The Fin

Andrew Forrest, founder of Fortescue Metals Group and a major player in the green hydrogen movement, shares insights into his shifting vision on green hydrogen amid market challenges. Former chief scientist Alan Finkel discusses the uncertainties surrounding hydrogen as an energy storage solution. They tackle the implications of Fortescue’s job cuts and slowed initiatives, questioning Australia's ambitious hydrogen goals. The conversation highlights the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy and the hurdles faced in balancing visionary goals with practical realities.

This week on The Fin, Financial Review workplace correspondent David Marin-Guzman on what was uncovered in his nine-month investigation into the CFMEU, why the response shocked union insiders and whether this time, there might be lasting change. This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet. Further reading: ‘The dam is breaking’: Setka resignation blow to culture of fear The CFMEU boss’ departure was a shock even to his own officials, but it is a watershed moment for the culture of silence and intimidation that has ruled the construction industry. Caught on film: How Setka and the CFMEU wield their power Videos show John Setka delivering a suitcase message to a rival’s home, and other officials issuing threats and boasting of the union’s total control. Albanese to push aside CFMEU bosses The Albanese government will seek to appoint an external administrator to clean up the CFMEU, sidelining its national and state leaders. The MUA is also considering whether to split from the CFMEU. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special bonus episode of The Fin, United States correspondent Matthew Cranston on why Joe Biden pulled out of the presidential race, what happens next and whether Kamala Harris is the candidate to take on Donald Trump. This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet.  Further reading: Harris is younger and fitter than Biden, but that’s the easy bit The vice president is a more physically and mentally capable campaigner who might cut through to some voters who Biden didn’t reach, but is that enough to beat Donald Trump? Biden urges unity to beat Trump after stunning race exit The US president ended his re-election campaign after fellow Democrats lost faith in him. Kamala Harris, 59, immediately accepted his endorsement. Trump skips reset moment, doubles down on MAGA magic Donald Trump had the chance of a lifetime to reinvent himself following an assassination attempt. But why on earth would he do that? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Fin, economics correspondent Michael Read explains why inflation has proved stickier than expected and raised the stakes for the Reserve Banks's big policy gamble. This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet.  Further reading:https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/inflation-hits-six-month-high-raising-risk-of-a-rate-rise-20240626-p5jot7Investors say there is now a one-in-three chance of an August interest rate rise after inflation accelerated to its highest rate in six months and economists warned price pressures remained too strong. https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/rba-won-t-be-influenced-by-europe-and-canada-on-rate-cuts-20240607-p5jk4zThe Reserve Bank of Australia will not be swayed by interest rate cuts in Canada and Europe, says deputy governor Andrew Hauser, as he warns that high inflation is having “toxic” effects on households and preventing businesses from expanding. https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/rba-board-split-in-doubt-as-libs-dig-in-20240509-p5in16Treasurer Jim Chalmers could be forced to shelve his signature plan to create a specialist interest rate-setting board at the Reserve Bank of Australia after a breakdown in talks with the Coalition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exploring Australia's booming $200 billion private credit industry, the evolution from a cottage industry to a major player, notable players reshaping the sector, concerns about regulatory oversight and transparency, and the looming risks of unchecked growth in the private credit market.

This week on The Fin, International editor James Curran on why a group of former navy commanders, defence officials and submarine officers believe AUKUS has been set up to fail.This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet. Further reading:‘A cruel joke’: Why AUKUS might leave Australia strandedA group of defence experts says that the Albanese government is on course for a financial and strategic AUKUS disaster, in the final part of an exclusive series.AUKUS ‘moonshot’ may be a tragically expensive failureIt is alarming that both Coalition and Labor politicians fail to acknowledge the risk that Australia could be left with no submarine capability by the end of the 2030s.Morrison’s ‘longest night’: Inside the making of AUKUSThe military agreement is a mess and risks leaving Australia with no submarine capability at all by the late 2030s. The cloak of secrecy that secured the deal could now be its undoing.3:50Lisa MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the most talked-about stock market float in over a decade. This week on the Fin, Chanticleer columnist Anthony Macdonald and senior reporter Primrose Riordan on the story behind Guzman y Gomez, why it was one of the most talked-about floats in years and whether the hype is justified. This podcast is sponsored by Smartsheet. Further reading: Guzman y Gomez IPO pop to $3b lifts hopes for listingsThe Mexican-themed restaurant chain’s value topped $3 billion on its debut, and there are hopes this will rekindle a stagnating market for local sharemarket listings, Can Guzman y Gomez’s New Yorker frontman prove everyone wrong?Managers say the IPO is too riddled with cushy perks for insiders to offer value. Founder Steve Marks disagrees. Guzman y Gomez float a bet on a maverick founder and his grand plansThe Mexican-themed restaurant chain’s founder is pitching big growth. He’s not an overnight success story, but the riches are there if he can make it work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe correspondent Hans van Leeuwen discusses Macron's gamble in rolling the dice politically. Topics include the rise of far-right parties in Europe, the impact on UK politics, and what Aussie businesses can expect from the shift towards right-wing politics in Europe.

Only 9% of indigenous Australians have native title & they "don't walk around like billionaires". This week on The Fin podcast, Peter Ker and Ronald Mizen talk about whether it’s delivering for Indigenous Australians and why there are now calls for reform.Further reading: Call to reform Mabo’s $1b native title dividendNative title groups hosting Australia’s iron ore industry are holding more than $1 billion of net assets in trusts, but after 32 years of the native title regime, there is little to show for the vast majority of Indigenous Australians. ‘Disgraceful’ government neglect costs Indigenous funds $1bTwo big government funds set up to benefit Indigenous people without native title rights were shackled for decades by the investment equivalent of stuffing money under a mattress. Long walk to treaty resumes in a fractured federationThe Albanese government has backed away from a promise to strike a treaty with Indigenous Australians. In a federal policy vacuum, some states are picking up the baton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This podcast discusses the shift of AI to 'the edge' and its implications on jobs, energy use, and investor returns. Topics include Apple's Siri improvements, investment opportunities in chipmakers like Nvidia, and challenges faced by CBA's AI future. The chapters explore advancements in AI technology, controversies, Nvidia's dominance, AI at the edge benefits, and Australia's robotics industry and corporate tax reform.