Realpolitech Podcast
Australia needs a new conversation about how our economy is positioned in the age of tech and tumult. Sandy Plunkett and Joanne Gray interview founders, business and political leaders, financiers and engineers about how Australia can compete in technology, trade, industry building and national security.
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Episodes
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Vornik's counter drone tech company, DroneShield, was once a hot meme stock. Today it is a battle-tested defence tech innovator winning contracts globally and the approval of institutional investors. CEO Vornik says the Australian Listed company is positioned for growth in both defence and civilian markets, and as he embarks on a massive scale-up of production capacity, he speaks frankly about the challenges of staying ahead of the pack.
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Tuesday Nov 04, 2025
Vornik's counter drone tech company, DroneShield, was once a hot meme stock. Today it is a battle-tested defence tech innovator winning contracts globally and the approval of institutional investors. Vornik says the Australian listed company is positioned for growth in both defence and civilian markets and as he embarks on a massive scale-up of production capacity, he speaks frankly about the challenges of staying ahead of the pack.
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
As many countries waver on Net Zero targets, Australia has set a new ambition for carbon emission reductions by 2035. Realpolitech dives into a sobering coversation with Professor Michael Brear (University of Melbourne) and Chris Greig (Princeton University), leaders of the Net Zero Australia modelling and advisory project. They say the 2035 target is not possible with current policies. Nuclear should be considered, carbon capture at scale is vital, and the government needs a serious execution plan backed by funded policies, not just announceables.
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
As much of the world seems to be waivering on Net Zero mandates, Australia seems fully committed. It has set a new 2035 emissions reduction target of a minimum of 62% (on 2005 levels). Realpolitech dives into how realistic the ambition is and what it means for the national economy and Australia's socio-politics. An insightful and sobering conversation with Professor Michael Brear (University of Melbourne) and Princeton's Chris Greig, leaders of the modelling and advisory project, Net Zero Australia.
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
Tuesday Sep 16, 2025
David Gall reveals how he got the job of National Reconstruction Fund CEO and where the government fund set up to invest $15 billion in new manufacturing capability plans to deploy a record $1.5 billion this financial year.