On this latest episode of Beyond The Deal, host Dion Besser spoke with Samantha McLean from Elite Agent about more than a decade of change in Australia’s real estate industry. Over 11 years of interviewing top operators, McLean has seen technology and transparency transform the market, giving buyers and sellers unprecedented access to pricing data and AI-assisted valuations. While these tools are powerful, she warns they can also produce inaccuracies if relied on without professional guidance.

McLean emphasised that despite technological advances, trust remains the foundation of every successful real estate transaction. Buyers still choose agents based on experience, negotiation skills and local knowledge, proving that personal relationships continue to outweigh algorithms. Sellers should use AI insights as a starting point, but thorough research and multiple agent interviews remain crucial to finding the right professional.

Personalised marketing strategies

For buyers, navigating complex pricing, underquoting and competitive markets requires skilled agents who can interpret data and guide decision-making. McLean also highlighted the growing importance of personalised marketing strategies, ensuring a property’s unique features stand out rather than relying solely on price.

In the end, McLean told Dion that the agents who thrive in today’s market are those who balance technology with human insight, demonstrating integrity, expertise and a genuine connection with their clients — proving that even in a digital age, people still matter most.

In this episode of Cannabiz – In Conversation, host Ahron Young discusses the opportunities and challenges facing Australia’s rapidly evolving cannabis sector, balancing patient access with safety and accountability.

Australia’s medicinal cannabis industry is experiencing significant growth, with patient numbers rising rapidly in recent years. While the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) does not track exact usage data, around 1 million prescription approvals were issued in 2025, suggesting between 400,000 and 800,000 patients are now using medicinal cannabis. Oils remain the most commonly prescribed form, though gummies and dry herbs are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for patients managing chronic pain and anxiety.

Anecdotal evidence

Experts highlight both the potential benefits and risks of medicinal cannabis. Dr Priya Ayyar from Releaf Clinics notes anecdotal evidence of improved sleep and reduced reliance on traditional medications, but she also cautions that THC carries risks such as dependency and potential psychosis. Misconceptions about cannabis persist in the medical community due to gaps in training, underlining the importance of proper education for both doctors and patients.

Calls for regulatory reform are growing, aimed at enhancing transparency, patient safety, and care quality. Industry leaders—including Kristin Viccars from the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Australia (MCIA), Dr Orit Holtzman from Leura Wellness, Martin Lane from Cannabiz, and Dr Priya Ayyar—emphasise that better TGA data could form a national evidence database to track efficacy and inform policy.

In this episode of Beyond Education, presented by Enquiry Tracker, we delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on education. Co-hosted by Ahron Young and Enquiry Tracker CEO Antony Campitelli, the discussion features insights from Professor Robert Tai of the Australian Catholic University.

AI is increasingly recognised as both a revolutionary force and a practical tool in learning. Professor Tai highlights that, when applied thoughtfully, AI can enhance educational experiences and accelerate student progress. At Inquiry Tracker, AI is utilised for research and as coding agents, helping to improve efficiency and streamline tasks.

Historical fears

Despite these benefits, educators have expressed concerns about students over-relying on AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini for tasks like writing papers, potentially limiting authentic learning. Professor Tai points out that such anxieties echo historical fears surrounding the introduction of new technologies. He notes that AI can, in fact, foster critical thinking, as users must craft precise prompts to achieve desired results. For example, one student required 26 iterations to complete a paper using AI.

However, AI has its limitations. It primarily remixes existing information and cannot generate entirely novel concepts. The rapid advancements in AI since late 2022 have prompted educators to rethink their teaching strategies. Integrating AI for tasks such as summarising allows students to engage more deeply with material while freeing up time for critical analysis and creative thinking.