-Australia's best days are ahead of us.

-We live in the best country in the world.

-No asterisks, no footnotes.

-The road to rail... -...in the air... -We are in the age of infrastructure.

-The dawn of a new era.

-The great Australian dream... -...to build a better future.

-...investments... -...spending more than any government has ever spent.

-Money... -Splashed around... -Splashed more cash... -The cash splash.

-Big money in anyone's book.

-This is a nation building... -Nation building... -Nation building... -Nation building... -Nation building... -Nation building.

-So, I've separated out each of the principal costs.

Operating expenses.

-Purple.

-Yep, and plan hire.

-Mauve.

-Yeah, that's it.

-Got it.

-Sorry, I'm a little lost.

Which one is purple?

-Operating expenses.

-Yeah, but which one up there is purple?

-Mauve, next to depreciation.

-No, the mauve is interest and accruals.

Depreciation is lilac.

-Oh, okay.

That looks more violet on that screen.

-I could do you a separate bar chart presentation.

-What if you just point?

-Morning, all.

-Oh.

Sorry, fellas.

We'll come back to this.

-How's it going?

-Good.

Does that look like mauve to you?

-You've got a full dance card here.

-Oh, yeah, the regional rail link.

We're just finalising tenders for that big super-tunnel.

-Hit a bit of a wall, have you?

-No.

-Bogged down?

-No.

-I spoke to Treasury, they said there's no rush with this thing.

-I'm not rushing it.

-But if you need us to take it off your hands.

-Why would we need you to take it off our... -It's just... There's been a bit of a hiccup.

One of the bidders.

-Oh, yeah, the Canadians have pulled out, yeah.

-Right.

-Why are we whispering?

-No reason.

What happened?

-Maybe one of their pension funds got cold feet.

-Oh, God.

Why don't you just flick this thing back to us?

-Oh, it's no big deal, Jim.

We've got plenty of other options on the table.

-So, no decision yet?

-No.

-Nat, just wondering, any further thoughts on Carla?

-Carla?

-For the junior assistant role.

-Oh.

-Problem?

-No, it's just, I've had another flick through her CV.

-She interviewed so well.

-She certainly did.

-She was excellent.

-You weren't there.

-I'm just going on what Beverly said.

-You don't think she might be a little overqualified?

-In what sense?

-She lists her work interest areas as governance, strategy, planning, and stakeholder engagement.

-So impressive.

It's exactly what we need.

-We need an assistant.

-Executive level.

Anyway, she's starting tomorrow.

-You said you wanted my thoughts.

-She's very keen.

-Okay.

-I think she'll prove an excellent fit.

-I think so, too.

You can tell from Beverly's tone.

-This is an incredibly important project.

-A tunnel 40 meters below the surface.

-The government isn't using the term open tender.

-We want the best possible deal for Australia.

[ Elevator dings ] -And here we are.

Nation Building Australia.

Courtney, allow me to introduce, uh... -Grace.

-Grace.

-And... -Jai.

-And of course... -Tara.

-Yes.

Might organise some name tags.

Proud winners of the parliamentary prize for... -Environmental Studies.

-Bravo to them, our future leaders.

And as part of that prize, they get to spend a week with the government department of their choice.

-Wow.

And you chose us?

-We're interested in learning about renewable infrastructure.

-Is that us?

-I think so.

Let's just get you signed in.

-Right this way.

-So, if you can just put your names here, and then maybe your schools, and then, after we've done that, the plan is to get Rhonda to show you ar... [ Elevator dings, opens ] That was the old plan.

The new plan is sign in, and um, come with me.

-Brendan's updated them.

-Yep.

-All year-to-date figures are now lavender.

-Katie, I need a spreadsheet, not a pride flag.

-I'll speak to him.

-Okay.

-If you prefer to bring your lunch in, the fridge is... Oh, uh, Tony, it's Carla's first day.

-Oh, Carla!

Tony Woodford.

-Good to meet you.

-I hope you're settling in well.

-Yep.

Just getting up to speed.

-Well, if there is anything I can do to help you -- -A couple of things.

-Yeah?

-Can I ask about your policy regarding references?

-Uh, sure.

Uh, well, we don't give them day one.

[ Chuckles ] -No.

But assuming all KPIs are met and performance targets achieved.

-Yeah, I think Nat might be the more appropriate person to ask about that.

-I think so.

-It's just that you're CEO.

-Sure.

Yeah.

-I reckon we keep moving.

The coffee machi-- -Can I just ask one more thing?

-About making coffee?

-About your reporting structures.

Who will I be answerable to?

-Nat.

-Me.

-But ultimately.

-Um, I think Nat...still.

-Great.

I just wanted to be clear about organisational flows.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Better show you that coffee machine.

-Ooh, a coffee machine!

I'll leave you to it.

-So, this is our main executive office.

-Morning.

-Oh, Tony!

This is Grace, Jai, and Tara.

-Ah, our prize winners!

Congratulations.

-Thank you.

-Now, how were you selected for the, uh... -So, we had to write an essay on Australia's transition to renewable energy.

-Wow!

I would love to read that.

-I brought a copy in.

-Oh, you've got one.

-Me, too.

-Oh, okay.

-Here's mine.

-All three different ess... oh, I've got a bit of homework.

Now, I know that Rhonda has got a really big week planned for you.

-That was the old plan.

-Was it?

And the new plan?

-Finding Rhonda.

-Okay.

Well, I will leave you to it.

-Alright, guys.

Just this way.

-Welcome.

Good stuff.

Welcome.

Why is Jim here?

-Just a routine visit.

-What?

-AD hoc catch up.

-Okay.

-[ Whispering ] Tony, can I grab your phone and any electronic watches or devices?

-[ Whispering ] Why are we whispering?

-Because Jim wants.

-Okay.

-Ah, Tony!

-[ Normal voice ] Jim.

-Just checking in.

-[ Whispers ] Shut the door.

-Yeah.

Checking in on?

-Oh, anything you choose!

You don't have a smartphone?

-No.

-Just wanted to get an update on the tunnel tender.

-Oh, yeah.

-Who's in?

Who's out?

-Japan's looking shaky.

-Right.

-France is still in.

-Ah, France.

Good option, eh?

-A little expensive.

-Yeah.

Early days.

-Not really.

China.

-Shaky?

-They're the best option at this point.

-In terms of?

-Cost.

-Eh, a little narrow.

What about construction timeline?

-Way ahead of everyone else.

-There's bound to be other drawbacks.

-Not really.

-You'll find some.

-What?

-Who else?

-Uh, Spain.

-Ah!

So, they're your preferred option?

-No.

-Ooh.

Feels like a good offer.

-What?

-Mm, and you mentioned them last.

-Yeah because we've still got a bit of work to do.

-So, no decision yet?

-No.

-Okay.

Well, when you're about to, can you let me know?

-I'll text you.

-Use Signal.

Code word "falcon."

-Okay.

-Ah!

Good general catch up on non-specific matters.

Nation builders!

♪♪♪ -All settled over there?

You're about to see how things operate.

The room where it happens.

"Hamilton"?

You know...okay.

Any sign of Rhonda today?

-Still trying.

She's still not picking up.

-Okay.

Alright, well, let's make a start.

And seeing as it's Carla's first team meeting, how about we begin by quickly introducing ourselves?

Nat?

-Sure.

I'm Nat Russell, head of operations.

-Okay.

-Katie, executive assistant.

-I'm, Carla LaSalle, my pronouns are she/her, and I'll be working in an executive capacity, just helping to identify, formulate, and shape critical infrastructure projects and assist in the management of their implementation.

-[ Stammers ] Uh... -I'm Scott.

I help Tony.

-And I'm Ash and I help...too.

♪♪♪ -Brendan's done it on the office printer, larger format.

-Yeah, but I still can't work out the details.

Where's interest and accruals?

-They're there.

-They're still purple.

-No, it's indigo.

-I feel like I'm doing an Ishihara colour test.

-Shall we try some other ones?

-Well, I wouldn't rule out black and white at this stage.

-Tony, the school kids.

We need to come up with some more things for them to do.

-What are they interested in?

-Grace plays the cello.

-No, what did they get the prize for again?

-Environmental science.

They want to understand more about green initiatives.

-Gee, if they could understand our purple initiatives, it'd be great.

-I think they want to speak to you.

-What are they doing now?

-They're watching a documentary about our desalination plants.

-A doco?

-The Four Corners one.

-That was an exposé.

-What?

-About white elephants.

Quickly, get them out of there and bring them in here.

-Great.

-Oh, and Katie?

After 20 minutes, come in.

-Got it.

Should I take their phones?

-Not for this.

-Thank you so much for your time, Mr.

Woodford.

-Oh, happy to help.

Where do you want to begin?

-Oh, with the desal plant.

Is it true that not a single drop has been... -I reckon let's stick to transition to renewables, Jai.

-Yeah, sure.

Um, is it okay if Grace takes notes?

-We just want to make sure we get everything right.

-Oh, good thinking.

It's a complex field.

So, where do we begin?

Solar, wind, waves... -Maybe with something simple?

-Sure.

-Pre-combustion carbon capture.

-Yeah.

Yeah, we can absolutely start there.

Fire away, yeah, just gotta knock off an email here.

-So, how do you plan to deal with the limited availability of the IGCCT?

-Yeah, I just want to make sure we're on the same page.

When you say IGCCT, you mean, of course, um... -Integrated gasification combined cycle technology.

-...technology, yep, we're on the same page.

Let's just give Grace a moment to write that down.

-Pre-combustion carbon capture is the process by whi-- -Uh, where were we?

-Sort of been thinking outside the box, but it's still coming from inside the box, so it sort of ticks both boxes.

Do you see what I mean?

-Yeah.

-Minister.

-Nat!

Just chatting with Carla.

-Oh, you've met.

-We have, indeed.

She was asking about our CSR policy.

-CSR?

-Community Social Responsibility.

We've had it on the back burner for a while.

Is it something we could be advancing in this term?

-I'm not sure it's a priority for us -- -But it is a priority, of course.

-Then, let's get it on the agenda.

-Absolutely, sir.

-I'd be happy to put together a framework.

-Would you, Carla?

-Sure.

-Excellent.

Nat, we can't let this drop again, okay?

-Anyway, Minister, just a few follow-ups from our last meeting.

Um, I think we're good to go.

Thanks, Carla.

-Great.

-Okay.

So -- -So, this CSR thing.

Is it something we could announce in the short term?

-I can draft you up a range of policy options this week.

-We do have quite a list of things to get through.

-Two sitting weeks.

It'd be good to have something up our sleeves.

-I can follow up with Carla.

-I'm happy to loop you in.

-Smart cookie.

Mm.

Well done.

-Another interesting question, Jai.

-You haven't answered it.

-I'm planning to.

Maybe if you just reword it.

-Is pumped hydro technically green?

-Yep.

Pretty much.

It produces hydro.

-That's not renewable.

-It's hydro.

-But using coal-generated electricity to pump the water, how could that be deemed carbon neutral?

-What if you use renewable energy to pump the water?

-And are you?

-Keep going.

-Once you factor in transmission losses, construction emissions... You understand the question?

-I'm nodding, yeah.

It's a bit complicated, Grace.

I'm not sure how familiar you are with reversible turbine technology.

-Yeah, the one that combines radial and axial flow.

-Oh, yeah.

Here we go.

I'm going to be called away... -Here we go.

-Hope everyone's hungry.

-Mm-hmm.

Maybe not -- yep.

-Sorry to interrupt.

-Oh, no, the interruption's good.

-Carry on.

-Yep.

[ Elevator dings ] -That was completely inappropriate.

-I was just trying to assist the Minister.

-But you're here to assist us.

-That's why I asked about reporting structures.

-I'll give you the tip.

Day two, you don't report to the Minister.

-I was just trying to make a valuable contribution.

-Listen, Carla, I don't want an argument.

-I'm not arguing.

I'm clarifying.

-And making a contribution.

-You go through me.

Not Tony, not the minister, me.

-Are we still clarifying?

-Yeah, I think we got there in the end.

Thank you, Jai.

Thank you, Grace.

-Shall we finish the desal doco now?

-Maybe later.

-Yeah.

-Come on.

-What happened?

I said come in after 20 minutes.

-We did.

-Not with lunch!

I've sat through more relaxing Senate inquiries.

I don't have them this afternoon, do I?

-Brian's giving them a tour of our recycling facility.

-Make sure he's prepped.

-Mm-hmm.

-Tony, I've had another crack at that spreadsheet.

-Okay.

-Here you go.

I've stripped out the procurement fees and I've listed them individually.

-Sorry, which are the procurement fees?

-The green, above the line costs, now emerald.

All the loan balances are now lime.

-Which one's lime?

-Next to the mint.

Is that any clearer?

-You know what, Brendan?

I wouldn't rule out reusing primary colours.

You know, red, yellow, blue.

-Jade?

-I reckon stick with the classics, yeah.

♪♪ ♪♪ [ Device whirring ] What are you doing?

-Falcon.

-What's going on?

-All clear, Jim.

-Nothing?

-Oh, just this old iPod nano.

-Oh, I was wondering where that had got to.

-Sorry, Tony.

Someone could be listening.

-To 4-year-old podcasts?

-Location secure.

-So, the bids.

-What about them?

-Spain?

-No.

-The Canadians are back in?

-China.

-Are out?

-Have the best offer.

-At this stage?

-At every stage.

-Still, early days.

-Not really.

-But you've got doubts?

-No.

-Concerns?

-No.

-Few quibbles?

-Jim, what have you got against the Chinese tender?

-Nothing.

-Jim!

Please tell me.

-It's the optics, Tony.

A massive construction project, and we hand it over to... -Well, we're about to hand it over to the Canadians.

-That's... This is... -China have the best offer.

-It's the timing.

-I thought it was the optics.

-We've spent the last 5 years muscling up to them, talking tough, adopting an aggressive posture.

-So?

-If we sign this deal, we could be in real danger!

-From China?

-The Americans!

They don't want an easing of bilateral tensions!

We need to toe the line, stick with them, and stand up to the bullies.

-Sorry.

Who are the bullies?

-China!

-Okay, so you want us to ignore the Chinese tender?

-No!

Let me say very clearly that I have no preferred option, stated or otherwise, for any one tender, Tony.

-Jim, you don't think we're going over the top with this?

Brian with all that security, and Katie taking -- Did you just eat a Post-it note?

-Hm?

[ Mumbling ] No.

-Just then.

-Here are those letters you wanted redrafted, and I've also finished that report.

There were just a few typos, but I think I got them all.

-Thanks.

That's great.

Oh, and Carla?

I'm sorry if I was a bit curt yesterday.

-You weren't, really.

-I think she was.

-Can I just quickly ask you about a couple of things?

-Sure.

-Great.

-Okay... -It's your mission statement.

I think it needs work.

-Interesting.

-What's wrong with our mission statement?

-"To provide the very best in independent advice and long-term infrastructure planning"?

-Yep.

-That's what you're trying to do?

-And the issue is?

-This reads more like a vision statement.

-Interesting.

-Sorry?

-Your "why," your mission statement should be your "what."

-What?

-Exactly.

I think you're mixing up mission and vision with purpose and value.

-I think you could be right.

-Sorry, Carla.

What's this got to do with anything?

-There's that curtness.

-I'm just putting together that CSR framework, but it's a little hard when you've got such a poorly-worded set of guiding principles.

-I don't need you putting together a CSR framework.

-The Minister asked.

-You offered.

-He accepted.

-It's not your role.

It's not even a priority.

-The Minister feels it's a priority.

-Are we still clarifying?

-Um, is there any chance I could get you to help me find some documentation later?

-Sure.

-Great.

♪♪♪ -What the f-- -Curt.

♪♪♪ -Tony.

-Are you okay, Brian?

-We may have real problems downstairs.

-What's happened?

-I had the kids down there, and Tara thinks that our recyclables might be mixed with our general waste.

-I wouldn't worry about it, Brian.

-And Jai was asking about our lack of EV charging stations.

-Leave it with me.

Yeah.

-Alright, um, here's your phone back.

-My phone?

-Mm.

-With the Harry Styles screensaver?

-Oh, shit.

-Yeah.

Okay.

-Okay.

-Katie!

Any word on Rhonda?

-We think she's overseas, and we need something for them to do this afternoon.

-They could find Rhonda.

Scotty, have you got time to help out with the kids?

Show them some of our new projects.

Maybe the green hydrogen plant.

-It's in Perth.

-No, not the plant.

The plans, in the design room.

There's heaps of stuff in there.

-Got it, yeah.

-And after that, you could take them down to the solar farm.

-That's a great idea.

-Have you read the energy market operator's latest report into renewables?

-No.

-Yeah, I would.

And I've got a few YouTube links I can flick you.

And I reckon take Courtney.

-Why?

-She can Google for you.

-Tony, Jim wants to speak to you urgently.

-Where is he?

-It says Brian will give you the meeting details.

Use the codeword "eagle."

-Eagle?

-Eagle.

♪♪♪ ♪♪ -Eagle?

-I thought it was Falcon.

-No, Brian changed it.

-Oh, good idea.

Jump in.

We can't give this thing to the Chinese.

-Why?

-I told you, it's the cost.

-They're the cheapest bid.

-Not the money.

The cost to us!

We'll be under attack!

-From?

-Talkback callers, socials, editorials, every think tank in the country.

-But you deal with that every day!

-Not on this level.

And you wait for the diplomatic blowback.

-From?

-The Yanks!

They'll be furious.

Our steadfast allies, shoulder to shoulder.

They'll destroy us.

-What does the PM think?

-Big Bird?

Worried.

-Jim, I'm trying to get the best deal for the taxpayer.

-And I'm not trying to interfere.

I'm just suggesting that maybe we reconsider.

-How is that not interfering?

-I said maybe!

Now, how's that Spanish bid?

-That's interfering!

-No, it's not.

It's suggesting.

-They're almost $1 billion more.

-So, they're in the ballpark?

-No.

-Have a chat!

-They've given us their bid.

-They're Spanish, they're haggling.

-We're not buying souvenirs.

-Have a chat.

[ Knock on window ] -Here you go.

Chicken.

-It's eagle.

-No, it's Jim's lunch.

-Oh.

-Thanks, Magpie!

-How many kilowatts in a megawatt?

That's a great question.

Great question.

Inverter.

Follow me, guys.

This is your isolator box.

Probably shouldn't touch the isolator box.

Do any of you guys want to get a selfie with the panel?

For TikTok, or... Uh, any questions?

-What's the carbon footprint of your solar panels?

-Uh, w-what do you mean?

-How are they manufactured?

-Oh, in a factory, yeah.

-But using what energy source?

What inputs?

-Googling.

-I'll have a think and come back to that.

Anyway, it's a good story.

Renewable energy for 20 years.

-What about recycling?

-Didn't Brian take you through that?

-No.

The panels.

-What's their end-of-life?

-What about panel obsolescence?

-Uh, what do you mean, panel obsolescence?

-Early retirement.

-Uh-huh.

-Ooh, got something.

-Ash, why are we printing our mission statement?

-You said it was unclear.

-No, Carla said it was unclear.

-But you didn't disagree.

-Where is she?

-Working in the pod.

She needed more space.

-For what?

-Well, all your work, plus preparing the CSR framework for the Minister.

-If she thinks that's about to become her office -- -Ash?

"Community Social Responsibility."

Does that have capitals?

-Yes.

She's got quite a workload.

-Ash, you don't even have an office.

-You want me to tell her no?

-Allow me.

-Try not to be curt.

-No guarantees.

-You're back.

What took you so long?

-The EV ran out of charge and we had to take the bus.

-We've got the Spanish in 10 minutes.

-Well, no, that's not until 7:00 a.m.

-Their time.

-That makes more sense.

-Anyway, how'd you go?

The kids learn a few things?

-Not as much as us.

Have you heard of the solar trash wave?

-Is that a band, is it?

-No, it's a cumulative solar panel waste graph, depending on the replacement timeline.

-What's the red?

-That is early replacement due to innovation.

-See, primary colours.

I can read -- Can you show that to Brendan?

-Yeah.

-I mean... -Right, so I've just clarified the wording so that the core values now more accurately reflect our stated aims.

-Okay.

-Are you sure?

-Yep.

It's -- it's good.

-Thanks, Nat.

Um, is there any chance of me getting that in writing?

-What in writing?

-What you just said.

Your assessment of my work.

-What did I say?

-That it met and exceeded required standards.

-I said "good."

-It's just that Beverly suggests that I formalise all feedback.

-What's Beverly got to do with it?

-She's agreed to mentor me.

-Has she?

-If it helps, I can write something, and you can just sign it later.

-Okay.

Is it all up?

-Good?

Yeah, okay.

-Yep.

-Hola.

Buenos noches...de todo.

-And good evening to you from Madrid.

-[ Speaking broken Spanish ] -I think Jose speaks English.

-Correct.

I'm happy to speak English.

-Muchos gracias.

Comencemos.

-We just wanted to discuss your tender for the inland rail tunnel.

-We are obviously very keen to partner with you in this endeavour.

-Well, it's very good to hear, Jose.

-Muy bien, Jose.

-We feel confident we can complete the tunnel works for the stated fee of $5.8 billion.

-$5.8...yeah.

So, can I just ask, hypothetically, if I was to tell you there was another offer on the table for $4.9 billion, what would you say?

-Wow.

Take it.

-Ay, caramba!

-It's not completely locked in.

-Yeah, we could not possibly match such an offer.

-What if we helped out a little from our end?

-Sorry.

Who is this?

-S-- Jim, you weren't supposed to speak.

-Silencio.

-Jose, tell us.

How could we help out?

What are your main sticking points?

-Jim... -Well, obviously, lobar costs are significant.

-So, if we help to do a deal with the unions?

-What?

-Qué?

-Anything else?

-And your environmental requirements are greatly adding to the overall figure.

-We can loosen them.

-Jim, I'm not sure we should be shifting the goalposts at this point.

-And the kids will be furious.

-Is there anything else we can do for you, Jose?

-Jim, stop.

-Jim, suficiente.

-I think we're -- sorry, we're having a few difficulties.

Sorry, Jose.

-Uh, mucho problemo, técnico, técnico, mucho problemo.

-I can hear you fine.

-Yeah, no, no, I didn't hear that.

-No -- [ Mimics choppy audio ] problemo...técnico.

-Yep.

-We need to talk about Carla.

-Please.

-I hear she's stepping into a lot of new areas.

-She is.

-Designing and implementing a CSR strategy across multiple sectors... -Where are you getting that?

-Her CV.

-She's already updated it?

-Mm, she's certainly taking on roles we didn't quite anticipate.

-So, what do we do?

-I'm wondering whether we get her an assistant.

-She's meant to be assisting me.

-Do we reassign Ash?

-So, I lose an assistant in order to assist someone who's supposed to be assisting me?

-Careful with that curtness.

-What the hell was that about?

-Just trying to give him a leg up!

-By rewriting the entire deal?

-I was haggling.

-You offered him mates' rates!

-Yeah, especiales para amigos.

-If we can just get these guys across the line!

-Financially, we're done.

-Well, then, there's only one thing left.

-Accept the Chinese offer.

-Find out if there are any issues at the security briefing.

-What security briefing?

-Qué informe de seguridad?

-After you.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

-And uh, thanks for agreeing to see us at such short notice.

-Not a problem.

-Where should we put our phones?

-Oh, anywhere.

On the table, in your pocket.

Now, I've had a look at the various tenders you sent through.

And I struggled a little with the colours.

-Really?

-Brendan did them for us.

-Have a seat, please.

-Great.

-Yeah, if you're happy to chase up the documentation, we can... -What's going on?

-Hi, Nat.

-We're just about to finish up.

-On?

-The CSR task force.

-When did it become a task force?

-Well, task force, working group, whatever.

-You said task force.

-We won't be much longer.

-We've got work to do.

-Which is why I started this early, so it doesn't interfere with your stuff.

I'd be happy to loop you in.

-I don't need to be looped in.

-Okay.

5 minutes, promise.

[ Whispering ] Ash?

Door.

-No, that's mango.

And then...France is orange.

And then, Japan, that's tangerine.

-Right.

I think I've got it now.

-Can we come back to that?

Because what we're really after is... are there any security threats with any of the bids?

-Well, where do I start?

-China.

I mean, just to pick one.

-It's apricot.

-We've examined this bid from every angle -- infrastructure technology, spyware, malware, broader cyber security implications.

-And?

-You'll be pleased to hear that there are no issues.

-Oh, well, that's a relief.

-So, can we turn our phones back on?

-But isn't there a danger that China could use this opportunity to access sensitive information?

-Such as?

-Where the trains are going?

-Through the tunnel.

-But where does that tunnel emerge?

-Farm land.

-And what are those farms growing?

-Well, currently, products that the Chinese are boycotting.

-So, no agricultural intelligence?

-Nope.

So, I trust that puts your minds at ease.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Oh, having said that -- There are a few question marks around the Spanish bid.

-Mango.

Jose, eh?

-So, those timelines are obviously subject to planning approval.

-We're still waiting for that.

-Carla.

-I'll follow them up.

-Good.

We also need to run a final check on those projections.

-Sorry to interrupt.

The Minister just needs a quick word.

-Really?

-With Carla.

-You know what?

You stay here.

I'll take it in there.

♪♪ ♪♪ -Jim?

I mean -- Falcon?

-Nightingale.

-Oh, this has got to stop.

-I told you, there has to be complete secrecy on this.

[ Cellphone chimes ] -I didn't get that.

Could you try again?

-So, no security issues?

-None.

We've got to give it to the Chinese.

-There must be something we can think of.

Alright, before you call me crazy, hear me out.

We build it ourselves.

-Australia build an advanced fast-rail tunnel?

-What if it was a joint deal?

-Sure.

Australia-China.

-Australia-Spain.

Like a co-pro.

-It's not a Netflix series.

The Chinese offer is better.

-You should have haggled!

-Oh, Jim, you can't be haggling with -- -[ Shushes ] Is that a balloon?

-Yeah?

-How do we know it's not...one of theirs?

-Cos it's got the name of an Australian winery written on the side.

-I wouldn't put it past 'em.

-Oh, sorry.

Nat, have you seen Carla?

-I don't know where she is.

-She's not in her office.

-What do you need her for?

-I've got her replacement security pass.

-What was wrong with the old one?

-Wrong job title.

-Assistant?

-Yep.

Should be advisor.

-She may not need it.

-What?

-Did you not hear?

-No.

-She's leaving next week.

-She's quit?

-Canberra.

She's been seconded by the Minister.

-You're kidding!

Who told you?

-She's just added it to her CV.

Anyway, Brian, I think she's having a coffee with Tony.

-What's she doing that for?

-She's getting her reference.

♪♪ -Tony, the kids are just leaving.

-Oh!

So soon?

-And we finally found Rhonda.

She'll be back tomorrow.

-Right.

Well, I certainly hope you've enjoyed your time with us.

-It's been a real eye-opener, Mr.

Woodford.

-We've learnt so much about you.

-Yeah, I might just cast an eye of those notes of yours, Grace.

-I'll send you a copy.

-Oh, I might grab one, too.

Especially that stuff about the solar trash wave.

-Best wishes for the rest of the school year!

Yeah... -I think we have to go with Spain.

-No!

-It's the only way to avoid the backlash.

-It's $900 million more expensive.

-A billion.

-What?

-We had to chuck in a few extra sweeteners.

-What?

-They haggled!

-You're prepared to spend $1 billion extra just to avoid a few days of negative press and a diplomatic tiff?!

Please, put it to the Prime Minister.

-Okay.

-Please!

-Okay!

-Also tonight, floods hit central WA, Aussies shine at the Golden Globes, and say "hola" to a new train tunnel -- the Spanish win our inland rail.

♪♪♪ -You got a "thank you" card from the school kids.

-Oh, that's nice.

What's this?

-A list of follow-up questions.

Want me to do the Googling?

-Could you?

-Welcome, all.

We have an important announcement about our CSR policy.

Now, we might have dropped the ball on this for a little while, but the team has done some wonderful work and full credit to them.

-Here you go, Tony.

Updated figures.

-Oh, excellent.

-Black and white, like you asked.

-Yep.

Sorry, where are the ancillaries?

-Grey.

I've made operating expenses charcoal.

Total cost is slate.

♪♪♪