Defence: too much is never enough

For all the talk of defence spending in the election campaign, much of what Australians hold dear is being left behind. On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Greg and Elinor discuss the Coalition’s defence spending announcement, why Australia needs bravery from policymakers, and the latest debate between Jim Chalmers and Angus Taylor. This discussion was recorded on Thursday 24 April 2025 and things may have changed since recording. 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. Host: Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, the Australia Institute and Centre for Future Work // @grogsgamut Host: Elinor Johnston-Leek, Senior Content Producer, the Australia Institute // @elinorjohnstonleek Show notes: ‘Australia needs more than hollow words about a fair go – we need brave policy-makers’ by Greg Jericho, Guardian Australia (April 2025) ‘The Coalition’s defence plans are a kneejerk, impossible dream when what we need is achievable policy’ by Allan Behm, Guardian Australia (April 2025) The national service scheme, 1964-72, Australian War Memorial Protect Murujuga Rock Art: Sign the petition, the Australia Institute End salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour—protect the skate, the Australia Institute Gas: The Facts , the Australia Institute 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 [email protected]. Support Dollars & Sense & the research powerful interests fear: https://theaus.in/44tIACB