Election 2025: What Labor will do with its thumping win

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

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

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

This week on The Fin podcast, Joanna Mather and Michelle Bowes on how the super tax will work, why it’s so controversial and what people are doing to get ready for it. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: 7 ways the wealthiest will beat the $3m super taxInvestment bonds, an early inheritance for the kids or just cop it on the chin? Affected taxpayers are weighing their options.ATO puts wealthy families on notice over $3m super taxThe new tax is not yet law but the ATO wants to understand the “behavioural responses” to the planned tax that might already be occurring.There is a case to reform super tax breaks. But not this wayAustralia’s tax breaks on retirement balances are generous. But the treasurer is going about reform the wrong way, experts say.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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