DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group
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.
DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group
DBrief: 2025 in Review — The big challenges, the shifts underway, and the road ahead
In this episode, Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox joins us to review Australia’s economic landscape in 2025. He reflects on a year marked by slow growth and persistent inflation, outlining why stronger government action is essential to reignite private sector confidence.
We explore the pressures of rising energy costs, the country’s transition to net zero, and the growing role of AI across Australian industry. Innes also examines how businesses are reshaping their workforce strategies, the evolving workplace relations environment, and the regulatory uncertainty influencing investment decisions.
It’s a big‑picture conversation about what’s holding the economy back - and what needs to shift for Australia to compete and innovate in 2026 and beyond.
Takeaways
- Inflation remains one of the economy’s most persistent pressures.
- Strong, clear government action is needed to help restart private‑sector investment and growth.
- Businesses need greater certainty to manage the transition to net zero effectively.
- AI is increasingly seen by Australian companies as a tool that enhances - not replaces - jobs.
- Post‑election workplace relations reforms are creating significant change and increasing compliance demands.
- Skills and training systems must evolve quickly to keep pace with emerging technologies.
- The national energy debate will remain central to economic and policy discussions.
- A productive partnership between government and industry is essential to drive future prosperity.
Here are the links mentioned in the podcast episode:
- DBrief special episodes & election series: DBrief: Federal Election 2025 Special Episodes
- Budget position: Federal Budget 2025–26—restart private sector engine
- Election certainty: We need a clear election result
- Global outlook: Global forecasts—fragile stability
- Net zero targets & projections: DCCEEW Emissions Projections 2023; CEFC recapitalisation & 2035 target
- AI case studies: Artificial Intelligence: Positive for companies, their people, and Australian Industry
- Apprentices & employer barriers: Opinion: Employers behind apprentices; Job satisfaction outcomes
- Wage Review decision: 3.75% increase—Australian Industry Group statement
- Productivity & wages linkage: Productivity uplifts needed
