Friend,

We're in an interesting moment as the federal government either thinks out loud (via the media and other public signals) OR leads the nation in the direction ALP leaders believe we need to be.

The immediate focus of this month's roundtable was productivity (with tax reform in scope), but has since expanded to AI, the care economy, and breaking down innovation barriers.

My suggestion? As I mentioned earlier, read or listen to Abundance (Thompson and Klein). Also, keep an eye on who the government has chosen as speakers so far, it speaks volumes.

The government recently announced keynote speakers, and who's on the guest list reveal intent. I found it fascinating that RBA Governor Michelle Bullock got the topic of "resilience", while Grattan Institute Chief Executive Dr Aruna Sathanapally (not a public servant) was assigned tax reform. Productivity Commissioner Danielle Wood gets (yes!) productivity (side bar... all women) and Treasury Secretary Jenny Wilkinson will speak on budget sustainability.

Here's to positive and systemic change, not just roundtable talk.

On our radar

Policy and regulatory developments that may shape your risk or return

Chalmers’ summit targets wealth and big business, but Albanese dials back the pace
The August roundtable will weigh cutting CGT discounts, curbing negative gearing and lifting taxes on trusts and large corporates to ease the load on wage earners, yet the PM insists any changes will roll out step-by-step, pointing to a protracted reform process rather than a swift shake-up.

Victoria’s WFH bill reshapes office calculus

Jacinta Allan will mandate two WFH days for eligible roles in VIC, while NSW and SA business lobbies are openly pitching to firms spooked by “one-size-fits-all” red tape.

Two-tier company tax on the table
The Productivity Commission pitches a 20% rate for SMEs and a 5% cash-flow levy on about 500 large corporates, handing smaller firms relief while lifting effective rates at the top end.

This week's market movers

Big plays, bold bets, and (occasional) unconfirmed speculation

ASX rally faces reality check as reporting season kicks off

First-up results from REA, AMP, QBE, Block and Nick Scali will reveal whether rich valuations (now above 19× forward earnings) can survive flat profit forecasts. Investors are banking on a FY26-27 rebound just as fresh US tariffs threaten global demand. Miners may be the lone bright spot if iron-ore and copper prices stay high, but most sectors must beat and lift guidance to keep the market’s four-month winning streak alive.

Print lives on – for now

Nine Entertainment and News Corp have agreed to extend their joint printing arrangement for an additional five years, ensuring continued availability of physical editions such as the AFR, SMH, The Age, The Australian, and Herald Sun at news-stands, even as digital platforms grow. Print media contributed approximately 40% of Nine Publishing’s advertising revenue in FY24.

Smelter rescue locks in jobs and critical-minerals output
A $135 million tri-government package secures Nyrstar’s Hobart and Port Pirie smelters, protecting ~1,350 roles and funding upgrades to produce germanium, indium and antimony for clean-tech supply chains.

Katy is Head of Consulting at BlueChip Communication, where she oversees the delivery of communications strategy and execution for our client portfolio. With nearly a decade at BC, Katy is well versed in our client portfolio across all sectors of financial services. She’s known for her calm, consistent approach to complex work and for helping teams and clients collaborate to achieve strong results. Outside of work, Katy enjoys spending time with her family – while trying to find time to read, reset and recharge.

Best,

Carden | she/her (here’s why that matters @work) 

WINNER: PRIA LEADER OF THE YEAR 2022

FINALIST: PRIA LEADER OF THE YEAR 2023

FINALIST: B&T LEADER OF THE YEAR 2023