Tax reform insights from a global policy expert
With Interest
Tax reform. It’s one of the most hotly debated issues around the world. And as global tax expert Viva Hammer notes, the biggest barrier to tax reform in Australia is not policy – it is the pursuit of perfection. In this episode of With Interest, she brings a global perspective shaped by her work on significant tax reforms in recent US history. Her message is clear: progress comes from doing something better, not waiting for something perfect. Main learnings include: ...
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Managing cashflow pressures: Insights for small business
With Interest
Cashflow planning is now critical for small businesses. In an environment of volatile fuel prices, interest rate uncertainty and upcoming changes to payday super, this episode will help you understand and manage today’s cashflow challenges. Key learnings: why cashflow pressure is increasing across small businesses how to approach simple, practical cashflow forecasting the impact of payday super on cashflow timing and planning pricing decisions and their role in protecting...
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Global volatility, energy shocks and business resilience
With Interest
It’s a volatile world. Energy security, trade in primary resources and food supply are all reshaping the rules of resilience. In this timely episode, CPA Australia’s experts unpack how global conflict is affecting the operating environment for business, finance and policy leaders. With the current geopolitical tensions as the backdrop, learn how energy shocks, supply chain disruption and inflation pressures are forcing a rethink of long-term strategy. ...
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Navigating business in today’s uncertain global landscape
With Interest
It’s a volatile world, and businesses are under pressure. In this episode of With Interest, Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead at CPA Australia, explores how businesses are navigating an increasingly unstable global environment marked by geopolitical conflict, cost pressures and economic shocks. The conversation draws on insights from CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey to unpack how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are coping, and what separates those that merely survive from...
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Payday super checklist before July’s changes
With Interest
Payday super is one of the most significant payroll changes in years, and businesses need to act now to be ready. This episode is like a checklist, breaking down what the shift to real-time super payments means in practice, how compliance will work and what employers should be doing before the July deadline. Key learnings: What payday super actually requires beyond more frequent payments How the seven-day contribution rule will affect payroll processes Why cash flow planning is critical under the new system ...
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New AML reforms and what they mean for accountants
With Interest
(This encore presentation episode was originally published on Dec 9, 2025) When anti-money laundering (AML) comes to mind, most accountants assume it only applies to large transactions – but that’s now changing. This episode explains . Specifically, how the reforms to AML and counter terrorism financing (CTF) in 2026 will affect many accounting practices. You’ll gain a clear understanding of what the changes will mean, including which services fall under the...
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ASIC on the future of auditing
With Interest
In 2026, auditors are working in an environment defined by AI technologies, heightened scrutiny, regulatory oversight and ethics demands. Which is why it’s vital that professionals in audit understand this evolving landscape. Additionally, how the regulator ASIC views key issues and what it is focusing on in 2026. ASIC commissioner Kate O’Rourke is this episode’s special guest and she discusses the evolution of audit and financial oversight at a pivotal time. This...
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INTHEBLACK: Do you want to be happier at work? New research shows how
With Interest
We all want to be happy at work. Or at least happier, don’t we? Across this conversation, listeners will learn about a foundational concept: Success often follows happiness rather than causes it. Drawing on research in positive psychology, the episode outlines how mindset, habits and self-awareness account for a large share of overall wellbeing, far outweighing external circumstances. It also explains how small, consistent practices such as learning to be grateful can recalibrate the brain’s natural bias...
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INTHEBLACK: Responsible AI explained - What it means and why it matters
With Interest
AI is advancing fast – but is it responsible? In this must-listen episode, global AI expert Dr Rumman Chowdhury shares what you need to know about building AI systems that are fair, transparent and future-ready. Key insights and questions include: Is it too late to create a responsible AI environment? What defines responsible AI? Managing AI bias and ethical risk The rise of sovereign AI Workforce disruption: preparing for AI-driven change Is AI...
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INTHEBLACK: Cultural intelligence in global finance
With Interest
In an interconnected world, one trait is fast becoming a must-have skill for finance and accounting professionals. It’s cultural intelligence. This episode explores how understanding cultural differences and adapting your approach can elevate trust, strengthen collaboration and deliver better business outcomes. With expert-led insights, learn how cultural conditioning shapes trust and what strategies can help you lead with authenticity while respecting cultural norms. Learn clear, actionable ways to embed cultural agility...
info_outlineAs 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:
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Why defining AI clearly matters for risk management
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The need to keep humans in the loop for high-impact decisions
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Risks of using public generative AI tools with confidential data
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The importance of closed-loop and contextual AI systems in government
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How to balance centralised frameworks with agency-specific needs
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Building a risk-aware culture vs. enforcing tick-box compliance
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The challenge of maintaining transparency in machine learning
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Why AI governance should be principles-based, not rules-based
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The growing concerns around agentic AI and loss of human control
Whether you're a policy maker, accountant or public service leader, this discussion offers practical insights into designing agile, ethical and effective AI governance in the public sector.
Host: Ram Subramanian, External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia
Guest: Michael Davern, FCPA Professor of Accounting and Business Information Systems, University of Melbourne. For over 30 years, both in Australia and internationally, he has led industry-engaged research projects in data analytics, business intelligence, financial reporting, risk management, data governance and ethics, among others.
CPA Australia has released a report titled AI governance in the public sector. It features key insights from CPA Australia’s recent webinar with public sector experts.
For more, a media release on AI governance in the public sector summarises our views.
And learn more about this episode’s expert guest Michael Davern on the University of Melbourne website.
Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.
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