With Interest

In 2026, auditors are working in an environment defined by AI technologies, heightened scrutiny, regulatory oversight and ethics demands. Which is why it's vital that professionals in audit understand this evolving landscape. Additionally, how the regulator ASIC views key issues and what it is focusing on in 2026. ASIC commissioner Kate O'Rourke is this episode's special guest and she discusses the evolution of audit and financial oversight at a pivotal time. This episode explores: The biggest forces currently reshaping the audit and assurance landscape in Australia The key areas where ASIC expect firms to lift their performance The role of digital tools, automation and AI in enhancing audit quality, risk detection, and regulatory oversight The safeguards, ethical standards, and governance structure ASIC expects firms to put in place when integrating advanced analytics or AI into audit processes Emerging major international trends How stronger global alignment could shape the future of Australia's audit framework Capabilities that the next generation of auditors need How regulators, firms, and professional bodies like CPA Australia can work together to build that future-ready workforce pipeline. Listen now for expert-led insights from ASIC. Host: Tiffany Tan, audit and assurance lead, CPA Australia. Guest: Kate O'Rourke, ASIC commissioner. She previously held senior leadership roles at Treasury and has held executive roles at ASIC overseeing corporate transactions and governance. Kate O'Rourke began her five-year term as an ASIC commissioner in September 2023. ASIC is Australia's integrated corporate, markets, financial services, and consumer credit regulator. It is an independent Australian government body. Head to ASIC online for more information on its senior leadership. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

We all want to be happy at work. Or at least happier, don't we? Across this conversation, listeners will learn about a foundational concept: Success often follows happiness rather than causes it. Drawing on research in positive psychology, the episode outlines how mindset, habits and self-awareness account for a large share of overall wellbeing, far outweighing external circumstances. It also explains how small, consistent practices such as learning to be grateful can recalibrate the brain's natural bias toward the negative. Listeners will learn: The relationship between happiness and leadership Positive psychology as a field of research Research data on happiness and how it's a 'skill' The key components of developing workplace happiness and contentment How to recognise 'green-light moments' Ways to shift out of work-related ruts, regain perspective and avoid catastrophising This Career Hacks episode is a must-listen for anyone looking for that elusive happiness factor at work. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Declan Edwards, happiness researcher, speaker, coach and consultant. He is founder of the BU Happiness College, which has a vision of making the skills and science of happiness more accessible to individuals, organisations and the world. For more information, head to the BU Happiness College on LinkedIn. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. Click subscribe on the channel to stay updated on the latest episodes. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

AI is advancing fast – but is it responsible? In this must-listen episode, global AI expert Dr Rumman Chowdhury shares what you need to know about building AI systems that are fair, transparent and future-ready. Key insights and questions include: Is it too late to create a responsible AI environment? What defines responsible AI? Managing AI bias and ethical risk The rise of sovereign AI Workforce disruption: preparing for AI-driven change Is AI the final frontier for humans? Listen now. Host: Jacqueline Blondell, Content Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Dr Rumman Chowdhury. She is CEO and co-founder of Humane Intelligence, a nonprofit advancing community-driven AI auditing and evaluation. As the US Science Envoy for AI, Rumman engages in global AI governance efforts with a focus on emerging markets. Previously, she led AI ethics teams at Twitter and Accenture, pioneering enterprise-level AI risk mitigation tools. Rumman is the CEO and co-founder of Humane Intelligence, and she is speaking at this year's CPA Congress. You can learn more about Rumman at her website. Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

In an interconnected world, one trait is fast becoming a must-have skill for finance and accounting professionals. It's cultural intelligence. This episode explores how understanding cultural differences and adapting your approach can elevate trust, strengthen collaboration and deliver better business outcomes. With expert-led insights, learn how cultural conditioning shapes trust and what strategies can help you lead with authenticity while respecting cultural norms. Learn clear, actionable ways to embed cultural agility into daily practice – from client meetings to cross-border negotiations. Key learnings include: How to identify and manage cultural blind spots in finance and accounting Practical strategies to build trust across borders and multicultural teams Why hierarchy and communication styles matter in Asia-Pacific contexts How culturally intelligent leaders navigate ambiguity and high-stakes decisions Tips for balancing authenticity with cultural adaptability in global business Whether you're leading an international team, negotiating cross-border deals or simply aiming to sharpen your Asia capability, this episode will give you insights to succeed in today's global finance landscape. Host: Tahn Sharpe, INTHEBLACK Editor, CPA Australia Guest: Charlotta Oberg, Program Director, Asialink Leaders Program, Associate Director, Capability Development at Asialink Business Links: You can take a short, self-paced or facilitated course with the Asialink Business Academy. Gain credentialed Asia insights and connections through the Asialink Leader Program. And be inspired by Asia-capable leaders across sectors, including financial services. Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Private credit is booming. But do investors fully understand the risks? In this episode, learn the mechanics of private credit, its place within the private capital universe and why it's suddenly everywhere - from retail portfolios to billion-dollar super funds. Key takeaways include: Why private credit is not the "bond-like risk" some claim it is How super funds allocate private credit under regulatory pressure Why borrower type, loan structure and economic cycles matter What needs to change in how private credit is marketed The potential regulatory interventions on the horizon Whether you're an institutional investor or private wealth adviser, this episode is a must-listen. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Michael Block, CIO, Bellmont Securities You can learn about Bellmont Securities at their website and find them on LinkedIn. Additionally, discover more with this overview of private credit from the RBA. And you can read Michael's contributions on Investor Strategy News: The four-letter word private credit investors have forgotten Credit's day of reckoning is upon us You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Would you like to listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

How do you maintain your strategic focus in such a volatile global market? Sanjeev Gandhi, Orica's managing director and CEO, shares his insightful views on this and much more. Gandhi and CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland chatted on stage at the recent ECTA (Economic Trade and Agreement) Unleashed event – a one-day conference held in Sydney between CPA Australia and the Australian (Sydney) chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The event connected CPA Australia members, community leaders, business, and government agencies to deliver practical insights and technical information on both the Australian and Indian markets. This episode is a recording of that insightful conversation. Gandhi outlines the realities of operating in more than 130 jurisdictions and explains why the last five years have marked the most unpredictable period of his career. This conversation also covers issues such as: Navigating global volatility Opportunities created by geopolitical shifts The Australia-India partnership Productivity and policy challenges in Australia Shifts from globalisation to localisation Listen in now. Host: Chris Freeland AM, CEO, CPA Australia Guest: Sanjeev Gandhi, Managing Director and CEO, Orica Head to Orica's website and LinkedIn for more information. And you can learn about this event at its CPA Australia page. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

All works contained in this podcast are not intended to constitute legal or professional advice and may not reflect the views and opinions of CPA Australia. CPA Australia does not warrant or make representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or fitness for purpose of this podcast and disclaims all liability and responsibility for any acts or omissions made in reliance of this podcast. Individuals should seek their own independent legal, financial or other advice for their specific circumstances. When anti-money laundering (AML) comes to mind, most accountants assume it only applies to large transactions – but that's now changing. This episode explains new AML obligations for accountants. Specifically, how the reforms to AML and counter terrorism financing (CTF) in 2026 will affect many accounting practices. You'll gain a clear understanding of what the changes will mean, including which services fall under the new designated services rules, how the regulator AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) will assess compliance and what firms can do now to prepare. Key learnings include: An explanation of the regulator AUSTRAC's role and tranche two reforms to the AML/CTF regime The timeline for implementation of these new reforms How to identify whether your services qualify as "designated" services How to conduct risk assessments Why client onboarding and beneficial ownership checks will become more detailed What sole practitioners should consider in meeting new compliance obligations Tune in now for valuable information on this key reform in 2026. Host: Neville Birthisel, Advisor, Regulations and Standards, CPA Australia Guest: Adrian Verdnik, Partner and Section Leader, Banking and Financial Services Practice, Hall & Wilcox. His financial services law practice covers superannuation, managed funds, insurance and financial advice. Learn more about today's episode guest at the Hall & Wilcox website. AUSTRAC's site has more information on what accountants need to know about AML and CTF reform. Additionally, CPA Australia's Public Practice My Firm My Future site has further information on AML and CTF obligations for many practitioners in Australia. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

AI has become one of the most-used business technologies. But delve deeper into the biz tech data and there's another story to be told. In the latest CPA Australia Business Technology Report, 89 per cent of respondents said their organisation used AI in 2025, up from 69 per cent in 2024 and 55 per cent in 2023. Yet only 16 per cent report that AI is fully embedded across their operations. Most teams are still experimenting, often relying on free or basic tools rather than structured, strategic adoption. The gap between usage and true integration points to significant untapped potential. Many core finance and operational processes are still only lightly digitised, despite clear opportunities for efficiency, clarity and improved decision-making. This episode examines how finance and accounting teams can use AI to strengthen systems and create capacity where it matters most. Drawing on the survey's findings, you'll hear how top-performing businesses integrate AI across their workflows and why mindset, curiosity and practical governance underpin successful adoption. Gain a grounded view of how firms apply AI in everyday workflows, supported by data from CPA Australia's annual tech and business report. Listen now for practical steps to help your business integrate AI. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guest: Kyelie Baxter FCPA, Managing Director, IQ Accountants The CPA Australia Business Technology Report 2025 is a valuable resource for those who want the latest tech usage trends by business. Additionally, this YouTube webinar Securing the Future: AI, Cybersecurity & the Road to Tech-Driven Growth has related insights with industry experts and technology leaders discussing the latest trends, challenges and strategies in building tech-forward organisations. And for more on this episode's guest, head to IQ Accountants on LinkedIn. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Did you know that one of Australia's biggest superannuation reforms in decades is starting in July 2026? Are you prepared for the change? In short, with legislation moving through Parliament, Australia will move from quarterly to payday-based superannuation payments – a significant shift with implications across business. This expert-led episode, featuring three guests, explores the systems issues and regulatory implications as well as why Payday Super is happening and the benefits of this change to employees. Key takeaways include: How cash flow, payroll systems and compliance will be affected by this change The closure of the Small Business Super Clearinghouse (SBSCH) How the seven-day payment rule will work for missing payments Practical steps accountants can take to help prepare clients early Listen now for expert advice to help you prepare for the changes coming soon to superannuation in Australia. Host: Tahn Sharpe, Editor, INTHEBLACK Guests: Kristen Yarbrough, Product Manager at CloudPayroll Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Richard Webb, Superannuation Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Learn more about CloudPayroll at its website and its LinkedIn account. And you can read an article about Payday Super on INTHEBLACK. Loving this episode? Tune in to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to subscribe. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Australia remains one of the few advanced economies still using PDFs for financial reporting – a format most global markets have already left behind. In this episode, you'll gain expert-led insights on why adopting digital financial reporting in Australia is critical to supporting trust, transparency and competitiveness in global markets. Explore how structured data allows regulators, investors and businesses to analyse and compare information more efficiently, driving better decision-making and reducing capital costs. Listeners will learn: How structured data improves accountability and investor confidence Why global markets already mandate digital reporting standards The link between digital disclosure and lower capital costs How AI will enhance – not replace – digital reporting workflows What Australian policymakers can learn from global peers Learn why CPA Australia is recommending a mandate for digital reporting by listed entities in this expert-led discussion. Listen now. Host: Ram Subramanian, External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Guest: John Turner ,CEO of XBRL International, a global, non-profit standards body dedicated to improving business performance through enhanced transparency and accountability in reporting. With a background in law, IT, and government, he has led innovation in business model design, systems development and data standards for over two decades. For more, INTHEBLACK has an article on why digital reporting should be mandatory in Australia. Additionally, this interim report from 2025 by the Productivity Commission provides broader context to digital reporting. And you can find out John Turner's organisation XBRL at its website. Loving this episode? Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. And don't forget to click subscribe on the channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

In this special episode of With Interest, CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland sits down with Australia's Auditor General, Dr Caralee McLiesh, for an exclusive fireside chat on public sector challenges. The conversation builds on Dr McLiesh's keynote address on performance management in the Commonwealth public sector, drawing on insights from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) annual report, released in September 2025. The discussion took place following a roundtable lunch in Canberra on 5 August 2025, where CPA Australia convened senior public sector leaders to hear Dr McLiesh's keynote before she joined Chris Freeland to expand on the key themes. Listen now. Speakers: Dr Caralee McLiesh, Auditor-General of Australia and Chris Freeland, CEO, CPA Australia. You can listen to the keynote speech from the roundtable in full by Australia's Auditor-General, Dr Caralee McLiesh. For more information about the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) head to its website. And you can learn more about Dr Caralee McLiesh's career from this PMC statement following her announcement as Australia's auditor general in 2024. Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

In this special With Interest episode, you can listen in full to a keynote speech by Australia’s Auditor-General, Dr Caralee McLiesh. The speech focuses on performance management in the Commonwealth public sector, drawing on some of the many findings in the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) annual report, released in September 2025. The Auditor-General addresses the state of performance management 10 years after the introduction of the Public Governance Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Act of 2013. In her speech, she highlights three key areas where the framework's full potential has yet to be realised. CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland brought together senior leaders from across the public sector for a roundtable lunch in the nation’s capital on August 5, 2025, where the Auditor-General gave this insightful keynote. Listen now. Speaker: Dr Caralee McLiesh, Auditor-General of Australia For more information about the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) head to its website. And you can learn more about Dr Caralee McLiesh’s career from this PMC statement following her announcement as Australia’s auditor general in 2024. Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

How does the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ensure tax fairness when dealing with large corporations. In this episode, the Deputy Commissioner, Public Groups, at the ATO explains how the tax office works to promote transparency, accountability and compliance in the large market sector. This discussion sheds light on how the ATO’s strategic approach supports both corporate confidence and public trust. Some of the key areas covered include: Current state of the large business market The Tax Avoidance Taskforce Key trends in compliance Overall relationship between large businesses and the tax system Dispute resolution The introduction of public country-by-country reporting The future of the relationship between big business and the ATO Listen now for expert-led insights from the ATO’s expert in this field. Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Rebecca Saint, Deputy Commissioner, Public Groups, ATO. Rebecca plays a leading role in the Tax Avoidance Taskforce, where she handles large market strategy and compliance and assurance programs for public and multinational groups. For more, you can read Rebecca’s speech at the CPA Tax Forum 2025. And this ATO Findings Report on public and multinational business disputes and outcomes will provide further context to this episode. Keen to listen to more episodes? With Interest and other CPA Australia podcasts are uploaded regularly to YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

In part two of this With Interest conversation, experts David Bradbury, Paul Tilley, Dale Pinto and Jenny Wong discuss the global tax reform debate, unpacking the challenges and opportunities facing Australia. Key takeaways include: Why OECD Pillar Two still has a fighting chanceThe impact of dividend imputation on tax reformWhy stamp duty is a critical state-level issueHow tariffs vs VAT reflect shifting US tax policyInternational best practices to boost investor confidence. From corporate tax rate dilemmas to economic nationalism, this episode explores how geopolitical tensions and tax complexity are reshaping the future of taxation. The discussion was held at CPA Australia’s inaugural Tax Forum in August 2025. Listen now. Hosts: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia and Dale Pinto, Global President and Chair of CPA Australia Guests: David Bradbury, partner at KPMG Australia, former Federal Minister and Assistant Treasurer, former Deputy Director of the OECD's Centre for Tax Policy and Administration Paul Tilley, former economic advisor to Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and author of Mixed Fortunes: A History of Tax Reform in Australia. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Missed part one? Find it here. Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Australia’s tax system is under pressure. In part one of this With Interest conversation, Jenny Wong is joined by two of the country’s leading voices in tax policy — David Bradbury and Paul Tilley. Together, they explore the structural flaws in Australia’s tax system, the economic and political barriers to reform and the urgent need for a tax mix shift. Key takeaways include: Why Australia’s tax system may not be fit for “dangerous times"The single biggest structural flaw in Australia’s tax system today The risks of over-reliance on personal income tax How capital income tax impacts productivity and investment Why Australia has gone 25 years without meaningful change From capital taxation challenges to the erosion of GST revenue, this conversation offers deep insights into the future of tax reform in Australia. The discussion was held at CPA Australia’s inaugural Tax Forum in August 2025. Listen now. Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Guests: David Bradbury, partner at KPMG Australia, former Federal Minister and Assistant Treasurer, former Deputy Director of the OECD's Centre for Tax Policy and Administration Paul Tilley, former economic advisor to Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and author of Mixed Fortunes: A History of Tax Reform in Australia. You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website. Stay tuned for part two as David Bradbury, Paul Tilley, Dale Pinto and Jenny Wong discuss the global tax reform debate, unpacking the challenges and opportunities facing Australia. Coming soon. Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia’s YouTube channel. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

How can we attract more accountants and future-proof the profession? In this episode we take a deep dive with IFAC into this pressing question. You’ll learn about accounting’s talent pipeline – its challenges and possible solutions. Key takeaways include: What’s really driving the talent shortage and how firms, educators and policymakers can respond. Simple ways to position accounting as a dynamic, valued career choice. Why reaching future accountants in primary school – and harnessing gamification – sparks lifelong curiosity. How AI is reshaping (not replacing) accounting jobs, and what skillsets are essential for today’s graduates. Real-world strategies to build an engaged and future-proofed accounting team. If you’re in business or accounting leadership, don’t miss these actionable insights to help understand and elevate the profession’s future. Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External affairs, CPA Australia Guest: Bruce Vivian, Head of Accountancy Education, IFAC You can learn more about Bruce Vivian’s career and his role with IFAC. And read IFAC’s story on possible incentives for attracting accounting talent. Also, check out IFAC’s website for its attractiveness of the profession hub which includes resources on preparing a future-ready profession and roles for the next decade. You can listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Want strategic insights to help navigate the tricky landscape of international trade? Designed for Australian accountants and business leaders seeking an edge in global trade, this podcast will give you expert-led insights into: How to assess financial health before entering new markets Cash flow strategies that support sustainable export growth Practical tools for managing risks in international trade Ways government loans and grants can accelerate expansion Why early lender engagement is key to successful financing Our guest is an export expert! Sonia Kammel is the CFO of Export Finance Australia (EFA), the Australian Government's export credit agency, which supports export trade and overseas infrastructure development. Packed with practical advice and real-world examples, this episode equips you with the knowledge to help guide businesses and clients to global success. Tune in now. Host: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International Lead, CPA Australia Guest: Sonia Kammel FCPA, CFO of Export Finance Australia For more, head online to the Export Finance Australia website where you can also learn about small business loans. And of course, the EFA account on LinkedIn is another useful resource. Want to listen to more episodes? With Interest and other CPA Australia podcasts are also on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Unpack and understand Australia's economic reform roundtable, which met in Canberra recently to explore ways of making the economy more productive and resilient. This includes what the issues discussed mean for the economy’s future and what accountants and finance leaders need to know about the major tax and productivity challenges ahead. Tune in now for a breakdown of this three-day summit, including: Tax reform and productivity Long-term growth challenges Modernising the workforce Tariffs AI strategies Attracting capital While there is cautious optimism, this episode explores the broad thrust of the roundtable to understand the key challenges ahead. The federal government roundtable, held in August 2025 brought together leaders from the business community, the union movement and society. These discussions were informed by nearly 900 submissions from experts, industry leaders and individuals (including CPA Australia) and over 40 forums that Ministers held. Listen now. Host: Adrienne Biscontin, external affairs adviser, CPA Australia Guests Dr Brendan Rynne, chief economist, KPMG. Brendan has been at KPMG nearly 30 years, 22 years as a partner, and has worked on major policy reforms including the Henry Tax Review and the Tax White paper. Alongside Brendan is Gavan Ord business investment and international lead, CPA Australia. Links: For more on this episode’s special guest, head over to the KPMG website. Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

As AI becomes embedded across public sector operations, how do you balance innovation with accountability? In this episode, hear expert views on the governance of AI in the public sector. Key themes include: Why defining AI clearly matters for risk management The need to keep humans in the loop for high-impact decisions Risks of using public generative AI tools with confidential data The importance of closed-loop and contextual AI systems in government How to balance centralised frameworks with agency-specific needs Building a risk-aware culture vs. enforcing tick-box compliance The challenge of maintaining transparency in machine learning Why AI governance should be principles-based, not rules-based The growing concerns around agentic AI and loss of human control Whether you're a policy maker, accountant or public service leader, this discussion offers practical insights into designing agile, ethical and effective AI governance in the public sector. Host: Ram Subramanian, External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia Guest: Michael Davern, FCPA Professor of Accounting and Business Information Systems, University of Melbourne. For over 30 years, both in Australia and internationally, he has led industry-engaged research projects in data analytics, business intelligence, financial reporting, risk management, data governance and ethics, among others. CPA Australia has released a report titled AI governance in the public sector. It features key insights from CPA Australia’s recent webinar with public sector experts. For more, a media release on AI governance in the public sector summarises our views. And learn more about this episode’s expert guest Michael Davern on the University of Melbourne website. Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au

Learn all about the sweeping changes to superannuation which are set to reshape super from July 2025 onward. Whether you're a financial adviser, accountant or business owner, this is a must-listen episode if you want to stay informed and prepared. You'll gain clear insights into: The new Division 296 tax, which targets individuals with super balances over $3 million The superannuation guarantee increasing to 12% Payday super rules requiring contributions in line with payroll New parental leave super funded by the government Changes to the general transfer balance cap and contribution rules This episode covers the hot topics of debate in superannuation that accounting and finance professionals need to know to guide clients, adjust payroll systems or plan your own financial strategy. Listen now. Host: Host: Tahn Sharpe, editor INTHEBLACK, CPA Australia Guest: Richard Webb, superannuation lead, CPA Australia Links: You can learn more about CPA Australia’s view on super reforms via media releases, which cover: Payday super The increased super guarantee $3m super tax impact And you can listen to more WITH INTEREST episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting: With Interest INTHEBLACK INTHEBLACK Out Loud Excel Tips Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au