DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group

Australian Industry Group
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DBrief, the Australian Industry Group podcast, is for business operators keen to understand the connection between their own enterprise and the broader issues of industry development and policy and new government regulations. Via an engaging and informal interview format, DBrief investigates: • what is happening in industry policy, and what it means; • where these issues are going and what you need to know and • what you need to think about and learn in order to stay abreast of — or even ahead of — emerging issues and developments. Tune in to stay ahead of changes and market movements and be better prepared for digitalisation, decarbonisation and diversification in your business and market sector.

  1. 3d ago

    From climate reporting to gas security: what businesses need to know

    In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Australian Industry Group Director of Climate and Energy Tennant Reed about the growing number of climate and energy policy decisions shaping Australia's path to net zero. Tennant explains why many companies are still focused on getting their heads around climate reporting requirements, what "material risk" looks like in practice, and how businesses should think about both transition risks and the physical impacts of climate change. The conversation also explores the future role of gas in Australia's energy system, the challenges of scaling renewable gas, and why debates about energy security often oversimplify a much more complex reality. Looking ahead, Louise and Tennant discuss the opportunities emerging from new battery technologies and why Australian businesses should pay close attention to the energy transition already underway. Key takeaways Many organisations are still treating climate-related financial disclosure as a compliance task, but its long-term value will depend on improving business decisions and risk management.Climate reporting requires businesses to assess both transition risks and physical risks, including impacts on assets, employees, supply chains and customers.Renewable gas has an important role to play for some hard-to-electrify industrial processes, but cost and scale remain significant challenges.Gas reservation can improve energy security and reduce exposure to international price shocks, but it cannot solve Australia's gas supply challenges on its own.Energy security will require a combination of new gas supply, renewable gas, electrification and infrastructure investment.Public debates about gas often overlook the different roles it plays across the energy system, particularly as a source of backup and flexibility.Falling battery costs and improving battery technologies are creating new opportunities for businesses, transport and energy users across the economy.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team.

  2. Sep 18

    A third of the workforce is over 50 - is business ready?

    In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Jeff Wilson about two recent Australian Industry Group research notes examining workforce ageing and changing retirement patterns. While workforce planning often focuses on attracting and training younger workers, the discussion highlights why the other end of the workforce pipeline is becoming just as important. Older workers now make up a much larger share of the labour market than they did a generation ago, and changing retirement patterns are reshaping how businesses think about skills, succession and workforce planning. Drawing on new research, Louise and Jeff examine why retirement is increasingly becoming a gradual transition rather than a single event, and what this means for employers trying to retain critical skills and institutional knowledge. The episode considers the implications for both businesses and policymakers, arguing that successful workforce planning requires more than bringing new workers in. It also means understanding how experienced workers leave, transfer knowledge and navigate retirement in a labour market that looks very different from previous generations. Key takeaways Older workers now make up a significantly larger share of Australia's workforce than they did a generation ago.Rising workforce participation among older women has been one of the most important drivers of this change.Some industries, including manufacturing, transport, utilities and construction, face particularly acute workforce ageing challenges.Retirement is increasingly becoming a staged transition rather than a single event, with more people working later in life and in different ways.Many older workers have no clear retirement plan, creating challenges for both workforce planning and individual retirement outcomes.Businesses risk losing not only experienced workers but also valuable training, mentoring and corporate knowledge when retirements are poorly planned.Links mentioned in this podcast episode: Research Note: How Australia’s ageing workforce is reshaping the labour marketResearch Note: How Retirement Dynamics Are Shifting with Australia's Ageing WorkforceContact the Industry Development & Policy team.

  3. Sep 4

    Why modern slavery is more than a compliance exercise — with Vanessa Zimmerman, CEO of Pillar Two

    In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with human rights lawyer Vanessa Zimmerman, CEO of Pillar Two, about the growing importance of modern slavery and human rights risk management for Australian businesses.   Vanessa unpacks the realities of modern slavery in contemporary supply chains, challenging common misconceptions about what it looks like and where it occurs. From labour hire arrangements and complex service contracts to overseas sourcing and domestic operations, the conversation highlights why these risks are relevant to businesses of all sizes, not just large corporations.   The episode also explores how companies can identify and manage human rights risks in practice, the growing role of technology and AI, and the increasingly complex mix of regulations emerging across Australia, Europe and other jurisdictions. Throughout the discussion, Vanessa argues that modern slavery should be viewed not simply as a compliance exercise, but as part of building stronger, more resilient and better-governed businesses.   Key takeaways Modern slavery rarely occurs in isolation and is often linked to broader human rights and labour rights concerns.Risks can exist within both international and domestic supply chains, including in Australia.Mid-sized businesses increasingly face scrutiny from customers and supply chain partners, even if they are not directly covered by reporting legislation.Effective risk management requires looking beyond direct suppliers and understanding where human rights risks may exist deeper within supply chains.AI can help improve visibility and risk identification, but it cannot replace direct engagement with workers or human judgement.Companies are facing a growing patchwork of human rights and modern slavery regulations across different jurisdictions.Managing human rights risks is increasingly becoming a business resilience issue rather than solely a compliance obligation.Interested in staying ahead of modern slavery regulation and supply chain risk? Australian Industry Group members can join the Modern Slavery Member Reference Group to stay informed of regulatory developments, hear from experts, learn from peers and contribute to Australian Industry Group's advocacy on emerging reforms. To express your interest, contact the Industry Development & Policy team.

  4. Aug 21

    Australia's Asia advantage: are we letting it slip away? — with the Hon Tim Watts MP

    In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with the Hon Tim Watts MP about the findings of the House of Representatives inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia and why it matters for the country's future effectiveness in the region. As Asia becomes increasingly important to Australia's economy and strategic interests, the report argues that many of the capabilities needed to succeed are moving in the wrong direction. Language learning is declining, opportunities for in-country experience are shrinking, and the pipeline of people with deep cultural, commercial and professional understanding of Asia is under growing pressure. The discussion examines why Asia capability should be viewed not simply as an education issue, but as a national economic and strategic priority. From exporting services and attracting investment to building trusted commercial relationships, success in Asia often depends on far more than technical expertise or a good product. The episode also highlights the role businesses can play in creating demand for Asia capability, the value of long-term investment in regional relationships, and why some of Australia's biggest growth opportunities may depend on skills that are often overlooked in workforce planning. Key takeaways Australia's ability to engage effectively with Asia is being challenged by declining language learning and reduced opportunities for in-country experience.Businesses that treat Asia capability as a leadership and workforce priority are likely to be better positioned to access growth opportunities in the region.Many of Australia's untapped opportunities lie in services, investment and other sectors that depend heavily on long-term relationships and cultural understanding.Language capability is about more than translation - it helps build trust, context and understanding that cannot easily be replicated by technology.Employers play an important role by creating visible career pathways for people who invest in Asia-related skills and experiences.The report highlights a disconnect between widespread recognition of supply chain diversification risks and the action needed to address them.Success in Asia often requires long-term commitment, patience and relationship-building rather than short-term commercial returns. Links discussed in the podcast: House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education Report: Security and Prosperity in Asia: Building Asia capability in Australia through the education system and beyondAustralian Industry Group's Submission to the House Standing Committee for Education: Building Australia's Asia CapabilityContact the Industry Development & Policy team.

  5. Aug 7

    AI's biggest challenges aren't just technical

    In this episode of DBrief, Jeff Wilson turns the tables and interviews Louise McGrath about a series of major policy developments shaping the operating environment for Australian industry. The conversation begins with artificial intelligence, following the Prime Minister's announcement of a new Office of AI. The discussion examines what the shift means for businesses, how Australia's approach compares internationally, and why issues such as trust, copyright, data centres and social licence are becoming increasingly important as AI adoption accelerates. Recent AI policy interventions from China and the Vatican also feature, highlighting the broader questions societies are grappling with as AI reshapes economies, workplaces and daily life. There is a growing intersection between AI and cybersecurity, including new warnings from the Five Eyes intelligence partnership about the pace at which AI is changing both cyber threats and cyber defences. Finally, the discussion explores new US tariff measures linked to forced labour concerns, the implications for global supply chains, and how Australia's modern slavery framework is evolving as regulatory expectations continue to rise. Key takeaways The establishment of a new Office of AI signals a more coordinated, whole-of-government approach to AI policy, governance and data centre development.Building public trust and social licence will be critical to unlocking the economic and productivity benefits of AI.China is positioning itself as a major global AI power through large-scale deployment, open-source technologies and international capability-building initiatives.The debate around AI is increasingly moving beyond technology and into broader questions of ethics, governance and societal change.Five Eyes agencies are warning that frontier AI models will rapidly transform both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, with impacts measured in months rather than years.Businesses need stronger cyber awareness, governance and workforce training as AI tools become more deeply embedded in daily operations.New US tariff measures linked to forced labour requirements are creating additional complexity for international trade and supply chains.Australia's modern slavery framework is evolving, with businesses facing growing expectations around supply chain transparency and accountability.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

  6. Jul 24

    The packaging challenge: turning waste into resource — with Simon Dowding from Pact Group

    In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Simon Dowding from Pact Group about the future of packaging, recycling and Australia's efforts to build more resilient supply chains. The discussion begins with the impact of recent disruptions to global resin markets following the conflict in Iran, and how packaging manufacturers have responded by diversifying supply chains, increasing inventory and reducing exposure to international shocks. While immediate supply pressures have eased, the experience has reinforced broader questions about Australia's reliance on imported materials. Louise and Simon explore the role of recycled plastics in strengthening sovereign capability and reducing dependence on imported virgin resin. They also examine proposed extended producer responsibility reforms, including how they could encourage better packaging design, stronger recycling markets and increased use of locally produced recycled materials. Along the way, they explain some of the technical realities of different polymers, food-grade packaging requirements and why a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to work. Key takeaways Australia remains heavily dependent on imported virgin plastic resins despite having significant opportunities to recover and reuse local materials.Recycled plastic can improve supply chain resilience by reducing exposure to international market volatility and import disruptions.Stronger demand for recycled content is needed to support investment in domestic recycling capability.Extended producer responsibility aims to shift responsibility for packaging waste toward those placing packaging on the market.Different materials and polymers face different technical constraints, meaning recycled content targets should be staged and material-specific.Traceable, locally produced recycled resin can provide quality, transparency and supply advantages compared with imported alternatives.Better packaging recovery and recycling can support sovereign capability, reduce landfill pressure and create new manufacturing opportunities.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

  7. Jul 10

    The AI opportunity: building trust, capability and competitive advantage

    In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Lee Hickin, Executive Director of the National AI Centre, about Australia's AI adoption journey and what it will take for businesses to move from experimentation to meaningful impact. The discussion explores the gap between widespread use of AI tools and the slower pace of business transformation. Louise and Lee examine why many organisations remain cautious, how confidence and trust shape adoption decisions and what responsible AI looks like in practice for Australian businesses. They also discuss the role of the National AI Centre and AI Adopt Centres in helping organisations build capability, navigate risk and identify practical opportunities for AI deployment. The conversation looks ahead to emerging developments such as agentic AI, Australia's role in the global AI ecosystem, and where the nation can build competitive advantage through its own strengths in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and highly regulated industries.   Key takeaways Australia is a strong adopter of AI tools, but many businesses are still using them in limited and relatively shallow ways.Confidence, trust and leadership are often bigger barriers to adoption than technology access or infrastructure.The National AI Centre aims to support adoption through practical guidance, capability building and clearer understanding of risk and opportunity.AI governance should be proportionate to the size, capability and risk profile of an organisation.Businesses that are progressing with AI tend to combine strong leadership, AI literacy and clear communication about its purpose.Agentic AI presents significant opportunities but should be viewed through the lens of business outcomes rather than technology hype.Australia’s biggest AI opportunity is not building the next ChatGPT, but applying AI to industries where we already have expertise, unique data and a global competitive advantage.Links mentioned in this podcast episode: National AI CentreArtificial Intelligence: Positive for companies, their people, and Australian IndustryContact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

  8. Jun 26

    Training talent and attracting skills - where will Australia’s workers come from?

    In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Kristian Stratton from Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre about one of the biggest challenges facing Australian industry: finding the workers needed to support growth, infrastructure, manufacturing and essential services. The conversation examines two critical parts of the workforce equation. First, Louise and Kristian discuss the role of apprenticeships, drawing on the Australian Industry Group’s Apprentice and Trainee Centre, which has employed and supported apprentices for more than six decades. They explore the benefits of the group training model, the importance of mentoring and pastoral care, and the barriers that are contributing to declining apprenticeship commencements. The discussion then turns to Australia's skilled migration system and its role in addressing immediate workforce shortages. Louise and Kristian consider the economic contribution of skilled migrants, the sectors experiencing the most acute shortages, and why migration and domestic training work best as complementary solutions rather than competing priorities. From housing and healthcare to defence and manufacturing, the episode highlights why long-term workforce planning will require both stronger apprenticeship pathways and a more efficient skilled migration system. Key takeaways The Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre employs apprentices directly and supports businesses through recruitment, training coordination, mentoring and pastoral care.Apprenticeship commencements have declined significantly, with employer costs, administrative complexity and changes to incentive programs contributing to weaker participation.Large employers play a critical role in apprenticeship training, particularly for underrepresented groups, yet recent policy changes have reduced available incentives.Defence, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure projects are expected to drive substantial future demand for skilled trades.Skilled migrants have high workforce participation rates and make a significant economic contribution to Australia.Construction, healthcare, engineering and manufacturing continue to face major workforce shortages that cannot be met through domestic training alone.Long visa processing times and slow recognition of overseas qualifications remain significant barriers to attracting skilled workers.Workforce challenges require both increased investment in apprenticeships and a more effective skilled migration system, rather than treating the two as competing solutions.Links mentioned in this podcast episode: Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre - Be part of the real actionSubmission: Inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia | Australian Industry GroupContact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

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DBrief, the Australian Industry Group podcast, is for business operators keen to understand the connection between their own enterprise and the broader issues of industry development and policy and new government regulations. Via an engaging and informal interview format, DBrief investigates: • what is happening in industry policy, and what it means; • where these issues are going and what you need to know and • what you need to think about and learn in order to stay abreast of — or even ahead of — emerging issues and developments. Tune in to stay ahead of changes and market movements and be better prepared for digitalisation, decarbonisation and diversification in your business and market sector.

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