Tag: garry barker

In this podacst, Leon and Garry talk with Michael Lawrey, Executive Director for Networks and Technology for Telstra. Lawrey talks about the promise and opportunities of fibre optic technology, what we call high speed broadband, and the changes we can expect to see as Telstra moves away from being a provider of telecommunications infrastructure and becomes a service provider, and what those services might be.

RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson says the Federal government has dodged a bullet with inflation. He says we are now looking at 4.5% unemployment and praises the Federal Government and coalition now bidding to lower corporate taxes.

In this week’s podcast, Leon and Garry talk about the latest inflation figures coming in lower than expected and suggesting there will be no pre-election rate rise. Similarly, the cost of materials to business has grown at a modest pace, less than economists expected so inflation seems to be under control for now.

This week’s interview is with Telstra’s executive director of consumer business, Rebekah O’Flaherty. She says the internet has now become a fourth utility in Australia with some people prepared to go without food and drink to preserve their connection.

This week’s interview is with Telstra’s executive director of consumer business, Rebekah O’Flaherty. She says the internet has now become a fourth utility in Australia with some people prepared to go without food and drink to preserve their connection.

In this podcast, Housing Industry Association economist Ben Phillips talks about the housing shortage and housing prices.

RMIT University economist Sinclair Davidson questions Treasurer Wayne Swan’s claims that Australia is headed for a bigger than expected surplus. He says the government is betting on an increase in commodity prices, much like a hedge fund.

RMIT University economist Sinclair Davidson questions Treasurer Wayne Swan’s claims that Australia is headed for a bigger than expected surplus. He says the government is betting on an increase in commodity prices, much like a hedge fund.

In this podcast, Simon McKeon, executive chairman of Macquarie Bank and chairman of CSIRO, talks about his vision for CSIRO and the status of scientific research in Australia, its problems and its promise for Australia’s future.

RMIT economist Steve Kates talks about the economic issues in the election campaign. He says the latest ACCI investor survey shows that business performance has deteriorated sharply after a rebound and suggests that the next government will have to deal with a softer economy.

Leon and Garry talk about Treasurer Wayne Swan’s announcement that the government is headed for a larger-than-expected surplus. They look at speculation that Australia’s biggest banks could be forced to raise interest rates independently of the Reserve Bank decision. But they won’t do it until after the federal election.

It's been a heavy news week. Talking Business is a podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. Just press play to listen.

Leon and Garry look at how the RBA has cleared the way for an August election by keeping rates on hold at 4.5%. Inflation is building a head of steam with the latest jobs figures showing unemployment now at 5.1% and the ANZ jobs series showing more companies are hiring.

RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson talks about the employment figures and Australia’s current account surplus. While it’s good news on the surface, it signals interest rate rises which he predicts will come in August, coinciding with the federal election. He also predicts that banks will raise their rates even higher than the RBA rate.

Recruitment company Ambition’s chief executive Paul Lyons talks about the Australian recruitment market and skills shortages. Gen Y and Baby-Boomers might have more in common than you think.

Recruitment company Ambition’s chief executive Paul Lyons talks about the Australian recruitment market and skills shortages. Gen Y and Baby-Boomers might have more in common than you think.

In this week's interview, RMIT economist Steve Kates talks about the death of Keynesian economics. He shares the growing view that stimulus packages around the world have increased debt, have not reduced unemployment and have made the crisis worse. He warns that Australia will feel the impact over the next year when China starts unwinding its stimulus package.

In this week's overview of the economy, RMIT economist Sinclair Davidson voices the belief that Treasury chief Ken Henry is likely to be replaced, while Julia Gillard seeks new economic advisers. He says the Gillard Government will need to slash spending to bring about the budget surplus she says the government is committed to achieving.

This week, Barker and Gettlere talk with AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou on the AFL’s expansion plans, its business model and its involvement with communities outside Victoria, where the organisation is pushing development of the Australian Rules code. And what will happen if Australia gets the World Cup?

Talking Business is a weekly 15-minute podcast review of the Australian economy, presented by seasoned business journalists Leon Gettler and Garry Barker, produced in association with the RMIT College of Business. It features interviews with prominent business leaders and expert analysis from RMIT academics, such as Sinclair Davidson