Critical Line Item with Tom Ravlic

George Donikian ... and all the problems with the world of news

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:27:43 GMT

Veteran journalist George Donikian has a range of issues with the way in which journalism is practiced today, and he is unafraid to let you know. He talks with Tom Ravlic about his own history, concerns about the nature of political violence and political expression. And how the damn host pronounces his surname ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Letter to Biden - pardon Assange

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:23:11 GMT

Australia Institute director Emma Shortis is one of several Australians including parliamentarians that want President Joe Biden to pardon Julian Assange, the Australian founder of Wikileaks. Will Biden do so in his final days in the White House?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ravlic at Large - S1E4 - Gordon Traill

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 02:58:12 GMT

Gordon Traill is a former chef with the Australian Defence Forces and he takes Tom Ravlic on a tour across his almost three decade long career in the armed forces. Traill is a part of an exhibition at the Shrine of Remembrance called the 'Taste of Combat' that is on from 2 December 2024 to late 2025.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ravlic at Large - S1E3 - Greg Barton

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 04:35:05 GMT

Deakin University Professor Greg Barton explores the definition of terrorism with Tom Ravlic and a range of practical consequences that arise when terrorism is defined in a particular way.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are people not listening to learn, but listening to react?

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 03:54:49 GMT

The interview Tom Ravlic did recently with Senator Barbara Pocock provided some food for thought for an audience that did not know the South Australia senator and Greens representative at all well. Tom Ravlic asks whether we actually condition ourselves to not listen to people, and to learn what they are all about.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ravlic at Large - S1E2 - Barbara Pocock

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 02:21:01 GMT

The past 12 months have seen a lot of activity in parliamentary inquiries related to accounting firms and consultants. Senator Barbara Pocock tells Tom Ravlic about the inquiries in which she has participated, and that she thinks a lot more work needs to be done.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting evidence for policy making and legislating tougher tax laws

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:00:21 GMT

Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, Treasury and Employment, joins Tom Ravlic to talk about how the government tests whether policies work, the tax laws impacting companies that operate cross border, and a bit of a chat about what the respective roles for government are the Reserve Bank of Australia. This podcast is the audio of the Ravlic at Large streamed presentation available on YouTube.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tips on how to get a broader perspective on Australia's domestic politics

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:45:59 GMT

How may people do you listen to with whom you disagree? What do you read on poltics and why? Tom Ravlic suggests that people can do themselves a favour and read more broadly.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where are we at with creating inclusive workplaces that incorporate disabled people?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 04:20:45 GMT

Deloitte Australia's accessibility lead Dani Fraillon is on a mission to try and raise awareness on the importance of creating better workplace environments for disabled people. She is concerned that in 2024 people are still unable to feel comfortable disclosing their disabilities at the office as well as get some form of adjustment that means they can reach their full potential in the workplace.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reflection on the International Day for People with Disabiities

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 02:23:06 GMT

A reflection on a day Tom Ravlic views as one of three important days of the year.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food security - a view from the Australian Food and Agriculture Industry Taskforc

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 01:17:20 GMT

Deloitte's Vanessa Matthijssen is a member of the Australian Food and Agricultural Industry Taskforce and she has some significant concerns about the current status of the food sector. The taskforce has issued a fairly comprehensive paper that sets out a range of policy ideas but she argues these ideas can only be properly implemented with a higher degree of coordination between the public and private sectors.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colbeck and the social media ban law

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 06:47:49 GMT

Senator Richard Colbeck - a coalition senator from Tasmania - delivered a short, pithy address to the Senate last week in defense of proper legislative process. What would supporters of this social media ban think if a law they disliked was rammed through in the same way as this social media ban they were pleased to see pop out of the other end of the sausage machine last week? Give it some thought.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Submissions from experts and advocacy groups were ignored - what was the point?

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 01:30:25 GMT

Many thousands of submissions were made to a parliamentary committee that considered the legislation related to the social media ban for people under the age of 16 with only 107 being uploaded, and quite of few of those opposed the law as proposed. Tom Ravlic looks at some of the ones you might not have heard about and asks whether this is like the Voice Referendum where parts of the community were not successfully carried on a journey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The social media ban law - a personal perspective

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 01:24:19 GMT

Tom Ravlic reflects on the social media ban law and what people under 16 will miss out on when the legislation comes into force.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking a look at Australia's economy: the state of the Albanese budget, off budget games, and how best to talk about cost of living

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 05:54:59 GMT

Australians are heading into an election and the Coalition parties have ensured that economic management and cost of living will be the central issues around which the campaign evolves. Deloitte Access Economics' Stephen Smith walks Tom Ravlic through aspects of its most recent Deloitte Budget Monitor, and touches on better ways of explaining the way government's talk about their economic management.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dickson Decides - a case study of an independent movement

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 01:53:25 GMT

Independent movements are springing up across Australia to run in the next Federal Election and a recently formed group, Dickson Decides, is seeking to capitalise on the wave of disaffection with major political parties. A founder of the group, Ellie Smith, joins Tom Ravlic to take a look at the electorate, what their aspirations are and what characteristics they want in a candidate to take on the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, and the ALP's Ali France.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unpacking some of the challenges in climate financial disclosures

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:32:10 GMT

Climate financial disclosures will be mandatory for a range of entities from early next year and Xpansiv's chief commercial officer Ben Stuart chews the fat with Tom Ravlic on the rationale behind the changes, some of the compliance challenges and even what Xpansiv as a firm that provides a market for global energy transition is likely to do as it is required.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's wrong with the proposed ban on people under 16 using social media?

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:00:30 GMT

The Australian Government wants to ban under 16-year-olds from having access to social media but this change can have unintended consequences. 6 News founder Leo Puglisi - a broadcaster on and user of social media for some years - lays out his concerns in this conversation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's up with the new political donation laws in Australia?

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 01:48:23 GMT

Political donation laws are set to change in Australia and minor parties and independents are concerned about the impact on their ability to enter the fray against the major players. The Australia Institute's Bill Browne outlines key changes, the challenges they present, and other options that smaller players might have to get their message out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The state of play in credit in the hospitality and retail sectors

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:44:40 GMT

Equifax's Scott Mason looks at trends and numbers in terms of credit in the hospitality and retail sectors. He shares observations about where the economy is at and how these sectors are coping at the present time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A perspective on the economy, inflation, cost of living and the RBA's accountability

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 02:35:55 GMT

Australian voters will be in the midst of an election debate on cost of living and the economy. It isn't always clear to people what politicians are talking about because of the language that is used. The Australia Institute's Greg Jericho offers his perspective on where the Australian economy is at, how think differently about the cost of living debate, and the need for people at the RBA to be able to take criticism.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the debate on misinformation and disinformation legislation about?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:12:45 GMT

The Australian government has a Bill that attempts to get social media companies to better police misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms. It is a bill that has caused a fair degree of concern and Liberal National Party Senator Matt Canavan outlines some of the key provisions that concern him. He also touches on issues of free speech and whether a social media ban for people under the age of 16 makes any sense.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding the conflict in the Middle East and its implications in Ausralia

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:10:20 GMT

Want to understand a little of why things are at a flashpoint in the Middle East right now? An expert in radicalisation and extremism, Shane Healy, has an explainer for those unaware of aspects of history on why the Middle East is problematic and how radicalisation can be dealt with in Australia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senate estimates: what is it, why it matters, and how governments can muck about with it

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 03:15:33 GMT

Senate estimates in the Australian Parliament is a critical forum during which elected representatives ask questions of ministers, department heads and other public servants to work out how prudently taxpayer funds are being spent. Coalition Senator Simon Birmingham give us a quick guide to Senate processes and also points to some of the ways in which Senators might get frustrated with attempts to keep some issues from the view of those that pay them to run the country.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we get back to having a civil discourse about ideas?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 23:50:13 GMT

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson is troubled by the decline in the quality of discourse in the public square and the impact that has on the way society evolves. He is involved in the Aliance of Responsible Citizenship, a forum that is designed to engage in debate on key issues in a way that explores and probes the consequences of ideas. Anderson also talks about the way in which legislators and public servants need to keep in mind when they are doing their work, and consulting with people outside the 'expertocracy' as he calls it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking on accessibility and disability issues in Australia's parliament

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:00:29 GMT

Senator Jordon Steele-John represents the Australian Greens in Australia's Senate/. He is a prominent advocate for the rights of disabled people and in this podcast discusses the recent use by the Prime Minister of language that members of the disabled community found offensive, the status of the process accommodating disabled members of the community in the parliamentary precinct, and also some of the continuing challenges he faces as a parliamentarian with a disability.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we get women's financial security right in Australia?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:05:08 GMT

Coalition Senator Jane Hume delivered a recent speech to the Syndey Institute that touched on a range of issues including the need for women to have a greater sense of financial security. It sparked a reaction from The Parenthood CEO, Georgie Dent, and Georgie laid down a challenge to Australia's politicians: fix early childhood education so it is more affordable and accessible people. She argues a range of benefits flow from getting this right.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final report on consultants to government - Greens perspective

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 01:13:32 GMT

The final report from the Colbeck committee has 12 recommendations that deal predominantly with cleaning up the mechanics of procurement. Senator Barbara Pocock might agree with the 12 recommendations as a starting base but she wants more to happen to deal with boosting the public sector, disciplining consultants, and dealing with some of the evidence the parliamentary committee heard that she feels needs action.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A deep dive into challenges with the property market

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:51:35 GMT

Many conversations are being held about housing and property and Scott O'Neill, the managing director of Rethink Investing, covers a range of issues in this conversation. He touches on the property market, challenges for new entrants and what people need to do to set themselves up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Australian Greens' perspective on the public service, government procurement and regulation

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 06:54:01 GMT

Senator Barbara Pocock represents the Australian Greens in the Senate, and she is heavily involved in kicking the tyres of professional services firms as a member of two parliamentary committees. Pocock shares her perspectives on where the Greens think the public service should head as well as how the inquiries into professional services firms are going.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A cross bench perspective from the Senate with the ACT's David Pocock

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:35:19 GMT

Consultants and procurement have been at the forefront of parliamentary scrutiny in Australia with and one of the participants in the process of looking at this is Senator David Pocock. He talks in this episode about the various issues the committees are concerned about as well as the issues underlying his concerns about lobbyists and their access to parliament house in Canberra.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A view on the Israel-Gaza conflict

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 02:43:23 GMT

Kenneth Katzman is a national security expert from the Soufan Center in the United States who has spent many decades studying the Middle East, its politics, and American foreign policy as it relates to the region. He shares his take in this podcast on the Israel-Gaza conflict and what he believes is necessary in order to bring some kind of return to negotiation in that region.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What factors contributed to the shootings in Wieambilla in December 2022?

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:52:58 GMT

Author John Kerr has a suite of true crime publications to his hame and his most recent book, The Wieambilla Shootings, sets out his take on the death of two police officers and a Wieambilla local when they were gunned down by conspiracy theorists. Kerr talks about the book and some of the implications of the shootings for the broader communmity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023 - the year of kicking consulting firm tyres

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 04:49:58 GMT

Australian Greens' upper house representative Abigail Boyd has cooked up a storm in the NSW parliament as the chair of a committee looking at the way in which consultants are used by the government. The committee is due to report in the new year with only a handful of hearings left. Boyd tells Tom Ravlic that there are a few things the committee will recommend, and some ideas she thinks have merit. What are they? No spoilers - listen up!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The writer's craft and the state of contemporary discourse in the public square

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 03:44:32 GMT

Journalist, author and broadcaster Justin Smith speaks about his three books written in recent years including his most recent yarn, called Good as Gold, and he touches on the things that inspire him as a writer. He gives us a unique perspective into his work as well as a broader chat about the troubles of discourse in the community. Can we actually speak freely and have a proper debate?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What the heck are these sustainability standards? And where do they come from?

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 06:07:40 GMT

There are corporations and other entities that will be doing their best to understand and implement new standards for narrative disclosure. Sue Lloyd is the deputy chair of the Interational Sustainability Standards Board, and she provides a helicopter view of what this process for setting standards is - and the various implications of the new things people will see when the leaf through corporate reports.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mute the noisy galahs in the Voice debate

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 09:23:32 GMT

The Hallway is a boutique advertising agency that had a great idea and its chief creative office Simon Lee tells Tom Ravlic how this idea - an ad to try to get respectful conversation happening on the Voice - came about. The ad features a kangaroo, an emu, and some noisy galahs. Listen ot the poddie and then watch the short video at https://www.noisygalahs.com/ ,

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boyd and the NSW edition of consultants behaving badly

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 02:35:52 GMT

The Commonwealth Parliament has been looking at consultants but it is not the only legislature in the country giving the public service and its outsourced brains a good look. Australian Greens' Abigail Boyd is a member of the NSW Upper House. She is the chair of a committee looking closely at how the NSW government engages and deals with consultants. She reveals the motivations behind the inquiry and talks about some of the things that surprised her even given her experience as a corporate lawyer dealing with banking regulation. Boyd also says that the public service and the consultants it hires are not going to have a quiet time of it. The inquiry will keep on gong until they stop having things to look at ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Psychosocial hazards in the workplace

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:15:30 GMT

Rehab Management chief executive officer Renee Thronton spends her time looking at workplace issues and she joins Tom Ravlic to explain what the new WorkSafe rules are around the issues of making a workplace psycholofically as well as physically safe for employees.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More on consultants behaving badly .... a view from Senator Pocock

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 23:43:07 GMT

Consulting and accounting firms have been under fire for much of 2023 thanks to the curiosity about their operations expressed by the individuals such as Senator Barbara Pocock, a member of a committee considering what to do with consulting practices that receive government contracts. She updates listeners on her thinking about the sector and the issues that continue to surprise.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is a sustainability standard?

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 08:05:15 GMT

EY sustainability expert Matt Nelson - also a member of the Australian Accounting Standards Board - explains what sustainability standards are and what you might be able to expect from companies that report sustainability information. This is an emerging area and anybody with investments in companies will see a change in company reports over time. Matt explains why the changes are important.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Secret State ... insight into a Four Corners report

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:01:10 GMT

Four Corners joiurnalist Angus Grigg takes us on a deep dive into the Secret State report and what he and the team found when they went looking at the way in which consultants had embedded themselves in the ecosystem in Australia's national capital.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investigating and reporting on war crimes ...

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 06:26:25 GMT

Journalist Nick McKenzie has been responsible for breakking some of the biggest stories but none more so that the one that led to a marathon defamation case involving Victoria Cross winner, Ben Roberts Smith, and allegations of war crimes. Nick outlines some of the challenges that played out reporting this story and touches on a series of challenges faced by journalists taking on high profile cases.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does a Senator get interested in audit?

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:49:41 GMT

Senator Deborah O'Neill represents the State of NSW in the Australian Senate but is also the chair of the powerful corporations and financial services committee in the Commonwealth Parliament. She got interested in audit a few years back and kick started an inquiry but she's now in the middle of an inquiry into consulting firms and how a government ensures that large global practices keep themselves nice when they take on government contracts. What is her thinking on the way consulting firms behave? Listen in.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reporting entertainers, and being entertaining in a social media era

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 07:14:06 GMT

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford has seen everything in entertainment over many years, and he has seen technology shape the way in which reporters work as well as how personalities and those that report on them get feedback from their audience. He talks candidly in this episode about the pros and cons of social media and the whereabouts of a very special watch.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consulting firms - why are politicians having a closer look?

Thu, 18 May 2023 08:23:30 GMT

Australian Greens Senator Barbara Pocock is up to her eyeballs in consulting firms. She and her committee colleagues are busy looking at how the consulting firms are used by the government, how conflicts of interest might be managed and what value the public sector gets from firms. Pocock gives some insight into her thinking on the current problems plaguing Big Four firm PwC as well as a unique perspective on what it was like to try and get funding from government for university research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking a look at things Man-Made

Thu, 18 May 2023 08:13:53 GMT

Journalist, broadcaster and author Tracey Spicer has been looking at the world of IT and the way in which technology has been shaped by men. Technology embeds all sorts of biases within it and Spicer explores what all of this means. She talks about the way smart technology can help people with disabilities, and how she gets cracking when she writes a book.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every tool has its purpose - understanding diagnostic tools used to assess security threats

Wed, 17 May 2023 06:38:43 GMT

Peta Lowe is the Principal Consultant with Phronesis Consulting and Training with extensive experience in dealing with juveniles and programs for countering violent extremism. She is concerned about how debate on the various diagnostic tools used in assessing the threat an individual may pose is being had and that it may not be understood that it is tools as well as practitioner skills and experience that need to be considered when reflecting on how people might be assessed as being dangerous to society.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry O'Brien's voice on the Voice

Wed, 17 May 2023 06:09:55 GMT

Journalist and broadcaster Kerry O'Brien has a history in reporting on and observing the way in which Australia has treated its Indigenous communities. O'Brien is as supporter of enshrining an indigenous Voice to Parliament into Australia's Constitution and he outlines why in this conversation. A new book. The Voice to Parliament Handbook, has been published by Hardie Grant and both O'Brien and Indigenous author, Thomas Mayo, explain why they believe a Voice to Parliament is essential. O'Brien also touches on concerns he has had with the way Australia's political institutions have been weakened by a range of factors. What factors? Listen and find out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What going down with the bankers?

Sat, 13 May 2023 06:49:42 GMT

It is that time of the year again. EY partner Doug Nixon takes us through some of the key results from and issues face by the banking sector in Australia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving the coronavirus as an accounting practice - and then pulling off a merger!

Mon, 08 May 2023 05:59:04 GMT

Accounting firms have done it tough like all kinds of businesses during the pandemic but Vito Interlandi, one of the joint managing partners of Nexia Melbourne, and his colleagues went one better. They added a merger with another firm, GAP Accountants, on the to do list. Vito talks about the challenges of COVID, the merger and also the kinds of things that he sees as improtant as the accounting profession moves to get itself ready for the future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How big a problem is radicalisation? And what sort of problem is it?

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 02:33:53 GMT

Professor Mia Bloom from Georgia State University has spent more than two decades looking at the area of terrorism and finds it irritating that some commentators overstate the threat of certain radical movements. She talks about the issues underlying the diagnosis and assessment of threat and she offers a perspective that helps people that do not think about terrorism on a daily basis understand the phenomenon better.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life on the road for a Voice

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:18:26 GMT

One of the leading campaigners for the Voice to Parliament, Thomas Mayo, is midway through a marathon effort to try to win as many hearts and minds as possible to support a constitutionally enshrined Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice in Australia's foundation document. He talks about the experience of giving evidence to the parliamentary committee looking at the referendum, what Australians are telling him on the road, and he touches on some of the controversies. He is a co-author of The Voice to Parliament Handbook with former ABC broadcaster, Kerry O'Brien.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what happens when people donate their bodies to science?

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 04:58:13 GMT

Journalist and author Jackie Dent has spent time looking at what happens when bodies are donated to science and how those bodies are used to improve medical knowledge and understanding. Her book 'The Great Dead Body Teachers' is her deep dive into a topic that ought to fascinate any reader that wants to understand a part of the world that is important but often hidden from view.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What the hell is radicalisation? And how do we better understand motivations for terrorism?

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:13:21 GMT

The Wieambilla shootings last December reminded Australians that terrorism might not be far away if people are sufficiently motivated to commit acts of extreme violence. Georgia State University's Professor John Horgan has spent decades looking at the psychology of terrorism and in this episode he talks about issues related to radilcalisation, problems of classifying terrorist activities, and what drives certain individuals to do bad things.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hard to Bear - the conversation we need to have

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:00:50 GMT

Autor and communications specialist Isabelle Oderberg tackles some of the toughest issues in her new book, Hard to Bear - a book that looks in depth at the issues surrounding the way our society deals with miscarriage. She tackles it with a touch of humour but remains focused on the main goal throughout: to raise awareness of the lack of proper care that women have when it comes to issues related to miscarriages.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keating's AUKUS spray - interpreting its significance

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 03:39:29 GMT

Victoria University Professor, tom Clark, is fascinated by political speech and in this conversation he explores the recent AUKUS debate with former Prime Minister Paul Keating at its center and what issues that raises from the point of view of political communication.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting the feet wet with maritme law ...

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 03:19:42 GMT

Lawyer Alison Cusack spends her time playing in the niche space of maritime law. Her work involves thinking through the legal consequences of getting stuff on and off ships and where in the world any dispute over cargo might have to be heard. Her work is fascinating and how she fell into it equally so. What are some of the issues she faces in dealing with things that float on wet stuff? Listen in.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scammers will look smarter with AI

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 01:30:42 GMT

Mark Gorrie has spent 10 years in technology and works with Symantec (also known as Gem). as their managing director in the Asia-Pacific region Gorrie talks during this podcast about the various problems users of technology are going to face as scammers and slimeballs trawling the internet for ways of stealing funds use artificial intelligence to make their communications look flawless. You thought you were good at picking a scam e-mail? It is about to get a tad harder ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

how the hell are tax practitioners regulated?

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 22:00:26 GMT

Tax agents and ethical codes have been in the news in recent times. Tax practitioner Lisa Greig tells Tom Ravlic how the regulatory regime works and what implications there are for tax agents that are sent to the naughty corner.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding money laundering and how bad actors can - and do - get caught

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 23:40:02 GMT

First AML chief executive officer Milan Cooper takes listeners through some of the issues he sees on a daily basis with clients grappling with attempts to launder funds. Cooper highlights certain gaps in Australia money laundering regulation that still need to be plugged in order to ensure further obstacles are placed in the way of crooks and swindlers seeking to transfer ill-gotten gains through the financial system.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding the Voice to Parliament

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 22:56:29 GMT

Australians will be asked to vote on whether a Voice to Parliament that would speak for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities should be incorporated into the Australia constitution. Dr Shireen Morris, a supporter of the Voice and a constitutional law expert, takes us through the various elements of The Uluru Statement from the Heart as well as a look at a how the referendum campaign is going.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Budget planning under way - what are the wishes from the CPAs?

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 23:59:07 GMT

CPA Australia is one of Australia's most prominent accounting bodies and its small business policy spokesperson, Gavan Ord, joints Tom Ravlic to talk about small business measures as well as the challenges of consulting with government.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How the heck do we label the things we see as extremism?

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 03:53:58 GMT

Lowy Institute research fellow Lydia Khalil spends her work hours contemplating the nasty things bad actors do to others, and how we can better understand the phenomenon of extremism that is unfolding before us. Khalil's book, Rise of the Extreme Right, was published in August last year and the issues it raises are even more relevant now given the Federal Government is gearing up refresh the terms of reference to an inquiry into extremism.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casinos, gaming, and the spaghetti junction of regulation

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 03:32:48 GMT

Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission chair Fran Thorn has her hands full. She heads the regulator responsible for casinos, gaming and lotteries, but the most high profile of the organisations over which the VGCCC has oversight is casino behemoth, Crown. Thorn and her colleagues face a range of challenges in regulating casinos. Hear her explain some of the things she does oversee, the things she doesn't, and some of the issues that the regulator is preparing to deal with as the close monitoring of Crown Casino continues.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assange latest, presumption of innocence and the need for a human rights act

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 06:05:18 GMT

Barrister Greg Barns SC is a human rights advocate and a member of the team monitoring and providing advice on case of Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange. This chat with Barns covers a bundle of issues including the importance of the presumption of innocence as well as what is needed to stand in the way of government using its power to stop whistle blowers telling their stories in court.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Christmas, interest rates are up: what should small business be thinking about?

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 23:53:16 GMT

CPA Australia policy adviser Gavan Ord looks at small business issues and has done for several decades. The post-pandemic environment is tough with some small businesses struggling to stay afloat. High interest rates are only one challenge facing small businesses and Australian households. Ord canvasses a range of options small businesses should reflect on during the Christmas break and beyond.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 'why' behind the Afghan Files story - the whistle blower speaks

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:46:49 GMT

People who tell stories governments don't want to hear about their internal workings tend to not be popular and also are pursued if they part with information deemed confidential to the media. David McBride, a military lawyer, raised concerns about the conduct of Australian troops in Afghanistan through appropriate channels in the Department of Defence. Had they been dealt with satisfactorily McBride would not have become a household name. He took his story to the media as a last resort. He talks through the challenges of revealing unpleasant truths in this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Banks and their profits, and other challenges

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:31:41 GMT

Doug Nixon is a partner at EY leading their Oceania practice and he talks to Tom about the current state of play in the banking sector, COVID impacts and the perennial concerns about cyber security in big companies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disinformation and its impact on politics and society

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:28:14 GMT

Doctoral researcher Jean Linis-Dinco has been examining how various players use disinformation for political purposes. This conversation explores disinformation, the technology that makes is easy for its publication and its consequences.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the heart of getting a Voice to Parliament

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:02:32 GMT

Getting an Indigenous Voice to Parliament as envisioned in the Uluru Statement from the Heart embedded in the Australian Constitution is an objective of the Albanese Goverment but what will it take to swing the majority of Australians in a majority of States to vote for it in the referendum? Dean Parking is a director of From The Heart - an organisation working for constitutional recognition - and he talks about the rationale for The Voice and the challenges in embarking on what is a necessary national conversation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wage theft: its origins and possible solutions

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 01:00:17 GMT

Investigative journalist Ben Schneiders has spent almost a decade looking at the exploitation of workers where their pay and conditions are concerned. His new book, Hard Labour, is out and it explores the industrial landscape in Australia and highlights how wage theft become a major problem. Ben also talks about possible regulatory solutions and how the book came together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How history helps set the context for discussions on a Voice to Parliament

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 02:52:51 GMT

Filmmaker Rachel Perkins is the creative mind behind The Australian Wars, a three-part documentary that looks at the conflicts that took place between First Nations peoples and the various groups of settlers that set up colonies. It is a tough but fair telling of that period with a stellar cast of historians that help shed light on a history many people have not been taught. Perkins talks about the series and the way in which it came together as well as her hope that it helps people better understand why First Nations peoples have asked for a Voice to Parliament.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the strategy of the E-Safety Commissioner for keeping people safe online?

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 06:50:49 GMT

There are many varieties of online nasties and the Officer of the E-Safety Commissioner has to deal with them all in partnership with other arms of the Australian Government. E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant outlines some of the challenges she faces in her role as she takes Tom Ravlic through aspects of the new strategy for her agency.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Politics through the eyes of a veteran observer

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 02:00:42 GMT

Paul Bongiorno has been in journalism for 48 years and he's seen just about everything. He speaks to Tom Ravlic about the skill of reportage, the search for Truth, and a what drives him to keep going.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seeing parliament through a new set of eyes

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:32:43 GMT

The new Member for Goldstein, Zoe Daniel, recently finished her first couple of weeks in her new job. The former ABC journalist shares her observations about the new gig, reflects a bit on her old one, and also puts the challenge out to journalists to resist telling the narrative of the powerful.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fixing the public sector - a retired public servants perspective

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 06:58:52 GMT

Steve Davies is a former public servant with deep experience on change management and organisational behavior with a concern about how people that raise concerns in organisations get treated. The Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has discontinued the prosecution of Bernard Colleary, the lawyer at the heart of a long-running case related to revelations that Australia engaged in intelligence skullduggery with its neighbor. Davies offers a range of observations and solutions targeted at improving the quality of the public sector.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Tolz's 'Here Goes Nothing' - exploring the writer's craft

Tue, 10 May 2022 04:05:28 GMT

Author Steve Tolz has a new novel out called Here Goes Nothing but it really isn't about nothing. Tolz explores a range of issues about the craft of writing and his influences that shape the way he writes today and what readers don't get to see when the writer begins pulling together the ideas. Here Goes Nothing is published by Penguin Books.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Education, welfare and standing as a First Nations candidate for the Greens

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:02:46 GMT

Greens candidate Celeste Liddle is standing for the seat of Cooper in the Federal Election on May 21. The unionist, writer and activist has spent a lifetime in the education sector and this time is running for the lower house seat. She talks about her concerns about the state of education, her hopes for First Nations peoples, and other issues that are driving her candidacy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Authenticity in politics: Hawke's successes, demons, and a biographer's journey

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:52:38 GMT

Journalist and author Troy Bramston has spent a significant amount of time diving into lives of politicians and the biography recently released by Penguin Books on Bob Hawke, one of Australia's most popular political leaders, is no exception. Bramston talks about the journey of writing a biography, what made Hawke so effective as a politician and the personal flaws that dogged the former PM for much of his life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making it easier to get to the facts on #auspol

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:16:47 GMT

It is difficult for people to assemble data on a politician in one place without looking at multiple sources and some folks might just give up. A new service called Polipedia is being developed by a team of three enterprising women - Su Darmapala, Ebony McKenna, and Sally Stockbridge - that will consolidate key data on Australia's politicians in one handy site that will help Aussies track their local member. Co-founder Emily McKenna talks about Polipedia and what its founders hope it will do to help shape the understanding of voters in Australia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mother, running for the Senate, and having robust debate without being horrible ...

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:31:18 GMT

Author, columnist and speaker Jane Caro has had a varied career but she has set her mind on a run for the Senate for the Reason party in New South Wales. She talks about the things she wants to see changed and some of the policy priorities that are a motivation for her Senate tilt. Caro's latest book, The Mother, is a cracking tale and she takes us through the key themes of the book and how the ideas for her first adult novel came together.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does Jo Dyer think politics can be reconstructed?

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:42:49 GMT

Jo Dyer is the author and independent candidate for Boothby in South Australia for the Federal Election in 2022. Her book 'Burning Down The House: Reconstructing Modern Politics" looks at how politics is broken. She talks about the areas of policy she believes will be important as well as touching on the impact of the intense media attention during the year in which the aftermath of the Four Corner story 'The Canberra Bubble' played out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Georgia Steele stand for? The candidate for the seat of Hughes speaks ....

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 00:41:52 GMT

Former corporate litigator Georgia Steele has had a gutful of what she sees as 'politics as usual' and she has chosen to put her hand up for the Seat of Hughes current held by Craig Kelly, the former Liberal Party member now running as the chief standard bearer for Clive Palmer's United Australia Party. Who is she? What does she stand for? Steele addresses the policies and the funding issues that have made the news as well as how her campaign headquarters got christened the 'Steele Works'.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AEC's fight against conspriacy theories on social media

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 05:23:38 GMT

The Australian Electoral Commission has started engaging more with Twitter and other social media platforms in the lead up to the 2022 Federal Election. It is busy trying to put out brush fires of conspiracies online that have been imported from the United States. Evan Ekin is a member of the communications team at the AEC and he takes us through how the AEC is handling the social media space.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens in the mind of an extremist when they're unmasked? A former extremist explains.

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:46:43 GMT

Australian media outlets are increasing publishing the names and affiliations of people in fringe extremist movements. What happens when names and organisations are published? How do extremists act? Does it cause them to pull back or stick with the ideology that has brought them attention? Jeff Schoep is the founder of Beyond Barriers, a group that has the mission to help people disengage from extremism. Schoep led the National Socialist Movement for 25 years in the United States. Does exposure - or doxxing - stop people from believing in their ideology? Jeff gives you the answers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fixing a toxic workplace culture - the Federal Parliament edition

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 03:27:30 GMT

Former member of parliament Kate Ellis chronicled her experiences in the national parliament of Australia. The sexist and ageist views to which she was subjected might have been something women acclimatised to but those behaviors should never have been acceptable. Ellis and other former female parliamentarians have shared their experiences since leaving that place on the hill. Eliis reflect on the behavior of politicians, the media and a range of other players and suggests that the bear pit of question time could do with more than a little tweaking.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writing 'On Reckoning', giving voice to survivors, and having the difficult conversation

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 07:20:38 GMT

Amy Remeikis is a gifted writer and a political journalist with the Guardian in Australia. Remeikis and other survivors of psychological and sexual abuse have seen a seismic shift in community attitudes. Women marched in Canberra and the 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, ensured that the issues of sexual abuse and the right of a woman to speak about her experience openly and frankly were never far away . The focus on violence against women was intense. Remeikis' new book 'On Reckoning' deals powerfully and personally with the issues that prompt difficult discussions that are necessary if our society is to be a better place.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind the doctorate, the books, tipping elections and THAT column

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 23:49:07 GMT

Political journalist, author and academic Dr Peter Van Onselen is used to getting predictions wrong. He even admits to this being a habit that started with his honors thesis on the Australian Democrats! He reflects on controversies and whether there are times he regrets writing certain columns at particular way or writing them at all. How does he deal with blow back? What does he think about the column he wrote on the photo should with the Prime Mniister and Grace Tame four days on? There was much to discuss - listen up,

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding extremism - what are the things you should look for if people you care about are drifting

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 06:52:04 GMT

A consultant and trainer in the area of violent extremism, Shane Healey, has seen the results of extremism. He has spoken to people involved in movements and is concerned that people do not necessarily understand what drives people to become extremists and how to approach friends and loved ones who are looking as if they are buying into an extreme ideology. Healey offers tops on how parents and others can try to have a conversation with people as well as touching on what might help to minimise the growth of extremism in our communities.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cracking open the republic debate again

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 02:57:09 GMT

Periodic debate about Australia becoming a republic happens and it is healthy. The Australian Republic Movement has launched a model that has already attracted some opponents and supporters. What the heck does it propose? Their chief advocate on this model is Sandy Biar and Sandy explains why the ARM wants to happen and why certain suggestions were made.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Challenges in keeping up with shifting sands of politics

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 04:41:01 GMT

Politics has been changing for eternity and Kosmos Samaras, a director at research firm Redbridge Group, is at the coal face conducting research on the attitudes of individuals on the political climate. Samaras is an experienced campaign director with the Victorian division of the Australian Labor Party. What are the factors causing people to shift from mainstream parties to minor parties? What role might the pandemic play in shaping electoral attitudes? Listen up!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking a deep dive into extremism: the QAnon case study

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:06:56 GMT

Writer and activist Van Badham took a deep dive into extremism and the result of that research is QAnoin and On - a book on the impact of QAnon on individuals, their families, and the community of which they are part. What are the things she learned along the way? How should families respond when a loved one is caught up in a cultlike climate? What are the lessons for our politicians in grappling with extremism when it ceases becoming a niche past time for people in the darker corners of the internet and it pops out on the streets?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keane's take on the modern art of political lying

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:17:46 GMT

Crikey political editor Bernard Keane has been focused intensely on politicians, government departments and their accountability. His new book. Lies and Falsehoods, is derived from a focus on the Morrison government - and Prime Minister Scott Morrison in particular - and what Keane sees as a growing willingness of politicians to lie and rewrite history in Australia. What does Bernard think about the responsibility borne by the media and the average voter in the a challenging climate? Listen up ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are bankers steering their way out of COVID?

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 00:15:24 GMT

EY is one of several accounting firms that have reviewed the financial services sector and Tim Dring, a specialist financial services partner at the firm, joins Tom Ravlic to provide an overview of where the financial services sector is at as it moves out of COVID paralysis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Performative politics - looking at governing the nation as a game

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 03:23:14 GMT

Author and journalist Sean Kelly has taken a deep dive into the background, personality and government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison. His book, The Game, dissects the way in which Scott Morrison plays the game of politics and during this podcast he offers perspectives on leadership, the role of the media and the propensity for people to view politics as a perpetual contest without diving into the substance of national affairs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What gets measured and reported gets done - a look at environmental, social and governance reporting

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:34:37 GMT

Increasing numbers of companies are coming to terms with the fact that they need to tell the story about how they impact the environment in their various statutory and other reports/ Stakeholders are demanding the information and over time will demand more of it. PricewaterhouseCoopers partner Matthew Lunn talks through the challenges and realities for companies that are dealing with new disclosures as well as touching on how governments, global regulators, and stakeholders create a climate in which companies cannot ignore the demand for better information about non-financial issues.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Audit, accounting and professional regulation: is it adequate?

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 00:57:43 GMT

Professional regulation and self-regulation is an area that is filled with debate and controversy and the accounting profession is not exempt from this often vibrant discourse. The CEO of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants, Janek Ratnatunga, has some concerns and would like a royal commission into the role of audit in out legal regime. He also talks about the deficiencies he believes exist in the accounting framework ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foreign interference, cybercrime, and terrorism - a view from a committee chair

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 10:27:10 GMT

Senator James Patterson is the chairman of the powerful committee that looks at intelligence and security matters in the Federal Parliament. He looks at the work of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security over the past year and points to a series of challenges confronting legislators when it comes to balancing security priorities and the right to privacy of citizens.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who drafts the documents that tell companies how to put financial statements you read together?

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:48:16 GMT

Investors and other stakeholders read financial statements when they are issued but not a lot of time is spent looking at the process by which the underlying documents that set reporting principles known as accounting standards are developed. Andreas Barckow is the new chairman of the International Accounting Standards Board and in a very special and extremely enlightening discussion he talks about the way international accounting standards - used by more than 140 countries across the globe including Australia - are developed. He also tackles challenging issues such as how newly created things like cryptocurrencies ought to be accounted for. Listen up!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A take on Afghanistan from a women's rights activist

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:47:15 GMT

Rita Anwari is concerned about the fate of Afghanistan under the Taliban and the women's rights activist and leadership advocate tells Tom Ravlic about the concerns she has for the health and well being of people in the country following the rapid rise to power of the Taliban.

The audio comes from an interview recorded for a live stream.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do terrorists get the funds to do bad things?

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 22:45:15 GMT

Jessica Davis is an intelligence analyst with many years of experience looking at the way illicit networks finance their activities. She is the main consultant for the Canadian-based Insight Threat Intelligence. Her new book,. illicit Money - Financing Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century, comes out next month and she speaks with Tom Ravlic about key sources of funds and fundraising methods used by a range of groups intent on doing bad things.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can't bomb your way out of a narrative

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 23:38:10 GMT

The Soufan Center's Mollie Saltskog is an expert in analysing extremism and she tells Tom Ravlic that it doesn't matter what the narrative - jihadist or white supremacist or anarchist - nation states cannot bomb their way out of the narrative. The return of the Islamist regime of the Taliban in Afghanistan is a case in point with concerns being raised about the fate of women and children in a resurgent Taliban regime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Afghanistan through the eyes of a journalist

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:50:01 GMT

The Saturday Paper's political correspondent Karen Middleton has been to Afghanistan on three separate occasions and saw some of what Australian soldiers went through serving in that country. She reported for SBS at the time and also wrote a book called An Unwinnable War - Australia in Afghanistan. She reflects on her visits to the country and on reemergence of the Taliban as a governing force over a very short space of time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The truth is 'out there' and the Yanks are admitting it ....

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 02:42:05 GMT

UFOs are things of science fiction and fantasy ... or are they? Investigative journalist Ross Coulthart has a new book out called In Plain Sight that explores the topic of flying craft or objects that are clearly more advanced than anybody has seen before. Where do they come from? Who knows? What kind of technology does this? Ross explores these issues and more in this podcast. This podcast is the audio from a livestream set to air on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch in the evening of August 13, 2021.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The truth behind radicalisation, policing opinion versus policing action and a taste of QAnon

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:03:47 GMT

Sophia Moskalenko is a clinical and social psychologist who had developed a deep interest in what causes people, firstly, to get radicalised and, secondly, engaged in violence. Her work has profound consequences for our understanding of what causes people to hold radical views as well as take radical actions. The emergence of QAnon has seen Moskalenlo and co-author Mollie Bloom take a deep dive into that movement in a book called Pastels and Pedophiles. Iin this podcast she tells Tom Ravlic about radicalisation and offers a more informed basis of dealing with the QAnon phenomenon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking a deep dive into journalism and the pandemic

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 02:00:40 GMT

Crikey's Charlie Lewis spends a look of his time looking at the strange things politicians and other public figures do in his column called Tips and Rumors. The coronavirus pandemic has provided Charlie and his colleagues over that the online news publication plenty of fodder that includes analysis of how journalism fares in the context of the pandemic. He talks to Tom Ravlic about the good, the bad, the ugly, and the just plain curious about covering the COVID era.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is behind the advance of the Taliban in Afghanistan?

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 01:56:08 GMT

Rita Anwari is a wormen's rights activist and a political analyst with a deep knowledge of Afghanistan. She notes that the current situation on the ground is worrisome and explains to people who may be unfamiliar why the Taliban has risen again. She has recently been acknowledged for her work in the empowerment of women and organises regular webinars to inform people about the state of play in Afghanistan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former soldier's perspective on the fight to save former Afghan interpreters and staff from the Taliban's darkness

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 11:14:44 GMT

Jason Scanes is a former member of the ADF and the founder of Forsaken Fighters, a group dedicated to helping veterans as well as staff that assisted them in the field of battle. He is deeply concerned about the glacial pace at which the Federal Government appears to be moving to get Afghans that helped Australia out of harm's way and he tells Tom Ravlic the longer we wait, the harder it gets to extract those that need our assistance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the legal fight to get Afghans who helped Aussies away from danger

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:58:01 GMT

Glenn Kolomeitz is a former member of Australia's defence forces and a lawyer currently in the middle of the fight to get Afghans who worked with Australians in a range of functions.He and his team at GAP Veteran Legal Services is fighting against time to present as complete a picture of the the full staff list to government for vetting and approval. The situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating on the ground and it is clear that the time to resolve these issues for those that served Western governments running out.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former and current Afghan staff's -plea to Australia for safe passage

Sun, 18 Jul 2021 13:46:41 GMT

Former facilities manager Pat Ryan is constantly in touch with his former Afghan colleagues and on 18 July 2021 former and current embassy staff issued a plea to the Australian government to get them out of harm's way. A protest was held in front of the United Nations building in Kabul - likely to be one of the last gatherings of the this kind - by people who served Australia who spend more time in hiding. Pat Ryan highlights the situation on the ground and what the government needs to do to keep these Afghan people safe.

[This is the audio of a live stream broadcast to Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch on the evening of July 18 - the date on which the protest was held in Kabul. ]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From State Prison Skinheads to helping people find their way out of extremism

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 05:11:54 GMT

Ed Schofield's story has it all. The former extremist was imprisoned and had to fend for himself. He started the State Prison Skinheads after he became radicalised by friends who introduced him to the ideologies of white supremacy as a why of explaining why he ended up in the clink. It was reading and questioning the ideologies he was led to believe were right that resulted in him leaving the movement. He discusses him time behind bars, the consequences of leaving a movement, and the wins former extremists sometimes get when they can get younger folks to reassess their view on life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a fake far right group ends up being overlay footage on the TV news .....

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 11:57:28 GMT

Tom Tanuki is a commentator, author and a bit of an activist. He created a fake nationalist group some years ago to poke fun at various far right groups in Australia. Vision of Tanuki's creation remains in television libraries and is at times used as overlay footage even today - a fact that grates with him in the aftermath of the Christchurch shootings. Like many others Tanuki sees the future in education to provide people with sound direction when they are young.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a former NAZI discovers he is Jewish?

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 09:53:19 GMT

Fred Cook was a senior office bearer in the National Socialist Movement and deeply involved in organisation activities such as rallies and meetings. He walked away from the extremist movements some years ago but only recently did he discover that he had Jewish origins. His story must be heard to be believed. Tune in.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Taliban bullets be quicker than Australian bureaucrats? The fight to keep Afghan contractors out of Taliban clutches.

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:24:23 GMT

Australia followed the United States into Afghanistan and established consular and military operations that need local knowledge to be able to function properly..Western forces are leaving Afghanistan and people that had worked with Western government such as Australia fear for their lives given the advancing Taliban forces. Former facilities manager, Pat Ryan, worked with Afghan employees and is currently trying to get the Federal Government to get people who worked with Australia to safety and away from possible execution for working with the enemy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do defenders of our rights and freedoms have any themselves within the Defense 'ecosystem'?

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 06:08:14 GMT

Dr Kay Danes OAM has a wealth of experience in dealing with individuals and families that have been involved with the Department of Defense. Her own family has a history within Australia's defense forces. It is difficult for members of the defense forces that submit complaints to the hierarchy to get a hearing and when complaints are entertained it appears to go into a secretive black hole. There is an absence of transparency and openness about the process through which members of the forces are put if they speak up about problems. It is clear from this conversation that returned soldiers seeking some form of justice feel they are playing in a game where the deck is loaded against them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting companies on board with climate change initiatives ....

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 01:52:22 GMT

Work for Climate is an organisation that has the goal of helping companies work out what they can do to make their operations more environmentally friendly. It has online portals and a discussion group for corporate executives that are wanting to learn from others that have implemented measures to reduce the impact a company has on the climate. Lucy Piper, a director at Work for Climate, explains what the organisation is and how it seeks to increase awareness of ways companies can make their entities environmentally friendly.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPECIAL TAX TIME EDITION - things to remember for Tax Time 2021

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 00:52:54 GMT

This is your essential guide to what you need to know for Tax Time 2021. This podcast is the audio feed from a live streamed event that took place on 3 July 2021 featuring Lisa Greig and Tom Ravlic. Topics covered include definitions of expenses, income, self education expenses, professional development, claiming laundry, cents per kilometre deductions, and the thorny area of dealing with cryptocurrency.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What the heck is phishing and how do I protect myself?

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 02:50:33 GMT

You know those weird e-mails, texts, and web sites you are continually warned about? Bad actors continually try to con you into parting with identification details and your money. Jaqueline Jayne, the security awareness advocate with KnowBe4, outlines some of the things bad people who want easy money to on the internet and what you need to know to stay safe online.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leo Puglisi on why his 6 News mug has pencil shavings in it and his thoughts on conspiracies ...

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 07:42:49 GMT

6 News anchor Leo Puglisi has pencil shavings in his 6 News mug - a souvenir of the most recent bout of home learning thanks to the most recent coronavirus lock down. Leo and Tom Ravlic talk about how this lock down remote learning session went as well as QAnon and like conspiracy theories (and what Leo thinks about the National Party's leadership fuss).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polaris, human trafficking and dealing effectively with Q Anon related disinformation

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 01:40:00 GMT

QAnon conspiracy theories have caused headaches across the globe. Disinformation related to human trafficking conspiracies impacted on Polaris, an organisation dedicated to stopping human traffickers plying their trade. Anjana Rajan from Polaris joins Tom Ravlic to explain the real world impact of conspiracy theories and how Polaris has had to adjust its processes to handle challenges posed by conspiracists peddling lies online.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does Daryl Davis manage to persuade members of the Ku Klux Klan to rethink hate?

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 00:19:50 GMT

Musician Daryl Davis has toured and worked with some of the greatest artists in soul, blues and rock and roll but he has had an interest over many decades in trying to bridge the racial divide that white spremacists are keen to perpetuate. Davis is a black musician and he actively seeks out members of the Ku Klux Klan to talk to them about their beliefs and to see if he can act as a catalyst for them to rethink their views. More than 200 members of the Klan have turned their back on their previous life. What motivated him to ask people 'how can you hate me when you don't know me'? His story is compelling

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPECIAL EDITION - How you might be able to help vulnerable people if you get the jab ...

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 02:37:54 GMT

Professor Gemma Carey is an academic and author that has a health challenges that make life challenging. She recently had the COVID vaccination and during this podcast with Tom Ravlic she offers an insight into her experience as well as reminding us of the fact that healthy people without underlying illnesses should consider getting the vaccine.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oxford research finds that online abuse makes some women reluctant to contemplate public life

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 00:17:14 GMT

Academic and researcher Alexandra Pavliuc from the Oxford Internet Institute is one of a team that took a deep dive into a sea of data to look at how prominent female politicians were abused online during a two month period. The findings of the report, which is titled 'Malign Creativity', are important because they point to the impact of online toxicity on women and their willingness to entertain public life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should the media report extremism - insights from a former extremist

Sat, 29 May 2021 00:00:03 GMT

A running debate in media circles in Australia and elsewhere is to what extent should journalists report extremist groups and how these stories are framed. Jeff Schoep spent 27 years in the National Social Movement and in this podcast he exposes the methods extremist groups use generate outrage, obtain publicity and some of the illusions groups may use to make themselves seem bigger than they really are. He offers several tips to reporters and editors on way to report extremist so that an audience is well served but extremist don't get additional notoriety.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you get people to leave extremist movements?

Wed, 26 May 2021 00:46:39 GMT

Jeff Schoep has spent almost half his life involved in an extremist movement. The former head of the National Socialist Movement in the United States left that organisation in March 2019 and has been an outspoken advocate against the ideology he was a part of for 27 years. He tells Tom Ravlic his story and how he gradually became aware that the life he had lived for more than a quarter of a century was something he needed to leave behind. What advice does he have for Australian politicians involved in the parliamentary inquiry on extremism and radicalism? Grab yourself a drink and listen ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YouTube reinstates 6 News video in 'win for the little guy'

Mon, 24 May 2021 10:34:25 GMT

6 News chief anchor Leo Puglisi is all smiles after YouTube has reinstated a video they booted off the platform for being 'too graphic'. Leo updates Tom Ravlic on what has transpired since YouTube caused 6 News to be off air one weekend. Leo also talks about the vibe at the climate strike protests he covered recently.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ANAO is looking at stumbles in JobKeeper admnistration and here are problems to add to the list ....

Thu, 20 May 2021 23:51:56 GMT

The Australian National Audit Office is gearing up to open a can of worms in its review of the administration of JobKeeper if tax practitioners are any guide. TAx expert and trainer, Lisa Greig, has had to deal with JobKeeper. She outlines her concerns about the program and some of the administrative issues tax agents had to cope with when the pandemic hit.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting the mechanised sleuths onto online conspiracies

Wed, 19 May 2021 00:28:53 GMT

The internet is full of text, images, audio and vision and sorting through it to find specific material related to conspiracies is, well, an impossible task without enlisting some digital assistance. Rand Corporation's Bill Marcellino joins Tom Ravlic in this podcast to explain what machine learning is and how computers are helping humans discover how much material there is on conspiracy theories and in what context posts are being written. This podcast also explores the notions of truth decay and why Rand Corporation has a major project that continues to explore why people fight over what should have been indisputable fact in a previous generation. Rand's studies into election interference also get a mention with an explanation of how some of the research into the way in which Russia and other countries choose to play the role of social media provocateurs in what is already an ideological tinderbox in the United States.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Public diplomacy on social media - the China way

Mon, 17 May 2021 10:23:14 GMT

Social media has provided state actors with a tool to engage in conflict that that takes the form of digital rhetoric. China's diplomats - also known as 'wolf warriors'- have become a symbol of how a state actor can and will use social media to tackle adversaries and critics. Marcel Schliebs, a researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute, is the principal author of a study that looks at China's public diplomacy operations. The recently released report finds that China plays it tough on social media with statistics to support the conclusions. The numbers are eye watering ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6 News versus Youtube ; the battle over a channel strike

Sun, 16 May 2021 06:03:02 GMT

6 News has a following on Twitter and its chief anchor, Leonardo Puglisi, and his team are seen as honest brokers putting up a straight news bulletin each weekend. YoutTube gave Leonardo and his crew a channel strike for posting a video that was allegedly graphic. The 6 News crew dispute that classification. Leonardo joins Tom Ravlic to explain what on earth happened and how he feels about it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring the far right up close, media reportage of extremism and how the heck do we fix things ....

Tue, 11 May 2021 07:06:46 GMT

Researcher and journalist James Cutler has looked at the far right in Melbourne up close and he has written academic papers based on his studies of the area. James spent some time tracking the progress of various far right identities and in this podcast shares the some observations about his time researching the extremist groups. What does he think about media coverage? And what can people do better? Here is some food for thought for the politicians on the parliamentary committee looking at the area of extremism and radicalism.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking at the mixed fortunes of our banking sector

Thu, 06 May 2021 10:27:50 GMT

Every six months there is a Melbourne Cup field of analysis on the results of the banking section and accounting firm EY offers a perspective on the fortunes of the behemoths in the financial services space. EY partner Tim Dring explains why the banks results look better at the moment, what banks need to be worried about and why there is such a big focus on environmental, social and governance matters for those in financial services.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should constitutional recognition of First Nation peoples come before the creation of a 'voice to parliament'?

Tue, 04 May 2021 05:11:36 GMT

The Australian government is currently involved in a process of consultation that is aimed at designing a voice for indigenous people with the ultimate goal of giving them a more effective way of being heard by lawmakers. There are those like Professor Megan Davis, a prominent indigenous legal expert, who believe the current process puts the cart before the horse. She tells Tom Ravlic it would be better if constitutional recognition came before legislating a voice. Why? Take a listen ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do data analysts identify the origin of posts from bad actors seeking to influence debate in America?

Sun, 02 May 2021 07:58:59 GMT

The Soufan Center recently published a report that told readers that China, Russia, Iran and Saudi Arabia sought to amplify QAnoin conspiracies in order to mess with the minds of Americans just a tad. How did they do this? Data analyst Leela McClintock from US-based research firm Limbik explains to Tom Ravlic what does into finding the digital fingerprints that lead analysts to conclude not every post propagating QAnon conspiracies originates from the keyboard of an American conspiracist.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Auditors face changes in audit quality management standards - what are they and why are they important?

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 01:07:52 GMT

The Australian taxpayer pays for the development of auditing standards but there is typically little interest in the process unless there is a controversy related to a company or firm. What the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board does is critical in ensuring the standards regulating audits and other assurance services are fit for purpose and designed to ensure auditors are focused on doing all that is necessary to come up with an audit opinion based on sufficient and appropriate evidence. Experts from the AUASB, Matt Zappula and Renee Herman, join Tom Ravlic to look at a critical area in regulation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking news on YouTube - 6 News and the digital revolution

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 02:13:41 GMT

6 News host Leonardo Puglisi is now an old hand at getting a bulletin out each week. Leo talks about how 6 News - a project that he fits in around school commitments - came about, the team he has assembled and what stories concern him. Have a listen!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No radio silence on extremism ....

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 00:12:41 GMT

Cam Smith has spent the better part of almost two decades looking at and highlighting the activities of extremist groups. His work and that of Andy Fleming on the 3CR program, Yeah Nah Pasaran, provides a regular lens through which to examine the extreme views held by groups in Australia and overseas. The body of material by Smith and Fleming forms a unique body of evidence about the movements that sit on the fringes of Australian society.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for free accounting software for a start up or small club? Phillip Wong might have the answer ...

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 06:17:34 GMT

Phillip Wong is a long-time academic with a passion for teaching people the ropes in accounting. That passion has him on YouTube with a range of tutorial videos as well as his most recent foray into teaching the numbers game: a way of doing accounts for a small entity using Excel. Phillip talks about accounting education, complexities of business compliance and how people should look for solutions that are designed to cater for what it is they do.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reducing far right influence involves everyone

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:32:20 GMT

Australia is playing catch up with keeping tabs on far right groups and it continues to cause problems for the country's reputation with international think takes focusing on what is Australia's apparent reluctance to proscribe organisations as quickly as our intelligence partners. Labor's Senator Kristina Keneally provides an analysis of the problem through her eyes and talks about the role leaders in the community must play to reduce the impact of extremist ideologies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran and the United States - the history and the present day

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 08:09:42 GMT

Iran is a country that for many is couched in mystique. It has had an interesting relationship with the United States and Kenneth Katzmann, an expert on the region, provides an overview of the tensions and challenges that exist between the United States. He is a contributor to the Soufan Centre's recent report on Iran in a personal capacity but works with the Congressional Research Service providing his deep knowledge to the members of Congress in the United States.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Indigenous Voice to Parliament - where is it at?

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 23:10:01 GMT

Warren Mundine has been at the cross roads of indigenous affairs and politics for a very long time. We last spoke with him almost 12 months ago just after the killing of George Floyd in the United States. This time the focus is laser like on getting the indigenous voice up and running as well as some of the controversies in Canberra involving poor behavior of politicians and staff.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Covering politics through a different lens and what was behind the 'sewer rat' tweet ...

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 07:18:11 GMT

Channel 9 political editor Chris Uhlmann is known for being blunt in his assessment of the game of politics but some of that may just be attributed to his varied life experience before getting a gig at the age of 29 at the Canberra Times. He talks about news gathering, the importance of keeping on the chase, the role of reportage and commentary as well as explaining why he has grown to dislike aspects of social media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ruby Princess saga, its ramifications and fundamentals of investigations

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 23:51:43 GMT

Author Duncan McNab has spent a significant amount of time taking a deep dive into the Ruby Princess saga for his newly released book. He takes a look at the calamity that took place and reflects upon some fundamentals of reporting and investigation that are forgotten all too often.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The War on Terror, terrorism and how we begin to fix things ...

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 04:32:41 GMT

Professor Greg Barton is the Chair in Islamic Politics at Deakin University, which has meant you have seen him on television and heard him on radio a fair amount over the past two decades. In recent months he has been talking to the media and many others about the growth right wing extremism. This podcast looks at the implications of the War on Terror and how things may play out in regions such as Afghanistan two decades on from the September 11 attacks. What does he think might help fix some of the problems we have? You'll have to listen to find out ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How bad actors get money to do bad things

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 04:05:42 GMT

Terrorist organsations need to resource their operations and history shows us that they use varying methods to get their hands on money to aid them in planning and executing acts of extreme political violence. Terrorism financing expert Jodi Viittori helps us decipher the world of shady financing used by the practitioners of political violence. Her 2011 book, Terrorist Financing and Resourcing, remains one of the landmark texts in the area of terrorism financing, This podcast covers the simplest and most complex methods that bad actors use to get money for their violent activities. Why did groups such as Al Qaeda have rigorous internal audit functions to keep track of where money was spent? You'll have to listen to find out ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grappling with terrorism's new realities - the far right and its adherents

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 00:44:26 GMT

The January 6 capitol insurrection reminded people that there are a range of groups that have the potential to create havoc in the United States that are classed as domestic terror threats. Who are these people? How do they differ from the global jihadists that have occupied intelligence, national security and military resources over the past two decades? Colin Clarke is the Director of Policy and Research at The Soufan Group and he provides some useful insights into the phenomena that we are witnessing today.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Innovating in times of Crisis

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:09:53 GMT

Consultant and author Ben Kehoe has spent many years talking to businesses about how to improve what they do but the coronavirus has made it more challenging. What wisdom does Ben have for businesses and individuals struggling through this time? Listen up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you fix the ills of the world? Steve Killelea offers insights ...

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 06:55:28 GMT

Steve Killelea is a businessman and philanthorpist who believes the world can be a much better place if we better understood how to help people in need. Steve talks to Tom Ravlic about his business career, his charitable work in various parts of the world and the Institute of Economics and Peace. His book, Peace in the Age of Chaos, looks at his perspective on some of the things political leaders and others need to consider in order to help make the lives of people better across the globe.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How the accounting world has coped during COVID

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:22:40 GMT

The accounting world has had a range of challenges this year and Amir Ghandar, the auditing and accounting expert for the Chartered Accountants - Australia and New Zealand, talks about what has been a tumultuous year.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rorts and Rip-offs - Lisa Greig interviews Tom Ravlic

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 12:28:10 GMT

The shoe is on the other foot in this podcast as Lisa Greig, tax trainer and tax agent, interviews Tom Ravlic about the underlying themes and issues that come up in his new book aimed at consumers called Rorts and Rip-Offs. The book offers tips to consumers about the questions that must be asked to get things right. The book, released on November 10, is available in electronic and hard copy format from www.wilkinsonpuboilshing.com.au .

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some tips on choosing an adviser

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 22:00:20 GMT

There are some simple things people can do to prevent themselves from getting a dud adviser. Tom Ravlic gives you some tips from his new book, Rorts and Rip-Offs, that should should assist in sorting out the wheat from the chaff in the financial services advice space.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where are the banks at right now?

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 02:11:18 GMT

The banking sector has been hit like everyone else by the coronavirus. Listen to EY partner Tim Dring as he takes Tom Ravlic through the key trends and issues facing our financial services sector now and in the future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should there be a cut down version of auditing standards for auditors dealing with simple entities?

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 00:30:04 GMT

There is a project that is somewhat controversial in auditing circles about the best way to deal with complicated guidance. An international body called the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board is in the midst of considering whether a 'mini me' auditing standard for people dealing with what are commonly called less complex entities is a good idea. Professor Roger Simnett, the chairman of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, explores the issues with Tom Ravlic . What might this mean for Australia? Listen in.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reporting requirements in focus - Dr Keith Kendall, the new chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 11:15:00 GMT

The accounts of companies written about by journalists must comply with standards for reporting. These are set by the Australian Accounting Standards Board. New chairman, Dr Keith kendall, talks about his background and the hot topics that currently keeping him busy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the recent Federal Budget mean for small business?

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 04:40:08 GMT

Reckon Limited's chief executive officer, Sam Allert, talks during this podcast about the implications of the coronairus and what the latest Federal Budget means for small business. He touches on what Reckon had to do to help its clients during the pandemic and what he sees as issues in the future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lifting the lid on the power of gun lobbyists in the United States ...

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 01:56:48 GMT

Al Jazeera funded a three year investigation into the National Rifle Association that provided a rare insight into the way in which the NRA and similar groups frame policy arguments and responses to critical issues such as gun control. Journalist Peter Charley, who chronicles the investigation in his book, How to sell a massacre, is an Australian news veteran with a career spanning print, radio and television. He found the revelations that emerged from the covert operation disconcerting. The documentary made headlines as it also featured two high profile figures involved with Pauline Hanson's One Nation. What are the lessons policy makers, average taxpayers and, indeed, journalists to take from the three year sojourn into the NRA's operations? Have a listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Media organisations and social media site - your comments can get news organisations into trouble

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 09:28:54 GMT

Web sites and social media pages of media companies are almost full of comments and not all of them nice. Who is at fault when not nice comments go to far? Steven Brown from Lynn & Brown Lawyers in Perth talks through a contentious case and what media companies themselves need to be careful of if they let comments run wild and free on web sites and social media accounts they look after.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday morning reflections: education is the cure for extremist thinking.

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 07:19:50 GMT

Tom Ravlic shares some observation on right wing extremism and notes that as a society we had better get our education system right - no pun intended - in order to deal properly with some of the perspectives that challenge us now and will continue to challenge us in the future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

looking at FBT - Budget 2020 preview

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 09:17:16 GMT

There are a range of things being spoken about regarding the Budget and one of those has been the Fringe Benefits Tax. Lisa and Tom unravel some of this stuff as they look more closely aspects of FBT and other issues kicking around.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Sunday morning reflection - how do we tackle prejudice and suspicion in life?

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Tom Ravlic wears hearing aids and there was a time when he had to tell off a father of two kids because the father thought they were intruding on Tom's privacy by asking about the hearing aid, how it works and what it was designed to do. That incident forms the foundation for this Sunday's reflection on transparency and educating people to avoid growing up with unjustified prejudice and suspicion.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday reflection: what I would tell a parliamentary committee on audit if it would let me ...

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 01:00:27 GMT

The is a parliamentary committee looking at audit regulation and they have not had a hearing for a rather long time. Tom Ravlic offers some observations on audit and accounting regulation for the committee even though they haven't bothered asking for them. Let's see whether anybody on that committee bothers to take any notice ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

deadlines and compliance - a necessary evil

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 11:22:23 GMT

Deadlines for taxation issues occur across the years and this podcast touches on critical points for individuals and companies to keep in mind. Get up to speed!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

interest and tax - when is interest deductible?

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:37:34 GMT

People will be evaluating what to do with home loans and business loans and this podcast explores a range of issues related to the taxation of interest and when it is likely to be tax deductible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FBT and small business - should the government stop collecting it for a time?

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 10:33:43 GMT

People are suggesting the fringe benefits tax should be suspended for a period of time to stimulate the economy. Lisa Greig and tom Ravlic explore this and other issues in tax and compliance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Right wing extremists: ideology, recruitment and the global threat they pose

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 15:49:29 GMT

Australia's security agencies are warning that far right extremism is on the rise and that the threat is real. Groups such as the Atomwaffen Division are spreading across the globe using technology as a networking tool and Mollie Saltskog, a senior intelligence analyst with the Soufan Center, tells Tom Ravlic that the groups pose a threat that must be taken seriously. Mollie also highlights the fact that people need to be aware of the threats posed by right wing extremists and to have strategies in place to deal with it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IT revolutions, superannuation and .. do professional organisations speak for their members?

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 02:57:30 GMT

Ron Lesh has been at the cutting edge of software product development for several decades and in this podcast he talks through the development of software products, his perspective on regulators overstepping the mark when providing advice on what certain financial products may cost to invest in as well as a frank assessment of professional associations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When can you claim education expenses for tax?

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 01:57:19 GMT

COVID pandemic lock down has resulted in some people taking on new study. It is important that people understand the tax consequences of training. Not everything you assert is self education will be claimable and Lisa Greig advises caution in this podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are self managed super fund auditors regulated?

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 11:45:56 GMT

Self managed superannuation funds are incredibly important investment vehicles and trustees are required to have their funds audited. A new version of a guidance statement was recently released by the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. This podcast brings together Marina Michaelides from the AUASB and Kellie Grant from the Australian Taxation Office to demystify what exactly goes on in the regulation of auditors that are paid to the important job of auditing the financial statements.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a character like Caleb Zelic come to be?

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 07:21:05 GMT

Crime novelist Emma Viskic is in the middle of writing the fourth novel in her Caleb Zelic series. The deaf character has interesting origins, which Emma explains in this discussion with Tom Ravlic. She also talks about the impact of COVID on writing and how this fourth novel of the series is intended to be the last. It is clear from the discussion that Caleb Zelic deserves a holiday! The chat also explores origins and ethnicity and how a character can be created unwittingly from life experiences the author might not even have been consciously putting into words.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is NOW a good time to get your tax return in?

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:37:40 GMT

Tax expert Lisa Greig strip back the mystique and tells you why it is a good time to lodge your tax return in now. Tom and Lisa also discuss circumstances in which amendments to tax returns might occur. Lisa and Tom also discuss how people can improve record keeping to keep themselves organised for the next tax period.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting a feel for the human cost of climate change

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:15:27 GMT

Australians are focused on the global coronavirus pandemic right now but a longer term threat to the planet seems to have taken a back seat. Journalist and author Paddy Manning has written a book called Body Count , that explores the very real and human stories that illustrate the fact that politicians, policy makers, lobby groups and other people should never eliminate the possibility that climate change plays a role in natural disasters. He advocates for a nuanced discussion about climate related issues that both shape peoples' lives and the future of the planet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do not try these tax things at home ....

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 11:12:23 GMT

Lisa Greig has seen many things over the years in dealing with tax and she has seen some shockers. This podcast is about Tom and Lisa exploring things you most definitely should not try at home when it comes to tax matters. Get advice ...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unmasking the challenges involved in protection against COVID

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 06:53:19 GMT

Victorians must wear masks and people in other states are being encouraged to wear them to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. David Clarke, the chief executive officer of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, points to concerns his organisation has with the risks posed to medical staff and practitioners that have inadequate protections in the workplace. He explains why higher level protection is necessary in medical environments and also offers some ways of thinking about ensuring workplaces are properly looked after to lower the chance of infection.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do conspiracy theorists weave their web?

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:33:45 GMT

You have heard much about conspiracy theories and the folks that peddle them during the COVID 19 pandemic. Ullrich Ecker, an associate professor in cognitive science at the University of Western Australia, has studied the way conspiracy theorists work and what techniques they use to put out their version of the world. He points out things people can do to protect themselves from being caught out by conspiracy theories.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was it a scam or not? The mystery e-mail ....

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 04:25:01 GMT

Lisa Greig and Tom Ravlic received e-mails from the ATO this week and both of them were perplexed. Both of them were aware that the ATO does not normally send e-mails at a particular time and treated the e-mail sent with ATO livery as a scam. But was it? Listen up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The psychology of mask wearing in the era of COVID

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 00:54:39 GMT

Mask wearing is now law in Victoria and is gradually being adopted by people in other areas as a measure to place an obstacle between infection. We have seen resistance to the wearing of masks by people in hardware stores and protests about the wearing of them on Facebook and Twitter. Psychologist James Collett form RMIT takes us through the issues and also how to think about mask wearing. he even offers some tips to people with children who might be curious about the wearing of masks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ethical challenges, auditors and things SMSF trustees might want to think about

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 01:04:15 GMT

Audit and compliance consultant Justin Reid has been ticking, flicking and providing consulting services to accounting firms and other clients needing assistance with complex compliance issues in the audit and financial reporting space for some years. Some changes in ethical standards have tightened rules that will cause some challenges for people involved in dealing with SMSF irrespective of their capacity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reflections on the dismissal, Hawke versus Hayden and the wars in the Balkans ... Geoff Kitney remembers

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 08:01:11 GMT

Geoff Kitney has had 50 years in jouranlism but he probably didn't expect that a part of his time would be spent in Belgrade having to work out how to escape the capital of former Yugoslavia. He only got out once he secured a drive from organised crime king pin and Serbian war lord, Zeljko Raznatovic who was otherwise known as Arkan.

Kitney has seen significant events in Austalian politics and he was there in 1975 for the dismissal of the Whitlam government, This is important oral history from one of journalism's best.

He reflects on 50 years in journalism in a new book called Beyond the News Room published by Wilkinson Publishing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does Job Keeper get taxed?

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:21:31 GMT

Lisa and Tom respond a query on issues related to Job Keeper. Why is Job Keeper taxed? And what do people on Job Seeker need to think about in terms of tax affairs going forward ...

[And this is episode 50 so thank you for listening!]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Twitter pile ons really necessary?

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 03:13:44 GMT

Twitter is renowned for being a platform on which personalities and politicians and journalists experience feedback that is particularly toxic. IPA director of policy, Gideon Rozner, and Tom Ravlic explore various issues that emanate from the use of social media as a platform for discussion but also one on which people dial up the aggro. They also discuss a recent incident that reflected the worst of social media. And whether there is a distinction to be made between content of an argument and tone when engaging online.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Sukkar's billion dollar refund media release responsible?

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 10:06:44 GMT

Lisa Greig and Tom Ravlic pull apart the Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar's media release on the billion dollar plus tax refunds paid out in the first fortnight of tax season. Is the media release irresponsile? Will it create greater pressures on tax agents? What are the risks people have in getting the returns in early ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVID brings out the scammers, ASIC warns

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 02:41:56 GMT

ASIC's Warren Day has seen the wreckage scammers can leave behind more often than most people have had hot breakfasts. The electronic age has ushered in new thugs that wear hoodies, let their fingers walk across a laptop keyboard in order to pilfer funds usually before people are aware. This is a timely warning for people to keep themselves safe online and as scam free as possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keeping workplaces COVID safe

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 06:39:45 GMT

Dr Scott Allisoin is the medical director with Workplace Medicine Australia. WMA has been engaging with companies to talk with them about how to handle health issues at their workplaces during the pandemic. He talks about the screening protocols and some technologies that might help employers deal with issues as they try to get people back to some kind of working normality.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How should we be thinking about the economy during a pandemic?

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:55:39 GMT

Financial journalist Alan Kohler has seen many things during his career but COVID-19 is his first pandemic. He has been looking at different ways of analysing the economy, the impacts of COVID and how people need to think about government performance as distinct from private sector companies. He reflects on his career in financial journalism and reflects on where the economy might head in the coming weeks, months and years.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Mickey Mouse - so why can't the ATO do customer service right?

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:55:03 GMT

Tax expert Lisa Greig took some time out to watch Hamilton on Disney plus and it sent her down the rabbit hole of wondering about how wonderful it would be if the ATO actually had as smooth a service as a streaming site. Tom and Lisa explore the implications of lock down 2 for people in Victoria.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small Business in the midst of COVID and explaining the art of advocacy

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 09:53:49 GMT

COSBOA chief executive officer Peter Strong and Tom Ravlic talk about a range of issues impacting small business as a result of pandemic paralysis. Strong believes that there are some businesses that will be more resilient because of whether they are situated but others do have one foot in the grave as a result of the change in fortunes. He talks with Tom about advocacy and how to manage aspects of government relations as well as some prospects for law reform.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YEAR END TAX SPECIAL: Choosing a tax agent

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 11:09:52 GMT

You need to choose a tax agent you can trust. Lisa Greig and Tom Ravlic are both accounting experts but only one of them can lodge a tax return. Why is this so? What are the steps you need to take to get a tax agent? Forget the snap, crackle, pop tax segments on brekkie television. This is the podcast you need to listen to in order to understand the things to look out for in order to get yourself a reliable tax agent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The business of sport during the time of COVID, dealing with racism and the impact of social media

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 02:48:06 GMT

In a career spanning almost more than three and a half decades Bill Woods has seen it all. He's reported on every imaginable sport and he explores the most challenging and contentious issues in sports today. How do you get a fair contest in sports? What matters in terms of getting to as pure an element on the pitch, or in the pool or on the track? Bill touches on issues related to sports and racism as well as pointing areas where managers in business can learn from those in the sporting field when it comes to motivating their talent.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bean and gone - how many cafes will survive COVID?

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 06:53:38 GMT

Harris Coffee chief David Ansell talks to Tom Ravlic about a newly released report that tells Aussies cafe owners are struggling with poor cash flow and a likelihood that some of them will go out of business without third party assistance. within six months of the economy reopening. The company is gearing up to offer assistance to a series of cafes across Australia to try to stop some of the folks in tourist areas going broke.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The media business, it's changing landscape and the role of public broadcasting

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 02:30:13 GMT

The media sector has experienced a major upheaval over the past two decades with traditional business models going out the window due to the advent of social media and broader technological innovation. RMIT's Chris Berg has looked at the media landscape in depth over the past two decades and he believes that our environment is richer today than it has ever been. He does suggest different models that media organisations can contemplate. Berg tackles the issues of changes in media culture as well as whether public broadcasting ought to remain in Australia in its current form.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unraveling mysteries of when you have to pay university fees back ....

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 11:20:08 GMT

The Federal Government had people 's heads exploding on Twitter and elsewhere on issues related to changes in government funding for certain kinds of degrees at university. Lisa Greig and Tom Ravlic explore the issue of what happens if and when you are required to pay the amount back to the government. Lisa and Tom also cover the area of self-education and what may be deductible in the 2019-20 financial year.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS: revised indictment on the Assange case

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 06:24:18 GMT

Australian Julian Assange is currently in the United Kingdom and is subject to extradition proceedings. The United States was gravely embarrassed by the revelations made through Wikileaks, the site founded by Assange. Greg Barns SC, a criminal barrister and a member of the Assange legal team, tells us with the overnight developments mean as well as what we need to be doing to buttress freedom of speech in Australia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we get people to better understand how company tax works?

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 08:36:30 GMT

Professor Sinclair Davidson has a real bugbear and that is how developments in company taxation are reported in the media and understood by the general populace. He offers some ways people can learn about the tax system. He also explains what he believes to be the impact of the government's tertiary education funding plan. What does he think? Listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Witness K trial a scandal big enough for both sides of politics

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:19:56 GMT

The September 11 attacks in 2001 ushered in a new era of ratcheting up of security laws across the globe. While increases in legal power may be understandable in the context of one specific area of activity, the addition of powers and their use may extend beyond serious criminal offences such as organised crime, acts of political violence or terrorism and child exploitation. Crikey's dogged political editor, Bernard Keane has followed issues of the expanding footprint of security legislation and its impact on the media, whistle blowers, average citizens and the justice system overall. This is essential listening for anybody concerned about the way security legislation has been developed over time and how it can be used. Bernard also discusses the Witness K case and how in his view it is one of the biggest political scandals to come to light in Australia. This is unmissable.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are radical solutions needed to fix the culture of banks?

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 13:14:35 GMT

Johh Bottomley and Brendan Byrne are the two authors of the recent research report released by the Finance Sector Union called 'Justice Tempered', which is an examination of the impact of a profit based culture on employees in the financial services sector. The approaches John and Brendan suggest in this podcast as a way of solving cultural issues in banks and one that will depend on the willingness of people in Canberra and within the banking sector to think very differently about the issues presented before the Hayne Royal Commission.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do media advisers manage the news cycle in Canberra? Here are some insights ....

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:37:50 GMT

How do political and media advisers set the agenda in Canberra when it comes to handling the media? The place is a black box but former media adviser to Julia Gillard, Darrin Barnett, unlocks some of the mysteries about the way things play out in the national capital. Are the media subject to some distractions along the way? This is an enlightening chat that is well worth your while.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beware a cranky tax expert when End of Financial Year ads begin

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:18:54 GMT

Tax expert Lisa Greig explains why some of the advertising surrounding the End of Financial Year sales need to be considered carefully. What are the risks when you buy a new car? What can you deduct? And how does the ATO track things you buy? You may be surprised to know that your social media accounts may also be tracked by the tax office to work out whether your deductions claimed are legitimate. Listen up .....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bank staff, corporate ethics and getting a focus back on customers

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:29:52 GMT

The Finance Sector Union's national secretary Julia Angrisano, speaks about the recent report released by the union looking at the impact of key performance indicators for staff on health and morale of employees. While the Hayne Royal Commission delivered some findings that sought to highlight greed there are problems that remains. The FSU welcomes recent moves at the NAB aimed at greater professionalisation of bank staff but Julia Angisano believes more needs to be done across the sector.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the corporate cop looking for in company accounts emerging from COVID?

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:37:44 GMT

Companies can expect to be watched closely as they report the impact of coronavirus in their financial statements. Doug Niven is the Senior Executive Leader for Accounting and Audit at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. He provides an overview of key concerns ASIC has and what it might do about anyone that forgets there is no exemption from the requirement to talk straight to stakeholders.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advocacy, social media and how THAT pandemic video was made

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 08:30:19 GMT

Gideon Rozner is a self-confessed political tragic and the director of policy at the Institute of Public Affairs. He takes listeners behind the scenes to explain how that clip on the COVID lockdown came about and the reaction it received. he talks frankly about the role of social media in policy debate, how the IPA sets its agenda and the factors that shape views. Does he have time for law degrees? Listen up.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mysteries of zero (or why the ATO tax transparency report is crap).

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:29:25 GMT

The ATO tax transparency data comes out from time to time and people get up in arms when it reveals there are companies that pay zero tax. Zero is a mysterious number because it is not made up of nothing despite what some commentators, agitators and activists conclude. Join Tom Ravlic and Lisa Greig on a journey through the mysteries of zero and why the tax transparency reports from our tax authority are not as useful as some people think they are.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On secrets, being investigated and keeping our pollies honest

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 06:41:11 GMT

Walkley award winner Annika Smethurst has had a bugger of a year and much of the cloud cover she talks about in this conversation with Tom Ravlic was due to the Australian Federal Police investigation into a story she wrote on the expansion of surveillance powers. She can breath more easily now given the recent news that the AFP has said it will not pursue charges. How does she feel? What effect did it have on news gathering? This is a compelling story. Listen up ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can we debate indigenous issues without people calling other people names?

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 03:05:29 GMT

Name calling in pubic seems to have become a part of discourse on indigenous matters. Some people are called 'coconuts' and ' Uncle Tom's' when they raise what are issues that are just as relevant to the discussion of the welfare of Indigenous people and their communities that might fall outside the immediate focus of advocacy or protests. Anthony Dillon is a lecturer at the Australian Catholic University and he has copped some vitriol on Twitter and elsewhere for raising issues related to violence committed by Indigenous people against other indigenous people in order to broaden the discussion currently being had in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing in the United States. Can we have a civil debate on social media and elsewhere? Anthony Dillon explores this issue and more.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When should you lodge your tax return?

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:15:44 GMT

Lodging your tax return early could post some risks and tax expert Lisa Greig is here in discussion with Tom Ravlic to explore some of the challenges people have in dealing with some of the tricky bits in getting a return ready.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of George Floyd, politics of race in America and why it matters here.

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 02:01:37 GMT

The death of George Floyd at the hands of a policeman in Minneapolis has sparked protests and violence across the United States. It has also led Australians reflecting on issues related to Aboriginal deaths in Custody. Indigenous businessman and commentator Warren Mundine has been inside policy debates in the area and he shares his observations about the current US situation and hist continuing frustration that almost three decades on from the Black Deaths in Custody Royal Commission's final report Australia as a community has failed to properly address social issues and injustices impacting indigenous communities.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are biotech companies booming? An expert tells us this and more ...

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 02:14:25 GMT

Biotech companies are critical. They work on projects and products that are live saving. How many of us engage with biotech companies closely? David Langsam has done so for many years. He is the editor of Biotech Daily, which is a publication that chronicles developments in the sector. He talks about companies and how they do what they do, the way in which businesses have coped through COVID and reflects on aspects of journalism and commentary over the past few months.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JobKeeper estimates, jargon free talk and getting change

Sun, 31 May 2020 06:03:55 GMT

Estimation and accounting for JobKeeper has been in the news of late and the Australia Institute's Richard Dennis helps unravel the nature of the $60 billion muddle that the Federal Government has found itself in. He talks about job keeper, the use of economic jargon or 'econobabble' and whether he thinks change is possible in industrial relations and taxation. What did he say? No spoilers! Listen in ....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your tax agent have a blind spot?

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:03:50 GMT

You go to your tax agent to get a tax return done but you probably don''t understand what they go through to get the return completed and some of the challenges they confront. They cannot see everything and as tax expert Lisa Greig explains, there are circumstances in which clients might think they are getting a deduction of X amount but there are other debts in the system that deflate the amount. Tax agents can also see dead people again. What does that mean? Listen in .....

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Smethurst case and implications for democracy

Thu, 28 May 2020 04:59:10 GMT

The Australian Federal Police has over the past 24 hours said they would not be charging Annika Smethurst with an offence arising from her story on government agencies seeking to conduct greater surveillance of Australians. Barrister Greg Barns SC, a prominent human rights advocate, looks at the issues emerging from the Smethurst case and suggests several areas of possible law reform to ensure the right to freedom of speech is properly enshrined.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are all employers behaving during the pandemic? A look at COVID and employee rights.

Tue, 26 May 2020 06:58:31 GMT

Evidence is emerging that not all employers are complying with the spirit of the employment laws during the pandemic and it is important that employees understand what their rights are in the current circumstances. What are your rights if you have been made redundant? What about if you are stood down? Can your boss demand you download an app to your phone to get back to work? These questions and more are tackled by employment law expert, Patrick Turner from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The business of journalism, impact of social media and COVID

Mon, 25 May 2020 01:47:32 GMT

Hugh Riminton calls himself a 'hack' - a journalist with many decades of experience in searching for the truth and bringing it to his audience. This podcast explores how journalism is done in a pandemic, the impact of social media on how people consume news and what ought to matter in the search for truth. How should you be dealing with information from social media and elsewhere? Listen up. Hugh Riminton has important things to say.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You think you know Job Keeper? Pull up a pew and listen in ...

Sat, 23 May 2020 07:23:07 GMT

Accountants Lisa Greig and Jo Sampson have been dealing with Job keeper and they've seen every problem under the sun. They aren't politicians or journalists. They've done the work, held clients hands and helped each other over six weeks of compliance madness. The process was drawn out and unclear. Forms were not working properly.

You think that form was easy to fill in for all kinds of corporate structures? Listen to Lisa and Jo share their experience over the Job keeper journey. This is not an easy ride.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Corporate disclosure - when are multiple sets of guidelines merging?

Sat, 23 May 2020 04:12:33 GMT

The Corporate Reporting Dialogue is a little known forum that exists to try and whittle down the number of sets of non-financial reporting guidelines. Chairman Ian Mackintosh and Tom Ravlic discuss the various issued that the forum has to deal with as it tries to herd 'corporate reporting' cats into a corner.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The state of the media in Australia (and getting Facebook and Google to cough up).

Fri, 22 May 2020 04:52:16 GMT

Quentin Dempster has spent 52 years in journalism and he is deeply concerned about the future of a profession that must be thriving and healthy in order to hold powerful individuals and institutions to account. He speaks frankly about the challenges faced by journalists, the continuing attempts to get Google and Facebook to cough up, media rivalries and the role played by media outlets in national and international political debates.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Traps and tricks of dealing with tax deductions

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:41:23 GMT

Episode three of chatting tax with Lisa Greig, tax trainer and tax expert, deals with issues you will find as you seek to claim deductions in your coming tax return. Lisa and Tom touch on when deductions might apply and how what the ATO expects people to have as documentation. Do you have a strange or curious case? These two tax chatters touch on the issue of private rulings, too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do security agencies really need more power?

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:27:04 GMT

Criminal Barrister Greg Barns SC talks to Tom Ravlic about the various challenges with new proposed national security laws as well as exploring the issue of what governments should really be doing when the need for legislation diminishes in time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVID and how the arts get kicked in the guts.

Wed, 20 May 2020 03:01:29 GMT

Bob Spencer has played with some of Australia's most iconic bands, taught music, and toured extensively over many decades. Australians will recognise the names: Finch, Skyhooks, the Angels and Rose Tattoo. The Tatts were hit by the pandemic and needed to rush back home as borders closed. This is a conversation about the music business in which the issue of whether Australians care about the arts as much as footy is explored. And why aren't our musicians treated with as much respect as those living and working across Europe?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the accounting for knowledge companies right?

Tue, 19 May 2020 13:08:13 GMT

Professor Janek Ratnatunga is the chief executive officer of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants. He speaks with Tom Ravlic about the shortcomings he believes exist in company reporting and how intangible assets- things that have no physical substance - could be accounted for in ways that make financial statements more meaningful in his view to people using them. He also believes that the accounting framework's limitation also diminish the value of audit reports.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does an economy emerge from the COVID 'freeze'?

Tue, 19 May 2020 03:30:54 GMT

Professor Sinclair Davidson is a professor of economics at RMIT University who is one of five authors of 'Unfreeze: How to Create a High Growth Economy After the Pandemic', which suggests ways of getting Australia's economy out of pandemic paralysis. He offers some ideas and also shares his angst about the lack of understanding of our taxation system and how it applies to corporations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food safety in the era of coronavirus

Fri, 15 May 2020 09:18:51 GMT

Dr Julian Cox is an expert in food microbiology. He joins Tom Ravlic in this podcast to explain what people should be doing in relation to food preparation both at home and in the office.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jobkeeper update, tax deadlines and preparation for 2019-20 tax returns (and not for profits)

Thu, 14 May 2020 08:29:25 GMT

Tom Ravlic has the weekly chat with Lisa Greig about the way in which tax issues have rolled through the past week. Jobkeeper clients have received their money back while some people have had a few hiccups. Not for profits have some unique structures and Lisa and Tom deal touch on some of those.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Going concern, COVID and clearly telling the story about uncertainty

Wed, 13 May 2020 03:28:39 GMT

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown up a range of issues directors and auditors must worry about as they examine financial issues that stakeholders will see play out for the June 30 year end. The chairman of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, Professor Roger Simnett, and Anne Waters, a senior project manager with the standard setter, cover the key points you need to know that appear in a paper that will soon be released by board. Professor Simnett also touches on the impact of technology on audit at the present time and some research opportunities that arise from the current climate.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVID 19 - people, psychology and getting back to work

Tue, 12 May 2020 04:52:06 GMT

People have been told to stay in, sheltered in place and now are looking to go back out into a world in which pandemic anxiety is likely to be present for some time. Dr Simon Kinsella talks to Tom Ravlic about various psychological aspects COVID 19 and provides some insight into what people should do and think about as they move into modified work and other routines.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How good is Jobkeeper? Ask a tax agent dealing with it ....

Thu, 07 May 2020 08:27:53 GMT

Tom Ravlic introduces his weekly tax podcast with tax expert and tax trainer Lisa Greig with a look at how small businesses and tax agents are coping with the introduction of Job Keeper. Ministers may announce the schemes but the front line troops, the tax agents and tax lawyers, are the ones putting their shoulders to the wheel to try and get businesses through. Lisa also tells Tom about the mental health challenges that practitioners confront in a coronavirus environment where clients turn to the financial advisers by default for tax advice and also a sympathetic ear.

Lisa will join Tom on a weekly basis to answer tax questions from podcast listeners. Send a direct message to Tom via @TRAVLIC with a topic you want dealt with during the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding working from home difficult? Freelance journalist Leo D'Angelo Fisher shares insights

Thu, 07 May 2020 03:10:18 GMT

Journalist and commentator Leo d'Angelo Fisher shares his experiences of transitioning from a bustling newsroom to a home office, the things that he missed and the advantages experience in a profession - in his case journalism - provide. Leo and Tom talk about the value of corporate and institutional memory, the understanding of history and how journalism can suffer when these things are not present.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coronavirus - COVIDSafe, privacy issues and prisoner welfare

Wed, 06 May 2020 06:12:28 GMT

Tom Ravlic talks with Greg Barns, criminal barrister and prisoner welfare advocate, about the COVIDSafe app, privacy concerns, security services and police investigators overstepping the mark and the impact of coronavirus in prisons.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVIDSafe - an explainer

Tue, 05 May 2020 07:10:28 GMT

How does the COVIDSafe app work and what are some limitations of the software the Morrison government is promoting as a contact tracing panacea? Tom Ravlic speaks to Professor Dinesh Kumar about the strengths and limitations of the COVIDSafe app.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Banks gear up for uncertainty - EY industry report

Mon, 04 May 2020 07:26:33 GMT

Tom Ravlic talks to Tim Dring, the Oceania Banking and Capital Markets Leader, of EY about the release of EY's banking sector report that forecasts greater uncertainty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.