Welcome the first edition of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast with our hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, former head of the Department of Defence's Information Warfare Division, and Phil Tarrant, director — defence and security at Momentum Media. The Cyber Security Uncut podcast is a fortnightly podcast unpacking Australia's innovative and vibrant cyber security sector, from the latest business trends facing the industry through to breaking global news. The pair begin by analysing the emerging trends within cyber warfare and the growing use of information operations as an exploitable domain. They also examine how cyber security is an ever growing financial risk to Australian companies, discussing the importance of cyber security protocols within businesses. The podcast wraps up by analysing the importance of a sovereign cyber security industry in Australia to service the nation's growing cyber security needs. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect Team

This year's R U OK? Day serves as an important reminder to open up the conversation on mental health, both in the workplace and at home, according to David Coleman, member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

In this special episode, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to Mr Coleman.

Together, the pair discuss the importance of shining a spotlight on mental health issues, share why the consequences of stigmatising mental health are significant, and reveal how you can make a difference to your workplace, community, family and friends.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg this week announced a reduction in ASIC levies for financial advisers, taking fees back to 2018-19 levels. But how did we get to this stage where levies have been constantly rising year-on-year? In this episode of Accountants Daily Insider, the Institute of Public Accountants group executive of advocacy and policy, Vicki Stylianou, joins host Jotham Lian to provide context around ASIC’s industry funding model and what it was meant to achieve. Vicki explores how fees have risen dramatically over the years for financial advisers, registered liquidators, and auditors, and delivers a compelling argument on why the government should initiate a blanket freeze for all practitioners. She also discusses the upcoming review of ASIC’s industry funding model and what she hopes will come from it.

Tax & Super Australia tax counsel John Jeffreys joins host Jotham Lian in this episode of Accountants Daily Insider to take a closer look at why accountants are doing it tougher this year.

With state and territory governments rolling out new business support measures each time a lockdown is announced, John explores how accountants can be better supported as they are constantly relied on to help their clients during this difficult time.

John also looks at how the ATO can play a bigger role in supporting the profession, and why the 85 per cent lodgement benchmark needs to be re-looked at as stress levels rise.

The ATO’s position on non-arm’s length expenditure incurred under a non-arm’s length arrangement has now been finalised, but its interpretation has drawn concerns from all corners of the industry.

On this episode of Accountants Daily Insider, DBA Lawyers director Daniel Butler joins host Jotham Lian and Aaron Dunn to take a closer look at the ATO’s recently released LCR 2021/2.

Daniel considers the expectation gap between the ATO and the industry, key concerns that have arisen, and what the future might look.

Accountants and bookkeepers were an invaluable resource for business clients amid the COVID-19 crisis last year, and the profession has again been called to the frontlines as the country continues to battle through lockdown restrictions. In this episode of Accountants Daily Insider, Intuit QuickBooks head of advisor strategy Meagan Wood and Oyster Hub co-founder Adarsh Dutt take a closer look at a new report which attempts to quantify the value of advice that the profession has provided over the last year. The pair explore how accountants have been crucial in delivering not just financial benefits for clients, but also non-financial benefits such as emotional support. Adarsh compares this year’s Greater Sydney lockdown to last year’s and the differences in business support measures on offer. He also explains how practitioners can ride the wave of trust and appreciation from their clients to position themselves as the advisers of choice.

Tyler Wise, founder and director of Wise Accounting, was first exposed to the brutality of cyber attacks when his firm experienced a malicious phishing attack. He now uses that experience to help other accountants better protect themselves, their firm, and their clients. In this episode of Accountants Daily Insider, Tyler previews his upcoming session at CPA Australia’s Public Practice Virtual Conference by looking at why accountants are more exposed than ever to cyber-security risks in a remote working environment, and the financial and reputational consequences that come with breaches. Tyler also looks to dispel the myth around cyber-security costs that could be holding practices back from taking action, and gives his top tips on how practices can protect themselves today. Find out more about Tyler’s in-depth session, other industry changes and technical updates at CPA Australia’s Public Practice Virtual Conference on 19 August.

The new financial year has just begun, but the road ahead is already looking busy for the SMSF industry. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Aaron Dunn and Jotham Lian are joined by SMSF Association deputy CEO Peter Burgess as they take a closer look at the next 12 months in the industry. Peter talks about key agenda items for the SMSF Association, including federal budget measures that will see close consultation with the Treasury, as well as key issues that advisers should keep an eye out for in the immediate future. Peter also previews an upcoming project with the University of Adelaide on the investment performance of the sector, and a new project to help make it easier for people to get out of an SMSF when it is no longer suitable for them.  

Australian Accounting Awards 2021 Thought Leader of the Year Rebecca Mihalic has had her fair share of challenges as a female in the profession. But she hasn’t let that slow her down and has instead harnessed her experience to shine a spotlight on a range of gender-equality issues to help pave a better way for the next generation. The businessDEPOT director, founding partner of Aptus Accounting & Advisory, and head of accounting at Practice Ignition also shares her passion for raising awareness on mental health issues, and her focus on cash flow protection for accountants and their firms. Rebecca also gives host Jotham Lian some of her predictions for the financial year ahead as Australia continues to battle through COVID-19 lockdowns.

The ATO’s debt book has swollen to $34 billion, with COVID-19 exacerbating an issue that has been growing over the years. But who is contributing to this growth, and is the ATO being used as an unofficial bank? In this episode of Accountants Daily Insider, the Inspector-General of Taxation, Karen Payne, joins host Jotham Lian to discuss her agency’s latest report on undisputed tax debts in Australia. Karen reveals which industry accounts for the highest levels of debt, the breakdown of taxpayer groups responsible for the growing debt, and how a majority of collectable debts are owed by just a minority. Follow along with the conversation by accessing the IGTO’s summary slides.

You can also access the full final report here.