The woman deploying $15bn into Australia’s future: Quantum computing, space & defence

About this episode

Mary Manning discusses the investment strategies for Australia's economic future, focusing on key sectors and opportunities.

What does it take to deploy $15 billion into the industries that will define Australia's economic future? This week’s guest is uniquely placed to answer that. Mary Manning is the inaugural Chief Investment Officer of the Albanese government's National Reconstruction Fund. In this episode we discuss the seven key sectors identified as “engines of growth” for the Australian economy over the next 20 years, and how advisers (and their clients) can get exposure. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction & Career Journey 02:11 NRF Purpose Explained 04:39 Investment Process Breakdown 07:42 Strategy & Deal Flexibility 10:21 Priority Sectors RED TRAM 14:01 Defense & Growth Themes 16:49 VC Strategy & Collaboration 19:29 Listed Market Opportunities 23:59 Long-Term Vision & Accountability 📈  Stocks and ETFs Mentioned: Macquarie Technology Group (ASX: MAQ), Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR), Arafura Resources Ltd (ASX: ARU, Alpha HPA Ltd (ASX: A4N), Harrison AI (Private), Gilmore Space (Private) This episode was recorded on the 17th March 2026. ——— CPD Points: This episode is accredited for the following CPD points by the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA)…

People in this episode

Guest: Mary Manning

Topics covered

• investment strategy
• economic growth
• quantum computing
• space industry
• defense sector
• venture capital
• long-term vision

Keywords

• investment
• Australia
• National Reconstruction Fund
• economic future
• growth sectors
• venture capital
• defense
• quantum computing
• space
• long-term vision

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Albanese government's National Reconstruction Fund, Financial Advice Association of Australia

Products: Macquarie Technology Group, Liontown Resources Ltd, Arafura Resources Ltd, Alpha HPA Ltd, Harrison AI, Gilmore Space

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