DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group

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May 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

DBrief, the business podcast from Australian Industry Group is for business people with a keen interest in understanding the connection between their individual business operation and the broader issues of Industry Development, Industry Policy and new government regulations. Via an engaging and informal interview format, DBrief will investigate: What is happening in Industry Policy, and what does it mean? Where are these issues going, and what do I need to know? What do I need to think about and learn, in order to stay abreast of- or even ahead of- the emerging issues and developments? By understanding the answers to these questions, business operators can stay ahead of changes and market movements, and be better prepared for Digitalisation, Decarbonisation and Diversification in their business and their market sector. The podcast is designed to provide Australian Industry Group members and other business owners with a useful and timely insight into the changes in policy and regulations, and what is means for business.

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43 recent

May 29, 2026Episode 4123 min

From button batteries to Quantum - the role of standards in modern industry

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Rod Balding, CEO of Standards Australia, about why standards are far more than technical documents and how they shape safety, markets and Australia’s strategic position in a changing global environment. They explore how standards underpin everyday products and infrastructure - from housing and transport to emerging technologies - and why they are often invisible until something goes wrong.Louise and Rod discuss the findings of Standards Australia’s recent end‑to‑end review, including a shift toward greater stewardship, earlier engagement on contentious issues, and efforts to improve speed, usability and collaboration across committees.The episode looks beyond Australia to the global stage, examining how international alignment can reduce trade friction while allowing for local adaptation, and how standards are increasingly being used as tools of strategic influence in areas such as digital technologies, energy systems and critical materials.Key takeawaysStandards underpin safety, quality and consistency across a wide range of products, infrastructure and industries, often without being visible to end users.Misconceptions persist that standards act as barriers, but they are more accurately enablers of trust, interoperability and market development.A recent review is driving a shift toward more active stewardship, earlier issue resolution and greater efficiency in development processes.Volunteer experts play a critical role in shaping standards, and sustained engagement is essential to ensure outcomes reflect industry and community needs.Aligning with international standards helps reduce trade friction, while local adaptations remain necessary in areas such as climate and safety conditions.Standards are increasingly part of geopolitical and economic strategy, particularly in emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity and quantum.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

May 15, 2026Episode 4032 min

What the Budget does and doesn’t deliver: progress since the 2025 productivity roundtable

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Dr. Jeff Wilson from the Australian Industry Group unpack the 2026-27 Federal Budget and assess how it measures up against the economic reform agenda set at last year’s productivity roundtable. They revisit the key priorities discussed at the roundtable - particularly productivity, regulatory reform and tax simplification - and examine where the budget has delivered progress and where momentum has stalled. The conversation highlights several practical wins, including expansion of the Trusted Trader program, further removal of nuisance tariffs, and initial steps toward a more consistent national approach to product standards, the construction code and regulatory reporting. Louise and Jeff also explore areas where reform remains incomplete. While there are signs of progress on reducing regulatory burden and improving coordination across governments, more complex challenges - including tax simplification, payroll tax harmonisation and the design of the R&D tax incentive - remain unresolved. The episode reflects on how these decisions affect day‑to‑day business operations, from trade and compliance to investment and innovation. Key takeawaysExpansion of the Trusted Trader program and removal of nuisance tariffs will reduce compliance costs and friction in cross‑border trade.Progress toward a single economic market is emerging, including steps to align product standards, workforce regulation and the building code implementation across states.The “tell us once” principle signals intent to reduce duplication in regulatory reporting, though implementation is still underway.Tax simplification - a core ask from industry - saw little progress, with complexity remaining a significant burden for business.Payroll tax harmonisation remains unresolved, despite being a major operational challenge for national businesses.Changes to the R&D tax incentive provide some benefits at the large end of the market but may limit access for smaller firms and do not address underlying complexity.Links mentioned in this podcast episode:Federal Budget 2026/27 - Federal Budget measures for businessContact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

May 1, 2026Episode 3924 min

Biofuels, fuel security and what ethanol could do for Australia

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Ash Salardini, CEO of Australian Sugar Manufacturers, about the role biofuels - particularly ethanol - could play in strengthening Australia’s fuel security as the conflict in Iran continues to disrupt global supply.The conversation explores why ethanol is being raised again as a practical policy option, and how a national ethanol mandate could help cushion Australia against price shocks, supply disruptions and low fuel stock levels. Ash explains what has changed since earlier debates on ethanol, including vehicle compatibility, fuel standards and emissions performance, and why demand certainty is critical for attracting private investment.Louise and Ash discuss how a national mandate could be designed to mirror successful energy policy frameworks, where existing government programs align with this agenda, and where gaps remain. The episode also examines certification and integrity under the Guarantee of Origin scheme, the realities of feedstock supply, concerns about food versus fuel, and how sugar‑based biofuels could support longer‑term sovereign capability, regional development and the decarbonisation of harder‑to‑abate sectors such as aviation.Key takeawaysA national ethanol mandate could simultaneously improve fuel availability, reduce price volatility and lift Australia’s fuel reserve coverage.Australia already has sufficient ethanol production capacity to meet an initial national mandate, with scope to scale significantly over time.Past concerns about vehicle compatibility and fuel quality no longer apply to the modern vehicle fleet or current fuel standards.Demand certainty - rather than supply‑side subsidies - is the key constraint holding back investment in biofuel expansion.Current fuel security responses focus overwhelmingly on oil‑based fuels, despite ethanol being immediately available domestically.A credible Guarantee of Origin scheme is essential to support market confidence, investment and export credibility for biofuels.Biofuel growth can complement food production, particularly through the use of existing biomass rather than competing feedstocks.Ethanol offers a near‑term, cost‑effective pathway to emissions reduction, with longer‑term potential for aviation and maritime fuels.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

April 17, 2026Episode 3831 min

The deeper supply chain impacts of the Iran conflict

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Jeff Wilson from the Australian Industry Group return to the conflict in Iran, as impacts move beyond fuel prices and deepen across industrial supply chains. They explain why businesses may be entering a new stage of the shock - shifting from monitoring risk to absorbing real costs, operational uncertainty and disruption. The discussion highlights how freight and insurance withdrawals, shipping diversions and emergency surcharges are becoming early pressure points, well before widespread product shortages emerge. Drawing on member intelligence, Louise and Jeff explore where risks are building across critical inputs including resins, plastics, packaging, nitrile gloves, construction materials and bitumen. They examine why Australia’s position at the end of long petrochemical supply chains matters, how force majeure notices are amplifying uncertainty, and why the effects of this crisis are likely to persist well beyond any near‑term resolution. Key takeaways The impact of the Iran conflict is no longer limited to fuel prices, with freight, insurance and shipping disruptions now flowing through supply chains. Critical inputs such as resins, packaging materials, nitrile gloves, PVC products and bitumen are emerging as key pressure points. Force majeure notices and unclear delivery timelines are making investment, workforce and production planning more difficult for businesses. Government responses are evolving, with fuel security measures, supply chain coordination and economic resilience tools being prepared if shortages worsen. Businesses are moving beyond “wait and see”, actively assessing supply chain exposure, working with employees, and planning for reduced fuel and material availability. Further information and resources: Experiencing fuel or supply disruptions? Report impacts on your business here. We would welcome any information you can provide. Australian Industry Group is monitoring the evolving impacts of the conflict in the Middle East on Australia's fuel supply and broader supply chains. Read more. Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

April 2, 2026Episode 3729 min

What the Strategic Examination of Research and Development Means for Industry, Innovation and Productivity

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and David Martin from the Australian Industry Group discuss the final report of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development in Australia and what it means for industry, innovation and productivity.They explain why the review was commissioned, how Australia compares with its OECD peers, and what is at stake if current settings remain unchanged. The conversation explores what makes this review different from past efforts, including its whole‑of‑system approach, focus on execution, and recommendations to consolidate funding programs and sharpen national priorities.Louise and David unpack the implications for CEOs, startups and SMEs, including proposed changes to the R&D tax incentive, efforts to reduce administrative burden, and the risks of shifting funding away from business‑led innovation. They also examine calls for stronger national coordination through a National Innovation Council, and the persistent challenge of translating world‑class research into commercial outcomes.The episode highlights why long‑term policy certainty, better collaboration between industry and universities, and genuine reform - rather than more reviews - will matter for Australia’s future competitiveness.Key takeawaysAustralia continues to lag comparable economies on business R&D and research translation.This review takes a holistic, system‑wide view and places heavy emphasis on execution.Consolidating programs aims to reduce complexity, but funding trade‑offs remain contentious.Changes to the R&D tax incentive could improve access, but raise concerns for some SMEs.Stronger national coordination is intended to provide clearer priorities and long‑term certainty.Productivity gains depend on translating research into products, services and jobs - not research alone. Further information and resources:Download the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development report hereAustralian Industry Group’s submissions:Strategic Evaluation of R&DStrategic Examination of R&D: Response to Issues Papers 1-4Strategic Examination of R&D: Response to Issues Papers 5-6Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

March 19, 2026Episode 3628 min

How the Iran conflict is rippling through Australia’s fuel market and supply chains

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath and Jeff Wilson from the Australian Industry Group discuss how the conflict in Iran is disrupting liquid fuel supply, international freight, and critical industrial inputs across the Australian economy. They unpack why Australia can have adequate national fuel stocks while regional communities still experience empty bowsers and caps at the pump. The conversation explores how refinery slowdowns in Asia, rising global fuel prices and periods of panic buying are exposing vulnerabilities in Australia’s heavily import‑dependent fuel system. Louise and Jeff also examine the emerging flow‑on effects for plastics, fertilisers, copper, electrical products, packaging and other essential materials that Australian manufacturers rely on. With shipping costs surging, insurers withdrawing cover for Middle East–exposed cargo, and force majeure notices becoming more common, they consider how these pressures may hit construction, food and beverage, agriculture and export‑oriented industries in the months ahead. Even minor shortages in items like PVC pipe or vegetable oils risk cascading into larger delays at building sites, factories and farms. Drawing on lessons from the pandemic, Louise and Jeff highlight the importance of national coordination, clear information flows, and deep visibility into supply chains - as well as the practical steps businesses can take now to prepare for further volatility. They also look at what role government can play in ensuring calm, consistent and well‑informed responses as this global shock continues to unfold.Key takeawaysAustralia’s overall fuel availability remains stable, but regional shortages are appearing due to market structure, independent retailers and panic‑driven demand spikes.Asia’s refinery disruptions - stemming from reduced crude flows from the Gulf - are lifting fuel prices and tightening supply for Australia, which imports around 90% of refined liquid fuels.Higher diesel and petrol costs are already flowing into freight, domestic transport and grocery supply chains, adding to existing inflationary pressures.Air freight and shipping rates are rising sharply, with reported increases of 40–70%, along with rerouting delays, congestion and insurance withdrawals for cargo linked to the Middle East.Force majeure notices and production stoppages offshore are affecting plastics, PVC resin, fertilisers, electrical products, metals and other inputs - with the construction sector likely to feel the impact by May.Even small shortages in critical items can trigger broader delays across construction, agriculture, food manufacturing and export industries.Businesses should map their supply chains, maintain close communication with suppliers and customers, and explore alternative sourcing options.Government measures so far include adjusting fuel quality standards and supporting supply chain coordination, but longer‑term discussions about sovereign capability and national preparedness are likely to grow.Further information and resources:For the latest available statistics on fuel stocks held in Australia under the Minimum Stockholding Obligation click here. See the DCCEEW's factsheet on Australia's Fuel Security during the Middle East conflict click here.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

March 6, 2026Episode 3532 min

What industry wants from South Australia and Victoria in an election year

In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with the Australian Industry Group’s state heads, Tim Piper in Victoria and Estha van der Linden in South Australia, to explore what businesses on the ground are really facing as both states head into pivotal 2026 election campaigns.The conversation highlights the pressure created by land tax increases in Victoria, payroll tax design issues in South Australia, and the growing weight of WorkSafe liabilities linked to mental health claims. It also examines the challenges of high evening electricity prices, severe skills shortages and the barriers that prevent smaller firms from taking on degree apprenticeships or accessing facilities to prototype new products. In Victoria, businesses are also concerned about rising gas prices, the risk that declining residential gas use will shift network costs onto industry, and the need for long‑term certainty so gas‑reliant manufacturers are not pushed out of the state.Clear and consistent regulation across all levels of government is essential to reduce the time businesses spend managing overlapping compliance requirements and to allow companies to redirect resources toward productivity, investment and growth. Key takeawaysBusinesses want stable and predictable policy settings from state governments to reduce investment risk.Victorian companies are struggling with rapid land tax increases that are not aligned with their productivity or revenue.South Australian firms face a payroll tax bracket design that creates sharp marginal increases for small changes in payroll size.Mental health claims represent a small share of total claims but a large share of WorkSafe costs, which places pressure on employers.Victorian businesses are concerned that rising gas prices and shrinking residential gas use will shift network costs onto industry and threaten the viability of gas‑reliant manufacturers.South Australia’s renewable‑heavy grid creates high evening electricity prices that require better storage and firming solutions.Skills shortages affect businesses of all sizes, with some Victorian factories short hundreds of workers each day.Degree apprenticeships remain out of reach for many SMEs without adjustments to wage costs, university fees and FBT settings.SMEs need accessible facilities to prototype and test innovations without excessive financial risk.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

February 20, 2026Episode 3433 min

Inside Australia’s 2026 Industry Outlook: costs, tech investment and regulatory pressure

In this episode, Louise McGrath and Dr Jeffrey Wilson unpack Australian Industry Group's Australian Industry Outlook for 2026, revealing a landscape where businesses are juggling rising costs, mixed demand expectations, and rapidly evolving technologies. While the extreme uncertainty of recent years has eased, companies remain cautious as they face tighter margins, persistent skills shortages, and escalating compliance obligations.The discussion explores how current pressures are reshaping business decision‑making - from “survival spending” on automation, AI and cyber security, to the difficult trade‑offs between short‑term cost control and long‑term productivity investment. It also examines the growing frustration with tax and regulatory complexity, and the need for more consistent rules across jurisdictions to support a more efficient national economy.The conversation then turns to several expected and unexpected features of Australian Industry Group's 2026-27 pre-budget submission, including tackling the illicit tobacco trade, scrapping nuisance tariffs, designing a fair and enduring road-user charging system, and modernising the National Construction Code to boost housing supply and improve compliance clarity.Key TakeawaysBusiness expectations for 2026 are split, with similar numbers predicting weaker and stronger conditions.Cost pressures continue to rise, but passing those costs through to customers is becoming harder.Technology investment - especially automation, AI and cyber security - is one of the few spending areas still growing.Compliance and tax complexity remain major concerns, with businesses calling for simplified and more consistent systems.Illicit tobacco is costing Australia billions in lost revenue, with implications for public health, crime and the budget.Removing nuisance tariffs would reduce paperwork without affecting revenue or harming local industry.A national approach to road‑user charging is now essential as EV adoption accelerates.Modernising the National Construction Code could help ease Australia’s housing constraints and improve industry productivity.Links: Australian Industry Outlook for 2026 - 13th Annual Australian Industry Group Leaders Survey - Australian Industry Outlook for 2026Pre-Budget Submission: Federal Budget 2026-27 Pre-Budget Submission: Federal Budget 2026-27 | Australian Industry GroupContact the Industry Development & Policy team here.

February 6, 2026Episode 3335 min

DBrief Summer Series: starting small, scaling smart — AI lessons from two Australian icons

In this third Summer Series episode, we spotlight two century‑old Australian manufacturers - InfraBuild and Dux - who are using AI not as hype, but as a practical lever for safety, service coverage, and productivity.From Sharmy Francis, Innovation Manager at InfraBuild, we hear how automating product tagging on 24/7 rolling mills strengthened end‑to‑end traceability, removed ergonomic risks, and created new career pathways - upskilling seasoned operators into robotics and software-enabled roles.From Simon Terry, CEO at Dux, we hear how introducing an AI voice agent bridged hard-to-staff hours (5am–9pm across AU/NZ time zones), improved customer access to support 24/7, and relieved teams from the least desirable shifts - without job losses.Across both stories, the human dimension looms large: open communication with staff, visible executive sponsorship, and responsible AI governance that accelerates adoption rather than slowing it. The call to action is clear: Australian industry cannot afford to sit this one out - go sooner, go harder, start small and safe, and let momentum compound.Key TakeawaysStart with a specific problem. Narrow scope (e.g. traceability tagging, 24/7 call coverage) beats broad ambitions. Deliver one outcome, then iterate.Safety + productivity can move together. Automating ergonomically risky tagging tasks improved both operator safety and 100% traceability.Guardrails tame risk. Domain “sandpits,” curated knowledge, human oversight of every call, and continuous training mitigated hallucinations and elevated quality.No jobs lost - better jobs created. AI absorbed unpopular hours and repetitive tasks; organisations invested in new roles (data scientists, data engineers, analysts, supply chain optimisation, robotics operators).Culture is the multiplier. Be transparent with teams, celebrate quick wins, and normalise “fail fast, learn fast”. Executive sponsorship and cross‑functional AI governance keep adoption safe and fast.Data compounds value. The first use case unlocks richer data, revealing adjacent optimisation opportunities across operations and service.Australia needs the tailwind. With rising input costs and a productivity gap, practical AI is a rare lever for competitiveness - industry must act now.Read Australian Industry Group’s report Artificial Intelligence: Positive for companies, their people, and Australian Industry.Note: This recording is from a live event and the audio quality may vary.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.Dive deeper into this topic by listening to our previous DBrief episodes Summer Series: Getting Started: The AI Adoption Challenge for IndustryExecuting AI in complex settings

January 22, 2026Episode 3227 min

DBrief Summer Series: Executing AI in complex settings

In this episode, we spotlight two industries where the stakes couldn’t be higher - healthcare and superannuation - and ask: how do organisations build trust, navigate regulation, and introduce AI responsibly in emotionally sensitive environments?Our panel brings together three leaders implementing AI at scale:Greg Hill, Head of Data Strategy, Analytics and Insights, AustralianSuper, shares how an empathy‑led, consultation‑driven approach is helping uplift AI capability across investment, member, and enterprise teams — without overwhelming staff or compromising trust.Elizabeth Turner, Segment Director for Health & New Zealand, ISS Australia, reveals how her team tackled hospital food waste using computer vision, and why starting with the problem, not the technology, was the key to success.Rita Arrigo, National AI Centre, reflects on responsible AI, cultural fit when choosing vendors, and why visibility across AI projects can spark innovation and reduce duplicated effort.From navigating regulated environments and cybersecurity, to building communities of practice and managing expectations around generative AI, this conversation explores the human, technical, and organisational dynamics needed to implement AI safely and meaningfully.Key TakeawaysStart with the problem, not the technology. Both organisations emphasised problem‑definition as the foundation for successful AI adoption.Empathy‑led change management works. Deep consultation, listening, and internal “consulting mindsets” help overcome fears and build genuine buy‑in.Responsible AI requires cultural fit. Choosing vendors aligned with organisational values is as important as technical capability.AI can strengthen (not replace!) human judgment. Communities of practice, executive education, and bottom‑up capability uplift ensure adoption sticks.Regulated environments can enable innovation. Standards like HL7 support safe data sharing while unlocking new clinical and operational insights.Integration is essential for long‑term impact. Interfaces, workflows, and data governance must evolve to embed AI into core operations.Cybers AI is no longer bundled into the “cyber risk” bucket. Instead, leaders now see that AI is critical for defending against the rising volume and sophistication of cyber‑attacks - providing detection, monitoring, and response capabilities that humans alone can’t match.Read Australian Industry Group’s report Artificial Intelligence: Positive for companies, their people, and Australian Industry.Note: This recording is from a live event and the audio quality may vary.Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.Dive deeper into this topic by listening to our previous DBrief episode Summer Series: Getting Started - The AI Adoption Challenge for Industry.