Shows

Fiona Patten: Trailblazer, politician, and sex worker advocate

Fiona Patton: Former sex worker, cancer survivor, and groundbreaking politician challenging societal norms and advocating for sex worker rights.

Published

4 months ago

June 19, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Fiona Patten: Former sex worker, cancer survivor, and groundbreaking politician challenging societal norms and advocating for sex worker rights.

Fiona Patten, the first sex worker elected to Parliament, has a remarkable story. A cancer survivor thrice, she transitioned from a fashion designer to a prominent advocate for sex workers and their rights.

Patten began her career in fashion with her label, Body Politics, which connected her with sex workers. She later founded the peak body for the adult industry, campaigning for law reforms that would affect sex work positively. Through her work, she served two terms in the Victorian State Parliament, advocating for civil liberties.

Throughout her political career, Patten achieved significant milestones, including protecting the rights of her peers and advocating against harmful laws. Her unexpected entry into politics stemmed from frustration with societal progress and government policies that lagged behind.

Fiona Patten’s journey is a testament to resilience and the fight for rights within the adult industry.

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Shows

Australia and UK: economic connection potential explored

Australia and the UK poised for stronger economic partnership through shared culture and financial investments

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Australia and the UK poised for stronger economic partnership through shared culture and financial investments.

In Short:
– Australia and the UK have strong trade ties, with £5.6 billion in annual trade and significant investments.
– Belinda Coates advocates for collaboration, highlighting mutual learning opportunities in business practices.

Australia and the UK share strong economic and cultural ties, with £5.6 billion in annual trade and significant investments in British assets from Australian superannuation funds.

The first episode of “The Connector” features Belinda Coates, founder of Harper B, discussing the potential for collaboration between the two nations. Coates highlights how Australians and Brits can learn from each other, especially in business practices, given their similar legal and regulatory frameworks.

Historically, ties weakened when the UK joined the EU. However, London remains an attractive hub for Australian businesses due to its robust investment environment. Australia boasts nearly $4 trillion in superannuation, prompting many funds to diversify into overseas markets, including property in the UK.

Proudly brought to you by Harper B

Shows

London prepares for major transformation in office space

London’s ambitious transformation requires one million square metres of office space by 2040 amid pressure to balance housing and commercial needs

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2025

Nathan Langridge

London’s ambitious transformation requires one million square metres of office space by 2040 amid pressure to balance housing and commercial needs.

In Short:
– London aims for one million square metres of new office space by 2040 to enhance commercial vibrancy and housing affordability.
– Investor confidence is rising, with low vacancy rates and a need for retrofitting older buildings to attract businesses.

London is undergoing a significant transformation, with a demand for one million square metres of office space by 2040.

Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee for the City of London Corporation, discusses the current climate for investors and developers. He notes a resurgence in investor confidence in London despite global economic headwinds. Recently, the Square Mile welcomed 11 million visitors in June, reaching pre-pandemic levels much sooner than expected.

London is compared favourably in terms of costs to cities like New York and Hong Kong, making it appealing for businesses. The local planning strategy involves identifying suitable areas for new development, with a focus on retrofitting older buildings to improve their quality and usability.

Proudly brought to you by Harper B

Shows

London’s transformative period boosts cross-border development insights

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2025

Nathan Langridge

London undergoes transformative developments as Third.i Group shares insights from Australia and the UK housing markets.

In Short:
– London is transforming with mixed-use precincts and innovative investments, as discussed by Gareth Hardy of Third.i Group.
– Third.i Group focuses on diverse housing solutions and navigates challenges like Brexit and COVID-19, leveraging experiences from the UK and Australia.

London is experiencing a significant transformation marked by mixed-use precincts, decarbonisation, and innovative investment models. Gareth Hardy, director and co-founder of Third.i Group, recently discussed the company’s influence on these developments in both the UK and Australia.

Hardy highlighted Third.i Group’s commitment to creating diverse housing solutions, such as affordable accommodation for key workers, as it navigates challenges like Brexit and COVID-19. He pointed out that while affordable housing in the UK may be ahead of Australia, the latter excels in adult social care.

Hardy expressed optimism about future developments, particularly in the realm of adult social care and housing regulations, positioning Third.i Group as a potential leader in these key areas.

Proudly brought to you by Harper B