Digital reporting: Why it’s time for Australia
With Interest
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...
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Fireside chat with Australia’s Auditor General
With Interest
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...
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Assessing public sector performance management
With Interest
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...
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How the ATO and big business work together
With Interest
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 ...
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Tax Forum 2025: Geopolitics and global reform
With Interest
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 reflect shifting US tax policy International best practices to boost investor confidence. From corporate tax rate dilemmas to economic nationalism, this...
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Tax Forum 2025: Australian tax reform and fiscal sustainability
With Interest
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 — 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...
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Attracting accountants: How to future-proof the profession
With Interest
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. ...
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Export growth strategies for Australian finance leaders
With Interest
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 ...
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Australia’s economic reform roundtable: Key takeaways
With Interest
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...
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Public sector AI governance: risks and opportunities
With Interest
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...
info_outlineIn this episode, learn some of the key challenges facing accountants in their dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and what you can expect in 2025.
Gain 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, especially the significant rise in unpaid taxes post-COVID.
Learn the importance of early engagement with the ATO to avoid enforcement actions like garnishee notices and director penalty notices (DPNs).
Key areas in this episode
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Impact of COVID on ATO's $50 billion debt book.
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Importance of early engagement and payment plans.
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Consequences for non-payment, including garnishee notices and DPNs.
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ATO's new initiatives to address GIC remission requests and improve timeliness.
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The ATO's approach to vulnerable taxpayers and improving service for tax agents.
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The impact of automation on the ATO.
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Issues raised by CPA Australia members.
Tune in now for valuable insights on how small business and tax practitioners can avoid penalties and manage their tax obligations more effectively.
- Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia
- Guest: David Allen, Second Commissioner of Frontline Operations, ATO
For more information on the ATO, head to its website.
CPA Australia has tax resources on its website.
And you can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.
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:
Search for them in your podcast platform.
Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au