Follow The Money: Recent Episodes
The Australia Institute
The Australia Institute’s Follow the Money podcast explains Australia’s big economic issues in plain English. We bust myths, dissect politics, interpret econobabble and help you sound really smart at your next dinner party, with host Ebony Bennett.
A recent decision by the New South Wales state government is a crack in the wall of Australian climate inaction.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Glenn Connley to discuss dodgy carbon credits, the Great Koala National Park in New South Wales, the federal government’s upcoming review of the Safeguard Mechanism, and the demise of Climate Active.
This episode was recorded Tuesday 4 August.
More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press, is available now. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.
Get your tickets for the Australia Institute’s Climate Integrity Summit 2026 at the Parliament of New South Wales on Tuesday 15 September.
Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
Safeguarding the Fossil Fuel Industry? How Carbon Offsetting Undermines the Safeguard Mechanism by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
The Safeguard Mechanism is failing miserably, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (July 2026)
Koalas Covering for Coal? Dirty Forest Offset Plan Would Mean More Fossil Fuels, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
Here are 23 Times Carbon Offsets Were Found to be Dodgy, the Australia Institute (January 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Much of the world is moving away from fossil fuels, so why is Australia’s gas industry still expanding?
On this episode of Follow the Money, renewable energy entrepreneur Assaad Razzouk joins Australia Institute co-CEO Leanne Minshull to discuss how the war on Iran is accelerating the global shift away from fossil fuels and why Australia risks being left behind.
This episode was recorded Wednesday 8 July.
Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Assaad Razzouk, renewable energy entrepreneur and host of The Angry Clean Energy Guy podcast // @assaadrazzouk
Host: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Show notes:
The Angry Clean Energy Guy with Assaad Razzouk
Australia's Gas Giveaway, the Australia Institute
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No one knows what’ll happen at the November midterms or the next presidential election. Is the Australian government prepared for the worst-case scenario?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis joins Glenn Connley to discuss the upcoming midterm elections in the United States, how the Trump administration has been chipping away at the guardrails of American democracy, and whether the Australian government is prepared for the possibility of disputed elections in its major alliance partner.
This episode was recorded Tuesday 21 July.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
Trump administration chips away at independent media, faith in democracy, After America, the Australia Institute (July 2026)
Christopher Pyne declares AUKUS 'unstoppable', and says Parliament shouldn't vote on it, The Point (July 2026)
Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing The Australia Institute's new podcast series, What's the Point? with Richard Denniss.
Subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses how global gas industry has pulled off the greatest con in Australia’s history, and why Australians are living with the consequences. He spells out the simple steps we need to take to fix it.
This episode was recorded on Friday 10 July.
Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang
Show notes:
A National Plebiscite for a 25% Gas Export Tax, the Australia Institute
More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (forthcoming)
Climate Integrity Summit 2026 tickets
For more research and analysis, visit The Point.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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Richard Denniss and Amy Remeikis discuss the dramatic changes in Australia’s political landscape since Labor’s landslide election victory.
In May 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the Labor Party to a historic victory and the Liberal Party suffered its worst result since World War 2. But with the rise of One Nation at home and crises multiplying abroad, the world already looks very different to how it did at the election.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute co-CEO Richard Denniss, Chief Political Analyst Amy Remeikis and Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne discuss what’s changed in Australian politics since the last election and where it might go from here.
This episode was recorded live on Thursday 9 July.
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Pre-order More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, the latest Vantage Point essay from Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘FOOLME’ on a four-edition Vantage Point subscription to receive a free copy of Richard’s book, Econobabble.
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Host: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (August 2025)
There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
States and territories are missing out on tens of billions in revenue each year because the GST isn’t growing as promised.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss the reasons why the GST hasn't grown as promised, how exemptions for private schools and private insurance exacerbate inequality, and how governments can ensure they’re providing the high-quality services Australians deserve.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 7 July.
Check out the new Australia Institute podcast series, What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss. It’s available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite shows.
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The cost of slow growth in GST revenue. The growing problem of short-changing the states by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
GST Reform: How to stop the states being short-changed by Richard Denniss, Matt Grudnoff & Dave Richardson, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia’s flagship climate policy is failing to drive actual emission reductions.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the authors of new Australia Institute research, Dr Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, join Glenn Connley to discuss the major failures of the Safeguard Mechanism, the dodgy “carbon offsets” at the heart the scheme, and what can be done to drive down emissions.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 23 June.
Guest: Fergus Green, co-author of ‘Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?’ and Associate Professor, University College London // @fergusgreen
Guest: Frances Medlock, co-author of ‘Safeguarding the fossil fuel industry?’ and policy and law reform lawyer
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
Safeguarding the Fossil Fuel Industry? How Carbon Offsetting Undermines the Safeguard Mechanism by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
The dodgy, so-called “offsets” that undermine Australia’s central climate policy by Fergus Green and Frances Medlock, The Point (June 2026)
Koalas Covering for Coal? Dirty Forest Offset Plan Would Mean More Fossil Fuels, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
Giant gas project earns $90m in ‘free’ carbon offsets by Ryan Cropp, Australian Financial Review (June 2026)
Here are 23 Times Carbon Offsets Were Found to be Dodgy, the Australia Institute (January 2024)
World’s biggest miner BHP backtracks on climate action with key projects put on ice, leaked documents reveal by Christopher Knaus and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (May 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australians overwhelmingly support access to abortion care – but there’s a resurgence in anti-abortion politics underway.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Amy Remeikis and Hamdi Jama join Ebony Bennett to discuss the resurgence of anti-abortion politics in Australia, failed legislation in South Australia seeking to restrict late-term abortion, and the influence of far-right politics in the United States and United Kingdom on Australia.
This episode was recorded on Friday 19 June.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute
Guest: Hamdi Jama, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute
Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Show notes:
Abortion Access in South Australia by Hamdi Jama and Ebony Bennett, the Australia Institute (June 2026)
Overwhelming support for abortion access, despite election rhetoric: new poll, the Australia Institute (March 2026)
Saving women? Spare me. This is hatred of women at its heart by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (June 2026)
Don’t be fooled, there’s nothing ‘reasonable’ about these rebooted abortion battles by Amy Remeikis, The Point (June 2026)
One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts says he will push for party to adopt blanket abortion ban by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (June 2026)
Image of ‘twin babies’ used by anti-abortion activist appears to show sugar gliders by Tory Shepherd, Guardian Australia (May 2026)
One Nation’s anti‑abortion turn shows MAGA’s creeping power in Australia by Prudence Flowers, The Conversation (June 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join tens of thousands of Australians calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% gas export tax.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Rod Campbell join Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia’s dud deal on gas and the Australia Institute’s new petition calling on the government to hold a plebiscite on a gas export tax.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 16 June.
Sign the petition calling for a national plebiscite on a 25% Gas Export Tax.
Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute //@leanneminshull
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Let the People Decide: The Case for a Gas Export Tax Plebiscite, Australia Institute webinar (19 June 2026)
Australia's Gas Giveaway, the Australia Institute
The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
Polling – gas tax and WA, the Australia Institute (April 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Private schools have a “parasitic relationship” with public education, says Jane Caro.
On this episode of Follow the Money, recorded live at Politics in the Pub in Canberra, Jane Caro joins Dr Alice Grundy to discuss how Australia came to the most expensive place in the developed world for families to send a child to high school and Jane’s essay for Australia Institute Press, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The battle for public education.
The original conversation was recorded live on 3 June 2026. Stay across all of our events by signing up to our newsletter.
Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Jane Caro, Walkley Award-winning columnist, novelist & author of Rich Kid, Poor Kid: The battle for public education // @janecaro
Host: Alice Grundy, Managing Editor, Australia Institute Press // @alicektg
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Rich Kid Poor Kid: The battle for public education by Jane Caro, Vantage Point, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
Australia’s private high school problem by Skye Predavec and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
Why Australian high schools cost families more than anywhere else in the developed world: explained in 3 charts by Skye Predavec, The Point (February 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Journalist and author Antoinette Lattouf tells the inspiring stories of women’s courage and conviction – and how they have changed our country.
Recorded live as part of our Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinar series, Antoinette Lattouf joins Ebony Bennett to discuss her landmark legal battle with the ABC and her latest book, Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change.
The original conversation was recorded live on 29 May 2026. Stay across all of our events and webinars by signing up to our newsletter.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via their website.
Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute's End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.
Guest: Antoinette Lattouf, journalist and author of Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change // @antoinettelattouf
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Women Who Win: Celebrating courage, conviction and change by Antoinette Lattouf, Penguin (April 2026)
Josh Bornstein: Working for the Brand, Australia’s Biggest Book Club, the Australia Institute (November 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government’s latest reforms don’t do nearly enough to protect Australians from gambling harm.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Martin Thomas from the Alliance for Gambling Reform and Morgan Harrington from the Australia Institute join Ebony Bennett to discuss how Australians came to have the biggest per capita gambling losses in the world, how online sports betting is turbocharging the damage caused by gambling, and the government’s straw man argument about “balance” when it comes to reform.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 26 May.
If this episode raised issues for you, you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free, professional and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or visit Gambling Help Online at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au.
If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or online at www.lifeline.org.au.
Visit The Point for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.
Guest: Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Alliance for Gambling Reform
Guest: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, the Australia Institute // @mhharrington
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Polling – banning gambling advertisements, the Australia Institute (May 2026)
Teenage gambling in Australia by Matt Saunders and Morgan Harrington, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Worth a Punt – 2% Levy on Gambling Revenue Could Replace Free-To-Air Advertising Spend by Stephen Long and David Richardson, the Australia Institute (August 2024)
‘A thousand days of inaction on gambling reform’ by Tim Costello, The Saturday Paper (March 2026)
New research shows kids are targeted with alcohol, gambling and junk food ads online, Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (June 2024)
Football’s secret gambling deal exposed | Four Corners, Australian Broadcasting Corporation on YouTube (June 2023)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Six months out from an election, Victoria has been left with no political donation laws after the High Court ruled them unconstitutional.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Bill Browne joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why the High Court voided Victoria’s undemocratic political donations laws. They examine what this could mean for other jurisdictions and why a principled, transparent approach to political donations reform is needed – not legislation that skews the system in favour of major parties.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 19 May.
Visit The Point for research, analysis, explainers and factchecks from experts at the Australia Institute and beyond.
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Victoria’s donation restrictions are unconstitutional – what happens now? by Bill Browne, The Point (April 2026)
Open letter calls on Victorian Parliament to make election donation laws fair and transparent from Australian Democracy Network, Accountability Round Table, Transparency International Australia, Human Rights Law Centre, the Australia Institute and many other integrity and community organisations (May 2026)
High Court shines a light on how major parties have stacked the system in their favour by Bill Browne, The Point (April 2026)
High Court gives Victoria a chance to rethink its unconstitutional, undemocratic political donation laws, the Australia Institute (April 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australians are crying out for big, brave reforms from governments. The long-overdue changes to housing tax concessions in this budget suggest the federal government may be starting to get the message.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the government’s important changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, its “brutal” cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and why some “broken promises” may not be such a big deal in the eyes of Australians.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday 13 May.
The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Budget 2026: What the government’s housing tax changes mean for first home buyers and housing affordability by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (May 2026)
Budget 2026: Government targets investor tax breaks and trust loopholes in housing reform package by Tegan George,The Point (May 2026)
Budget 2026: Treasurer's speech, annotated by Greg Jericho,The Point (May 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After major missteps, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is falling well short of the gold standard for integrity bodies.
On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and writer Nick Feik joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the NACC’s handling of its Robodebt investigation, its decision not to hold public hearings so far, and concerns about the legal experience required of some senior leaders.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 5 May and some things may have changed.
The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Nick Feik, journalist and writer // @nickfeik
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Built to fail? NACC: the integrity body undermined from the start by Nick Feik, Michelle Fahy & Elizabeth Minter, The Point (April 2026)
Resignation of Deputy Commissioner highlights need for transparent, merit-based NACC appointments, the Centre for Public Integrity (May 2026)
National Anti-Corruption Commission: Reforms Needed, the Australia Institute
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How have a select few accumulated such colossal wealth while many Australians struggle?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Senator Larissa Waters, leader of the Australian Greens, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the causes of Australia’s housing crisis, making gas exporters pay their fair share, and the Greens’ new ‘tax the 1%’ campaign.
The latest Vantage Point essay, Rich Kid Poor Kid: The Battle for Public Education by Jane Caro, is available now for $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
Guest: Larissa Waters, Australian Greens leader and Senator for Queensland // @larissawaters
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
Japanese Government collects more tax from Australian gas than Australian Government, the Australia Institute (April 2026)
Australia's Gas Giveaway, the Australia Institute
Santos records nearly $47bn in sales over a decade without paying corporate tax by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (April 2026)
Three ways Australia can tax wealth better by David Richardson and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (August 2025)
Inequality, Democracy, and Distributive Justice with Gabriel Zucman, Global Progressive Mobilization on YouTube (April 2026)
Oligarchy or Democracy with Wayne Swan,Global Progressive Mobilization on YouTube (April 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia is one of the largest exporters of gas in the world, yet beer drinkers pay more tax than the gas industry pays in Petroleum Resources Rent Tax.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Senator David Pocock and Dr Richard Denniss join Leanne Minshull to discuss the case for a 25 per cent gas export tax, why Australians currently get so little in return for the country’s finite resources, and how the gas industry wields power in parliament.
This episode was recorded live at the Australia Institute’s Politics in the Pub event on Wednesday 15 April. Subscribe now to find out about more live events from the Australia Institute.
Guest: David Pocock, Independent Senator for the Australia Capital Territory // @davidpocock
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
Australia's Gas Giveaway, the Australia Institute
The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
Beer, HECS and visas: things that raise more revenue than the Petroleum Rent Resource Tax (PRRT) by Matt Grudnoff, The Point,
Senate inquiry into taxing gas exports begins as experts call system 'broken' by Tegan George, The Point (April 2026)
Japanese Government collects more tax from Australian gas than Australian Government, the Australia Institute (April 2026)
One Nation and Greens voters strongly support 25% Gas Export Tax: poll, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With President Trump spewing threats at friends and foes, the American government has gone off the rails.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss Trump’s genocidal threats against Iran, his efforts to subvert US democracy, his administration’s growing isolation from long-time allies, and why it’s time for the Australian government to reassess its relationship with the United States.
This episode was recorded on Monday 13 April.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
Vance joyless as US-Iran negotiations fall apart, After America, the Australia Institute (April 2026)
Shorter America This Week: Ceasefire?; Madman theory; Group hugs in space by Emma Shortis, The Point (April 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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There is no reason our societies can’t change radically, to produce more of what we need and less of the things that are sowing the seeds of our own destruction, says Yanis Varoufakis.
On this episode of Follow the Money, we bring you highlights from the recent Australian tour of economist and author Yanis Varoufakis, with contributions from a cast of very special guests. Across live events in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, they discuss misogyny, political power, the erosion of Palestinian rights, and Yanis’ latest book, Raise Your Soul: A Personal History of Resistance.
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Guest: Yanis Varoufakis, economist & author // @yanisvaroufakis
Guest: Clare Wright OAM, Professor of History and Professor of Public Engagement, La Trobe University // @clarewrighthistorian
Guest: Randa Abdel-Fattah, Future Fellow in Sociology, Macquarie University // @RandaAFattah
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Guest: Louise Adler AM, former Director, Adelaide Writers’ Week
Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Raise Your Soul: A Personal History of Resistance by Yanis Varoufakis, Penguin Books (November 2025)
A Time for Bravery: What happens when Australia chooses courage?, Australia Institute Press (December 2025)
What’s the Big Idea? 32 Ideas for a Better Australia, Australia Institute Press (December 2024)
Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy by Clare Wright, Text Publishing (October 2024)
Discipline by Randa Abdel-Fattah, UQ Press (September 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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Petrol and diesel prices are sky high because of the illegal US-Israel war on Iran, but major fuel shortages in Australia are very unlikely.
Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss Australia’s relatively strong position in global energy supply chains. Matt explains why some petrol stations have run low despite overall fuel supplies remaining steady, how the price hikes are fuelling inequality, and why Scott Morrison’s 2021 claim about an electric vehicle policy putting an “end to the weekend” now looks even more absurd than it did at the time.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 31 March.
You can sign the Australia Institute’s petition calling on the federal government to make gas exporters pay their fair share.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Fuel costs and RBA hikes equal to a 90 basis point rate rise: 'this is brutal' by Greg Jericho, The Point (March 2026)
Fuelling inequality: The brunt of a global crisis should not be borne by people in poverty by Kristin O’Connell, The Point (March 2026)
The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
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A 25% gas export tax would drive down gas prices for Australians and collect billions of dollars that can be used to provide better, cheaper health and education services.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Ebony Bennett discuss the case for a 25% gas export tax and the New South Wales government’s ban on new coal mines.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 24 March.
You can sign the Australia Institute’s petition calling on the federal government to make gas exporters pay their fair share.
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The case for a gas export tax, explained by Richard Denniss, The Point (March 2026)
Tax gas exports, invest in health/aged care – new polls, the Australia Institute (March 2026)
What the Middle East war means for Australians and gas companies, the Australia Institute (March 2026)
'No new coal or gas is a slogan, not a policy': Bowen, ABC Radio National (March 2023)
SUMMER SPECIAL | President Anote Tong, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (January 2017)
What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo, Australia Institute Press (February 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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Now costing Australian governments $31,020 per minute, fossil fuel subsidies are growing faster than spending on the NDIS.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Ebony Bennett discuss why it’s time to call out the idea that governments can’t afford to support Australians in need yet still dish out $16.3 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2025-26 alone.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 17 March.
What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Fossil fuel subsidies in Australia 2026 by Matt Grudnoff and Rod Campbell, the Australia Institute (March 2026)
Australia’s great gas giveaway, the Australia Institute (May 2024)
Joseph Stiglitz on super profits, capital gains and why corporate tax is good for democracy, Follow the Money (February 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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The Australian government has been trying to placate Trump in order to secure the AUKUS submarine deal – and now we are seeing the results.
On this episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss the illegal US-Israel war in Iran, the implications of the conflict for the Middle East, and why Australian personnel were on board an American nuclear-powered submarine when it sank an Iranian warship.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 10 March.
What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Albanese’s policy on Iran makes us complicit in the collapse of international rules by Emma Shortis, Guardian Australia (March 2026)
Australia’s shameless support for the US attack on Iran makes us gullible, duplicitous, or both by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (March 2026)
The US and Israel attack Iran, foment chaos, After America, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press
Iran strikes are Donald Trump’s ninth foreign military action in 14 months by Simon Elvery, ABC (March 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The far-right is benefitting from a failing status quo – but it doesn’t have to be this way.
On this episode of Follow the Money, author and economist Gary Stevenson joins Ebony Bennett to discuss wealth inequality, the global issue of housing unaffordability, why Australia should tax gas properly, and how many far-right parties have become the Steven Bradburys of global politics.
This episode was recorded on Thursday 26 February.
What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
Guest: Gary Stevenson, economist and author of The Trading Game // @garyseconomics
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Tax: Beer drinkers vs gas companies by Rod Campbell, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
Killing the Australian Dream: The failure of the capital gains tax discount by Matt Grudnoff and Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Shedding voters on the left and the right, is the Liberal Party heading for “oblivion”?
On this episode of Follow the Money, journalist and author Niki Savva and Australia Institute co-Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Denniss join Amy Remeikis to discuss how the Liberal Party ended up with their worst federal election result in modern history in 2025, why there’s no such thing as a safe seat in Australian politics anymore, and Nikki’s latest book, Earthquake: the election that shook Australia.
This episode was recorded live at the Australia Institute’s Politics in the Pub in Canberra on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
Guest: Niki Savva, journalist, author and former political advisor
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Show notes:
There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
Polling – Dutton’s gas plans, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Inequality creates insecurity and, as the United States is demonstrating right now, that insecurity can have devasting consequences for democracy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz joins Ebony Bennett and Dr Richard Denniss to discuss why Australia should get a better return for its natural resources, the power of corporations to mark up prices and push down wages, and why democracies should collect more corporate tax.
This episode was recorded live on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
Guest: Joseph E Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate economist and Professor, Columbia University // @josephestiglitz
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The Price of Inequality: How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future by Joseph E Stiglitz (June 2013)
Australia’s great gas giveaway: how Australia gives gas to multinational corporations for free by Mark Ogge, Rod Campbell and Piers Verstegan, the Australia Institute (May 2024)
The capital gains discount and negative gearing benefit the rich and destroy housing affordability by Jack Thrower, the Australia Institute (February 2025)
Trump’s Big Bill makes America more dangerous while enriching a few, After America, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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With a leading role in this year’s United Nations climate conference, the Australian government has an opportunity to show genuine solidarity with its Pacific neighbours and climate-vulnerable communities at home.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Kumi Naidoo, South African human rights and climate advocate, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the need for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, why it’s past time for the Australia government to stop coal and gas expansion, and his new Vantage Point essay, What We Owe the Water.
This episode was recorded on Monday 9 February 2026.
What we owe the water: It's time for a fossil fuel treaty by Kumi Naidoo, is available now for just $19.95. Use the code 'PODVP' at checkout to get free shipping.
You can also subscribe to the Vantage Point series to get four essays a year on some of the most pressing issues facing Australia and the world.
Guest: Kumi Naidoo, President, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative // @kuminaidoo
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
"A drowning memory": the Pacific Island communities fighting for their survival, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Foreign aid and climate finance, Australia’s dismal track record by Matt Saunders and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (November 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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With inflation driven by Christmas holidays and data centres for artificial intelligence, the RBA didn’t need to raise the interest rate this week, argues Matt Grudnoff.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett to discuss big economic reform opportunities facing the government and why the Reserve Bank of Australia is so cautious about cutting rates, yet so quick to hike them up.
Join economist, author and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis and friends in Adelaide on Sunday 1 March and in Sydney on Thursday 5 March. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours now.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Hasty decision inflicts more pain and will cost jobs, the Australia Institute (February 2026)
Australian high schools the most expensive in the world – new research, the Australian Institute (February 2026)
Treasurer Jim Chalmers on the likelihood of an interest rate rise today, Radio National Breakfast, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (February 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The Australian government can’t keep its head in the sand and hope the chaos of the Trump administration will just go away.
Dr Emma Shortis and Greg Jericho join Glenn Connley to discuss how Australia can navigate what Canadian PM Mark Carney calls the Trump “rupture”.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Guest: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
After America, the Australia Institute
Dollars & Sense, the Australia Institute
The IMF’s banal language is sane-washing an economic crisis created by the egomaniacal Donald Trump by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (January 2026)
What the IMF actually said about Australia’s economy by Greg Jericho, The Point (January 2026)
Shorter America this week: Trust is rust; It’s the white supremacy, stupid; Five Eyes goes cross-eyed by Emma Shortis, The Point (January 2026)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The government passed new gun control and hate speech legislation in a special parliamentary sitting, but what impact will they have on Australian democracy?
Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne join Ebony Bennett to discuss how having fewer guns in the community will make Australians safer. However, the complex anti-hate legislation that was rushed through at the same time could have serious consequences for Australian society.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Where it all went wrong: the case against John Howardby Amy Remeikis is available for pre-order now.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Guest: Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Federal Government passes new firearm, hate speech laws, The Point (January 2026)
The Point Live with Amy Remeikis, The Point (January 2026)
Every four hours, a gun is stolen in Australia, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Australia’s Gun Ownership Scorecard: A Growing Problem in Need of Reform, the Australia Institute (January 2025)
Attorney-General attempts to explain extent of hate speech laws | 7.30, @ABCNewsInDepth on YouTube (January 2026)
Would half of Australians prefer a One Nation MP to a Labor one? by Bill Browne, The Point
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Richard Denniss discusses the government’s response to the Bondi terrorist attacks, the chaos of the Trump administration and how to protect Australia’s democracy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss and Ebony Bennett discuss the political and policy response to devasting Bondi terrorist attacks, the cancellation of Adelaide Writers’ Week, Trump and the Australia-US alliance, and what to look out for in federal politics in 2026.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Dead Centre: how political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is also available now.
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
‘Engaging with people you disagree with is part of democracy. Silencing authors is not.’ by Richard Denniss, The Point (January 2026)
After America podcast, the Australia Institute
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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What would it take to make the PALM scheme a genuine win-win for Australia and its neighbours?
In the fourth and final episode of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington canvases some of the proposed solutions to the problems facing the PALM scheme, including an amnesty for disengaged workers and ensuring that everyone working in Australia has the right to leave their employer.
PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington
Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Dr Lindy Kanan (researcher), Dr Matt Withers (ANU), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), anonymous former PALM workers
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
‘The PALM Scheme: Labour rights for our Pacific partners’, The Australia Institute (December 2023)
“If I stay like this, how can I benefit my family?” Initial findings on disengagement from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme by Kirstie Petrou, Matt Withers, Kaya Barry and Emily House, Griffith University (December 2025)
Australian South Sea Islanders – Port Jackson: publications
Theme music: ‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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PALM visas holders do not get Medicare (outside of a trial limited to 200 people), so what happens when they are injured, get sick or fall pregnant?
In episode three of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington hears how a lack of affordable medical care can have dire consequences for PALM visa holders and discusses the problems faced by women who fall pregnant whilst working in Australia.
PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via their website.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington
Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Dr Lindy Kanan (researcher), Dr Matt Withers (The Australian National University), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), anonymous former PALM workers
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
‘It’s not illegal to be pregnant’ by Lindy Kanan, DevPolicy Blog (May 2025)
‘Reproductive Health and Rights for PALM Scheme Workers – Statement’, Australian Women’s Health Alliance (May 2025)
Theme music: ‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Where do the thousands of people who have left the PALM scheme, but stayed in Australia, go? How do they survive without a valid visa and, more importantly, what does the future hold for them?
In episode two of PALMed Off, host Morgan Harrington travels to Leeton, New South Wales, a town that’s become a safe haven for some of the estimated 7,000 people who have ‘disengaged’ from the PALM scheme. We find out what leads people to make the difficult decision to walk away from their employer and speak to some of the community members trying to help them.
PALMed Off is a special four-part series of Follow the Money exploring the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, an Australian Government guestworker program that could be putting people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington
Interviewees: Ken Dachi (Welcoming Australia), Paul Maytom (Leeton Multicultural Support Group), Ian Bull (member of St. Peter’s Anglican congregation, Leeton), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), anonymous former PALM workers
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
‘Towards a Fair and Sustainable PALM Scheme’, PALM position paper from the Mayoral Alliance for the Pacific, Welcoming Communities
‘Meat the Reality: Unpacking the Exploitation of PALM Scheme Workers in Australia’s Meat Industry’ by Ema Moolchand and Professor Shelley Marshall, RMIT University (February 2025)
Theme music: ‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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In this summer mini-series, we examine the Australian guestworker program that could be putting people from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste at risk of modern slavery.
In PALMed Off, a special Follow the Money mini-series, we explore the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, a program that allows people from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste to work in Australia on a special temporary visa. The Australian Government argues the program is a win for the workers, their home communities and Australian employers. But PALM visa holders are subjected to restrictions that no other worker in Australia – temporary or permanent – have to put up with, and this has led to concerns that the program is facilitating modern slavery in Australia.
In the first episode of this four-part series, host Morgan Harrington speaks with people from Vanuatu who have worked in Australia under the PALM scheme and considers what it really means for Australia’s relationships with Pacific Island nations.
The interviews for this podcast were recorded between June and August 2025.
Host: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, The Australia Institute // @mhharrington
Interviewees: Enoch Takaua (ecotourism business operator), Thomas Costa (Unions NSW), Dr James Cockayne (NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner), (Waskam) Emelda Davis (ASSI-Port Jackson Chair), Dr Matt Withers (ANU), Murielle Meltenoven (Commissioner, Vanuatu Department of Labour & Employment Services), anonymous former PALM workers.
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
“Be Our Guests: Addressing urgent modern slavery risks for temporary migrant workers in rural and regional New South Wales", Report of the Office of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner (September 2024)
Unions NSW Migrant Workers Hub
Australian South Sea Islanders – Port Jackson: publications
Theme music: ‘Mumbwe’ by Tio, with thanks to the Wantok Music Foundation
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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Rumours about America's role in the dismissal of Gough Whitlam have circulated for decades – but is there any truth to them?
On this special episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis explores the state of the Australia-United States relationship under the Whitlam government, the machinations at the time around the renewal of Pine Gap, and the previously untold account of Dr Liz Cham, former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Whitlam, who recalls handing over a mystery letter to an American official just before the Dismissal.
The interview with Liz Cham was recorded on Thursday 30 October. This episode first aired on After America on Tuesday 25 November
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Guest: Elizabeth Cham, fellow at the University of Technology Sydney and former executive assistant in the office of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Scripting and production support: Stephen Long
Sound design and mixing: Simon Branthwaite
Show notes:
Did the CIA overthrow the Whitlam government? by Charlie Lewis, Crikey (November 2025)
What Washington really thought of Whitlam before the dismissal by James Curran, Australia Financial Review (November 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website, www.lifeline.org.au.
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Traditional custodians are fighting back against climate-destroying gas developments being rammed through by Canadian governments.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Hereditary Chief Na’Moks of the Wet’suwet’en Nation, Gwii Lok’im Gibuu Jesse Stoeppler of the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en Nations, and Kai Nagata from not-for-profit Dogwood tell us about their fight to stop gas giants including Woodside on unceded Indigenous lands.
Join Hereditary Chief Na’Moks and Gwii Lok’im Gibuu Jesse Stoeppler at the Stop Woodside in Canada event at Victorian Trades Hall at 6.15pm AEDT on Thursday 11 December.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Guest: Hereditary Chief Na’Moks,Wet’suwet’en Nation
Guest: Gwii Lok’im Gibuu Jesse Stoeppler, Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en Nations and the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition
Guest: Kai Nagata, Communications Director, Dogwood
Host: Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Yintah | Official Trailer | Netflix
The Fight to Save Murujuga, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Canadian traditional owners fear Australian-style LNG development by Charlie McLean and Chelsea Reid, ABC (December 2025)
The Ksi Lisims LNG project faces significant infrastructure, regulatory and financial risks, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (June 2025)
Canada, don’t make the same mistake with LNG that Australia did by Mark Ogge, The Globe and Mail (July 2025)
Honest Government Ad | Watch out, Canada!, The Juice Media on YouTube (November 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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These days, Aussie music is falling out of the charts, leaving local acts wondering if they’ll ever see your face again.
INXS. Kyle Minogue. Even the Wiggles. Australia has an incredible musical legacy, but with declining streaming numbers and revenues heading abroad, will the Aussie musician just become somebody we used to know? On this episode of Follow the Money, former Spotify Chief Economist Will Page and Australia Institute Research Manager Morgan Harrington join Ebony Bennett to discuss how to reverse the decline of Australian music.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest: Will Page, Strategic Advisory, Pivotal Economics
Guest: Morgan Harrington, Research Manager, the Australia Institute // @mhharrington
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Reversing the decline of Australian music: Australia’s ‘one way valve’ dilemma by Will Page and Morgan Harrington, the Australia Institute (November 2025)
Immy Owusu
RVG
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Australian scientific discoveries have improved people’s lives and made the economy more productive – so why is the CSIRO being forced to shed workers again?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the latest job cuts at the CSIRO, why this is a missed opportunity as researchers leave the United States, and why science investment matters for productivity.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘SAVE5’ at checkout to save $5 off the price – available for a limited time only.
Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
If the Government's top priority is productivity, slashing the CSIRO budget does not make sense by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (November 2025)
The Wage Price Index (WPI) shows wages are up. So why doesn't it feel that way? by Matt Grudnoff, The Point (November 2025)
Who needs world-changing, life-saving science when you’ve got rugby league? by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (November 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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With brave climate leadership, says former South Australian Premier Mike Rann, Anthony Albanese could leave a lasting legacy similar to Bob Hawke with Medicare, Paul Keating with compulsory superannuation and Kevin Rudd with the apology to the Stolen Generations.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Mike Rann addresses the fossil fuel industry’s tobacco-like tactics, South Australia’s leadership of progressive reform, and why policy bravery can be great politics, as he delivered the Australia Institute’s Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture.
This episode was recorded live on Thursday 13 November.
A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available for pre-order now via Australia Institute Press.
Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.
Guest: Mike Rann, Chair of the UK Climate Group and former Premier of South Australia // @Mike_Rann
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Coalition offers crash course on staying in opposition for forever by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (November 2025)
Australia Last: The failure of Australian gas policy by Matthew Saunders and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (November 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Protecting Australia’s incredible natural environment from bad policy, spurred on corporate interests and a hostile media, can sometimes feel like an impossible task. But sometimes, people power wins out.
On this episode of Follow the Money, former head of the Australian Greens Bob Brown joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the irreplaceable beauty of Australia’s natural environment, the current government’s efforts to change our nature laws, and his latest book, Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders.
This episode was recorded live on Friday 31 October as part of our Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinar series. Join the Book Club to find out about our upcoming webinars with authors.
Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Bob Brown, environmentalist, author and former head of the Australian Greens
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders by Bob Brown, Black Inc. (September 2025)
This shocking deal is a gross betrayal of millions of voters by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (October 2025)
The fight to save Murujuga, the Australia Institute (June 2025)
North West Shelf final approval a climate, economic and energy security disaster, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Poor governance, poor policy and decades of neoliberalism have broken Australia’s university sector, with devastating consequences for students and the country.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss and Ebony Bennett discuss the lack of accountability in Australia’s universities, why some institutions’ claims of financial crises aren’t supported by their auditors, and what Australians think about the state of the sector.
Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is available now via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Richard Denniss, co-CEO, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Australians believe universities are too expensive and not doing their job: polling, the Australia Institute (November 2025)
There is no financial crisis at the University of Newcastle: new analysis, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
The ANU’s hidden $90m budget surplus, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Failing the test: Australian universities in crisis, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Australia’s natural environment is in crisis and its wealth is disappearing into the hands of a few powerful fossil fuel companies – but it doesn’t have to be this way.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Ebony Bennett discuss the lack of political will to properly protect the natural environment, a proposal for a 25% gas export tax to replace the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax, and new research showing that Adani cost Queenslanders hundreds of millions of dollars by selling coal at mates’ rates.
Strong environment laws stop new coal and gas. You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to genuinely strengthen Australia’s environment laws.
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Can Albanese claim ‘success’ with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with scepticism by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)
Environment minister could approve projects at odds with nature laws under Labor overhaul by Dan Jervis-Bardy and Adam Morton, Guardian Australia (October 2025)
Adani selling coal to India at mates rates, costing Queenslanders $400 million, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Progressive patriotism: ACTU’s 25% gas export tax should replace broken PRRT, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Anthony Albanese’s meeting with Donald Trump was relatively drama-free, but the devil is in the detail when it comes to the president’s ‘commitments’ on AUKUS and critical minerals.
On this crossover episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss why Australia is still unlikely to receive any Virginia-class submarines, why the “shared values” that supposedly underpin the Australia-US alliance are looking increasingly shaky, and Trump’s bizarre AI video showing himself dropping excrement on protesters.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis is available via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Can Albanese claim ‘success’ with Trump? Beyond the banter, the vague commitments should be viewed with scepticism by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)
Albanese hints US could still seek changes to Aukus agreement amid review by Josh Butler, Guardian Australia (October 2025)
Trump’s shutdown power play, After America, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Trump’s tragedy: the US becomes an autocracy and the presidency, a dictatorship by Emma Shortis, The Conversation (October 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Environment laws that don’t stop new gas and coal are like putting screen doors on a submarine.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Ebony Bennett discuss the Federal Government’s efforts to push through changes to Australia’s busted environment laws with the support of the Coalition.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Leanne Minshull, co-CEO, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
This shocking deal is a gross betrayal of millions of voters by Ebony Bennett, The Canberra Times (October 2025)
Top Australian scientists unite in defence of science on Maugean skate, the Australia Institute
No delay, no excuses, no carbon offsets: Submission to the NSW Koala Strategy Review by Adam Gottschalk and Polly Hemming, the Australia Institute (May 2024)
Save Tuvalu, Save the World, the Australia Institute
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If Australia just collected the OECD average in tax, the government would have an extra $130 billion a year to spend on essential services like health and education.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff and Ebony Bennett discuss the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office showing that 30 per cent of large corporations paid no company tax in 2023-24 – with the gas, coal, salmon and tech industries among the worst offenders.
Use the code ‘podcast’ to get 50% off tickets to the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit. Discount available for Follow the Money listeners while stocks last.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
New government data confirms gas exporters continue to pay no tax, the Australia Institute (October 2025)
Big gas is taking the piss, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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With the international order changing rapidly, there’s never been a more important time for effective Australian diplomacy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Glenn Connley discuss Anthony Albanese’s major diplomatic tour, the US Defense Secretary’s concerning warning to his top brass, and why the Trump-Netanyahu peace plan seems “doomed to fail”.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis is available via Australia Institute Press.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
After America, the Australia Institute
Australia’s failure of diplomacy in PNG shows we can’t – and won’t – understand our Pacific neighbours by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (September 2025)
Is Australia REALLY choosing to help our Pacific neighbours? The Australia Institute on YouTube (August 2025)
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One and a half million Australians could be at risk from rising sea levels, yet the Government continues to approve new climate destroying fossil fuel projects.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the National Climate Risk Assessment, the Government’s new emissions reduction targets, and its disastrous decision to approve the North West Shelf gas expansion.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Labor’s 62 to 70% climate target does not align with the science, but can be met by phasing out fossil fuels, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
Devastating climate risk assessment shows fossil fuel exports must end, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
North West Shelf final approval a climate, economic and energy security disaster, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
Anote Tong & Dr Monique Ryan MP | Melbourne, the Australia Institute on YouTube (March 2024)
Albanese takes his usual each-way bet on climate change by Ross Gittens (September 2025)
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Former Senator Doug Cameron calls on the federal government to reject “warmongering” and abandon the AUKUS deal.
On this episode of Follow the Money, former Labor Senator for New South Wales Doug Cameron speaks about the Australia-US relationship, the “madness” of AUKUS, and how the federal government can prepare for peace – not war.
The 2025 Laurie Carmichael Lecture was delivered on Wednesday 10 September and presented by the Carmichael Centre at the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis and Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss are available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Doug Cameron, former Labor Senator for New South Wales // @DougCameron51
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Australian Sovereignty and the Path to Peace – 2025 Laurie Carmichael Lecture, the Centre for Future Work (September 2025)
After America, the Australia Institute
Polling – AUKUS, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
Address at Chautauqua, N.Y. by Franklin D Roosevelt (August 1936)
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The government’s proposed changes to freedom of information laws represent a “serious attack” on Australia’s democracy, according to former Senator Rex Patrick.
On this episode of Follow the Money, transparency advocate Rex Patrick and Australia Institute Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne to discuss the failing freedom of information system and why the proposed changes could make government less transparent – not more.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Rex Patrick, former Senator for South Australia // @mrrexpatrick
Guest: Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Proposed changes to Freedom of Information scheme don’t add up, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
Transparency Summit 2024, the Australia Institute
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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With large language models threatening to swamp Australia’s traditional media, a little bit of government funding could go a long way to protect public interest journalism.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Clive Marshall, former CEO of the Press Association (UK), and Emma Cowdroy, Acting CEO of Australian Associated Press, join Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss to discuss artificial intelligence and the news.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Keep up with everything that’s happening at the Australia Institute by subscribing to our newsletter.
Guest: Clive Marshall, former Chief Executive Officer, The Press Association (UK)
Guest: Emma Cowdroy, Acting CEO, Australian Associated Press
Host: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Media and Democracy, the Australia Institute
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The colossal price rises on the east coast, brought on by excessive gas exports, have been a disaster for Australian manufacturers and households.
On this episode of Follow the Money, manufacturing industry representative Geoff Crittenden and Australia Institute Principal Advisor Mark Ogge join Ebony Bennett to discuss how governments can ensure there’s more gas available for Australians.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Geoff Crittenden, Chief Executive Officer, WELD Australia
Guest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, the Australia Institute // @markogge
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Impact of gas exports on Australian energy prices, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
Big gas is taking the piss, Follow the Money (April 2025)
Submission to the Gas Market Review, the Australia Institute (August 2025)
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The Prime Minister hosed down expectations ahead of the economic roundtable, but a serious reform package must include changes to tax policy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Government’s economic roundtable, why taxing wealth more effectively would make Australians better off, and why removing as-yet-unnamed ‘red tape’ isn’t going to fix productivity.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
You can listen to Dollars & Sense each week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Three ways Australia can tax wealth better by Dave Richardson and Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (August 2025)
The problem with productivity, Dollars & Sense (August 2025)
Gary's Economics on Australia, Punter’s Politics on YouTube (August 2025)
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The search for the “sensible centre” in Australia politics is pointless and flies in the face of evidence, says Richard Denniss.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss why the constant search for the centre ground doing Australians harm, why bipartisanship can actually be bad, and his new essay, Dead Centre.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
A chance to be brave: understanding Australia’s election result, Follow the Money, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
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From Gaza to AUKUS, pressure for change is building on Australian foreign policy.
On this special crossover episode of Follow the Money and After America, Dr Emma Shortis joins Glenn Connley to discuss the Australian protests calling for more action to protect Palestinians, the momentum against the troubled AUKUS submarine pact, and Trump’s decision to fire his chief of labour statistics after job growth slowed.
This discussion was recorded on Monday 4 August 2025.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available for pre-order now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
‘Right moment’? Australia risks losing power and respect on Gaza by Amy Remeikis, The New Daily (August 2025)
Palestinian statehood vote at Victorian Labor conference heaps more pressure on PM by Benita Kolovos, Guardian Australia (August 2025)
Polling – AUKUS, the Australia Institute (June 2025)
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Nearly three decades after the Port Arthur massacre, there are more guns than ever before in Australia and there is still no national firearms register.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Alice Grundy and Skye Predavec join Ebony Bennett to discuss how the Howard Government’s brave reforms in the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre are falling short of its aims – and what federal, state and territory governments can do to keep Australians safe.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via their website.
Correction: This podcast was updated to remove a reference to buying firearms and ammunition interstate when there is a limit on the licence, which does not appear in our research. What is possible is for a licence-holder to buy firearms and travel to another state.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available for pre-order now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Alice Grundy, Research Manager and Managing Editor, the Australia Institute // @alicektg
Guest: Skye Predavec, Anne Kantor Fellow, the Australia Institute // @skyelark
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Australian gun control: 29 years after Port Arthur by Rod Campbell, Skye Predavec and Alice Grundy, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Tasmanians have returned another power-sharing parliament – it’s now up to the major parties to make it work.
Australians have elected power-sharing parliaments in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania – and a single party almost never has a majority in the federal Senate. On this episode of Follow the Money, Leanne Minshull and Eloise Carr join Ebony Bennett to discuss why collaborative parliaments are popular and how our elected officials can make them work.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available for pre-order now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Leanne Minshull, Strategy Director, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Guest: Eloise Carr, Director, the Australia Institute Tasmania // @eloise-carr
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Power & Partnership: What will Tasmania’s next power-sharing parliament look like?, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
GST Reform: How to stop the states being short-changed, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
Polling – Tasmania power-sharing, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
Whether for or against the stadium, Tasmanians overwhelmingly feel dudded by the AFL – poll, the Australia Institute (June 2025)
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Amy Remeikis and Matt Grudnoff preview the first parliamentary sitting week.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Amy Remeikis and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett discuss the political relevance of the housing crisis, the storm-in-a-teacup over some Treasury subheadings, and #NotAllEconomists.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available for pre-order now via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
“Mugged by reality”: Australia’s AUKUS disaster with Malcolm Turnbull, After America (June 2025)
RBA moves goalposts and keeps rates on hold, Dollars & Sense (July 2025)
Raising revenue right: Better tax ideas for the 48th Parliament by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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By limiting generous tax concessions for the wealthy and collecting revenue from Australia’s natural resources, the Government could fund health and education systems that work properly.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett discuss Government’s productivity agenda, why the GST is failing to do the job it was designed for, and how 91 millionaires managed to pay no tax.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The huge cost to states budgets of failing GST, the Australia Institute (July 2025)
Raising revenue right: Better tax ideas for the 48th Parliament by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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Labor won big and the Coalition got “smashed”, but the major parties have never been more reliant on preferences.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Bill Browne joins Ebony Bennett discuss the extraordinary scale of Labor’s victory in the May federal election, what the devastating result might mean for the Coalition, and why a large crossbench in federal parliament could be here to stay.
Guest: Bill Browne, Director of Democracy & Accountability, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Major parties have never relied more on preferences, the Australia Institute (June 2025)
For major party leaders, the Greens, independents and minor parties are the closest threat, the Australia Institute (June 2025)
The 2025 federal election is the first where a major party received fewer votes than independents and minor parties, the Australia Institute (June 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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Despite demands from the hawks that the Australia Government fall in line with the United States over Iran, it’s not inevitable that Australia supports illegal American military intervention.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Allan Behm join Ebony Bennett to discuss the American bombing of Iran, the Albanese Government’s choice to back the Trump Administration’s decision, and why upholding and strengthening a rules-based global order is more than just “nostalgia”.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Our independence is our strength – and only you can make that possible. By donating to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year appeal today, you'll help fund the research changing Australia for the better.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Guest: Allan Behm, Senior Advisor in International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)
Why did Trump join the Israel-Iran war?, After America (June 2025)
As the US chooses destruction over diplomacy in Iran, Australia has to decide between principle and prostration by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (June 2025)
Australia needs to find its courage because no matter what Trump says, this is not over by Emma Shortis, The Sydney Morning Herald (June 2025)
War Crimes: Where do Responsibility and Accountability Start and End? by Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/4vs6XeO
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By reviewing the deal, Trump has given the Australian Government an opportunity to get out of the disastrous AUKUS agreement.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Allan Behm joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Trump administration’s decision to review the AUKUS submarine deal, why Australia doesn’t need American Virginia-class boats anyway, and why the Australian and American governments have shared interests but not shared values.
You can sign our petition calling on the Australian Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.
Our independence is our strength – and only you can make that possible. By donating to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year appeal today, you'll help fund the research changing Australia for the better.
Guest: Allan Behm, Senior Advisor in International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
AUKUS is a disaster for Australia. Trump has given us an out – let’s take it by Emma Shortis, The Sydney Morning Herald (June 2025)
Australia must resist US bullying to increase its military spending by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (June 2025)
Submerged, Four Corners, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (June 2025)
Navy Virginia-Class Submarine Program and AUKUS Submarine (Pillar 1) Project: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service (February 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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A housing crisis, accelerating climate change and widening inequality all confront the re-elected Albanese Government, but the solutions exist (and often aren’t that complicated).
The government is confronting major challenges in its second term. But despite what we’re often told, there is no shortage of solutions – governments just need the courage to implement them. On this episode of Follow the Money, we hear from four leading policy thinkers – Richard Denniss, Maiy Azize, Polly Hemming and Thomas Mayo – about making big, bold ideas a reality.
Find the What’s the Big Idea? series via our website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Our independence is our strength – and only you can make that possible. By donating to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year appeal today, you'll help fund the research changing Australia for the better.
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Guest: Maiy Azize, National Spokesperson for Everybody's Home and Deputy Director of Anglicare Australia // @MaiyAzize
Guest: Polly Hemming, Director of Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Guest: Thomas Mayo, Assistant National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia // @thomasmayo
Host: Paul Barclay, Walkley Award-winning journalist and broadcaster // @PaulBarclay
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
Fossil fuel subsidies in Australia 2025 by Matt Grudnoff and Rod Campbell, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Offsetting Us Up To Fail: The myths of ‘nature markets’ explained by Richard Denniss and Polly Hemming, the Australia Institute (November 2022)
Housing affordability crisis – saving for a deposit forever by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Truth in political advertising laws, the Australia Institute (December 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The Murujuga site in north-western Australia is potentially the most important rock art site in the world, but it’s being destroyed by rampant industrial development.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Walkley Award-winning journalist Stephen Long and Elinor Johnston-Leek discuss the Federal Government’s decision to sign a provisional extension to Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project and the impact that will have on the irreplaceable Murujuga rock art.
Our independence is our strength – and only you can make that possible. By donating to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year appeal today, you'll help fund the research changing Australia for the better.
Host: Stephen Long, Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek
Show notes:
The fight to save Murujuga, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Gas export approval puts gas corporations before Australians, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Superannuation is meant to help all Australians have a comfortable retirement, not help the very wealthiest pay less tax.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute, joins Glenn Connley to discuss the government’s modest proposal to change the superannuation tax concessions and the bizarre backlash to the policy.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 28 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Order After America: Australia and the new world order or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series and save 25% on the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
Don’t be fooled, only the very richest will ever have more than $3m in super by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
The changes to superannuation tax concessions are needed and very fair by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Great countries have great institutions, but Australian universities are a mess.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Joshua Black and Jack Thrower join Glenn Connley to discuss the enormous cost of going to university, the absurdity of university vice-chancellors being paid more than the Treasurer, and why the practice of using international students as a political football must end.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series and save 25% on the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Joshua Black, Postdoctoral Fellow, the Australia Institute // @joshuablackjbv
Guest: Jack Thrower, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @jack-thrower
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
University is expensive, especially so for humanities students by Joshua Black and Jack Thrower (May 2025)
While Uni Vice-Chancellors rake in millions, young researchers struggle to survive by Jack Thrower, the Australia Institute (February 2025)
Elective spending at Australian universities by Joshua Black, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Reforming university governance in Australia by John Quiggin, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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With the influence of the right-wing media waning, the Labor Government can use its massive majority to pursue big reforms.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Stephen Long, Walkley Award-winning journalist and Australia Institute Contributing Editor, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Murdoch press bogeyman, supporting the public broadcasters and the prospects for major, progressive reforms in the second Albanese term.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 13 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series and save 25% via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @stephenlongaus
Host: Ebony Bennet, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Worth a Punt – 2% Levy on Gambling Revenue Could Replace Free-To-Air Advertising Spend by Stephen Long and David Richardson, the Australia Institute (August 2024)
Peter Dutton confirms excessive gas exports hurt Australia, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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With the influence of its historical opponents waning, is anything standing in the way of the Labor Government passing ambitious reforms?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Chief Political Analyst Amy Remeikis and Chief Economist Greg Jericho join Ebony Bennett to discuss the election result, the legislative priorities of the new parliament and the future of the conservative side of politics.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 6 May 2025 and things may have changed.
Pre-order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to our Vantage Point series on the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Guest: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut
Host: Ebony Bennet, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
There is no such thing as a safe seat | Fact sheet, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
Reforming university governance in Australia by John Quiggin, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Migration is not out of control and the figures show it is not to blame for the housing crisis by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Australia’s sick housing joke, Dollars & Sense, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Polling: Australia-US relations, the Australia Institute (May 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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The polls are pointing to a likely Labor victory on Saturday, but could Dutton’s suburban strategy still bear fruit?
As election day approaches, former Fairfax Chief Political Correspondent Professor Mark Kenny joins Glenn Connley to discuss the performances of Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton on the campaign trail, plus Australians’ response to Trump’s return, on this episode of Follow the Money.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 29 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Follow all the action from the federal election on our new politics live blog, Australia Institute Live with Amy Remeikis.
Guest: Mark Kenny, Professor of Australian Studies and host of Democracy Sausage, the Australian National University // @markgkenny
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
‘Could Dutton's suburban strategy still work?’ by Mark Kenny, The Canberra Times (April 2025)
Election entrée: Early voting in Australia by Skye Predavec, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Where do journalists live?, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Polling – President Trump, security and the US–Australian alliance, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Two-thirds of Australians refuse to pay more for nuclear: new research, the Australia Institute
Power sharing in Australian parliaments, the Australia Institute (July 2024)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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The United States is disappearing down an authoritarian rabbit hole and Australian leaders are struggling to respond.
On this crossover episode of After America and Follow the Money, Ebony Bennett and Dr Emma Shortis discuss the US administration’s mass deportations, the scandals surrounding the Departments of Defense and State, and why Australian democratic institutions are worth defending.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 22 April 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order ‘After America: Australia and the new world order’ or become a foundation subscriber to Vantage Point at australiainstitute.org.au/store.
Guest: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Polling – President Trump, security and the US–Australian alliance, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
'The Russians aren’t coming: Peter Dutton’s poor judgment distracts from Australia’s rare geopolitical opportunity' by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (April 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne discuss the federal election campaign so far, the performance of the media, and how preferential voting actually works.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Amy Remeikis and Bill Browne join guest host Stephen Long to discuss housing policy, the Australian electoral system, and the need for truth in political advertising laws.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 15 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Follow all the action from the federal election on our new politics live blog, Australia Institute Live with Amy Remeikis.
Order 'After America: Australia and the new world order' or become a foundation subscriber to Vantage Point at australiainstitute.org.au/store.
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow & Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @stephenlongaus
Show notes:
Migrants are not to blame for soaring house prices by Matt Grudnoff, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Housing affordability crisis – Saving for a deposit forever by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Newspaper competition in Australia by Rod Campbell, Skye Predavec and Stephen Long, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Busting myths on Q+A | Richard Denniss highlights, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Peter Dutton has it half right on gas. There is no supply shortage, but Australians need to be using less gas – not more.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Rod Campbell and Mark Ogge join Ebony Bennett to discuss the fixing Australia’s gas export problem, making gas companies pay their fair share in taxes and royalties, and why there is no need for new gas projects.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 8 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Follow all the action from the federal election on our new politics live blog, Australia Institute Live with Amy Remeikis.
Guest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, the Australia Institute // @markogge
Guest: Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @rodcampbell
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Peter Dutton’s gas export tax is a good idea – and a turning point,the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Giving away gas to 2030 by Mark Ogge, Rod Campbell and Matt Saunders, the Australia Institute (April 2025)
Fossil fuel subsidies hit $15 billion, as crossbench seeks reform, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
‘Coalition pollster Freshwater Strategy working with 'astroturfing' pro-gas group’ by Pat McGrath and Kirsten Robb, ABC News (April 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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With housing affordability at an all-time low and the spectre of Trump looming large over our region, Australians’ standard of living will be at the heart of the debate from now until election day.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute economists Matt Grudnoff and Jack Thrower join Ebony Bennett to discuss the Australian economy and the federal election campaign.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 1 April 2025 and things may have changed.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Guest: Jack Thrower, Research Economist, the Australia Institute // @jack-thrower
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Raising revenue right: Better tax ideas for the 48th Parliament by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Fuel excise cut: bad policy and not worth as much as advertised by Matt Grudnoff and Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Housing affordability crisis – Saving for a deposit forever by Greg Jericho, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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The Government’s proposed environmental law changes are an attack on our democracy and could benefit destructive industries far beyond Tasmania’s coastal ecosystems.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Ebony Bennett discusses the Government’s efforts to weaken the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act with Australia Institute Executive Director Dr Richard Denniss and Strategy Director Leanne Minshull.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 25 March 2025 and things may have changed.
Sign our petition calling on the Government not to gut Australia’s environment laws.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Guest: Leanne Minshull, Strategy Director, the Australia Institute // @leanneminshull
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Small Fish, Big Pond: Tasmanian salmon industry job numbers & tax payments, the Australia Institute (November 2023)
‘Salmon spin and pollution all a bit fishy’ by Eloise Carr and Rob Campbell, The Mercury (December 2024)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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Chunks of dead salmon have washed up on Tasmanian beaches and the Maugean skate is at risk of extinction, so why won’t governments to more to rein in the salmon industry in Tasmania?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Eloise Carr, Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania, the Federal Government’s dangerous proposal to get around Australia’s already inadequate environmental protections and why salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour needs to end.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 March 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Sign our petition to end salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Eloise Carr, Director, the Australia Institute Tasmania // @eloise-carr
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Bombshell FOI reveals fish farms have been inadequately assessed for impact on threatened species and World Heritage, the Australia Institute (March 2025)
Australians must be protected from diseased salmon, the Australia Institute (February 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The public sector is under fire, but is it really as inefficient as DOGE and Dutton claim?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Fiona Macdonald, Acting Director at the Centre for Future Work, joins Glenn Connley to discuss Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, Peter Dutton’s plan to axe public service jobs, and why the private sector generally doesn’t deliver better public services.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 12 March 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Fiona Macdonald, Acting Director, Centre for Future Work // @drfionamac
Host: Glenn Connley, Senior Media Advisor, the Australia Institute // @glennconnley
Show notes:
Briefing Paper: Restoring public sector capability through investment in public service employees by Lisa Heap, the Centre for Future Work (February 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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Polls point to a power-sharing government being the most likely outcome at the upcoming federal election, but how do they actually work?
Independent Senator David Pocock and Tony Windsor AM, former independent parliamentarian who held the balance of power during the Gillard minority government, join Amy Remeikis to discuss how they negotiate with the major parties, the growth of the independent and minor party vote, and why there’s so much fearmongering about minority governments in Australia.
This discussion was recorded live on Wednesday 26 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Senator David Pocock, Independent Senator for the Australian Capital Territory // @davidpocock
Guest: Tony Windsor AM, former Independent Member for New England // @TonyHWindsor
Host: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, the Australia Institute // @amyremeikis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Power sharing in Australian parliaments by Bill Browne and Richard Denniss, the Australia Institute (July 2024)
Electoral Reform Bill analysis by Bill Browne and Joshua Black, the Australia Institute (February 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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For communities in Tuvalu and Kiribati, climate change isn’t an abstract threat – it’s having a real-time impact on their lives and culture.
On this bonus episode of Follow the Money, Walkley Award-winning journalist Stephen Long speaks to three young climate advocates about the impact of climate change in Tuvalu and Kiribati, their dismay at the continued expansion of fossil fuels by Australia and other developed nations, and how they are fighting for the future of their societies.
Subscribe to Between the Lines, the Australia Institute’s fortnightly newsletter.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Gitty Yee, Communications Officer, Tuvalu Climate Action Network
Guest: Aselu O’Brien, Draughtsman, Lands and Survey Department, Government of Tuvalu
Guest: Robert Karoro, National Coordinator, Kiribati Climate Action Network
Host: Stephen Long, Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek
Show notes:
Neighbour from hell – A Pacific plea to Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton, Pacific Elders’ Voice (December 2024)
‘As the Coalition goes nuclear, Labor is free to ensure fossil fuels are burned with abandon and little scrutiny’ by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (June 2024)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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By laying off tens of thousands of federal employees, challenging the authority of judges and throwing erstwhile allies under the bus, the Trump administration is radically reshaping America and its role in the world.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss Trump’s efforts to “rinse” Ukraine for its resources, the administration’s moves to dismantle significant portions of the Federal Government, and how the Australian Government can use its significant bargaining power to push back against the American President.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 25 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Subscribe to After America now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Money Talks: The Australia-America Economic Relationship – Where From and Where To by Joey Herlihy, the Australia Institute (August 2023)
‘How Many Federal Workers Have Lost Their Jobs?’, New York Magazine (February 2025)
‘Dems "pissed" at liberal groups MoveOn, Indivisible’ by Justin Green and Andrew Solender, Axios (February 2025)
Hostile Government Take Over (EDM Remix) @AGiftFromTodd, Vinny Marchi on YouTube (February 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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The Reserve Bank has cut interest rates for the first time since November 2020 – so is the Australian economy out of the woods?
On this crossover episode of Follow the Money and Dollars & Sense, Greg Jericho and Ebony Bennett discuss what’s going on with inflation, the performance of the Reserve Bank and whether the Government deserves the credit for setting the economy on a better course.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 19 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @grogsgamut
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Corporate profits increase inflation, the Australia Institute (December 2024)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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We discuss Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports and what they’ll mean for Australia.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff joins Ebony Bennett to explain how tariffs work, Trump’s 25 per cent levy on steel and aluminium imports, and how big a deal this will be for Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 11 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
After America, the Australia Institute
‘Trump’s latest tariff bid shows the old rules of trade no longer apply. Scraps of paper will not save us’ by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (February 2025)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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Australia needs an electoral system that’s genuinely fair, not a two-tiered system that favours the major parties.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne joins us to discuss the latest political donations data and why tens of thousands of Australians are concerned about the Government’s proposed electoral changes.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability, the Australia Institute // @browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
Electoral Reform Bill analysis by Bill Browne and Joshua Black, the Australia Institute (February 2025)
SIGN NOW: Protect our elections!, the Australia Institute
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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President Donald Trump has been issuing Executive Orders and dominating the media cycle, trying to radically reshape America and the world in the process.
On this special crossover episode of After America and Follow the Money, Dr Emma Shortis and Ebony Bennett discuss the role of Elon Musk, Trump’s pause on all US foreign aid, his ability to ‘flood the zone’, and how this all affects Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 28 January 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Get your tickets for the Australia Institute’s Climate Integrity Summit 2025 now.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
'Think the past will protect Australia from Trump’s future? Think again' by Emma Shortis, The Sydney Morning Herald (January 2025)
The Pacific Islands: Background and Issues for Congress, Congressional Research Service (November 2024)
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
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Richard Denniss joins the show to discuss Trump’s inauguration and the upcoming federal election.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to examine the year ahead in federal politics and how the Trump presidency could impact Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 21 January 2025 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @australiainstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
LA fires add to climate insurance crisis, the Australia Institute (January 2025)
Rate cut already overdue: RBA should meet in January, the Australia Institute (December 2025)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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David Marr discusses the frontier wars and the shocking family discovery that led to his award-winning book, Killing for Country.
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, renowned journalist and author David Marr joins Ebony Bennett to discuss Killing for Country, his award-winning account of politics and power in colonial Australia.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 24 January 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order the first book from our new imprint, What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: David Marr, journalist and author
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, The Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Killing for Country: A family story by David Marr, Black Inc. (October 2023)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Bri Lee, one of Australia’s most exciting young writers, joins us to discuss her debut novel, The Work, and the politics of power and privilege.
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, Bri Lee, the award-winning author of Eggshell Skull, Beauty and Who Gets to be Smart, joins us to discuss The Work, a stunning story of art, power, love and money.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 7 May 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via their website.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order the first book from our new imprint, What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Bri Lee, author of The Work // @bri_lee_writer
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, The Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The Work by Bri Lee, Allen & Unwin (April 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Award-winning writer Lech Blaine traces the making of Peter Dutton – from Queensland detective to leader of the Opposition.
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, Lech Blaine joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the rise of Peter Dutton, the evolution of the Liberal Party, and his Quarterly Essay, ‘Bad Cop: Peter Dutton's Strongman Politics’.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 12 April 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order the first book from our new imprint, What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Lech Blaine, author of Australian Gospel, Top Blokes and Car Crash // @lechblaine
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, The Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
‘Bad Cop: Peter Dutton's Strongman Politics’ by Lech Blaine, Quarterly Essay 93 (March 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Do Australians truly grasp the impact of a warming planet and what it could mean for our sunburnt country?
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, climate scientist and author Dr Joëlle Gergis joins The Australia Institute’s Polly Hemming to discuss Australia’s climate policy inertia and the impact of rising temperatures.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 28 June 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order the first book from our new imprint, What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: Dr Joëlle Gergis, climate scientist and author // @joellegergis
Host: Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Director, The Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Show notes:
‘Highway to Hell: Climate change and Australia’s future’ by Joëlle Gergis, Quarterly Essay 94 (June 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Australia’s status quo political culture is under pressure – so what does this mean for the upcoming federal election?
On this Summer Book Club episode of Follow the Money, journalist and author George Megalogenis joins Alice Grundy to discuss the rise of independents and minor parties, Australia’s changing political landscape, and his latest Quarterly Essay, ‘Minority Report: The new shape of Australian politics’.
This discussion was recorded on Friday 6 December 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
To join our free Australia’s Biggest Book Club webinars live, register via our website.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
Guest: George Megalogenis, author and journalist // @GMegalogenis
Host: Alice Grundy, Managing Editor, Australia Institute Press // @alicektg
Show notes:
‘Minority Report: The new shape of Australian politics’ by George Megalogenis, Quarterly Essay 96 (November 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Houses should be a place to live, not a ladder to wealth.
On this episode of Follow the Money, acclaimed financial journalist Alan Kohler joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the policies that created Australia’s housing crisis and what governments can do to fix it.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 10 December 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @australiainstitute
Guest: Alan Kohler, author and journalist // @AlanKohler
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
The Great Divide: Australia's Housing Mess and How to Fix It by Alan Kohler (October 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Amy Remeikis joins us to reflect on Anthony Albanese’s turbulent year as Prime Minister and preview the federal election campaign.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Chief Political Analyst Amy Remeikis joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the slings and arrows of the political year, why Australia doesn’t use its power on the international stage, and how next year’s federal election campaign is shaping up.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 3 December 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @australiainstitute
Guest: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst // @amyremeikis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Show notes:
Paul Fletcher – Why Majority Government is in the National Interest, and the Teals are not, The Sydney Institute (December 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Independent MP Helen Haines joins us to talk about how a deal between the Government and the Opposition could swing Australia’s electoral laws in their favour.
On this episode of Follow the Money, the Hon Helen Haines MP, Independent Member for Indi, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the Government’s Electoral Reform Bill, its potential impact on new and independent candidates, and the future of Australian democracy.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 26 November 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Sign the Australia Institute petition, calling on the Government to establish a parliamentary inquiry, with public hearings, to assess the proposed changes to Australia’s electoral laws.
Pre-order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website. Pre-order by 1 December and save $5 on the RRP.
australiainstitute.org.au // @australiainstitute
Guest: The Hon Helen Haines MP, Independent Member for Indi // @helenhainesindi
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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More frequent and severe disasters are sending insurance costs through the roof, creating a north-south divide in Australia.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Walkley Award-winning journalist Stephen Long joins Alice Grundy to discuss climate change, skyrocketing premiums and serious impact they’re having on inequality.
This discussion was recorded on Wednesday 13 November 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Pre-order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Alice Grundy, Research Manager, Anne Kantor Fellows, the Australia Institute // @alicektg
Show notes:
Premium price: The impact of climate change on insurance costs, the Australia Institute (November 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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The United Nations climate change negotiations are skirting around the critical issue of phasing out fossil fuels and are in desperate need of reform, says Sandrine Dixson-Declève.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss phasing out fossil fuels, the false narratives being peddled about the green transition, and why addressing inequality is fundamental to tackling the climate crisis.
This discussion was recorded on Thursday 24 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Pre-order What's the Big Idea? 32 Big Ideas for a Better Australia now, via the Australia Institute website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome // @SDDecleve
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Host: Alice Grundy, Research Manager, Anne Kantor Fellows, the Australia Institute // @alicekgt
Show notes:
Earth for All – A Survival Guide for Humanity, The Club of Rome (2022)
The Limits to Growth, The Club of Rome (1972)
‘COP28 did not deliver. We need better global governance and brave leadership’ by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Reuters (December 2023)
Fossil fuel subsidies in Australia 2024, The Australia Institute (May 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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With its democracy under assault, America needs a friend, not a flunkey.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute International & Security Affairs Advisor Allan Behm joins us to discuss the “unachievable” AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, Australia’s ‘fear of abandonment’, and how the outcome of the presidential election might change US foreign policy.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 5 November 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs Advisor, the Australia Institute // @Mirandaprorsus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
The Odd Couple: the Australia-America relationship by Allan Behm (2024)
No Enemies No Friends: Restoring Australia’s Global Relevance by Allan Behm (2022)
Fear of Abandonment: Australia in the World since 1942 by Allan Gyngell (2021)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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He lost the Queensland election, but former Premier Steven Miles may have saved the furniture by putting forward popular, progressive policies that voters responded to.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the fake fight between the new Queensland Premier and Peter Dutton over nuclear power and the fallout from the state election.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 29 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
Queensland election: A clear message to Federal Labor, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
‘Federal Labor’s lesson from Qld defeat: bold progressive policies provide a pathway to a second term’ by Stephen Long, the Australia Institute (October 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Excessive secrecy in government decision-making makes Australia less safe, not more.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Director at the Australia Institute, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss whistleblower protections, improving the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and why Australia may be the world’s most secretive democracy.
This discussion was recorded live on Tuesday 22 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Find all the content from the Australia Institute’s Transparency Summit 2024 on our website or via the Australia Institute on YouTube.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
Secrecy is not security, Bill Browne (October 2024)
Labor and Democracy, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP (December 2019)
Making freedom of information “sexy” with Rex Patrick, Follow the Money (April 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno joins us to discuss how conflict in the Middle East is reverberating through Australia, and reconciliation one year after the Voice referendum.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Paul Bongiorno, columnist for The Saturday Paper and The New Daily, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss culture wars in Australia, two upcoming elections, and the reaction to Anthony Albanese’s new beachside retreat.
This discussion was recorded live on Tuesday 15 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Paul Bongiorno, columnist, The Saturday Paper and The New Daily // @PaulBongiorno
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
‘Dutton takes a high-risk stance on the Middle East’ by Paul Bongiorno, The Saturday Paper (October 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Australian superannuation funds have been investing in nuclear weapons, according to new research.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Margaret Beavis, Co-Director of Quit Nukes, and Adam Gottschalk, Anne Kantor Research Fellow at the Australia Institute, join us to discuss how some superannuation funds invest Australians’ retirement savings nuclear weapons.
This discussion was recorded live on Friday 4 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Margaret Beavis, Co-Director, Quit Nukes // @margaretbeavis
Guest: Adam Gottschalk, Anne Kantor Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @adamchalksitup
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
Risky Business: An update on super funds and nuclear weapons by Rosemary Kelly and Margaret Beavis (September 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Senator Nick McKim joins us to discuss the ACCC legal action against Coles and Woolworths and why the government should have the power to break up the Big Two.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Greens Senator Nick McKim, Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Grocery Prices, joins us to discuss regulating the major supermarkets and his famous grilling of the former Woolies CEO.
Join President José Ramos-Horta at 6pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 October for an evening of conversation at the Sydney Opera House, presented by the Australia Institute as part of its 30 Years of Big Ideas.
This discussion was recorded live on Tuesday 1 October 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Senator Nick McKim, Greens Economic Justice and Treasury Spokesperson and Senator for Tasmania // @NickMcKim
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
‘ACCC Suing Supermarkets as Price Gouging Drives Inflation, Rate Hikes’, The Australia Institute (September 2024)
‘Coles, Woolies’ Secret Pricing Deal Undercuts Inflation Claims’, The Australia Institute (September 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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By relying on uncertain and unethical carbon offsets to combat the climate crisis, society is setting itself on a path to destruction, George Monbiot says.
On this episode of Follow the Money, George Monbiot, Guardian columnist and co-author of The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism, joins the Australia Institute’s Polly Hemming to discuss the impact of neoliberalism on our climate, the folly of carbon offsets, and why “bollocks” incrementalism won’t lead to systemic change.
Join President José Ramos-Horta at 6pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 October for an evening of conversation at the Sydney Opera House, presented by the Australia Institute as part of its 30 Years of Big Ideas.
This discussion was recorded live on Thursday 19 September 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: George Monbiot, author, columnist and environmental campaigner // @GeorgeMonbiot
Host: Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
The Invisible Doctrine: The Secret History of Neoliberalism by Peter Hutchison and George Monbiot (June 2024)
Coal Mine Tracker, The Australia Institute
‘Coal Mine Approvals Undermine Climate Goals, Government Rhetoric’, The Australia Institute (September 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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The mining industry had a pre-election sook last week about government policy, but its claims about being the ‘backbone’ of the economy are more spin than substance.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss mining’s latest PR offensive and why politicians shouldn’t fear standing up to the industry.
Join President José Ramos-Horta at 6pm AEDT, Tuesday 8 October for an evening of conversation at the Sydney Opera House, presented by the Australia Institute as part of its 30 Years of Big Ideas.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 17 September 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The Reserve Bank is home to the experts on monetary policy – but what happens when they get it wrong?
On this episode of Follow the Money, Greg Jericho and Matt Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss the latest GDP figures, the real drivers of inflation and how the Reserve Bank misread the state of the economy.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 10 September 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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Mark Kenny joins us to discuss the government’s census own goal and Australia’s flagging economy.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Ebony Bennett discusses the latest in federal politics with Professor Mark Kenny, former Chief Political Correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 3 September 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Mark Kenny, Director, ANU Australian Studies Institute // @markgkenny
Host: Ebony Bennett, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
'The PM can ill-afford bad weeks as narratives harden' by Mark Kenny, The Canberra Times (September 2024)
Public spending keeps the economy going as the private sector is hit by rate rises by Matt Grudnoff, The Australia Institute (September 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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On this episode, we discuss regulating the digital giants, the challenge of artificial intelligence and restoring trust in the media.
The media industry has changed radically over the last three decades, transformed by the 24-hour news cycle, social media and the tech giants, and now artificial intelligence. On this special episode of Follow the Money, recorded live at Politics in the Pub in Canberra, Minister Ed Husic, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Karen Percy from the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) discuss technology, trust and the future of the media.
This discussion was recorded live on Wednesday 21 August 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: The Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science
Guest: Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Arts & Communications spokesperson // @sarahinthesen8
Guest: Karen Percy, Federal President (Media), Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) // @PercyKaren
Host: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Australia’s flawed tax system means that there’s never been a better time to be ultra-wealthy in Australia, despite some people struggling to put food on the table.
We’re told it’s a cost-of-living crisis, but not everyone is feeling the pinch. New Australia Institute research shows that the ultra-rich are getting richer, thanks in part to Australia’s distorted tax system. On this episode of Follow the Money, Dr Richard Denniss and Dave Richardson join Dr Alice Grundy to discuss the growing problem of inequality and what we can do to fix it.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 20 August 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Guest: David Richardson, Senior Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @daverr01
Host: Alice Grundy, Anne Kantor Research Manager, the Australia Institute // @alicektg
Show notes:
Wealth and inequality in Australia by David Richardson and Frank Stilwell, the Australia Institute (August 2024)
‘The Morrison election: What we know now’ by Richard Denniss, The Monthly (June 2019)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz joins us to discuss how to create a fairer, freer society and the “fertile field” neoliberalism has created for demagogues.
Columbia University Professor and former World Bank Chief Economist Joseph E Stiglitz joins Ebony Bennet on this episode of Follow the Money to discuss inequality and the rise of Trump, Australia’s “environmental deficit” and his new book, The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 13 August 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize-winning economist // @JosephEStiglitz
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
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We discuss declining social cohesion, the Prime Minister’s visit to the Northern Territory and the cabinet reshuffle with veteran journalist Paul Bongiorno.
Are the home affairs and immigration portfolios a poisoned chalice for the new minister, Tony Burke? And are the opposition’s attacks on the government over the economy having an impact ahead of the election? On this episode of Follow the Money, we discuss the latest in federal politics with Paul Bongiorno.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 6 August 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Paul Bongiorno, columnist, The Saturday Paper and The New Daily // @PaulBongiorno
Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Super tax concessions make inequality worse and are at risk of becoming more expensive than the aged pension.
Superannuation tax concessions are meant to encourage saving for retirement, but the system is being gamed to help the wealthiest avoid paying tax. Australia Institute Chief Economist Greg Jericho joins Ebony Bennett on this episode of Follow the Money to bust some super myths and discuss what a fairer system should look like.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 30 July 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
‘Who benefits? The high cost of super tax concessions’ by Minh Ngoc Le (June 2024)
‘Superannuation tax concessions are making inequality worse’ by Greg Jericho (July 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
You can see Professor Joseph E Stiglitz speak live in several cities across Australia as part of the Australia Institute’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Tickets are available via our website.
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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On this special crossover episode of Follow the Money and After America, we discuss Biden’s decision to drop out of the campaign and why Democrats have rallied around Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee.
Ebony Bennett and Dr Emma Shortis, host of the Australia Institute’s After America podcast, reflect on Joe Biden’s legacy, his endorsement of Kamala Harris and what it could mean for the election campaign.
This discussion was recorded on Monday 22 July 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Host: Emma Shortis, Senior Research for International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
You can see Professor Joseph E Stiglitz speak live in several cities across Australia as part of the Australia Institute’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Tickets are available via our website.
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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The rise of independents and minor parties means that Labor and the Coalition can no longer take any race for granted.
It’s said that ‘disunity is death’ in Australian politics, but – as several major party politicians found out in the 2022 election – falling in behind an unpopular policy agenda can be pretty dangerous for your career as well. On this episode of Follow the Money, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Ebony Bennett to discuss the big changes taking place in Australian politics and how they might influence the next election.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 16 July 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
Power sharing in Australian parliament by Bill Browne and Richard Denniss (July 2024)
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
You can see Professor Joseph E Stiglitz speak live in several cities across Australia as part of the Australia Institute’s 30th anniversary celebrations. Tickets are available via our website.
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai faces life in prison in Hong Kong, but his son Sebastien and renowned human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson are leading the charge to set him free.
After escaping mainland China in the bottom of a fishing boat at the age of 12, Jimmy Lai went on to become one of the most influential people in Hong Kong. But now the founder of Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy newspaper is facing the possibility of life in prison under China’s repressive national security law. On this episode of Follow the Money, Sebastien Lai and Jennifer Robinson, legal counsel to Julian Assange, join Ebony Bennett to discuss the fight to free Mr Lai and the global threats to freedom of the press.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 2 July 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai // @SupportJimmyLai
Guest: Jennifer Robinson, legal counsel to Jimmy Lai and Julian Assange // @suigenerisjen
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Introducing After America, a new Australia Institute podcast hosted by Dr Emma Shortis.
Can Biden recover from a disastrous debate performance? What does the release of Julian Assange reveal about the Australia-US relationship? And is Trump’s authoritarian behaviour really an outlier in American political history?
On the first episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis reflects on the first presidential debate performance and the release of Julian Assange, before former BBC United States correspondent Nick Bryant joins the show to discuss the country’s long history of authoritarianism.
You can subscribe to After America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 25 June and Monday 1 July 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Nick Bryant, former BBC correspondent and author of The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself // @NickBryantNY
Host: Emma Shortis, Senior Research for International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis
Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Careless political finance reforms could shift the balance in Australian democracy in favour of special interests.
Will the government’s political finance reforms keep vested interests out of politics or ensure the major parties dominate Australia’s political landscape? Could South Australia’s proposed political donations ban become a model for the rest of the country? And what home-grown innovations have insulated Australia from some of the democratic backsliding seen in the United States? On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne joins Ebony Bennett to discuss political finance reform.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 2 July 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Show notes:
Principles for fair political finance reform by Bill Browne, The Australia Institute (August 2023)
SA’s political donation ban ambitious, but must safeguard diversity of voices, The Australia Institute (June 2024)
Honest Government Ad | How to Rig Elections, Juice Media
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The Coalition’s nuclear ‘plan’ is a cynical, Trump-like distraction – so why does the media (and this podcast) fall for the trap?
Who will benefit most from the Coalition’s new nuclear energy plan? And why does the media fall into the trap of covering it like genuine policy? On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Dr Matt Ryan and Rod Campbell discuss the Coalition’s nuclear announcement and the cost of Australia’s failure to decarbonise.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 25 June 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Matt Ryan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @mattdjryan
Guest: Roderick Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Gas is a finite resource – so why is Australia essentially giving it away?
Rising demand as the world emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns, coupled with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has led to massive windfall profits for the gas industry. But according to new Australia Institute research, the gas companies aren’t paying royalties on most of the gas they export. So what exactly is happening to Australia’s gas? How do we compare with other major fossil fuel exporters when it comes to collecting royalties? And what would it take to ensure Australians get a better deal for our gas? On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Mark Ogge joins Ebony Bennett to discuss Australia’s great gas giveaway.
You can sign our petition calling on the government to collect royalties on Australia’s gas exports on The Australia Institute website.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 18 June 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, the Australia Institute // @MarkOgge
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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With just five months until the presidential election, American democracy is under serious threat.
This American presidential election will be unique for many reasons, not the least of which is Donald Trump becoming the first American president to be found guilty of a crime. So what impact – if any – will that have on the outcome? Is Biden going to be able to mobilise enough support in key states to win a second term? And what might another Trump presidency mean for Australia? On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Emma Shortis joins Ebony Bennett to discuss US politics after her recent trip to Washington DC.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 11 June 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Emma Shortis, Senior Researcher in International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Australia is in the midst of a housing crisis, fuelled by poor government policy.
Across the country, house prices have skyrocketed, putting the prospect of buying a home well out of reach for too many people. Rents have also soared, placing huge financial pressure on people and pushing many into homelessness. On this episode of Follow the Money, housing advocate and creator of shitrentals.org Jordan van den Berg, Maiy Azize from national housing campaign Everybody’s Home, and Australia Institute Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff examine how Australia got itself into this situation – and how it can get out of it.
This discussion was recorded on Tuesday 4 June 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Jordan van den Berg, Lawyer and Founder of shitrentals.org // @purplepingers
Guest: Maiy Azize, National Spokesperson, Everybody’s Home // @MaiyAzize
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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It’s been 12 years since Julian Assange has been free – but is the fight to keep him from a life in an American prison finally coming to an end?
United States President Joe Biden told reporters he’s considering Australia’s request to drop charges against Assange for publishing thousands of sensitive military and government documents, but the fight to free the Australian publisher isn’t over.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 21st May 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Jennifer Robinson, international human rights lawyer and legal advisor to Julian Assange // @suigenerisjen
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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A series of recent high-profile incidents has thrust the national crisis of domestic violence into the spotlight. Clearly the current approach to violence against women isn't working, so what can be done?
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via their website.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 21st May 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Jess Hill, investigative journalist, educator on coercive control, and author of See What You Made Me Do. // @jessradio
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Budget 2024 had a little bit for a lot of people, but in trying to please everyone, has the government disappointed everyone instead?
What does the budget mean for inflation and living standards? What does it reveal about the government’s priorities as it approaches an election? And does it ultimately make Australia a better place? Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist at the Australia Institute, joins Ebony Bennett on this episode of Follow the Money to examine this year’s federal budget.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 14 May 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Matthew Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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Millions of Australians are struggling to make ends meet, yet when it comes to the federal budget, too often we hear that governments ‘can’t afford’ additional spending.
Next week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will announce what the government has chosen to prioritise in this federal budget. So, will the government address some of the big issues facing social security, the climate, HECS, housing and more, or will it be a budget of band aid solutions? Senior Economist at the Australia Institute, Matt Grudnoff, joins Ebony Bennett to discuss what to look out for in next week’s budget.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 7 May 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Matthew Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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It’s going to be difficult to tackle bogus environmental claims from the private sector until the government itself stops greenwashing, Polly Hemming says on this episode of Follow the Money.
There’s a global crackdown on greenwashing underway, but not everyone is getting the message – not even the Australian Government. On this episode of Follow the Money, the Australia Institute’s Climate & Energy Program Director Polly Hemming joins Ebony Bennett to discuss state-sponsored greenwashing.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 30 April 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Program Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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As the government shelves important reform to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, the Knitting Nannas are getting out into their communities and demanding an end to fossil fuel projects.
They may not fit the stereotype of activists, but the Knitting Nannas are a force to be reckoned with. In their own words, they “sit, knit, plot, have a yarn and a cuppa, and bear witness to the war against the greedy, short-sighted corporations”. On this episode of Follow the Money, Kathy McKenzie and Marie Flood from the Sydney Knitting Nannas, along with the Australia Institute’s Mark Ogge, join us discuss the future of activism and why it’s time to stop new fossil fuel projects.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 19 March 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
Find out more about the Knitting Nannas at knitting-nannas.com. Hear all the sessions from our Climate Integrity Summit 2024 on our website.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Kathy McKenzie, Sydney Knitting Nannas and Friends
Guest: Marie Flood, Sydney Knitting Nannas and Friends
Guest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, the Australia Institute // @MarkOgge
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Freedom of Information laws have helped the public uncover information governments would prefer to keep secret, but the system is failing.
Strong Freedom of Information laws are critical to Australia’s democracy, but delays and government resistance are undermining people’s faith in the system.On this episode of Follow the Money, former independent Senator for South Australia Rex Patrick and Australia Institute Senior Economist Matthew Grudnoff join Ebony Bennett to discuss why transparency matters and what can be done to improve the dire state of the system.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 16 April 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Rex Patrick, former Senator for South Australia // @MrRexPatrick
Guest: Matthew Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Rather than delivering on their election promise to create a Great Koala National Park, the New South Wales Government is sitting on its hands until it can earn carbon credits from forests.
On this episode of Follow the Money, Walkley Award winning journalist and Australia Institute Senior Fellow Stephen Long joins Ebony Bennett to discuss his new report into the disastrous consequences of the ongoing logging in the state for koalas and the climate.
If you want the New South Wales Government to end native forest logging, you can sign our open letter.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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The major parties claim that minority and coalition governments are chaotic and unworkable, but are they actually more effective?
Australian politicians aren’t exactly known for getting along with each other. But history shows that, when they’re forced to share government, they can get a lot done. In the wake of the Tasmanian election, Australia Institute Executive Director Richard Denniss joins Follow the Money to discuss why the need to negotiate can make minority and coalition governments better at lawmaking.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
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After scarcely mentioning it for nearly a decade while in government, the Coalition are now hot to trot on nuclear power – but why?
On this episode of Follow the Money, energy researcher Matthew Ryan and host Ebony Bennett discuss the cost of a massive nuclear energy rollout, the legal and environmental barriers standing in the way and why the Coalition’s plans would be dreadful for Australia’s emissions in the coming decade.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Matthew Ryan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @mattdjryan
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Capitalism is dying, but not in the way you might think.
That’s the argument of academic economist and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, who proposes capitalism has mutated into a far more sinister, feudal system on the back of sophisticated algorithms and big tech.
On this episode of Follow the Money, recorded live at the State Library of NSW, Varoufakis speaks with the Australia Institute’s Ebony Bennett and Stephen Long about his proposition and his new book, Technofeudalism.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 12 March.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Yanis Varoufakis, Secretary-General of Democracy in Europe Movement 2025 and former Greek Finance Minister // @yanisvaroufakis
Host: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Additional editing: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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The Albanese government came to power with big expectations around climate action, but are the government’s actions falling short of their rhetoric?
On this episode of Follow the Money, former President of Kiribati Anote Tong joins Walkley Award winning journalist Stephen Long to discuss the Australian government’s “disappointing” record on climate, the role of China in the region and the prospects of a Pacific UN climate conference hosted in Australia.
There are still tickets available to see Anote Tong in conversation in Melbourne on Wednesday 13 March and in Sydney on Friday 15 March.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Anote Tong, former President of the Republic of Kiribati
Host: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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The ‘robodebt’ debacle was a shameful episode for the federal government, but was it an anomaly? Our guest today says the same behaviours that enabled robodebt have been playing out for decades in our climate policymaking and questions whether the government has appetite to implement its proposed integrity reforms.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Independent MP Helen Haines has introduced a bill to Parliament designed to prevent pork-barreling, where taxpayer money is allocated according to where it is needed to win votes, not where the public needs it most.
This was recorded on Tuesday 27th February 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Tasmania is heading to an election – 14 months early.
Tasmania is retuning the size of its lower house from 25 seats to 35 seats at this election and multiple polls have predicted the result will be a minority government, so this is shaping up be a particularly interesting contest.
This was recorded on Tuesday 20th February 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Eloise Carr, Director, the Australia Institute Tasmania // @GeneveraE
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Federal Parliament is set to pass new industrial relations laws, including the 'right to disconnect.' This means that workers will legally be able to ignore calls outside of work hours.
This was recorded on Tuesday 13th February 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Dr Jim Stanford, Director, the Centre for Future Work, the Australia Institute // @MarkOgge
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
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Every year, the Commonwealth collects more revenue from HECS than it gets from the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax. The PRRT is so insufficient that gas companies love it!
Mark Ogge explains the Government's proposed changes, and how we can fix it to tax our gas companies fairly.
This was recorded on Tuesday 6th February 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, the Australia Institute // @MarkOgge
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been a week for the books in Australian Politics history, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing changes to the highly-criticised Stage 3 tax cuts. Which got the media, and the opposition, into a bit of a frenzy. So what's changed, and how will it affect you?
This was recorded on Tuesday 30th January 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the Iowa Republican caucus over, the starting gun on the 2024 US Election has fired, with the promise of a dramatic election year, and democracy itself on the ballot.
This was recorded on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Dr Emma Shortis, Senior Researcher, International & Security Affairs program, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
7 years ago, The ABC’s groundbreaking environmental series War On Waste firmly placed the nation’s attention on Australia’s waste issues and solutions. The new season investigated recycling in Australia, brought to light new waste topics, challenged the lack of corporate accountability towards their own waste and explored what government can do to curb the waste tide. And most importantly the season provides straightforward solutions to help us all shift the status quo with Australia’s waste crisis.
Join Craig Reucassel, host and producer of ABC TV’s War On Waste and Nina Gbor, Director Circular Economy & Waste Program at the Australia Institute, for a discussion on how we can all turn the tide to resolve Australia’s waste crisis as individuals, within communities and with our local and national government.
This was recorded on Thursday 14th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Craig Reucassel, writer, comedian and documentary maker // @craigreucassel
Nina Gbor, Director, Circular Economy & Waste Program, the Australia Institute // @NinaGbor
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
Extreme heat is the most direct and deadly consequence of our hellbent consumption of fossil fuels. It is a first order threat that drives all other impacts of the climate crisis. And as the temperature rises, it will reveal fault lines in our governments, our politics, our economy, and our values.
Join Jeff Goodell, award-winning environmental journalist and author of Heat, for a discussion about the extreme ways in which our planet is already changing, and what we can do to stop it.
This was recorded on Wednesday 23rd August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Jeff Goodell, award-winning environmental journalist and author of Heat // @jeffgoodell
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
On 15 September 2008 came the collapse of Lehmann Brothers, the largest bankruptcy in US history. This set off a chain reaction and had a massive impact on the Australia financial system and economy. Across the northern hemisphere the GFC became known as the Great Recession. But in Australia the economy was spared the large rises in unemployment that occurred in the USA and Europe as well as the collapse of major financial institutions.
This was recorded on Friday 15th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Wayne Swan, National President of the ALP, former Labor Member for Lilley and former Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer of Australia // @SwannyQLD
Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute and the Centre for Future Work // @GrogsGamut
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
Australia’s native forests are not only home to some of our most vulnerable and threatened species, they hold critical cultural and ecological value. While native forest logging is being phased out in Western Australia and Victoria, other states are failing to take action to protect these iconic and precious ecosystems from logging.
This was recorded on Wednesday 4th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Bob Brown, Environmentalist, Bob Brown Foundation // @BobBrownFndn
Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Prof Brendan Mackey, Director, Griffith Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
The first person will face trial in relation to Australian war crimes in Afghanistan is David McBride, the whistleblower on trial, not an alleged war criminal.
On the eve of David McBride’s trial, a distinguished panel of experts discussed what’s at stake, what it says that whistleblower not a war criminal is facing trial, and the right to truth and accountability when whistleblowers are facing prosecution.
This was recorded on Friday 10th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Rex Patrick, Former independent Senator and Whistleblower Justice Fund Founder // @MrRexPatrick
Hadi Marifat, Director and co-founder of the Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization // @HMarifat
Rawan Arraf, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice // @rawanarraf
Kieran Pender, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre // @KieranHRLC
Sharara Attai, Executive Director of the Islamophobia Register Australia
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
What if we’re thinking about inflation wrong? Join renowned economist Isabella Weber, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for a discussion about the economics and politics of seller’s inflation.
This was recorded on Thursday 7th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Isabella M Weber, Assistant Professor of Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst // @IsabellaMWeber
Jim Stanford, Director of the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute // @JimboStanford
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
This episode, we're listening back to one of our most popular episodes from the year with our Executive Director Richard Denniss, digging into the cycle of corporate profits, inflation, and low wages.
This was recorded on Wednesday 7th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
One of the great mysteries of Australian life is that a land of sweeping plains, with one of the lowest population densities on the planet, has a shortage of land for houses. As a result, Sydney’s median house price is the second most expensive on Earth, after Hong Kong’s. Alan Kohler discusses his latest essay and tells the story of how we got into this mess – and how we might get out of it.
This was recorded on Tuesday 28th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Alan Kohler, Finance Presenter, ABC News // @AlanKohler
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars and live events in 2023.
This year has been a doozy in Australian politics, and we need to talk about it. We invited a panel of distinguished press gallery journalists along to our Politics in the Pub live event, to give us the low down on what's happened, and wrap things up for us for the year.
This was recorded on Wednesday 29th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Amy Remeikis, Political reporter, Guardian Australia // @AmyRemeikis
Adrian Rollins, Economics correspondent, the Canberra Times // @RollinsA
Pablo Viñales, Political Correspondent, SBS News // @pablovinales
Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United Nations annual climate conference, COP28, is wrapping up, and it's crunch time. Is there going to be a mention of actually phasing out fossil fuels? Or will we have more of avoiding the issue?
This was recorded on Tuesday 12th December 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Maugean skate, native to Macquarie Harbour, is running out of time. It's facing extinction, due in large part to the Tasmanian salmon industry.
This was recorded on Monday 4th December 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Eloise Carr, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @GeneveraE
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clive Palmer, one of Australia's richest men, is suing Australia for at least $41.3bn, claiming it breached the ASEAN free trade agreement in relation to coal exploration permits. But he's doing so...as a foreign investor?
Stephen Long explains how Clive Palmer’s controversial legal strategies challenge Australia’s trade agreements and environmental laws.
Stephen Long is a Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor at the Australia Institute, and Walkley Award winning journalist, previously at ABC's Four Corners.
This was recorded on Tuesday 28th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute
Guest: Stephen Long, Senior Fellow and Contributing Editor, the Australia Institute // @StephenLongAus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a less than ideal week for the government, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has copped some criticism for how much overseas travel he’s been doing. Most PMs have been subject to criticism for travelling, so how seriously should we take it this time?
This was recorded on Tuesday 21st November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Dr Emma Shortis, Senior Researcher, International & Security Affairs program, the Australia Institute // @EmmaShortis
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Economic data can tell us a lot about what's happening in society and the economy. Introducing the Autralia Institute's brand new podcast, Dollars & Sense, with Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute and the Centre for Future Work and popular columnist of Grogonomics with Guardian Australia.
In Dollars & Sense, each week, Greg Jericho will dive into the latest economic figures, and explain what they can tell us about what's happening in the economy, how it will impact you and where things are headed.
In this episode, Greg unpacks the latest wage price data and why lots of people got a payrise in the September quarter.
Recorded on Thursday 19 November 2023. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram or visit our website.
Subscribe to Between the Lines, the Australia Institute's fortnightly-ish newsletter.
Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work
Producer: Jennifer Macey
Theme Music: Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia is one of the few countries with a developed research sector that does not have a research integrity watchdog, instead relying on research institutions to initiate and oversee investigations into their own researchers.
This was recorded on Wednesday 15th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Dr Kristen Scicluna, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @kristenscicluna
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The RBA has delivered its first interest rate rise since Michelle Bullock took over from Philip Lowe as Governor, up 25 basis points to 4.35%, the highest in 12 years. So what needs to change for the pain to stop?
This was recorded on Tuesday 7th November 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
By exposing human rights abuses, government wrongdoing and corporate misconduct, whistleblowers like David McBride and Richard Boyle make Australia a better place.
Yet too often in Australia, whistleblowers are prosecuted rather than supported.
This was recorded on Tuesday 24th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Kieran Pender, senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre // @KieranHRLC
Professor Peter Greste, award-winning journalist, author and academic // @PeterGreste
Rawan Arraf, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice // @rawanarraf
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following the Voice Referendum, new Australia Institute research shows that almost nine in ten (87%) Australians want Parliament to pass truth in political advertising laws before the next federal election.
This was recorded on Tuesday 17th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many Australians are still unsure what the referendum on is even about. What would a Voice to Parliament look like, and how would it help Indigenous people? To help make it more clear, the Australia Institute’s own Kate McBride recently sat down with Pat Anderson AO, Alyawarre woman and architect of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
This was recorded on Friday 8th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Pat Anderson AO, Alyawarre woman and architect of the Uluru Statement from the Heart
Kate McBride, Parlimentary Liason, the Australia Institute // @Kate_McBride_1
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the Senate Inquiry into the management and assurance of integrity by consulting services continues, Labor senator Deb O'Neill and Greens senator Barbara Pocock have been applying the pressure to consulting firms in the hotseat.
This was recorded on Wednesday 4th October 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C
Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability // @Browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Australia-America economic relationship is one of the world’s most consequential, worth over $2 trillion, yet few understand its depth and scale.
This was recorded on Thursday 3rd August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Joey Herlihy, Research Intern, International & Security Affairs program, the Australia Institute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the Northern Hemisphere experiences extreme heatwaves and Australia prepares for a “horror summer”, and the new RBA Governor Michelle Bullock warns climate change poses a “particularly acute” challenge for the Australia economy, listen back to the launch of the 2023 Climate of the Nation Report at Politics in the Pub.
This was recorded on Wednesday 13th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Liz Morison, Researcher, Climate & Energy program, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Jenny Dowell OAM , former Mayor of Lismore City Council // @JennyRDowell
Dr Graeme Palmer, Lismore Small Business Owner
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Digital Content Producer, the Australia Institute
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As many Australians are facing rising cost-of-living, which is being made worse by climate change, fossil fuel companies are making record profits. So how can our Government make them pay the bill?
This was recorded on Tuesday 12th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Liz Morison, Researcher, Climate & Energy program, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Digital Content Producer, the Australia Institute
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new deal to save the Murray-Darling basin has been brokered by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, following another mass fish kill, and a survey finding not a single adult Murray Cod in the Lower Darling-Bakka.
This was recorded on Tuesday 5th September 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Kate McBride, Researcher and Parliamentary Liason Officer, the Australia Institute // @Kate_McBride_1
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Labor Government has been campaigning for Australia to host COP31, the UN climate conference, in partnership with a Pacific Island nation. But Pacific Islanders have several concerns, mainly due to Australia's track record with new fossil fuels, and lacklustre climate policy.
This was recorded on Wednesday 30th August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While you might not think native duck hunting is a big issue in Australia, it actually has extensive detrimental effects on our ecosystems. And it isn't even that popular among Australians.
This was recorded on Tuesday 6th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C
Liz Morison, Researcher, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz
Noah Schultz-Byard, Director, the Australia Institute South Australia // @noah_sbyard
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The lifecycle emissions resulting from Tamboran Resources’ proposed Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) processing and export facility in the Northern Territory would be equivalent to 12 coal-fired power stations every year when operating at full capacity. Not exactly on the transition to net-zero...
This was recorded on Wednesday 16th August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Polly Hemming, Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TheEnvironment Protection (Sea Dumping) Amendment (Using New Technologies to Fight Climate Change) Bill currently before Parliament sounds promising. But as it turns out, the name of the bill is hiding a lot of ugly truths.
This was recorded on Thursday 11th August 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Restoring trust and integrity in Australia’s democracy was a key issue in 2022 federal election. In March, independent MP Dr Sophie Scamps introduced a new bill designed to end the ‘jobs for mates’ culture in federal politics. The bill seeks to legislate a transparent and independent process for major government public appointments, setting a gold standard for appointments.
This was recorded on Wednesday 17th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Dr Sophie Scamps, Member for Mackellar // @SophieScamps
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In his new essay “The Great Stock ‘n’ Coal Swindle” for The Monthly, Nick Feik takes a deep dive into Australia’s carbon offsets industry and its links to fossil fuel expansion.
This was recorded on Wednesday 8th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Nick Feik, Writer, journalist and editor, former editor of The Monthly // @NickFeik
Polly Hemming, Director of the Climate & Energy program, The Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Maugean Skate, nicknamed the 'Tasmanian Tiger of the Sea,' is on the brink of extinction, with salmon farming in the region threatening its natural habitat. So will Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek be able to fulfill her promise of no new extinct species until 2030, or will the Skate become another relic of the past?
This was recorded on Tuesday 4th July 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Eloise Carr, Director, the Australia Institute Tasmania // @GeneveraE
Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Digital Content Producer, the Australia Institute
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Given the existential threat that rising sea levels and increasing extreme weather events pose to their communities, Pacific Island nations have been some of the most vocal advocates for climate action and, more specifically, an end to fossil fuel production.
Australia has an imperative to take action on the threat fossil fuel expansion poses and to commit adequate climate funding to address underlying vulnerabilities of Pacific Island nations and strengthen the resilience and security of the region as a whole.
This was recorded on Friday 1st June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Hon. Seve Paeniu, Tuvalu Minister of Finance and Economic Development // @SPaeniu
Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Risk-management // @RRegenvanu
Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy program Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sitting parliamentarians rarely lose elections. While incumbents have a publicly funded head-start, challengers rely on donations to fund their election campaigns, which is why political donation reform needs to ensure everyone should be able to afford a ticket to run in an election.
This was recorded on Friday 23rd June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Elizabeth Morison, Researcher, the Australia Institute // @morison_liz
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Australian Government has proposed that Australia host the 2026 UN Climate Conference, in “partnership” with Pacific nations. But can Australia be considered a credible host for a COP31 while it continues to subsidise and approve fossil fuel expansion?
This was recorded on Wednesday 14th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy program Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Norway is number one the World Press Freedom Index, while Australia dropped 14 places in 2022 due in part to its highly concentrated media landscape.
This webinar, the second of our special Nordic Talks webinar series, will explore how Norway’s targeted ‘press support’ subsidies could help Australia to achieve greater diversity in its highly concentrated media landscape and improve its protections for public interest journalism. And what can Norway learn from Australia’s world-leading News Media Bargaining Code about regulating Big Tech platforms such as Google and Facebook?
This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.
NordicTalks #auspol
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Professor Eli Skogerbø, Co-director of POLKOM – Center for the Study of Political Communication
Dr Maria Rae, Senior Lecturer in Politics and Policy, Deakin University// @MariaRae17
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Iceland’s outstanding levels of gender equality have been achieved through policies such as extensive paid parental leave, including an emphasis on fathers using paid parental leave.
This emphasis on paternity leave is one important reason that Iceland is frequently ranked as the leader among all the Nordic nations – and thus the world leader – in terms of gender equality.
Join us to explore the lessons Australia can learn from Iceland to improve gender equality.
This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.
NordicTalks #auspol
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Dr Marian Baird, Professor of Gender and Employment Relations, University of Sydney Business School
Ásdís Arnalds, Director of the Social Science Research Institute at the University of Iceland
Emeritus Professor Andrew Scott, Convenor at The Australia Institute’s Nordic Policy Centre // @ascottnlights
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
Australia has all the ingredients for a green industrial revolution; abundant rare minerals, plentiful wind and sun, manufacturing capabilities, while Sweden is a global leader in green industry practices and production.
But how can First Nations communities participate in the clean energy transition?
This talk will unpack how Sweden and Australia can better balance the competing interests between the ‘green gold rush’ and the interests of First Nations communities.
This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.
NordicTalks #auspol
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Jenny Wik Karlsson, CEO & Senior legal adviser at Sámiid Riikasearvi (National Association of Sámi in Sweden)
Chris Croker, Managing Director, Impact Investment Partners and First Nations Clean Energy Network Steering Group
Rod Campbell, research director at the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
More than a decade after the Gonski review into Australia’s school funding aimed to reduce the impact of social disadvantage on educational outcomes, educational outcomes for Australian schoolchildren are getting worse. The success of Finnish educational outcomes shows that equity drives excellence for all students.
This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.
NordicTalks #auspol
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Pasi Sahlberg, Professor of Education, Southern Cross University // @pasi_sahlberg
Correna Haythorpe, Federal President, Australian Education Union // @CHaythorpeAEU
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
In Denmark, the bicycle has been recognised as a fast, efficient, and sustainable mode of transportation for decades, and the key to more liveable cities and happy, healthy people – supported by a network of safe cycling infrastructure and a positive cycle culture as part of healthy urban design which also means fewer food deserts.
In this discussion, we will explore how Australia could move closer to Danish cycle culture and healthier design of cities, to not only improve the health of the planet, but the people on it.
This is one of a five-part special series of Follow the Money presented by the Nordic Talks series, presented by the Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute, with support from The Nordics, a project under The Nordic Council of Ministers.
NordicTalks #auspol
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Marianne Weinreich, Market Manager, Ramboll Smart Mobility; Chair, Cycling Embassy of Denmark // @mobimaw
Dr Sandro Demaio, Chief Executive Officer, VicHealth // @SandroDemaio
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.
The Voice to Parliament Handbook by Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and acclaimed journalist Kerry O’Brien is a clear, concise and simple guide for the millions of Australians who have expressed support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, but who want to better understand what a Voice to Parliament actually means.
This was recorded on Monday 5th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Thomas Mayo, Author and National Indigenous Officer of the MUA // @thomasmayo23
Kerry O'Brien, Journalist and author // @KerryOBrien
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australians have been experiencing a dramatic rise in the cost of living thanks to inflation. While the business sector was quick to blame wages for rising inflation, the Australia Institute and the Center for Future Work took a look at the data, and it told a very different story.
This was recorded on Monday 5th June 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Narendra Modi's recent visit, to the cancelled Quad summit meeting, to new developments in the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement, it's been a busy few weeks in international relations news for Australia.
This was recorded on Wednesday 25th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Allan Behm, Director, International & Security Affairs Program, the Australia Institute // @Mirandaprorsus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Australian government spends a billion dollars or more each year on consulting firms to complete necessary work, often involving confidential information. But a recent scandal at PricewaterhouseCooper has racked the consulting industry, undermining public trust in the system.
This was recorded on Tuesday 16th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Albanese Government has handed down its 2023-24 Federal Budget, and it contains positive measures like a 15% pay rise for aged care workers, the minimal increases to welfare, and deferral of any change to the Stage 3 tax cuts, confirm that change is going to be incremental and slow.
This was recorded on Wednesday 10th May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Eliza Littleton, Senior Economist, Centre for Future Work, the Australia Institute // @ElizaLittleton
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Despite fossil fuel usage contributing to the destruction of our climate, the Australian government still hands out billions every year in fossil fuel subsidies. But where is the money going, and how much is being spent exactly?
This was recorded on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Rod Campbell, Research Director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australia’s housing crisis is only getting worse, and our social housing shortfall has ballooned to 500,000 and rent is skyrocketing. So how did we get here, and what can be done?
This episode is a live recording from the Australia Institute's Politics in the Pub series.
This was recorded on Wednesday 19th April 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Greg Jericho, Policy Director, Centre for Future Work, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Maiy Azize, spokesperson for Everybody’s Home, Deputy Director of Anglicare Australia, Fellow at the Australian Basic Income Lab // @MaiyAzize
Joel Dignam, Executive Director of Better Renting // @JoelDignam
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The PRRT, or Petroleum Resource Rent Tax, is a tax on profits of petroleum products, including crude oil and petroleum gas. But through accounting tricks and loopholes, gas corporations are avoiding paying their fair share of tax.
Research mentioned: https://australiainstitute.org.au/report/reforming-the-petroleum-resource-rent-tax/
This was recorded on Monday 19th April 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
No, it's not just inflation. Since the GFC, there has been a radical reversal in who benefits from economic growth. Back in the 1950s, the bottom 90% of income earners enjoyed around 90% of the benefits of the economic growth, but not anymore. So what has happened?
This was recorded on Tuesday 11th April 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The recent by-election in Aston was historic, with Labor candidate Mary Doyle claiming victory. But what can we learn from these results? Political analyst Kos Samaras joins the podcast to explain.
This was recorded on Tuesday 4th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Kos Samaras, Political Analyst, Director at RedBridge Group Australia // @KosSamaras
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Monday, Greens leader Adam Bandt announced that a deal had been reached with the government to pass Safeguard Mechanism with some key amendments.
Richard Denniss is just back from Parliament House to help explain the deal and what it means for Australia’s emissions.
This was recorded on Monday 27th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, just released a report with a a very clear message; there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all. One of the key messages in the report is that new fossil fuel projects are incompatible with a net zero target, a message which lies in stark contrast with the Labor government’s Safeguard Mechanism bill which is currently before Parliament.
This was recorded on Tuesday 21st March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Program Director, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Federal Government's recent announcement that the AUKUS deal will cost an eye-watering $368 billion sent the media into a spin, with former PM Paul Keating calling it 'the worst deal in all history." The deal to acquire nuclear submarines from the United States has been a bumpy process, to say the least. But what will we actually get out of the deal, and will it be worth it?
This was recorded on Wednesday 15th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs Director, the Australia Institute // @Mirandaprorsus
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Superannuation is supposed to help us save for our retirement, and tax concessions on super are meant to reduce the burden on the government to fund our retirement through the age pension. But what are these concessions, and are they really working in the way they are intended to? To help explain, we're talking to the Australia Institute's Senior Economist Matt Grudnoff, and Senior Research Fellow, Dave Richardson.
This was recorded on Tuesday 7th March 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speakers:
Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Dave Richardson, Senior Research Fellow, the Australia Institute // @daverr01
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australians are doing it tough at the moment, with cost of living soaring, real wages falling at a record pace, and the RBA’s nine back-to-back interest rate rises only making things harder, all in the name of reducing inflation. Some commentators are warning of a ‘wage price spiral’. But what is really driving inflation?
This week we're speaking to Policy Director at the Centre for Future Work and economist Greg Jericho, to learn what exactly is to blame.
This was recorded on Tuesday 28th February 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speaker:
Greg Jericho, Policy Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Climate Integrity Summit 2023 brought together leading experts to discuss and address integrity risks that could jeopardise Australia's emissions reduction policies.
The Australia Institute's Polly Hemming unpacked what climate integrity really is, and why it is the antidote to the Australian government's state-sponsored greenwash.
This was recorded on Wednesday 15th February 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speaker:
Polly Hemming, Acting Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The RBA recently raised interest rates again for the ninth time in a row, in an effort to reduce inflation. But is the pain the interest rate rises causing worth it? And could they do anything else instead?
This was recorded on Wednesday 8th February 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new 'Build Your Own Budget' tool released by the Parliamentary Budget Office reveals that despite how all-or-nothing the debate about the Stage 3 tax cuts has become, the $300bn cost of the tax cuts over 9 years provides an opportunity for the Albanese government to amend the tax cuts and also increase support for benefits and government services.
This was recorded on Wednesday 25th January 2023 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Greg Jericho, Policy Director, Labour Market and Fiscal, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2022.
Australian governments have committed to tackling the twin climate and biodiversity crises but continue to subsidise and approve fossil fuels and habitat destruction. While simple policy solutions exist, governments are instead relying on over-complicated market-based solutions to conceal the fundamental contradiction between support for fossil fuel production and promises to save the environment.
This was recorded on Wednesday 23rd November 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Polly Hemming, Senior Researcher, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2022.
Last year, the Greens introduced a bill to establish a ‘climate trigger’ in Australia’s environment laws which would force the government to take into account the climate impacts of fossil fuel projects.
This was recorded on Wednesday 21st September 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guests:
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Environment spokesperson // @sarahinthesen8
Richie Merzian, former Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @RichieMerzian
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2022.
Andrew Quilty was one of a handful of Western journalists who stayed in Kabul as the city fell. His new book August in Kabul his first-hand account of those dramatic final days.
This was recorded on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest:
Andrew Quilty, journalist and author // @andrewquilty
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2022.
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people to walk with First Nations people to create a better future. It is a gift: a strategic roadmap to peace, where all Australians can come together to realise our nation’s true potential.
This was recorded on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speakers:
Pat Anderson AO, Alyawarre woman and Chairperson of the Lowitja Institute
Professor Megan Davis, Cobble Cobble woman and Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous and Professor of Law at UNSW.
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2022.
The Federal Election earlier this year was considered by many to be the Integrity Election, with many including the Teal independents campaigning on integrity issues, including a federal anti-corruption commission. In retrospect, these issues won many new seats, and turned the tide on integrity in Australia.
This was recorded on Wednesday 11th May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speakers:
Helen Haines MP, Member for Indi // @helenhainesindi
Zali Steggall MP, Member for Warringah // @zalisteggall
Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program at the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Ben Oquist, former Executive Director of the Australia Institute // @BenOquist
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2022.
Earlier in the year the Australia Institute hosted Nobel Laureate Professor Joseph Stiglitz for a speaking tour of Australia. In this episode he, Richard, and Ebony discussed the need to expand the role of governments, unions, and civil society.
This was recorded on Monday 11th July 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speakers:
Joseph Stiglitz, Former Chief Economist at the World Bank, Chief Economist at the Roosevelt Institute // @JosephEStiglitz
Richard Denniss, Executive Director at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2022.
A prime minister in the making, and a nation on the move. In Lone Wolf, Katharine Murphy offers a new portrait of Anthony Albanese. She reveals a leaderwho has always had to think three steps ahead, who was an insurgent for much of his professional life, but had to learn to listen and devise “strategies of inclusivity” to win the 2022 election.
This was recorded on Tuesday 6th December 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speaker:
Katharine Murphy, Political Editor at the Guardian Australia // @murpharoo
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It goes without saying, but 2022 was a hell of a year, from war in Europe, to a federal election, two state elections, two budgets, and the death of Queen Elizbeth. To refresh your memories, Ebony is taking a look back at the year.
This was recorded on Thursday 15th December 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A report from the Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Program represents the largest and most comprehensive domestic study of the practice of cronyism in relation to appointments to a government agency ever conducted in Australia.
This was recorded on Wednesday 12th October 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speakers:
Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program at the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Deb Wilkinson, Lead Author of 'Cronyism in appointments to the AAT'
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research shows Australian workers are on average working 6 weeks unpaid overtime per year, costing over $92 billion dollars in unpaid wages across the economy.
2022 marks the fourteenth annual Go Home on Time Day (GHOTD), an initiative of the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute that shines a spotlight on overwork among Australians, including excessive overtime that is often unpaid.
This was recorded on Tuesday 22nd November 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speakers:
Eliza Littleton, Research Economist at the Australia Institute // @ElizaLittleton
Lily Raynes, Anne Kantor Fellow with the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute. // @lil_raynex
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To combat persistently low wages growth, the Government has put forward its Secure Jobs Better Pay Bill, currently before the Senate. The most contentious reform within the Bill is ‘multi-employer bargaining'.
We’ve heard employer groups call it a ‘seismic shift that will increase strikes’. On the other hand, unions are calling the reforms moderate. What is certain is that the current system is not working for workers.
This was recorded on Tuesday 15th November 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Speakers:
Fiona Macdonald, Policy Director Industrial and Social with the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute // @DrFionaMac
Lily Raynes, Anne Kantor Fellow with the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute. // @lil_raynex
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Climate is dominating headlines worldwide as COP27 – the United Nations annual climate conference — begins in Egypt.
We've just released our benchmark Climate of the Nation report, giving an insight into what Australians are thinking and feeling about climate change, and the climate policies they support.
This was recorded on Tuesday 8th November 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Guest: Audrey Quicke, Transport Lead and Researcher, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @AudreyQuicke
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The October Budget delivers on a range of welcome bread & butter commitments, but has deferred solving Australia’s meat and potatoes revenue problems. So who are the winners and losers, and what are the missed opportunities?
This was recorded on Thursday 27th October 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guests:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Eliza Littleton, Research Economist, the Australia Institute // @ElizaLittleton
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gas companies in Australia made up to $40 billion in windfall profits in the last year due to the war in Ukraine, and global price spikes. There are growing calls for a windfall profits tax to claw back some of these war profits, to fund essential services in Australia.
This was recorded on Tuesday 18th October 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guest:
Richard Denniss, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As pressure builds for the Albanese government to scrap the promised Stage Three tax cuts, discussion has shifted around who would lose out. The Australian said it would mean “2.5 million middle income Australians will pay thousands of dollars in additional tax,” but describes middle income Australians as individuals earning between $120,000 and $160,000 a year. If that sounds wrong, it's because it is.
This was recorded on Tuesday 11th October 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guests:
Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Eliza Littleton, Research Economist, the Australia Institute // @ElizaLittleton
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pacific Island nations are on the front line of climate change, and as Australia celebrates the passage of the 43% climate bill, Pacific leaders want to know that the new Australian Government’s improved rhetoric on climate is matched by policy integrity when it comes to new gas and coal projects and exports.
Join Their Excellencies Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati and Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., former President of Palau for the Regional Climate Diplomacy Forum. Hosted in partnership with the Pacific Elders Voice and the Edmund Rice Centre.
This was recorded on Tuesday 13th September 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guests:
His Excellency Anote Tong, Former President of Kiribati (2003-2016)
His Excellency Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., Former President of Palau (2001–2009; 2013–2021)
Richie Merzian, Director, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @RichieMerzian
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Federal Government recently tabled legislation to establish a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), a long overdue measure to help restore trust in politics and democracy. The bill is not without criticism however, there are concerns that the threshold for holding public hearings is unreasonably high.
This was recorded on Thursday 29th September 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The $240 billion Stage 3 Tax Cuts, originally legislated by the Coalition government, have been described by the Labor government as an election promise they won't break. But calls are growing for the cuts to be scrapped, having been labelled tax cuts for the wealthy amid a cost of living crisis.
This was recorded on Tuesday 27th September 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guest: Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist, the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoff
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labor’s climate bill cleared the Senate last week. It’s a pretty modest bill, and doesn’t include any measures to actually reduce emissions in the private sector. That’s where the safeguard mechanism comes in – which is a voluntary scheme that affects the nation’s biggest industrial emitters, and is the Government’s main policy it will use to get to those emission reduction goals.
This was recorded on Tuesday 13th September 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guest: Polly Hemming, Senior Researcher, Climate & Energy Program, the Australia Institute // @pollyjhemming
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Follow the Money Ebony is sitting down with Greg Jericho to discuss the Jobs Summit: what happened, why was it needed, and are we going to get any jobs out of it?
This was recorded on Tuesday 6th September 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guest: Greg Jericho, Policy Director, Labour Market and Fiscal, Centre for Future Work, the Australia Institute // @GrogsGamut
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode we're unpacking something a little different, something a bit outside our usual discussion about the economy. As Defence Minister Richard Marles lifts Peter Dutton’s ban on some charity and diversity events in Defence, we dive into the term ‘woke’. What does it mean? Why is it dominating the culture wars? Dive in to the woke debate with Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program at the Australia Institute
This was recorded on Tuesday 30th August 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guest: Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Emily Perkins
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When you think about Australia's entire economy, what share of that pie do you think goes to workers (via wages) compared to business (via profits)?
The Business Council of Australia is making some bold claims that the profit share of income has fallen, but does the data back that up? In this episode we unpack who is really winning and who is getting left behind in Australia's economy with Richard Denniss, economist and Executive Director of the Australia Institute
This was recorded on Wednesday 24 August 2022 and things may have changed since recording.
The Australia Institute // @theausinstitute
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Guest: Richard Denniss, economist and Executive Director, Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Edited by: Lizzie Jack
Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Session
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New research by the Australia Institute shows that $5.9 billion in fuel costs would have been saved and emissions equivalent to a year’s worth of domestic flights would have been avoided, if robust fuel efficiency standards were adopted in 2015.This was recorded on Wednesday 17th August 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Audrey Quicke, Climate & Energy Program Researcher and Transport Lead, the Australia Institute // @audreyquickeProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Lizzie JackTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Join First Nations leaders Pat Anderson AO and Professor Megan Davis for a conversation about the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its three objectives: a Voice to Parliament, Treaty, and Truth. A webinar in partnership with the Sydney Peace Foundation.This was recorded on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Pat Anderson AO, Alyawarre woman, Chairperson of the Remote Area Health Corporation, Chairperson of the Lowitja Institute Professor Megan Davis, Cobble Cobble woman, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous and Professor of Law at UNSWProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Lizzie JackTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We are nearly at the end of the first sitting fortnight of the 47th Parliament, and it has been a packed agenda. This week we're unpacking quick recap of how much things have changed in this new Parliament, and what changes are likely on the horizon.This was recorded live on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Bill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability program // @Browne90Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Lizzie JackTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Why is everything so expensive? And will a wage increase just make it worse? New research shows that only a trivial portion of Australia’s inflation has come from wages this year, while rising prices continue to drive not just inflation, but profits to record highs.This was recorded on Tuesday 26th July 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Mikayla McGuirck-ScolaroTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
For this special live episode of Follow the Money, the panel will be discussing: A New Agenda for a New Parliament: Climate Action, International Affairs & Integrity - Yes Please! bringing together diverse knowledge on all fronts of climate & energy, international & security affairs, and integrity issues.This was recorded on Wednesday 13th July 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Allan Behm, Director, International & Security Affairs program at the Australia Institute // @MirandaprorsusSumithri Venketasubramanian, Anne Kantor Fellow, Climate & Energy program at the Australia Institute // @sumithri_rvBill Browne, Director, Democracy & Accountability Program at the Australia Institute // @Browne90Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Mikayla McGuirck-ScolaroTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Join Nobel Laureate, former World Bank Chief Economist, and best-selling author Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz, in conversation with Australia Institute chief economist Dr Richard Denniss, about the need to expand the role of governments, unions, and civil society.Professor Stiglitz is visiting Australia as a guest of the Australia Institute.This was recorded on 11th July 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Joseph E. Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate, Chief Economist of the Roosevelt Institute, professor and President of The Initiative for Policy Dialogue at Columbia // @JosephEStiglitzRichard Denniss, Chief Economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The Parliaments of the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory have been banned from legislating voluntary assisted dying laws, but the new government and members of the new Parliament are seeking to restore Territory Rights as a matter of priority.This was recorded on Tuesday 5th July 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Bill Browne, Senior Researcher, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The Tasmanian Government’s proposed law for a police crackdown on peaceful protest has been criticised as anti-democratic and a threat to civil society. The Bill creates disproportionate penalties for people who peacefully protest against business activities, equivalent to aggravated assault, possessing an implement with intent to commit a crime, or loitering near children.This was recorded on 28th June 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Rachel Hay, Anne Kantor Fellow, Australia Institute TasmaniaProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Last week, the Australian Energy Market Operator (or AEMO) suspended the National electricity spot market after it became ‘impossible to operate’ amid projected energy shortfalls. On today's episode, we're unpacking how we got here, and how to fix it.This was recorded on 21st June 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, Climate & Energy program at the Australia Institute // @MarkOggeProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
This year was the Integrity Election. Prior to the election, we were joined by Independent MPs Helen Haines and Zali Steggall for a discussion about the potential for the 2022 federal election to grow the crossbench or result in another minority parliament, and what further reforms could be on the horizon.This was recorded on 11th May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Helen Haines MP, Member for Indi // @helenhainesindiZali Steggall MP, Member for Warringah // @zalisteggallBill Browne, Head of the Democracy & Accountability Program at the Australia Institute // @Browne90Ben Oquist, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @BenOquistProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The big story of this election is the collapse of the Coalition vote, as voters around the country backed parties and candidates with strong climate and integrity policies. What happened at the election and what comes next in the Senate? Join the ACT Independent Senate candidate David Pocock, who looks set to secure the second Senate seat in the ACT. If he is successful, it would be the first time since the introduction of proportional representation in 1949 that one of the major parties is entirely locked out of a jurisdiction.This was recorded on 25th May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:David Pocock, ACT Independent Senate candidate // @PocockDavidBen Oquist, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @BenOquistProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia cannot solve the climate crisis while we keep opening new gas fields and coal mines. In this episode we're listening back to our webinar with Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP for a discussion about how Australia can rapidly transition to a clean energy economy and move beyond fossil fuels.This was recorded on Thursday 19th May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Adam Bandt MP, Australian Greens leader and Member for Melbourne // @AdamBandtRichie Merzian, Climate & Energy Program Director, Australia Institute // @RichieMerzianProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Louise OsbourneTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The 2022 federal election was transformative. The Coalition’s vote collapsed across the country. There is a new Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, that will likely gain a majority in its own right, but that will govern with a hugely expanded crossbench. One of the biggest stories of the night was the shift away from the major parties and the huge shift towards the Greens and community Independents running on platforms of climate action, restoring integrity to Parliament and gender equality. Lastly, there will be a climate majority in the Senate, with Labor, 12 Greens Senators and Independent ACT Senate candidate David Pocock. To unpack those results, we spoke to Ben Oquist, Executive Director of the Australia Institute. This was recorded on Tuesday 24th May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Ben Oquist, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @BenOquistProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Louise OsbourneTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
New research from the Australia Institute shows that the number of political appointments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has skyrocketed. In this episode Ebony unpacks the largest and most comprehensive domestic study of the practice of cronyism in relation to appointments to a government agency ever conducted, with Ben Oquist and Bill Browne.This was recorded on Tuesday 17th May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Ben Oquist, Executive Director, the Australia Institute // @BenOquistBill Browne, Senior Researcher, Democracy & Accountability Program, the Australia Institute // @Browne90Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia has never hosted a United Nations climate conference (COP) and the recent proposal from the Labor Party to bid for the 2024 COP in partnership with the Pacific could shift Australia’s reputation from climate laggard to regional leader. Hosting a COP would also have a number of economic, diplomatic and security co-benefits.This was recorded on 10th May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Richie Merzian, Director, Climate & Energy program at the Australia Institute // @RichieMerzianAllan Behm, Director, International & Security Affairs program at the Australia Institute // @MirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia’s housing affordability crisis results from over- reliance on just two options – private home ownership and private renting. To tackle it, a wider repertoire of policies is required. Nordic nations’ widespread provision of public housing and housing co-operatives, priority for homes to live in rather than invest in, and effective reduction of homelessness, show how this can happen.This was recorded on 3rd May 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Andrew Scott, Convenor, Nordic Policy Centre at the Australia Institute // @ascottnlightsProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
It’s not that long since the Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety handed down its findings Describing Australia's aged care system as a shocking tale of neglect that needs a complete overhaul and not mere patching up. This is the third episode of a special series we are doing with our chief economist Richard Denniss and special guests, based on Richard’s new book BIG: The Role of the State in the Modern Economy.This was recorded live on 12 April 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Richard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIIrene McInerney, registered nurse from Tasmania who works in residential aged care // @irenemciAnnie Butler, Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation // @AbutlerAnnieProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
With trust in politics falling to crisis levels and a declining faith in democracy itself, there is an urgent need for reforms. The Australia Institute has prepared an agenda for the next parliament, whoever wins the election, with over 40 proposals for reform.This was recorded live on 12 April 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Bill Browne, senior researcher, Democracy & Accountablity program // @Browne90Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEdited by: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
This week on Follow the Money we're unpacking the 2022 Federal Budget. Who are the winners and losers, and what does it all mean with an election looming?Recorded live on 31st March 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIEliza Littleton, research economist, the Australia Institute // @ElizaLittletonMatt Grudnoff, senior economist, The Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEditor: Louise OsbourneTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The United Nations Secretary General has said that it’s time to end fossil fuel subsidies, so are fossil fuel subsidies in Australia ending or accelerating? The Australia Institute has crunched the numbers.This episode was recorded on Tuesday 29 March 2022, prior to the federal budget, and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Alia Armistead, Researcher, Climate & Energy program, Australia Institute // @AliaArmisteadRod Campbell, Research Director, Australia Institute // @R_o_d_CEliza Littleton, Research Economist, Australia Institute // @ElizaLittletonProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey Editing by Louise OsbourneTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Today we bring you another conversation from the Australia Institute's webinar series. We spoke to retired Admiral Chris Barrie AC (Ret), former Chief of the Australian Defence Force and honorary Professor at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre ANUabout the need for real leadership to tackle the profound security implications of global warming. He was in conversation with Richie Merzian, director of the Australia Institute’s climate & energy program. This was recorded live on 23 March 2022 and things may have changed since recording. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Admiral Chris Barrie AC (Ret)Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy program director, Australia Institute // @richiemerzianThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyEditor: Holly ForrestTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Instead of rushing to end fossil fuels, there is going to be a gold rush for carbon offsets, dirty hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS), all designed—not to stop climate change, but—to actually drive up the consumption of coal, oil and gas.This episode was recorded on Tuesday 22 March 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richie Merzian, Director, Climate & Energy program at The Australia Institute // @RichiemerzianPolly Hemming, Advisor, Climate & Energy program at The Australia Institute // @PollyJHemmingProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey with additional editing by Louise Osbourne.Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Today we bring you another conversation from the Australia Institute's webinar series. The Coalition Government’s ninth Federal Budget on 29 March will be an election Budget. Against the backdrop of a cost of living crisis, ACTU President Michele O’Neil looks beneath the likely hype to talk about what will really matter for workers.This was recorded live on 15 March 2022 and things may have changed since recording. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Michele O'Neil, ACTU President // @MicheleONeilAUGreg Jericho, Centre for Future Work // @grogsgamutThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Climate change is making natural disasters like fires, floods, heatwaves and drought more frequent and more extreme. In today's episode we discuss a levy on fossil fuels to help pay for the damage.This episode was recorded on Tuesday 15 March 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor, Climate & Energy program at The Australia Institute // @markoggeProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey with additional editing by Louise Osbourne.Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Today we’re bringing you the second episode of a special series with our chief economist Richard Denniss and special guests, based on Richard’s new book BIG: The Role of the State in the Modern Economy. Where we talk about the shape of the economy, not just the size of it. In this episode we ask what would Australia look like if we reformed our mental health care system and funded it properly? Our special guest is Professor Ian Hickie, Co-Director of the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney. Professor Hickie was an inaugural Commissioner on Australia’s National Mental Health Commission and is a well-known mental health advocate. He was in conversation with Chief Economist at the Australia Institute, Richard Denniss.Special 20% off discount offer for Follow the Money listeners, get your copy of BIG here and use discount code: AUSINSTITUTE20 at checkout. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 8 March 2022 and things may have changed since recording.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProfessor Ian Hickie, Co-Director of the Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney // @ian_hickieProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermacey with additional editing by Louise OsbourneTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Today we're bringing you a conversation from our popular webinar series. This week we bring you a conversation with Allan Behm, head of the International & Security Program at the Australia Institute and author of the new book 'No Enemies, No Friends: Restoring Australia's Global Relevance (Upswell). Allan was in conversation with Melissa Conley Tyler, program lead at the Asia Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue (AP4D).This was recorded live on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 and things may have changed since recording. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Allan Behm, head of the International & Security Program at the Australia Institute, author of the new book 'No Enemies, No Friends' // @mirandaprorsusMelissa Conley Tyler, program lead, AP4D // @mconleytylerThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
As residents of Lismore tried to escape massive floods on their roofs, the IPCC delivered its latest report on climate impacts as well as adaptation and the news is not good. It warns that Australia faces significant “cascading and compounding” risks due to climate change, including damage from bushfires, floods, drought and sea-level rise. But we can avoid the worst impacts and save lives if we act now. To discuss the latest findings, as well how far Australia's policies are lagging behind, we spoke to one of the authors of the IPCC report, Dr Johanna Nalau, as well as Alia Armistead from the Australia Institute's climate & energy team.This was recorded live on Tuesday 1 March 2022 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Dr Johanna Nalau, Griffith University, IPCC Lead Author Chapter 15 Small Islands // @DrJNalauAlia Armistead, Climate & Energy researcher, the Australia Institute // @aliaarmisteadThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
This episode we bring you a conversation with energy expert Saul Griffith about his new book “The Big Switch” which looks at energy flows across the Australian economy and provides a blueprint for how Australia can decarbonize our society, improve our health AND save households thousands of dollars each year,LANGUAGE WARNING: a guest drops the F-bomb once in this recordingThis was recorded live as part of the Australia Institute's webinar series, on Thursday the 24th of February 2022 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Saul Griffith, founder Rewiring Australia, author of The Big Switch // @GriffithSaulDan Cass, energy policy and regulatory lead, The Australia Institute // @danjcassThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The budget is come soon and, because it's an election year, income tax cuts are squarely on the agenda. In today's episode we ask, who really benefits from the government's legislated tax cuts? New research from the Australia Institute suggests anyone earning under $90k could be worse off.Recorded live on 22 February 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Matt Grudnoff, senior economist, The Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Imagine if every time the economy turned bad we invested in things that made people’s lives good? In his new book 'BIG: The Role of the State in the Modern Economy', Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia writes that taxes and government spending don’t ruin the economy, they reshape it. Government debt and spending are at record highs and, despite decades of warnings about its dangers, Australia's economy is still growing strongly -- not because of the private sector, but because the state intervened with massive public spending -- and that's a good tthing.Special 20% off discount offer for Follow the Money listeners, get your copy of BIG here and use discount code: AUSINSTITUTE20 at checkout. australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The transition to electric vehicles is gaining pace. It's a huge new industry and Australia has everything it needs to become and electric vehicle manufacturing powerhouse: rich reserves of lithium and rare earths, strong industrial infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, powerful training capacity, abundant renewable energy options, and untapped consumer potential. We have everything we need to rebuild the nation’s car-making capacity, we just need a government willing to back it.Recorded live on 8 February 2022 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteCarmichael Centre // @CarmichaelCntrHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Dr Mark Dean, Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow at the Carmichael Centre // @markbdean84Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. Everyone knows that children do best when they are supported, nurtured and loved. But across Australia, children as young as 10 can be arrested by police, charged with an offence, hauled before a court and locked away in a prison. This primarily affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Raise the Age is a campaign for the federal, state and territory governments to do what’s right and change the laws to raise the age, so children aged 10 to 13 years are not sent to prison. Part of Australia Institute TV.This episode was recorded live on 8 September 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Julie Williams, Gamilaroi woman and Mt Druitt Community Engagement Officer, Just Reinvest NSWMeena Singh,Yorta Yorta woman and PhD candidate, University of MelbourneSophie Trevitt, Executive Officer, Change the RecordDr Nick Fancourt, Paediatrician, Menzies School of Health ResearchThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode you’ll hear from Independent Senator Rex Patrick Rex about the huge gaps in Australia’s system of integrity and accountability mechanisms at the federal level.This in-depth discussion covers everything from unnecessary government secrecy, Freedom of Information laws to the powers of the Senate to expose dodgy decisions and poor administration that the Government battles to keep hidden from the public.This episode was recorded live on 21 July 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Senator Rex Patrick // @Senator_PatrickBill Browne, Democracy & Accountability program lead // @Browne90The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. Accountability is fundamental to restoring integrity in politics. Join Shadow Minister for Government Accountability, Senator Kristina Keneally, for a discussion about scrutiny, transparency, and why integrity in politics matters.This episode was recorded live on 5 May 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Senator Kristina Keneally // @kkeneallyBill Browne, Democracy & Accountability program lead, The Australia Institute // @Browne90The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work was an essential element of the promise of Australia. The last 30 years have seen a dramatic shift of the share of Australia’s prosperity going to profit and away from working people. Australians are facing a wages crisis, and Government actions and inactions are making this problem worse. Join ACTU Secretary Sally McManus as she outlines the reasons why, and the way back for working people to once again be at the heart of a strong economy.This episode was recorded live on 14 July 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Sally McManus, ACTU Secretary // @sallymcmanusJim Stanford, economist and director, Centre for Future Work // @JimboStanfordThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode we're bringing you a conversation with our chief economist Richard Denniss about the merits and flaws in the government's fiscal response to the pandemic and the long terms effects on the Australian economy. This was recorded live on 31 March 2021 and things may have changed since recording. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Dr Richard Denniss, chief economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode you’ll hear from the Prime Minister of Samoa, the Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa on climate change and the Pacific, as part of the Australia Institute's Regional Climate Diplomacy Forum, with youth climate activist and UNICEF Pacific Ambassador from the Solomon Islands, Gladys Habu. They were in conversation with Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy program director at the Australia Institute.This episode was recorded live on 6 October 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:The Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, Prime Minister of the Independent State of SamoaGladys Habu, Youth climate activist & UNICEF Pacific Ambassador from the Solomon Islands // @Gladys_H_Ben Oquist, Executive Director of the Australia Institute // @BenOquistRichie Merzian, Climate & Energy program director, the Australia InstituteThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode we're bringing you a conversation with award-winning journalist Marian Wilkinson and the Australia Institute's chief economist Richard Denniss and Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs program director, about the growing pressure on Australia, as global and regional powers adopt tough measures to combat climate change. In partnership with Australian Foreign Affairs journal. This was recorded live on 28 July 2021 and things may have changed since recording. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Marian Wilkinson, journalist and author // @mwilkinson54Dr Richard Denniss, chief economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIAllan Behm, International & Security Affairs program director, The Australia Institute // @mirandaprorsusThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode we bring a discussion with Shadow Minister for Climate and Energy Chris Bowen MP about how the globe’s climate emergency is Australia’s jobs opportunity. He was in conversaton with Richie Merzian, climate & energy program director at the Australia Institute.This episode was recorded live on 14 April 2021 and things may have changed since recording. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Chris Bowen MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy // @BowenchrisRichie Merzian, Climate & Energy program director // @RichieMerzianThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode you’ll hear from Saul Griffith, clean tech entrepreneur and founder and Chief Scientist of Otherlab, in conversation with VIC Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio about how Australians can save thousands of dollars and help reduce emissions by Rewiring Australia - a blueprint for entire clean energy economy in Australia. This episode was recorded live on 6 October 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Saul Griffith, founder Rewiring Australia // @GriffithSaulHon Lily D'Ambrosio, VIC Minister for Environment and Climate Change // @LilyDAmbrosioMP Ben Oquist, Executive Director, The Australia Institute // @BenOquistRichie Merzian, Climate & Energy program director // @RichieMerzianThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode we're bringing you a conversation about coal, climate change and conservatives and why NSW needs a moratorium on new coal mines with former Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, in conversation with the Australia Institute's chief economist Dr Richard Denniss.This was recorded live on 27 April 2021 and things may have changed since recording. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Hon. Malcolm Turnbull AO, former Prime Minister of Australia // @TurnbullMalcolmDr Richard Denniss, chief economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinar series. This episode we bring you a conversation on pandemic leadership with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who has not only overseen Canberra becoming the first 100% renewably powered jurisdiction in Australia, but also the most Covid-vaccinated city in the world.This episode was recorded live on 17th November 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr // @ABarrMLAThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode we talk to sexual assault activist Chanel Contos, whose petition calling for earlier sex education in schools prompted hundreds of testimonies from former Sydney schoolgirls about sexual assault.This episode was recorded live on 11 August 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Chanel Contos The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our summer podcast series brings you some of the best conversations from our webinars in 2021. This episode we’ll be talking about how to protect Australian content in the age of Netflix and other streaming services, with actor and producer Erik Thomson and CEO of Screen Producers Australia Matthew Deaner.This episode was recorded live on 29 September 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Erik Thomson, actor and producer Matthew Deaner, CEO Screen Producers Australia // @screen_producerThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
On the eve of an election, without consultation and without scrutiny, the Morrison government, with the support of the Opposition, rushed retrospective amendments into the Parliament that will squash charities' right to advocate, effectively stomping on our democracy. The Australia Institute's Ben Oquist unpacks what happened and what the impacts will be for the Australian charity sector and for Australian democracy.This was recorded on 14 December 2021 and things may have changed since recording.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Ben Oquist, Executive Director, The Australia Institute // @benoquistProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey with additional editing by Eliza KloserTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Many superannuation funds exclude so-called ‘controversial weapons’ from their investments, but consumers don't know that nuclear weapons are not defined as controversial.New research from the Australia Institute and Quit Nukes reveals most major Australian superannuation funds have holdings in nuclear weapons companies, such as Airbus, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.Recorded live on 7 December 2021 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Bill Browne, senior researcher, Democracy & Accountablity program // @Browne90Liam Carter, Anne Kantor Fellow // @liamcarter_auMargaret Beavis, co-chair ICAN Australia, Quit Nukes VP // @margaretbeavisProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyAdditional editing Elisa KloserTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
This episode we bring you a conversation with journalist and author Rick Morton about his wonderful book ‘My year of Living Vulnerably’, recorded as part of our webinar series. Rick’s book is also on the Australia Institute’s 2021 Essential reading list, which you can find on our website.This was recorded live on Friday 19th March and things may have changed since recording. The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Rick Morton, author and journalist // @SquigglyRickProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
This week the Australia Institute released the biggest most comprehensive analysis of federal government grants programs ever undertaken, which revealed that $3.9 billion spent by federal grants programs with ministerial discretion has clearly skewed towards marginal Coalition seats in particular, at the expense of safe Labor seats and, to a lesser extent, safe Coalition seats. It's public money, but there is little transparency about how it is spent or who gets the money.Recorded live on 30 November 2021, things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Bill Browne, senior researcher, Democracy & Accountablity program // @Browne90Hannah Melville-Rea, Anne Kantor Fellow // @HannahMelReaProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The Australian Senate is a unique and powerful legislative body that provides accountability, representation and diversity to a greater extent than the House of Representatives. To discuss the role of the Senate in our democracy, we spoke with Senate President Scott Ryan, who was in conversation with Ben Oquist, our Executive Director.This was recorded live on Tuesday 9 March 2021 and things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Ben Oquist, Executive Director, The Australia Institute // @BenOquistSenator Scott Ryan, President of the Senate // @SenatorRyanProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Glasgow was the first UN Climate Summit where fossil fuels were specifically targeted as the major cause of climate change - join our Climate & Energy director Richie Merzian -- just off the plane from Glasgow -- for a wrap up of the big outcomes from COP26, what the pact means for Australia and what we can expect for next year's COP27 in Egypt.This was recorded on 23 November 2021 and things may have changed since recording.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richie Merzian, director Climate & Energy program // @richiemerzianProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermacey with additional editing by Eliza KloserTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The Morrison government finally released its long-awaited climate modelling for its net zero by 2050 plan and our experts agree it's the stuff of science fiction. A number of big flaws in the model have already been identified, the biggest of which is that it doesn't actually reach net zero - there's a 15% gap. But it also includes imaginary emissions reduction technologies being invented ‘very soon’, no detail about cost of living impacts and it ignores the economic benefits of avoiding dangerous climate change. But the biggest reveal? At the heart of the modelling is a phantom carbon tax.This was recorded on 16 November 2021 and things may have changed since recording.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Richard Denniss, chief economist, the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIRod Campbell, research director, the Australia Institute // @R_o_d_CProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In this episode we'll update you on the latest news from Glasgow COP26, as well as the latest research on Australia's plan to massively increase gas and coal projects, using carbon capture and storage - which has a long track record of failure. Join Polly Hemming and Mark Ogge from the Australia Institute's Climate & Energy team for a deep dive on climate.This was recorded on 9 November 2021 and things may have changed since recording.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Polly Hemming, Advisor, Climate & Energy program // @pollyjhemmingMark Ogge, Principal Advisor, Climate & Energy program // @markoggeProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Scott Morrison is having perhaps the most disastrous international trip for a Prime Minister in recent history as diplomatic relations with France sour even further. But there is high expectations for the Glasgow summit to deliver high ambitions for high emissions reduction over the next decade and for the first time there is a focus on phasing out gas and coal globally. But Australia didn't come with an ambitious mid-term target, and it has plans to massively expand its gas and coal projects and exports - completely counter to the goals of Glasgow. Language warning: Greta Thunberg drops an (appropriate) F-bomb at one point This was recorded on 2 November 2021 and things may have changed since recording.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Ben Oquist, Executive Director, The Australia Institute // @benoquistProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Each year the federal government spends upwards of a billion dollars of public money on external consultancies, but most of the work is kept secret from the public. It's a big issue for government transparency as huge questions remain over the Morrison government on questions of accountability and integrity.Recorded live on 26 October 2021, things may have changed since recording.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Bill Browne, senior researcher, Democracy & Accountablity program // @Browne90Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Climate of the Nation is Australia's longest running tracking poll of community attitudes towards climate change. This year Climate of the Nation explored attitudes towards fossil fuel subsidies, the appetite for electrifying everything in our homes as well as support for a net zero emissions target and bigger 2030 target as we’re just weeks out from the Glasgow COP26 Summit.Recorded live on 19 October 2021, things may have changed since recording.Thank you to Katharine Murphy and Guardian Australia's Podcast team for the clip from their "Australian Politics" podcast.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Richie Merzian, climate and energy director, Australia Institute // @richiemerzianAudrey Quicke, climate and energy researcher, Australia Institute // @audreyquickeProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The announcement of the AUKUS security pact between Australia, the UK and the USA is now a few weeks old and it represents an enormous departure in the direction of Australia's foreign and defence policy. Will AUKUS ensure Australia's long term security, or is it little more than a stunt?In this episode, former Ambassador to China, Dr Geoff Raby, and International & Security Affairs program director at the Australia Institute, Allan Behm, discuss some of the fallout and implications of AUKUS and it's implications for Australia's poor relationship with China.Recorded live on 12 October 2021 The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Dr Geoff Raby,former Australian Ambassaor to China (2007 to 2011)Allan Behm, director International & Security Affairs program, Australia Institute // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Today's episode examines carbon offsets, in other words, the credits companies can buy to offset their emissions. The Australia Institute, together with the Australian Conservation Foundation did a bit of digging into Australia's offsets system and found some alarming things.Recorded live on 5 October 2021The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Richie Merzian, climate & energy program director, the Australia Institute // @richiemerzianPolly Hemming, advisor, climate & energy program // @pollyjhemmingProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The number of independent Members and Senators elected to Parliament has been steadily increasing and the crossbench plays an important role in shaping the future of Australia. Independent Senator for Tasmania Jacqui Lambie gave an inside look at how it all works.Recorded live on 3 March 2021 as part of the Australia Institute webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Senator Jacqui LambieProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia blind-sided France and the Australian public by dumping a $90 billion French submarine deal in favour of a new trilateral security partnership with the UK and USA, including a deal to secure Australia nuclear-powered submarines. In this episode we explore the ramifications of this historic policy shift, made with zero democratic debate in Australia. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Ben Oquist, Executive Director, The Australia Institute // @benoquistAllan Behm, International & Security Affairs program director // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia's higher education sector has been amongst those hit hardest by the pandemic. Just how bad is the damage? In a new report, the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work takes a closer look at the harm caused to the sector and its workers and its long term consequences.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstitute // @CntrFutureWorkHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Jim Stanford, economist and director, Centre for Future Work // @JimboStanfordEliza Littleton, research economist, The Australia Institute // @elizalittletonProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Extracting gas from the Northern Territory through hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) is one of the largest potential sources of carbon pollution in the world. In this episode we explore the climate cost of a potential policy backflip on opening up the NT to fracking, as well as the community opposition and the economics of it all.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Rod Cambell, Research Director, The Australia Institute // @R_o_d_CMark Ogge, Principal Advisor, The Australia Institute // @markoggeProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Our ability to ‘Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine’ people who have been exposed to Covid19 has been the front line of Australia’s defence against Covid. But while Australia’s TTIQ is world class, it can and will be overrun if case numbers are allowed to keep rising. The Doherty Modelling makes clear that without a highly functioning TTIQ system we have no chance of stopping our country’s ICUs from being overwhelmed. Join Richard Denniss as he unpacks some of the assumptions underpinning the Doherty modelling and why they are cause for concern.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The wealth of Australians (or at least some of them) has grown by an extraordinary $9.5 trillion or 302% in the past 33 years according to a new report released by the Australia Institute. But because Australia currently has no taxes on wealth and collects very little income from capital gains, government revenues have not grown nearly as rapidly as the wealth of Australians.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIDavid Richardson, senior research fellow at The Australia Institute // @daverr01Producer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Professor Ross Garnaut is an economist and author of new book Reset - which explores the opportunity Australia has to reset its economy in the wake of the pandemic.Warning: there is a bit of feedback on the audio for the first few minutes.Recorded live on 24 February 2021 as part of the Australia Institute webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Professor Ross GarnautProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
When the Black Lives Matter protests swept the globe in 2020, it shone a spotlight on Australia's legacy of Aboriginal deaths in custody. It was a subject journalist Amy McQuire had written about extensively. Amy McQuire was the Australia Institute's Writer in Residence recipient for 2020 and in this episode she discusses her upcoming book 'The Water Behind Us', a journalistic investigation into the wrongful conviction of Aboriginal man Kevin Henry, as well as talking at the systemic issues within in our justice system that contributed to his wrongful conviction. Recorded live on 17 February 2021 as part of the Australia Institute webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Amy McQuireProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The desperate scenes at Kabul airport after the city fell to the Taliban represent an inglorious end to Australia’s longest war in Afghanistan. Join Allan Behm, director of the Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs program, as he explains the failures of strategy, politics and intelligence that led directly to this moment.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs program director // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The sixth IPCC assessment report sounded the alarm on the climate crisis, finding that human activity is changing the Earth’s climate in “unprecedented” ways, with some of the changes now inevitable and “irreversible”. We unpack the latest report and the urgency of change with Richie Merzian and Alia Armistead from the Australia Institute's climate & energy team.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richie Merzian, director Climate & Energy program // @richiemerzianAlia Armistead, Graduate Researcher // @aliaarmisteadThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The government's massive $300 billion income tax cuts package will proceed in full, making inequality worse and mainly benefitting high income earners. But what makes a tax good or bad? This week, Richard Denniss and Matt Grudnoff explain the principles of a good tax and run the ruler over different types of taxes like income taxes, GST, super profits tax, a Buffet rule and more to see how they fair.australiainstitute.org.au // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIMatt Grudnoff, senior economist at The Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
When the going gets tough, the Morrison government calls in the military to boost its authority and credibility. In this episode, Allan Behm discusses the securitisation of domestic policy issues and how bringing in the ADF doesn't really solve anything.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs program director // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The EU has announced it will introduce a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as part of its efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This has big implications for the Australian economy, especially carbon intensive expor industries. This week we talk to Richie Merzian and Hannah Melville Rea about what CBAMs are, how they work, why they aren't protectionist and how it will impact Australia.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richie Merzian, director Climate & Energy program // @richiemerzianHannah Melville Rea, Anne Kantor Fellow // @HannahMelReaThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
It's no secret the Australia-China relationship has hit a rocky path recently. How did we get in this mess? How do we get out of it? And how does the Australian public perceive the threat of China? Today we discuss the latest research on public attitudes to China, comparing them to public attitudes in Taiwan.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Allan Behm, International & Security Affairs program director // @mirandaprorsusMelissa Conley Tyler, Research Associate, University of Melbourne Asia Institute // @MConleytylerProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Births declining, fewer people working, health funding will double and deficits for years to come. The latest Intergenerational Report (IGR) has been released and the government wants you to be scared. But it turns out the IGR is rubbish at making predictions. Join Richard Denniss as he uncovers the hidden assumptions buried in the Intergenerational Report.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
When the University of Newcastle appointed the Chair of Whitehaven Coal as its new Chancellor, it prompted a swift and public backlash from students, staff, philanthropists and alumni. Join our chief economist Richard Denniss as he unpacks the problems with the university's decision, the community who challenged that decision and why Vaile ended up resigning his position.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia still has no federal anti-corruption commission, more than 2 years after the Coalition government promised to enact one. Worse, there are several serious flaws with the government's proposed model for a Commonwealth Integrity Commission. Join two former judges, the Hon Anthony Whealy QC and the Hon David Harper AM QC as they explain why that the government's model will be weak and ineffective at fighting serious and systemic corruption.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:The Hon Anthony Whealy QC, former Judge of the NSW Court of Appeal, Assistant Commissioner ICACThe Hon David Harper AM QC, former Judge of the Victorian Supreme Court of AppealBoth are members of the National Integrity Committee of former judges, auspiced by the Australia InstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum with additional music from Blue Dot Sessions
There has been an enormous surge in the sale of utes, due to the instant asset write-off in the Budget. But just how effective is this in terms of stimulating economic growth and creating jobs? Dig into the details and find out how we're spending billions of dollars to make our car fleet bigger, heavier and less efficient.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Richard Denniss, chief economist, The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIMatt Saunders, economist, The Australia InstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum with additional music from Blue Dot Sessions
National Cabinet was created during the pandemic to make big decisions at a fast pace, but how much do Australians know about the advice on lockdowns or hotel quarantine, or about its deliberations and decisions? Not much, it's pretty much a black hole. But a court case could change that. In this episode we dive into the importance of transparency and accountability to a healthy democracy - especially during a global pandemic.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Bill Browne // @browne90The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermacey with help from Jessie SharpTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Not the federal budget, the carbon budget. Prime Minister Scott Morrison keeps telling world leaders Australia will 'meet and beat' its Paris target and that Australia is 'leading the world' on emissions reduction, but if you dig into the carbon accounts the numbers tell a different story. Join Richie Merzian and Polly Hemming from the Australia Institute's climate & energy program as they unpack the real story of Australia emissions.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richie Merzian, director Climate & Energy program // @richiemerzianPolly Hemming, Advisor, Climate & Energy program // @pollyjhemmingThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermacey with help from Jessie SharpTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Gone are the scare campaigns about debt and deficit, but was this really a big spending budget? Cut through the economic nonsense and pollywaffle with our senior economist Matt Grudnoff, as he unpacks everything you need to know about the Budget. Don't forget to check out the Australia Institute's federal budget breakdown here.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Matt Grudnoff, senior economist at the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermacey with help from Jessie SharpTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In today's episode we take a look at how much Australia spends subsidising the oil, coal ang gas industry every year, with co-authors of a new Australia Institute report, Eliza Littleton and Alia Armistead. The numbers are mind-boggling.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Eliza Littleton, research economist // @elizalittletonAlia Armistead, graduate researcher // @aliaarmisteadWebsite: australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum with additional music from Blue Dot Sessions
Tasmania is a unique place. Tassie’s coastal waters have high biodiversity and species found nowhere else, but its marine environment is in a state of decline and increasing pressure from climate change, fishing and aquaculture operations like intensive salmon farming, agricultural run-off. Only 1.1% of Tasmania’s marine waters are fully protected. In this episode, join Eloise Carr, director of the Australia Institute Tasmania as we unpack the role of salmon in the Tassie economy and why it needs a Parliamentary inquiry.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Eloise Carr, director, The Australia Institute Tasmania // @GeneveraEWebsite: australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum with additional music from Blue Dot Sessions
Why are new coal mines like melting ice cream? In today's episode, Richard Denniss explains the economics of coal, why Malcolm Turnbull has been in trouble with the Liberals and the National party and why we need to pause approvals of new coal mines.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, chief economist, The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum with additional music from Blue Dot Sessions
For the national electricity grid to function securely it needs control systems that keep frequency and voltage within safe limits. Historically this service has mainly been provided by coal, gas and hydro power stations. But could we get the same security from renewables and batteries? In this episode we’re doing a deep dive into making sure the lights stay on with the Australia Institute’s energy lead, Dan Cass.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Dan Cass // @danjcassThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
When it comes to addressing the systemic issues which are impacting Australian women’s everyday lives, it often feels like the problems are big and impossible to tackle. In today's episode, Australia Institute research economist Eliza Littleton outlines 8 practical things that Prime Minister Scott Morrison could do right now to remove barriers to women's equality and to put some actions behind his rhetoric.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Eliza Littleton, research economist // @elizalittletonThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
Australia has no policy to incentivise electric vehicle uptake, are we destined to become a dumping ground for gas guzzlers? This week we talk to Richie Merzian and Audrey Quicke about what how Australia can electrify its transport sector, quick smart.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richie Merzian, director Climate & Energy program // @richiemerzianAudrey Quicke, climate researcherThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.aufuturework.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
A year on from the recession, how are Australian women faring economically? Pretty poorly actually. This week we speak to Alison Pennington, senior economist from the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute about how women have disproportionately lost their jobs, returned to crappier jobs and why the gender pay gap actually widened over the last year, despite what you may have heard otherwise.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Alison Pennington, senior economist at the Australia Institute // @ak_penningtonThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteCentre for Future Work // @cntrfutureworkWebsite:australiainstitute.org.aufuturework.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
The findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission are shocking but not surprising. Among the recommendations is the call for an effective 1% increase in the Medicare levy, or a new Medicare-style Aged Care levy which could be applied progressively based on income, to create the revenue required to fund an aged care system with dignity at its centre. This week we talk to senior economist Matt Grudnoff about where all the revenue has gone, why privatising keeps failing and why the Parliament should seize this opportunity to change the conversation on tax. This was recorded on Tuesday, 2 March 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Matt Grudnoff, senior economist at the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteWebsite:australiainstitute.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
When Facebook banned Australian news and information from its platform -- as well as the pages of many charities, community groups and government departments -- in an attempt to avoid regulation, it may have been the first time many Australians had heard of the news media bargaining code. So in this week's episode we unpack what the code is, what it does, why it's necessary and what happens next with Director of the Australia Institute's Centre for Responsible Technology, Peter Lewis. This was recorded on Tuesday 23 February 2021 and things may have changed since recording.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Peter Lewis, Director, Centre for Responsible Technology // @PeterLewisEMCThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteCentre for Responsible Technology // @CntrResponsTechWebsite:australiainstitute.org.aucentreforresponsibletechology.org.auProducer: Jennifer Macey //@jennifermaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum
In its efforts to avoid regulation, Google commissioned economic modelling showing that Google providing tens of billions of dollars in benefits to Australia - but the figures quickly fell apart on closer inspection from the Australia Institute's Centre for Responsible Technology. In this episode, chief economist Richard Denniss talks us through some of the assumptions in Google's modelling, how other industries have used and abused this tool and why Google hates the news media bargaining code.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme Music: Pulse and Thrum
The rise of right-wing extremism is happening all around us, yet it does not dominate Australia’s national security discourse in the way “Islamic extremism” did in the years after 9/11.The Australia Institute spoke to counter-terrorism expert Dr Anne Aly MP, to help us unpack the nature of the problem and if we're doing enough to combat it. This was recorded live on Wednesday 10 February 2021, as part of the Australia Institute's webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Dr Anne Aly MP, Member for CowanRichard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum
In our summer special series, we bring you some of our favourite guests from the Australia Institute’s webinar series in 2020. In this episode, host Ebony Bennett talks to Karen Middleton, Jonathan Pearlman and Allan Behm about the tenth issue of Australian Foreign Affairs which examines the alliances, blocs and rivalries emerging across the Asia-Pacific as nations adjust to the changing balance of power. Friends, Allies and Enemies considers Australia’s diplomatic options as loyalties shift in an increasingly turbulent region.The full webinar is available on the Australia Institute’s YouTube channel here, recorded live on Nov 13, 2020.Host: Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennettGuests:Karen Middleton, The Saturday Paper // @KarenMMiddletonJonathan Pearlman, Australian Foreign AffairsAllan Behm, director International & Security Affairs Program at the Australia Institute// @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In our summer special series, we bring you some of our favourite guests from the Australia Institute’s webinar series in 2020. In this episode, host Ebony Bennett talks to Jay Weatherill, Kate Carnell and Richard Denniss about how an affordable, accessible early learning system could help power Australia's economic recovery.The full webinar is available on the Australia Institute’s YouTube channel here.Host: Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennettGuests:Jay Weatherill, CEO of Thrive by Five, Minderoo Foundation // @JayWeatherillKate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman // @KateCarnellAusRichard Denniss, chief economist, The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In our summer special series, we bring you some of our favourite guests from the Australia Institute’s webinar series in 2020. In this episode, host Ebony Bennett talks to Ged Kearney MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Skills and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Aged Care, Beris Campbell, Board member of Homeshare and Ruth Kestermann, CEO of Holdsworth Community Sydney for a discussion on Australia's critical but badly neglected aged care sector and how we can help older Australians to age well, preferably at home.The full webinar is available on the Australia Institute’s YouTube channel here.Host: Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennettGuests:Ged Kearney MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Skills and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Aged Care, Member for Cooper // @gedkearneyBeris Campbell, Board member, HomeshareRuth Kestermann, CEO, Holdsworth Community SydneyProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In our summer special series, we bring you some of our favourite guests from the Australia Institute’s webinar series in 2020. In this episode, Ebony Bennett talks to barrister and member of Julian Assange’s legal team Jennifer Robinson, as well as investigative journalist Peter Cronau about what Wikileaks revealed about Australia and the new book A Secret Australia, from Monash University Publishing, edited by Felicity Ruby and Peter Cronau.The full webinar is available on the Australia Institute’s YouTube channel here.Host: Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennettGuests:Jennifer Robinson // @suigenerisjenPeter Cronau, investigate journalist, co-editor of the book // @PeterCronauProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In our summer special series, we bring you some of our favourite guests from the Australia Institute’s webinar series in 2020. In this episode, Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy Program director at the Australia Institute speakers with Matt Kean, NSW Minister for Energy and the Environment to launch the Australia Institute’s Climate of the Nation 2020 report, the longest continuous survey of community attitudes towards climate change in Australia.The full webinar is available on the Australia Institute’s YouTube channel here, this was recorded live on Oct 28, 2020.Host: Noah Schultz Byard // @noah_sbyardGuests:The Hon Matt Kean, NSW Minister for Energy & Environment // @Matt_KeanMPRichie Merzian, executive director, The Australia Institute // @richiemerzianProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In our summer special series, we bring you some of our favourite guests from the Australia Institute’s webinar series in 2020. In this episode, Ben Oquist talks to The Guardian’s chief political correspondent Katharine Murphy about her Quarterly Essay: The End of Uncertainty and what the pandemic revealed about Australia, and about Scott Morrison and his government.The full webinar is available on the Australia Institute’s YouTube channel here, this was recorded live on Sep 23, 2020.Host: Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennettGuests:Katharine Murphy, political editor, The Guardian // @murpharooBen Oquist, executive director, The Australia Institute // @benoquistProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In our summer special series, we bring you some of our favourite guests from the Australia Institute’s webinar series in 2020. In this episode, Ben Oquist talks to ABC 730’s chief political correspondent Laura Tingle about her new Quarterly Essay: The High Road – what we can learn from New Zealand. Hosted by Alex Sloan.The full webinar is available on the Australia Institute’s YouTube channel here.Host: Alex Sloan // @sloaniealexGuests:Laura Tingle, chief political correspondent, ABC 730 // @latingleBen Oquist, executive director, The Australia Institute // @benoquistProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Let's face it, 2020 has been a bit of a nightmare. This week, in our final episode of the year, Ebony Bennett and Richard Denniss revisit some of the Australia Institute's predictions back in March 2020 and reflect on the way Australia's economy and politics have changed this year in response to the pandemic. Mild language warning.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest:Richard Denniss, chief economist, The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The SA and VIC governments have announced a new electric vehicle tax - in other words, a great big new tax on clean air.In today's episode we explain why this EV tax is terrible idea and unpack some of the arguments for and against it.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Tim Washington, Chair EV Council // @EVTimOzRichard Denniss, chief economist, The Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIRichie Merzian, director, Climate & Energy Program // @RichieMerzianAudrey Quicke, researcher, Climate & Energy ProgramProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The 'gas-fired recovery' is supposed to help Australia's manufacturing industry by freeing up new supply. But the Australia Institute's research shows the days of cheap gas are over.www.tai.org.auHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor // @MarkOggeProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In this episode we unpack what a Biden Administration means for climate and foreign policy in Australia, with Richie Merzian and Allan Behm.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richie Merzian, director Climate & Energy Program // @richiemerzianAllan Behm, director International & Security Affairs program // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Australia's news media is one of the most highly concentrated in the world. Since 2019, more than 157 newsrooms have closed in Australia and many local, community and rural newspapers have ceased printing or gone digital only. It was in this climate that in 2018 the federal government tasked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to undertake a digital platforms inquiry to measure the impact of the major digital platforms Google and Facebook on Australian news businesses. The ACCC recommended a mandatory media bargaining code for digital platforms to ensure that Australian news organisations are paid for original journalistic content which is shared on the digital platforms. Google and Facebook responded by warning its users about the code and Facebook threatened to block Australian content and users. In this episode the Chair of the ACCC, Rod Sims talks with The Australia Institute's Chief Economist Richard Denniss about the mandatory code and the fight he's taken to the global digital giants. This episode was recorded live on 17 September, 2020. The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstitute Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Guests: Rod Sims, Chair ACCC, // Richard Denniss, Chief Economist The Australia Institute @RDNS_TAI // Producer: Jennifer Macey Theme Music: Pulse and Thrum Additional Music: Epidemic Sound
The ACT is the home of progressive politics in Australia, leading the nation on climate policy, tax reform and truth in political advertising (among other things). In this episode we explore the broader implications of the ACT election results - which saw a swing to the Greens, a swing against the Liberals and the Labor government re-elected for an historic sixth term, along with why leaders like NZ PM Jacinda Ardern might pursue cooperative government, rather than majority government.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Ben Oquist, executive director of the Australia Institute // @BenOquistProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In this episode we explain what 'not for publication' (or 'nfp') means and why it appears so often in the Budget papers, with Australia Institute research director Rod Campbell.www.tai.org.auHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Rod Campbell // @R_o_d_CProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The federal budget forked out billions in spending -- mostly on business tax write-offs and income tax cuts for high income earners -- but it was poorly targeted if the intention is to create jobs and lower the unemployment rate. In his episode economists Matt Grudnoff and Alison Pennington unpack what you need to know about debt and deficit, income tax cuts, JobMaker, JobBuilder, JobKeeper, manufacturing, infrastructure and how women and young people will miss out.avoidance and why it's damaging to the community with our chief economist Richard Denniss.The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist at the Australia Institute // @mattgrudnoffAlison Pennington, senior economist at the Australia Institute's Centre for Future Work // @ak_penningtonProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
President Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income tax the year he was elected and in many years paid absolutely no income tax at all - and he's not the only millionaire to avoid paying tax altogether. So this week we're talking tax avoidance and why it's damaging to the community with our chief economist Richard Denniss.The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Dennis, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
Gas is promoted as a transitional fuel, but in this episode we explore just how polluting gas really is with Richie Merzian and Tom Swann from the Australia Institute's Climate & Energy program.The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy Director at the Australia Institute // @RichieMerzianTom Swann, senior researcher at the Australia Institute // @tom_swannProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
The government has indicated it might bring forward income tax cuts in next month's budget, but as our senior economist Matt Grudnoff explains in this episode, income tax cuts for high income earners won't be effective at stimuluating the economic. The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist at the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Fight for Planet A is the newest TV series from Craig Reucassel, a three-part documentary exploring the challenges of climate change, where our energy comes from, the health effects of transport and the carbon footprint of what we eat. It offers practical solutions for people to implement at home but as Craig points out, action on climate change by householders is not enough. Governments and big corporate giants also have to do their bit. But the picture looks grim. Australia is among the world's top 20 polluters and when you factor in emissions from coal and gas exports that are shipped overseas our carbon footprint triples. Yet as part of its Covid Economic plan, the government is planning a gas-led recovery. Recorded live on September 9, 2020 as part of The Australia Institute's Webinar of a Pandemic series. The Australia Institute @theAusInstitute //Host and Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey Guests: Craig Reucassel @craigreucassel // Richie Merzian Climate & Energy Director at the Australia Institute @richiemerzian // Leanne Minshull Director The Australia Institute Tasmania @leanneminshull. Music: Pulse and Thrum.
For over eighty years, Australia and East Timor have been joined together, mostly in conflict and struggle. The latest conflict is playing out in a secret court case and involves Australian lawyer Bernard Collaery and a former ASIS officer turned whistleblower Witness K. Both have been accused of communicating protected intelligence information after disclosing an Australian bugging operation carried out in the government offices of Timor Leste in 2004. After an ACT Supreme Court ruling, significant parts of the trial against Collaery will be held in secret, which legal experts warn as the "gravest threats to freedom of expression". New Australia Institute research shows that of all the Five Eyes countries, Australia’s oversight of its intelligence communities is the weakest. In this podcast recording from our live webinar series we are privileged to have one of the key figures in Timor Leste’s fight for independence and former Timor Leste President, José Ramos Horta. He was co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, and survived an assassination attempt in 2008. We are also privileged to welcome Bernard Collaery along with Allan Behm, head of the Australia Institute’s International and Security Affairs Program. As this matter is currently before the courts, and Bernard is subject to suppression orders, there are some limitations on the discussion which was recorded live on 2 September as part of the Australia Institute's Economics of a Pandemic Webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: José Ramos-Horta, Nobel Prize Laureate and former President of Timor Leste, Bernard Collaery, Barrister and former Attorney-General of the ACT, Allan Behm, head of the Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs Program // @MirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
Australia's relationship with China has been turbulent of late, so this week we speak to Allan Behm, head of the Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs Program about what we really want out of our relationship with China and how we can get it back on track. Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Allan Behm, head of the Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs Program // @MirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
There are so many reasons for Australia to transition to electric vehicles, but despite warnings that Australia could be left behind without stronger policy direction regarding EVs, little progress has been made. In contrast, Norway is a world leader in EV policy.Recorded live on 20 August as part of the Australia Institute's Economics of a Pandemic webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Christina Bu, Head of Norway's EV association // @ChristinaBu_Giles Parkinson, Founder/Editor of @Renew_Economy & @TheDriven_io // @GilesParkinsonRichie Merzian, Climate & Energy Director at the Australia Institute // @RichieMerzianProducer: Jennifer Macey, with additional editing by Lucy LuoTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
In this episode we talk to Dr Richard Denniss about the role of neoliberalism in spreading Covid-19 and how decades of privatisations, outsourcing and cuts to government spending have left Australia vulnerable during this pandemic. The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Dennis, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey, with additional editing by Grace Crivellaro, Holly Forrest and Lucy LuoTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
In this, our 100th episode of Follow the Money, we celebrate with a special look back at some of our special guests, some of our favourite highlights, worst jokes and some of the interesting topics we've covered in the past 99 episodes. Our heartfelt thanks to all our listeners - we're looking forward to the next 100 episodes!The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Dennis, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey, with additional editing by Grace Crivellaro, Holly Forrest and Lucy LuoTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
One of the main goals of public health around the world has been to prevent the number of severe cases from overwhelming the hospitals and the health system. We know that severe cases of Covid require intensive care and respirators, but as a novel virus with no vaccine or treatments, clinicians are learning on the job how best to treat it.We are joined by three experienced ICU clinicians who are part of the COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium Study -- the first study of its kind in the world.Professor John Fraser, Director of the Critical Care Research Group at The Prince Charles Hospital and University of Queensland in Brisbane, Professor Carol Hodgson, Deputy Director of the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre in DEPM and a specialist ICU physiotherapist at Alfred Health in Melbourne, and Dr. Dan Meyer, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Dallas, Texas. Part of the Australia Institute's Economics of a Pandemic webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Prof John Fraser // Director of @CCRG_Research Prof Carol Hodgson // @chodgsonANZICRC Dr Dan M. MeyerProducer: Jennifer Macey, with help from Holly Forrest, Lucy Luo and Grace CrivalleroTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
In this second of our two-part episode on gas, we explore the flaws in the cost benefit analysis of the Santos' Narrabri gas project in NSW and why it doesn't stack up economically, environmentally or to create jobs, with Rod Campbell, research director at the Australia Institute.www.tai.org.auHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Rod Campbell // @R_o_d_CProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Holly ForrestTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The Morrison government has said it will increase investment in skills and training if the states and territories sign up to an overhaul of the Vocational Education and Training sector. ACTU President Michele O'Neil, Correna Haythorpe, federal president of the AEU and Alison Pennington, senior economist at the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute on why the TAFE system has been in turmoil for some time, the role it plays in the economy and how we can fix it. Part of the Australia Institute's Economics of a Pandemic webinar series.The Australia Institute // @theAUSInstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Alison Pennington // @ak_penningtonMichele O’Neil // @MicheleONeilAUCorrena Haythorpe // @CHaythorpeAEUProducer: Jennifer Macey, with help from Lucy Luo and Grace CrivalleroTheme music: Pulse and Thrum
In this episode UN chief economist Elliott Harris talks about why it's risky to withdraw fiscal stimulus too soon and why a clean green recovery makes sense for the long term, in conversation with Richie Merzian, director of the Australia Institute's Climate & Energy Program. Part of the Australia Institute's Economics of a Pandemic webinar series.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richie Merzian // @RichieMerzianElliott Harris Producer: Jennifer Macey,Theme music: Pulse and Thrum
In this first of a two-part episode on gas, we explore why subsidising the gas industry is a poor option for economic recovery and explore the issues related to Santos' Narrabri gas project in NSW with Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor at the Australia Institute.www.tai.org.auHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Mark Ogge // @MarkOggeProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Grace Crivellaro and Holly ForrestTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Julia Gillard, chair of Beyond Blue and the former Prime Minister of Australia talks about mental health, women in leadership, the importance of government and she looks back on the legacy of the carbon price implemented by her government ten years ago. Recorded live on 5 August as part of the Australia Institute's Economics of a Pandemic webinar series.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Julia Gillard is @JuliaGillardBen Oquist is @benoquistProducer: Jennifer Macey, with help from Grace Crivellaro and Holly ForrestTheme music: Pulse and ThrumJulia Gillard's infamous Misogyny Speech, performed as a song 'Not Now, Not Ever' by The Australian Voices Choir.Composer: Robert DavidsonPerformed by The Australian Voices (conductor: Gordon Hamilton).A special thank you to The Australian Voices for letting us include it in the podcast.
In this episode we discuss if two Australian Ministers really need to travel to the United States for the AUSMIN talks in the midst of a global pandemic and also ask the question: how much does the ANZUS treaty really guarantee Australia's security? With Allan Behm, head of the Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs Program.www.tai.org.auHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Allan Behm // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Lucy Luo, Grace Crivellaro and Holly ForrestTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Author of the new book 'People without Power' Thomas Frank explains why everything you think you know about populism is wrong. [Note: language warning, a mild one]Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Wayne Swan // @SwannyQLDBen Oquist // @BenOquistThomas Frank // @thomasfrank_Producer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
As the pandemic interrupted global supply chains a lot of focus has shifted back onto Australia’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and what Australia has the capacity to make and manufacture onshore and research shows we're lagging behind. In this episode we talk about the opportunities for manufacturing and why it's vital to the economic success of any economy – including Australia’s.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Jim Stanford // @JimboStanfordPaul Bastian // @paulbastianProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Some economists have renewed calls to lift restrictions and simply 'let it rip', that is to let Covid-19 rip through the population in order to protect the economy. But are economist the right people to ask about this? In this episode we explore the limits of economics with chief economist at the Australia Institute Richard Denniss. Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
In this episode, Richard Denniss and Matt Grudnoff, chief and senior economists at the Australia Institute unpack what you need to know about the Mini-Budget delivered by the Treasurer and answer your questions. The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director at the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia InstituteMatt Grudnoff, senior economist at the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
The Morrison government announced it will cut the JobSeeker coronavirus supplement, which had lifted a whopping 425,000 people out of poverty. We talk to Matt Grudnoff, senior economist at the Australia Institute to understand the impact this cut will have on poverty rates, now that there are hundreds of thousands more unemployed people, as well as the impact on the wider economy. The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist of the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Lucy Luo.Theme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
As part of the National Treaties Summit, this episode we bust some of the myths about Sovereignty and Treaty and the relationship between the two with Jamie Lowe, Michael Mansell and Professor Megan Davis, in conversation with the Australia Institute's Richard Denniss. The National Treaties Summit, organised by ANTaR, the National Native Title Council, and the University of Melbourne. Recorded live on Wednesday 15 July 2020.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennett Guests:Professor Megan Davis // @mdavisqlderJamie Lowe // @jamierobertloweMichael Mansell // @MansellAPGProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music: Pulse & Thrum
In this week's episode we explain how two changes to the rules of the National Electricity Market (NEM) will help reduce electricity bills, cut emissions, pave the way for more renewable energy and storage in the grid AND improve grid stability. It's win-win-win-win.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Dan Cass, energy policy and regulatory lead at the Australia Institute // @danjcassProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Grace Crivellaro and Lucy Luo.Theme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Each election, tens of millions of dollars is spent on political advertising and currently it is perfectly lawful for political parties to lie to citizens in political ads. In today's episode we unpack why momentum is building to pass truth in political advertising laws before the next election.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Bill Browne, researcher at the Australia Institute Producer: Jennifer Macey with help from Grace Crivellaro and Lucy Luo.Theme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Australia's relationship with China is rocky at the moment, how can we navigate it better? Part of our 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Jane Golley, economist and Director of the Australian Centre on China in the World, ANU // @golleyjaneAllan Behm, head of International & Security Affairs program, the Australia Institute // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Grace Crivellaro + Lucy LuoTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
If Australia had the same labour participation rate of Nordic countries, our economy would be $60 billion larger. In today's episode, we unpack why free childcare would not only be good for Australian women and their workforce participation, but would help grow the Australian economy too.The Australia Institute // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist of the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Grace Crivellaro and Lucy Luo. Theme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are amongst the most vulnerable to the threat of Covid-19, but the Aboriginal-led community controlled health response has been a huge public health success. How did they do it? Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Lesley Nelson, CEO of South West Aboriginal Medical Service Professor Sandra Eades, Dean of Curtin Medical School // @SandraEadesAssoc Professor Dan McAullay, Director of the Centre for Improving Health Services for Aboriginal Children at Edith Cowan University // @DanMcaullayFrancine Eades i// @FrancineEades Richard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProfessor Fiona Stanley, Patron Telethon Kids InstituteProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from River McCrossinTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The Australia Institute's chief economist Richard Denniss launched The Reconstruction Memorandum, to step back and look at the big picture on how Australia can put people first and create an economic reconstruction that delivers lasting benefits as we recover from the Covid-19 recession.Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey, with help from Grace CrivellaroTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The government's Homebuilder program is designed to help the construction sector, but construction is not labour intensive and it's dominated by blokes, when we know women are bearing the brunt of this recession. So this week Follow The Money talks to senior economist at the Australia Institute Matt Grudnoff, who explains why we could get better bang for our stimulus buck by targeting industries that employ more people overall, particularly women.Visit tai.org.au/pandemic_economics for all our latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist of the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Grace CrivellaroTheme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Using war as a metaphor has crept into how we talk about public policy. Misrepresenting policy issues as security problems does not solve them, yet many public policy issues are framed using this lens. We’ve had a war on drugs, wars on poverty and wars on red tape, but Australia doesn't describe what’s has been happening in Yemen as a ‘war’. To discuss how ‘securitisation’ can turn problems into threats, we spoke to Allan Gyngell and Allan Behm as part of the 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series.Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Allan Gyngell, National President, the Australian Institute of International AffairsAllan Behm, head of the Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs Program // @MirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Grace CrivellaroTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Anyone familiar with Australian political debate will know that while we can always afford tax cuts and defence spending, somehow we can never afford to raise Newstart, or to build social housing because we have to “live within our means” and get back to a budget surplus as soon as possible. But that's not how the economy really works. We talked to Professor Stephanie Kelton about her new book “The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and How to Build a Better Economy” in conversation with our chief economist at the Australia institute Richard Denniss as part of our 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series. Host: Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Stephanie Kelton, author of The Deficit Myth // @StephanieKeltonRichard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The PM has announced big plans for deregulation, but is 'red tape' or 'green tape' really impeding economic growth or is it necessary to protect us and our environment? In this episode we talk to Executive Director of the Australia Institute Ben Oquist about the protections offered by good regulation. Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Ben Oquist, executive director of the Australia Institute // @BenOquistProducer: Lizzie Jack with help from Grace CrivalleroTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
There can be no trust in government without accountability, yet its been two years since the Coalition government promised to implement a Commonwealth Integrity Commission and there's still no draft legislation in sight. Join Independent Member for Indi Helen Haines MP, and former Supreme Court Justices the Hon. David Harper AM QC and The Hon. Margaret White AO, both of whom are members of the Australia Institute's National Integrity Committee, along with our chief economist Richard Denniss for a wide-ranging discussion about fighting corruption, gaps in our integrity system, the lack of transparency surrounding the Prime Minister's handpicked National Covid-19 Coordination Commission. Audio is from the Australia Institute's 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Helen Haines, Independent Member for Indi // @helenhainesindiThe Hon. David Harper AM QCThe Hon. Margaret White AORichard Denniss, chief economist the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIThis episode was produced by Jennifer Macey.Our theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.Thanks for listening
The Morrison government this week announced that from mid-July childcare would no longer be free and that childcare workers would be stripped of access to JobKeeper. Overall, during the pandemic women have seen faster job losses than men, while men are benefiting the most from government stimulus measures. To unpack this pink collar recession, Follow The Money talks to senior economist at the Australia Institute Matt Grudnoff, who has been crunching the numbers.Visit tai.org.au/pandemic_economics for all our latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist of the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey. Cover of '9 to 5' by Lizzie Jack, originally written and recorded in 1980 by Dolly Parton.Theme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
The pandemic exposed a lot of the problems with our labour market, including the risks of the rise of precarious and insecure work. Today we’re bringing you another guest from our ‘Economics of a Pandemic’ webinar series: Sally McManus, Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions in conversation with Jim Stanford, economist and director of the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work.Visit tai.org.au or futurework.org.au Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Sally McManus, ACTU Secretary // @sallymcmanusJim Stanford, economist and Director, Centre for Future Work // @JimboStanfordThis episode was produced by Jennifer Macey. Our theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.Thanks for listening
The proposed NSW public sector wage freeze was supposed to ease pressure on the budget, but Australia Institute research shows it would cost jobs and harm regional economies. NOTE: This episode was recorded just hours before the NSW Upper House voted down the pay freeze and the NSW Government will now take the matter to the Industrial Relations Commission.Read the Australia Institute's research paper on the impacts of a wage freeze here.Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey, with help from River McCrossen and Jack Wallner. And a special thank you to all the journalism students at the University of Wollongong for their production help during this special season of Follow the Money.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Featuring Greens Leader Adam Bandt in conversation with chief economist Richard Denniss about what a Green New Deal means and how it would work. The audio was recorded live on May 27 2020 as part of the Australia Institute's 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series. The government has been talking as if it understood Keynesian economics, but its reaction to the $60 billion JobKeeper black hole shows they clearly do not think or act like Keynesians. Richard Denniss unpacks the spectacular failure of policy and accountability, as well as explaining what Keynesians economics actually means.Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Adam Bandt, Greens Leader // @AdamBandtRichard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey. Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The government has been talking as if it understood Keynesian economics, but its reaction to the $60 billion JobKeeper black hole shows they clearly do not think or act like Keynesians. Richard Denniss unpacks the spectacular failure of policy and accountability, as well as explaining what Keynesians economics actually means.Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey. Montage by Lucy LuoTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In this episode we talk to Zali Steggall, the independent member for Warringah, about the role of climate action in rebuilding after the pandemic, with Richie Merzian the director of the Australia Institute's Climate & Energy program. Visit tai.org.au for all our latest research and analysisHost: Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennettGuests:Zali Steggall // @zalisteggallRichie Merzian // @RichieMerzianProducer: Jennifer Macey.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Health Minister Greg Hunt in conversation with our chief economist Richard Denniss, as part of the Australia Institute's Economics of a Pandemic webinar series. This was recorded live on Tuesday 19th May 2020 and things may have changed since recording. Note: Due to some technical difficulties, the Minister joined the webinar a few minutes late, so we’ll pick up from when he joined the conversation.Visit tai.org.au for all our latest research and analysisHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health //@GregHuntMPRichard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Energy Minister Angus Taylor is talking about a 'gas-led recovery' which would not only make electricity prices higher, but would obviously make climate change worse, so in this episode we talk to director of the Australia Institute's Climate & Energy Program, Richie Merzian, about the other global crisis we're facing: climate change.Visit tai.org.au for all our latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy Program director at the Australia Institute // @RichieMerzianProducer: Jennifer Macey, with help from Lucy Luo and Ethan Rix.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Australia and New Zealand have had a lot of success in managing this pandemic, but that has not been the case internationally and we've seen a range of responses from international governments. This episode is from one of our ‘Economics of a pandemic’ webinar series, featuring Helen Clark, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand and patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, in conversation with Allan Behm, head of the International and Security Affairs Program. www.tai.org.auHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Helen Clark // @HelenClarkNZAllan Behm // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
How realistic is it to expect the economy to 'snap back' after restrictions are lifted? Can there be a business-led recovery? In this episode we talk to senior economist Matt Grudnoff about why snap back is nice fantasy, but won't work in reality.Visit tai.org.au for all our latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist of the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Mia Hull, Grace Crivellero and Brandon Ryman.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.
Today’s episode is from one of our ‘Economics of a pandemic’ webinar series, featuring Professor Ross Garnaut, renowned economist and author of Superpower: Australia’s Low-Carbon Opportunity.Professor Garnaut was in conversation with economist and director of the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work, Jim Stanford, and Dan Nahum – economist at the Centre for Future Work about a renewably powered manufacturing sector in Australia.To say there’s been renewed interest in Australian manufacturing since the pandemic would be an understatement. The question is, how can a resurgent manufacturing sector be part of a transition to a low-carbon economy?This was recorded live on Friday 8 May 2020 and things may have changed since recording.Visit tai.org.au and futurework.org.au for all the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work's latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Jim Stanford // @jimbostanfordDan Nahum // @dan_nahumProducer: Jennifer Macey with assistance from Lucy LuoTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Today we’re changing the pace a little, with our virtual Politics in the Pub featuring Guardian Australia's political reporter Amy Remeikis and hosted by The Australia Institute Tasmania’s director Leanne Minshull, live from her pub the Fern Tree Tavern in Hobart.News.com.au’s political editor Samantha Maiden was also supposed to join the conversation but unfortunately couldn’t make it due to technical difficulties.This was recorded live on Wednesday 6 May 2020 and things may have changed since recording.Visit tai.org.au for all the Australia Institute's latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Amy Remeikis // @amyremeikisLeanne Minshull // @leanneminshullProducer: Jennifer MaceyTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In this episode we’re privileged to bring you some special guests from our ‘Economics of a Pandemic webinar series: immunologist and Nobel Prize Laureate Professor Peter Doherty and our chief economist Richard Denniss talking about the public health response to Covid-19.Professor Peter Doherty was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly with Rolf M. Zinkernagel 1996 "for their discoveries concerning the specificity of the cell mediated immune defence."Professor Doherty is a patron of the Australia Institute, as well as patron and namesake of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity – a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital.This was recorded live on Tuesday 5 May 2020 and things may have changed since recording.Visit tai.org.au for all the Australia Institute's latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Peter Doherty // @ProfPCDoherty // @TheDohertyInstRichard Denniss // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Lucy Luo and Holly ForrestTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
Working from home has great potential to cushion the economic blow of the pandemic: allowing many to keep working and earning an income. But there are also many challenges and risks associated with this major shift in work patterns. So to unpack the implications of everything from Orwellian surveillance programs to the joys of working in tracky dacks – we talk to the author of the Australia Institute’s Centre for Future work’s report on the subject, senior economist Alison Pennington.Alison's paper on working from home is available here or visit futurework.org.au for more research and analysis from the Centre for Future Work.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Alison Pennington // @ak_penningtonCentre for Future Work // @cntrfutureworkThe Australia Institute // @theausinstituteThis episode was produced by Jennifer Macey with production help fromLucy Luo, Hayley Wilkinson and Jack WallnerOur theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.Stay home if you can, keep washing those hands and thanks for listening
To discuss Inequality in a Pandemic, The Australia Institute is privileged to bring you some very special guests from our ‘Economics of a Pandemic webinar series: Nobel Prize laureate economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz, ALP National President Wayne Swan and our chief economist Dr Richard Denniss.Part of the Australia Institute's 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series. Recorded live on Thursday 30 April 2020.Visit tai.org.au for all the Australia Institute's latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Joseph Stiglitz // @JosephEStiglitzWayne Swan // @SwannyQLDRichard Denniss // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Lucy LuoTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
It's not too early to start thinking about how we rebuild the economy after the crisis. Hear Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers discuss why 'snapback' just won't cut it, as part of the Australia Institute's 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series. Recorded live on Wednesday 29 April 2020.Jim Chalmers' Guardian article is here. Language warning - an attendee drops the F-bomb somewhere in the middle of the Q & A section!Visit tai.org.au for all the Australia Institute's latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Jim Chalmers // @JEChalmersRichard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Lucy LuoTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The Prime Minister has said the economic recovery won’t be ‘business as usual’ but so far the corporate sector's wish list is indistinguishable from 'business as usual'. But how can we judge whether or not a proposal like company tax cuts stacks up? How do we know if it will have a better or worse outcome than boosting funding for TAFE or aged care?This week we talk to the Australia Institute's senior economist Matt Grudnoff about how the Institute developed a benchmark set of criteria that any stimulus policy can be measured against. Recorded on April 28th 2020.Visit tai.org.au for all our latest research and analysis.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Matt Grudnoff, senior economist of the Australia Institute // @MattGrudnoffProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from Lucy LuoTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The Australian media industry, particularly journalism, was already going through a major disruption before the pandemic hit. At least 51 news media outlets and newsrooms have closed since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis in Australia, according the The Guardian.This episode features a discussion about the crisis facing the media between Kim Williams, Chair of Thomsen Reuters Trustees and former CEO of Newscorp Australia, Walkley award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster Quentin Dempster and our chief economist Richard Denniss from the Australia Institute's 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series. Recorded live on Wednesday 22 April 2020Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Kim Williams // Quentin Dempster //@QuentinDempsterRichard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from River McCrossenTheme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
We are facing existential threats to human security that are not amenable to solution by military forces. In this week's episode we discuss the need to rethink national security with Allan Behm, director of the Australia Institute's International and Security Affairs Program.Check out Allan's Guardian article hereVisit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Allan Behm, International and Security Affairs Program director // @mirandaprorsusProducer: Jennifer Macey with assistance from Hayley Wilkinson and Hamish Cole.Theme music: Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The Australian arts industry was one of the earliest economic casualties of Covid-19 as museums, theatres, galleries, festivals and music venues shut down to avoid a public health crisis leading to massive job losses --even as more than ever we rely on music, TV and books to help us cope with isolation.In this episode we're bringing you some special guests from our ‘Economics of a Pandemic webinar series: Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young, author and playwright Melanie Tait and chief economist Richard Denniss who joined a discussion on the role of arts and artists in the economy.Host: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests:Senator Sarah Hanson-Young // @sarahinthesen8Melanie Tait, author and playwright //@MelanieTaitRichard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey with help from River McCrossen.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrumwe'll leave you with this song by Wollongong singer/songwriter Kay Proudlove which she posted on her instagram page @kay_proudlove
It's early days, but it looks like the measures Australia has taken to stop the spread of Covid-19 appear to be working. But not everyone sees it that way. Many commentators and economists think that the restrictions we’ve put in place go ‘too far’. So we asked chief economist at the Australia Institute, Richard Denniss, what price we really put on human life? Check out Richard's two essays for The Monthly 'What the government thinks you're worth' (February 2019) and 'Spreadsheets of Power' (April 2015)Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Richard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
A live recording of a webinar with Wayne Swan, ALP President and former Deputy PM and Treasurer who helped steer Australia's economy through the GFC without going into recession, recorded live on Zoom Thursday 9 April 2020. Part of the Australia's Institute's 'Economics of a Pandemic' webinar series.Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuests: Wayne Swan, ALP National President // @SwannyQLDRichard Denniss, chief economist of the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIProducer: Jennifer Macey.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
In the middle of this unprecedented health and economic crisis, it is critical we do not let a crisis in our democracy emerge as well. Like Australia, New Zealand has shut down its Parliament due to COVID-19. However, NZ has found a non-partisan alternative to maintain accountability while Parliament is not sitting. Australia Institute executive director Ben Oquist makes the case for an Epidemic Response Committee.Visit tai.org.au for our latest pandemic economic research and analysis // @theausinstituteHost: Ebony Bennett, deputy director of the Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Ben Oquist, executive director of the Australia Institute // @BenOquistProducer: Jennifer Macey.Theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum
The Morrison government performed an enormous and welcome backflip, announcing a $130 billion Jobkeeper package to support workers, through their employer, with a $1500/fortnight wage subsidy. Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute unpacks the details.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettContributors: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIThis episode was produced by Jennifer Macey. Montage by Lizzie Jack.Our theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.Wash your hands regularly, stay at home if you can and thanks for listening.
What does a global pandemic do to the economy? Richard Denniss explains why the government is shutting down whole sections of the economy and unpacks the government's economic survival package. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIThis episode was produced by Jennifer Macey.Our theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.Wash your hands regularly, stay safe and thanks for listening.
There is a growing awareness globally that unregulated technological development is not delivering on its promise to transform the world for the better.The Australia Institute launched the Centre for Responsible Technology, a new non-partisan centre designed to give people greater influence over the way technology is rapidly changing our world, on Wednesday 20 November 2019.The new Centre will be led by Essential Media director Peter Lewis, who was joined by two of Australia’s leading thinkers Pia Andrews and Mark Andrejevic, for a special “The People vs Tech” Politics in the Pub launch of our new Centre for Responsible Technology, following a roundtable discussion featuring a range of experts from business, NGOs, unions, academia and the media.Host: Peter Lewis, Director of Centre for Responsible Technology // @PeterLewisEMCGuests:Pia Andrews // @piacandrewsMark Andrejevic // @MarkAndrejevicProducer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey and Lizzie JackTitle Track: Jonathan McFeat pulseandthrum.comFind us on Twitter @theausinstitute // Facebook.Visit our website at tai.org.au/podcastsThis episode was recorded live at ANU bar on Wednesday 20 November by Clayton McDonald.You can subscribe to The Australia Institute's podcast series Follow The Money on iTunes. Each episode busts some economic myths, interprets econobabble and helps you sound really smart at your next dinner party.
A new book, "See What you Made Me Do" by Walkley-award winning investigative journalist Jess Hill looks at the national emergency that is domestic violence or what Jess now calls domestic abuse. Trigger warning: some of the content we are going to discuss and the clips of various government anti-violence campaigns may be upsetting for some listeners and might not be appropriate for young ears. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettGuest: Jess Hill, author and journalist // @jessradio
The recent Pacific Islands Forum turned from a 'Pacific step up' to a Pacific step back for Scott Morrison, as Australia held a hardline on coal and emissions cuts. Former president of Kiribati, Anote Tong urged that Australia's membership of the Pacific Island Forum to be reviewed, asking "How can you justify being part of a family and part of a group which you're trying to destroy?" and Follow the Money was fortunate enough to speak to him while he was in Canberra.
First there were dead fish and towns running out of water, then #Watergate and now Four Corners have done an investigation into the Murray Darling Basin — again. Big picture...what's going on? Host: Rod Campbell, research director at The Australia Institute // @R_o_d_C Contributors: Maryanne Slattery, senior water researcher at the Australia Institute // @MaryanneSlatte1
Two months ago, the Treasurer delivered a budget with rosy economic figures - what the hell happened? Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
There's mass confusion about the new Senate voting system. Follow the Money unpacks how to get the most out of your Senate ballot paper. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Why is Australia in the midst of a wages crisis? In this episode, Follow the Money explains how we got here. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors: Jim Stanford, economist and director of the Centre for Future Work // @jimbostanford
In this episode, Follow the Money unpacks everything you need to know about the federal budget. Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
What the hell is dividend imputation and why is everyone talking about franking credits? In this episode, Follow the Money explains how it all works. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAI
Welcome to Follow The Money's summer special series! If you're taking a break this summer, but still crave a political fix, settle in a listen to the 'best of' from the Australia Institute's live politics in the pub events this year. In his Quarterly Essay, Dead Right, Richard Denniss talks about how neoliberalism ate itself, what he has in common with Matt Canavan and Tony Abbott and what comes next? Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Welcome to Follow The Money's summer special series! If you're taking a break this summer, but still crave a political fix, settle in a listen to the 'best of' from the Australia Institute's live politics in the pub events this year. Launching the book Wrong Way, Senator Doug Cameron talks about privatisation and how some economic reforms backfired. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors:
Welcome to Follow The Money's summer special series! If you're taking a break this summer, but still crave a political fix, settle in a listen to the 'best of' from the Australia Institute's live politics in the pub events this year. Ten years after the global financial crisis, Wayne Swan, Tanya Plibersek and Jim Chalmers revisit the Labor government's stimulus package which kept Australia out of recession. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett
Welcome to Follow The Money's summer special series! If you're taking a break this summer, but still crave a political fix, settle in a listen to the 'best of' from the Australia Institute's live politics in the pub events this year. Investigative journalist Clare Rewcastle Brown wanted logging in Sarawak to stop. The Malaysian Prime Minister wanted her jailed. Now he is in jail. And Clare Rewcastle Brown was awarded the Bob Brown Foundation's Environmentalist of the Year 2018.
Welcome to Follow The Money's summer special series! If you're taking a break this summer, but still crave a political fix, settle in a listen to the 'best of' from the Australia Institute's live politics in the pub events this year. In this episode you will hear from Nobel laureate economist and winner of the 2018 Sydney Peace Prize, Professor Joseph Stiglitz. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors:
Welcome to Follow The Money's summer special series! If you're taking a break this summer, but still crave a political fix, settle in a listen to the 'best of' from the Australia Institute's live politics in the pub events this year. In this second episode of our summer series and one year on from the marriage equality vote, we bring you the launch of Yes Yes Yes: Australia's journey to marriage equality with co-authors Alex Greenwich and Dr Shirleene Robinson and launched by Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson Young.
Welcome to Follow The Money's summer special series! If you're taking a break this summer, but still crave a political fix, settle in a listen to the 'best of' from the Australia Institute's live politics in the pub events this year. First up, the end-of-year political wrap with press gallery journos Amy Remeikis, Rob Harris, Bevan Shields and Annika Smethurst. 2018: what the hell even was that? Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors:
As 2018 draws to a close, Australia's climate and energy policy remains almost entirely unresolved. While the government under Scott Morrison has a Minister for bringing down energy prices, it really has no clear plans to reduce emissions and has flagged plans to underwrite new coal-fired power. Meanwhile Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has announced Labor's 15 billion dollar energy package, with a whole suite of measures aimed at boosting renewable energy, cutting greenhouse gas pollution and reducing electricity prices.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly claimed Australia will meet its Paris commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030 'in a canter', but is this true? As we approach the next United Nations climate negotiations in the Polish town of Katowice, the Institute's director of Climate & Energy Richie Merzian and senior economist Matt Grudnoff unpack the myths and cut through the rhetoric.
Ten years ago, on September 15th 2008 the US investment bank - Lehman brothers collapsed - triggering panic on financial markets around the world and the start of what we in Australia call the Global Financial crisis. So what lessons were learnt? How appropriate was Australia's response? What is the political legacy of the GFC? And can it happen again? At the Australia Institute, we have been helping start a new conversation about what we can learn from the past and what we must do in the future.
In this episode, Ben Oquist talks to John Hewson -- former Liberal leader, Professor at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy and former member for Wentworth -- about climate change and Liberal party politics and Dr Hewson did not hold back. This episode is an excerpt of our Politics in the Pub event in Canberra on 12 September, following John Hewson's launch of Climate of the Nation 2018, a benchmark survey of Australian attitudes towards climate change that has been running for over 10 years.
In this episode, Michelle Grattan joins Ben Oquist to discuss what's wrong with politics and how to fix it. This discussion, ranging from our current 'coup culture' to Julia Banks' resignation, was recorded at our Politics in the Pub event in Canberra. Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennett Contributors: Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent at The Conversation // @michellegrattanBen Oquist, Executive Director at The Australia Institute // @benoquist Producer: Jennifer Macey // @jennifermacey
Why, after 27 years of economic growth and a mining boom, how can Australia be too broke to afford high quality rape crisis services, or to increase Newstart above the poverty line? Today you'll hear the Australia Institute's Chief Economist Richard Denniss at the official launch of his June Quarterly Essay - Dead Right: how neoliberalism ate itself and what comes next. And a language warning - Richard drops the f-bomb about halfway through.
"the vast majority of the money being handed out is going to go to high income earners..." The Australia Institute was in the 2018 Budget Lockup, and subsequently have gone through the budget papers. Listen to two top economists break it down and give you the straight facts in a way that you won't hear from the pollies.
Read the Australia Institute's full Budget Wrap 2018
In a special "Pocket Money" episode of Follow the Money, released on the eve of the Budget, we discuss the 14 reasons why the case for the company tax cuts collapsed. See below for all the ways you can find our Budget analysis. Our original episode discussing the company tax cuts can be found here.
"Burning something to boil water to create steam is a really old-fashioned technology..." The Australia Institute has spent the hot summer days monitoring when gas and coal power plants trip, taking sometimes hundreds of megawatts of power from the grid at unpredictable times. In contrast, solar power is taking pressure of the grid by delaying peak demand by several hours on days of extreme heat. Read Mark Ogge's report Can't stand the heat.
"Affluenza is that strange desire we feel to spend money we don't have to buy things we don't need to impress people we don't know . . ." A truly modern affliction, affluenza is endemic in Western societies, encouraged by those who profit from a culture of exploitation and waste. So how do we cure ourselves? In today's episode Ebony talks to Chief Economist Richard Denniss about why we must distinguish between consumerism and materialism.
North Korean missile tests, resolving the South China Sea issues, ethnic cleansing in Myanmar - there is a lot happening in the defence and security policy space right, but are we engaged enough to tackle these problems in a smart way? Dr Andrew Carr of the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the ANU has written a new report for the Australia Institute I'm here for the argument: why bipartisanship on security makes Australia less safe.
Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Global Financial Crisis. In 2008 the banks in Australia wobbled, the economy stalled, unemployment rose and the Government acted. The GFC demonstrated a failure of trickle-down economics. Ten years later, with rising populism, it is clearer now more than ever that we need a replacement to the neo-liberal economic order. What are the lessons learned from the GFC that we can use to build a new economic agenda to address inequality and inclusive growth?
Australia's young people have been unfairly targeted by policies that have loaded them up with uni debts, locked them out of housing market and crippled them on the 'flexible' job front, and any changes that might address this imbalance are 'grandfathered' in so that they don't affect anyone who is presently in a position of power, that's what our Chief Economist Richard Denniss argues in his essay for the June edition of The Monthly - called
The South Australian state government announced in late June 2017 that it was going to follow the Federal government and introduce a levy on the big banks. Episode 19 of Follow The Money, explains why the banks can absolutely afford the levy, why it's a good idea economically and just how small the levy really is compared to -- for example -- the salaries of the CEOs of the big 4 banks. Host: Deputy Director Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennett
Tonight, as the Treasurer rose to give his Budget address in the house, our Deputy Director Ebony Bennett grabbed our Chief Economist Richard Denniss and Senior economist Matt Grudnoff for a chat about the Budget, straight after they emerged from the Budget lockup. Thi podcast isn't a comprehensive discussion of the Budget, but we tried to touch on some of the main items, including:
Housing Affordability is not only a massive policy failure, but is increasingly vying for the gold medal for the most spin and econobabble in Australian politics. Episode 18 of Follow The Money, takes on the vexed issue and tackles the latest bad idea that won't help housing affordability - raiding your super to pay for a deposit. Host: Deputy Director Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennett
In episode 17 of Follow The Money, we tackle the current energy debate, including the South Australian blackouts, the war on renewables, what Christmas prawns have to do with baseload power and why the way we heat hot water offends our Chief Economist Richard Denniss. Host: Deputy Director Ebony Bennett // @ebony_bennett
Follow The Money this week features former Republican Congressman for South Carolina, Bob Inglis on his Australian tour, hosted by The Australia Institute. Bob Inglis is a very rare bird indeed. He's a real conservative - Christian, Southern, 'small-government', you name it. But his greatest passion is tackling climate change. You heard right! Inglis has become a leading advocate on how to communicate with and convince conservatives that they can be leaders on this issue and there is no need to 'retreat into denialism'.
Follow The Money summer specials continue with an absolute pearler from the first Politics in the Pub last year (2016) featuring charasmatic, controversial Senator, Sam Dastyari. Richard Denniss described it as 'the best Politics in the Pub speach yet.' Senatory Dastyari opened with the omission that he was 'A product of the Labor machine'. And he was just getting started as he talked about his take on power and who really runs the country. Featuring:
Welcome to our third Follow The Money summer special! It's still probably scorching hot if you're somewhere in Australia, but it's even hotter in Kiribati. This weeks special features the 'Hero of the Pacific', President Anote Tong.
Welcome to our second Follow The Money summer special! If you're taking a break this summer, but still craving a political fix - we are here to help. Over the summer we'll bring you the highlights from The Australia Institute's popular Politics in the Pub live sessions from 2016.
Welcome to our first Follow The Money summer special! If you're taking a break this summer, but still craving a political fix - we are here to help. Over the summer we'll bring you the highlights from The Australia Institute's popular Politics in the Publive sessions from 2016. In this episode you'll hear our 2016 political wrap from earlier this month, featuring our Executive Director Ben Oquist and special guests:
In a special mini-episode we've dubbed "Pocket Money" we take a look at the recent developments with Adani's Carmichael coal mine in Queensland's Galilee Basin.
House prices - what is to blame? Our economists look at the claim from the Prime Minister that the ABCC was needed to stop 'union thugs' pushing up house prices. They also look at the tax breaks for investors. No prizes for guessing what the evidence shows is actually effecting house prices.
How much is a hole in the ground worth? Australia has considered building a nuclear waste dump many times over the decades. Each time, the proposal has fallen through. This time, in South Australia, proponents are making $100 billion dollar claims. Richard and Rod take a look at those claims and the economics of building nuclear waste dumps.
Economic models are like a lot of things in life: What you get out of them depends on what you put in. But therein lies the problem. When reporting focuses on the 'findings' without looking at what assumptions underpin politically influential economic models, it leaves us vulnerable to what Richard calls the 'peak-stupid of econobabble'.
Interest rates may be one of the most discussed and least understood area of economics in Australia. Our Chief Economist and Senior Economist discuss the whats and whys of Reserve Bank policy and how interest rates really effect people and the broader economy. Contributors: Richard Denniss - @RDNS_TAI Matt Grudnoff - @MattGrudnoff Ebony Bennett - @ebony_bennett.
Can Australia live without coal? Episode 7 of Follow the Money looks at the economics of coal and how a moratorium on new mines would help stop the boom and inevitable bust cycle, and instead create a smooth transition to a low carbon future.
In episode 6, we tackle the perennial favourite of politicians in an election year - income tax cuts. Do personal income tax cuts really lead to economic growth and job creation? Does more money in the wallet increase incentives and make people work harder? We put those claims to the test.
The Australia Institute's podcast series, Follow the Money, this week takes on Company Tax. What is it? How much does it raise? Who pays it? Who is saying that we should cut it, and 'cui bono' - who benefits? Contributors:
Episode four of Follow The Money is a special edition - In conversation with Richard Denniss about the subject and title of his new book: Econobabble. So what is econobabble? Ebony Bennett talks to Richard Denniss about why we shouldn't be afraid of upsetting 'the markets' and how you can call commentators on their bullsh*t.
Episode three of The Australia Institute's exciting new podcast series Follow The Money looks at Negative Gearing. You can subscribe to Follow The Money on iTunes. Contributors:
The second episode of The Australia Institute's exciting new podcast series Follow The Money looks at Australia's superannuation system. You can subscribe to Follow The Money on iTunes. Contributors:
The first episode of The Australia Institute's exciting new podcast series Follow The Money looks at the economics behind Australia's mining boom. You can subscribe to Follow The Money on iTunes. Contributors: