Podcast · News

The Bloomberg Australia Podcast

by Bloomberg · English · News

Each week, Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg's team of reporters lift the lid on the biggest stories shaping Australia's place in global business.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 15 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 14 minNew

How Firmus Exposed Cracks in the AI Funding Frenzy

Firmus went from being one of Australia’s hottest IPO prospects to a spectacular flop in less than 48 hours. The Nvidia-backed data center operator’s failed listing has raised questions about sky-high valuations, enormous funding needs and just how much investors are willing to pay for the promise of future AI profits. Bloomberg’s Sydney Bureau Chief Ainslie Chandler joins Chris Bourke to unpack what went wrong — and why the Firmus fiasco may be a warning sign for the billions pouring into AI infrastructure around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

8 Oct 2026 · 16 min
Australia Wants an AI Boom – But at What Cost?
Australia is embracing the AI boom, with billions of dollars pouring into data centers and the technology promising to transform the economy. But anxiety is growing too. A rogue OpenAI agent’s unauthorized access to Medicare systems has raised fresh questions about what happens when increasingly autonomous AI behaves in ways its creators never intended. Bloomberg’s Chris Bourke is joined by tech reporter Newley Purnell to unpack what the incident tells us about the risks of AI, whether Australia has the power to keep US tech giants in check, and the dilemma facing Canberra as it…
1 Oct 2026 · 19 min
Why the RBA Could Hike Again in November
Australia’s inflation fight just got harder. The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates for the fourth time this year as surging energy prices ripple through the economy — and another hike could be just weeks away. Bloomberg economist James McIntyre joins host Chris Bourke to explain why the RBA is so worried about businesses passing higher costs on to consumers, what that means for jobs and household budgets, and when Australians might finally see some relief from high interest rates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 Sep 2026 · 17 min
Tasmania’s 250-Tonne Bet on Electric Shipping
Tasmania is home to the world’s largest battery-electric ship — a 130-metre ferry powered by more than 250 tonnes of batteries. This week, host Rebecca Jones talks to David Stringer, APAC Managing Editor for ESG and Green, who toured the vessel and met veteran shipbuilder Robert “Bob” Clifford. They explore how this remarkable project came together, whether electric ferries can transform global shipping, and what Tasmania’s maritime innovation could mean for an industry under pressure to cut emissions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17 Sep 2026 · 9 min
The Great Yen Rebound and What It Means for Australian Investors
The Japanese yen has been trading near multi-decade lows — but one big Australian investor has bet on the currency’s recovery. This week, host Rebecca Jones talks to Bloomberg’s Chief Asia Rates Correspondent Ruth Carson about why Australian Retirement Trust is buying the yen, what’s driving Japan’s currency, and what a rebound could mean for Australian investors, businesses and anyone planning a Japanese ski holiday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10 Sep 2026 · 13 min
The Winners and Losers in Australia’s Value Economy
Australians haven’t stopped spending — they’ve just become much more selective about where their money goes. This week, Bloomberg global business editor Karen Leigh joins host Rebecca Jones to unpack the winners and losers from Australia’s latest earnings season, from Kmart and supermarkets to furniture and electronics retailers. They discuss the rise of home brands, the impact of higher housing costs and falling property prices, and whether Australia’s newfound obsession with value could permanently change how we shop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
3 Sep 2026 · 14 min
Why a Sydney Property Developer Has Private Credit Investors on Edge
The crisis engulfing Sydney property developer Bathla Group has put the spotlight on a fast-growing but little-understood corner of Australian finance. With the company owing about A$3.3 billion to non-bank lenders, its troubles are raising questions about the risks lurking in Australia’s A$200 billion private credit market — and whether other property developers could be next. Bloomberg finance reporter Richard Henderson joins host Chris Bourke to explain what private credit actually is, why Australian lenders have piled so heavily into property, and why regulators are…
27 Aug 2026 · 19 min
The Surprising Link Between EVs and Interest Rates
The Iran war has sent fuel prices soaring, but it may also be accelerating a much bigger shift in how Australians get around. Electrified vehicles have accounted for more than half of new car sales in recent months, as high petrol prices collide with a wave of cheaper models from China. Bloomberg economist James McIntyre joins Chris Bourke to explain why the shift could eventually make Australian households — and inflation — less vulnerable to global oil shocks. They also discuss what it could mean for the Reserve Bank and why, after three interest-rate hikes this year, McIntyre…
20 Aug 2026 · 14 min
What Bank CEOs Are Saying About the Housing Downturn
Australia’s housing downturn is gathering pace — and the nation’s biggest banks are starting to feel the effects. Mortgage applications are falling, investor lending has slumped and house prices have retreated from their March peak as higher interest rates and tax changes weigh on demand. On this episode, host Chris Bourke is joined by finance editor Adam Haigh to unpack what CBA, Westpac, ANZ and NAB are saying about where house prices go from here, how a prolonged slowdown could squeeze bank profits and what it all means for investors. They also examine why the Reserve…
13 Aug 2026 · 14 min
How Worried Should We Be About Bird Flu?
Bird flu has reached Australia and is spreading rapidly among wild birds, raising fears it could jump into commercial poultry flocks and put further pressure on already elevated food prices. In this week’s podcast, recorded on Aug. 11 as the outbreak continues to evolve rapidly, agriculture reporter Ben Westcott explains why eggs would be particularly vulnerable, what producers and governments are doing to contain the virus, and what previous outbreaks in the US can tell us about the potential economic fallout. Australia had more time than most countries to prepare, but the virus…
6 Aug 2026 · 17 min
The Startup Airlines Looking to Take on Qantas and Virgin
Australia's domestic aviation market may be on the cusp of its biggest shake-up in years, with two startup carriers — Zinc and Koala Airlines — plotting to challenge the long-standing dominance of Qantas and Virgin. In this episode, Chris Bourke asks global business reporter Angus Whitley why entrepreneurs see an opening despite the industry's brutal track record. The episode also explores the hurdles facing any new entrant, from raising capital and securing airport slots to overcoming Qantas' powerful frequent flyer program and the risk of fare wars. Whitley discusses Jetstar's…
30 Jul 2026 · 16 min
Macquarie’s Next Era: From Millionaire Paydays to Mortgage Rivalry
Macquarie is entering a new era. After nearly four decades at the investment bank and almost eight years as chief executive, Shemara Wikramanayake is stepping down, handing over to veteran executive Greg Ward after overseeing a period of record profits, surging share prices and growing global influence. Bloomberg finance reporter Richard Henderson joins Rebecca Jones to unpack Wikramanayake's legacy, why Ward emerged as the board's choice, and the challenges awaiting him — from slowing mortgage growth to regulatory scrutiny and preserving the entrepreneurial culture that has long set…
23 Jul 2026 · 14 min
How Australia Became the Lucky Country – for New Zealanders
Almost 100,000 New Zealanders have moved to Australia in the past two years, as higher wages, bigger retirement savings and stronger career opportunities prove too tempting to ignore. For Australia, the surge is helping ease chronic shortages of nurses, police officers and other skilled workers. For New Zealand, it’s fueling concerns about a growing brain drain ahead of a November election. In this episode, Chris Bourke speaks with Wellington Bureau Chief Ainsley Thomson about why Australia is winning the battle for Kiwi talent, how employers are actively recruiting across the Tasman,…
16 Jul 2026 · 14 min
What a Tower in Tasmania Tells Us About the Future of Planet Earth
On a windswept cliff at the edge of Tasmania, scientists are quietly tracking the future of our planet. This week, host Rebecca Jones speaks with David Stringer, managing editor of climate and ESG news in Asia, about Kennaook/Cape Grim — home to some of the cleanest air on Earth and one of the world’s most important climate monitoring stations. Learn how decades of data are reshaping our understanding of climate change, why the site matters to governments and investors, and what Australia’s role could be in the global climate fight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
9 Jul 2026 · 22 min
A Remote Mine Predicts Major Wars – And It’s Reopening
Could one remote Australian mine be a warning sign for the world? This week, Bloomberg Opinion columnist David Fickling talks to Chris Bourke about the revival of King Island's century-old tungsten mine, and how it reflects a new era of geopolitical competition as countries race to secure supplies of the little-known metal for weapons and munitions. The conversation explores China's dominance of the tungsten market, Australia's untapped reserves and why decades of globalization left Western economies exposed to critical mineral supply risks. Fickling explains how one obscure mine offers a…
2 Jul 2026 · 19 min
What Falling House Prices Mean for Your Mortgage and Your Wealth
Australia's housing downturn is accelerating, with national prices recording their biggest monthly fall since late 2022 as higher interest rates, tighter investor lending rules and geopolitical uncertainty weigh on demand. In this episode, Chris Bourke talks to Bloomberg economist James McIntyre about why the weakness has spread beyond Sydney and Melbourne. The episode also explores what falling house prices mean for the broader economy. McIntyre says the decline is likely to hit consumer spending through the "wealth effect," slow housing construction and eventually shift the Reserve Bank's…
25 Jun 2026 · 14 min
‘Egregious and Inexplicable’: KPMG’s Day of Reckoning
KPMG Australia is facing its biggest crisis in years after allegations that confidential client information was misused to help win lucrative audit contracts. In this episode, Amy Bainbridge talks to finance reporter Richard Henderson about what emerged from an explosive parliamentary hearing, and why more senior executives are stepping down. We also examine the scandal’s broader implications for the consulting industry, investors and corporate Australia. Why has so little changed since PwC's own confidentiality scandal – and are the industry's rules fit for purpose? See…
18 Jun 2026 · 15 min
Why This Giant Investor Thinks the RBA’s Next Move is a Rate Cut
Australian mortgage holders got some relief this week after the Reserve Bank left interest rates unchanged, pausing after three consecutive hikes. But has the central bank finished tightening? And what does the outlook for inflation, growth and global risks mean for investors? On this week's podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with Adam Bowe, Australian head of portfolio management at global investment giant Pimco. Bowe explains why Pimco believes the RBA has likely done enough, why the next move in rates is more likely to be down than up, and why Australian bonds are among the most attractive…
10 Jun 2026 · 14 min
Could the SpaceX IPO Make Elon Musk the World’s First Trillionaire?
SpaceX is finally heading to the stock market in what could become the biggest IPO in history. The Elon Musk-founded company is seeking a valuation of around $1.75 trillion, a debut that could make Musk the world’s first trillionaire and test investor appetite for one of the most ambitious businesses ever brought to public markets. On this episode, host Chris Bourke speaks with New York-based IPO reporter Bailey Lipschultz about the excitement gripping Wall Street, the risks behind SpaceX’s eye-watering valuation, and what the deal could mean for the next wave of AI listings from…
4 Jun 2026 · 16 min
What One Nation’s Rise Means for Australian Politics
Fresh polling has delivered one of the biggest political shocks in decades: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation is now Australia’s most popular party, overtaking Labor and the Coalition on primary vote. The surge comes amid growing voter frustration over cost-of-living pressures, higher interest rates and a budget that many Australians feel has done little to ease household strain. On this episode, Rebecca Jones speaks with Bloomberg Economy and Government Editor Michael Heath about what’s driving One Nation’s rise, whether it reflects a broader shift in Australian politics,…
28 May 2026 · 16 min
When a Housing Bubble Bursts: A Warning from Across the Ditch
New Zealand’s housing boom once looked unstoppable. Now prices are falling sharply, construction firms are collapsing and younger buyers are questioning whether property is still the safest path to wealth. On this week’s podcast, Chris Bourke speaks with Wellington Bureau Chief Ainsley Thomson about the economic fallout from one of the world’s biggest housing reversals — and what lessons it could hold for Australia as its own market begins to wobble. They discuss the painful reality of falling house prices, why governments fear housing downturns even when…
21 May 2026 · 17 min
Why Australians Are Really Angry About High Grocery Prices
Australia’s supermarket giants are facing a growing backlash as shoppers battle rising grocery bills and fresh scrutiny lands on the industry. After a federal court found Coles misled customers over its “Down Down” discount campaign, questions are mounting over whether Australians have really been getting the bargains they were promised. On this episode of the Bloomberg Australia Podcast, host Chris Bourke speaks with global business editor Karen Leigh about the court ruling, the cost-of-living crisis and why Coles and Woolworths have become targets of consumer frustration.…
14 May 2026 · 13 min
Why This Week’s Budget Could Mean Even More Rate Hikes
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has pitched his latest budget as one of the most ambitious in decades — but does it live up to the hype? With deficits stretching into the future and spending still strong, economists warn the plan could add to inflation rather than ease it, setting up a growing clash with the Reserve Bank. As interest rates rise and global uncertainty deepens, the stakes for Australia’s economic path are only getting higher. In this episode, Bloomberg’s Swati Pandey breaks down what’s really in the budget — from housing reforms and tax changes to the…
7 May 2026 · 10 min
How Three Experts Are Navigating Volatility in 2026
War-driven energy shocks, persistent inflation and rapid advances in AI are colliding to reshape global markets in 2026. In this special episode, we bring you highlights from a live Bloomberg panel in Sydney, where leading voices in economics, investing and dealmaking unpack how they’re navigating one of the most uncertain environments in years. Westpac Chief Economist Luci Ellis, Ten Cap founder Jun Bei Liu and Goldman Sachs’ Marissa Freund discuss what’s driving volatility, where investors are finding opportunity, and why dealmaking hasn’t ground to a halt. To find…
30 Apr 2026 · 17 min
War, Diesel and Deals: Why Mining Giants Are Under Pressure
Australia’s mining giants are entering a new phase. After years chasing mega deals that never quite landed, the focus is shifting to discipline – cutting costs, reviewing assets and doubling down on metals like copper that are critical to the energy transition. But that shift comes as operating pressures build, from rising input costs to weather disruptions and tighter supply. On this episode, mining reporter Paul-Alain Hunt breaks down what’s driving the reset – and what comes next. We look at how the war in the Middle East is adding to cost pressures, why mega…
23 Apr 2026 · 17 min
How the NDIS Became a Budget Blowout, And the Race to Fix It
A blowout in spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme has forced the Australian government to make tough cuts to rein the program in ahead of its May budget. On this week’s episode, economy reporter Swati Pandey discusses how NDIS spending rose so rapidly, concerns about misuse of the program, and how the government plans to fix it with greater oversight, curbs on fraud and tighter eligibility rules. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16 Apr 2026 · 14 min
How the Iran War is Shaping What Australia Grows
The war in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through global fuel and fertilizer markets, and that’s flowing through to what farmers are planting in Australian paddocks this season. On this week’s episode, agriculture reporter Ben Westcott breaks down what this means for Australia’s grain production, food security, grocery prices and exports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9 Apr 2026 · 17 min
How Hard Has the Iran Crisis Hit Super Funds?
Global markets have been rocked by the escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran — and Australians are starting to feel it in their super balances. After one of the worst months since 2022, many investors are nervously checking their accounts and wondering how much damage has been done. On this week’s episode, pensions reporter Amy Bainbridge breaks down what the volatility means for your retirement savings, why funds are urging members not to panic, and what history tells us about riding out market shocks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2 Apr 2026 · 14 min
Are Kids Already Beating the Social Media Ban?
Australia’s world-first ban on social media for under-16s was designed to protect kids — but just months in, cracks are already showing. Regulators say major platforms may be falling short, while parents and teens report the rules are easy to get around, with workarounds ranging from shared accounts to AI-generated age checks. So is the policy actually changing behavior, or just reshuffling it? Bloomberg’s Ros Mathieson joins the podcast to unpack what’s working, what isn’t, and whether this bold experiment could become a global model — or a cautionary…
26 Mar 2026 · 14 min
Could Australia Really Run Out of Fuel?
Is Australia at risk of running out of fuel? Panic buying has surged, prices are spiking and some regional stations are already running dry as tensions in the Middle East rattle global supply chains. This week on the podcast, Ben Westcott joins Rebecca Jones to unpack the data behind the headlines — how much fuel Australia actually has, where the system is under strain and why the ripple effects could hit everything from supermarket shelves to farm output. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About The Bloomberg Australia Podcast

Each week, Rebecca Jones and Bloomberg's team of reporters lift the lid on the biggest stories shaping Australia's place in global business.

The Bloomberg Australia Podcast is a English news podcast from Bloomberg. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Bloomberg
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 15 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1768779023
Rights: 2026 Bloomberg

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