Momentum Leaders: Recent Episodes
Momentum Media
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, working life has changed significantly. Now, research is starting to identify certain professional and environmental trends that businesses need to be on top of.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by the founding board director of R U OK?, Graeme Cowan, to discuss why uncertainty is so prevalent in workplaces in the current climate, why the proliferation of remote and flexible working is a worrying development, the varying levels of trust in the workforce and why it is damaging, a decline in employee engagement and the consequences of not paying attention to that lack of engagement, and the ongoing wellbeing and mental health crisis.
Cowan also delves into the broader business considerations inherent with addressing wellbeing concerns, why the wellbeing focus isn’t working, how and why more managers want out of their workplaces, how business leaders can better support managers, why change leadership needs to improve, and the decline of respect in the workplace.
In this episode of Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and senior non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.
The pair discuss a range of subjects following Babbage’s recent trip to the United States, including:
- Australia’s need to prepare for a more direct involvement in kinetic regional conflict in the Indo-Pacific – including recognising that we are no longer on the periphery of geopolitical competition.
- The multidimensional depth and facets of the challenges being posed by the People’s Republic of China: Babbage emphasises that China’s strategy includes economic coercion, hybrid conflict and soft power, and that Western assumptions about China's integration leading to liberalisation have proven wrong.
- How Western governments have failed to effectively communicate the strategic risks to their populations: Babbage argues that public awareness is essential for national resilience and policy support, and that many in the public are willing to act once properly informed.
- Australia’s urgent need to expand and rethink its defence and industrial capabilities to meet the growing expectations of the new US Trump administration.
Enjoy the Podcast,
The Defence Connect team
In this special episode of Momentum Media's The HR Leader Podcast, Taylor Dee Hawkins joins the podcast to talk about the moral and commercial imperatives to best practice with management of a workforce that is more diverse than ever before and the benefits that come with it.
Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Taylor Dee Hawkins, the Foundations for Tomorrow managing director, about the work that she does, the extent to which business leaders are ready and able to lead so many different generations in the workforce, leaders’ cognisance of the need to do so, the dangers in not properly managing workers of all ages, the questions that businesses need to ask of themselves, and the practical steps to be taken.
In this episode of Momentum Media's The ifa Show, hosts Keith Ford and Maja Garaca Djurdjevic are joined by Blake Briggs, chief executive of the Financial Services Council, to unpack what the federal election and new-look Treasury portfolio will mean for advisers and the broader industry.
Briggs explains that Dr Daniel Mulino enters the financial services minister role with a suite of policies announced under his predecessor but not yet completed. He also stresses the importance of a deliberative approach that would allow Mulino to put his own stamp on the portfolio while continuing the reform process.
Listen as they discuss:
- The importance of stakeholders engaging constructively with the government on financial services reform.
- Why the $3 million super tax remains a contentious issue and the need to re-think its design.
- Where the Coalition will look for economic policy in the wake of its heavy election loss.
Remuneration and incentives have always been a Pandora’s box for business leaders. In the post-pandemic climate, however, in which employee values have shifted, the equation has become trickier.
In this episode of The HR Leader Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with TalentCode HR founder and managing director Trudy MacDonald about the difficulties business leaders have long had with implementing successful remuneration and incentive strategies, how COVID-19 spawned a shift in employee thinking around work/life balance, the Great Exhaustion and its implications, the impact of resenteeism, and how difficult it is for employers to cater to idiosyncratic needs of all staff.
MacDonald also reflects on whether employees are staying put right now (following the Great Resignation), employee disgruntlement amid high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, how the latest WGEA data might impact employee thinking, the steps that HR professionals and C-suite executives need to take, measuring success, and the folly of viewing remuneration as an isolated issue.
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant discuss the heroic actions of Australian soldiers in World War II, before turning to the big issues in the upcoming federal election.
- The pair begin the podcast discussing Joan Beaumont’s book, Gull Force, and the treatment of Australian prisoners of war on the islands of Ambon and Hainan.
- They then discuss the role of Australia’s Reserves in warfare, before unpacking the fundamental importance of seizing and holding ground in warfare.
- Thompson and Tarrant then turn to the upcoming federal election, unpacking some of the big issues facing Australian society, including housing policy and building forward-looking infrastructure for Australia’s financial future.
Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
In this episode of the Momentum Media's Secrets of the Top 100 Agents podcast, speaker, trainer and coach Josh Phegan sits down with REB editor Liam Garman to unpack how agents can strive for excellence and what they should expect from the property market over the next 12 months.
The pair begin the podcast discussing what’s in store for the property market over 2025, including the impact of the upcoming “property election” and potential rate changes, before discussing whether it might lead to unforeseen consequences for agents.
The speaker, trainer and coach then shares his top tips for developing one’s mindset and motivation, before discussing common mistakes that he sees as agents adopt new technologies.
Josh wraps up the podcast sharing his must-read books for agents looking to broaden their horizons and continue learning.
Enjoy the podcast, The REB team
With anticipation ramping up for the upcoming federal election, many are keeping a keen eye on the policies and promises given, particularly regarding the nation’s SMEs.
In this latest episode of Finance Specialist, hosts Jack Campbell and Accendo’s Trent Carter discussed the range of government policies, such as Labor’s new national small business strategy, and how they will affect Australia’'s small businesses.
Additionally, Campbell and Carter unpack economic uncertainty around international tariffs, along with some advice for brokers to help them navigate the ever-changing economic landscape.
The pandemic forced many industries to adopt remote and hybrid work structures. Now off the back of COVID-19, some industries are choosing to remain virtual.
Accendo Finance’s Trent Carter discussed these themes in this latest episode of Momentum Media's Finance Specialist. His broking business has gone fully remote, the benefits of which are massive overhead cost savings.
Despite this, Carter said there still needs to be connection. While some clients are fine to engage over video call, others can benefit from face-to-face time. This can come in the form of visiting their business or home.
This practice of showing up to where they live or work can also give a broker insight into how they operate, strengthening the ability to service them.
In this special episode of Momentum Media's Relative Return Unplugged, we present shadow treasurer Angus Taylor’s address at Momentum Media’s Election 2025 event, followed by a Q&A covering the Coalition’s plans for the financial services sector.
Taylor outlined what a Peter Dutton-led government would deliver for the Australian economy, why the role of financial advisers is “absolutely central” to its economic blueprint, and how the nation’s leader needs to handle negotiations with US President Donald Trump.
Tune in to hear about:
- The Coalition's plans to reshape the economy.
- How Taylor plans to get the cost-of-living crisis under control.
- Why the shadow treasurer aims to double financial adviser numbers.
In this special episode, Momentum Media's Annie Kane sits down with Anja Pannek, the CEO of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia, to unpack the big issues and opportunities facing the mortgage and finance broking industry in Australia.
Tune in to find out:
- Why the payroll tax issue is threatening industry and borrowers.
- The value of brokers to the economy and borrowers.
- Why she believes minimum broker education standards need to be raised.
And much more!
In this episode of the Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by former secretary of home affairs, Mike Pezzullo, to unpack the precedent established by Beijing’s naval taskforce circumnavigating Australia and how to deal with more in the future.
The pair discuss a range of issues, including:
- The government’s response to, and the timeline behind the notice of the Chinese naval taskforce’s live-fire training exercises in the Tasman Sea.
- The tactical and strategic ramifications and shortfalls on display in the Australian Defence Force and government’s response to the taskforce.
- A suggested crash course program to rapidly accelerate Australia’s level of tactical and strategic preparedness within the next term of Parliament.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andrew Hastie, shadow minister for defence, to discuss the government’s response to the recent “gunboat” diplomacy by China.
The pair also discuss the following:
- Is the government trying to keep the Australian public calm by talking down the actions of the Chinese naval task force currently off the east coast of Australia?
- Does the Australian Defence Force have the tools and resources it needs to stand up to a great power adversary, particularly following the changes in posture and focus by the US government?
- What are the steps we need to take in order to make Australia less susceptible to coercion by a great power and build our resilience to make sure that Australia isn’t compromised in the event of conflict in the region?
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
On this episode of Momentum Media's Relative Return Unplugged, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by AMP’s chief economist Shane Oliver to break down the Reserve Bank of Australia’s long anticipated rate cut to 4.1 per cent.
Is the central bank being overly cautious? What does this mean for inflation, the job market, and future rate moves? Tune in as the pair unpacks the economic and political implications of the decision – and what lies ahead for interest rates in 2025.
Listen as they discuss:
- The election timing speculation and economic uncertainties shaping the RBA’s decisions.
- Whether the RBA will continue easing, and when.
- The impact of the bank’s new two-board system on future monetary policy decisions.
In an exclusive interview with Momentum Media's financial services team members: Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford, shadow financial services minister Luke Howarth discusses the Coalition’s goals for financial advice.
In this conversation, Howarth shares his perspective on the current state of the sector, what a change in government would bring about for financial advice reform efforts, the prospect of super funds returning to advice, and what needs to change regarding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort.
Tune in to hear the shadow minister’s vision for the advice profession ahead of next year’s federal election.
You’ll hear:
- What the Coalition’s plan to implement all the Quality of Advice Review recommendations means in practice.
- His plans to turn around what has been a contentious relationship between the advice profession and successive governments on both sides of politics.
- How Australia’s economy is looking following an extended period of high inflation and increased government spending.
- Whether the shadow minister is just talking a good game ahead of an election or if financial advice would be better off under a Coalition government.
In this episode of Momentum Media's Contested Ground podcast, special host Steve Kuper is joined by co-host Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and AMP’s chief economist, Shane Oliver, to discuss the latest economic data and what it means for the nation’s economic and national security.
The trio discuss the recently released Australian gross domestic product figures and the impact of Australia’s ailing economy on national security.
They also discuss:
- Australia’s collapsing productivity and the growth of record government spending on the national economy and the baked-in, long-term structural deficits that will characterise the future fiscal outlook for the country.
- The need to boost economic complexity and diversity to better prepare the nation to face the mounting geopolitical and “whole-of-nation” efforts being leveraged against Australia in this new multipolar world and how best to deliver such a monumental change.
- The urgent need for a serious national debate with the Australian public about the future of the country and its economic future and the intersection of national security.
In this episode of Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, Mike Pezzullo, principal author of the 2009 Defence White Paper and former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, joins host Steve Kuper to unpack how the Australian Defence Force can meet the demands of the nation’s uncertain security environment.
- The pair begin the podcast looking at the alternative global order, including an emerging Eurasian bloc which is seeing North Korean troops deployed in Russia and BRICS’ alternative financial system.
- They then examine geopolitical fractures between BRICS members and whether China is in an economic position to become a global hegemon.
- Pezzullo then analyses how Australia’s force structure is designed to overcome low-level threats, and why the country needs a new base level of Defence spending.
- Kuper and Pezzullo wrap up discussing efficiencies in domestic manufacturing and how technology can expedite the production of large-scale naval assets.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
In this episode of Momentum Media's Relative Return Unplugged, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford are joined by special guest Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP, to break down what’s happening with the Trump trade and the broader global economy, and what it means for Australia.
Markets reacted quickly when it became clear that Donald Trump was set to win the US presidential election, with many seeking to capitalise on the expected corporate tax cuts and tariff hikes. However, messier economic conditions than in 2016 have dampened the party in some areas.
We take a look at the potential for volatility on the back of ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, whether the global economy will fare as poorly as some forecasts indicate, and how the Australian market is reacting to events both globally and locally.
Tune in to hear:
- Why tampering with the Future Fund’s mandate could be a slippery slope that ultimately compromises returns. Whether the government’s big-spending budgets have hindered efforts to curb inflation. What to expect from the Reserve Bank of Australia ahead of the upcoming federal election.
In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, managing editor Liam Garman sits down with shadow minister for communications and federal member for Banks, David Coleman, to discuss the recent misinformation bill.
First recorded for the Contested Ground podcast, released by our colleagues at Defence Connect, Garman and Coleman recap the bill and discuss what the government considers misinformation or disinformation.
The episode will also unpack some of the unforeseen consequences, like how it may impact religious freedoms and genuine political discourse.
Coleman finishes by sharing his thoughts on the government’s push to remove under-16s from social media platforms.
In October, Scott Morrison was surprisingly unveiled as the new chairman of Space Centre Australia, the planned spaceport in Far North Queensland.
The move has the potential to hugely disrupt Australia’s launch sector, which already has four spaceports scattered around the country.
Now, a few weeks later, the former prime minister joins Robert Dougherty in our studio in North Sydney.
The pair discuss the new government’s cuts to the space sector, whether the industry will recover, and how Australia can take advantage of its geographical advantages to become a leader in launch.
On this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant sits down with industry veteran James Symond to discuss the evolution of mortgage broking in Australia. After three decades in the industry, James reflects on how mortgage broking has grown from a niche service to accounting for 73 per cent of all loans in the country.
James shares insights on the role mortgage brokers play in offering clients a wider range of bespoke options and how relationships with both lenders and customers are at the heart of the industry. He also touches on the evolution of mortgage applications, highlighting how the profession has become more thorough and regulated over the years.
During the podcast, James also recounts his own property investment journey and offers practical advice for everyday Australians looking to invest in property, stressing the importance of working with professionals like mortgage brokers.
Lastly, James shares his optimism about the future of mortgage broking and shares his advice that government not make any drastic changes to negative gearing. Enjoy the episode:
EXCLUSIVE: Liberal senator Andrew Bragg sits down with Momentum Media's mortgages brand, The Adviser to reveal what the new home ownership inquiry will look at and why he wants to hear from the broking industry most.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane catches up with the chair of the Senate economics references committee to discuss:
- The big issues the committee aims to address with this inquiry.
- What else could be done to improve first home ownership in Australia.
- Why he wants to hear from the broking industry most.
Will the RBA change the cash rate? Will a cooling rental market make a dent in the crisis? What does our changing labour market mean for property?
Eliza Owen, the head of Australian research at CoreLogic, answers all your burning property market questions on this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show.
Sitting down with Grace Ormsby to reflect on the past financial year, she unpacks the latest headline data and market conditions, and gives her perspective on the future economic drivers of gains and losses.
In this episode, you will also hear:
- How regional markets are reacting to changed migration.
- Whether sales volume trends spell good or bad news.
- Whether the country can expect a return to pre-COVID-19 conditions.
Running a growing business for three decades is no mean feat, especially in an industry that has seen as much change as real estate.
The founder and CEO of Melbourne Real Estate (MRE), Pete Hooymans, sits down with Grace Ormsby on this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, to reflect on 30 years in business and the importance of “giving a shit”.
Pete highlights the value of not only writing down his goals, but crafting BHAGs (big, hairy, audacious goals), and ensuring his business is operating in the now – rather than thinking in the past or the future.
In this episode, you will also hear:
- How the veteran has built out a strong culture.
- Why Pete is an avid adopter of technology.
- How MRE is combatting industry-wide PM woes in a unique way.
In this episode of Momentum Media's The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by experienced financial services executive Tony Beaven to take a look at the similarities and differences between the UK and Australian financial advice sectors – and what each can learn from one another.
Beaven, who has worked in advice businesses across both countries, explains how the regulators across these jurisdictions work together to improve their processes and how the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK works could inform the future of Australian advice regulation.
Listen as they discuss:
- The place of robo-advice in reducing the advice gap.
- Why self-licensed advice firms need to fully understand the responsibilities that come along with it.
- How lowering the education benchmark for a new class of advisers could undermine professionalism.
People living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often prone to restlessness, get easily distracted, and can be impulsive. For leaders who want to remain supportive and get the most out of employees, building a safe and inclusive environment for all should be top of mind.
Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organisation, joins Momentum Media's The HR Leader to share her experiences living with ADHD and discuss how workplaces must be proactive in policies if they’re to remain inclusive.
ADHD is a neurological disorder affecting 6 to 10 per cent of Australian children and adolescents and 2 to 6 per cent of adults, driving home just how common it can be.
Waterson outlines just how beneficial flexible working arrangements can be for employees with ADHD. The pandemic paved the way for these practices, which she says has been extremely helpful in promoting engagement and productivity.
Creating a neurodiverse-friendly environment isn’t just beneficial for the individual. It can help workplaces to unlock their true potential by allowing people to do their best.
However, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy, and care must be taken to consider what that means to each neurodiverse worker. Waterson explains a variety of implementations that can be used to support workers with differences, but providing true comfort requires ears to the ground.
In this episode of the Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, Rockingham City Councillor Peter Hudson joins host Liam Garman to unpack the role of local government in delivering infrastructure needed for AUKUS Pillars I and II.
- Cr Hudson and Garman begin unpacking the infrastructure that is needed to deliver large-ticket defence items, and how Australia needs a national security strategy to ensure a whole-of-nation approach to national security.
- They then discuss what the federal and state governments need to do to deliver Defence capabilities and address the workforce gap.
- The podcast wraps up discussing the rise of China and rising political uncertainty within Australia’s AUKUS allies.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Supporting productivity that drives growth should be on every leader’s mind; however, with the demands and expectations of the modern workforce and the challenges that come with that, leveraging growth can be difficult.
Helping to demystify these complexities is Damien Andreasen, HiBob’s vice president APJ. In this episode of Momentum Media's The HR Leader, he reflected on his experiences in building high performing work teams, both with his time at HiBob and in previous roles.
Continuous development and upskilling has only become more important as tech advancements are requiring teams to be educated and up-to-date on digitally evolving processes. However, there is a clear opportunity, said Andreasen, as this tech can facilitate effective growth.
Purpose, culture, and engagement are crucial aspects of business that are becoming an increasingly important consideration for candidates. Andreasen noted that these components can and should form the basis to drive performance.
Also discussed was the importance of communication, and how processes can break down when lines of communication aren’t upheld. Andreasen touched on his experiences at both start-ups and large organisations, and how many themes overlap, no matter the size of the company.
For leaders seeking happy, engaged, motivated, and driven employees, a collective vision is essential. That vision needs to be clearly communicated as early as the hiring process in a way that ensures employees feel invested and included.
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with deputy chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security (PJCIS), Andrew Wallace MP.
The pair begin their discussion focusing on the importance and need for the creation of a parliamentary joint committee on defence, with similar oversight powers to the PJCIS, to ensure that Australia’s elected representatives can conduct critical oversight of Defence.
The pair also discuss:
- Wallace’s recent analysis piece for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, emphasising the nation’s growing need to develop and institute a whole-of-nation national security strategy, building on the work of the late major general and senator Jim Molan, AO, DSC.
- The number of societal, economic, and political challenges that serve to undermine and divide Australia, particularly for young Australians who feel disconnected from the nation’s future and our national security.
- The Coalition’s national security priorities and emphasis should it be re-elected at the upcoming federal election.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
In this special episode, host Annie Kane sits down with Gerald Foley, the managing director of National Mortgage Brokers (nMB), to explore how he helped ANZ launch into broker space, how broking has evolved over the years, and what he thinks the future of broking looks like.
Tune in to discover:
- Why ANZ decided to start operating in the broker channel.
- Why the banks decided to introduce trail commission.
- The importance of supporting mental health in industry.
And much more!
In this exclusive episode of Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by former prime minister and treasurer of Australia, Scott Morrison.
The pair discuss:
- Morrison’s departure from politics and plans for the future, his new role as non-executive vice-chairman at American Global Strategies, and as adviser with venture capital firm DYNE.
- A recent visit to South Korea, Australia’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific as well as speculation surrounding defence companies Hanwha and Austal.
- About a modern, grey-zone Cold War between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
- Australia’s increasingly complex relationship with the People’s Republic of China and a recent incident between a PLA fighter jet and a Royal Australian Navy helicopter.
- The empowerment of Australia’s closest neighbourhood partnerships with Nauru and the Solomon Islands, and maintaining the Indo-Pacific status quo.
- Australian involvement in, and the behind-the-scenes formation of, the AUKUS trilateral partnership, its original intent and vision.
- The US presidential election and possible re-election of Donald Trump.
- The accomplishments and downfalls of Morrison’s career in politics and during his time as the 30th Prime Minister of Australia.
- Morrison’s own experiences with Australian Defence Force equipment such as F-35 stealth aircraft, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and a personal favourite – the Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
In this special episode, Mortgage and Finance Leader host Annie Kane sits down with the executive chairman of LMG, Sam White, to explore how the group evolved to become the biggest aggregator in the continent and what the payroll tax court case means for the broking industry.
Tune in to discover:
How and why LMG grew into Australasia’s largest aggregator. What the payroll tax judgment means for brokers. What he thinks the future of broking looks like. And much more!
In this episode of Momentum Media's ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by shadow treasurer Angus Taylor to discuss the current state of the financial advice sector, the economy, the housing affordability crisis and more.
Taylor, a key figure in the opposition, shared his views on a range of issues from the government’s handling of the Quality of Advice Review (QAR) to the challenges facing the Australian economy, including productivity, while also emphasising the principle that superannuation is Australians’ money, not the government’s.
The shadow treasurer shares his belief that the answer to most problems is less government intervention and not more.
“I’m a big believer in getting government out of the way as much as you can,” Taylor says.
Touching on Labor’s perceived regulatory overreach, specifically in financial services, Taylor says: “The commitment on our side … is to recognise that there has been regulatory overreach, that we have got a whole group of Australians now that are under-advised, underinsured and underbanked, and that we’ve got to have more accessible financial services and advice if Australians are to have the prosperity they deserve.”
Tune in to hear him speak about:
- The advice profession and the Coalition’s intentions
- Broader economic challenges
- The Help to Buy scheme, and more
In this episode of Momentum Media's Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, the president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and the CEO of Laing+Simmons sits down with REB’s Grace Ormsby to provide a health check on the current state of property and real estate across the country.
Acknowledging the many factors that are playing into Australia’s relationship with the asset class and the spotlight being shone on the sector, Leanne gives her two cents on the policies set to service housing markets for the better, and explains why others won’t have the desired effect.
With elections across the country looming, Leanne also emphasises the importance of collaboration and innovation, sharing how property professionals are well placed to forge a better future for not only real estate, but the society as a whole.
In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, a brand which sits within Momentum Media's Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with NCC Group head of legal (APAC) and head of data governance Elizabeth Duncan-Lee about working in a cyber security business and helping build a safer world, what it means to undertake a transformation project and what she and her team are currently working on, optimising daily operations, and the questions to be asked in getting started on such projects.
Ms Duncan-Lee also delves into the practical steps to be taken in the implementation of transformation projects, how best to carve out time for the law department’s other duties (including firefighting) while undertaking a transformation project and striking the right balance between competing priorities, how often to evaluate a project’s success and direction, knowing when the team can be confident in an outcome and how long to allow for a new approach to work, and lessons learnt from engaging in such transformative processes.
In this episode of Momentum Media's The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Blake Briggs, the chief executive officer of the Financial Services Council (FSC), to discuss the issues impacting the financial advice profession and Australians at large.
Mr Briggs examines the government’s bold approach to tax reform – both in relation to the stage three tax cuts and within the superannuation system – and highlights the importance of certainty and stability in tax settings to maintain consumer confidence.
Listen as they discuss:
- Why he is optimistic about the outcomes of the Quality of Advice Review.
- The importance of advisers registering with ASIC and the need for transparency in the ASIC levy.
- The busy year ahead with retirement income reforms, changes to the managed investment scheme review, and the implementation of the CSLR.
CyanoSat is the first Australian-designed and built hyperspectral imager designed to monitor water quality on Earth.
Hyperspectral imaging analyses the composition of materials and is being used by the CSIRO to differentiate harmful cyanobacteria from other algae in coastal and inland water bodies.
In this episode of Momentum Media's Space Connect Podcast, Dr Stephen Gensemer, who led the project, talks about how advancements in space can improve life on Earth.
In this episode of Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, Julian Hill MP, chair of the Defence subcommittee of the joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, joins host Steve Kuper to unpack the work of the subcommittee over 2023.
The pair begin by discussing the oversight role of parliamentary committees and the valuable work they do working with parliamentary decisionmakers and the public service to represent the interests of constituents.
They also discuss the War Powers legislation currently before the Parliament and the importance of having Parliament involved in the decision-making process, particularly off the back of recent revelations about the lead-up to Australia’s involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Finally, the pair discuss the focal points of the Defence Annual Report 2022–23, for which submissions are now open and encouraged.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team
In this episode of Momentum Media's The Smart Property Investment Show, McGrath Estate Agents chief executive officer, John McGrath, explains why Australia’s housing market has withstood 13 interest rate rises, a global pandemic, and major international conflicts.
The CEO hints at his own business’s growth strategy, highlighting the same sorts of considerations a savvy investor would look at.
He also shares tried and true strategies and top tips for buyers looking to purchase a piece of Australian property.
In this episode of Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Dr David Kershaw, chief science strategic planning and engagement of the Defence Science and Technology Group.
The pair begin discussing the evolution of the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and how it is working to help deliver key capability outcomes in line with the Defence Strategic Review and the creation of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ACSA).
They then move on to the role DSTG plays in bringing together Defence, industry, and academic institutions around the country through organisations like the Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) and the NSW-based Defence Innovation Network (DIN) to bring together the best and brightest to solve the unique scientific challenges that face the Australian Defence Force. Finally, they discuss the opportunities available to industry and academia to work with DSTG to deliver capability outcomes for the Australian warfighter.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team
Communication is a vital aspect of effective leadership and must be maintained if productivity is to prosper.
This was the topic of this episode of Momentum Media's The HR Leader, in which host Jack Campbell was joined by Larry Robertson, adviser, speaker, and author of WHY listen to, work with and follow YOU? Larry specialises in leadership communication and suggests that a staggering 80 per cent of a leader’s role revolves around effective communication. Larry argues that if no one is listening, then no one is following, and consequently, no leadership is taking place. This observation underscores the critical need for leaders to not only manage processes and content but also deeply engage with and motivate their teams. Meanwhile, Larry discusses the benefits of diversity and transferable skills. He recalls his transition from a structured military career to the dynamic and diverse world of advertising, where he was exposed to a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and perspectives. He vividly describes the creative energy that diversity can unleash within an organisation, leading to innovation and success.
In this episode of Momentum Media's The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Cyber GC founder principal Annie Haggar (a former winner of the General Counsel of the Year category at the Australian Law Awards) to discuss how and why the federal government’s new cyber security strategy has emerged, how Australia is faring relative to overseas counterparts on cyber matters at present, and the headline takeaways for lawyers and legal services providers from the new strategy.
Ms Haggar also dives into how the market has responded to the new strategy, the extent to which various legal practice areas have received suitable guidance, the questions lawyers, firms, and teams must be asking of themselves and their businesses, whether proactive refusal of work from those whose processes aren’t up to scratch should be implemented, why lawyers must be at the heart of cyber responses moving forward, and why lawyers need to view cyber as part and parcel of their duties to the courts, clients, and the broader community.
In this special episode of Momentum Media's Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Meryl Swanson MP, Member for Paterson, at the Indo Pacific 2023 Maritime Expo to discuss the latest news around defence and defence industry.
The pair begin the podcast discussing the latest news around the Indo Pacific 2023 Maritime Expo and the key priorities of the Albanese government.
The pair also discuss the Albanese government’s commitment to the nation’s defence and defence industry, pushing back against the comments made by the Opposition’s defence spokespeople.
In particular, Swanson highlights the importance and deliberate nature of the government's Defence Strategic Review and the deliberate, considered actions taken by the Albanese government in delivering the findings of the review.
Finally, the pair discuss the key, standout exhibitors of the Indo Pacific 2023 Maritime Expo for Swanson and her key findings following a recent trip to the US to speak with US lawmakers about the AUKUS agreement.
Enjoy the podcast!
In this special episode, Momentum Markets director Phil Tarrant sits down with general manager of third-party banking at Bankwest, Ian Rakhit, to explore the evolving role of mortgage brokers within the industry and to uncover the future prospects and opportunities for this dynamic field.
Tune in to discover:
- The significance of customer choice and the pivotal role played by brokers in ensuring it.
- The impact of digitisation on the mortgage process.
- Promising opportunities for brokers.
And much more!
Auctioneer Tom Panos shares all the details that the cameras didn’t capture in this year’s 2023 finale of The Block.
Speaking with REB's Phil Tarrant, Tom shares the strategy that he as an auctioneer deployed to get his sellers the best price – which turned out to be best of the show, delivering fan favourites Steph and Gian the win and a hefty prize of $1.75 million dollars.
Hear about all the things the TV edit cut out, in this instalment of Real Estate Exposed.
In this special episode, Mortgage and Finance Leader host Annie Kane sits down with AFG chairman and former ASIC chairman Greg Medcraft to discuss why he believes Australia needs a public RMBS and his proudest achievements as chairman of the financial services regulator.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he’s passionate about securitisation
- What he’s most proud of from his tenure as ASIC chairman
- Why he joined AFG
And much more!
Momentum Media's ifa editor Maja Garaca Djurdjevic sits down with Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones in this exclusive interview at the Australian Parliament House.
In this conversation, Minister Jones shares his candid assessment of the progress in financial advice, discusses his goals for the industry, addresses criticism surrounding his approach to the Quality of Advice Review, and delves into the role of superannuation funds, banks, and insurers in shaping the future of advice.
Discover the minister's vision for the advice industry and his plans to inspire young Australians to pursue careers in this field.
You’ll hear:
- Minister Jones' reflections on his commitment to addressing industry issues and the progress made during his first year and a half in government.
- Insights into the legislative timeline for streams one and two of the Quality of Advice Review response.
- The minister's views on consumer protection, Michelle Levy’s good advice model, and strategies to encourage funds to offer advice.
- The enactment of the experience pathway, its reception, and Minister Jones' message to those who find it contentious.
In this episode of the Momentum Media's HR Leader podcast, Luli Adeyemo, the executive director at the Tech Diversity Foundation, shines a light on the importance of diversity in the workplace.
Luli highlights the need for organisations to go beyond awareness and take meaningful action to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. She discusses the concept of intersectionality, which refers to how different aspects of an individual’s identity, such as gender, race, disability, and culture, intersect and influence their experiences and opportunities. She highlights the importance of considering intersectionality when addressing diversity and inclusion. Luli also emphasises the need to go beyond one data point and understand the intersection of various characteristics within a diverse workforce.
The founder and CEO of Vantage Performance said the increased costs of servicing a mortgage had depleted cash built up during the pandemic and it was business as usual for credit card debt.
“Inflation is coming down because the household savings rate is now at such a low level,” he said on Momentum Media's Accountants Daily podcast. “Also through Covid the average credit card balance dropped by a third … it’s just tipped back up at the end of the June quarter, back up to the peak of where it was pre-Covid.”
“The economy, in terms of discretionary spending, is now exhausting itself.”
“Look at the US and Europe – when you go into a recession with a very low household savings rate the recession is worse because there’s just no buffer.”
As a junior practitioner who has suffered debilitating mental health struggles, Kian Rafie is determined to see the legal profession get better at talking openly about our individual experiences. Talking, he says, can make all the difference. (Content warning: This episode contains content that may be disturbing or distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.)
On this episode of Momentum Media's The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Piper Alderman lawyer Kian Rafie about the importance of having more frequent conversations about mental health struggles for lawyers, his motivation to be a lawyer, and his journey with and through anxiety, depression and suicide ideation as a junior practitioner. Mr Rafie also reflects on where he is now relative to years gone by, the support he has received from legal professionals, why talking is so important, overcoming the bravado that exists among Australian men, balancing the need to protect one’s self in a still-traditional sector versus addressing one’s struggles, practical steps that have helped him get better, and other words of wisdom based on his experience for those coming through the ranks. Help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Each law society and bar association also has resources available on their respective websites.
Dr Scott Sleap is a veteran STEM educator and space luminary who recently returned from a fellowship program in the US, where he visited aerospace sites such as NASA, Boeing, and the Smithsonian.
He believes Australia is in need of a National Space and Deep Tech Centre to boost our sovereign space capabilities and help our domestic space industry compete on the global stage.
Scott speaks to Momentum Media's Space Connect podcast on his learnings from the US trip and how he believes they can be applied to the Australian space industry.
He also offers his insights from decades of STEM teaching on how to get people involved in the space sector and the best way to educate them.
In this special episode of Mortgage and Finance Leader, host Annie Kane sits down with founder of Stargate and Interstar Securities, Vernon Spencer, to discuss the beginnings of the mortgage industry and how he became the father of residential mortgage-backed securities in Australia.
Tune in to find out:
- How the mortgage and broking industry started in Australia
- How and why he brought RMBS to Australia
- The importance of technology and innovation in improving the mortgage process
And much more!
Lawyers Weekly Show host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Colin Biggers & Paisley managing partner Nick Crennan about the biggest issues facing heads of large firms in this financial year, the difference between managing and leading, and much more.
Mr Crennan reflects on his 35-year journey with Colin Biggers & Paisley and becoming that firm’s managing partner, the state of affairs for Australia’s legal marketplace and the challenges being presented, how those challenges compare to previous market cycles, the “tipping point” being experienced, and ongoing presence of uncertainty. He also delves into the distinction between management and leadership, how and why BigLaw firms will shore up particular practice areas and what strategies are employed when doing so, taking a long-term view of the market, the five big issues for FY24, and the role of managing partners.
Australia’s longest-serving High Court judge, Michael Kirby, speaks with Sarah Bell for the 2023 RiSE conference, in partnership with REB, on what it takes to cultivate a strong sense of self.
In this episode of Momentum Media's HR Leader podcast, Springfox chief executive and co-founder Peta Sigley shares insights into the importance of addressing resilience and wellbeing at work.
The conversation highlights the importance of building resilience, the different levels of listening, and the role of positive psychology in promoting positive mental wellbeing. With a focus on education and practical implementation, Peta emphasises the need for ongoing support and continuous improvement in the workplace.
Peta also touched on loneliness and how identifying and addressing this issue is crucial, especially as R U OK? Day approaches. To deal with these heavy themes, she highlighted the need for robust courses, engagements, and programs that provide education.
HR leaders play a crucial role in championing resilience and mental health, ensuring its integration into the organisation’s culture. Peta emphasises that building resilience is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
In 2003, regularly updated maps of recently burnt areas of our bush were uploaded onto a website hosted by Charles Darwin University, known as the North Australian Fire Information service, or NAFI.
Twenty years on, NAFI’s maps of active fires and burnt areas underpin fire management across northern Australia.
The maps are used for planning, response, implementation, and reporting.
Rohan Fisher joins Momentum Media's Space Connect Podcast with host Adam Thorn to talk through more about how it works.
On this special episode produced in partnership with Run Rocket Run, Wellness Daily Show host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Run Rocket Run founder Rodney Cottam about his life and journey, his organisation’s partnership with Invictus Australia, and his campaign to promote physical and mental resilience.
Mr Cottam speaks to Mr Doraisamy about his military background and the perspective he gained from such experiences, the hardship he has overcome following a motor vehicle accident, the toll such times took on him and the lessons he learnt, and what professionals of all stripes can take away from his journey.
He also discusses the importance of community, how and why he founded Run Rocket Run, what it aims to achieve and the various campaigns he is undertaking, why he partnered with Invictus Australia, why running is such an uplifting activity for him, and how everyone can support his advocacy.
To learn more about Run Rocket Run, click here.
Leanne Pilkington believes that when opportunity knocks on your door, it’s crucial not only to answer the call but to fully maximise its potential.
The chief executive and director of Laing+Simmons, and deputy president of the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), sits down with Grace Ormsby and Sadhana Smiles on this episode of The Wire to reveal the story behind her rise to becoming the leader of REB Awards 2023’s Major Network of the Year awardee, navigating trials, tribulations, and even ultimatums along the way.
She also delves into the lessons in leadership she has learned over her decades-long run in the industry, including dealing with feedback, the importance of visibility, and what it takes to become a successful leader.
In this episode, find out:
- Why communication is the foundation of a successful business operation
- How awareness is important to drive necessary changes
- The role mentors play in empowering future leaders
In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Malcolm Davis, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), joins host Stephen Kuper to unpack the economic and geopolitical implications of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
- The pair begin the podcast assessing how a failure of the US to defend Taiwan could create a broader fallout in the Indo-Pacific.
- Davis and Kuper then unpack the economic and industrial ramifications of an invasion, especially in areas of high technology which rely on semiconductors and microchips.
- The podcast wraps up discussing what lessons could be taken from the invasion of Ukraine, and how Australia could plan for a potential conflict in Taiwan.
Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
An expert lays out the argument on why rapid rate increases — which has been the Reserve Bank’s traditional weapon of choice against inflation — won’t just cut it anymore.
In this special episode, host Phil Tarrant sits down with Mark Bouris, the founder of Wizard Home Loans and Yellow Brick Road, to talk about why the central bank’s current approach to tackling the high inflationary levels is short-sighted, as it fails to consider current economic trends.
With this, the industry commentator called for the government, along with the RBA, to tweak its monetary and fiscal policies and explained why its inflation target band should be a medium-term goal rather than a short-term one based on the chain of events that unfolded during the country’s 1990s recession.
The pair also delves into how mortgage holders are specifically being “punished” by the rate hikes, the current state of play in the world of brokers and lenders, and unpacks what options are available to borrowers in today’s high-interest rate environment.
On this episode of Secrets of the Top 100 Agents, Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) chief executive officer, Tim McKibbin sits down with host Grace Ormsby for a discussion on the issues currently facing the state’s property market.
Tim provides a snapshot of the NSW property market’s movement across the turbulent last 12 months, before offering up solutions to the approval inefficiencies of the “utterly ridiculous” council approvals process. Additionally, he wonders whether the upcoming state election being a “renters’ election” is compounding market woes.
Four out of 10 issues raised by small business concern “shabby” payment behaviour by the big end of town, says Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson.
“Sadly, about 40 per cent of the matters that come our way are related to payment times,” Mr Billson said on Accountants Daily Insider.
“The previous federal government introduced a reporting register so 7,000 of our largest corporates have to report quarterly on just what their terms are.”
“That was a bit of a show and tell, hopefully, a nudge to improve performance. “But it hasn’t actually improved that much at all. We see far too many small and family businesses waiting way too long to get paid for what they do for their big business clients.
“It’s just shabby. It doesn’t need to be this way.”
In this special episode, shadow minister for cyber security and shadow minister for countering foreign interference, Senator James Paterson joins Phil Tarrant (director - Momentum Media) and MAJGEN (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson to discuss the regulatory impediments preventing Australia from becoming a leader in cyber security.
The group begins the podcast discussing the cyber security threats facing Australia and the role of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Senator Paterson then details how foreign interference and espionage have overtaken terrorism as the primary security concern for Australia.
The team wraps up the podcast in outlining the importance of attracting the right talent with the right skills to power Australian cyber security businesses.
In this special episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the ADF's Information Warfare Division and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, unpack the extent of the Optus hack, and how the data breach could impact regular Australians.
- Looking back at similar large-scale hacks that have shocked the industry, the pair observe how the normalisation of mass data breaches demands continued collaboration in the industry as hackers can target any business, at any time.
- The pair continue the podcast discussing the difficulty of attributing the attack to either state-based actors or criminal gangs, and recent trends in cyber victimology.
- The podcast wraps up with recommendations for Optus customers, including the use of new passwords, app-based two-factor authentication and monitoring for financial intrusion.
Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team
In this exclusive interview with shadow financial services minister and former assistant treasurer, Stuart Robert MP, editor of mortgages Annie Kane finds out what the Morrison government really thought about the banking royal commission’s broker remuneration recommendations. The former assistant treasurer reveals why the government was “uncomfortable” with brokers being included in the banking royal commission, and its reasons for scrapping its “action” on broker remuneration.
Tune in to find out:
- How Treasury reacted to the recommendations on broker remuneration
- How the broking community engaged with the Coalition government
- Why he thinks brokers are an asset to borrowers
And much more!
Independent Senator for South Australia Rex Patrick joins host Liam Garman in the studio to assess the government and opposition’s defence policies ahead of the upcoming federal election.
The pair begins by discussing recent developments in the submarine program, where the Senator draws upon his expertise as a submariner to give strategic advice on building a domestic submarine capability.
The podcast continues with an analysis into the government’s recent announcement regarding the expansion of the ADF, and whether this was already embedded in defence’s forward staffing estimates.
The pair wraps up the podcast by discussing Australia’s defence industry, and how government can do a better job integrating local SMEs into the defence supply chain.
In the wake of Russian-linked cyber attacks on Ukraine, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) have issued a warning to Australian organisations that malicious activity may have local ramifications.
In this special episode, hear from Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of information warfare for the ADF, as he and host Phil Tarrant
discuss Russia’s history of cyber war and how this vector will continue to shape peace and conflict in the future.
The pair dissect the impact of cyber warfare on Australian businesses, offering much food for thought for Australian accountants who hold valuable client data in their books.
MAJGEN (Ret’d) Thompson also reveals how many malicious actors work in concert with state-sponsored groups to exploit the cyber domain and why businesses need to be putting their best foot forward to combat virtual attacks.
In this exclusive interview with shadow financial services minister and shadow assistant treasurer Stephen Jones MP, join Momentum Media's editor of mortgages Annie Kane as she speaks to the member for Whitlam about the valuable role that financial advisers and brokers play in supporting Australian borrowers and what the Australian Labor Party would offer the financial services, credit and superannuation space should it win the federal election. Tune in to find out:
- Why he thinks the FASEA education changes have been a debacle
- The reason he changed from going direct to using a mortgage broker
- What he thinks financial and credit advisers need to be focusing on moving forward
And much more!
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says he is ready to go head-to-head with the Labor Party on what he labelled its “secret plans” to crack down on property taxes ahead of the next election.
In this exclusive interview with Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock, the Treasurer fires a shot at what he dubs the Labor Party’s “war on aspiration” towards homebuyers.
Hear first-hand what the Treasurer has to say about “another battleline” come election time for negative gearing as well the Coalition's pathway out of COVID-19, GDP growth and rebuilding the economy for a more prosperous future.
Join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to David Coleman, Member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Together, the pair discuss the importance of shining a spotlight on mental health issues, share why the consequences of stigmatising mental health are significant, and reveal how you can make a difference to your workplace, community, family and friends.