Follow The Money

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 [email protected]. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee 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 [email protected]. Subscribe to Follow the Money on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.Support Australia Matters: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) 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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) 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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) 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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) 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] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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) 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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]. Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Bennett, 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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Bennett, 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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]. Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]. Support Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  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 Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to [email protected] Follow the Money: https://nb.australiainstitute.org.au/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.