Why I love meeting subscribers

In over fifty years of business journalism, some of my best stories have come from readers. I’m looking forward to our roadshow.

The savings, investment and business communities in Australia are being subjected to change in a scale rarely seen in our history.

The landscape of change includes superannuation, unfair contracts, interest rates, the currency, apartments and housing, corporate results, China and many other topics.

It’s a challenging time for journalists writing a daily commentary on these areas.

The great danger for commentators like me is getting out of touch with their audience. That’s why I am so grateful to The Australian for organising meetings with subscribers in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. I am looking forward to not just making a speech but yarning with the people I write for. I hope you can come.

And what makes it better is that with me will be Alan Kohler, Stephen Bartholomeusz (we were the KGB in Business Spectator days) and John Durie.

The last time I spoke at such an event, we thought superannuation was safe from fundamental attack because the then Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, had solemnly promised in the 2013 election campaign that there would be no significant changes to superannuation in the 44th Parliament. Never take too much heed of what politicians say in election campaigns. All of us are now reviewing our superannuation fund strategies. I know many of you will appreciate discussions in these areas without the commentator spruiking particular investment products.

For over a year we have been anticipating higher US interest rates and with it a lower Australian dollar measured against the US dollar. The US Federal Reserve has been nervous in its interest rate deliberations. But we now look set to see at least moderate rises in US rates.

And the mining industry, which has been in the doldrums for an extended period, is showing signs if life again.

In the 50-plus years I’ve been commentating on business, I’ve seen lots of things to amaze me. I keep writing because the landscape for businesses and for investors continues to change.

Along with Alan, Steve and John, we’ll have a lot to discuss. I look forward to meeting you.

Hear from Alan Kohler, Robert Gottliebsen, Stephen Bartholomeusz & John Durie at a special Q&A event for Australian Plus members in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Find out more or book tickets here.