Digital reporting: Why it's time for Australia

Digital reporting: Why it's time for Australia

Author: CPA Australia November 11, 2025 Duration: 23:08

Australia remains one of the few advanced economies still using PDFs for financial reporting – a format most global markets have already left behind.

In this episode, you'll gain expert-led insights on why adopting digital financial reporting in Australia is critical to supporting trust, transparency and competitiveness in global markets.

Explore how structured data allows regulators, investors and businesses to analyse and compare information more efficiently, driving better decision-making and reducing capital costs.

Listeners will learn:

  • How structured data improves accountability and investor confidence

  • Why global markets already mandate digital reporting standards

  • The link between digital disclosure and lower capital costs

  • How AI will enhance – not replace – digital reporting workflows

  • What Australian policymakers can learn from global peers

Learn why CPA Australia is recommending a mandate for digital reporting by listed entities in this expert-led discussion.

Listen now.

Host: Ram Subramanian, External Reporting Lead, Policy, Standards and External AffairsCPA Australia

Guest: John Turner, CEO of XBRL International, a global, non-profit standards body dedicated to improving business performance through enhanced transparency and accountability in reporting. With a background in law, IT, and government, he has led innovation in business model design, systems development and data standards for over two decades.

Additionally, this interim report from 2025 by the Productivity Commission provides broader context to digital reporting.

And you can find out John Turner's organisation XBRL at its website.

Loving this episode?

Listen to more INTHEBLACK episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.

And don't forget to click subscribe on the channel.

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:

Search for them in your podcast platform.

Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au


Tune in to With Interest for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping the world of business and finance. Presented by CPA Australia, this weekly discussion moves beyond the headlines to explore the practical implications of change for accounting professionals, business leaders, and anyone with a stake in the economic landscape. You’ll hear from practitioners and experts who break down complex topics in auditing, taxation, and corporate strategy into actionable insights. The conversations in this podcast are grounded in real-world application, whether the subject is a shift in regulatory frameworks, emerging leadership challenges, or broader economic trends. It’s a resource designed to inform your decisions and deepen your understanding of the professional landscape. For those looking to stay current and think critically about their work, With Interest provides a reliable and engaging audio companion. Each episode serves as a timely update and a catalyst for deeper professional reflection, all delivered with the authority and depth you would expect from CPA Australia.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 90

With Interest
Podcast Episodes
Public sector AI governance: risks and opportunities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:06
As AI becomes embedded across public sector operations, how do you balance innovation with accountability? In this episode, hear expert views on the governance of AI in the public sector. Key themes include: Why defining…
New 2025 super changes: What they mean for you [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:03
Learn all about the sweeping changes to superannuation which are set to reshape super from July 2025 onward. Whether you're a financial adviser, accountant or business owner, this is a must-listen episode if you want to…
INTHEBLACK: Master workplace communication with Dr Louise Mahler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:53
This week's show is a special presentation from CPA Australia's leadership, strategy and business podcast, INTHEBLACK. Ever wondered how well you communicate? Communication expert Dr Louise Mahler shares practical, resea…
Tax time 2025: How to stay safe from scams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:58
As tax time approaches, so does a spike in scam activity – posing a real threat to both individuals and small businesses. In this episode, we'll explore the latest scam trends and what accountants, tax agents and busines…
Tax time 2025: Navigating succession planning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:47
Succession planning is a critical topic. Understanding how to navigate succession planning is crucial for accountants, financial professionals and those involved in wealth management. In this second episode in the Tax Ti…
Tax time 2025: Small business essentials [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:03
Stay informed and prepared with the latest updates relevant to small business this tax season. In this episode, gain critical insights to help small business clients successfully navigate Tax Time 2025. Key topics covere…
Tax time 2025: What you need to know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:24
This four-part tax time 2025 series provides you with comprehensive coverage of topics tailored to assist Australian accountants, finance professionals and their clients. In this first episode, learn about the latest upd…
A director's guide to stronger NFP governance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:32
What does good governance in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector look like? In this episode of With Interest, we'll explore the frameworks, challenges and opportunities shaping NFP leadership today. Gain practical insights i…
Post-election insights: What business needs to know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:27
With the federal election decided, attention turns to the road ahead for Australian businesses and the newly re-elected government's agenda. This special episode delves into the critical economic challenges and opportuni…
CPA Australia's APAC small business survey (part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
In this second instalment of a special two-part episode, a respected panel of industry experts dive deeper into the insights from CPA Australia's 2025 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey. This landmark small business surv…