With Interest

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 Australia...

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...

AI has become one of the most - used business technologies . B ut 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 the...

Did you know that o ne 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 . T hi s expert-led episode , featuring three guests , explore s the system...

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   gai n 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 regulat...

In this special episode of With Interest , CPA Australia CEO Chris Freeland sits down with Australia's Auditor General, Dr Caralee McLies h , 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 rep...

In this special With Interest episode , you can listen in full to a keynote speech by Australia's A uditor - G eneral , 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) a nnual report ,   released in September 2025. The A uditor - G eneral addresses the state of p...

How does the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ensure tax fairness when dealing with large corporations. In this episode, the D eputy C ommissioner , P ublic G roups , at the ATO exp lains 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 p...

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 chance The impact of dividend imputation on tax reform Why stamp duty is a critical state-level issue How tariffs vs VAT refl...

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...

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 a ccounting's talent pipeline – its c hallenges and possible solutions . Key takeaways include:    What's really driving the talent shortage and how firms, educators and policymakers can respond.   S imple way s to position accounting a...

Want strategic insights to help navigate the tricky landscape of international trade ?   D esigned 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 int...

U npack and understand Australia's e conomic r eform r oundtable , 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 su...

As AI becomes embedded across public sector operations, how do you balance innovation with accountability? In this episod e , 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  ...

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 s uperannuation...

This week's show is a special presentation from CPA Australia's leadership, strategy and business podcast, INTHEBLACK. Ever wondered how well you communicate?   C ommunication expert Dr Louise Mahler shares practical, research-backed techniques to help you build trust, speak with confidence and strengthen your presence.   Whether you're presenting to the board, in an online meeting or fielding tou...

As tax time approaches, so does a spike in scam activity – posing a real threat to both individuals and small businesses.    In this episode, we'll explore the latest scam trends and what accountants, tax agents and business owners need to know to protect themselves and their clients.   By listening , y o u'll gain :   Awareness of current scam tactics targeting taxpayers in 2025   Insights into A...

  Succession planning is a critical topic . Understanding how to navigate succession planning is crucial fo r accountants, financial professionals and those involved in wealth management .      In this second episode in the T ax T ime 2025 series , you'll learn about the key points of wealth transfer an d what you need to know about succession plannin g , including:    Current trends    Regulatory...

Stay informed and prepared with the latest updates relevant to small business this tax season.   In this episode, gain critical insights to help small business clients successfully navigate Tax Time 2025.   Key topics covered include:   Current ATO focus areas   Specific tax considerations for small business owners   Practical strategies to support compliance and informed decision-making   Designe...

T his four-part tax time 2025 series provides you with comprehensive coverage of topics tailored to assist Australian accountants , finance professionals and their clients.    In this first episode, learn about the latest updates from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) , as well as key information on:   D eductions   R ecord keeping   I nvestments   D igital tools   ATO focus areas   This episod...

What does good governance in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector look like?    In this episode of With Interest , we'll e xplore the frameworks, challenges and opportunities shaping NFP leadership today.   G ain practical insights into:   What good governance really means for NFPs   The top governance challenges NFPs face in the Australian context   The link between sound fiscal management and account...

With the federal election decided , attention turns to the road ahead for Australian businesses and the new ly re-elected government's agenda.   This special episode delves into the critical economic challenges and opportunities ahead , offering expert perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape.   Explore Australia's current economic position – its strengths and weaknesses – and what priori...

In this second instalment of a special two-part episode, a respected panel of industry experts dive deeper into the insights from CPA Australia's 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey .   This landmark small business survey – launched at Parliament House in Canberra in March – captures data from over 4200 small businesses across the Asia-Pacific, including more than 500 Australian businesses, pr...

In this first of a two-par t With Interest , we'll explore key findings from CPA Australia's 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey, which was unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra .   In part one, CPA Australia's Gavin Ord unpacks the economic and operational challenges SMEs are facing – from cash flow pressures and access to finance, to workforce fatigue, productivity and talent retention –...

In this episode, learn some of the key challenges facing accountants in their dealings with the Australian Tax ation Office (ATO) and what you can expect in 2025.    G ain an overview of the challenges faced by small businesses, who account for 65 per cent of the ATO's debt, and the increasing pressures on both tax agents and taxpayers .   Dive into the ATO's renewed focus on tax debt recovery, es...