Ai Group Podcasts

In this episode the team unpack through the relationship of business and government, and explore the complex relationship from a host of different perspectives. The episode starts with the lessons of Covid, the differing responses of the various States and the Federal Government, and the lesson for businesses in the transitioning economy: Is it effective or counter-productive to have different responses? The team considers the historical legacy of ‘the federation of states’ and make some interesting observations. The Ukraine crisis is discussed and explored. The team dissect the influence the war will have on energy markets and structures in the medium and longer term, and the impact on the global energy transition. Tennant wonders of Russia will r-enter the market at some stage ‘under new management’. The AGL attempted takeover is discussed, and the team explores instances where business strategies are ahead of government policy, and the impact this has on markets, governments and business. Gov

Ai Group's Head of National Workplace Relations discusses the latest Significant Workplace Relations Issues report. This podcast provides an update on three of the key issues outlined in the report: High Court Independent Contractors decisions Working from Home arrangements Domestic Violence leave

Tim Piper, Ai Group's Head - Victoria, meets with EPA Victoria CEO, Lee Miezis, to discuss the role, goals and directives of the EPA to help inform Australian businesses of how the EPA can work with industry to conform with the latest legislation. Topics in this podcast: 1. New Legislation and effect on industry – what the EPA will be doing https://soundcloud.com/ai-group/environment-connect-epa#t=00:00:06 2. Types of support the EPA will be providing for industry https://soundcloud.com/ai-group/environment-connect-epa#t=00:07:50 3. Statement of Regulatory Intent and what industry can expect from the EPA under the new laws https://soundcloud.com/ai-group/environment-connect-epa#t=00:09:46 4. Waste requirements under the new legislation https://soundcloud.com/ai-group/environment-connect-epa#t=00:12:58 5. Waste Tracker – what it is, how it works, what industry has to do https://soundcloud.com/ai-group/environment-connect-epa#t=00:22:21 6. Contaminated waste and state borders – Waste Tracker https://soundcloud

In this episode the team address a host of business energy issues that emerged during the summer break. James, Tennant and Paul use their easy-to-listen conversational approach to big issues, to chat about: ways for businesses to take small steps in decarbonising the impact on Australia as the world reaches 10million electric vehicles, including the fast take up of EV commercial vehicles in the U.S. the recent success of two Australian businesses in leading the way to the new economy the impact of the US/Russian standoff and what it might mean for renewable energy activities around the world And then try to work out if ‘Flying Taxis’ will be a feature in the future world. Is Science Fiction becoming reality? Again?

In this, the last episode for the year, the team have a fascinating wide-ranging discussion on the multiple issues for Australian businesses to switch to renewable energy sources. James tells the team of the rapid transition by several large Australian mines to renewable energy, and the team consider if the same is possible for smaller business operations. Paul discusses the business issues of commercial reality and costs vs the demands and expectations of the changing supply chain. He addresses the volatility of diesel fuel costs compared to locally-produced renewables. Tennant delves into the multiple issues of system-wide power sources vs microgrid power supply. The conversation then ranges across power storage, variable demand of electricity loads by business, and the cost and feasibility of hydrogen transport amongst other issues. And what it means to us as business people. The team discuss hydrogen as a domestic source and as a potential export product, the current state of the ‘nuclear energy’ deb

Ai Group Head - National Workplace Relations Policy, Stephen Smith, provides an update on the FWC decision regarding the mandating of vaccinations at the Mt Arthur coal mining site. This podcast is provided with the support of the Commonwealth Government, represented by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Ai Group's Head of National Workplace Relations discusses the latest Significant Workplace Relations Issues report. This podcast provides an update on three of the key issues outlined in the report: BHP's FWC case regarding the mandating of vaccines The Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 ALP's Fair Work Amendment (Same Job, Same Pay) Bill 2021

In this episode, the team is joined by Louise McGrath, Head of Policy and Industry Development at Ai Group, as they dissect and discuss the prospects for global trade for Australian businesses in 2022. James challenges the panel to act as an advisory team to a senior management team, and provide their thoughts on the prospects for international trade next year. In a lively and engaging conversation the team discuss the global trading environment, the prospect for Australia exporters and importers in 2022 and the role and effectiveness of the World Trade Organisation and the other structures designed to facilitate international trade. They ask the question: Are these structures still relevant and useful to Australian businesses today? The team review Australia’s traditional markets, and Louise tells us her views of markets to consider in 2022. The future of Trade Documentation is discussed and Tennant gets controversial regarding cryptocurrency. A fascinating and wide-ranging conversation. Rec

In this episode the team chats with Dr Tia Kansara in Glasgow at the UN Climate Change Conference. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the announcements of the first week of the conference and what the announcements mean to eventual success of the conference. The team also discuss the existential threat of climate change, the role of the Conference and other structures in addressing address the challenge, the frustration and success of the challenge and what it all means for business. And Tia reminds Paul of his uni days and teaches us all some ancient Greek. About our Special Correspondent: Dr Tia Kansara Tia is the CEO of Replenish Earth, Special Advisor to the UNFCCC, an Advisory Board Member to the World Happiness Foundation and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. Her publications in peer-reviewed journals range from sustainable cities to human performance, health and wellbeing, presenting her findings at conferences internationally through social media. She has

The team discuss the upcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, and consider how the outcomes of the conference will affect Australian businesses in both the immediate term and in the future. Paul explains the history of the conferences and why it’s called COP 26. Tennant shares his personal experience of attending three previous COPs and his upcoming appearance at the Turkey Pavilion at COP26. James draws a strange connection between our decarbonised future, and the 1890 Wool Industry in Australia. And as always, the ‘conversation over coffee’ goes off into unusual and interesting sidebars.

Ai Group Head - National Workplace Relations Policy, Stephen Smith, provides an update on some of the IR implications of the Vaccine Rollout, including mandating of vaccinations in the workplace. This podcast is provided with the support of the Commonwealth Government, represented by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

In this episode, James Tennant and Paul discuss the importance of businesses ‘futureproofing’ by understanding the changes that are happening now and in the future, and responding accordingly. Then they unpack the proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and consider the likely impact on Australian Businesses. The team unpack Tennant’s recently released detailed report on CBAM titled ‘Swings and Roundabouts: The Unexpected Effects of Carbon Border Adjustments on Australia’ and discover there are opportunities and challenges for Australia. The conversation also addresses Australia and the likely impact of Carbon Taxes around the world.

What on Earth - Episode 4: Electric Vehicles by Ai Group

This podcast provides an update on three of the key issues outlined in the report: - Stand-downs and other COVID IR issues - The Respect@Work reforms - Casual Award terms review

What on Earth - Episode 2: Critical Minerals by Ai Group

What on Earth - Episode 3: Electrification by Ai Group

The Entrepreneurs Programme offers a Strengthening Business program to support small businesses in regional areas around Australia. Gippsland Jersey's Sallie Jones discusses their journey through dairy crisis and bushfires and how Michael Duncan, Adviser from the Entrepreneurs Programme has supported the development of Gippsland Jersey over the last year. www.aigroup.com.au

Ai Group Head - Workplace Relations Policy, Stephen Smith, discusses some of the IR implications of the Vaccine Rollout, including mandating of vaccination in the workplace. This podcast is provided with the support of the Commonwealth Government, represented by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

What on Earth - Episode 1: Green Steel by Ai Group

Ai Group National Manager Workplace Relations Policy, Nicola Street, discusses the ins and outs of flexible working conditions, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This podcast includes: - Employer directives regarding place of work - WHS issues both in the office and at home - Remote and Hybrid working This podcast is provided with the support of the Commonwealth Government, represented by the Fair Work Ombudsman.