Utopia (2013) s04e01 Episode Script
The Law's The Law
My vision for this country - Roads, rail.
- Right across Australia.
- We are in the age of infrastructure.
- The dawn of a new era.
- Take this country to the 21st century.
- Bucket-loads of bitument and bricks.
- Building a stronger country.
- Record spending on We're spending more than any government has ever spent.
- $44 billion.
- $75 billion.
- $100 billion.
- It's big money in anyone's language.
- This is a nation-building - Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
So what we think happened is the letter went to my parents' old address, but no-one realised.
So, now they have to pay the toll fine and the late penalty.
- Seems a little tough here? - Yeah.
I tried to explain that they were down from the country, didn't understand the tolls, but they said we needed a stat dec.
- Well, let me know how you get on.
- Thanks, Tony.
- Hey, Jim.
- 'Microstructure'.
What about it? - 'Blink reaction'.
- What does it mean? - I thought you'd know.
'Blink'? - No.
Mm.
That was a yes.
- What about 'ruralisation'? - Again, do you know what it is? Not ringing any bells.
We had a demographer in talking about future trends.
I'd just love to be ahead of the curve on this stuff.
Yeah, Jim, I'm kind of busy right now, so Sure.
Have you got the compliance report on the Tasman Port lease? Oh, yeah, it's here somewhere.
Katie.
- Yellow folder.
- Ah! Is this it? That's the one.
Just needs a quick squiggle.
Yeah.
I actually haven't read it yet.
- Just a tick and flick.
- I'll do it this morning.
You sure you don't want to mm-mm now? Said you were busy.
I think I should at least read the thing, yeah? - Sure.
I'll come back later.
- OK.
'Nanotecture'.
- I'll send you a link.
- OK.
What is it? BRIAN: I found it when I was cleaning out the storage bin downstairs.
"On the occasion of the launch of the East West Link tunnel.
" That never got built.
- Oh, collectors' item.
- I think the bin.
- A bit of a waste.
- So was the tunnel.
- Should I show it to Tony? - I wouldn't.
That was Rhonda.
Are you free for a meeting tomorrow? About? Something to do with the general's interim report.
The Intergenerational Report? Could be.
Shit, I still haven't read it.
- Ash.
- Mm? Have you read the Intergenerational Report? Working my way through.
It's still in the plastic.
I finished the cover.
Here you go, and here's your change.
Ah, you're a star.
Scotty?! - Oh, and these are for you.
- Beauty.
Lunch, in or out today? - In, I think.
Maybe just a - Salad wrap? Oh, perfect.
Oh, is it OK if I leave a bit early tonight? - We've got the netball final.
- Oh, sure.
- Who are you playing? - Ethics and Governance.
- Did they beat Accounts? - 10 points! And who did you guys beat to Oh yeah, we've got to jump on something.
- (WHISPERS) HR.
- (WHISPERS) Good luck! Hey, um, Tasman Port lease, did we have much to do with it? Just regulatory oversight.
The owners want to make a few tweaks to the deal.
- And I've got to sign off on it.
- Want a pen? No, no, no.
I'm struggling to make sense of the changes.
You wouldn't be able to do me a mud map of the ownership structure, would you? - Yeah, sure.
- Great.
Just back of the envelope sort of thing.
- Yeah, I'll get onto it.
- Great.
Got an envelope? FILM NARRATOR: But Australia is growing rapidly.
That's why every five years, we commission the Intergenerational Report.
It's a snapshot of how our nation will look a few decades from now.
Population, life expectancy, jobs, spending.
The Australian Government's Intergenerational Report, a blueprint for our future.
Thank you, Brian.
That was our last ad.
- I don't remember seeing it.
- No-one remembers seeing it.
Zero recall, zero public engagement.
I just don't think the Intergenerational Report is a big deal for people.
That needs to change.
We've got this compelling new report, a blueprint for the future.
We need to make people sit up and take notice.
Maybe it's the ad.
If you play it again, you'll notice it's a bit vague and you know No, no, Brian.
Stop.
Thank you.
I just don't think the ad really says anything.
Then we need a fresh angle.
How do we get people interested in something? Cash giveaways.
If you're not going to take this seriously We could try using influencers.
- What? - Go on.
People with large online followings, you pay them to post, #IGR.
- Interesting.
For example? - Someone like Gigi Hadid.
- Who? - Um, Instagram model from California.
Or someone else.
- Adriana Lima.
- Who is? Instagram model from Brazil.
Someone with clothes on.
- It's not a bad idea.
- What?! An influencer, a kind of ambassador for the IGR.
- Like a spokesperson? - A human face.
Ooh, what about her? She said face.
Thank you, Ash.
- Morning.
- Morning.
I'll need to get you to sign in.
Yeah, is Courtney not coming in today? All I know is I got a call from the temp agency last night.
- Just sign there.
- Yep, that's Tony Woodford.
- I'm actually the CEO of the - (PHONE RINGS) NBA, how may I direct your call? What was? What name was that? Spell it for me, please.
I just spoke to Courtney.
- It's her ulterior cruciate.
- Anterior.
No.
The other one.
The goal defence from Ethics and Governance - kicked her from behind.
- How long is she gonna be away? She's getting a scan today.
But it's OK, we've got Eileen covering.
Yeah, but Courtney used to get me my coffees and my lunches and - Well, Eileen can do that.
- Yeah Oh! Good news.
The stat dec you signed for my parents' fine Yep.
It's being assessed and I'll be contacted shortly by someone from their fine defaults department.
- Great.
- So Tony, thought you might like one of these.
- What have you got there, Brian? - CRRDA.
Some sort of freight link in Perth.
Never worn.
- Yeah, never built.
- Too good to throw away.
- Not for me.
- I'll see if anyone else wants one.
Sure.
Yeah.
- Morning.
- Morning.
- Who's that at reception? - Eileen.
- Did I do something wrong? - No.
I think it's a temp thing.
- Shit, can you give that back to her? - Yeah, I'd do that.
- Did you get my nanotecture link? - I haven't looked at it yet.
Yeah, it's getting some buzz.
Anyway, you wanted to see me.
Yeah, I've been going through the Tasman Port lease.
Oh, I'll grab you that pen back.
- A couple of things don't add up.
- It's complex stuff.
Can't work out the proposed ownership structure.
Oh, it'll be some accounting technicality.
But why would you have three different entities domiciled in three separate countries? Modern finance for you.
Canadian super funds, Aussie banks.
One's in Honduras.
Globalisation.
- Unless it's purely a holding vehicle.
- Who knows? Ha.
Anyway, why don't you give it the old squiggle and we'll get this thing off your desk, eh? - I might need a bit longer.
- I can wait.
No, I mean properly longer.
I'll grab a cup of tea? Come back this arvo? When you can.
Did Diane send through the Q ratings? - Right here.
- What are Q ratings? All high-profile Australians get ranked each year by popularity and familiarity.
Interesting.
So, Intergenerational Report Ambassador.
Who's number one? Winx.
- I think we stick to humans.
- Plenty to choose from.
Can it be a sportsperson? - They'd have to be squeaky clean.
- How squeaky? No scandals, criminal charges, drugs, shared videos Maybe skip sport.
Think show business.
Film.
TV.
Logies.
I've got Magda? Shane Jacobson? Maggie Beer? Scott Cam? I wonder whether we need someone with professional qualifications.
- How about - Are they in swimwear? - What do you reckon? - Who's that? - Dr Chris Brown.
- The Bondi Vet.
He's rather fetching.
What do you think? - I'd swipe right.
- Handsome, wholesome professional Massive Q score.
.
.
endorsing our Intergenerational Report.
- Do you reckon he'd do it? - Oh, we can only ask.
No.
- You sure? - The National Energy Guarantee? - Brian thought we might want it.
- Nobody wanted it.
- What's going on with Brian? - He's clearing out the storage bay, - de-cluttering.
- By dumping it up here? - That's re-cluttering.
- Maybe Nat's office? Maybe the skip.
And what's with the jacket? Don't you like it? But again, for a project that didn't get up.
- Yeah, but it's just a tiny logo.
- Yeah, I suppose.
- Hmm? - Oh, Eileen.
- You wanted to see me.
- Yes.
- Any chance of that coffee? - Now? Well, now-ish.
Well, I've got all the mail to get through.
Yeah, but I mean after that, would you be able? - (SIGHS) - You know what? It's a beautiful morning, I need a walk - NBA, how may I direct your call? - OK.
I'll go and get it my Katie? What's going on the pod? It's Scotty.
Something about the back of an envelope.
What? Scotty.
Sorry, Tony, it's taking a bit longer than I thought.
Is this the port lease? I'm still trying to make sense of who owns what.
What I really wanted you to give me was, like, a snapshot, like an overview, a sort of a 30,000-foot view.
I'm close.
I might need a bigger envelope.
Did you get that text from Rhonda? No, I'm flat out.
That's a swimwear model.
- Shit, sorry.
Chris Brown said yes.
- Really? Great! Just heard from his agent.
Apparently, he's got a keen interest in public policy.
- The Bondi Vet? - He's going to drop in tomorrow.
So, after that write-down, the Australian-based holding company split its operations and shifted this part of the business offshore to here.
- So where am I now? - Cayman Islands.
- What happened to Bermuda? - Turns out that's just a subsidiary.
They don't appear to have any actual operations there.
- Eileen.
- Is that all you'll be needing? Oh, could I get a glass too? So, TWO glasses? Yep, if you if you could.
Could she be sent to Bermuda? - So income is generated here? - Yeah.
Although most of it's used to pay down debt.
- Well, where's the debt? - Panama.
And who pays the tax? What tax? Katie, we're expecting Chris Brown any moment.
Can you let me know when he arrives? - He's arrived.
- What? - Five minutes ago.
- So, where Oh, shit! Did Eileen not tell you? Sorry, I can't see any record of an appointment.
- I think Rhonda organised it.
- Didn't speak to me.
Chris! I'm so sorry, a few crossed wires.
Nat Russell.
Thank you so much for coming in.
Not a problem at all.
I'll have to issue you a temporary pass.
- This is Eileen.
- Hey, Eileen.
You would have seen Dr Chris Brown on TV.
Are you on the ABC? Er no.
Then I wouldn't have seen you.
- Ni nice to meet you, Eileen.
- What's that? - Nice to meet you.
- Hm.
- Anyway, come on through.
- Do I need to wear this? - No, it's fine.
- Yes! And I'll need it back when you leave.
RHONDA: Well, we are just over the moon, Doctor.
Please, Chris.
.
.
that someone of your How should I put it? - Q score.
- .
.
stature would lend their voice to our intergenerational report.
I'm flattered to be asked.
Can I just check, though, it comes out every five years? Yes.
It's a wonderful opportunity to highlight the government's agenda.
I thought these reports were meant to be non-political? - Our non-political agenda.
- And who reads it? - Everyone.
- OK.
I should just clear up a couple of questions I had.
- I hope you don't mind.
- No.
- If we go to chapter two - (LOUD RUSTLING) There's something that caught my eye there.
- EILEEN: (OVER PHONE) Yes? - Is that Eileen? Mm.
Eileen, it's Tony.
From? From down the corridor.
The CEO.
- I'm just wondering whether - Hold one second.
(ON HOLD CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS) Yes? Yeah, I was just wondering whether a parcel came in (CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS) (ON HOLD CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES) - AUTOMATED PHONE MESSAGE: - Thank you for phoning the CityLink - customer support line - Katie.
- Sorry, Tony, I'm on hold.
- Oh.
.
.
estimated waiting time: 43 minutes.
And don't forget from July 1st toll fees are increasing.
Eileen, I'm expecting I'm afraid he's not answering.
You'll have to call back.
Well, I can't help you unless you give me your name.
Alright, do that.
Yes? - Has something arrived for me? - Yeah.
Oh, no, not from Brian.
I'm expecting some deeds to come.
Have we got the overnight mail yet? Not sorted, I'm flat-out just answering phones.
Yeah, it's just I think I can see the package over I'll let you know as soon as I've had a chance to do it.
That's great, Eileen, but if we just grab that - I've only got two hands.
- (PHONE RINGS) Hello.
Nation Building Authority.
- I'll be in the pod.
- Spell it for me, please.
- I'll give you that.
- Which one was it? - Wednesday.
- This one? (SPEAKS INAUDIBLY) KATIE: Jim's here.
Oh, great.
Katie, those original deeds have come in.
Could you just grab the parcel? - From Eileen? - Behind her desk.
- But they're not sorted.
- But couldn't you just kind of - I'm scared.
- Please.
(SIGHS) - Morning.
- Morning.
- Does that temp speak to you? - Sort of.
- 'Cause I'm getting nothing.
- Grab a seat.
Looks interesting.
Micro structure.
It's the port lease.
Oh, are you still on that? Take a look at that ownership structure.
It's full of trusts, blind trusts.
Shelf companies.
Most of which appear to be based in the Caribbean.
Actually, the registered postal address is in the Guernsey Islands.
My mistake.
The Caribbean is a subsidiary.
So what's the problem? They don't appear to be making a profit.
Sounds like they're doing it tough.
- No.
- Best we get off their back.
Jim, look at the board.
$5.
2 billion in revenue.
Tax paid, zero.
What does that tell you? Ports are a tough game? There you go.
I think we should refer it to ASIC.
Oh, slippery slope.
That could be illegal.
Can of worms.
Pandora's Box.
- You finished? - Hornet's nest.
I think we need to get a proper legal opinion.
How about I give them a call, rap over the knuckles? - A legal opinion.
- You're poking the bear.
I don't care.
Alright, leave it with me.
- Thank you.
- (SIGHS) Might go the back way.
Look, sorry that took a bit longer than I hoped.
Not at all.
I mean, we should have been a little clearer with the answers.
Sure.
Unless there's any other questions Is it true that dogs can't eat chocolate? - We'd better let you go.
- Sure.
Guess I've got a bit of homework to do.
Any other questions, don't you hesitate.
- Morning.
- No worries at all.
Bye.
OK, we've really got to read this thing.
I'll take chapters one to three.
I've got four to six.
- You do seven to nine? - Sure.
OK, and I'll read the rest.
- How many - (LIFT DOOR OPENS) Sorry.
I think Eileen wanted this back.
Oh, thank you.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
OK.
- See you.
- Bye! OK, read it now.
Go.
- Tony? - Mm? - That lawyer is here.
- Jeez, that was quick! Jim said you wanted legal guidance.
No, I wanted a legal opinion.
- What's his name? - Bruce.
- Surname? - QC.
Oh, sorry, Dennis.
- Bruce Dennis QC.
- Right.
Jim says he's a real attack dog.
Well, at least we're getting serious.
Do you think I could ask him about that fine? 'Cause they're now saying we could be liable for costs.
I'm not sure that's quite his field.
- Maybe later? - Sure.
- Would you like some waters? - That'd be great.
I'll get Eileen to get some.
Actually, I'm happy to dehydrate.
- I think you're right.
- It's a tax vehicle.
- Prima facie.
- I knew it.
- I thought I was going mad.
- You're not.
This structure was clearly set up to shift profits, avoid tax liability.
So, what's the next step? Well, I think we need to get on the front foot.
- Great! - Get them in.
- To do what? - Try and sort something out.
I thought you said it was illegal.
Hasn't Jim already given them a rap over the knuckles? Yeah, they won't be doing this again in a hurry.
What's stopping them? Shouldn't we alert the regulator, ASIC, ATO? Make no mistake, I intend to be stern, but I think we need to proceed cautiously.
Why do we need to proceed cautiously? Well, what if this is an isolated case? Honest mistake? They've had the highest-paid tax QC in the country on retainer for years.
And he's let them down.
Was it his honest mistake? - Anyway.
Let me make some calls.
- OK.
They are not going to be friendly calls.
So An isolated case.
That's a relief.
No, it's not.
Actually, can you go back through all the leases that have had anything to do with that over the last two years and search for terms like 'debt structure', 'redomiciled entity'? - 'Pandora's Box'.
- What? Nat, Eileen is taking lunch orders.
NAT: Oh, great.
Where are you going? - The sushi place.
- OK, can I get a salad? They don't do salads.
No, I meant from the salad bar.
I'm just doing sushi today.
Sure.
Sushi would be great.
Sushi for the girl with the long hair.
- You don't eat sushi.
- I do now.
Nat, I got Chris on the line.
It's a FaceTime call.
Hi, Chris.
Hey, guys, I just wondering if I could ask a couple of questions.
Sure.
- You got a report handy? - Of course.
What chapter is this, by the way? - Two.
- Yep.
Yeah, we talk about the three key drivers of economic growth being population, dissipation - (LOUD RUSTLING) - .
.
and productivity.
Sorry, can you say that last one again? - Productivity.
- Yep.
Can you explain how they interact? Sure.
Although it's a little hard to explain over the phone.
Why don't I email you? Uh, why don't I pop back in? Even better.
Tony! Is something wrong with the lifts? Oh, no, just thought I'd get in a few steps.
- Are you avoiding Eileen? - Yeah.
- Me too.
- Any word from Courtney? Her doctor said two weeks.
- I might give him a call.
- No! - Just to get a second opinion.
- Tony Seriously, a moon boot and a cushion, we could sit her out there - Jim's here at four.
- Good, great.
Oh, and I spoke to your QC.
- Oh, yeah? - About the fine.
- Yeah.
- It's no good.
"Ignorance is no excuse.
"They didn't pay on time.
"The law's the law.
" Seems a little tough, doesn't it? Not now, Brian.
I thought the kitchen.
A bit of decoration.
Yep, sure, great.
- Scotty? - SCOTTY: Coming.
Thank you so much for making the time.
It's not a problem.
It's the perfect opportunity to discuss wardrobe.
Let's see what we've got.
What do you think about that? No, I don't really No.
Too much? - No.
- Too much, it's too much.
- Where did that come from? - No.
Not that.
Look, do we just go tailored suit, open-necked shirt? I think so.
We don't have to decide today.
There's plenty of time.
Speaking of which, I did want to talk about the script.
NAT: Sure.
Um Yeah, so, "Hi, I'm Dr Chris Brown "and I've been thinking about the future.
" Dolly shot.
Sorry.
And we're getting ready to Uh Here's the bit.
"By the end of this decade, Australia's population "will reach 30 million.
" Right.
But if you read the report, the section on population growth - What chapter is that? - Three.
That's me.
It says, "Australia's population growth rate will be 1.
7%.
" However .
.
if you go on to the section on economic growth Chapter? - 12.
- Me.
.
.
it factors in a population figure of just 28 million.
Um, I guess it's a range.
Definitely within the 28 to 30 band.
It's funny you should say that 'cause I've also seen 26 million.
- Where did you get that figure? - Uh in your previous report.
Do you know what? I'm thinking the blue.
- So? - You were right.
I reckon there's at least a dozen other firms using these vehicles.
I knew it! Isolated case my arse! They've all changed ownership structure and shifted their headquarters overseas.
All? Well, there's one company with a registered office in Perth.
But when you call, they answer in Spanish.
Can you email all that to me? And cc everyone.
Jim, our QC, the minister, ASIC.
- Subject heading - "Isolated case"? - "Systemic tax rort".
- Ooh! How do you spell 'systemic'? - RHONDA: After you, Doctor.
- Thank you.
Yeah, so - EILEEN: Pass! Pass! - Sorry.
Alright.
I will send you some more wardrobe options.
- That would be great.
Alright.
- Bye-bye.
- Well, thank you.
- Thank you.
- We're getting there.
- Yep! Thanks.
- See you.
Take care.
- Bye! OK, we need four copies of the previous report.
Katie, is Jim on his way on his way? - On his way.
- What's that? Oh, Brian found it in storage.
It's from our World Cup bid.
What do you call it? - Evidence? - A countdown clock.
- It still works! - Set it for next century.
- Whew! Got a moment? - You alright? Oh, just doing some stairs.
- Mrs Doubtfire still here? - Yeah.
This is getting serious.
That email you sent, it sure set the cat amongst the pigeons.
Good.
Bruce has been fielding calls all day.
Big boys at the ATO are horrified.
- ASIC can't believe what's going on.
- And? Well, he reckons we should definitely haul them all in and see if we can't sort this mess out.
Well, it's the right thing to do.
- It's not going to be pretty.
- Good.
- Still not happy about this.
- No, I'm sure.
- Pfft! One vote! - Yep.
I've just been told Chris rang the PM's Office.
He wants some updated figures.
Does he not understand how an endorsement works? You turn up, point to the product, say the lines you're given.
It's just he's very particular about what he puts his name to.
He's done ads for pet food.
Did he mention the preface? - The what? - He wants to write his own preface.
Sweetheart, the prime minister doesn't write his own preface.
You need to keep your talent under control.
It was your idea to get an ambassador.
It was your idea to get Dudley Do Right! Now fix it! - That side is their lawyers.
- And there? ATO corporate governance division, ASIC.
- They're facing some big guns.
- All set? - Yeah.
Let's go.
- I think you should wait here.
- But I'm the one who called for - We need to let cooler heads prevail.
OK.
Jim, if you start siding with them - No! - Or saying we're all - in the same boat together - No way! Both barrels, you watch.
Jim.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) OK, we have a construction worker.
Yes.
Where is my cutting-edge scientist? - He's moving his car.
- (SIGHS) OK.
Let's do a quick run-through.
- Chris, darling, when you're ready - CHRIS: Sure.
.
.
for rehearsal.
Action.
Hi.
I'm Dr Chris Brown.
And I've been thinking about the future.
- Sorry, what am I pointing at? - It's the future.
We'll put it in later.
Keep going.
Rehearsing.
Action.
And we're getting ready to power up.
Because the pieces of this year's Intergenerational Report are coming together and not before time.
- Sorry, that clock's upside down.
- We'll go from the top.
Clock man, get it the right way round.
Let's go again.
Right, the CLEM7 tunnel? TONY: It went bankrupt, Brian.
BaT Tunnel? Cancelled.
- I've got the Canberra light rail.
- Should have been cancelled.
What about the East West Link? - Never built.
- But we still had the launch.
- Seriously, chuck them all out.
- Seems such a waste.
- JIM: Hey.
- Jim.
- Just called a 10-minute break.
- Why are we still talking? - We had to hear their defence.
- What is it? Any mention of prosecution and they'll dispute everything, drag it through the courts for years, cost us millions of dollars.
That's not a defence.
- Isn't it? - That's a threat.
The point is we have to take it into consideration.
But they accept they've broken the law.
Let me put it this way, their backs are against the wall and we've got the upper hand.
- Shall we? - OK.
- (MOUTHS) - Yeah.
Which way up did you want the lightning bolt? It's not lightning, it's jobs growth.
So, point it up higher.
Yeah, but the jobs growth figure over the next few decades is only about 8%, so it should really be more like that.
I just think it's important we get it right.
Of course.
Let's go from the second page.
Rehearsing, action.
The Intergenerational Report is about planning for our future, making sure we all get an equal share of the pie.
- Problem? - The pie's not equal.
Then don't say "equal".
We'll go again, everyone.
TONY: Come in.
OK.
They're prepared to concede.
- They've rolled over.
- Well done, Tony.
Credit to you.
- A lot of red faces in there.
- And? And I think we've come to a pretty acceptable arrangement.
Namely? They've agreed, subject to formal ATO and ASIC approval, to restructure their corporate arrangements in return for an amnesty from prosecution.
You proposed an amnesty?! - Actually, they proposed it.
- And we support it.
- Big win.
- How's that a win? Well, who wants to be tied up in court for a decade? - What's that going to get you? - Justice.
They should be prosecuted! - Prosecution's off the table.
- According to who? - Them.
- What about us? - Who's us? - Taxpayers.
- What have they got to do with it? - I don't follow.
In.
- What exactly is the problem? - It's the graph.
- Hold it up higher.
- No.
- Lower? Sideways? What? - The figures are wrong.
Foreign debt is currently over $1 trillion.
It should be way higher than exports and imports.
Any chance we can fix it? Yeah.
I can fix it.
I mean, at the end of the day, we've given them an amnesty.
- Plus the fine.
200 grand.
- Each? - Total.
- Corporate, not criminal.
And they've agreed to pay it? It was their suggestion.
They've also agreed to make a public statement.
Guilty as charged.
This goes out on ASIC letterhead today.
"Whilst we acknowledge the ASIC findings ".
.
this shall not in any way be deemed or construed "as an admission of wrongdoing, liability, fault, "improper action or violation of any law or regulation "now or any time in the future, "any such wrongdoing being expressly denied.
" Big win.
Well done, Tony.
VOICEOVER: The Intergenerational Report is just around the corner.
Hi.
I'm Julia Morris.
And I've been thinking about the future.
The things that matter to us all, population Treasury says it's legal tender.
$5 billion? They can't remember what it was for.
- They think it was a freeway.
- You mean we could cash that? Mm-hm.
Shall I rip it up? Yes! - He's back.
- He never left.
Said he wanted to double-check some figures.
Did you have surgery? No, I just have to wear this brace for a few weeks and do heaps of physio.
- Welcome back, Courtney.
- Thanks, Tony.
Oh, Tony, Courtney won't be able to do any pivoting, turning or hard cutting movements.
- Right, but lunches? - Sure.
All good.
Tony, you'll never guess.
- My parents' CityLink fine.
- Yeah, what's the latest? - Someone paid it.
- Is that right? Anonymously.
I wish I knew who to thank.
- Maybe it was Eileen.
- I doubt it.
Mm.
- Right across Australia.
- We are in the age of infrastructure.
- The dawn of a new era.
- Take this country to the 21st century.
- Bucket-loads of bitument and bricks.
- Building a stronger country.
- Record spending on We're spending more than any government has ever spent.
- $44 billion.
- $75 billion.
- $100 billion.
- It's big money in anyone's language.
- This is a nation-building - Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
So what we think happened is the letter went to my parents' old address, but no-one realised.
So, now they have to pay the toll fine and the late penalty.
- Seems a little tough here? - Yeah.
I tried to explain that they were down from the country, didn't understand the tolls, but they said we needed a stat dec.
- Well, let me know how you get on.
- Thanks, Tony.
- Hey, Jim.
- 'Microstructure'.
What about it? - 'Blink reaction'.
- What does it mean? - I thought you'd know.
'Blink'? - No.
Mm.
That was a yes.
- What about 'ruralisation'? - Again, do you know what it is? Not ringing any bells.
We had a demographer in talking about future trends.
I'd just love to be ahead of the curve on this stuff.
Yeah, Jim, I'm kind of busy right now, so Sure.
Have you got the compliance report on the Tasman Port lease? Oh, yeah, it's here somewhere.
Katie.
- Yellow folder.
- Ah! Is this it? That's the one.
Just needs a quick squiggle.
Yeah.
I actually haven't read it yet.
- Just a tick and flick.
- I'll do it this morning.
You sure you don't want to mm-mm now? Said you were busy.
I think I should at least read the thing, yeah? - Sure.
I'll come back later.
- OK.
'Nanotecture'.
- I'll send you a link.
- OK.
What is it? BRIAN: I found it when I was cleaning out the storage bin downstairs.
"On the occasion of the launch of the East West Link tunnel.
" That never got built.
- Oh, collectors' item.
- I think the bin.
- A bit of a waste.
- So was the tunnel.
- Should I show it to Tony? - I wouldn't.
That was Rhonda.
Are you free for a meeting tomorrow? About? Something to do with the general's interim report.
The Intergenerational Report? Could be.
Shit, I still haven't read it.
- Ash.
- Mm? Have you read the Intergenerational Report? Working my way through.
It's still in the plastic.
I finished the cover.
Here you go, and here's your change.
Ah, you're a star.
Scotty?! - Oh, and these are for you.
- Beauty.
Lunch, in or out today? - In, I think.
Maybe just a - Salad wrap? Oh, perfect.
Oh, is it OK if I leave a bit early tonight? - We've got the netball final.
- Oh, sure.
- Who are you playing? - Ethics and Governance.
- Did they beat Accounts? - 10 points! And who did you guys beat to Oh yeah, we've got to jump on something.
- (WHISPERS) HR.
- (WHISPERS) Good luck! Hey, um, Tasman Port lease, did we have much to do with it? Just regulatory oversight.
The owners want to make a few tweaks to the deal.
- And I've got to sign off on it.
- Want a pen? No, no, no.
I'm struggling to make sense of the changes.
You wouldn't be able to do me a mud map of the ownership structure, would you? - Yeah, sure.
- Great.
Just back of the envelope sort of thing.
- Yeah, I'll get onto it.
- Great.
Got an envelope? FILM NARRATOR: But Australia is growing rapidly.
That's why every five years, we commission the Intergenerational Report.
It's a snapshot of how our nation will look a few decades from now.
Population, life expectancy, jobs, spending.
The Australian Government's Intergenerational Report, a blueprint for our future.
Thank you, Brian.
That was our last ad.
- I don't remember seeing it.
- No-one remembers seeing it.
Zero recall, zero public engagement.
I just don't think the Intergenerational Report is a big deal for people.
That needs to change.
We've got this compelling new report, a blueprint for the future.
We need to make people sit up and take notice.
Maybe it's the ad.
If you play it again, you'll notice it's a bit vague and you know No, no, Brian.
Stop.
Thank you.
I just don't think the ad really says anything.
Then we need a fresh angle.
How do we get people interested in something? Cash giveaways.
If you're not going to take this seriously We could try using influencers.
- What? - Go on.
People with large online followings, you pay them to post, #IGR.
- Interesting.
For example? - Someone like Gigi Hadid.
- Who? - Um, Instagram model from California.
Or someone else.
- Adriana Lima.
- Who is? Instagram model from Brazil.
Someone with clothes on.
- It's not a bad idea.
- What?! An influencer, a kind of ambassador for the IGR.
- Like a spokesperson? - A human face.
Ooh, what about her? She said face.
Thank you, Ash.
- Morning.
- Morning.
I'll need to get you to sign in.
Yeah, is Courtney not coming in today? All I know is I got a call from the temp agency last night.
- Just sign there.
- Yep, that's Tony Woodford.
- I'm actually the CEO of the - (PHONE RINGS) NBA, how may I direct your call? What was? What name was that? Spell it for me, please.
I just spoke to Courtney.
- It's her ulterior cruciate.
- Anterior.
No.
The other one.
The goal defence from Ethics and Governance - kicked her from behind.
- How long is she gonna be away? She's getting a scan today.
But it's OK, we've got Eileen covering.
Yeah, but Courtney used to get me my coffees and my lunches and - Well, Eileen can do that.
- Yeah Oh! Good news.
The stat dec you signed for my parents' fine Yep.
It's being assessed and I'll be contacted shortly by someone from their fine defaults department.
- Great.
- So Tony, thought you might like one of these.
- What have you got there, Brian? - CRRDA.
Some sort of freight link in Perth.
Never worn.
- Yeah, never built.
- Too good to throw away.
- Not for me.
- I'll see if anyone else wants one.
Sure.
Yeah.
- Morning.
- Morning.
- Who's that at reception? - Eileen.
- Did I do something wrong? - No.
I think it's a temp thing.
- Shit, can you give that back to her? - Yeah, I'd do that.
- Did you get my nanotecture link? - I haven't looked at it yet.
Yeah, it's getting some buzz.
Anyway, you wanted to see me.
Yeah, I've been going through the Tasman Port lease.
Oh, I'll grab you that pen back.
- A couple of things don't add up.
- It's complex stuff.
Can't work out the proposed ownership structure.
Oh, it'll be some accounting technicality.
But why would you have three different entities domiciled in three separate countries? Modern finance for you.
Canadian super funds, Aussie banks.
One's in Honduras.
Globalisation.
- Unless it's purely a holding vehicle.
- Who knows? Ha.
Anyway, why don't you give it the old squiggle and we'll get this thing off your desk, eh? - I might need a bit longer.
- I can wait.
No, I mean properly longer.
I'll grab a cup of tea? Come back this arvo? When you can.
Did Diane send through the Q ratings? - Right here.
- What are Q ratings? All high-profile Australians get ranked each year by popularity and familiarity.
Interesting.
So, Intergenerational Report Ambassador.
Who's number one? Winx.
- I think we stick to humans.
- Plenty to choose from.
Can it be a sportsperson? - They'd have to be squeaky clean.
- How squeaky? No scandals, criminal charges, drugs, shared videos Maybe skip sport.
Think show business.
Film.
TV.
Logies.
I've got Magda? Shane Jacobson? Maggie Beer? Scott Cam? I wonder whether we need someone with professional qualifications.
- How about - Are they in swimwear? - What do you reckon? - Who's that? - Dr Chris Brown.
- The Bondi Vet.
He's rather fetching.
What do you think? - I'd swipe right.
- Handsome, wholesome professional Massive Q score.
.
.
endorsing our Intergenerational Report.
- Do you reckon he'd do it? - Oh, we can only ask.
No.
- You sure? - The National Energy Guarantee? - Brian thought we might want it.
- Nobody wanted it.
- What's going on with Brian? - He's clearing out the storage bay, - de-cluttering.
- By dumping it up here? - That's re-cluttering.
- Maybe Nat's office? Maybe the skip.
And what's with the jacket? Don't you like it? But again, for a project that didn't get up.
- Yeah, but it's just a tiny logo.
- Yeah, I suppose.
- Hmm? - Oh, Eileen.
- You wanted to see me.
- Yes.
- Any chance of that coffee? - Now? Well, now-ish.
Well, I've got all the mail to get through.
Yeah, but I mean after that, would you be able? - (SIGHS) - You know what? It's a beautiful morning, I need a walk - NBA, how may I direct your call? - OK.
I'll go and get it my Katie? What's going on the pod? It's Scotty.
Something about the back of an envelope.
What? Scotty.
Sorry, Tony, it's taking a bit longer than I thought.
Is this the port lease? I'm still trying to make sense of who owns what.
What I really wanted you to give me was, like, a snapshot, like an overview, a sort of a 30,000-foot view.
I'm close.
I might need a bigger envelope.
Did you get that text from Rhonda? No, I'm flat out.
That's a swimwear model.
- Shit, sorry.
Chris Brown said yes.
- Really? Great! Just heard from his agent.
Apparently, he's got a keen interest in public policy.
- The Bondi Vet? - He's going to drop in tomorrow.
So, after that write-down, the Australian-based holding company split its operations and shifted this part of the business offshore to here.
- So where am I now? - Cayman Islands.
- What happened to Bermuda? - Turns out that's just a subsidiary.
They don't appear to have any actual operations there.
- Eileen.
- Is that all you'll be needing? Oh, could I get a glass too? So, TWO glasses? Yep, if you if you could.
Could she be sent to Bermuda? - So income is generated here? - Yeah.
Although most of it's used to pay down debt.
- Well, where's the debt? - Panama.
And who pays the tax? What tax? Katie, we're expecting Chris Brown any moment.
Can you let me know when he arrives? - He's arrived.
- What? - Five minutes ago.
- So, where Oh, shit! Did Eileen not tell you? Sorry, I can't see any record of an appointment.
- I think Rhonda organised it.
- Didn't speak to me.
Chris! I'm so sorry, a few crossed wires.
Nat Russell.
Thank you so much for coming in.
Not a problem at all.
I'll have to issue you a temporary pass.
- This is Eileen.
- Hey, Eileen.
You would have seen Dr Chris Brown on TV.
Are you on the ABC? Er no.
Then I wouldn't have seen you.
- Ni nice to meet you, Eileen.
- What's that? - Nice to meet you.
- Hm.
- Anyway, come on through.
- Do I need to wear this? - No, it's fine.
- Yes! And I'll need it back when you leave.
RHONDA: Well, we are just over the moon, Doctor.
Please, Chris.
.
.
that someone of your How should I put it? - Q score.
- .
.
stature would lend their voice to our intergenerational report.
I'm flattered to be asked.
Can I just check, though, it comes out every five years? Yes.
It's a wonderful opportunity to highlight the government's agenda.
I thought these reports were meant to be non-political? - Our non-political agenda.
- And who reads it? - Everyone.
- OK.
I should just clear up a couple of questions I had.
- I hope you don't mind.
- No.
- If we go to chapter two - (LOUD RUSTLING) There's something that caught my eye there.
- EILEEN: (OVER PHONE) Yes? - Is that Eileen? Mm.
Eileen, it's Tony.
From? From down the corridor.
The CEO.
- I'm just wondering whether - Hold one second.
(ON HOLD CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS) Yes? Yeah, I was just wondering whether a parcel came in (CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS) (ON HOLD CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES) - AUTOMATED PHONE MESSAGE: - Thank you for phoning the CityLink - customer support line - Katie.
- Sorry, Tony, I'm on hold.
- Oh.
.
.
estimated waiting time: 43 minutes.
And don't forget from July 1st toll fees are increasing.
Eileen, I'm expecting I'm afraid he's not answering.
You'll have to call back.
Well, I can't help you unless you give me your name.
Alright, do that.
Yes? - Has something arrived for me? - Yeah.
Oh, no, not from Brian.
I'm expecting some deeds to come.
Have we got the overnight mail yet? Not sorted, I'm flat-out just answering phones.
Yeah, it's just I think I can see the package over I'll let you know as soon as I've had a chance to do it.
That's great, Eileen, but if we just grab that - I've only got two hands.
- (PHONE RINGS) Hello.
Nation Building Authority.
- I'll be in the pod.
- Spell it for me, please.
- I'll give you that.
- Which one was it? - Wednesday.
- This one? (SPEAKS INAUDIBLY) KATIE: Jim's here.
Oh, great.
Katie, those original deeds have come in.
Could you just grab the parcel? - From Eileen? - Behind her desk.
- But they're not sorted.
- But couldn't you just kind of - I'm scared.
- Please.
(SIGHS) - Morning.
- Morning.
- Does that temp speak to you? - Sort of.
- 'Cause I'm getting nothing.
- Grab a seat.
Looks interesting.
Micro structure.
It's the port lease.
Oh, are you still on that? Take a look at that ownership structure.
It's full of trusts, blind trusts.
Shelf companies.
Most of which appear to be based in the Caribbean.
Actually, the registered postal address is in the Guernsey Islands.
My mistake.
The Caribbean is a subsidiary.
So what's the problem? They don't appear to be making a profit.
Sounds like they're doing it tough.
- No.
- Best we get off their back.
Jim, look at the board.
$5.
2 billion in revenue.
Tax paid, zero.
What does that tell you? Ports are a tough game? There you go.
I think we should refer it to ASIC.
Oh, slippery slope.
That could be illegal.
Can of worms.
Pandora's Box.
- You finished? - Hornet's nest.
I think we need to get a proper legal opinion.
How about I give them a call, rap over the knuckles? - A legal opinion.
- You're poking the bear.
I don't care.
Alright, leave it with me.
- Thank you.
- (SIGHS) Might go the back way.
Look, sorry that took a bit longer than I hoped.
Not at all.
I mean, we should have been a little clearer with the answers.
Sure.
Unless there's any other questions Is it true that dogs can't eat chocolate? - We'd better let you go.
- Sure.
Guess I've got a bit of homework to do.
Any other questions, don't you hesitate.
- Morning.
- No worries at all.
Bye.
OK, we've really got to read this thing.
I'll take chapters one to three.
I've got four to six.
- You do seven to nine? - Sure.
OK, and I'll read the rest.
- How many - (LIFT DOOR OPENS) Sorry.
I think Eileen wanted this back.
Oh, thank you.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
OK.
- See you.
- Bye! OK, read it now.
Go.
- Tony? - Mm? - That lawyer is here.
- Jeez, that was quick! Jim said you wanted legal guidance.
No, I wanted a legal opinion.
- What's his name? - Bruce.
- Surname? - QC.
Oh, sorry, Dennis.
- Bruce Dennis QC.
- Right.
Jim says he's a real attack dog.
Well, at least we're getting serious.
Do you think I could ask him about that fine? 'Cause they're now saying we could be liable for costs.
I'm not sure that's quite his field.
- Maybe later? - Sure.
- Would you like some waters? - That'd be great.
I'll get Eileen to get some.
Actually, I'm happy to dehydrate.
- I think you're right.
- It's a tax vehicle.
- Prima facie.
- I knew it.
- I thought I was going mad.
- You're not.
This structure was clearly set up to shift profits, avoid tax liability.
So, what's the next step? Well, I think we need to get on the front foot.
- Great! - Get them in.
- To do what? - Try and sort something out.
I thought you said it was illegal.
Hasn't Jim already given them a rap over the knuckles? Yeah, they won't be doing this again in a hurry.
What's stopping them? Shouldn't we alert the regulator, ASIC, ATO? Make no mistake, I intend to be stern, but I think we need to proceed cautiously.
Why do we need to proceed cautiously? Well, what if this is an isolated case? Honest mistake? They've had the highest-paid tax QC in the country on retainer for years.
And he's let them down.
Was it his honest mistake? - Anyway.
Let me make some calls.
- OK.
They are not going to be friendly calls.
So An isolated case.
That's a relief.
No, it's not.
Actually, can you go back through all the leases that have had anything to do with that over the last two years and search for terms like 'debt structure', 'redomiciled entity'? - 'Pandora's Box'.
- What? Nat, Eileen is taking lunch orders.
NAT: Oh, great.
Where are you going? - The sushi place.
- OK, can I get a salad? They don't do salads.
No, I meant from the salad bar.
I'm just doing sushi today.
Sure.
Sushi would be great.
Sushi for the girl with the long hair.
- You don't eat sushi.
- I do now.
Nat, I got Chris on the line.
It's a FaceTime call.
Hi, Chris.
Hey, guys, I just wondering if I could ask a couple of questions.
Sure.
- You got a report handy? - Of course.
What chapter is this, by the way? - Two.
- Yep.
Yeah, we talk about the three key drivers of economic growth being population, dissipation - (LOUD RUSTLING) - .
.
and productivity.
Sorry, can you say that last one again? - Productivity.
- Yep.
Can you explain how they interact? Sure.
Although it's a little hard to explain over the phone.
Why don't I email you? Uh, why don't I pop back in? Even better.
Tony! Is something wrong with the lifts? Oh, no, just thought I'd get in a few steps.
- Are you avoiding Eileen? - Yeah.
- Me too.
- Any word from Courtney? Her doctor said two weeks.
- I might give him a call.
- No! - Just to get a second opinion.
- Tony Seriously, a moon boot and a cushion, we could sit her out there - Jim's here at four.
- Good, great.
Oh, and I spoke to your QC.
- Oh, yeah? - About the fine.
- Yeah.
- It's no good.
"Ignorance is no excuse.
"They didn't pay on time.
"The law's the law.
" Seems a little tough, doesn't it? Not now, Brian.
I thought the kitchen.
A bit of decoration.
Yep, sure, great.
- Scotty? - SCOTTY: Coming.
Thank you so much for making the time.
It's not a problem.
It's the perfect opportunity to discuss wardrobe.
Let's see what we've got.
What do you think about that? No, I don't really No.
Too much? - No.
- Too much, it's too much.
- Where did that come from? - No.
Not that.
Look, do we just go tailored suit, open-necked shirt? I think so.
We don't have to decide today.
There's plenty of time.
Speaking of which, I did want to talk about the script.
NAT: Sure.
Um Yeah, so, "Hi, I'm Dr Chris Brown "and I've been thinking about the future.
" Dolly shot.
Sorry.
And we're getting ready to Uh Here's the bit.
"By the end of this decade, Australia's population "will reach 30 million.
" Right.
But if you read the report, the section on population growth - What chapter is that? - Three.
That's me.
It says, "Australia's population growth rate will be 1.
7%.
" However .
.
if you go on to the section on economic growth Chapter? - 12.
- Me.
.
.
it factors in a population figure of just 28 million.
Um, I guess it's a range.
Definitely within the 28 to 30 band.
It's funny you should say that 'cause I've also seen 26 million.
- Where did you get that figure? - Uh in your previous report.
Do you know what? I'm thinking the blue.
- So? - You were right.
I reckon there's at least a dozen other firms using these vehicles.
I knew it! Isolated case my arse! They've all changed ownership structure and shifted their headquarters overseas.
All? Well, there's one company with a registered office in Perth.
But when you call, they answer in Spanish.
Can you email all that to me? And cc everyone.
Jim, our QC, the minister, ASIC.
- Subject heading - "Isolated case"? - "Systemic tax rort".
- Ooh! How do you spell 'systemic'? - RHONDA: After you, Doctor.
- Thank you.
Yeah, so - EILEEN: Pass! Pass! - Sorry.
Alright.
I will send you some more wardrobe options.
- That would be great.
Alright.
- Bye-bye.
- Well, thank you.
- Thank you.
- We're getting there.
- Yep! Thanks.
- See you.
Take care.
- Bye! OK, we need four copies of the previous report.
Katie, is Jim on his way on his way? - On his way.
- What's that? Oh, Brian found it in storage.
It's from our World Cup bid.
What do you call it? - Evidence? - A countdown clock.
- It still works! - Set it for next century.
- Whew! Got a moment? - You alright? Oh, just doing some stairs.
- Mrs Doubtfire still here? - Yeah.
This is getting serious.
That email you sent, it sure set the cat amongst the pigeons.
Good.
Bruce has been fielding calls all day.
Big boys at the ATO are horrified.
- ASIC can't believe what's going on.
- And? Well, he reckons we should definitely haul them all in and see if we can't sort this mess out.
Well, it's the right thing to do.
- It's not going to be pretty.
- Good.
- Still not happy about this.
- No, I'm sure.
- Pfft! One vote! - Yep.
I've just been told Chris rang the PM's Office.
He wants some updated figures.
Does he not understand how an endorsement works? You turn up, point to the product, say the lines you're given.
It's just he's very particular about what he puts his name to.
He's done ads for pet food.
Did he mention the preface? - The what? - He wants to write his own preface.
Sweetheart, the prime minister doesn't write his own preface.
You need to keep your talent under control.
It was your idea to get an ambassador.
It was your idea to get Dudley Do Right! Now fix it! - That side is their lawyers.
- And there? ATO corporate governance division, ASIC.
- They're facing some big guns.
- All set? - Yeah.
Let's go.
- I think you should wait here.
- But I'm the one who called for - We need to let cooler heads prevail.
OK.
Jim, if you start siding with them - No! - Or saying we're all - in the same boat together - No way! Both barrels, you watch.
Jim.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) OK, we have a construction worker.
Yes.
Where is my cutting-edge scientist? - He's moving his car.
- (SIGHS) OK.
Let's do a quick run-through.
- Chris, darling, when you're ready - CHRIS: Sure.
.
.
for rehearsal.
Action.
Hi.
I'm Dr Chris Brown.
And I've been thinking about the future.
- Sorry, what am I pointing at? - It's the future.
We'll put it in later.
Keep going.
Rehearsing.
Action.
And we're getting ready to power up.
Because the pieces of this year's Intergenerational Report are coming together and not before time.
- Sorry, that clock's upside down.
- We'll go from the top.
Clock man, get it the right way round.
Let's go again.
Right, the CLEM7 tunnel? TONY: It went bankrupt, Brian.
BaT Tunnel? Cancelled.
- I've got the Canberra light rail.
- Should have been cancelled.
What about the East West Link? - Never built.
- But we still had the launch.
- Seriously, chuck them all out.
- Seems such a waste.
- JIM: Hey.
- Jim.
- Just called a 10-minute break.
- Why are we still talking? - We had to hear their defence.
- What is it? Any mention of prosecution and they'll dispute everything, drag it through the courts for years, cost us millions of dollars.
That's not a defence.
- Isn't it? - That's a threat.
The point is we have to take it into consideration.
But they accept they've broken the law.
Let me put it this way, their backs are against the wall and we've got the upper hand.
- Shall we? - OK.
- (MOUTHS) - Yeah.
Which way up did you want the lightning bolt? It's not lightning, it's jobs growth.
So, point it up higher.
Yeah, but the jobs growth figure over the next few decades is only about 8%, so it should really be more like that.
I just think it's important we get it right.
Of course.
Let's go from the second page.
Rehearsing, action.
The Intergenerational Report is about planning for our future, making sure we all get an equal share of the pie.
- Problem? - The pie's not equal.
Then don't say "equal".
We'll go again, everyone.
TONY: Come in.
OK.
They're prepared to concede.
- They've rolled over.
- Well done, Tony.
Credit to you.
- A lot of red faces in there.
- And? And I think we've come to a pretty acceptable arrangement.
Namely? They've agreed, subject to formal ATO and ASIC approval, to restructure their corporate arrangements in return for an amnesty from prosecution.
You proposed an amnesty?! - Actually, they proposed it.
- And we support it.
- Big win.
- How's that a win? Well, who wants to be tied up in court for a decade? - What's that going to get you? - Justice.
They should be prosecuted! - Prosecution's off the table.
- According to who? - Them.
- What about us? - Who's us? - Taxpayers.
- What have they got to do with it? - I don't follow.
In.
- What exactly is the problem? - It's the graph.
- Hold it up higher.
- No.
- Lower? Sideways? What? - The figures are wrong.
Foreign debt is currently over $1 trillion.
It should be way higher than exports and imports.
Any chance we can fix it? Yeah.
I can fix it.
I mean, at the end of the day, we've given them an amnesty.
- Plus the fine.
200 grand.
- Each? - Total.
- Corporate, not criminal.
And they've agreed to pay it? It was their suggestion.
They've also agreed to make a public statement.
Guilty as charged.
This goes out on ASIC letterhead today.
"Whilst we acknowledge the ASIC findings ".
.
this shall not in any way be deemed or construed "as an admission of wrongdoing, liability, fault, "improper action or violation of any law or regulation "now or any time in the future, "any such wrongdoing being expressly denied.
" Big win.
Well done, Tony.
VOICEOVER: The Intergenerational Report is just around the corner.
Hi.
I'm Julia Morris.
And I've been thinking about the future.
The things that matter to us all, population Treasury says it's legal tender.
$5 billion? They can't remember what it was for.
- They think it was a freeway.
- You mean we could cash that? Mm-hm.
Shall I rip it up? Yes! - He's back.
- He never left.
Said he wanted to double-check some figures.
Did you have surgery? No, I just have to wear this brace for a few weeks and do heaps of physio.
- Welcome back, Courtney.
- Thanks, Tony.
Oh, Tony, Courtney won't be able to do any pivoting, turning or hard cutting movements.
- Right, but lunches? - Sure.
All good.
Tony, you'll never guess.
- My parents' CityLink fine.
- Yeah, what's the latest? - Someone paid it.
- Is that right? Anonymously.
I wish I knew who to thank.
- Maybe it was Eileen.
- I doubt it.
Mm.