As technology makes it easier than ever to track employee activity, businesses are grappling with how to balance productivity with privacy. In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes is joined by BAL Lawyers director Bill Pardy and RSM Australia’s Director of People & Culture Rebekah Mark to unpack the legal, ethical and cultural implications of monitoring remote teams.

Together, they explore how surveillance affects trust, what employers are legally required to consider, and how organisations can create transparent, high-performing remote workplaces without compromising employee wellbeing.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The rise of surveillance technology in remote work environments and its implications.
• How to balance productivity with privacy in the workplace.
• The legal and ethical considerations of monitoring employees.
• The impact of surveillance on employee trust and organisational culture.

If you want to grasp how workplace surveillance impacts remote work dynamics, this episode is filled with essential insights you can't afford to miss.

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

As revenue from the fuel excise continues to drop, Australia’s proposed solution is to make up the difference with a new tax for electric vehicle drivers. In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes is joined by RSM Australia’s National Head of Tax Sam Mohammad and RSM Australia’s Sustainability Lead Nicole Mohan to explore the impacts of this controversial policy.

Together, they debate the fairness of a road user charge that only applies to electric vehicles, how this might impact Australia’s sustainability goals and whether there are other ways to transition away from a fuel excise.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The rationale behind Australia's proposed road user charge for electric vehicles and its potential to replace declining fuel excise revenue.
• The fairness and equity considerations of the road user charge, including its impact on different income groups and regions.
• How the road user charge aligns with Australia's 2035 emissions reduction target and the importance of its careful design.
• The challenges of implementing a road user charge, including vehicle usage tracking and privacy concerns.

Tune in to understand how this policy could impact both individual and corporate road users and how it might shape the future of transportation in Australia.

Experts in this episode:
Sam Mohammad, National Head of Tax, RSM Australia
Nicole Mohan, National Sustainability Lead, RSM Australia 
Andrew Sykes, Canberra Managing Partner, RSM Australia

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

How do US tariffs and trade wars affect Australia’s economy?
In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes is joined by economists Joe Brusuelas and Devika Shivadekar, along with corporate finance expert Craig Amos, to unpack the global ripple effects of US trade policy.

From Trump’s tariffs to shifting trade agreements, they explore how these policies impact Australia’s mining and resource sector, gold markets, and long-term growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Which Australian industries are hit hardest by US tariffs
• Why gold demand is booming—and its role in the resource sector
• How tariffs disrupt global supply chains and investment flows
• Why economic diversification is vital for Australia’s future
• The geopolitical forces reshaping global trade

If you want to understand how international trade battles shape Australia’s economy, this episode has the insights you need.

Watch now to learn what tariffs, trade wars, and global tensions really mean for Australia’s place in the world economy.

Experts in this episode:
Craig Amos,  Partner, National Resources, Mining and Energy Leader, RSM Australia
Joe Brusuelas, Chief Economist, RSM US
Devika Shivadekar, Economist, RSM Australia
Andrew Sykes, Canberra Managing Partner, RSM Australia

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Everything you need to know about division 296 tax on superannuation

What is division 296 and why is it sparking such significant debate and concerns among superannuation holders? 

Announced by the Australian Government in 2023, division 296 is proposed legislation set to enforce additional tax on earning from superannuation balances exceeding $3 million [AUD]. With both realised and unrealised gains potentially being taxed, the legislation has sparked huge debate due to concerns about fairness, valuation challenges, and its potential impact on retirement planning. 

As the legislation continues to face hurdles in Parliament, its potential impact on retirement strategies and future generations remains a hot topic.

In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes joins expert Katie Timms, a Partner in the RSM Superannuation team, to discuss the complexities of this new tax and what it might mean for Australian’s retirement plans.  

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Join special guest Kim Seeling Smith and host Andrew Sykes as they embark on a thought-provoking discussion about the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the business landscape.

From the future of work to navigating the increasing pace of change, this episode focuses on preparing individuals and organisations to face the changes that lie ahead. 

The hosts explore the idea of partnering with AI, emphasising the need to always keep a human in the loop, and calling for organisations to upskill and redeploy their workers, taking them on the journey . They candidly address the realities of automation, pointing out that routine tasks are often the most vulnerable, yet simultaneously opening doors to exciting new opportunities and roles in the workplace.

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Too many Aussie businesses aren't ready for a cyber attack.

In this episode of talkBIG, we unpack the latest findings on Australia's cyber readiness. 

Take a close look at how ready Australian companies really are to tackle cybersecurity threats, dig into the main attack methods that cybercriminals use and discuss why it’s so important for companies to understand their vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Tune in now. 

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

How will the Federal Budget impact you?
The Federal Budget 2025-26 is set to be handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on 25 March, shaping economic policy and priorities in a pivotal election year. What will the key announcements mean for businesses, investors, and individuals?

Join us for an in-depth webinar featuring our leading economist, tax experts, and finance advisers. They will break down the key measures, assess their implications, and explore the broader economic and policy landscape as we approach the federal election.

Discussion highlights:

✅ Economic outlook and policy direction in an election year
✅ Tax and finance measures impacting businesses and individuals
✅ Key opportunities and risks to prepare for

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

Do you remember Neopets? 🌟 If you spent time online between 1999 and 2005, chances are you had a Neopets account or knew someone who did.

In this episode of talkBIG, we’re exploring the fascinating world of Neopets, the online game that became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s. Join host Andrew Sykes as he chats with Peter Xi, a Partner from RSM Australia's Tax Advisory division, and Dominic Law, the new CEO of Neopets. 

They’ll dive into the business side of online gaming, discuss the cultural impact Neopets had on a generation, and share some exciting plans for the future of the game! 🎮💖 

Whether you grew up with Neopets or you’re simply curious about the gaming industry, this episode offers a fun mix of nostalgia and insights that you won’t want to miss. 

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

As Donald Trump takes office for a historic second term, the world stands at a crossroads. 

In this special episode of talkBIG, two top RSM economists from the US and Australia tackle the critical question: What does another Trump era mean for Australia, the US, and the global economy?

Join RSM Australia's Chief Executive Partner, Jamie O'Rourke, as he hosts an unmissable discussion with renowned experts Joe Brusuelas and Devika Shivadekar.

This compelling episode delivers sharp insights, bold predictions, and crucial strategies for navigating an era of economic uncertainty. Tune in now!

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Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.

What can business owners do to manage rising costs?

In this episode of talkBIG, host Andrew Sykes speaks to experts Jonathon Colbran, and Gavin Stacey to unpack the critical challenges facing Australian businesses—from taxation pressures to insolvency risks—and provide actionable strategies for navigating financial distress. 

Whether you’re battling rising debt or exploring ways to turn your business around, this episode offers practical advice and a roadmap to making informed decisions. 

Text us your questions!

Thanks for listening! Visit the RSM Australia website to ask the hosts a question.