How coral became big business and a new system for job seekers

About this episode

The episode discusses the sustainability of coral harvesting and proposed changes to the unemployment system in Australia.

Each year up to 190 tonnes of coral is allowed to be harvested from the Great Barrier Reef, making Australia the second-largest exporter in the world. While those in the industry say it's a highly regulated space, conservationists are calling for an end to the trade. Third-generation coral farmer Lyle Squire Jr, conservation campaigner Simon Miller and conservation biologist Jon Daly discuss whether it's time for a rethink on the sustainability of coral harvesting. The federal government has announced a major overhaul of the unemployment system that it says is ill-equipped to support many of the people who rely on it. Job seeker Kerry Forrest, Australian Council of Social Service acting CEO Edwina MacDonald and National Employment Services Association CEO Kathryn Mandla explain the proposed changes and what they could mean for people looking for more meaningful work. New data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority shows that in 2025, only 37 per cent of year 10 students were proficient in digital skills. So if the kids can't even keep up with this newfangled techy world — what hope do the rest of us have?

People in this episode

Guests: Lyle Squire Jr, Simon Miller, Jon Daly, Kerry Forrest, Edwina MacDonald, Kathryn Mandla

Topics covered

• coral harvesting
• sustainability
• unemployment system
• job seekers
• digital skills
• education

Keywords

• coral
• Great Barrier Reef
• unemployment
• job seekers
• digital skills
• sustainability
• Australia

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Australian Council of Social Service, National Employment Services Association

Places: Australia, Great Barrier Reef

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