Capital and Country is a newsletter and podcast that explores the intersections of business, law, and identity in modern Australia — with a sharp eye on power, policy, and progress. Hosted by Harrison Stewart, a proud Walbunja man from the Yuin Nation, Juris Doctor candidate, and experienced strategist, the series cuts through spin with informed analysis, cultural insight, and a commitment to truth-telling.
YARNS. with The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG - Justice, Country & the Constitution.
Former High Court Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG joins host Harry Stewart for a wide-ranging conversation about how constitutional law meets lived experience on Country. We revisit the landmark decisions that still shape Australia’s legal landscape—Mabo, Wik, Kartinyeri, and Wurridjal—and use them to explore bigger questions: What does constitutional courage look like? How should courts weigh history, text, and consequences? And where does dissent fit in the long arc of justice? Along the way, we discuss native title and coexistence, the scope of the “race” power after 1967, and why “just terms” in the Territories matters beyond property—because what’s at stake is culture, community, and the rule of law.
Highlights: judicial method vs. outcomes; the place of history in judging; respectful disagreement on the Court; reconciliation and the law’s moral imagination; practical lessons for students, practitioners, and anyone who wants a clearer view of how the Constitution actually works.
3 Sept 2025
YARNS. with A/Prof Rick Macourt: Designing a Just Economy
What does a just economy look like — and who gets to design it?
In this episode of YARNS., I sit down with Associate Professor Rick Macourt a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer, and Managing Director of Strategy at First Nations Economics. Rick has shaped major systemic reforms across government and the private sector, from leading NSW’s first Indigenous budget process to reshaping First Nations affairs at Westpac.
We talk about queerness and power, truth-telling through Treasury, the limits of reconciliation.
This is a yarn about reform, resistance, and redesigning the system — on our terms.
18 Aug 2025
YARNS. with Danny Gilbert AM: Founding G+T and Fighting for Justice
In this conversation, Danny Gilbert AM shares his journey from growing up on a rice farm in regional New South Wales to becoming a prominent legal and business leader in Australia. He discusses his early life, education, and the founding of Gilbert and Tobin, one of Australia's leading law firms. The conversation delves into his advocacy for Indigenous rights, the role of businesses in supporting these causes, and the importance of government policies and treaties. Danny emphasises the need for education and empowerment for future Indigenous leaders and reflects on the impact of AI on the legal profession.Takeaways- Danny Gilbert's early life on a rice farm shaped his perspective.- Law school was a daunting experience for Danny.- His exposure to Indigenous disadvantage began in his early career.- Danny's commitment to social justice grew over time.- Businesses have a role in advancing Indigenous rights.- Treaties should focus on education and economic empowerment.- AI is set to profoundly impact the legal profession.- Danny emphasises the importance of resilience and ambition in law.- The conversation highlights the intersection of law, business, and social justice.
21 Jul 2025
A letter to the King about Yoorrook’s report, Blak reading list, and NITA helps the next generation
🖋️ I wrote a letter to the King.
Because when Australia’s first Indigenous-led truth-telling inquiry finds that genocide was committed against Aboriginal people, the head of state should probably know about it.
This edition of Capital & Country is personal, political, and purposeful:
📮 Truth Posted: I reflect on the Yoorrook Commission’s findings and share the handwritten letter I sent to King Charles III, asking him to acknowledge genocide and use his voice to help Australia face its truth. Still waiting for a reply. Maybe it’s in a corgi-chewed pile somewhere in Buckingham.
📚 Pages That Change People: VOUGE Australia curates a powerful reading list of First Nations authors. These aren’t just books—they’re a syllabus for national reckoning. From Bruce Pascoe to Alexis Wright, these voices shape a better story for this country.
🎓 Future Trained: At Ayers Rock and Mossman Gorge, the National Indigenous Training Academy is empowering mob through vocational excellence. Kit Hawes, a graduate-turned-leader, proves what’s possible when education is grounded in culture.
This edition is about truth, power, and action. It’s about not looking away.
✉️ Letter tracking ID: EJ340696830AU - For anyone interested
8 Jul 2025
Celebrating 50 Years of NAIDOC, Kumanjayi Walker Inquest, $42B of Value: How Indigenous Business Builds Futures and I Join IRP's Board
The host reflects on NAIDOC Week's 50th anniversary, discusses the Kumanjayi Walker inquest, highlights the $42 billion value of Indigenous businesses, and announces joining the Indigenous Reading Project board.
6 Jul 2025
Elders returned from Japan, Optus Exposed, ANZ’s $50B Strategy, and a New Standard for Consent
The host reflects on the repatriation of First Nations ancestors from Japan, the Optus penalty, ANZ's economic empowerment strategy, and new consent guidelines, highlighting the importance of restoring dignity and focusing on the future.
25 Jun 2025
NSW’s Long-Delayed Treaty Process, The Fight for First Nations Housing, Deaths in Custody, and getting back on Country
The host discusses the commencement of treaty talks in NSW, First Nations films being funded, the housing crisis, time spent on Yuin and Tharawal Country, and reflects on the death of TN in custody.
11 Jun 2025
YARNS. with Chris Ronalds AO SC: The Woman Who Wrote the Law on Equality
Chris Ronalds AO SC, a pioneer of Australian discrimination law, discusses drafting the Sex Discrimination Act and challenging injustice through landmark cases in an interview with the host.
3 Jun 2025
No More Excuses: Labor’s Window for Big Reform
Host analyzes potential reforms the government can implement, including housing tax distortions and gambling ad bans, and explores the fiscal impacts of these changes.
16 May 2025
Labor's election promises - What do they mean for us?
In this episode of Capital and Country, Harry Stewart breaks down what Labor took to the election and what they now promise to deliver. From tax cuts to Medicare reform, housing to higher education, this isn’t just a line-by-line rundown — it’s a candid reflection on whether this agenda meets the moment. With personal insight and political sharpness, Harry asks: is this tactical relief or the start of something transformational?
7 May 2025
Australia Decides (Again): What Labor’s Landslide Left Behind
In this special post-election episode of Capital and Country, supporting Edition 9 of the newsletter, we break down the 2025 federal election result that redrew the political map of Australia. From Labor’s landslide and the fall of Peter Dutton, to the Greens’ bruising night and the first teal toppled, we unpack what really happened beneath the headlines. We also spotlight the role of First Nations voters, the suburbs that swung, and whether this marks the end of the Liberal Party as we know it.
It’s not just who won — it’s why.
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