miah Hammond-Errey is joined by lawyer and digital rights activist, Lizzie O'Shea. This episode explores Australia's technology debates from a security and legal lens—addressing copyright, creativity, AI, and the legal structures, including class action, that shape society and security. We discuss how so often in the AI discussion we are asked to make trade-offs about immense future potential with real present harms in the now. This episode breaks down why proposals to let large language models freely train on the copyrighted works of Australians have rattled artists, news media, and civil society. Lizzie explains the Productivity Commission's push for a data mining exemption, unpacks strong community reaction, the distinction between fair use and fair dealing and highlights what's at stake for creative industry sustainability and fair compensation in the digital age. We also explore recent legal action against Google and Apple–in Australia–and  the breadth of big tech legal and enforcement action globally, and what this means. The episode also covers the changing nature of US and Chinese AI strategies and approaches to the Indo Pacific, as well as an increase in big tech spending in Australian policy and research landscape. We explore the vulnerability of allowing mass data collection, noting that while data minimisation, and prioritising strong cybersecurity are understood priorities we question whether they are they really supported by legislative regimes. We discuss the significance of incentivising feedback in AI systems to integrate them into businesses in productive ways and crafting successful narratives for cautious adoption of AI. Finally, we look at why litigation has become central to holding digital giants accountable, and how Australians' blend of healthy scepticism and tech enthusiasm might finally force smarter AI regulation. The conversation highlights how quick fixes and premature adoption, risk deeper, lasting social harms and national security threats. Resources mentioned in the recording: ·       Future Histories, What Ada Lovelace, Tom Paine, and the Paris Commune Can Teach Us about Digital Technology, by Lizzie O'Shea, Shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards 2020 Award. https://lizzieoshea.com/future-histories/·       Burning Platforms podcast, https://percapita.org.au/podcasts/·       Empire of AI by Karen Hao ·       Digital Rights Watch https://digitalrightswatch.org.au This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, sea and community, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thanks to the talents of those involved. Music by Dr Paul Mac and production by Elliott Brennan. 

Digital Future Summit Series Episode 3: Productivity Commission Chair Danielle WoodPresenters:Annabel Griffin, KWMJennifer Barron, KWMDanielle Wood, Productivity Commission ChairIn this episode of the Digital Future Summit Series, Chair of the Productivity Commission Danielle Wood explains her role and the productivity imperative Australia faces. The discussion covers the economic landscape, challenges and opportunities presented by AI and data, and the importance of regulatory reform in fostering a dynamic economy. Danielle details the Productivity Commission's current inquiries and outlines actionable recommendations to enhance competition, efficiency, and sustainable growth as Australia navigates its transition to a clean energy future.Key Points:Danielle Wood highlights productivity's essential role in driving sustainable improvements in living standards.The conversation unpacks Australia's low productivity growth and the implications for future generations.Wood addresses the complexities of regulatory burdens on businesses and the need for a cultural shift in policymaking to prioritise growth.Exploring the potential for AI and data to enhance productivity and innovation, Wood advocates for a balanced regulatory framework that encourages technology adoption while managing associated risks.Looking at the productivity implications of Australia's clean energy transition, Wood stresses the importance of harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions and creating market-based signals to attract investment in sustainable initiatives.Additional Resources here:Five pillars of productivity inquiriesEconomic Reform Roundtable | Treasury.gov.auInterim Report - Creating a more dynamic and resilient economyInterim Report - Harnessing data and digital technologyKWM's AI regulatory mapInterim Report - Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformationKWM's update on the NEM Wholesale Markets Reviewhttps://www.kwm.com/au/en/insights/latest-thinking/australian-government-gets-ai-ready-new-ai-technical-standard-and-launch-of-gov-ai.htmlhttps://treasury.gov.au/review/economic-reform-roundtable

Brokers worldwide are diversifying into commercial and business lending, with the UK seeing a 26 per cent growth in its SME sector directly tied to broker activity. In this week's episode of Finance Specialist, hosts Jack Campbell and Trent Carter from Accendo Financial unpack the international parallels with Australia and ask if the local market is on the cusp of the same surge. The discussion explores opportunities in business acquisitions, APRA's plans to ease small bank regulations, and the Productivity Commission's push for lower corporate tax rates for SMEs. For brokers, these shifts highlight the need to stay flexible, seek out niches, and be ready to capture demand from clients expanding into commercial and business lending.

Digital Future Summit Series Episode 1: AI & Great Powers – In Conversation with Jeffrey DingPresenters:Cheng Lim, KWMJeffrey Ding, AuthorIn the opening episode of KWM's Digital Future Summit Series, Cheng Lim speaks with Jeffrey Ding, assistant professor of political science at George Washington University and author of the critically acclaimed book, Technology and the Rise of Great Powers. They explore the concept of General Purpose Technologies (GPTs), the dynamics of technology diffusion, and the implications for global competition, particularly between the US and China. This discussion sheds light on the essential role of AI in shaping future productivity and the lessons that nations, including Australia, can draw from historical technological revolutions.Key Points:Jeffrey explains GPTs and how they differ from other technological advancements.Why the ability to effectively diffuse technology across a nation's economy is crucial for productivity gains.Jeffrey illustrates how countries like Britain and the US capitalized on GPTs to become global leaders.While China is making strides in AI innovation, it struggles with diffusion and adoption.What should Australia should focus on regarding AI strategy?Additional Resources here:Digital Future Summit (kwm.com)Data & Tech: Navigating a connected worldAFIA Report - AI in the Australian finance industry: Opportunities, risks and benefits - KWM KWM's AI insights page – contains articles, regulatory trackers & previous seminars - The KWM Map of AI Regulation in Australia - AI race heats up: What US export controls mean for Asia KWM APAC Data Centre Regulatory Guide  ChinAI Newsletter | Jeffrey Ding | Substack Five pillars of productivity inquiries - Productivity Commission 

Could artificial intelligence be key to improving Australia's living standards?A Productivity Commission report suggests the roll out of the technology could inject more than a hundred billion dollars into the economy over the next decade. But there's a catch. If AI can take over from workers on some tasks, are swathes of humans set to lose their jobs? Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales, on whether it's time for the government to step in. Featured: Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai, the AI Institute of University of New South Wales Sydney

Helping Australia's teachers share lesson plans could improve stagnating student results- Productivity Commission says. Productivity Commission misses the mark- says AEU. Single largest lobbying event at Victorian Parliament targets public school funding cuts. How Australia can create an equal education system. Catholic teachers chase 37% payrise. US- !0 Commandments in public schools? and more. A victory for the right to read.Great State School of the Week- Merewether High Schoolwww.adogs.info

As usual, AI slop shownotes for anyone who wants to read them. Enjoy!In this packed episode of The Two Jacks, Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack cut through a huge week in politics, policy, and sport. They kick off with life on the bike lanes and the four‑day work week debate before diving into Australia's productivity roundtable: where progress might actually come from, why energy costs and regulation matter most, and how timid politics strangles reform. They spar over tax design, housing, stamp duty, and the red tape that inflates costs without improving quality.From there, the Jacks range across global flashpoints and US turbulence—Israel–Australia tit-for-tat visas, the Ukraine–Russia talks fallout, the limits of sanctions, and whether the West has the will for long wars. Stateside, they dissect rising US inflation pressures, Congress's stock-trading problem, and the “picking winners” trap in industrial policy. Locally, they tackle the Greens in Tasmania, crime perception vs data, and Australia's defense priorities in a drone-dominated future—before a big sports wrap: AFL finals implications from homophobic slur bans, NRL ladder-shaping clashes, cricket's farewell to Bob Simpson, the Wallabies' breakthrough at Ellis Park, and Sydney's Allianz Stadium turf debacle.Timestamped segments and takeaways 00:00:01 – Cold open, weather and bike lanesBanter on soggy Sydney/Melbourne and bike lane hazards.Takeaway: Urban transport design vs pedestrian safety—light opener that foreshadows policy tradeoffs.00:02:23 – Four‑day work week and productivity roundtableJack the Insider outlines ACTU's four‑day week ask; government quickly cools it.Hong Kong Jack: flexible, case-by-case four‑day arrangements can work well; blanket mandates don't.Notable quote (Hong Kong Jack): “It really is a case-by-case basis… it can be done—it just can't be done across the board.”00:04:26 – Housing, commuting, and productivity dragLong commutes as a hidden productivity killer; WFH rights expanding in Victoria but role-dependent.00:06:47 – AI regulation “light touch”Productivity Commission signals minimal regulation; Jack the Insider flags creator rights concerns.00:07:51 – Where productivity gains might come fromHong Kong Jack: “The two obvious areas to attack are regulation and energy costs.”00:08:17 – Energy transition, prices, and investmentJack the Insider: transition and decades of policy drift drove high prices; grid infrastructure is the bottleneck.Coal vs renewables economics; investment won't return to coal due to horizon risk.00:12:00 – Cutting “red tape”: harmonization and tax settingsFederation frictions; harmonise state regs; stamp duty singled out as a worst tax.Building codes ballooning costs while quality supervision lags.00:14:24 – Build quality crises and supervision gapsMascot/Zetland examples; spate of vacated towers; cheap builds, high prices.00:15:40 – Political capital, timid reform, and election calculusIs Albanese Labor's John Howard—few big-ticket reforms, focus on winning?Take reforms to an election (GST precedent), but reformers often punished at the polls.00:24:45 – Israel–Australia visa spatSimcha Rothman's visa withdrawn; Israel responds by revoking visas for Australians to the Palestinian Authority; both sides flex sovereignty.Notable quote (Hong Kong Jack): “This is just how it works.”00:27:28 – Failed asylum seekers backlog nearing 100kProcessing delays create perverse incentives; most rejected claimants retain work/study rights—encourages low‑merit claims.Enforcement throughput is minimal; backlog self‑feeds.00:32:07 – Tasmania: Greens hold line on stabilityGreens won't back Labor no-confidence; Premier continues; different cultures in Tas vs NSW Greens.00:36:32 – Vale Terence StampPersonal memories; Priscilla role noted; a prickly but great actor.00:38:00 – Ukraine–Russia: Alaska talks flop, semantics vs substanceOptics criticised; ceasefire vs peace semantics; limits of sanctions and Western will.Debate: Can Ukraine regain Crimea/Donbas? Is a negotiated end inevitable? Historical echoes (appeasement vs long war).00:49:05 – US inflation watch and tariffsProducer prices beat; risks of re‑acceleration; fuel prices helping headline but underlying pressures rising.Tariffs' pass-through to consumers; political messaging vs data; Fed unlikely to cut on these numbers.00:54:24 – Crime, stats vs street realityDC deployments; media narratives vs lived experience; class/education divide shapes perceptions.00:58:26 – Drones, defense, and future warfareUS behind China on cheap drone swarms (DJI dominance); implications for Australia: missiles, subs, strike aircraft, drones, and a modern surface fleet.01:00:42 – Congressional stock trading and transparencyBipartisan enrichment via informational access; “broadcast trades in real-time” proposal; ban vs radical transparency.01:04:27 – Picking winners: Intel, Kodak lessonsGovernment stakes risk political logic over market logic; Kodak/Motorola as cautionary tales.01:08:05 – Crime again: data declines vs spikes that matterAustralia's violent crime historically higher in 1920s/1980s; present-day spikes (aggravated burglaries) shape sentiment; good recidivism programs often lack political incentives.01:13:08 – AFL: homophobic slur sanctions and finals stakesRankine case likely to set a benchmark; prior bans (3–6 weeks) cited; consistency required.Notable quote (Jack the Insider): “It's a bad word… it needs to be removed from the game.”01:19:01 – AFL form lines and umpiringAdelaide/Geelong threats; Collingwood's midfield clearance issues; four‑umpire system not working.01:21:33 – NRL, cricket, rugbyNRL: Storm beat Panthers; big clashes ahead; ladder permutations.Cricket: Vale Bob Simpson; fielding revolution; ODI series in Cairns; roster chat (Maxwell retired from ODIs; case for Tim David).Wallabies: first Ellis Park win since 1963; O'Connor–Jorgensen try a “thing of beauty.”01:27:16 – Allianz Stadium turf failureDrainage massively under-spec; costly resurfacing; modern stadiums should drain ~600mm/hr; Allianz reported ~40mm/hr.01:31:07 – Vegas tourism pivot and gougePricing up, volume down; “milk everything” model—$50/day minibar “storage” anecdote; vibe no longer value-driven.01:32:53 – Corporate team bonding and Beef WellingtonHong Kong's “Feather and Bone”-style classes; culinary nostalgia to close the show.Sign-off: where to contact The Two Jacks (Condition Release Program email, Substack, X DMs open).Notable quotes to pull“The essence of progress to a better life for Australians is improved productivity.”“The two obvious areas to attack are regulation and energy costs.”“It can be done—it just can't be done across the board.”“Drones and robotics are the future of warfare.”“It's a bad word… it needs to be removed from the game.”

As usual, AI slop shownotes for anyone who wants to read them. Enjoy! -----------------------------------------------Content warning: violent crime, child deaths, war, famine, and historical mass-casualty events.— Description — Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack cover a packed week: the Erin Patterson verdict and sentencing expectations; the Folbigg exoneration and compensation debate; AI's promised productivity vs. creators' rights; New Zealand politics and travel flows; Australia's recognition of Palestine and the “day-after” security problem in Gaza; the 80th anniversary debate over Hiroshima/Nagasaki; U.S. housing, tariffs, and political incentives; food-stamp restrictions; Trump–Putin optics; pasta wars over cacio e pepe; plus NRL, AFL, cricket (Darwin's case for a Test), and rugby's Giteau Law change. They finish with an Iranian TV claim on “weather manipulation” and call it a week.Summary of key pointsCourts & media: Patterson likely long sentence; Folbigg's payout criticized; cautionary tales of media rush-to-judgment.Tech & policy: AI productivity promises vs. creator consent; scraping controversies; children's online safety beyond blunt bans.Geopolitics: Australia to recognize Palestine; post-war Gaza security unsolved; Hiroshima/Nagasaki debate reopened.Economics: U.S. housing pressures; tariffs as stealth consumption tax; political incentives realign.Sport: NRL finals picture tightening; AFL contenders wobble; cricket's northern push; Wallabies selection flexibility returns.— Timestamped segments — 00:00:01 — Cold open & banterHong Kong heat, black short-sleeve “uniform,” bulk-buying Marks & Spencer basics.Light teasing about Melbourne's love of black attire.00:01:22 — Erin Patterson: new disclosures, appeal posture, sentencingResurfaced material about alleged prior poison attempts on Simon Patterson (penne bolognese, chicken korma, vegetable wrap).Serious illness and surgery for Simon Patterson after the korma.Expectation of a long sentence for premeditated murder; talk of 35–45 years non-parole.Prison remand at Dame Phyllis Frost; media rumors inside; psychiatric assessments and caution about conflating autism with criminality.John Ferguson's reporting; documentaries and books incoming; a true crime podcaster's about-face post-disclosures.Confidence in trial thoroughness; appeal anticipated but unlikely to overturn on process.00:12:30 — Kathleen Folbigg: exoneration, “skinny” compensation, media reckoningNSW offers ~$2m after 20 years in prison; hosts call it low given Lindy Chamberlain's historical payout and inflation.Books still in print labeling Folbigg a serial killer; calls for accountability among journalists.Comparison with Patterson media handling—less rush to judgment this time.00:19:19 — Productivity Commission on AI: 4.3% productivity vs. IP rightsLight-touch copyright reforms vs. creators' consent/compensation.Corporate uptake (e.g., JPMorgan's uplift) and the productivity juggernaut.Tech scraping (e.g., use of pirated libraries) and lawsuits (e.g., Sarah Silverman case).Social media harms and late-stage regulation; kids outmaneuvering adult-written rules.Data demands to verify age -> more privacy tradeoffs; grooming on gaming platforms; neurodivergent vulnerability.00:29:05 — New Zealand: travel flows, cost of living, politicsKiwis using Australia as a launchpad; departures muddying migration stats.Cost of living pressures; coalition under Chris Luxon trailing in polling.Dairy dependence on China moderated; Christchurch rebuild once boosted the economy, now cooled.00:33:32 — Australia to recognize Palestine: symbolism vs. securityPlanned announcements at the UNGA alongside France/UK/Canada.Netanyahu's pushback; everyone says “no role for Hamas” in the day-after.Israeli protests against extended occupation; Arab League reluctance to police Gaza.A (half-flippant) British “mandate” idea vs. feasibility; Somalia as an example of regional peacekeeping success; current leadership gap to assemble an Arab-led force.00:43:05 — Hiroshima & Nagasaki at 80: necessity debate revisitedImmediate vs. long-tail casualties; cancer and birth defects; legal actions in Japan.Senior U.S. military figures (Eisenhower, Nimitz, others) cited as skeptical of necessity; Soviets' late entry in the Pacific war as a factor.Recommendation to read widely; Paul Ham's “Hiroshima Nagasaki” as a starting point.00:53:29 — U.S. housing and politics: who sets the agenda?First-home median age moving from ~28 to ~38; 2008's lingering scars.Young men shifting toward Trump; Democrats' reactive posture.Tariffs as a consumption tax; pass-through risks to inflation; corporate strain and loan-taking; watch upcoming indicators.01:01:50 — Food stamps & junk food limits12 U.S. states considering restrictions (especially sodas).Government paternalism vs. personal choice; cooking skills gap; case for basic food education over bans.01:04:51 — Trump–Putin in Alaska; Ukraine reality checkOptics of a meeting; Ukraine constitution forbids ceding land; Crimea's intractability.Reliability issues with Moscow agreements; tariffs complicating Alaska supply via Canada.01:07:27 — Cacio e pepe wars (BBC vs. Rome)Purist recipe (pasta, pepper, pecorino), emulsion with pasta water—no butter/cream.Finger-wagging at British “improvements,” with a side of hypocrisy charges in summer variations.Carbonara authenticity chat (guanciale; no cream).01:10:01 — NRL: ladder shifts and a trainer's “gamesmanship”Panthers surge; Storm and Raiders in the mix; Broncos hammered by Roosters.Trainer stepping into a kicker's line—five-week ban, $50k fine; learning from AFL's runner reforms.01:14:55 — AFL culture & form linesGabba crowd scuffle; how crowds have changed since the suburban-era melees.Scott Pendlebury on track for 400; Collingwood and Brisbane wobble despite talent.Isaac Heaney's purple patch as Brownlow “smokey”; nine sides for eight spots; big fixtures loom.Carlton locks in Michael Voss through 2026; list-management changes brewing.01:26:24 — Cricket: T20 streak, Darwin's Test pitch, Ashes selectionAustralia's T20 run; Tim David's monster hitting; iconic crowd catch.Case for a winter Test in Darwin to diversify venues/opponents.Ashes schedule (Perth, Brisbane D/N, Adelaide, MCG, SCG) compresses rest windows; pace rotation likely.Opener conundrum: Labuschagne with Khawaja risks slow starts; Boland automatic at the MCG.01:34:27 — Rugby: Giteau Law scrappedWallabies free to pick more overseas-based players.Manage workloads for key big men (e.g., Will Skelton) ahead of major tournaments.01:36:21 — Iran drought & “weather manipulation” claim; sign-offIranian TV guest alleges U.S./Israel redirect rain clouds; hosts file under conspiracy.Wrap and see-you-next-week.— Notable moments & quotes —00:05:14 — Hong Kong Jack: “Premeditated deliberate … murder.”00:05:26 — Jack the Insider: “Planned, organised and designed to cause maximum injury and pain.”00:13:38 — Hong Kong Jack (on Folbigg payout): “Bit skinny. I would have thought.”00:25:40 — Hong Kong Jack: “In a battle on a tech issue, I'll back the 13- and 14-year-olds every day of the week.”00:39:17 — Hong Kong Jack (half-flippant): “Go back to 1946 and have another Palestine mandate … give it to the Brits to run as a colony.”00:47:20 — Jack the Insider (quoting Eisenhower): Japan was “already defeated … dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary.”00:59:33 — Hong Kong Jack: “Trump controls the Democrats' narrative … He's in charge of both parties.”01:10:45 — Hong Kong Jack (NRL trainer): “That was gamesmanship.”01:22:11 — Hong Kong Jack (on Heaney): “He's my smokey for a Brownlow.”01:33:12 — Jack the Insider (Ashes): “There's nowhere to hide if you're a bit injured.”

A big topic of conversation Down Under over the past couple of weeks has been copyright — namely, whether we should loosen the rules to make it easier for AI companies to operate in Australia, and for data centre companies to build here. The Productivity Commission and Tech Council boss Scott Farquhar think we should. Creatives are less enthused. We go into the dynamics of the conversation, the asymmetry between the parties, and answer the question once and for all: how much money do artists deserve??See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the AI in Education Podcast, Dan and Ray dive into the latest developments shaping the future of AI in learning environments - from vocational colleges to elite universities. All the links to items and research discussed are below! News Australia's Future Skills Organisation and Microsoft launched the FSO Skills Accelerator-AI partnership https://www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au/skills-accelerator-ai/ Microsoft Elevate https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/07/09/elevate  Google commits US$1bn for AI training at US universities https://www.innovationaus.com/google-commits-us1bn-for-ai-training-at-us-universities/  CAUDIT Top Ten 2025 https://www.caudit.edu.au/resources/2025-top-ten-report/  South Korea pulls plug on AI textbooks https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10546695  Consumer news reporting on AI in Education ABC https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-13/artificial-intelligence-in-the-classroom-education/105638698 Channel 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGUygg-q0ok https://www.9news.com.au/national/artificial-intelligence-in-schools-productivity-commission-report-national-push-for-teachers-to-use-gen-ai/4e9016dd-5de0-48de-ab64-f637adfbed53 Productivity Commission report that highlights the use of AI in education, including to reduce teacher workload https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/adaptable-workforce/interim  New DFE AI guidance for schools https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-artificial-intelligence-in-education/generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education  Ofsted's findings on AI in Education https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-in-schools-and-further-education-findings-from-early-adopters/the-biggest-risk-is-doing-nothing-insights-from-early-adopters-of-artificial-intelligence-in-schools-and-further-education-colleges  Research AI tutoring outperforms in-class active learning: an RCT introducing a novel research-based design in an authentic educational setting https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-97652-6  AI tools used by English councils downplay women's health issues Original paper: https://bmcmedinformdecismak.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12911-025-03118-0 News reporting: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/aug/11/ai-tools-used-by-english-councils-downplay-womens-health-issues-study-finds 

Why have so many hand car wash services replaced automatic machines?It has to do with immigration policies and there are implications for Australia's productivity which is among the worst in the developed world. Economists insist boosting productivity is the only way to improve our living standards, but could delivering higher wages first actually help to fix the problem?Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the key factors left off the agenda at this week's economic round table in Canberra - population and property. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

Welcome to an audio-led edition of Unmade.Today, we talk to both buyer and seller in Hardie Grant's deal to buy PR agency Keep Left, and find out what boss Nick Hardie-Grant thinks of the AI tech lobby's push to weaken Australian copyright law.We've announced the schedule for this year's Compass series. Our panel-in-the-pub, end-of-year tour kicks off in Sydney on November 3 and concludes in Hobart a fortnight later. Reflecting on 2025 and projecting into 2026, please hold the date for your city:* November 3 – Compass Sydney* November 5 – Compass Brisbane* November 10 – Compass Adelaide* November 11 – Compass Perth* November 17 – Compass Melbourne* November 18 – Compass HobartUnmade's paying members get a free ticket to Compass. Your annual membership also gets you tickets to September's REmade conference on retail media; and to October's Unlock conference on marketing in the nighttime economy.Upgrade today.‘Complete b******t and a blatant attack on the industry' - Publisher Nick Hardie-Grant on the AI industry's push to loosen local copyright protectionThe M&A pipeline in the independent sector has been flowing fast in recent weeks.Last month Private Media revealed its purchase of Pinstripe Media in what was a major piece of consolidation in the publishing sector for small and medium sized businesses. Then Solstice Media bought Australian Traveller Media, adding to other purchases including The New Daily and The 7am Podcast.This week came news that Hardie Grant Media has added PR agency Keep Left, which has 25 staff, to its portfolio. Hardie Grant's roster of agencies already includes digital media agency Reload, content agency Heads and Tales, production house Sherpa, and PR and influencer agency Tide Communications. It's rapidly becoming a local holdco, and is still on the acquisition trail.The wider Hardie Grant group is best known as a book publisher although more than half of the 220 staff work for the communications agency arm.Today's podcast interview features Hardie Grant Group CEO Nick Hardie-Grant and Keep Left founder Caroline Catterall. Nick Hardie-Grant's mother Fiona Hardie started the communications arm while his father Sandy Grant started the publishing business. Catterall launched Keep Left 24 years ago. The deal was chased by Hardie-Grant after he got to know Keep Left through common clients.According to Catterall: “We got a feel for that cultural alignment, which from both sides of the fence was really, really important. And one of the other things that was really important to us is that Hardie Grant Media is an independent agency. We've been proudly indie for a long time.”During the interview with Unmade's Tim Burrowes, Nick Hardie-Grant also discusses the book publishing side of the business, and the call from the Productivity Commission to consider changing local laws to make it easier for AI companies to mine content to train their large language models. Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar, chair of the Australian Tech Council, has been arguing that Australia should make it permissible for AI companies to use published content without paying for it.According to Hardie-Grant:“It's a pretty obvious answer for someone in the publishing industry that it's complete b******t and that it's a blatant attack on the industry.“It's extremely one-sided transparent, laughable approach has no real upside for the industry apart from the potential short-term benefits for the tech companies to gain a whole lot of copyrighted, a whole lot of information for free.”More from Mumbrella…* Mumbrellacast: Inside Hardie Grant's Keep Left acquisition, OOH's big week, and ex-Paramount owner talks Skydance and Trump* Hardie Grant acquires Keep Left in a deal a year in the making* Out-of-home industry rises across all categories* ‘I was blown away': Former Paramount owner believes settlement with Trump was a good deal* This just in: News bulletins are the latest podcast trendToday's podcast was edited by Abe's Audio. Time to leave you to your Thursday. We'll be back with more tomorrow, with a four year anniversary update on Unmade.Have a great dayToodlepip…Tim BurrowesPublisher - Unmade + Mumbrellatim@unmade.media This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unmade.media/subscribe

Victoria’s crime wave spirals with violent home invasions, trans activists cause chaos in Melbourne, silencing women. Plus, voters push back on Labor’s tax hikes as the Productivity Commission backs new levies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business executives, union bosses and experts are converging on Parliament House in Canberra for the Federal Government's economic roundtable. But is the three-day gathering just a talkfest, or can we expect genuine economic reform? We hear from the Treasurer, the head of the Productivity Commission, and the boss of the Council of Small Business to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode we look into big tech companies - their complicity in war, their pervasive use of surveillance and data, and the impacts this is having on us as individuals, as artists, and as communities. Our first conversation is with Cher Tan, an essayist and critic whose written work has been published widely. Cher delves into the dark side of Spotify; its ties to the military-industrial complex, its role in stripping artists of their rights and dignity, as well as the way it has homogenised art and culture. Later in the program, we'll hear an interview with Lucinda Thorpe, Privacy Campaigner at Digital Rights Watch, which aired on 3CR's Tuesday Breakfast on 12 August 2025. In this interview, Lucinda outlines the latest Productivity Commission report which calls for a pause on AI regulation; how this benefits big tech companies and the negative impacts this will have on our privacy.

Nevena and Kenny are joined live on air by Misha Ketchell – Editor-in-Chief, The Conversation-Trump and Putin in Alaska, Productivity Commission; Investigations into Gaza Deaths. ‘A leaked Treasury document has... LEARN MORE The post Saturday 16th, August, 2025: Misha Ketchell-Editor-in-Chief, The Conversation-Trump and Putin in Alaska, Productivity Commission. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Jennifer and Jacques talk about the urgent need to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI). They are prompted by the Productivity Commission's hare-brained idea that we should not regulate it too much so as not to inhibit its development (and add $$$ to the coffers of big tech, they add).ReferencesHolten, Emma, (2025) Deficit: How Feminist Economics can change our world, London: WH Allen (Penguin Random House Group)Bates, Laura (2025) The New Age of Sexism: How the AI revolution is reinventing misogyny, Sydney/Melbourne: Simon and SchusterRegenerating communities: Community development conference 2025

‘Abundance v Sufficiency: Dawn of Justice' T-Shirt Edition With a sufficiency of sufficiency-themed t-shirts now on the streets, the universe is out of balance and your intrepid hosts need to balance the sufficiency yin with an abundance yang! And OH BOY did we have an abundance of abundance-themed t-shirt ideas for you. YOU need not have Abundance FOMO any longer. Run, don't walk to our merch page and grab the limited edition Abundance tee: www.letmesumup.net/p/merch/.—It's Productivity Palooza 2025 and invited to the hottest party in town (this here podcast of course) is the one and only Alison Reeve who joins your intrepid hosts in a Productivity Commission report launch party! Landing in Jim Chalmers' hot little hands before the big Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra (the other hottest party in town), the PC's interim report, “Investing in Cheaper, Cleaner Energy and the Net Zero Transformation” has a grab bag of ideas: Adaptation - getting its moment, finally! Approvals - strike teams and make em' fast! Carbon pricing - safeguard harder! Also check out this excellent OpEd from Alison in the AFR.Our main courseI'm Wonky But I'm Worth It might have been the unofficial subtitle of the latest contribution to reform of the National Electricity Market by expert panel Tim Nelson, Paula Conboy, Ava Hancock and Phil Hirschhorn. That's right, your intrepid hosts evidently didn't have anything else to do last weekend than consume the 220-page elephant of the “National Electricity Market wholesale market settings review” draft report (we did, but we read it anyway – you're welcome). While heavy on financial jargon, we wonder whether this might be the political bullet proof vest this policy needs, lest the ESEM join the acronym soup grave of NEM review solutions past! Targeted upgrades to existing architecture across the spot market (visibility of DER!), medium-term derivatives (more liquidity via market-making obligations!) and long-term investment signals (enter, Electricity Services Entry Mechanism!) with a partridge in a pear tree and consumer reforms (the epilogue that Frankie thinks deserves a prologue). One more thingsTennant's One More Thing is: the greatest movie ever made!? WARNING: 3.5 hours and carbon monoxide poisoning awaits.Frankie's One More Thing is: a watching brief on the expert panel on atmospheric measurement of fugitive methane emissions in Australia, chaired by former chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley, and just how this might contribute to policy - Global Methane Pledge, ahem!Alison's One More Thing is: is the gas network problem solving itself? A Victorian gas utility helping customers go all-electric feels like cause for celebration in putting consumers first!Luke's One More Thing is: a shout out and salute to outgoing Clean Energy Council CEO Kane Thornton, for his tireless work supporting and leading the growth of Australia's renewables industry and for being an all-round awesome human. Go well and see you soon Kane!And that's it for now, Summerupperers. There is now a one-stop-shop for all your LMSU needs: head toletmesumup.netto support us on Patreon, procure merch, find back episodes, and leave us a voicemail!

Jules and Jez love a good debate, but can you debate anything? Is a debate featuring sexist or fascist views a good idea? Or does it just give airtime to offensive opinions? And will a robot write the next book you read? The Productivity Commission has been looking at AI and it could have big implications for how copyright is controlled. 

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the future of AI and copyright in Australia, ShinyHunters and their relationship to the Scattered Spider hacking collective, and a new ransomware operator targeting small businesses in the ANZ region. Hollingworth and Croft kick open things up with a discussion on the Australian Productivity Commission's suggestion that AI regulations in Australia should be eased, an idea that the pair are not impressed by. After a short chat on the latest developments with Elon Musk's Grok AI, Hollingworth and Croft discuss the latest wave of Salesforce-related hacks and the possible links between two hacking groups, ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider. The pair wrap things up with the emergence of a new ransomware operation that has already targeted businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Called PEAR, the group focuses purely on data theft over encryption, which seems to be an emerging trend in ransomware operations. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

7:15 AM//  Lucinda Thorpe, Privacy Campaigner at Digital Rights Watch. Lucinda joined us this morning to chat about the latest Productivity Commission report on AI, how big tech companies will benefit from lack of regulation and how this will impact regular people. To learn more about privacy rights online, head to https://digitalrightswatch.org.au/  7:30 AM// Nina, the Family Violence Justice Project Coordinator at Flat Out. Flat Out is community-based organisation focused on keeping women and gender diverse people to get out and stay out of prison. Nina is here to chat about Flat Out's work, how they engage survivors who have experienced incarceration, and Flat Out's recent presentation in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) about economic reintegration. Find out more at @flatout.inc on Instagram. 7:45 AM// Cath from the No Northern Incinerator campaign. Cath previously joined us back in March to tell us about the threat posed by the proposed incinerator in Wollert and is back to give us some updates on the campaign. Cath was back to chat about the upcoming EPA decision on the incinerator, the state government's recent increase to the cap of rubbish that can be burned in Victoria and how the community is organising to fight back. You can follow NO Northern Incinerator Wollert on Facebook.  8:00 AM// In an excerpt of an episode of Earth Matters on 27th July, Bec presented five speakers representing student women, rural women, First Nations women, women with disabilities, and older women at the Women's Climate Conference. The speakers share their experiences of how to bring these marginalized voices into climate discussions, negotiations, and decisions to achieve better outcomes. You can listen to the whole episode and other editions of earth matters at 3cr.org.au/earthmatters 8:15 AM// At yesterday's snap rally Palestine rally at the ABC, Palestinian activist Nour Salman read aloud the will and final message from Anas al-Sharif, who had become one of the most recognisable voices documenting the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. On Monday 11th August, Free Palestine Coalition Naarm called a snap rally at the ABC Headquarters in Suthbank after targeted airstrikes by Israel killed 6 Palestinian journalists and crew. They were Anas al-Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa, Mohammed Noufal and Mohammad al-Khaldi. Last month, The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was gravely concerned for Anas al-Sharif's safety as he was being “targeted by an Israeli military smear campaign”. Al Jazeera called on the international community and all relevant organisations to “take decisive measures to halt this ongoing genocide and end the deliberate targeting of journalists”.  Songs: "Common Sense" - Yara"Eyes On Me" - June Jones 

As usual, AI slop shownotes. They're all about 30 seconds off due to theme music. Enjoy! The Jacks start in Hong Kong's downpour before unpacking Tasmania's post‑election arithmetic and a machete “amnesty” with bins outside cop shops. They wade through protests, policing, and the far‑right's antics, then dig into the Gareth Ward case and the thorny politics of expulsion. There's a sharp turn into AI copyright fights, family life vs screens, and a listener letter on pilot mental health.Mid‑show is a deep dive on ME/CFS's genetic breakthrough, then a long, unsentimental look at Gaza, Hamas, ceasefires, and who could plausibly govern anything next. Stateside, Tulsi, Brennan, Mueller, and the Epstein files swirl together with youth‑vote and gerrymander chat. They close with sport: Wallabies' best fortnight in ages, a cracking England–India Test, Ashes nerves, AFL chaos at Melbourne, and a quick NRL/Swans CEO note—before ending on a Trader Joe's chicken funeral and a cheeky Ozempic joke.Chapters00:00:00 — Hong Kong's black rainTriple black rain signals; ~300mm in a day at Mid‑Levels.City empties as people stay home; flood photos doing the rounds.00:01:36 — Tasmania's numbers gamePremier commissioned without a majority; Greens won't move no‑confidence.Governor Barbara Baker's “test it on the floor” remark and what's in scope.Labor/Greens maths; low appetite for another poll, but conditions exist.00:05:49 — Bins for blades: the machete “amnesty”Drop‑off slots outside police stations; comparison to firearms amnesties.Media flurries vs actual incident data; last big cluster months ago.00:07:21 — Protests, policing, and the far‑rightSydney Bridge March crowd size; VIPs photographed with Khamenei backdrop.Nazis on Parliament steps in balaclavas; state‑by‑state policing contrasts.Flags, chants, and where police draw the line on intervention.00:14:18 — The Gareth Ward messConviction details; bail, incarceration, and expulsion difficulty.Kiama re‑election as an independent, salary while imprisoned.Appeals, precedent, and public disgust.00:20:20 — Farewells and AI fightsDavid Dale and Col Joy remembered.Productivity Commission's AI stance; artists vs scraping; Zuckerberg's book haul.Peter Garrett's industry savvy; JP Morgan's internal AI rollout.00:26:16 — Kids, screens, and breakfastThe great iPad panic; why we don't judge strangers' mornings.Family meals are good; mind your own business is better.00:28:23 — Mailbag: pilots and mental healthFAA caution vs counselling stigma; past “deliberate crash” cases.Policy that pushes people away from help is bad policy.00:31:10 — ME/CFS: genetics change the storyDecodeME links to immune and nervous system pathways.It's physiological, not psychosomatic; GET/CBT harm for PEM sufferers.RACGP guidance lag vs UK/US updates; a long‑overdue turn.00:37:10 — Gaza, Hamas, and the absence of good options2005 pull‑out, tunnels, aid skimming; ceasefire vs aid corridors.Who could govern Gaza; peacekeepers, UNRWA skepticism, and Hamas reality.Ehud Barak's Qatar funding allegations; elections, starvation, ethics.01:03:21 — US politics: Russiagate reruns and Epstein filesTulsi's evolution; Brennan on TV; Mueller was Trump‑era appointed.“Lock her up” vs AI Obama arrest video; the file‑release calculus.Youth‑vote shifts; Republicans' state‑house gerrymanders.01:21:42 — Media Watch vs SkyThe TikTok immigration clip Sky ran and then pulled.Why mainstream reporting beats cherry‑picked viral outrage.01:24:44 — Sport: a proper weekendWallabies find a game fans can love; Lions tour lifts the code.England–India: great chase, Siraj's spell, and pressure's toll.Ashes preview: Bazball mettle in Aus conditions; pace attack is the key.AFL: Simon Goodwin sacked, Melbourne chaos, Adelaide surging; NRL Panthers steady.Swans appoint Matthew Pavlich CEO.01:36:54 — Chicken funerals and closingA full black‑robed rite in a US supermarket.“Put Ozempic in the water” gag; letters and see‑you‑next‑week.Notable quotes00:00:25 — “We had three black rain signals… 300 mils in a day here at Mid‑Levels.”00:03:31 — “It's not for the governor to be deciding when numbers are tested.”00:06:01 — “Bins outside the police station so miscreants can slide the machete through the slot.”00:08:43 — “They stood on the steps of Parliament and zig‑hiled their way across that protest.”00:14:09 — “Personally, I think let people tell you who they are.”00:18:50 — “He's essentially been convicted of rape… he's going to get a holiday.”00:24:49 — “To boost productivity by 4%, it's decided you just let AI go.”00:33:59 — “It is neurological and immunological. It is not psychiatric.”00:47:42 — “There are no good choices at the moment.”01:25:26 — “The best fortnight for the Wallabies in a very, very long time.”Who and what gets mentionedPeople: Barbara Baker; Jacinta Allan; Bob Carr; Gareth Ward; Chris Minns; Meredith Burgmann; Bruce Learman; David Dale; Col Joy; Peter Garrett; Mark Zuckerberg; Jamie Dimon; Andy Devereaux‑Cook; Ghazi Hamad; Benjamin Netanyahu; Eyal Zamir; Ehud Barak; John Brennan; Tulsi Gabbard; Hillary Clinton; Bill Clinton; Pam Bondi; Prince Andrew; Michael Vaughan; Ricky Ponting; Dave Warner; Joffre Archer; Mark Wood; Simon Goodwin; Brad Green; Matthew Pavlich; Tom Harley; Abby Phillip; Scott Jennings; Van Jones.Places: Hong Kong; Tasmania; Melbourne; Sydney; North Shore; Central; Opera House; Kiama; Silverwater; Gaza; West Bank; Qatar; Egypt; Netherlands; Japan; Texas; California; Massachusetts; Illinois; New York; Maryland; Old Trafford; Perth; The Gabba; Adelaide; San Francisco.Organisations/teams: Greens; Labor; Liberal Party; National Socialist Alliance; IDF; Hezbollah; UNRWA; Palestinian Authority; Hamas; Mossad; BBC; Jerusalem Post; FAA; DecodeME; RACGP; Productivity Commission; Sky News; Media Watch; CIA; Wallabies; Penrith Panthers; Sydney Swans; AFL; NRL; JP Morgan.

Show host Gene Tunny and Australian Taxpayers' Alliance Chief Economist John Humphreys tackle hot topics in Australian economic policy: the case for a cash flow company tax, the politics and maths of a gas ban, why stamp duty drags the economy, the growing size of government and the cost of living crisis.  Please email Gene your thoughts on this episode via contact@economicsexplored.com.TimestampsIntroduction and Greens' Gas Ban (0:00)Government Spending and Adverse Effects on Economic Dynamism (8:32)Stamp Duty and Efficiency Cost (19:42)Inflation Data and Cost of Living Crisis (25:39)Productivity Commission's Company Tax Reform (28:55)Workers' Compensation and Tax Incidence (43:11)Tariffs and Taxation (54:52)TakeawaysCash Flow Tax Reform – The Productivity Commission proposes cutting company tax to 20% for most firms, adding a 5% cash flow tax, and keeping the system revenue neutral—aimed at boosting investment.Gas Ban Impact – John argues the NSW Greens' proposal would delay global warming by only 10 hours by 2100, even under optimistic assumptions, yet could raise costs for consumers and businesses.Stamp Duty Inefficiency – Economic modelling by the Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) shows stamp duty's deadweight loss at 70–80 cents per $1 raised, far worse than GST or income tax.Government Spending Growth – The CIS's Robert Carling claims over half of Australians now earn primary income from government sources, raising concerns about productivity and political incentives.Hidden Tax Burdens – Workers' compensation costs, though nominally paid by employers, often reduce workers' wages in the long run, John argues.Links relevant to the conversationATA livestream on 7 August:https://austaxpayers.substack.com/p/australia-considers-cashflow-taxJohn's article on Greens' gas ban:https://austaxpayers.substack.com/p/greens-propose-gas-banPC's cash flow tax proposal:https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/resilient-economy/interimLeviathan on the Rampage: Government spending growth a threat to Australia's economic futurehttps://www.cis.org.au/publication/leviathan-on-the-rampage-how-the-growth-of-government-is-draining-australias-economic-vitality/CoPS on stamp duty: Some taxes are inefficient at any level. Even modest reforms will helphttps://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/news/some-taxes-are-inefficient-at-any-level-even-modest-reforms-will-helpLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee's Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED 

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the future of AI and copyright in Australia, ShinyHunters and their relationship to the Scattered Spider hacking collective, and a new ransomware operator targeting small businesses in the ANZ region. Hollingworth and Croft kick open things up with a discussion on the Australian Productivity Commission's suggestion that AI regulations in Australia should be eased, an idea that the pair are not impressed by. After a short chat on the latest developments with Elon Musk's Grok AI, Hollingworth and Croft discuss the latest wave of Salesforce-related hacks and the possible links between two hacking groups, ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider. The pair wrap things up with the emergence of a new ransomware operation that has already targeted businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Called PEAR, the group focuses purely on data theft over encryption, which seems to be an emerging trend in ransomware operations. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

Nightlife News Breakdown with Philip Clark, joined by Paul Bongiorno, veteran political reporter with 30+ years of experience and columnist for The Saturday Paper.

According to a new report by the Productivity Commission, Australia's long-term economic prosperity can be boosted by tackling climate change. In the second of five reports, the independent advisory body outlines a set of recommended climate related actions and environmental law reforms that would help bolster economic growth. It comes ahead of a government summit aimed at lifting Australia's lagging productivity, and as the federal government considers its emission reduction target for 2035. - يُمكن تعزيز الازدهار الاقتصادي طويل الأمد لأستراليا من خلال التحدث عن تغير المناخ, وفقًا لتقرير جديد صادر عن لجنة الإنتاجية.

Australian artists, musicians and authors are fuming over a suggestion copyright laws should be relaxed to allow tech giants to train their AI chatbots. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ross Garnaut (pictured) is among those who have urged the Australian Government to use this month's roundtable discussions to boost Australia's productivity and economy, and repair the budget as a platform to resurrect the carbon price - "Economists want a carbon price comeback – but does Australia have the political courage?";"Great Barrier Reef suffers sharp decline in coral coverage after 'unheard of' heat events";"Great Barrier Reef suffers biggest annual drop in live coral since 1980s after devastating coral bleaching";"Renewable Energy Fit for a Superpower";"How to answer the argument that Australia's emissions are too small to make a difference";"The agency asked five climate skeptics to write a report criticizing the consensus on global warming. Scientists are pointing out its errors.";"Candidate Trump Promised Oil Executives a Windfall. Now, They're Getting It.";"Changes in Nature's Symphony Can Reflect Climate Impacts":"Australian researchers discover two invasive weeds have the potential to be burned as biofuel";"Great Barrier Reef suffers biggest annual drop in live coral since 1980s after devastating coral bleaching";"World's biggest coral survey confirms sharp decline in Great Barrier Reef after heatwave";"These students cut air pollution near their schools – by taking aim at their parents' idling cars";"What would a climate model made from music sound like? This team of artists and scientists has created one";"TSI's Submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable";"August to bring more rain and snow, but for farmers it's ‘storm Lotto'";"These kids want climate action. Here are the cutting questions they're asking CEOs";"Ten Victorian towns to lose piped gas as operator says network is too expensive";"UN plastic pollution talks must result in ambitious treaty, leading expert says";"‘The forest had gone': the storm that moved a mountain";"Heat, work, and worry: How is outdoor employment linked to concern about extreme heat?";"Walkable Cities, Neighborhoods = Happy Communities";"Energy Dept. Attacks Climate Science in Contentious Report";"Australia's Bid for COP31: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care ";"New National Climate Risk Assessment – more omission than commission?";"Clean energy subsidies should be replaced with ‘market-based incentives' from 2030, Australia's Productivity Commission says";"Threat of Nuclear War Is Rising, But Scientists Say the Public Can Change That";"'A bellwether of change': speed of glacier shrinking on remote Heard Island sounds alarm";"5 ingenious things trees do that human designers can learn from";"Romania to access EU funds to help areas affected by devastating floods, PM says";"Offshore wind leasing is officially dead under Trump";"Scientists slam Trump administration climate report as a ‘farce' full of misinformation";"Woman swept away in flood waters in Hunter region as emergency services respond to more than 1,450 calls";"Going to waste: two years after REDcycle's collapse, Australia's soft plastics are hitting the environment hard";"Troubling Scenes From an Arctic in Full-Tilt Crisis";"Greening of Antarctica Is Another Sign of Significant Climate Shift on the Frozen Continent";"Nordic countries hit by ‘truly unprecedented' heatwave";"

According to a new report by the Productivity Commission, Australia's long-term economic prosperity can be boosted by tackling climate change. In the second of five reports, the independent advisory body outlines a set of recommended climate related actions and environmental law reforms that would help bolster economic growth. It comes ahead of a government summit aimed at lifting Australia's lagging productivity, and as the federal government considers its emission reduction target for 2035.

Volgens een nieuw rapport van de Productivity Commission kan de economische welvaart van Australië op de lange termijn worden bevorderd door klimaatverandering aan te pakken. In het tweede van vijf rapporten schetst het onafhankelijke adviesorgaan een reeks aanbevolen klimaatgerelateerde maatregelen en hervormingen van de milieuwetgeving, die de economische groei zouden kunnen stimuleren.

The Allan government looks to weaponise work from home, what message did the major pro-Palestine protests on the weekend send to the Jewish community? Plus, Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan on the Productivity Commission’s net zero cost warning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private sector job creation collapses as government drives most new employment, a local council shouting match erupts into claims of bullying and misogyny. Plus, the Productivity Commission warns Labor’s net zero plan will be costly and difficult.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 4 August 2025 Global share markets are under pressure as US tariffs come into force. And more, including: Victoria’s Allan government wants to legislate WFH. House prices are on the rise. The Productivity Commission’s radical plan to overhaul company tax rates. Donald Trump sacks the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after disappointing employment data. Join our free daily newsletter here. And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - this week, cash or cashless: what’s better for the budget? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

உங்கள் வாழ்க்கையை நேரடியாக பாதிக்கக்கூடிய ஓர் முக்கியமான செய்தியை நாட்டின் Productivity Commission என்ற உற்பத்தித் திறனை கண்காணிக்கும் ஆணையத்தின் தலைவர் வெளியிட்டுள்ள புதிய அறிக்கையில் கூறியுள்ளார். வேலைக்குச் செல்பவர்கள் படிப்படியாக 2035 ஆம் ஆண்டிற்குள் 14,000 டொலர்கள் வரை கூடுதல் வருமானம் பெற முடியும் என்று உற்பத்தித் திறன் ஆணையம் தெரிவித்துள்ளது. இந்த செய்தியின் பின்னணியை எடுத்து வருகிறார் குலசேகரம் சஞ்சயன்.

A new report from the Productivity Commission says that Australia's national plan to improve mental health and prevent suicide is "not fit for purpose" and needs to be re-written and in this edition of The Conversation Hour we explore what measures need to be in place to improve suicide prevention in Australia.Also in this edition we talk the language plays in perpetuating medical misogyny, how to do snow adventures safely and what role airports can play in easing anxious travellers.

As many as half a million Australians could be falling through the cracks because the mental health and suicide prevention agreement between state and federal governments is "not fit for purpose". That's the finding of the Productivity Commission, which has released a scathing report into the issue. We hear from commissioner Selwyn Button, who worked on the report, about what needs to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support us on Patreon and grab some merchThe merch is flying off the shelves (and into Summerupperer mailboxes near and far!). The website is live (and functional!) and the bonus episodes are tastier than Tennant's home baked maruspice cookies. Join the Super Summerupperer secret society at www.letmesumup.net and click “Support LMSU” to get your fortnightly BoCo fix. Because THERE. IS. (STILL). TOO. MUCH.—This week your intrepid hosts are joined by newly minted Grattan Institute Energy & Climate Program *Director* Alison Reeve to unpack the Productivity Commission's climate musings and a spicy new paper from Dr. Ron Ben-David that dares to ask: that gas network RAB is kind of annoying... what if we just sold it?But first... are the folks at the PC drinking the Abundance KoolAid? Investing in Cheaper, Cleaner Energy and the Net Zero Transformation is one of five pillars the PC is working on to inform the Treasurer's upcoming and very exclusive ROUNDTABLE lock-up/love-in on productivity. What's on the menu? Reducing the cost of meeting carbon targets, speeding up energy infrastructure approvals and unlocking private investment in adaptation. Frankie smells a Cabinet book club. Alison wants to know why we're not talking about construction productivity across sectors. All of us want more than vibes and vertical silos but agreed giving adaptation some love is overdue!Our main courseIf the Gas RAB is a 500 lb gorilla and is in desperate need of slimming down, who's paying the bills for Ozempic? In his paper ‘The 500 lb gorilla of the gas transition, or: Confronting the regulatory asset base (RAB) problem', Ron Ben-David proposes a bold fix for the gas death spiral with his characteristic panache: Revalue the gas RAB every five years, carve off the stranded value into a new financial asset (opening up an exciting branding opportunity – Delta Assets RAB Bucks, or RABcoin - take your pick!) and then auction it off. Is this Saving consumers by slugging (the same) consumers? Tennant reckons financialisation would lead to better transparency. Frankie suggests networks surely can't have their cake and eat it too. Alison thinks it's brilliantly clever, but who's buying? Luke declares it's so confusing and opaque, it just might work!One more thingsAlison's One More Thing is: A very happy anniversary to the RET, whose legislation was introduced to Parliament on 22 June 2000. Little did they know that 9500 GWh would lead to so much more…Tennant's One More Thing is: a li'l bright spot in the USA, where Fervo Energy is making geothermal advances galore. Watch this space!Frankie's One More Thing is: The Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy is here! Congrats to the ASFI team for launching this important work.Luke's One More Thing is: Hugh White's new Quarterly Essay, Hard New World: Our Post American Future. That's it for now, Summerupperers. There is now a one-stop-shop for all your LMSU needs: head to www.letmesumup.net for merch, back episodes, and your chance to leave us a voicemail. And remember: if you're not wearing your LMSU tee while listening to us talk about LMSU tees, are you even summing it up?

On today's episode of Work with Purpose, Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, reflects on how the Commission's role has evolved—from her early days as a graduate to leading its national reform agenda.As Australia faces slower growth and rising complexity, how can public policy adapt to deliver long-term productivity and social progress?Danielle joins host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to discuss how the commission continues to provide rigorous, independent advice in the public interest while expanding its focus to the care economy, First Nations policy, and Closing the Gap. She also explores the challenges of lifting productivity in the service sector, the slower impact of new technologies, the importance of diversity in economic leadership, and how to deliver frank advice that drives long-term reform.Key tips:Embed Closing the Gap priorities into your policy and program design to help drive meaningful, long-term changeChampion diversity in economics to ensure a broader range of perspectives and better policy outcomesValue independent advice as a cornerstone of good governance, even when it challenges the status quo.Show notesQuarterly productivity bulletin – March 2025 | Productivity CommissionClosing the Gap Review | Productivity Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Executives walk at both Rio Tinto and Fortescue; Bitcoin cracks through $110,000USD; Productivity Commission seeks opinions on how to boost the economy; Women’s State of Origin outrates the Men’s AFL; NBA playoff tickets selling for up to $62,000; and Tony Sycamore joins us for the Market Wrap Host: Deborah Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Chris Blancato Publisher: Nine RadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Productivity Commission will seek feedback on its plan to boost the nation's growth, with the government on board.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Productivity Commission sets out its big picture goals; Labor’s superannuation changes attract more criticism; the downgrade of the US government set to hit markets; the Vic government predicts a surplus in its Budget; and Adam Dawes joins us for the Market Wrap Host: Deborah Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine RadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support us on Patreon... Team LMSU are calling all Summerupperers to come join the expanded LMSU universe and support our Patreon! This year we are upping the ante and every fortnight when a regular episode drops, there will be an additional, delicious, subscriber only BoCo episode hitting the feeds as well. Because, THERE IS TOO MUCH! Head on over to https://www.patreon.com/LetMeSumUp.—After an extended summer vacay, Team LMSU is back - and not a minute too soon! The spidey senses of the folks at the Climate Change Authority must have been tingling and with a BOOM dropped their analysis ‘Assessing the impact of a nuclear pathway on Australia's emissions' on the very morning we recorded this episode.Joined by sometime co-host and sensible energy expert superhero Alison Reeve, the crew digest this little amuse bouche: over 1 billion tonnes of extra emissions! The cost of pursuing Frontier Economics' nuclear pathway is quite the emissions mouthful.Sidebar nerd alert: reverse engineer graphs just like the CCA folks with this handy tool: https://www.graphreader.com/ Our main paperIn act 2 of our double nuclear paper spectacular, the LMSU crew takes on the intercontinental ballistic market outlook ‘The Path to a New Era for Nuclear Energy' from the folk at the International Energy Agency. And Hooo-eeeee are they bullish! Their numbers don't lie though and it's more of a ‘let a thousand reactors bloom' kinda sentiment than a bona-fide BOOMtime for nuclear's share of the global pie. Our take? It's 25 years to net zero, we got 80 SMR designs and a drive to cut costs through standardisation and sequencing. Hit It?Aaaaand because we couldn't get nary enough NUKES this week, after we recorded, the House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy released its Interim report for the inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia. Bon appetit!One more thingsAlison's One More Thing is: a recent Carbon Brief analysis that shows clean energy contributed 10% of China's GDP in 2024. Exactly the kind of good news we could stand to see more of!Tennant's One More Thing is: would a Border Carbon Adjustment be a poke in the eye of a newly belligerent USA? (Rather less than the GST!)Frankie's One More Thing is: speculation that the implementation of the 2025 version of the National Construction Code will remain uncertain, especially with the Productivity Commission's recent report recommending an independent review of building regulations.Luke's One More Thing is: that 2025 will see the delivery of sweet, delicious BoCo dessert every fortnight alongside the main course of regular episodes. Head on over to patreon.com/LetMeSumUp to make sure you don't miss a bite.And that's all from us Summerupperers! Send your hot tips and suggestions for papers to us at mailbag@letmesumup.net and check out our back catalogue at letmesumup.net.

Amid the ongoing housing crisis, the Productivity Commission has released a report revealing a 53 per cent decline in construction sector productivity since 1995, based on a comparison of hours worked and new homes built. To better understand the challenges faced by the industry, SBS spoke with housing expert Nisha Bajaj.

The Productivity Commission has released a report finding productivity in housing construction has been stagnating for 30 years. Industry groups are backing the commission's calls for a review of regulations in a bid to help tackle the housing crisis. - Комиссия по производительности опубликовала отчет, в котором говорится, что производительность в жилищном строительстве стагнирует уже 30 лет.

The Productivity Commission has released a report finding productivity in housing construction has been stagnating for 30 years. Industry groups are backing the commission's calls for a review of regulations in a bid to help tackle the housing crisis. Listen to SBS Sinhala explainer for more information. - ඕස්ට්‍රේලියාවේ පසුගිය වසර 30 ක් තිස්සේ නිවාස ඉදිකිරීම්වල ඵලදායිතාව අඩාල වී ඇති බව ඵලදායිතා කොමිෂන් සභාව වාර්තාවක් නිකුත් කර තිබෙනවා. නිවාස අර්බුදයට මුහුණ දීම සඳහා රෙගුලාසි සමාලෝචනය කිරීමවෙනුවෙන් කොමිෂන් සභාව විසින් කරන ලද ඉල්ලීම් වලට නිවාස ඉදිකිරීම් කර්මාන්තය හා සම්බන්ධ විවිධ කණ්ඩායම් සහාය ලබා දෙනවා. මේ පිළිබඳ වැඩිදුර තොරතුරු අද කාලීන තොරතුරු විග්‍රහයෙන්

The Productivity Commission has released a report finding productivity in housing construction has been stagnating for 30 years. Industry groups are backing the commission's calls for a review of regulations in a bid to help tackle the housing crisis.

The Reserve bank begins deliberations over whether or not to cut the cash rate; Bendigo Bank disappoints the market with its earnings update; Peter Dutton puts the insurers on notice; the Productivity Commission wants building sector reform; hoteliers push for more regulation on short-term accommodation; and Elio D’Amato joins us for the Market Wrap. Host: Deb Knight Executive Producer: Tom Storey Technical Producer: Liam Achurch Publisher: Nine RadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Jeju Air CEO accepts blame for crash killing 179; investigators eye bird strike, Labor's grip on power is looking shaky, and India will need to pull of the highest run chase in more than a century to win the 4th test today. Deep dive best of: Over the next decade in Australia, $5 trillion is expected to move down the generations, with around $2.3 trillion to be given to the children of Boomers, $1 trillion to their grandkids, and $1.7 trillion to charities. The bank of mum and dad is somewhere between the 5th and 9th biggest lender according to the Productivity Commission. In this episode of The Briefing’s Best of Summer Series, we’re listening back to Sacha Barbour Gatt’s chat with Compare the Market’s Economic Director David Koch to find out what impact this will have on the economy. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nine terrific years explaining how the economy and everything in it works, Richard Aedy looks back at the highlights of the decade as well as Australia's economic future with Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission. Guest - Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission